Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that has been used to treat major depression since its approval in 1961. It is regarded as one of the most popular tricyclic antidepressants of all time and has been regarded by the World Health Organization as an “essential medicine” or a drug needed in a basic health system. Although it is only approved by the FDA to treat depression, it is sometimes used off-label as a treatment for migraines, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and nocturnal bedwetting (in childhood).
The drug works by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It tends to increase serotonin significantly, while affecting norepinephrine to a moderate extent.  These days, Amitriptyline is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for depression, but throughout the 1960s and 1970s, it was considered one of the best options. Some documentation even suggests that its efficacy may be superior to other antidepressants, including SSRIs.
Although this is an older drug can work well to treat depression, not everyone is going to have a positive reaction to taking it. For some individuals the side effects may be overwhelming and intolerable. For others, it may not be effective in reducing their depressive symptoms. Finally there are those who have had success taking the drug, but found that its antidepressant effects wore off over time. Â There are also people who just want to stop taking an antidepressant and function drug-free again. Â If you are considering going through withdrawal, below are some important things to keep in mind.
Factors that influence Amitriptyline withdrawal
Whenever you quit taking a medication, there are factors that will influence the severity of your withdrawal. These factors include things like: time span over which you took the drug, your dosage, how quickly you tapered, as well as other individual factors such as physiology, habits, and environment.
1. Time Span
How long were you taking Amitriptyline? If you were taking it for a short duration, chances are that your body and brain didn’t develop a tolerance or become reliant on the drug for functioning. Thus, those who took it for a short period of time (i.e. weeks or a couple months) should have an easier time coping with the withdrawal period. People who were on the drug for an extended period of time (i.e. years) will likely have a much tougher time with the withdrawal.
2. Dosage (50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg)
Most people end up taking anywhere from 50 mg to 150 mg of the drug at bedtime. However, in more extreme cases, the dosage of 150 mg may be exceeded. The maximum recommended dose of this drug to be taken daily is 300 mg. In general, there is thought to be a relationship between dose of the drug you take and the severity of your withdrawal. Individuals who are on a lower dose such as 50 mg are thought to have an easier time coping with symptoms compared to those who were on the daily maximum of 300 mg.
3. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
Did you quit taking Amitriptyline cold turkey (abruptly) or did you conduct a gradual taper? If you quit cold turkey, it essentially shocks your central nervous system because it will still have been expecting to receive the drug. In order to reduce withdrawal symptoms, the best method is to conduct a gradual taper based on how you feel to reductions in dosage.
To be on the safe side, experts recommend tapering by 10% of your current dose per month. If you feel this is too slow and/or you don’t notice any extreme withdrawals, you can tweak the percentage to suit your needs. Understand that if you are taking a sustained-release version of the Amitriptyline, you may want to talk to your doctor about counting the little “beads” or converting to the non-sustained release version while tapering.
4. Individual Factors
There are always other individual factors that can influence the difficulty of your withdrawal. Individual physiology tends to play a big role in determining how someone will react to withdrawal. Certain people may not experience many withdrawal symptoms, while others will experience every unwanted symptom imaginable.
It should also be noted that personal habits such as: diet, exercise, social life, productivity, etc. can also play a role in influencing how a person is able to cope with their withdrawal. Additionally if you are on any other medications, it may make the withdrawal process easier.
Amitriptyline Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below is a list of possible symptoms that you may experience when withdrawing from Amitriptyline. Understand that you may not exhibit every symptom listed below during your withdrawal. This is just a collection of symptoms that people have reported, with the two most common being dizziness and headaches.
- Anger: During withdrawal it is common to experience increased anger. You may get angry at other people or angry with your circumstances. This is usually caused by neurotransmitter levels being abnormally low. As they increase, your anger should continue improving. Do your best to contain your anger and learn productive ways to cope with it.
- Anxiety: When withdrawing from this medication, you may notice that you feel more anxious than usual. This is due to the fact that your serotonin levels dropped after you stopped taking the medication. Low serotonin is thought to contribute to significant anxiety during the withdrawal period. Your serotonin levels and neurotransmission will eventually return to how they were prior to your usage of the drug.
- Appetite changes: Some people who take this drug report increases in appetite. If you experienced an increased appetite while on this antidepressant, your appetite may be reduced when you quit taking the medication, and vice versa. Appetite changes can lead to weight loss or weight gain when you stop taking the drug.
- Body aches: In some cases this drug can actually help to reduce body aches. When you stop taking it, you may feel achy all over for no apparent reason. Keep in mind that it may take a few weeks before the aches start to subside. In the meantime, consider getting a massage if this symptom becomes difficult to deal with.
- Crying spells: It is common to cry a lot when you withdraw from an antidepressant. Crying is considered a natural release of emotion and can actually promote healing. Most people that end up crying during withdrawal do so as a result of the increased depression that they initially experience.
- Depersonalization: Do you feel like you aren’t the same person that you were prior to taking the drug? It is common to feel depersonalized or as if our normal emotions and personality has been sucked out of our body. Understand that as you experience healing, your natural emotions and personality features will return.
- Depression: When you quit this drug, you may notice that your initial depression returns. For some individuals, they may notice that not only does the depression return, it actually increases in severity. Depression may increase in severity because your neurotransmitters are likely abnormally low and your brain has become vulnerable and sensitive. As you heal, your depression should either subside or return to how it was pre-Amitriptyline.
- Diarrhea: There have been reports of diarrhea upon discontinuation of this drug. If you have diarrhea, you may want to consider picking up some over-the-counter Imodium to help with your situation. Typically diarrhea should not last more than a week following your last dose.
- Dizziness: Feeling dizzy is perhaps the most common complaint people have when they stop taking Amitriptyline. You may feel lightheaded, as though you have balance issues, and uncoordinated as a result of the dizziness. It can be overwhelming, especially in cases of people who quit the drug cold turkey. Even though it may seem never-ending, just know that it will eventually get better.
- Fatigue: Another very common symptom is that of lethargy or fatigue. You may feel tired all the time and lack energy to complete even basic tasks. Keep pushing yourself through these feelings of tiredness, but honor them in times when you think a little extra sleep would be beneficial. It can be difficult to deal with this symptom, but your energy levels will eventually rebound.
- Flu-like symptoms: In some cases, people get really sick when they stop taking this medication. You may experience nausea, headache, fatigue, aches, and dizziness – leading to a set of symptoms that mimic influenza. If you gradually taper off of the medication, you will reduce your chances of feeling “sick” during the withdrawal.
- Headaches: Some people take this drug specifically to treat their migraine headaches. If you were taking it to treat headaches, you may notice that they reemerge when you stop taking the drug. In order to reduce your chances of dealing with bad headaches, it is recommended to always gradually taper.
- Hypersensitivity: During withdrawal you may notice that bright lights and/or loud sounds become very bothersome. Your visual and auditory processing may become hypertensive and moderately loud noises may sound extremely loud. As your nervous system heals and the parasympathetic functioning is restored, hypersensitivity should be reduced.
- Insomnia: Some individuals take this drug for insomnia and/or notice that it helps them fall asleep at night. When withdrawing, you may notice profound insomnia to the point that you cannot get a good night’s sleep. Understand that insomnia may be temporarily worsened during withdrawal and that you can cope with it by learning ways to lower your arousal.
- Irritability: You may become increasingly irritable during the early weeks of withdrawal. You may feel like lashing out at other people and as though you have taken on a mean persona. This is usually a result of neurochemical changes that you are dealing with during withdrawal. If you feel irritable, you may want to practice some sort of relaxation technique and/or exercise.
- Itching: Feeling itchy is a very common side effect of this particular drug, but a less common withdrawal symptom. If you feel itchy, it could because you are in early stages of withdrawal and still have the drug in your system. Realize that once you stop the drug, the itching should subside within a week.
- Joint pain: In addition to feeling body aches, you may notice some joint pain. This could be a result of norepinephrine changes – a neurotransmitter linked to pain processing. Realize that the pain you are experiencing may be temporarily more severe during the early stages of withdrawal.
- Memory problems: Some people report issues with memory retrieval and feel as if their short and/or long term memory has worsened. If you are having difficulties with your memory, just know that this drug is not associated with any long term memory damage. In other words, as your brain heals itself, your memory should return to normal functioning.
- Muscle pain: This drug is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat people with various types of pain. It can reduce muscle pain while a person takes it, but when they come off of it, the pain may be even worse. This is due to the fact that norepinephrine levels drop when a person quits the medication. It can take awhile for them to stabilize and the increased pain sensitivity to subside.
- Nausea: You may feel nauseated if you quit this drug cold turkey. Nausea occurs because your body has gotten used to receiving the drug on a daily basis and was incorporated in its functioning. When you stop taking the drug, nausea is a common response from the body.
- Panic attacks: Since this medication affects serotonin levels, when you stop taking it, your serotonin levels can drop. This can result in increased levels of anxiety, which in turn can cause a person to experience panic attacks. Panic attacks experienced during withdrawal will subside once our serotonin levels are restored and when we learn to relax.
- Poor concentration: Many individuals report that withdrawal from Amitriptyline takes a toll on their ability to focus. Completing work-related tasks, schoolwork, and/or taking tests may become extra difficult. Additionally doing something simple like reading a newspaper may seem tough. Understand that you may temporarily experience poor concentration, but your brain will eventually restore its natural ability to focus.
- Restlessness: Some people report feeling restless when they initially stop taking this drug. They are unable to sit still and are fueled by inner agitation and anxiety. If you feel restless, you may want to engage in some sort of relaxation exercise to calm your nerves and/or get some exercise to burn off energy.
- Sleep changes: During withdrawal, your sleep cycle can easily get thrown out of balance. You may find it difficult to fall asleep at night and/or difficult to stay asleep at night. You may have weird dreams, nightmares, and feel tired all the time. Many people report feeling unable to fall asleep at night, and extremely lethargic during the day. Understand that as your brain recovers, your sleep cycle should eventually normalize.
- Suicidal thoughts: During withdrawal it is relatively common to feel suicidal and increasingly depressed. If these thoughts become overwhelming, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. Understand that the potency of suicidal thoughts tends to increase during withdrawal because your serotonin levels are low and neurotransmission tends to be chaotic. The longer you have been off of the drug, the less these thoughts should occur.
- Sweating: Many individuals note that they sweat profusely when coming off of this antidepressant. Increased sweating is common when a person quits taking a drug that their body has become accustomed to receiving. When the drug supply is cut, sweating is a physical reaction that many people have. Sweating may occur throughout the day and/or at night.
- Vomiting: Although vomiting is an extreme withdrawal symptom, it is one that is sometimes reported. Usually those who report vomiting were on a high dose, quit cold turkey, and ended up feeling very sick with high nausea. Just know that vomiting should not last more than a few days.
- Weight changes: Some people gain a fair amount of weight while taking Amitriptyline. In the event that your weight gain was caused by the drug, you should lose the weight that you gained while taking it. Additionally if you lost weight while taking this drug, you may gain some weight back that you lost while taking it.
Note: It is understood that amitriptyline stays in your system (along with its metabolites) for a period of 4 to 21 days after discontinuation; suggestive of high interindividual variability.  Some users will eliminate the drug quicker (in around 4 days) than others (nearly 21 days).  As a result of variability in elimination speed, severe withdrawal symptoms may emerge sooner or later depending on how long your body retains amitriptyline (and its metabolites) in your plasma.
How long do Amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms last?
There’s no telling exactly how long Amitriptyline withdrawal will last. For some people who were on a low dose for a short-duration, it may only take a few weeks before they feel 100% back to normal. For others that were on the drug for an extended period of time at a high dose and/or those who quit cold turkey may end up dealing with withdrawal symptoms for months following their last dose. It is important to avoid getting caught up in comparing how quickly you recover to how quickly someone else recovers – everyone is different.
In order to speed up your recovery, it is recommended to engage in healthy activities such as: getting adequate exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting proper sleep, forcing yourself to socialize and stay productive, and seeking the help of a professional if you need it. The less stress you have to deal with in your environment and the more you push yourself to engage in healthy activities, you will increase the speed of your recovery. Although withdrawal symptoms may be overwhelming at times, continue pushing through them and realize that in time they will get better.
Withdrawing from an antidepressant can be a frustrating experience, especially if you didn’t know what to expect. Do your best to talk to other people about how you feel and consider seeking the help of a therapist if you lack social support. If you have gone through Amitriptyline withdrawal, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below. You may really help someone else who is going through the same thing.
I was on Elavil for 14 years and up to 100 mg per day for chronic migraines, but it really never helped. Doctors just kept telling me to increase dosage. I realized that changing my diet to a low carb/low sugar has helped with my migraines more than anything ever has! I have been tapering off of Elavil for about 9 months now. When I got down to 25 mg my insomnia has been awful.
Have been trying to get down to 15 or 10 mg but the insomnia was too bad. But after reading this site, I have been cold turkey for 4 days now. I will never take this stuff again!! The last 9 months have been bad, but I just want to get it over with! I started taking Source Naturals Night Rest along with melatonin to help me sleep. I had to take 4 Night Rests (recommended is 1 to 2) with 15 mg of melatonin but once I finally got to sleep I slept all the way until my alarm clock went off. That hasn’t happened in a really, really LONG time.
I also use Doterra Serenity essential oil, a few drops on the bottom of my feet at bedtime, and the Relaxing Melodies app with sound of water or oscillating fan when I go to bed, I think it helps a lot too. I also just tried Valerian Root and melatonin last night and I slept ok. I still feel really tired, no energy, (have been feeling that way since I began tapering) have slight anxiety and depression now too. I just started taking Sam-E today, 400 mg, am hoping that will help with the depression symptoms (it has great reviews on Amazon).
I’ve printed out some positive type messages to remind myself that change is difficult and painful but worth it, and that the depression and anxiety I am feeling now is not real, that is it just the withdrawal and I WILL FEEL BETTER eventually. Finding this website with all of your comments also helps a lot! This stuff is the devil and just one more reason I will never trust doctors or the pharmaceutical industry ever again. I will post a follow up once I start feeling better to let everyone know how long it takes. Good luck to you all and stay strong and positive!!
I’ve been taking a dosage of 75 mg of elavil for 8 years now. I was prescribed the medication for chronic tension headaches. I’m 13 weeks pregnant and my doctor asked me to stop taking the drug because there hasn’t been any significant research done on its side effects during pregnancy. I tried quitting cold turkey the day my doctor told me, but I was so sick that I had to taper off.
I had been tapering off for about 4 weeks (reaching a final dosage of 10 mg) and this is now day three of no drug. I can’t sleep properly, my muscles ache, my stomach aches terribly, my headaches are horrible and I have absolutely no energy or motivation to leave the house. I would have tapered off within a few months but being that I’m expecting, my options are limited. When can I expect to feel at least a little bit better?
Hello, I have been on 150 mg of Elavil for over 15 years. I have appeared down to 50 mg, but the withdrawals are terrible. I am fighting thru it and I hope to be off it entirely in 2 weeks. Also at the same time I cold Turkey stopped taking lyrica 150 mg also. I have fibromyalgia and I don’t know what’s worse, the symptoms of fibro or the side effects of lyrica and Elavil?
Like a lot of others I don’t usually comment on things like this but I really feel compelled to share my experience for others who are quitting. I’ve taken 100mg for about 8 years. When I first started taking it I was also taking 60mg Morphine XR daily. With my my 100mg of Amitriptyline I would also take 20mg of Ambien at night (obviously..lol). Even then I couldn’t get through the pain at night. Back injury but that’s another story.
My back slowly got better and it left me wondering, is my back better or is the morphine just doing what morphine does? In April it came time to get off the morphine. I wen’t to a nice detox facility and 5 days later came out Opiate free with minimal withdrawal symptoms. Oddly enough, 2 days after I stopped taking the morphine my pain went completely away. The people in the detox facility were very nice and I did a lot of reading up on anti depressants and medication in general. I will say the Amitriptyline really did help me when I was in pain because with the opiates came depression.
I do believe it does server a good purpose. Stopping ambien for me hasn’t really been an issue BUT the Amitriptyline withdrawal will kick your butt if you go it cold turkey. The first time I thought, I just beat a 10 year opiate dependency there is no way this Amitriptyline can beat me. Yeah right, it beat me. I wen’t from 100mg to 50mg, it wasn’t bad really. I lost some sleep, yes, but it was a small price to pay.
Next was 50mg to cold turkey. Piece of cake so far. About 5 days I’d say. No, I don’t sleep as much but I feel the sleep I get naturally without medication is so much better! I’m a programmer by trade, a clear head is important. I had no idea my brain was so clouded these last 10 years. Duh, with all them drugs.. yes it was very clouded. The Amitriptyline was my last medication to get off of and I questioned myself a lot.
I bet some can relate, the panic when you realize you forgot to fill your RX. The panic for me came as “I’m not going to sleep! I’ll go crazy. I can’t turn my brain off!”. I’m not at all downplaying some folks anxiety, just my own experiences. A week later, I don’t sleep much but man do I have energy and most important (for me) is that I can retain the 1’s and 0’s better then I have in 10 years. It’s a rush being off all of the RX’s and it might suck for awhile but remember you are quitting for a reason and its worth it!
I was on 25mg for about 6 weeks and had a rotten side effect of regurgitation. I had to stop taking it because of the continued discomfort. I couldn’t believe the withdrawal symptoms could be so intense after such a short duration. Raging internal anger and sudden wakefulness with anxiety and nerve pain! I know it’s the medication so I am dealing with this but not pleasant.
I wanted to give an update. I did it! After originally tapering too fast I had to go back up to 50mg for a few weeks to get rid of the withdrawal symptoms (vertigo, dizziness, the worst anxiety I’ve ever felt, nausea, I was in the doctors office 1-2 times a week for the entire 3 weeks before going back up to 50mg). I then tapered over about 5-6 weeks, slowly at first and then faster, quitting cold turkey at 12.5.
It was not great but not terrible for the entire time and then for a few weeks after. It’s now been a few more weeks and I’m feeling normal again! I took it for migraines and pain, I had no idea. What saved me was exercise, everyday, even if I didn’t want to, it helped tremendously. I also cut out sugar and caffeine. Good luck everyone, it gets better!!
I’ve been off amitriptyline a month now. Awful withdrawals. Nausea, malaise, pain, shortness of breath, insomnia. I was put on for shingles neuralgia. It helped with pain. Now off pain so bad. I take melatonin at night. I’m in middle of menopause at age 52 with hormones declining. I exercise, eat vegan. Some days I’m so nauseous and tired. I take two tablets of ibuprofen one in morning and one in the evening. I take many vitamins. This is so hard. Help.
I have taken elavil 25-50 mg a night for sleep and migraine for about 5 years. I went off cold turkey 4 days ago and feel like I’ve been suffering from the flu – headaches, body aches, horrible sleep with nightmares, stomach troubles. As I read people’s comments I feel discouraged to know that these withdrawal symptoms can last months. I wish the doctor who prescribed this would have presented these warnings before I decided to take it. I feel like I was so desperate to be relieved of my insomnia and migraines, I did not make an educated decision regarding this drug. Please pray for me.
If anyone reads this and has also experienced numbness/tingling/electric sensations in one limb please let me know. I was on Elavil for a year for pain, 50mg. After experiencing debilitating headaches I decided to stop. It seems as though when I started to wean off, my right leg would be numb when I woke up. I continued to wean off over a period of 6 weeks and the sensations continued.
Now, five weeks after stopping completely, my right leg is often numb/tingling and feels like electric currents running through it. It’s especially worse when I lay down flat and at night. The strange part is, I haven’t felt any of the usual side effects that many of you are mentioning. Just the sensations in my right leg. Please reach out if you have also experienced this. Thank you :)
God bless all who are suffering here. I hope you all find peace and happiness.
What you are describing sounds like a calcium deficiency. Try a calcium supplement. Short-term, it can’t hurt.
I’ve been cold turkey for about 4 1/2 weeks from a dosage of 50mg due to not knowing I needed to taper. I take full responsibility but would like to know others timelines. I am experiencing severe stomach cramping and waking up by 2:30 am or before only to have to leave for work by 6:15 am. Can someone else tell me when this will start to subside?
Dear All, I am so glad to have found so much information regarding other peoples experience of Amitriptyline. I was prescribed this medication (10mg-30mg nightly) around 20 years ago for ME/CFS – I was told it would help with the sleeping and nerve ending pain. I think it has helped me over the years but now I am aged 53 I am trying to find other ways to help myself other than medication. Two years ago the GP prescribed Gabapentin which has been much more helpful with my pain management – I was also switched from Prozac (again a 20 year medication) to Venlafaxine.
This year has been a difficult one with my mental health and I had a blip earlier on this year – around 4 weeks ago after speaking to the wonderful lady I see for Acupuncture I realized I hadn’t taken the Amitriptyline for 4 evenings. As I needed to get a repeat prescription I felt I would see how I could get on with going cold turkey. My sleep/pain is awful each night regardless and I felt if I had any withdrawal side effects, how much worse could it be! I can honestly say after this short period of time that I have a dull headache which has come on over the past two days.
My appetite has returned to normal in that I am not hungry all of the time. I have had terrible itching on both hands and my feet, which reading here someone else has experienced. Whether the Venlafaxine is covering for the lack of the Ami I don’t know – all I know is that I want to feel more like my old self before I was put on all of these meds that I knew nothing about. Also like other people here I have a huge weight gain – over the past 4 weeks I have lost 12lbs without trying very hard.
I also had been told there is no withdrawal – the withdrawal the twice I tried to come off of Prozac was horrendous; I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy! So I don’t know where my journey is at present – it has been a huge relief to read these posts and know that I am not alone in trying to beat something that has had such a hold over me. I really do wish everyone here well and that you are able to continue your journey to be free of this medication.
Hello All, I could not remember when I stopped staking the Amitriptyline and thought of this post I had left here – I am 10 months without taking this medication. I cannot say it has been an easy journey – but 10 months on I haven’t taken it again and never shall. I told my GP I had stopped taking it and I guess he wasn’t best happy with me, but to know the way it was making me feel I had to do something.
I just wanted to say to anyone that may read this – do what is right for you! I know we are all here for one reason or another and have illness that we do need medications for, but if I had known 20 years ago what I know now, would I have taken it?? I don’t know… at the time I was in such a bad way I would have taken anything to stop the pain and be able to sleep well.
I feel much more “informed” and feel more able to make choice – especially open to using alternative therapies, which have helped me a great deal. I wish those of you that are starting this journey to a better place. Good Luck and to know there are others of us that have come out the other side. Hugs, Sharon x
I’m posting an update to my May 1, 2015 post and hope that it will help others. Your symptoms will subside, eventually, but I would work with an ND or someone who has good experience in this area that can advise what supplements to take that will lessen the side effects. I would taper off gradually by cutting the pill and decrease also by skipping days. I did neither of these and wish I had or could have.
If you have never been tested for H. Pylori bacteria please do so. This medicine masks its symptoms. I ended up with two ulcers that perforated my small intestines (aka leaky gut) and had no previous symptoms. If you have any chronic illness, please get tested for this bacteria because it could likely be the cause.
I have been on this drug for about 2 yrs. (guessing). It was prescribed for fibromyalgia and migraines. I worked up from 30mg per night to 80mg. I did not get relief from any of my body pain but thought (stupidly) that if I kept with it things would be better. Nothing got better. I felt full of pain and not myself. At 80mg my feet and ankles swelled so badly that my large toenail became purple. This was the end. I decided to quit.
I thought that taking 10mg less per night each week it would be a good taper as this is how I got up t0 80mg per night, (raising it 10mg per week. Dr. directed, to get to 80mg) This taper did not work. The fatigue, achiness, pain, lack of sleep, extreme sweating, and many other problems people talk about are what I am experiencing. I would NEVER have taken this drug had I known. It is hell living like this. It has been a month that I have been completely off this drug. I feel like I will never be the same. Please say that I will be at least the way I was (with pain) before this drug.
What is a good withdrawal schedule? I am currently taking 50mg. I tried cutting down to 37.5 for a couple days, then 25mg. That was a disaster. I made it 3 weeks (week 1 was fine, it was week 2 and 3 that was horrific). I went back up to 50mg for a few weeks to feel normal again. I’m realizing 6 weeks was a stupid schedule to try to wean myself off this drug.
I have written it out in my calendar and am cutting down by 1/4 of one pill (I take two 25mg pills right now) every 3 weeks. Essentially going from 50mg to 0mg over 5 months. This seems much more doable. I can’t take those withdrawal symptoms again. I just have to say, when I started taking this drug over a year ago, I had no idea there WAS a withdrawal period for this drug. I thought you could take it or not take it, as you wanted. How wrong I was. I didn’t do my research. Can anyone share the schedule that did work for you?
The med level can stay in your system about a week, so when you taper you may not feel the effects until later. Taper in tiny increments by cutting the pill and then by skipping days. It’s not your fault you didn’t know there would be withdrawal effects, our doctors that prescribed them to us should have told us, shame on them. I had to stop cold turkey and wish I could have tapered. Also I wish I had gotten help from an ND to recommend supplements to lessen the symptoms. Hope this helps and hang in there!
Thank you so much Anne! I very much appreciate your update below, it’s nice when people come back to say how they are doing. It’s easier this time but I can still tell (not immediately but about a week later) that I dropped the dose again. Thank you for reminding me that it was the doctor who didn’t inform me but I still feel stupid for not looking into it before I started. This has taught me a very important life lesson though, that is for sure! I’m trying to hold on to that thought.
I have been on amitriptyline for 7 years for chronic migraines. I have been doing research on the proper way to taper off gradually and began my reduction 5 days ago. Everything was alright until today. I became extremely irritable, lethargic, and hungry. Also I could feel flu like symptoms and severe panic attacks starting. Does anyone have advice on how to get through the tired spells or do I just need to sleep until my body feels replenished?
I have never dealt with anything like this so to me it feels like I was an addict of something. I had no idea what I was getting into until I tried getting off this drug until now. I did try to reduce my dose a few years ago but the migraines were so unbearable I relapsed and even raised my dosage through my doctor. That was a moment I wish I could retract. If I had done the proper research and followed the appropriate steps then I wouldn’t be in this mess. Either way I really appreciate finding this website so I can finally be free of this drug. Good luck to you all and happy healing.
I have many of the same questions. I feel stupid for not doing my research before starting the drug. I didn’t realize it was physically addicting. After my horrible experience from weeks 2-3 of trying to stop too fast I’m thinking about slowly doing it over 5 months now (first week was fine). I’m taking 50mg currently. My symptoms didn’t get better until I re-started my normal dose again (it took a few days to start to feel normal again). I’m so scared to re-start the slower process and bummed out I will be on the drug for so many months at the slower rate. It feels like there are no good options.
Anyone else stop having a period? I was on it for about 3 years maybe more. Only 37mg a day for the pain and that wasn’t taken regularly as I’m super forgetful. So I decided to quit as it didn’t really help with the headaches, only botox did, so I weaned myself off for a couple weeks then stopped. Since then I haven’t had a period, it’s been 3 months. Last week I noted breast tenderness and I’m getting dizzy and spinning when moving eyes or head.
Obviously I thought pregnant, 4 tests later still negative. DR. ordered a blood test but I wonder if it is withdrawal.
I have been experiencing terrible anxiety over the last 3 weeks. I was given amitripyline for my chronic back condition. After a month of taking it with no better pain control I decided to stop taking it. I have always been a fairly nervous person but after coming off these tablets I have felt awful. Heart pounding, mind racing, can’t catch my breathe, out of body experience. Could this be due to the tablets withdrawal? I can’t control this at all at the moment.
Same symptoms here, I went into urgent care and they told me I had generalized anxiety disorder. I had no idea it had these kind of withdrawal symptoms! Since you were on it only a short time, hopefully they will pass quickly. I went back up to my normal dose to feel normal again and am now trying to more slowly stop (over 5 months – I am taking 50mg now).
I was prescribed this medication for prevention of migraines. 50 mg at night along with 200 mg. of topirimate. It worked for awhile, then it didn’t so I was advised by a doctor to down to 25 mg. of the elavil for a couple of weeks, then nothing …and down to 50 mg. of topirimate. I’ve been in hell. Panic/anxiety attacks…nightmares, trouble walking…I’m using a cane. I was only taking this for 7 months. I’ve taken the topirimate for migraine prevention before…it’s the elavil….This is a horrible medication!!!
I’ve been taking 25-50mg on and off for the past 3 years. Recently I lost my health insurance and do not have my meds. Today is day 3 of cold turkey and it feels like its been a month. Melatonin and valerian root help to at least relax my mind at night, but I’m not getting much sleep. I had a crippling headache on the first day but it has gotten better. I’m sad.
I started with 25 mg in April to help with sleeping. Decided to quit cold turkey about 3 weeks ago. I know I have not been on that long but the side effects are horrible. My body aches like crazy, itching is in real but is slowly getting better. The fogginess and just not feeling like my self is awful.
I feel like there is more wrong than just the issue of side effects. I have horrible headaches. I did not think quitting cold turkey after only about 1.5 months on it would be like this. I hope since I wasn’t on it that long the side effects do not last long. Any thoughts?
My husband found this site for me. I have been on Amtriptyline for a little over 6 years. For the past 4 & 1/2 to 5 years I have been on 25 mg. I was prescribed Amtriptyline for a neuropathy and it has really helped. About 3 months ago I developed stomach issues after taking advil and muscle relaxers for back pain. I was diagnosed with Gerd and was on medication for 2 months but I still had issues.
I am now waiting for an appointment with a gastroindologist at the end of August. My stomach was actually doing better and I was hoping that I would not need to keep the appointment and then the Gerd returned. Since Amtriptyline is listed as a medication that can cause Gerd, I decided to call my doctor last week about going off the medication. She had me reduce my dose by 1/4 daily starting last Tuesday and my last dose was Friday.
I have had the expected headaches and have felt nauseated but the good news is that the Gerd is gone. Since going off the medication, I have started having trouble going back to sleep when I wake up at night but my biggest issues has been indigestion. It started on Sunday and I am still dealing with it. Has anyone on this site had indigestion as a withdrawal symptom, what helped you deal with it and how long did it last?
I’m so glad I found this site. I have only been on 10 mg for four days and can’t stand how I feel. I was prescribed this drug for a constant pressure headache but taking this has given me a different type of headache. Also, I have been napping all day and am totally fatigued. I had decided tonight that I would go off the drug and decided to look up how to do this. After reading your comments, I definitely will not take another pill. I am hoping that after only four days I won’t have too many side effects that some of you are dealing with. Thanks, people!
I was only on 10mg nightly for two weeks to treat chronic headaches. It only helped with the pain for the 1st week and then stopped working and I still had all the side effects… Drowsy, dry mouth, blurry vision, weight gain. I stopped taking them 4 days ago. I had the worst flu like symptoms for 3 days, but the symptoms seems to be improving. I don’t feel great, but I feel much better!!
The good news is that a diet of crackers and apple juice helped lose the 5 pounds I gained in the 2 weeks I was on ami. Thanks to all your comments or I would have thought I was going crazy. That is a pretty strong dry if it did that to me in such a short time! I also picked up some Valerian and Melatonin at the health food store which has helped a little with the insomnia that showed up with the flu like symptoms! Good luck, and stay strong!!
Don’t go cold turkey. I came off them 3 weeks ago and I am still suffering dreadfully. I can’t sleep properly, sweating then freezing. Feel sick and dizzy all the time. The only plus is I lost weight after 2 days of not taking it. All the fat around my upper stomach has gone.
Great article, and comments are even better. I have been on ami for about 20 years, 75 mg for neurological pain (sciatica). Thinking about weening myself off. I appreciate everyone’s comments here. Having read them all, I have a few thoughts to add which might (or might not) help others. One recurrent theme here, that withdrawal effects often take a week to appear. In my (too simple?) mind this means that ami has a very long half-life (that is, it stays in your body for days). I looked it up, and the reported half-life is anywhere from 10 to 50 hours.
Which means that it will take several days, up to 2 weeks before your last dose has left your body. Second recurrent theme is that the last little bit (5mg or 10mg) is a big step. So, people who used only a small dose to start with still have withdrawal. And, those (like me) who started at a higher dose have withdrawal even after a long slow taper.
Putting these 2 thought together suggests a strategy to me. When you I get down to the last 5mg or 10 mg … rather than cutting pills, I am considering taking the dose every other day. Then every 3rd day; then every 4 days, etc. When I get to one dose every 2 weeks, then maybe I am done for good? I have no idea if this strategy will prove effective or not.
So, the other suggestions here for herbal support seem to make sense. Valerian root and melatonin were suggested for sleeping. Maybe SAM-E for depression. Perhaps Kava for anxiety. At least none of the herbals are addictive (that I know of… I’d better research them as well). I will add one other thought, if I may.
I gained something like 4 stone (40 to 50 pounds) over the 20 years. But, I’ve lost it all already. Just cut the added sugar and if you’re hungry be sure that you have at least some protein with every meal.
I have been on Amitriptyline for about 20 years for migraines. I considered it a miracle drug because I had migraines that lasted 4-6 weeks. I was so happy to have something that worked. My doctor never said anything about any addiction problems or side effects to get off of it. I guess I should have done some research myself, but, like everyone else, I trusted my doctor to do the best for me.
I won’t let that happen again. Last year the doctor said I needed to get off of it because I have gained about 50 pounds. I had horrible side effects – headache, anger outburst, anxiety and just about everything else. The headaches were worse than many of the migraines I had before. After tapering down to nothing after 5 weeks, I was train wreck. I was happy that I had lost 11 pounds without even trying, but I couldn’t take not sleeping and having a horrible headache all the time.
I went back on it after another two weeks, and of course gained back the 11 pounds plus more. I know I have to get off of it, but I am so afraid to try. I am going to try, though and hope I can do it. I am so sorry that so many are suffering, but glad to know that I am not alone in the miserable situation. Any suggestions anyone has to make it easier will be gladly received.
I was put on 5MG last week to deal with a post surgery nerve pain I was supposed to increased to 10mg a month. At day 5 I experienced numbness and tingling in hands and feet, called the doc to mention it and she said to keep on it and supplement with magnesium. So I took 5MG that evening. All in all I have taken it for just 6 days at 5MG. I woke up the next day with my WHOLE body numb, tingling… Now it is numb and burning. I called ER and they said to stop it right away.
On day one after stopping I experienced panic attacks when I sleep. I haven’t slept more than 1 hour per night. Anxiety, nausea, head aches, and the side effects I had to stop for are still there!!!! I got so desperate today that I went to ER who said that numbness, tingling, burning is a rare side effect, but has been seen before. They called the intoxication reference unit and they said that all people have recovered from this side effect but it can take a very long time. Needless to say that I am really shocked. I was only on this thing for 6 days!!!
I’m so glad I found this site, I’ve been taking 50mg for 18 months for foot pain and since having my operation in March I decided to start reducing the dose 10mg per month and last week was finally ready to stop taking them. Since then I’ve been sitting up all night wide awake, feeling sick, headaches, heart racing, crying a lot and feeling depressed.
I thought the only way to improve was to just go back onto 10mg if only to get one good nights sleep but having read through the comments I’ve just been to buy valerian root so fingers crossed for sleep tonight. I really do wish my doctor had informed me of how difficult it is to withdraw from this medication, although not addictive I’ve found this harder than withdrawing from tramadol and codine.
I’ve started an exercise program and healthy eating to try and boost my mood and I think it is helping, I’d put on 17 pounds taking this and have lost 4 pounds in 6 days which in itself has boosted me knowing I can lose the weight I gained taking it. I had lost a total of 70 pounds before I started taking them so it is great to see it starting to come off again.
Although along side that my appetite has reduced so far that sometimes it hits 7pm and I haven’t eaten in 24 hours but loss of appetite and nausea has contributed to that as well. Thank you all for sharing your experiences as it really does help people like me to know there is light at the end of the tunnel and i’m not alone in these feelings.
I was prescribed this several years ago at 25 mg to help with shoulder tension and resulting headaches. My doctor told me it would also help me sleep and give me more energy. Good news, right? Shame on me for not researching this properly – but for years I thought I was on a muscle relaxer. While I’ve missed 3-5 doses at times, it didn’t seem to bother me much.
About ten days ago, my prescription ran out and I thought I’d see if I could do without it. I just realized that I’ve tried to quit taking an ANTIDEPRESSANT cold turkey! I’m either very angry or sobbing; I’m having some stomach issues. The shoulder tension and headaches have returned along with anxiety – which has never been an issue for me. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest and I can’t get a deep breath. I went to my PA last week who gave me Xanax.
At the time, I didn’t realize what I was doing with the amitriptylene and didn’t bring it up. I guess I’ll be calling her in the morning! Glad to find this online. How long did your withdrawal take? I know it is different for everyone but am interested in hearing. Should I go back on and wean myself off or stick it out?
I spoke with my doctor who said that 25 mg was a very low dosage and that I shouldn’t have much of a withdrawal problem. I do have a sensitivity to many medications though. She advised me to stick it out (and take 1/2 Xanax tablet if I need it – no longer than a week). I felt horrible – so exhausted – but woke up today feeling much better – even before my alarm went off and was ready for the day. So here’s hoping that two weeks withdrawal symptoms is all for me. I’m going to the chiropractor tomorrow to see if that takes care of my tension headaches. No more addidictive meds for me as I will be researching any meds that I take from now on. Praying for relief for you all.
Aug 20, 2015. I’ve been off of the medication for a few weeks now and all of the side effects seem to be gone. For me, the hardest part was the anxiety. Although I still have headaches at times, I feel much better than I have in a long while. My sleep is lighter now but it’s easier to awaken in the mornings.
I do find it frustrating that my medical professional was surprised that I had any withdrawal symptoms. I’m glad that I was able to push through that but I realize that not everyone can or should. Listen to your doctor but make sure he/she is listening to you.
Has anyone ever experienced constipation after stopping Elavil? I had to be on it for 5 years due to nerve trauma. The highest dose I was on was 50 mg per day, but that was for a short time. I titrated down to 35, then 25 mg within first year or so. The last couple years were less than that. I came off the drug very slowly titrating down to ¼ of a 10 mg per day then per week.
I experienced constipation while on the drug but was able to manage it, however, it became worse since I stopped. And products (Restoralax, Magnesium, Ducosate) that treat constipation seem to make me tired and have a slower heart rate. This is having a major impact on my life. At first, I had more energy being off the Elavil or even when on the low dose but this is driving me crazy. Has anyone had to deal with this?
Helen, sounds odd that coming OFF of ami would give you C. But, just proves that everyone is different. As a general comment, I suggest looking at IBS forums. These are the folks who deal with IBS-C and IBS-D as a chronic condition; you will find a lot of coping strategies.
Specific suggestions: for me, Miralax works wonders. If you are going to use it for more than a few days in a row, it is always best to discuss it with your health care provider. But, it should not cause drowsiness. Drinking plenty of water is always important. Have you been on antibiotics or taken NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc) lately? If so, then the bacteria count in your gut might be low. A probiotic might help.
Acidophilus is cheap and easy to find. Some studies have found Bifidus offer more relief for IBS suffers. It is also easy to find, but perhaps more expensive. There is no issue taking probiotic long term … that I know of, but do your own research and ask a health care provider that you trust if you are going to do anything like this long term.
Along with probiotic, many people find that they need to also take a prebiotic. That should not be necessary is you are eating your veggies. Since most of us don’t eat the recommended 9 servings per day, then consider a prebiotic. The best I’ve found is gum arabic — I know, that sounds a bit weird so you might want to research the topic of prebiotics for yourself.
Thank you, Pete. I will check out the IBS forum. I did find another site that said C could be a withdrawal symptom. I will check out the prebiotic. I eat a healthy diet and take probiotics but the prebiotic may help, too. One doctor commented to me that the Elavil may have affected the nerves – hopefully not permanently.
I know that it takes about 3-4 months for most drugs to clear your system. That was the case the last time I quit, so hopefully in time this will improve. For anyone wondering about anxiety – it does help to titrate down very slowly and as you mentioned above, Pete, by cutting the pill and then skipping days – increasing the number of skipped days every 2 weeks.
Even so, there may be some anxiety issues but they are more mild this way. I will continue to add to this site with any information I have that may help others. Good luck to everyone!
I’ve been suffering from terrible insomnia for the past 4 months, which is very unusual for me…I like to get 8-9 hours per night plus naps! I thought I was going crazy or something was wrong with me for no reason until I found one of my old journals–looks like I went off amitriptyline (100mg gradually) for migraine about 4 and a half months ago. I cried with relief when I saw this…my sleep deprivation is not as bad as some of yours, but I’m mostly having issues falling asleep (can’t sleep til 1:00 am or later).
Or when I succeed falling asleep, I wake up at say 3:00 am and struggle getting back to sleep. I’m also experiencing anxiety, crying spells, and stomach upset. So I’ve been off this drug 4 months and am hoping my body returns to normal. It’s already gotten better than what it was, but it’s been so bad I’ve started seeing an acupuncturist and therapist. The sad thing is, the drug didn’t even work for my migraines! I wonder how much longer this will last.
I know this sounds weird, but… do a Google search on “salt and sugar mixture for sleep”. This simple idea seems to help a lot of people who wake up between 2 AM and 4 AM and cannot get back to sleep. A more conventional suggestion is to take 5-HTP before bed time. But, if you are taking any other drugs … especially if taking an anti-depressant… you should discuss this (or any other supplements) with a qualified healthcare professional because there can be interactions.
Really helpful to read people’s withdrawal journeys. I’ve been on Amitriptyline for over 20 years at 30mgs daily for migraine prophylaxis. I came of it gradually some years ago but it took so long. I’ve been back on it 3 years and as migraines got worse went up to 70mg. The migraines were constant so I decided to stop this and codeine based painkillers and came off cold turkey 2 weeks ago. The past 10 days have been the worst with constant nausea, and stomach pains in addition to most of the other symptoms mentioned. It’s hard waking up every day feeling as terrible as the day before – when will it end?
I’m finding guided mindfulness meditation really helps the restless spaced out brain feelings and sleep. Does anyone get zap like shocks going through their head? – hard to describe them! Now that I’m this far I won’t go back but I would really advise everyone to do gradual withdrawal. I’m a Doctor myself so I know cutting down gradually is the best way, but I guess I didn’t realize how bad cold turkey withdrawal can be. Make sure you have someone to support you through it – it really helps.
Yes! I get horrific zaps in my shoulder, and of all things, in my armpit. Arms and hands, sometimes ache as if I had arthritis as well. As much as I’d like to be sleeping right now, a series of shocks so intense that they felt like getting kicked by a giant eel wearing copper boots woke me up. So I took an additional 10mg, which did no good and waited 20 minutes, then and additional 25mg, which did no good, so I took another 50. That seems to have done the truck.
I can bite the bullet as well as the next guy, but this is horrible. I’d been taking 150 mg for MS nerve pain and difficulty sleeping (caused pain)for three years. I’ve been having the random zapping pains and other symptoms sporadically since I started, but just thought they were weird random pains, or foreshadowing of my future MS.
Have been tapering off since around October of ’14; but the worst came after trying to go under 50mg. Read recently that it takes 2 weeks for amitriptyline to clear out of the bloodstream. I’d have to be put in a medically induced coma to bear that. Plus, some amitriptyline settles in tissue, even the heart. I don’t know if it leaves the tissue, or if so, how. I’m certain, however, that I need to consult a psychopharmacologist – I need to KNOW how this drug behaves in my body during discontinuation.
Am stopping quitting until I find out more and draw up a better and more detailed, well-informed plan. I’m having the longest period of sleep disturbance ever. As a sleep devotee, losing more than one night of 8-10 hours of quality sleep is rare and awful. It lowers my immunity to any bug going around, and I don’t feel like a me. I also work at about 30% capacity.
Preceding the zaps is an obvious amplification of the ringing in my ears, and a racing heart/pulse. Then the zaps start, often followed by vertigo, loss of balance, nausea, and a feeling of malaise. It nothing for the nerve pain and I’m not sure it helped with sleep much. Curses amitriptyline! Foiled again.
I’ve been taking between 10 and 100mg for almost 20 years. I’ve tried reducing a number of times, but now I see that I’ve tried to do it too fast. I’m down to about 5mg now, but getting lots of headaches and I’m having a hard time concentrating, maybe due to less sleep than I’m used to. I won’t increase what I’m taking but I will continue to decrease slowly, rather than stop at the end of this week, which is what I had planned. So glad to find this!
It’s a comfort to read that I am not the only one. I took Amitriptyline for 2 years for migraines and recently tapered off of them. This is week 2 of being completely off of them. I’m experiencing the same symptoms everyone else has reported…nausea, vomiting, horrible headaches, insomnia, body aches, chills, but the absolute WORST is the anxiety. I’m afraid to leave my own house to go to the store and I don’t know why.
I’ve never felt anything like this before. Honestly, I’m afraid to even say this for fear of sounding dramatic, but I really truly do feel like I’m slowly dying. This is absolutely the worst I have ever felt in my life. I hope it goes away in the next couple of weeks…part of me is already wanting to go back on the medication, but I’m trying to convince myself to stay strong.
I’ve been taking Elavil for close to twenty years, 30 mg/day until I went to 150 mg/day when I stopped taking Effexor (which was causing me problems). I just read in the AARP newsletter (I’m 61) that that there is an increased likelihood of dementia with long-term use of anticholinergic drugs, so I googled “amitriptyline dementia risk” and the search returned articles from reputable sources, as well as a Harvard Health Blog entry – and as a result, I’ve decided to discontinue Elavil.
It does not appear that this was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, but nevertheless it has me worried, to the point where I took none yesterday and woke up this morning with more than the usual anxiety, part of which may be due to just reading the article, which did freak me out. Dementia runs in my family, which adds to the worry. My biggest fear is that I cannot find evidence that the dementia is reversible if the drug is stopped. Called my doctor and he is looking into it for me.
I had no idea that the withdrawal could be as bad as what I’m reading here. I am not looking forward to this. I already have serious anxiety issues and this looks like it’s going to be a long road to get this stuff out of my system. I’ve been taking it for so long that I actually have no idea what it’s like not to have it in your system. Sigh. Good luck to you all.
I was on amitriptyline (25-50mg) every night for about 15 years. Last month, Dr took my off that and started me on gabapentin. The only effect I had from quitting it was severe itching on my hands for two days. That was it. No long-lasting withdrawal symptoms. It sounds like it I was lucky.
I’ve decided to stop taking this after 21 years and being on 150mg at night. Doc said half the dose, so on 75mg, God I feel like sh*t, crying, depressed and feel like a big zero. If things don’t improve, I’m going back on 150mg again. This is hell on earth.
Lynne, You are not a big zero, it’s just that this drug makes you feel like you are. I’ve been on 150mg (huge dose) for 4 years and in the last 9 weeks have gone down to 25mg. Crying, depression, fear, anger, hopelessness and the desperate wish to feel human are brutal and are only temporary, fleeting horrors that will pass much sooner than you think. You can do this. I’m doing right now as we speak (June 11, 2015).
My husband is nursing me through the withdrawal but many people who are lucky enough to have a private withdrawal clinic on hand, take advantage of that and walk through the fire with medical and pastoral care. Withdrawal is a lonley journey but you’re not alone online! Please don’t give up. You can do it! You just need to take things one day at a time…sometimes one hour at a time. Hold tight! Tory :) if I can do it so can you.
Wow! After being on only 10 mg for 2 years for interstitial cystitis pain, I tapered to 5 mg for a month before going totally off 3 weeks ago. I didn’t expect any issues, as I tend to have a high tolerance and I had been on such a small dose. The first 2 weeks I was fine. Then, as I was driving down the crowded freeway, I experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure, making me feel clammy and light headed. I thought I was going to lose conscienceless and had to somehow maneuver a safe stop to let my husband take over driving.
Throughout the week I have felt off, unwell, not right. Yesterday, after experiencing a panic attack, I somehow thought to google amitriptyline withdrawal. In hindsight, I am going through withdrawal, having experienced sleep issues, vertigo, lightheadedness, sudden drop in blood pressure, anxiety, panic attacks, muscle weakness. That’s all I can remember at the moment as my head is really foggy. I feel like I am on a bad trip; that my mind and body are not connected and that I might literally lose my mind, because it is constantly trying to slip away from my body.
I can’t wait until this is over and sure hope it doesn’t get worse before getting better. Thank you all for your comments. It makes me realize that I am simply going through withdrawal and what I have been experiencing will eventually go away. I don’t know what I will do if the interstitial cystitis pain returns as amitriptyline was literally a life saver for me when I started on it.
Oh my word…thank god for having stumbled upon this advice forum, I actually didn’t believe that withdrawal from a “medicine” could and would cause such harm! My doctor took me off this drug over 3 weeks ago and I can honestly say that I have never felt so out of norm…just about every bloody withdrawal symptom listed on this forum! Honestly thought I had lost myself! I had been taking this at, initially 25mg due to nerve damage in a disc in my spine, then taken up to 150 eventually (for the said, and anxiety attacks) my “new” doctor decided to to “recommend” that I no longer get issued with them.
I had been suffering an immense amount of stress, and so he thought best to prescribe a different drug, and my god have I suffered since! Had I known (even better, had my doctor researched) the tremendous withdrawal symptoms, then in NO WAY would I have trusted his judgement as I have have felt the worst that I have ever felt…pain, insomnia, phsychosis, irritability, anger, joint pain, depression, flu-like symptoms…the list goes on, and I am only into week 3!
I’ve been taking 40 to 50mg a day for around 15 years, I got fed up of feeling like a zombie with a dry mouth who couldn’t think or speak straight so I’m finally coming off of it. Lack of sexual function was another reason I wanted to stop taking them, my old Dr was useless though. I’ve got a nice understanding Dr now who actually listens and cares! so I’ve got some different pain killers now.
I was advised to reduce the amitriptyline by 10 mg a week, I’m down to 20mg a day now, or I will be tomorrow and I have had almost constant borderline migraine headaches nearly every day, I was wondering if it was the new tablets that I’ve been given causing them but thanks to your comments it seems likely that the headaches are withdrawal symptoms.
I’ve had difficulty sleeping as expected, but I’ve now have clonazepam which helps, although I’m not really supposed to be taking them before I come off the amitriptyline but I have had to as I can’t sleep and there is nothing worse than not sleeping when you suffer from chronic pain.
I’ve had occasional dizzy spells, which haven’t lasted long thank god.
Herbal tablets called Kalms sleep, 4 at night help a bit with getting to sleep although I used to take them anyway. I think amitriptyline may have caused as much anger on them as I’m getting coming off of them (LOL). For the rest of you coming off of them, I wish you well.
Glad to have found this site. We are all so different but many common symptoms. Been on 50mg for 4 years for depression. Went to 25mg 2 weeks ago. Can’t bear to take less ATM, and thinking about going back to 50 for now… They’ve been good to me thus far. Good luck everyone.
Hard to believe, for someone who ‘googles’ everything, I’ve only just looked up ‘amitriptyline withdrawal’. Luckily I found this (after thinking something is really wrong with me) and I’m so grateful to read what others are going through. I’ve been on 75mg for 15 years, recently had other issues, so switching to beta blockers. I’ve tapered down to half of a 25mg tablet for the last week and stopped completely for the last 3 days. I’ve been nauseous constantly, it feels unbearable.
I’m confused, feel dizzy, can’t sleep and waking up after an hour or so feeling wide awake. It’s pretty much what everyone else has described. I’ve had full on flu symptoms for a week now but it could be flu as it started before I stopped taking them fully. My Dr today has prescribed me 10mg but I’m now reluctant to take any more of these awful drugs, I’m gonna have to come off them anyway and I’ve managed 3 days, just about! No idea how old this thread is so I’ll date mine 18/05/15.
I’d been taking Amitriptyline for around 3 years for pain relief along with Tramadol (as was prescribed by my Pain Management Consultant), for severe osteoarthritis. I was totally fed up with feeling groggy in a morning and literally having to be ‘scraped’ off the pillow in a morning to go to work. The fogginess lasted most of the morning.
I’ve gained so much weight, although I know this medication wasn’t the only cause, but I definitely believe it contributed. I came off gradually over a month, taking one every other night as was advised by a doctor and then stopped… OMG I nearly resorted to going back on it. I felt so, so ill, nauseous, headaches for days, but the worst of all was the dizziness, almost like vertigo.
A nurse friend recommended Stugeron {Cinnarizine 15mg per tablet} (taken for travel sickness) (and hey presto after 4 days of taking that every 4 hours the symptoms went and I feel GREAT, as thought I have come out of thick fog, am bubbly again and so much happier but best of all I FEEL ALIVE! I would recommend this course of action if anyone suffers the same.
I don’t normally comment online however, this site and everyone’s comments has been so helpful to me I hope my shared experiences will help others. I took 15-20 mg of amitriptyline for over 18 years for Fibro & CFS, which I have had now for about 28 years. I have also had positive testing for Lupus and disk herniation in my upper spine. I had to stop the med within 3 days due to the serious side effects I was having caused by it.
I have had most of the symptoms listed above including vomiting. It has been difficult but I made it and so can you. I’m still having some symptoms but believe I’m near the end of it. Several months prior to stopping, I cutout all gluten and processed foods from my diet. I eat mostly organic raw plant based foods in salads, smoothies & juices. I’ve discovered that magnesium malate as well as the combined citrate & malate helps me. I take Epsom salt baths when needed.
I started seeing a licensed acupuncturist regularly (also licensed in physical and massage therapy). All of these combined have made a huge difference for me. Even though I’m still having some symptoms and dealing with some underlying health issues I believe I’m well on my way to healing my body and know I will eventually find a way to feel better. Thank you to everyone’s comments here, you have been a great inspiration for me.
Have been taking Amiltriptyline for 2 and a half years now and decided to come off it due to side effects and bad press about anticholinergics. Thought I was tapering off slowly over about 6 weeks from 25mg but withdrawals have been horrible – headaches, dizziness, spaced out, poor memory, nausea, fatigue/weakness and really bad joint aches and pains. Have been off completely for nearly 2 weeks now but symptoms no better.
Doctor says it could take a month before I start feeling better. Was taking it for sleep (ME/CFS) and couldn’t sleep without it. My nutritionist has put me on 5-HTP, which has really helped with sleep – got 6 hours last night (bliss) but still a little way to go. 5-HTP has really helped but must NOT be taken with any antidepressant or other sleep meds, etc. Check with health professional before taking. Hoping this torture ends soon for us all.
Hi I was on 75 mg 50 mg than 25mg of Amitriptyline for 2 and a half years. For the last year only 25 mg. I took 12mg for 10 days when I went off the first week I had bad vertigo, migraines and nausea. I couldn’t keep any food down for 3 days. Now 3 weeks and 3 days, my head is still killing me. It lightens up a tiny bit during the day and I feel like a million bucks than it kills me again. I am so tired of suffering. The nice weather is coming. My neurologist said I should go back on the amitriptyline. I really don’t want to but I cannot handle these migraines everyday. Really want my life back. I don’t want to go back on this medicine. Can anyone give me some kind of advice or support? HELP!
So grateful for this site, the medical info, the withdrawal side effects and comments. I have been on Elavil for 19 years @ 25 mg. I realize that’s a low dose….my body doesn’t handle higher doses well. It was prescribed for my Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy…now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Helped with reducing night pain and sleep. Found a natural product that worked really well for sleep.
Stopped cold turkey and thought all was fine until day 8 when I started having severe nausea which hasn’t stopped now for 48 hours straight. No sleep along with really rough days. Reached out to Google to check on withdrawals – thought it was the flu at first, but this is far beyond just the flu symptoms. So I will try 3/4 tab for 2 weeks and reduce 1/4 each 2 weeks in hopes that I can end with no additional withdrawal symptoms. Wow, had no idea! Grateful to not be on this journey alone.
This is as bad as it gets. I HATE my doctor for not only putting me on this when I was already really ill, but then not being available even for a phone call to help with the symptoms. I’ve been in bed, but not sleeping obviously since my initial problem was insomnia. Nausea phase.and extreme exhaustion. Is this a life? No it’s purgatory. Never taking another micro milligram or seeing a ‘doctor’ ever again.
What do they know? They haven’t had to be like this. Antidepressants doled out like sweeties. I’m not ‘allowed’ a sleeping tablet because I could get addicted. How ridiculous cruel and ironic us that? So it’s OK to become addicted to a drug that’s physically and mentally killing you? I hoe everyone gets well and me too maybe we could start a campaign or do something useful.
I have taken 25-50mg of this drug every night for at least 15 years. I’ve tried to step down on at least 3 occasions and the dizziness, itching, and nausea have reigned me in each time; however, I didn’t realize what was happening to my body was due to withdrawal symptoms. Let me add lip numbness, and whole body buzzing sensations to the list of reactions. I am gradually stepping down by alternating 50 mg and 37 mg nightly for at least a month. I will post regularly to let everyone know how it’s going. I am also planning to journal my experience. Together, we can do this.
Thank you for the information. I ran out and missed 3 days of meds before getting the new script (I think my dose was 50mg). So I decided since I’d started I’d just hang on to the new bottle and see how I did without it. The worst symptom? ITCHING! Unreal. But it’s been 2 weeks now and I keep hoping it will soon go away! Glad to find itching is a withdrawal symptom.
I was having terrible itching at 10 p.m. every nite. When I went to bed I would wake up with this itching and would be scratching till I would draw blood. At first I thought I had allergies to my 2 cats. But when I went away for a few days without the cats the itching did not go away. Benadryl and hydrocodones would not help. I started to develop hives. My heart specialist told me my heart is good but racing a little. I felt it was the Ami. I told my pain specialist he did not agree. I stopped cold turkey last week. Itching subsided greatly.
I had a few hives on my chin. I was feeling depressed yesterday and took one pill 25 mg. Almost immediately a huge boil developed on my chin. I had benedryl and was taking one pill 3 to 4 per day every 4 ro 6 hrs. As the horrible itching returned. Itching not too bad now. And certainly has not started up at 10 p.m. as it has been doing for months.
Boils are horrible. One on chin started oozing. I’ve always been proud and admired for beautful facial skin. I have become anemic and GP feels I am bleeding internally. My hubby took me for dinner tonite I hadn’t eaten all day. Forced myself to eat and then felt nauseous. I have been sleeping too too much the past few days. I thought I had that horrible flu that is going around. I may have a bit of flu but nothing to cause me to crawl into bed with a heating pad. Feeling chilled then hot and sweaty. Need to keep taking showers because of body odors I feel I have. Never did that before.
However I am reiterating the itch that has been driving me crazy is almost all gone. I do feel depressed have been short of breath and dizzy. I actually felt I was on the verge of dying. Unfortunately my family have not understood. “You are always sick!” I hope I am strong enough to NEVER go back to Ami or any other opiate except Tylenol 3 for pain.
I am a prescribed medical cannabis user. I use a vaporizer. Do not like vaping during the day. But when I wake up at 3 a.m and can’t go back to sleep. I will vape and take in 3 to 4 puffs. Go back to sleep and will sleep a further 6 hours. There have been some days where I have slept only 3 hrs. so I vape and fall back asleep but those times are rare. My muscles are aching especially in my right shoulder.
I had one total knee replacement last year and need another for the other leg (slip and fall accident) also have fibro. When my muscles have been aching I use my TENS machine which I just recently put back into use. It does relieve the pain. Better than these chemicals. I was on Ami for 3 yrs.
Hi. I’ve come across this site today. I am at day 4 of cold turkey, trying to come off amtriplyline. I’ve been on it for about 3 years. I’ve taken a weeks holiday from work, because I knew I’d have trouble sleeping. I’m going to bed as late as I can but still wide awake at 3am. Today I’ve been really dizzy and lightheaded. Can anyone tell me how long before symptoms become easier? And other side effects I will get which I might not have thought of.
Sue Don’t go cold turkey! Gradually decrease the dose and then see how you are feeling/coping. If you are wavering, go back to your normal dose until you’re ready to try again. I’ve been trying to get off this vile medication for the last 6 months unsuccessfully but I’m not going to give up now! Let’s keep going we will win in the end.
Thank you Laura for your advice. I guess I underestimated how hard coming off these horrid tablets would be. The dizziness has taken over my life the past few days. I’m holding on to the walls or furniture I feel like I’m going to fall over. I’ve resorted to cutting a 10mg in half for the past two nights. After my bedroom stopped spinning I managed to get some sleep, but the dizziness is still there. Probably have to try 10mg if it doesn’t settle down.