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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Columbia, SC

I have been taking a very low dose of Amitriptyline for a couple of years for sleep.

My dr. suggested some other meds for sleep, pain and said maybe l should stop taking the Amitriptyline. I think it’s making my daytime sleepiness worse and would like a stop it.

I am concerned about withdrawal symptoms as l am very med sensitive. I’ve read some people have increased anxiety when discontinuing it and others actually have less anxiety when stopping it.

Any suggestions or thoughts are… read more

December 3, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone concerned about stopping a low-dose amitriptyline regimen, with the overwhelming consensus being to wean off... Read more

Members rallied around someone concerned about stopping a low-dose amitriptyline regimen, with the overwhelming consensus being to wean off very slowly under medical supervision rather than stopping abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Several members shared practical strategies including cutting pills into quarters and reducing dosage gradually over weeks, asking pharmacists for help with dosing adjustments, and exploring alternatives like trazodone or melatonin that others found helpful for sleep without daytime grogginess. A recurring theme was the shared experience of medication sensitivity and side effects like daytime sleepiness, brain fog, and weight gain, balanced with encouragement to advocate for what feels right while staying in close communication with doctors throughout the transition.

A MyFibroTeam Member

i was on amitriptyline for 20 years 3 50mg at night for pain and sleep what that does to you the next day it slows your brain down you are very tried all day mine got stopped sudden in the hospital the withdrawal symp is a bloody nightmare so if your doc says to come of them do it try something else you might feel a bit better all the best marsha brian x

December 3, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I only took it twice because it did nothing for me. I’m surprised your doctor didn’t givecyouvanyvsuggestions. If you are taking a pill that can be cut in half I wouldn’t cut in half, I would cut in quarters and slowly decrease the dosage. I would start with 3/4 tab for a week or two, then half a tab for 2-3,weeks etc. if it is a gel cap, go to your pharmacy and ask for empty gel caps. You can then reduce the amount by pouring into the empty gel cap. I actually had a pharmacist offer to it for me so you might ask.

Your smart to ask ahead of time, some of these meds have some pretty nasty withdrawals. Hope this helps.

December 3, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

That medication made me dizzy and nauseous. I weaned off it.

December 17, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I'm not on that one as the optician said it would give my eyes more blurry vision than i have already so I am staying on the Trazadone which I have taken for some years for anxiety

December 7, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hello Marsha,
I took amytripteline for years and my doctor took me off of it and I didn't have any problems. I hope that you don't have any either. Good luck.

December 6, 2018

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