Elavil Withdrawal

I am a 56 year old woman whose severe  chronic insomnia has been treated with Elavil for 22 years.  The starting dose was 5 mg and has beengradually increased over the years to 50 mg.  I have been evaluated in asleep lab and prescribed other medications; but because of a problem with metabolizing drugs, Elavil became the drug of choice to treat my problem.

I have attempted to stop the Elavil, but experience unbearable symptoms which cause me to return to the drug -- severe rebound insomnia, flu-like symptoms, body pains, trembling.  Even with these uncomfortable symptoms, I feel completely lucid, happy and enthusiastic about life in general -- until the symptoms get so bad I must return to taking Elavil. I feel groggy most of the time while on the drug, inarticulate and slow witted, all of which affect my work performance and general quality of life.

I need to stop taking this drug, but how should I go about it.  Is there a health facility where I can be checked in while going through withdrawal. ( I live near New York City)  It's very difficult going through this alone.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. Withdrawal from a medication that you've been on for so long should not be done alone. A local primary care doc should be able to help you. However, for specialized care consider the NYU hospital system which has an excellent mental health facility. Good luck.

[womanatthewell]

Ask your doctor about Trazodone.  It is a non-addictive anti-depressant that works wonders for insomnia ... and it does not leave a person 'groggy or feeling like a zombie' the next morning.  Blessings for restful nights ahead!

[JoAnn5274]

A related discussion, Elavil withdrawal was started.