bethnonna: Elavil / amitriptyline withdrawal panic attacks

[bethnonna]

I have withdrawn from Elavil 25 mg was on for 4 years for neuropathic type tingling pain in feet, legs. Since tapering back in October started, original symptoms tripled in worsening. Also, I have constant electrical shock sensations going through feet and legs and hands. This has resulted in constant panic attacks way worse at night. Can't sleep due to pain. Psych dr prescribed Remeron 15 mg. It hasn't helped. Take .5 mg of Ativan 3 times day which is also not helping. Last year withdrew from Cymbalta also. While on all drugs, panic spells started during day so I thought if got off all drugs it would help. Instead, I am a shell of  myself. Exhausted, lost almost 30 lbs. and basically can't enjoy life anymore. My poor husband is trying to help me, getting up with me at night to give me an advil and Ativan. Friends and family are going on with their lives while I stay home crying most of time and from the pain. My feet feel like elastic bands. How can I get some sleep? First time I wake up at night I take 5mg of melatonin. Gives me maybe 2 more hours. I need help from you guys. Please share thoughts!

[ChessieCat]

Hi bethnonna and welcome to SA,

 

In order to offer suggestions we are going to need so additional information.

 

Firstly, please create your drug signature using the following format.  Include supplements.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

• details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
• summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Secondly, so that we can assess your situation and try to work out if there is any pattern to your symptoms, we would like you to keep daily symptom notes for the next 3 days.  It is best not to add/subtract anything at this time otherwise it will make it difficult to see any patterns and we will need more days of notes.  Post a full day in one post.  If you wish to add any additional comments please post them at the bottom.  The symptom notes need to be the facts only.  This is an example of what the mods need:

 

6 a.m. Woke with anxiety
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Stomach is upset
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Feel a bit better
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Feeling dizzy
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke but got back to sleep

 

Once we have the requested information we will be better able to offer suggestions.

 

This is your own introductions topic where your can ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

[Gridley]

1 hour ago, bethnonna said:

 I take 5mg of melatonin.

 

You might consider lowering your dose of melatonin.  More is not better in withdrawal.  Too much melatonin can have a paradoxical (stimulating) effect.  You might cut down to 1mg and see how that works, then work up slowly if necessary.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, beth.

 

20 hours ago, bethnonna said:

Last year withdrew from Cymbalta also.

 

How did you go off Cymbalta? Did you go off amitriptyline first? When did the odd symptoms start, while you were tapering amitriptyline or Cymbalta?

 

As ChessieCat requested, please post your daily drug schedule and symptom pattern -- we need to take a good look at what's going on with Ativan.