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Terrible side effects coming off endep

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Tish78237
Tish78237

Hello, I am so glad I came across this group from google searching withdrawral from Amitriptyline (which I call Endep) and side effects. This is my second attempt in coming off endep after taking it for 19 years for migraine prevention. I am struggling! The first attempt was unsuccessful, I followed the GP's advice on slowly cutting back and in the end I was suffering so much that I went back on to 25mg initially when I started at full dose I was taking 75mg. Whilst cutting back I could not sleep, the dreams were weird, I felt anxious like I was going to have a panic attack, but the lack of sleep (felt like I had insommnia) was enough for me to give up as I was then getting more migraines due to the lack of sleep so damned if you do damned if you dont. The GP said it could not be from withdrawral symptoms and recommended I go to a sleep specialist. I wasn't happy with this response. As soon as I went back on to the 25 mg I went back to normal and could sleep again and no anxiety. I have just this week trying as a second attempt to come off this medication but have cut the 25mg into half and taking 12.50mg, I am already having trouble sleeping, weird dreams and feeling very anxious. At night time my feet feel really hot and my legs are restless where I have to get up and move my feet around or walk on a cold floor, sometimes I put a facewasher on my feet to help. Should I be reducing it more gradually? The doctors advice did not work so I am trying it again by myself as i feel that this medication is no good long term. Does anyone have any advice or helpful tips that i dont know please?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • barney34567
    barney34567 Tish78237

    Posted

    It sounds like you should wean more slowly.

    You have been on the meds for a very long time, so do not expect to get off it AND feel OK soon after lowering the dose,

    Did you see the doctor who prescribed it when you asked about reducing the dose or did you see another doctor e.g. a sleeo physician for advice?

  • kevatron
    kevatron Tish78237

    Posted

    Hi.

    I am coming off Ami too - after taking a very low dose - 10mg a night, sometimes 20mg on occasions, but mainly 10mg, for about 8 years.

    Both in my experience and that of many others that I have been reading about, the withdrawal effects can be absolutely savage, even if one has been on a low dose, and even where one has not been on it for very long.

    I would agree with barney's comment here, about weaning off much more slowly.... I've read about some people weaning off so slowly that they are shaving powder off the tablets to facilitate tiny increments as they wean off......

    re. "GP says it couldn't be the Ami withdrawal"

    I've heard this GP denial stuff everywhere.... those that make these kinds of statements are ignorant at best, and otherwise committing malpractice, imho.

    I was on 10mg average, and the withdrawal has been and continues to be horrendous.... it's 4 weeks since my last dose.

    Hang in there! I'm hanging in there with you....

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