Maddy: Weaning off 10mg Amitriptyline after just two weeks

[Maddy]

Hello, Everyone

 

My ENT doctor prescribed amitriptyline for a neurological-based cough, combined with respiratory dystonia/vocal cord dysfunction (basically, my vocal cords clamp shut when they should be open, making breathing a constant struggle. This is due to neurological damage caused by either 7.5 years of nearly nonstop chemotherapy or prolonged intubation during a 12-hour surgery. Yeah, I also am in treatment for late-state incurable cancer, so I already have enough on my plate.)

 

He prescribed 5 mg, starting Feb 26, 2021. I was to take 5 mg for 7 days, then 10 mg, and continue to increase the dose weekly by 10 mg up to 100 mg.

After one week, I did increase the dose to 10 mg but decided I would never go higher than that (and I told him that).

I was completely ignorant of anti-depressants, but I did clearly and specifically ask him if I could just stop taking it anytime I wanted to, if I decided I didn't like the drug. He said yes, no problem.

Then I discovered this website and panicked. I do not want to be on this drug. Like I said, I have enough on my plate. I don't need drug dependency further messing up whatever life I have left.

Given that I've been on 10 mg for less than two weeks, CAN I just stop? Starting two nights ago, I started cutting the pills in half, so for the last two days I've been taking just 5 mg. No ill effects so far, other than the first night I didn't sleep much. Insomnia has been a problem sine the cancer diagnosis 7 years ago. I will say, the amitriptyline did help my sleep.

My plan was to take 5 mg for another week, then 2.5 mg for a week, and then stop . . . and total time on the drug would still be less than a month.

 

Am I at a high risk for withdrawal symptoms?

 

I am new to  this forum, but I think I'm supposed to put all my drugs here. Not counting the countless chemotherapies (IV infusions), here goes:

 

Feb 26: 5 mg amitriptyline

March 6: 10 mg amitriptyline

March 21: 5 mg amitriptyline

 

25 mg, 2x daily metropolol

50 mg cytotoxan (chemotherapy)

magnesium citrate, 100-200 mg, as needed (for constipation)

.5 mg ativan (usually less than once daily, rarely twice daily). this is the only thing that helps the vocal cord dysfunction, and helps me breathe.

300 mg gabipentin (prescribed for insomnia), occasional. When I realized I had taken it almost nightly for a week or so, I stopped a couple nights ago.

 

 

 

 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Maddy.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  You can simply copy the information in your post using the following link.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

According the medical literature, you are at risk of withdrawal symptoms after one month on an antidepressant.  Since you are at the two-weeks point, the information would point to your being able to stop right now.  Your alternative plan, which would be to stretch out the taper, puts you right at the one month point and at greater danger of experiencing withdrawal.

 

How long does it take to become dependent on ADs? - Tapering ..

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can complete your drug signature, ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 16, 2021 by Gridley

[Maddy]

Thank you, Gridley!

 

So if I correctly understand you, I'm better off stopping right now, cold turkey, as opposed to tapering off (which lengthens the time I'm on the drug). Is that what you're saying? I was wondering the same thing so really appreciate your response.