Kimilorayne: Tapering off Amitriptyline and xanax

[Kimilorayne]

I have had several journeys off of meds . Lexapro/ celexa took me 3 attempts with a succesful tapering off of 6 months and then being off the med for a couple of years after. I never was the same I felt but I did make progress living without meds. Sadly in 2018 I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor . Radiation treatment  left me with 90 % hearing loss in one ear and then tinnitus( ringing in my ear) that was maddening . Catapulted me into panic attacks that were debilitating. It was horrible. Loving with single sided deafness/ tinnitus. I dont know which is worse ..... anyhow

the only remedy to help me was an anti depressant and the tryciclic one was chosen because the other ssris have tinnitus as a side effect so that was out . 🙄 I started on 25 mg of Elavil with a 1/2 of 0.5 xanax when needed for severe ringing . Felt so defeated having to go back on meds . I was living this past year settling into my med regimen and then I felt that I would like to try lessening my elavil to 10 mg . Everythi g was going well and then I hit a wall.  So upset. In my heart of hearts I I want tombe off all meds . And I need hope . Someone to help support me to regaining my life without meds and living with my dissability without them . Or If at best the minimum amount that will enable me to feel like im living and not dying . The withdrawal is making my life impossible.  

[Shep]

Hi, Kimilorayne.

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants.

 

Here is some information on withdrawal to get you started: 

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain

 

Healing from antidepressants. Patterns of recovery video (4 minutes)

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

And some information on tapering:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Tips for tapering off amitriptyline (Aka Vanatrip, Elavil, Endep, Saroten Retard)

 

11 hours ago, Kimilorayne said:

started on 25 mg of Elavil with a 1/2 of 0.5 xanax when needed for severe ringing .

 

Elevail and Xanax have a "moderate" interaction. Please see:

 

Drug Interaction Checker - Elavil and Xanax

 

What time(s) of the day are you taking these drugs? How often do you take Xanax? 

 

Please add a signature.  Include drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements in the last 12-24 months. Also include supplements. This will help us give you the most accurate advice we can. 

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As you provide more information, we can better guide you in setting up a game plan for coming off these drugs.