Hi guys,
I've been on amitriptyline (75mg daily) for about 4months or so now, I'm now stopping the drug. My doc advised reducing to 25mg for 1wk then 25mg every second day for 1wk then stop. I've found that for the past wk(the week that I've went down to 25mg) I feel dizzy, sore head, nausea. As I'd had tonsillitis at the end of last week I'd first thought that had caused it, but have been on penicillin for tonsillitis and throat etc feel fine, so am now starting to think it may be with the reducing/coming off the amitriptyline?

I just wondered if anyone could confirm a similar experience when coming off the drug and if so how long this seems to last etc?

Any help/advice/comments welcomed!

with thanks
Lori

Generally you would reduce the dose by 25mg a day for a week, then drop another 25, etc.

Have you talked to your doctor about the side effects that you are having coming off the drug?

KA

Hi KeepingAwake,
I haven't been to see doc since they advised the reduction/coming of tabs. I'd been for antibs for tonsillitis and at the time I was thinking I was feeling rough because of tonsillitis but as times goin on I'm thinkin it's the med reduction as tonsillitis seems to be clearing up fine.On Thursday(just past) I started the week of 25mg every second day, then by this thursday coming I should be off them completely, do you think that the syptoms are likely to get worse or should they calm down?I'm more worried about how long I gonna feel like this as I'm due to go back to work in a week and a half after having been off for 3months so am kinda hoping physically to be on the ball!

The medication will be completely out of your system 5-6 days following your last dose. With any luck, the discontinuation side effects will be over then as well.

Penicillin, or any antibiotic for that matter, can mess up your digestive system a bit, so it is a bit hard to tell which medication is giving you the stomach upset/nausea.

KA

Thanks for your help KeepingAwake, know what you mean it difficult to tell what for sure making me feel dodgy, I've never had any probs with antibs before but I suppose dunno if combination, of the 2 types of meds and being under the weather!?Good to know that it out your system within 5-6 days though....just had this dread that was gonna feel unwell for ages!lol My mental health is on the mend all I need is for my physical to start goin!lol just my luck

Thanks again
Lori

I was on 75mg of Elavil quite some time ago. The pdoc had me step dow 50mg, but she put me on another AD while the step down was in progress. I think that was why I had no withdrawal problems.
Sheepwoman

Hi sheepwoman,
Thanks for comment, nausea/headache seems to have passed now but seem to have a kinda cold/flu(runny nose, sneezy, hot/cold) so fingers crossed I'm back to normal for returning to work next week! You got little lambs on your farm just now(that must be so cool at easter looking out at little lambs etc...I'm jealous!)

Take care
Lori

hi there,
I'm brand new to the forum.
I too am weaning off of amitriptyline.
It has taken me 3 and a half years!
I started taking it about 10 years ago for daily migraines, and was told that it would not function as an
anti-depressant as I was taking it at such a low dosage (10mg).
The side effects for me were constant drowsiness, weight gain and poor memory. After time
I had to increase to 40mg a day.
When I started weaning in order to be able to start a family, it actually CAUSED depression and panic attacks
due to the lowering of serotonin.
I would advise anyone who was considering this med to not do it!!!
I was told by several doctors that I would never get off of it. I am wanting to live medication free after this
awful experience, and am
dealing with the migraines and depression and anxiety with therapy and acupuncture.
Its really hard, but I think its worth it for me.
I have been off of the medication now for 3 weeks, and have only had a couple of migraines.
Yesterday, however, I started having extreme nausea and dizzyness. I hope it doesn't last much longer.
It takes weeks for medications to get out of your system, but stick with it, and good luck!!!

I have been on this med (10mg) for about 10 days for sleep but I don't like it as it makes me drowsy. I have missed taking it yesterday and want to stop. Does anyone think there would be any withdrawal symptoms with this low dosage and time span?