Like any other antidepressant, stopping amitriptyline abruptly can trigger amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, suddenly discontinuing the medication might cause your depression to return or worsen symptoms before starting treatment. A study shows that about 20% of individuals who stop taking it abruptly might face different symptoms.
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If you’re experiencing amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms, understanding what causes it, recognizing common symptoms timeline, and knowing how to manage them can be very helpful. Read on!
What Is Amitriptyline and How Does It Work?
Also known as Elavil, amitriptyline is a prescription tricyclic antidepressant. It’s used to treat depression and pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and damaged nerves. It is also effective with nighttime bedwetting in children.
Amitriptyline works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and relieve pain. It blocks the reabsorption of these chemicals, making more available in the brain and spinal cord.
Due to their side effects, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are often replaced by SSRIs and SNRIs. However, amitriptyline is still used in the U.S. for its effectiveness in treating pain and associated depression or anxiety. Misuse can lead to addiction and dependence.
Amitriptyline has a low potential for abuse and addiction. Unlike drugs like heroin and cocaine, antidepressants don’t produce a euphoric high but instead, help balance brain chemicals to treat depression. Taking large doses of amitriptyline can lead to toxicity and overdose rather than a high. Still, prolonged use can result in physical dependence, where the brain relies on the drug to function normally.
Amitriptyline Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping amitriptyline suddenly can lead to amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms, known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). Age, metabolism, and kidney or liver function also affect withdrawal severity.
Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills, sweating, increased anxiety, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, memory problems, sensitivity to light or sound, and mood swings.
People with serious mental health issues may experience rare symptoms like hallucinations. If you notice any withdrawal symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
To remember antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, use the mnemonic FINISH:
- Flu-like symptoms (headaches, achiness, sweating, fatigue)
- Insomnia (vivid dreams or nightmares)
- Nausea (including vomiting)
- Imbalance (dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo)
- Sensory disturbances (burning, tingling, “shock-like” sensations)
- Hyperarousal (irritability, anxiety, agitation, aggression)
Talk to your doctor if you experience these amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms to adjust your medication.
Amitriptyline Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline: How Long Does It Last?
Withdrawal from amitriptyline typically lasts 1-3 weeks, but this can vary from person to person.
Initial Symptoms (First 3 Days)
- Symptoms usually start within three days after stopping the medication.
- Most symptoms peak within three days to one week and then begin to decline.
Peak Symptoms (3-7 Days)
- Most people experience mild symptoms similar to a cold or flu.
- Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
Decline of Symptoms (1-3 Weeks)
- Symptoms usually start to decrease after the first week.
- Most people find that their symptoms resolve quickly, often within 24 hours if they resume taking amitriptyline.
Special Considerations
- Withdrawal symptoms are usually more severe if the drug is stopped abruptly after long-term use (more than 6-8 weeks).
- Severe psychological symptoms like increased anxiety and depression may indicate the return of the person’s original condition, requiring further treatment.
- Misusing the medication or combining it with alcohol or other drugs can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms and a longer duration.
While amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms can last up to three weeks, they typically peak within the first week and then decline. Most people experience mild symptoms that feel like a cold or flu. If severe symptoms occur, it might indicate a return of the underlying condition, and restarting the medication usually resolves symptoms quickly.
What Helps With Amitriptyline Withdrawal?
To lower the risk of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, your mental health provider might suggest:
Adjusting Dosage
Reducing your dose of amitriptyline gradually over one to two weeks if you experience side effects.
Gradual Tapering
Slowly decrease your dose over six to eight weeks if you need to stop taking amitriptyline to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Switching Medications
Moving to a different antidepressant that may offer similar benefits with fewer side effects.
Handling Withdrawal
Understanding that withdrawal symptoms are temporary and will eventually subside.
If the side effects are severe, your provider may suggest lowering the dose or continuing it as before. They might also recommend over-the-counter treatments and healthy habits to manage amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms.
What are the Potential Side Effects and Risks of Abusing Amitriptyline?
Side Effects of Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline can improve mood and energy but may cause side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Weight changes
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty urinating
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
- Increased appetite
- Altered taste
Always use it under medical supervision to avoid amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs
Que: How long do amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms last?
Ans: Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 5 days of stopping the medicine and generally last 1 to 2 weeks.
Que: What is one of the first signs of withdrawal?
Ans: Common withdrawal symptoms include trembling, muscle pain or aches, and changes in appetite.
Que: Will I feel better after stopping antidepressants?
Ans: You might experience improved mental clarity, weight loss, and restored sexual function. Although side effects can occur, they are usually mild and go away independently.
Que: Are amitriptyline side effects permanent?
Ans: No, side effects like a dry mouth and constipation are common but usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.
Que: What is the elimination time of amitriptyline?
Ans: Amitriptyline has a half-life of about 20 hours. This means that half of the drug is out of your system after 20 hours. For example, if you take a 20-mg dose, 10 mg will be left in your system after 20 hours.
Conclusion
Overall, Abruptly stopping amitriptyline, like other antidepressants, can lead to amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms and might cause your depression to return or worsen. Overcoming withdrawal from amitriptyline can be challenging because the body gets used to the drug over weeks, months, or even years. Recognizing the signs early is crucial to addressing the issue before it becomes more serious.
To safely discontinue the medication, consult your healthcare provider. They can guide you on adjusting your dosage or exploring other treatment options to manage your symptoms.
