Amitriptyline and Alcohol

[reflekt]

I've been prescribed amitriptyline 25mg to take once a night before bed to treat my neuropathic pain. I have taken it 3 nights so far.

However, the thing is, I cannot fall asleep (due to the excruciating pain) without drinking prior to taking the amitriptyline (potentiating its sedative effects).

From my searches all I've really gathered is that the reason not to drink alcohol with amitriptyline is because of the increased drowsiness. But, I drink with it FOR that reason.

I will have benzos soon to replace alcohol sedation. It's just the past few days alcohol has been my only go-to drug for sleep inducing despite the fact it's not exactly ideal for that either lol.

tl;dr So, what I'm wondering is... Would alcohol decrease amitriptyline's pain relieving and/or antidepressant effects?

Not necessarily confident I'll get an informative response but it is worth a shot, so thanks!

 

[Pjkt2501]

I haven't read anything in the past about this combination, but a quick search found this site:

http://www.druginfonet.com/index.php?pageID=faq/faqamitr.htm

Referencing potential "cardiac irregularity" when mixing alcohol with Amitriptyline.

I had a friend die and have to go to the hospital while on this stuff - due to mixing it with other drugs mind you - but it did nothing positive for her. My gf's mum tried them as well, and they just made her slightly high and out of it.

From what I understand, it works on the NMDA receptor sites as an agonist, much like PCP and Ketamine. I'd find something different, but that's your / your doctor's call.

Good luck!