KathySh - Started Amitriptyline HCL (10mg) on Dec. 26, 2021

[KathySh]

Thank you for adding me to the group.  I am 69 years old and retired.  My primary doctor wanted me to start Amitriptyline for nerve and arthritis pain as well as insomnia.  I had been taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (5-325 - usually only a half of a tablet) and Ambien (half of a 5 mg tablet) for insomnia for at least 8 years.  While my pain and sleep issues under control with these medications, my doctor thought that I could take the Ami to deal with both issues.  I stopped the other meds and started taking Ami on Dec. 26 and it immediately eliminated the majority of the pain issues and I fell asleep easily - I was thrilled at this.  However, I hate the side effects:  no energy or motivation to do anything during the day (I have to force myself to do anything); dry mouth; nothing tastes good anymore; and I feel depressed.  I called the pharmacy for instructions for withdrawing from Ami: 1 tablet every other day for 1 week;1 tablet every 3 days for 1 week; 1 tablet every 4 days for a week; 1/2 tablet for one week.  Any suggestions welcomed.

[Shep]

Hi, Kathy.

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. 

 

Please note don't recommend skipping days in order to taper. It confuses the nervous system, which is seeking stability. 

 

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 this is information specific to amitriptyline:

 

Tips for tapering off amitriptyline

 

Please note we advocate a harm-reduction approach to tapering, meaning tapering off no faster than 10% a month, based on the prior's months dose (not the original prescription amount). 

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

Some of your symptoms may not be from amitritripyline side effects but rather, from coming off Ambien and Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen. Please let us know more about how you came off these drugs. They also can cause withdrawal symptoms.

 

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