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.