We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Effective Is Amitriptyline for Migraines?

By S. Berger
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 12,601
References
Share

Amitriptyline is a medication classified as a tricyclic, and it is used to treat migraine headaches, as well as other medical conditions such as depression and other mood disorders. Some doctors recommend amitriptyline for migraines to prevent these incapacitating headaches. This medication is not generally used to treat symptoms of headaches after they have developed, but are considered a preventative measure.

Like other tricyclics, this drug affects levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals used by brain cells to communicate with one another. Specifically, it prevents the breakdown of chemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin. Taking amitriptyline for migraines can be effective because the increased serotonin levels from this medication constrict blood vessels that normally become enlarged during a migraine attack. Keeping these vessels constricted helps to prevent the headaches from developing.

There is solid scientific research to support taking amitriptyline for the relief of migraines. One study involving 100 people with migraines found that taking this drug for four weeks created improvements for 55 percent of individuals. Those showing improvement reported at least a 50 percent reduction in migraines.

Amitriptyline's action as an antidepressant may factor into how effective it is at treating headaches for some people. In the study mentioned above, depressed individuals with less problematic headaches, as well as people with severe headaches, but no depression, using amitriptyline for migraines tended to experience the most relief from symptoms. Depressed individuals with more severe headaches did not experience nearly as much relief from the frequency and severity of their headaches.

Side effects can sometimes determine whether a medication is given to certain individuals. Taking amitriptyline for migraines can lead to a variety of side effects, with more common effects including dry mouth, dizziness, nausea and upset stomach. Such side effects do not normally require the attention of a doctor, and tend to stop after days or weeks of treatment. Medical attention should be sought if side effects like numbness of the extremities, chest pain, confusion, or suicidal thoughts occur.

Amitriptyline can also cause interactions with other drugs, which can limit its use and efficacy. Other antidepressants, including other tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can influence how amitriptyline affects a person, even if they were taken weeks before. Alcohol may cause interactions that affect mood and increase certain side effects, especially if a large amount is consumed. Heart rhythm medications and other drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders have the potential for harmful interactions, as well.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By ysmina — On Nov 04, 2013

@fBoyle-- I don't think that amitriptyline works for everyone. Amitriptyline causes headaches and migraines in some people as a side effect. So I think it can make migraines worse. The best way to know whether amitriptyline will work for migraines is to try it I guess.

Amitriptyline did not cure my migraines but it did reduce them. It took a while to see this effect though. I didn't have any improvement for the first several weeks. I was taking 20mg/day.

I stopped taking it not because of its effects on my migraines, but because of the side effects. It was making me gain weight and I felt lethargic. But it was actually one of the few drugs that had an effect on my migraines. I've taken other drugs that did absolutely nothing.

By fBoyle — On Nov 03, 2013

@donasmrs-- May I ask what dose you are on?

I was on a low dose of amitriptyline for migraines (10mg/day) and it actually made my migraines worse. My doctor didn't understand why either. I gave it a few weeks and eventually quit. I might be an exception though because many people report that amitriptyline has reduced their migraines.

By donasmrs — On Nov 03, 2013

I wasn't put on amitriptyline for migraines. In fact, I didn't even know that it's beneficial for migraines. I was put on it for depression and found out by chance that it also prevents migraines for me.

A few weeks after starting the medication, I noticed that I was having migraines less frequently and when I did have them, they were less intense. I've been on amitriptyline for several months now and my migraines are practically gone. It has been a very pleasant surprise.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/how-effective-is-amitriptyline-for-migraines.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.