Beachgirl26: Need info, amitriptyline withdrawal

[Beachgirl26]

Hi, I'm new here. I was started on amitriptyline several months ago, at 10mg per day. It was increased to 25mg for about the last two or three months. It sounds like a very low dose compared to some people, but I'm very sensitive to most pharmaceuticals. I decided to go off of it but am having a hard time. 

 

First of all, does ami (and drugs like it) suppress the immune system? I got sicker than I've been in a very long time starting a few weeks ago. It seemed to be strep plus a sinus infection plus an ear infection. The doc put me on 500mg amoxicillin three times a day for five days; it got a little better but came right back after the course of amoxicilin. Another antibiotic seems to have helped a bit more. I noticed when I forgot to take my amitriptyline, I seemed to feel better. When I tried going off it altogether there seemed to be more progress toward getting well. 

 

The antidepressant didn't really help me feel any happier, it was more like I was anesthetized to the negativity around me, and a difficult situation at work. Things reached a tipping point for me on Saturday and I just turned in my notice via email. I don't have another job lined up, no savings; the plan is to just leave the area as well as my job. I'm pretty isolated, no friends thanks to my work schedule and general lack of $$. I have two cats I love, but will need to give them up. 

 

I'm really sliding and feel like I need someone to talk to, but there's no one. Is there any way to ease this? Should I be taking ami maybe 10mg every other day or something like that? How does one taper off?

 

I don't feel like I can talk to my doctor about this. How have others eased going off ami?

 

~Beachgirl26

[KarenB]

Hi Beachgirl and welcome to s/a,

 

There is a way to ease this - we recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose each month. This allows your brain to adjust as you go, and lessens any withdrawal symptoms.  Skipping days or doses isn't a good idea - it unsettles your Central Nervous System too much.  You are probably right about not feeling you can talk to your doctor - they generally don't understand withdrawal. 

 

Here are Tips for Tapering Amitriptline

 

Many people find Fish oil and magnesium useful during withdrawal.  SSRIs and SSNIs in general do lower our natural immune function, but it can be restored again.

 

Would you be able to fill out a signature – drugs/dates/dosages etc - so we can see your situation easily whenever you post, and help you more accurately?  What amount are you on right now?  It might be better to get you stabilised before embarking on any further tapering. 

 

Have a read those and then you can come back to this thread to discuss things further.  This will be your journal to record your tapering and healing progress, and to ask questions. 

 

There will be lots of support for you here,

Hugs,

Karen

[Beachgirl26]

Thank you! I've been off the pills altogether for a few days and am crying and miserable. I couldn't find any information online about tapering off amitriptyline! Thank you for the link. I can start taking two 10mg tabs instead of a 25mg for awhile then cut down from there. 

 

In the meantime will try to find someone I can talk to about all this.

 

~C

[Fresh]

Hi Beachgirl , welcome.  

The quickest way to feel better is to go back onto the dose you were taking up till 3 days ago i.e. 25mg.

Even restarting at 20mg is a 20% decrease , and you could expect withdrawal symptoms.

 

If you only have 10mg tabs , take 2 1/2 tablets.   The most important thing is to stop the withdrawal

developing further.

After you have stabilized on 25mg , you should wait around 6 weeks after this hiccup before beginning

a slow steady taper.   

 

It takes 4 days to reach a steady-state in your blood-stream , so there's no miracle quick-fix.  Hopefully

you'll begin to notice some decrease in symptoms within hours.

 

Once you're less distressed , start to look around the site.  We have all the resources here you need to

get through this.

 

Best wishes ,  Fresh

 

If you click FOLLOW at the top right , you'll receive an email each time someone posts here.

[Beachgirl26]

Thank you for your response, Fresh! I felt somewhat better after taking the two 10mg tabs last night but feeling nervous and depressed as of today. So I think you're right, going back on the 25mg dose for now might be best. 

 

I have qualms about going back to that because of how sick I got while on it. Any way to boost the immune system while on amitriptyline? I sure can't afford to get sick *now*!

 

I actually have a job interview for tomorrow, as well as a visit to a local counseling clinic that is sliding scale. I have stopped thinking of just going away, and of giving up my cats. They are my life! I've located a church (New Age-y kind) where I hope to meet some people and maybe start to build some sort of support system. I feel very raw...the veterinarian I worked for won't let me work out a two-week notice and doesn't give references. I am glad to be out of the negative situation I was in there, but I feel for the house cats who remain living at that clinic and the ones he treats while under the influence. I don't know what can be done. Filing a complaint with the state board is usually for clients not ex-employees. It would be the word of a cattery manager vs. a veterinarian too. The clinic has been struggling financially for a very long time, so it may well go under before long. 

 

Thank you again for your help!

[KarenB]

Glad you are going to stabilise on the 25mg before making further decisions.

 

I work on my immune system at the dietary level - no white sugar or flour, coffee or alcohol.  Plenty of fruit and veges; soaked grains, nuts and seeds; sourdough bread etc.  You could consider a quality vitamin C - but start at a low dose and see how it pans out for you. 

 

You've seen the recommendation for magnesium and fish oil in a post above.  Other foods popular with people on this site include apple-cider-vinegar and coconut oil. 

 

And of course sleeping plenty helps too.  Have a look through the symptoms and self-care forum for lots of other ideas on keeping healthy in w/d.

 

Karen

[Beachgirl26]

Hello again, all. I posted before, on trying to go off amitriptyline. I went off it altogether when I got very sick (strep/sinus infection/ear infection). I went back on 25mg and the swelling in my throat and sore throat came right back, as did the problem hearing out of my right ear. I decided to try to cut back, and have been cutting the pills and taking 3/4 of one each night. The throat and ear problems seem a bit more manageable. I haven't had other problems (mood and depression) come back just yet, even with everything going on. 

 

I've had a spate of job interviews and just got hired at one today. It pays less than what I was making before but I think I can hang on for now. I'm using binaural beats with affirmations, and just trying to stop myself from letting negative thoughts get very far. It feels like the weight of the world is off my shoulders since leaving the toxic situation of my last job. It still bugs me that I worked so hard, went above and beyond over and over, and the boss still did what he usually does when someone quits--he fires you and won't give a reference. I've been trying to think of what I could do to start a business myself, be my own boss.

 

How long do you think I should stay at this level before cutting down to say, 1/2 a pill? Any way to ease the throat swelling and ear problem...?

 

Thanks

 

 

[KarenB]

Going from one pill to 3/4 was quite a big drop (25% compared to the 10% we recommend here) so I'd be inclined to give it at least two months before considering another reduction. 

 

Making notes of your symptoms will help you make a more accurate decision.  If things are still feeling unsettled then wait further.  Your body is the best guide.  Even just giving each day a rating out of 10 can help you see how things are progressing.

[Petunia]

Hi Beachgirl.

I joined your new topic with your original one, its one intro/update thread per member. You can use this thread as your ongoing journal to track progress, write about symptoms, ask questions and communicate with the community, add to it whenever you want. Its a good idea to bookmark it or follow it, so its easy to find again.

 

Congratulations on getting another job, that must be a relief after what you went through.

 

As Karen wrote, while I was typing here, you have been making a lot of changes to your medication recently and now this big cut from your original dose, this can be very destabilizing to the nervous system. But it seem that you are having an adverse reaction to the drug also, so its going to be a matter of reducing slowly enough not to incur withdrawal, but taking into consideration the side effects you are experiencing. You wrote that they are tolerable now at this dose of the drug?

 

But I'm not exactly sure how much you are taking now. Are you taking 3/4 of one 10mg pill a day? That would be 7.5mg, right?  Please would you update your signature with the dose you are taking now.

 

Here is a list of the potential side effects of amytriptyline, and what you have described is listed:  http://www.drugs.com/sfx/amitriptyline-side-effects.html

 

It can take a while for withdrawal symptoms to emerge, sometimes several weeks, up to months, so I suggest you hold where you are right now and give yourself some time to see if withdrawal symptoms arise and to  let yourself settle down with the dose and also to get adjusted to your new job. Then as long as you are not having any withdrawal symptoms, perhaps in  4 - 6 weeks you could begin a slow, safe taper.

 

Read back through your thread here, a lot of links and information have been posted for you.

 

Especially this one:  Here are Tips for tapering off amitriptyline

 

Petunia.

[Beachgirl26]

I'm taking about 3/4 of the 25mg tabs. I say "about," maybe a bit more than 3/4. It's hard to be precise cutting the pills. But yes, the throat swelling is less with the smaller dose and I can sleep better (was having to get up and cough, or clear my throat to breathe better). I'm trying to stay alert or any mood changes and try to stop myself from sliding into a depression, as I really don't want to go up on the dose again. 

 

Thanks

[Beachgirl26]

Can amitriptyline cause a false positive on a drug screen?

 

Hi, all. Well, the good news is I got a job recently. Having a drug screen was part of the onboarding process, the kind where you put a swab in your mouth for a few minutes. I saw it come up positive for *something* but not what; the woman quickly stuck it in the garbage and went on with the paperwork. No one has said a thing. Do drug screens normally test for antidepressants...? I have never taken any kind of illegal drug so it's been puzzling me. On a web search, I found one site that alleged it can come up as a false positive for LSD, is that true???!?

 

I have been offered a job with a slightly higher rate of pay ($10/hr instead of $8) but they also have a pre-employment drug screen. I'm not sure whether this employer would just look the other way; the company I've been working for recently is really hurting for workers, hence the swift consignment of my drug screen to the trash. 

 

Should I tell the employer I'm taking amitriptyline prior to the drug screen...? Or tell someone at LabCorp (the company that does their drug tests) at the time I take the screen, if I go ahead with this?

 

Thanks....

Edited March 25, 2016 by Petunia
New topic merged with original intro, title added.

[Petunia]

Hi Beachgirl,

I joined your new topic with your original intro/update thread. Its one intro thread per member in this section. You can use this thread as your ongoing journal to track progress, write about symptoms, ask questions and communicate with the community, add to it whenever you want. Its a good idea to bookmark it or follow it, so its easy to find again.

 

Congratulations on the new job

 

Its true that amitriptyline can cause a false positive for LSD - http://alwaystestclean.com/false-positive-drug-test-medication/

[Beachgirl26]

I haven't heard back from a prospective employer, after having a drug screen. I'm still on amitriptyline, and have read of more than one thing it can cause a false positive for. 

 

What can you do, if it doesn't seem like the employer, or the company handling the drug screen, is willing to retest or look at my prescription...? 

 

Think I could/should switch antidepressants to one less likely to show up a false positive...? Or just hurry the the tapering process?

 

I don't want to lose another shot at a better job.

Edited April 7, 2016 by KarenB
merged topics

[nz11]

Wow thats an interesting link Petu. Ive never seen such a link before.

oh my what a long list.

[SquirrellyGirl]

I would first enquire with the employer since you haven't heard from them.  Find out first if that was the issue.  Since you don't know what has happened, it makes no sense to base decisions on speculations.  Switching to another AD is far too risky a proposition, since a new one won't necessarily negate withdrawal from the old one.

 

SG

[Ali4]

It will show on a urine test, only if they have ads on the test, if they don't then your good. When I was in treatment the had a specific line for antidepressants, some do and some don't. I can't see a company not hiring because an ad showed up on a test, but do not switch to a different one, they will all show no matter which one your on. I would call the company and just check in. Ali

[KarenB]

Hi Beachgirl,

 

I've merged your new Intro into your old Intro, as it's one intro thread per member.  Please just reply to this topic whenever you post.  Thanks,
Karen.

[Beachgirl26]

I was curious if anyone here has tried switching from an Rx antidepressant to St John's Wort, and if so, what was the transition like, and can you switch from say my 25mg amitriptyline one night to St John's Wort the next. I'm mulling that over because of the side effects of the amitriptyline, and being afraid the amitriptyline might actually have cost me a job (In a drug screen...haven't heard back from the employer since, though I've called and emailed). 

 

Years ago, I tried a St John's Wort tincture for depression, and I remember it did make me feel better. I don't remember the name of the company, just that the bottle had dark green lettering on a yellow label. Should've thought of using it this time, though a big reason for trying a TCA was that I'd read it helps with arthritis pain. It hasn't helped, at least as much as I had hoped. 

 

Thanks

[Beachgirl26]

Sorry, didn't see this post until after I'd posted re St John's Wort. Hoping my thinking will clear up once off ami!

[Ali4]

Be careful switching meds, it could possibly make things worse and take longer to heal.

[SquirrellyGirl]

 

Years ago, I tried a St John's Wort tincture for depression, and I remember it did make me feel better. I don't remember the name of the company, just that the bottle had dark green lettering on a yellow label. Should've thought of using it this time, though a big reason for trying a TCA was that I'd read it helps with arthritis pain. It hasn't helped, at least as much as I had hoped. 

 

Thanks

 

If anything, SJW is more like an SSRI.  Please read:

 

St. John's Wort

 

I would NOT try to substitute it for an antidepressant.  It may be helpful for some people who are trying to treat mild depression without using antidepressants, never having taken an AD, but for those already on ADs, this would likely go sideways.  We generally don't recommend switching from one to another as it is yet another way to cause destabilization and increase sensitivity.  And, they are not interchangeable; the SJW won't cancel out withdrawal from the amitriptyline.  Last of all, there is no good way to know what dose of SJW, if using a standardized extract, would be an equivalent to the amount of amitriptyline you are on.   The last thing you want to do is get the new job but then be so incapacitated by WD that you can't work!

 

I've also seen reference here on SA to the fact that those using SJW as an alternative to ADs have to taper it as well!

 

I still think you need to ask about the reason you didn't receive the job, if that is actually the case.  I know a lot of employers take a long time to make decisions!  I'd just politely follow up with them since you hadn't heard back.  If they say they hired someone else, perhaps you could then inquire further about if there was an issue with your drug test.  I think you need to know one way or the other because this is causing you great worry, perhaps unnecessarily.  If you get your answer, that it was the drug test, then you can revisit whether switching would be a wise choice.

 

Otherwise, we still advise that you stick with the devil you know and do the slow taper.  There are many here on SA that have to accept that although they are dying to come off faster, they must take it slowly or suffer.  When you choose a path that causes suffering, there isn't much we can do for you other than encourage reinstatement or offer support in the way of self-care to make getting through the hard times a little easier.

 

Once in awhile, someone will have to taper off quickly because they are suffering adverse reactions to the med that are unacceptable to tolerate.  They will have to trade withdrawal for the adverse reactions, though.  

 

SG

[ingridphoenix]

Hi beachgirl,

 

I too wanted to go he fast route and had to surrender to the wisdom of the members here - and most of all to my body. 

I am older, so time is of the essence to me, but I will be patient, because I want this done, and never go back - oh, and I too took meds due to a bad job. well, pills do not cure depression due to a crappy job, and trust me, mine is bad. :/
Hang in there, go and ask them. 

You can do this. I am only on day 18! 

[Beachgirl26]

Thank you for your responses. I finally heard back from the prospective employer and I DO have the job!! Don't know why it took awhile for them to let me know; today's Friday and I'm supposed to start on Monday. The drug test results should've been back by Wednesday. Well, whatever the case I'm starting the new job and I'll continue the amitriptyline tapering. You're all right, I wouldn't want to start a new job in the state I was in after I'd gone off ami altogether (back when I got sick). Easy does it for me. 

 

If I had the energy I'd be bouncing off the walls I'm so happy to have snagged this job. Thank you all so much for helping me get through such a bad time!!!!

 

Hugs

[Sarabera]

Hi Beachgirl,

Sorry I didn't see this earlier! I've been on trycyclics for the last 35 years, amitryptiline for about the last 20 years. Recently I figured out that the amitryptiline had gone paradoxical on me and I had to cold turkey it (from a low dose of 12.5 mg). Currently I am on only .275 mg (I titrate it in water) and am doing really well. Considering that you haven't been on the drug that long, you should be able to get off without too many issues. I would go 25 to 18.75 to 12.5, then switch to 10 mg. pill, then 7.5, 5, 2.5, then titrate down from there. Don't skip days, not a good idea (even though doctors always recommend it!)

 

I'm also not a huge fan of St. John's wort or other herbal drugs--for one thing, the potency can be all over the place!

 

Great to hear you have a new job! You can do this and be just fine.

Sarah

[SquirrellyGirl]

Woohoo!! Congratulations!  So proud of you for checking up on the situation!  Imagine if you hadn't and they had somehow been expecting you on Monday LOL!

 

Our imaginations can really cause us a lot of suffering, yes?  So happy you had a happy ending!

 

SG

[Beachgirl26]

...Was this a sample of serotonin syndrome...?

 

The day before I started my new job, I got sick again. It feels like another sinus infection. I started taking Mucinex DM, maximum strength (12-hr., extended-release). I forgot to take my amitriptyline night before last, but seemed ok the next day. Then last night, took another Mucinex DM at about 7pm, and 1/2 an amitriptyline 25mg pill (since the ami seemed to worsen being sick, last time) at about 10pm. 

 

I woke up in the middle of the night feeling very bad--swimmy-headed, but not like I've ever experienced dizziness before. My heart was beating pretty fast. I took several activated charcoal capsules, since I thought it might have something to do with the drug combination. I fell asleep pretty fast after that but woke up ok (though coughing and hacking once again). 

 

So I've learned 1) never trust what a Walmart pharmacist tells you is ok to take with ami, and 2) I can take either the Mucinex or the ami when I get sick--but not both. Once the Mucinex is out of my system I can start back on the ami. It seems the guaifenesin will increase serotonin in the system. Add that to what ami does, and you're in trouble. 

 

Luckily I've had the last two days off from work. I'm trying to figure out what to do, med-wise, going back to work tomorrow. I don't have a fever anymore, and the coughing/hacking is less than what it's been over the past few days. I don't feel anxious just yet. Perhaps I should take part of an amitriptyline pill in my pocket, and take if those feelings start to come back, rather than risking taking it tonight...? I really can't afford to go see a doctor. Any suggestions...?

[SquirrellyGirl]

The ami needs to be kept constant, not be monkeyed with.  When was the last time you took the mucinex?  From the webs:  Guaifenesin is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract and is rapidly metabolized and excreted in the urine. Guaifenesin has a plasma half-life of one hour. The major urinary metabolite is beta-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid.

 

I am thinking that if you were to take the two together, that would lead to the problems you experienced, but if it has been many hours since your last dose of Mucinex, then there shouldn't be any risk with resuming your regularly scheduled dose of ami.

 

Not sure if I answered your question or just didn't understand the question to begin with LOL!

 

SG

[Beachgirl26]

Well, last night was the last time I took the Mucinex. I seem to be quite sensitive to it. At that strength (1200mg guaifenesin per tab) maybe it could take longer to get out of my system. I surely don't want to feel the way I did last night. I've had sinus infections of varying degrees before in my life, colds, flu, ear/throat infections but *nothing* has ever made me feel quite that way. It's hard to describe. Can't wait to be off the ami. I'm going to look into a bit more on the web.

[Persephone]

... I'm using binaural beats with affirmations, and just trying to stop myself from letting negative thoughts get very far. 

 

Hi Beachgirl,

 

Congrats on the new job, and I hope you get over your virus quickly.

 

Are you still using the binaural beats? Do you find they help? I have been using the Brainwave app by Banzai Labs for a few weeks. It has some nice background sounds to choose from, but not affirmations. May I ask what product you are using?

[Ali4]

My sinus issues are a nightmare from celexa, it's not easy to deAL with, the pressure is insane. Ali

[Beachgirl26]

I've been doing some more research online, and am going to try a salt wash for my sinuses, and see if it helps. One article recommended using those regularly as a preventative, to keep sinuses moist, for people who frequently have sinus issues. That might be a good option for you too, Ali. 

 

Persephone, I was using one meant for attracting abundance (and has other positive affirmations with it) here: http://premiumbinauralbeats.com/product/attract-wealth-and-abundance/...scroll down, there's a free version. I haven't used those in awhile though. Using the same one day after day gets *sigh* pretty boring to me. Perhaps music-only ones would be less so. 

 

Fever keep going up and down. Hopefully I'll feel like going to work tomorrow!

 

Peace...

[Ali4]

I use the nasal salt spray, it helps ☺

[Sarabera]

I agree with SquirrelyGirl--it is very important that your amitryptiline dosage is not going way up and down. Try to get an even dose every evening at the same time (anything over 6 mg. during the day would make me feel like a zombie!) That's probably why you had a bad reaction to the dosage with heart palpitations. I doubt that it was serotonin syndrome as you aren't taking that much. I've taken all kinds of meds with 25 mg. or less and never had any issues with interaction.

Sarah

[Beachgirl26]

Hello all! I haven't posted in awhile but ran across something that might help someone on this forum, at http://upliftconnect.com/mutiny-of-the-soul/    ...it's an article about depression being the soul's rebellion from a life it doesn't agree with. This, in the sense that our stressed modern lives don't feed the soul. It ain't your fault, in other words, it's the society we live in and trying to survive in it. Else, why would SO MANY people be struggling with depression at this point in time? Interesting to ponder on. The solution is maybe not so easy; trying to find as many ways to minimize stress and feed your soul as you can.

 

Edit by CC:  Link incorrect - found it here:  http://upliftconnect.com/mutiny-of-the-soul/

 

I'm down to one half of a 25mg amitriptyline pill each night. The arthritis pain edged back and so did the depression, somewhat; regular Epsom salt baths are helping the former, while meditation seems to be helping the latter. I'm still trying to get Sundays off work so I can continue to go to church and re-connect with my church "family." I don't have much social support otherwise. 

 

*Hugs* to you all on your journey...

Edited May 28, 2016 by ChessieCat
Gave correct link

[KarenB]

Thanks Beachgirl,

 

It's something I agree with too, and it's a helpful way to understand things.  I'm into soul-feeding myself - it feels good when there's so much pain to deal with. 

 

It's good to hear you sound so well.

 

Karen