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Coming off Amitriptyline

Posted , 6 users are following.

DjWindows98
DjWindows98

I have been on Amitriptyline for 7 years for depression as well as sleeping problems. I started on 25mg and it has gone up to 150mg at night but is now at 100mg and I have been on this dose for something.

I am cosidering coming off it because it's really causing issues during the day due to the 'hangover' from the tablets. I have tried to go off them before cold turkey but I was unable to sleep at all but my GP said it's non habit forming but if I have to take it do sleep, surely it is?

Has any one else been on this dose and have been able to come off it successfully? 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • tt52281
    tt52281 DjWindows98

    Posted

    hi dj     i was on 200mg but my doctor has now cut me down to 150mg at night ive been on these for about 20 years i ran out a couple of weeks ago didnt have any for 5 day my god it was terriable i could not sleep i was only geting about 2 hours a night my brain was alert i was getting the sweats real bad i was getting constapainted could not think straight i felt terrable they are habit forming and you do get withdraw i was always cold my heart was getting real bad palpatations all day and night i do need to go back to the doctor as this is really bothering me me when i can get anappointment i had these for depression amd they do help me sleep i cannot sleep with out them 
    • Ose
      Ose tt52281

      Posted

      You have to tell the doctors office you are in crisis and need an appointment a a sap. They will be liable if you tell them your problem and they ignore you. You have to be your own advocate. 

      People have to stop thinking it is a wrong to take prescribed meds. Many people are alive only because they take needed meds. 

  • elizabeth85938
    elizabeth85938 DjWindows98

    Posted

    Hi,

    ​Amitriptyline is a habit forming drug and sudden stoppage does cause withdrawal symptoms differing from patient to patient. No-one should ever come of this drug after years (or even short term) use cold turkey. The only way to do this is slowly and carefully. Check with your GP or Chemist that the dose is water soluble and if not ask to have a script in this form. If you have capsules in powder form there is a way called water tritration that you yourself can do. If you have,say, 100 mg capsule empty the contents into a small dish and add 100ml of warm water. Mix it carefully. You will need to buy from maybe Amazon a 100ml syringe. Using the syringe pull up 10% of the liquid and discard. Take the 90mg that is left and do this for a few days until sure you are not suffering too many withdrawals. Then do a 20% drop, same method. Keep on doing this until you are down to the last 20mg and then do 5mg drops thereafter until you are off Amitriptyline. This is the best method to come off any drug that affects the brain chemistry and central nervous system. I have done this and also am doing it to get off Pregablin (Lyrica) another similar drug. If your GP suggests Gabapenten or Pregabalin as different drugs to try, please say No, they too have awful side effects and withdrawls as well. Research natural remedies to see what is out there to help you instead.

    ​Best wishes and I hope you are able to succeed.

     

  • borderriever
    borderriever DjWindows98

    Posted

    The dose is not high, if your GP has agreed for you to come on this drug you could try reducing the dose by a 25mg tablet once every two to three weeks to allow the medication out your system. This medication is an AD and I have an understanding they can cause withdrawal.

    This medication will help you sleep and possibly you need to be prepared to reduce this medication slow.

    I have been on this medication at 75mg for many years and I reduced down to 50mg several months ago, it seemed to have caused no problems 

    BOB

  • amanda59745
    amanda59745 DjWindows98

    Posted

    hi it is habit forming and the sleep problems are a withdrawal symptom. you need to wean off slowly .
    • Ose
      Ose amanda59745

      Posted

      These drugs do not meet the habit forming definition. Your body does adjust its chemical making and using when you take them. You take them for a problem and if the problem is gone you have to slowly retrain your body to function without it. The meds. fill in a place in your brain that has to be slowly changed back. Everyone has a slightly different response to meds. I have had a genetic study since I metabolize meds differently than the 99% + of the population. Amitryptline used for pain and help in  sleeping is the reason I have taken it for 26 years. You need to know what effects it has on your body and not take it if you do not want that effect. Some people will have very negative effects from drugs and not take them. I am allergic to all opiads pain and nerve meds, I know I cannot take them at all. 
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