coming off nortriptyline

I have been taking nortriptyline for almost 2 years. Originally in addition to clomipramine which i took for about 4 years and recently tapered off and stopped in January. I would like to stop taking Nortriptyline too and began tapering off about 6/8weeks ago having been on 25mg a day for several months. I began by taking 25 mg every other day and then every 3rd day etc until I thought I could go without. I was fine for about 2 weeks, no ill effects but then the depressive symptoms began to return. I have resumed 25mg a day now for 5 days and there has been some improvement but I am worried that I have stopped my recovery. Did I do the right thing? can I expect to feel better again? how long might it take? I am scared of returning into depression.

[LeftCoastChick]

Some people just need meds, it sounds like you are one of them, I have to take them daily or I would be in trouble too.   What was your diagnosis?  If you haven't seen a psychiatrist, I highly recommend it, they are experts in psychopharmacology. Do you mean by stopping the meds, you've stopped your recovery or going back onto them?
Many folks have chemical imbalances, and when they stop their meds, the depression pops up pretty quickly. Talk to your doc and get a ref. to a pdoc  :)

[Hensley258]

I used to take Nortrip for about two years. It a good Tri-cyclic. To answer your question...Yes, if you taper off there is a good chance you could suffer a relaps of your depression. This is propeably your brain telling you that you need an antidepressant. I had to stop Nortrip after 20 months simply because it stopped working for me (I am the exception not the rule) For most it will continuue working and even if you stopped it for some time it should re-activate in a few more weeks of taking it again. I was on 75Mgs a day. Ask your doctor about your dosage because 25Mgs a day sound very low to me. In most people the Norephinepherine effect only activates at 50Mgs or higher, which is where most people find relief fron Nortrip.

[mcn52]

I have gone back on 50mg which was what worked for me in the first place so I hope not to have to go higher.That is what my psychiatrist prescribed.He also said to keep taking it till June so I have only myself to blame for not following instructions. I had cut down to about 10mg a day before I stopped. Wish now I had never stopped taking it. I felt really well and now I am scared all over again. I still hate to think that I might have to take this  forever!