JessicaP: Desperate, After 4 Months Off Amitriptyline.

[JessicaP]

I apologise if I'm not writing this in the correct place, but I can barely concentrate on writing it, at all. 

 

I started tapering off Amitriptyline 75mg earlier in the year. I was given no support from my doctors on how to do it.  

I had been on it over 20 yrs for pain & anxiety, & developed a heart condition (POTS), whilst on it. I also lost lots of hair, & gained weight. My heart consultant told me to get off the Amitriptyline in 2018.  I had made several attempts, but only succeded this year. I came off it over a period of about 4 months.

 

I went through horrendous withdrawal effects, & have now been off it around 4 months, but I am still suffering awful leg problems, even now. It is like an electric current going through my legs. They do not jump or twitch, but feel like they are tense & spasming deep inside. So hard to describe. 

I used to get like this when it was time to take a dose of Ami. in the later years I was on it. Now it is all day, every day, since withdrawal. 

 

Only my Tramadol or Codeine takes the edge off, but barely. I can't focus on anything. I am exhausted. 

 

I really don't want to be put on more drugs, risking more side effects, & I hate having to use my pain killers, for relief. They barely help, & make me feel groggy. 

 

Is this common, & is it likely to pass, or do I have no choice but to go back to my doctor for more drugs? 

 

Thank you so much, in advance. 

[Kiasofia]

Welcome @JessicaP

I am sorry you are going through this and are suffering, but relieved you have found us. This forum is run by others like you who have been through and survived, or are surviving, the negative effects of psychiatric drugs. Hang in there.

 

How often do you take Tramadol or Codeine? Are you on any other medications? Supplements?

 

To help us better advise you, can you please create a signature with all of the drugs that you are taking and have been taking in the last couple of years following these instructions:

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Your symptoms are not uncommon for withdrawal from too fast a taper. We advise tapering by 10% of current dose every 4 weeks.

Tension, pain, twitches, excruciating spasms in muscles and joints

 

According to medical knowledge, reinstatement is the only way to alleviate withdrawal. The only other alternative is to try and wait out the symptoms and manage as best you can until your central nervous system returns to homeostasis.  Reinstatement of a small amount of the drug can often work well to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Once you have stabilized on a low dose of the drug, then a slower, safer taper can be started. Here is some information about reinstatement to help you decide if its something you would like to try: 

About reinstating and stabilizing to stop withdrawal symptoms

 

Unfortunately medical professionals have a poor understanding of how these drugs affect people.I found this post helpful to understand how these drugs actually work and why healing can take time:

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Aside from a high quality fish oil and magnesium, be careful with supplements. Your central nervous system (CNS) has become sensitized from psychiatric drug use and can react unpredictably. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other mind altering substances can make the condition worse.

Important topics about tests, supplements, treatments, diet

 

Here is our symptoms and self care section, you may find some useful ideas to help manage symptoms as you recover. 

Symptoms and self care topics

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and think about it, and we will take it from there. This is your Introductory topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

Edited December 7, 2021 by Kiasofia