Do I have to take amitriptyline to stop Xanax ?

[tom7920]

Do I have to take amitriptyline to stop Xanax ?

[megalosplayer]

Hi Guys

I was on Xanax for 5 years 0.5mg three times daily.  I was having anxiety all the time because I became tolerant to the dose and needed more.  didn't want to do that.  so I used amitriptyline to get off the Xanax.  it worked like a charm.  20mg at night and then started tapering the Xanax.  After about 1 month I was off the night pill.  Then took 20mg in the morning and started tapering the morning pill.  After 1 month that was out.  I was left with lunch pill only.  didn't take anymore amitriptyline, just tapered off the Xanax.  that amitriptyline saved my life, it helped with the withdrawal or possible seisure or heart attack that could come from coming off Xanax.  its a horrible drug.  now Im on 40mg amitriptyline per day and I feel nice and relaxed now, no more shaking and craving the next dose of Xanax to feel normal again.  Trust me it wasn't easy coming off there was withdrawal but the amitriptyline really helped me cope with it because amitriptyline last for 12 hours and kept me relaxed.  Now in a few months I will try and taper off amitriptyline.  But this is possible.  trying to cut Xanax with another benzo won't work, tried that too.  

[Pat1956100]

I was prescribed elavil for panic attacks years ago and it worked really well.  It made me very groggy though and it was hard to work but better than having the panic attack.  I only took it as needed and didn't suffer any withdrawal symptoms when I stopped taking it.
I recently tried it again and it didn't have the same effect but it takes a lot to knock me out now.
IMO it would work well for a xanax taper.

[selfinduced]

Hi Tom, These are two different an unrelated meds. Did your Doc ask you to continue the amit while you detox from xanax ? The only thing that comes to  mind is that he want to only upset one med at a time while your clearing out your system. The amitiptyline does have a side effect of sleepiness that maybe your Doc wants to continue for added sleep benifit while kicking xanax? Amit. is an antidepressant, but used for many other ailments including migraines and insomnia. This is a question your better off asking your Dr. or a pharmacist. Much luck to you.

[nursegirl6572]

Thank you very much. Amitriptyline  IS antidepressant. .

Yes, I am aware of that...I meant I have never heard of a doc putting someone on an AD to help detox them off a benzodiazepine, although it is sensible..

Amitriptyline (or Elavil) is one of the older tricyclic antidepressants, which can come with some more severe side effects than the newer SSRI ADs.  Have you ever taken an AD before?

[HadEnough0920]

I've taken Amitriptyline for over a year 10-20mg at bedtime along with .5mg Klonopin to help with sleep.  I would certainly consult with your doctor.  I know that you must taper off the benzos slowly, as stopping suddenly can be very dangerous.  I don't see why you would HAVE to take the amatriptyline to stop, but your doc may want you to continue while you taper off the Xanax.  Amatriptyline is an antidepressant, but those qualities only manifest in very large doses, much more than 20mg.  I believe to get therapeutic antidepressant qualities, it takes at least 100mg, but that number may very well be higher.  It is quite common at low doses as a safe sleep aid.

[OpenMind24hours]

My doctor put me on minimum 10mg dose of Amitriptyline 2 years ago for my back problems and to help with sleep. Dragged me down, couldn't think, didn't want to do my usual sports and active lifestyle. Sux! Then, Very hard to come off of. Very hard. I'd do some intense research on the drug first if i were you.

[nbhope]

I take neurontin and it helped so much when detoxing off oxys. But dont know thing about xanax.

[tom7920]

Thank you very, very much fir your advice. God bless you.

[tom7920]

Thank you very much. Amitriptyline  IS antidepressant.

[Deana1970]

I agree. I was put on phenobarbital while detoxing of ativan. because of the possibility of having seizures...my bp dropped really low and felt dizzy..weak..it only lasted a few days though..be careful and take the amitriplyine....

[nursegirl6572]

I've never heard of that, but let me tell you that a person should never stop taking Xanax abruptly, nor should they try to take themselves off of it, there are risks associated with abrupt benzodiazepine cessation (after long term, regular use), just one being seizures.  Definitely consult with your doctor for this.  They could be recommending the antidepressant as a way to ease any symptoms of a taper, which would make sense.