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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Elavil Withdrawal
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Elavil Withdrawal
by Cindy, Jan 19, 2002 12:00AM
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.
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.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Jan 20, 2002 12:00AM
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.
Member Comments (2)
by womanatthewell, Apr 07, 2002 12:00AM
To: Cindy
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!
by JoAnn5274, Mar 19, 2008 01:08PM
A related discussion, Elavil withdrawal was started.
