I was prescribed Amitriptyline 10mg to be taken at nighttime for migraine prevention. Well it was giving making my already bad insomnia even worse to the point that I was unable to sleep even with my prescription medicine for sleep. So I stopped taking it. I had only been taking it for a week and at such a low dose I thought it would be fine. Well now after 2 days I began experience unremitting dizziness I have been dizzy for two days and I started taking the Amitriptyline at 5mg hoping it would go away. Anyone experience dizzy from stopping Amitriptyline and if so how long did this last?
How long does Amitriptyline withdrawal last?
Question posted by SphereR on 9 Aug 2013
Last updated on 9 April 2021 by Xciter34997
17 Answers
Xciter34997
9 April 2021
I have been on it for 5 years now, started at 150mg for insomnia, after a couple of years I dropped it to 75mg and no issues. A few weeks ago I dropped to 50mg and my next dose will be 25mg for a few weeks until I drop off it. Thankfully I haven’t had the experiences most have had here but I live with chronic insomnia for 16 years so I wouldn’t notice that... I’m also pretty tolerant to withdrawal symptoms
Niviuq
30 Aug 2019
I have severe insomnia from amitriptyline after one year off, I took it for two months, the side effects were horrible. You're not sensitive to it, like some people said in the comments, we are all different. You probably didn't need that drug in the first place. It's an antidepressant that mess up with serotonin. It can increase your levels hight, and hight serotonin is also know to cause anxiety and insomnia despite most people think its a problems with low serotonin levels...
Dottysue70
6 Aug 2019
Hi
It was given to me for pain and anxiety. While I was on it, it made me dizzy and feeling faint every time I got up from sitting or lying position. I stopped it completely and in 2-3 days all those symptoms went away. I will never take it again. It didn't even help what it was given for.
jlperri22
23 Nov 2018
I have been taking 10mg of amitriptyline cut in half to 5mg for three years for bladder pain. I have now been off for 8 days and I have had horrible migraines and/or regular headaches everyday plus some days, nausea.
I’m just wondering how much longer before this stops?
twizzle_kicks
24 Nov 2018
I'd really like to know an answer to this too. I've been on 10mg of Ami for 5~ months due to insomnia. However, recently it hasn't been helping me sleep, if anything it's been making it harder to sleep (anxiety, etc). So I stopped taking it around 4 days ago and I've been incredibly nauseous, had headaches and it feels like everything is making me motion sick.
Dottysue70
4 Jan 2019
Hi! My Dr just prescribed it for pain & anxiety. After reading all the negative side effects, I'm afraid to even start it. Is there any positive feedback?
Sp7
9 Jan 2019
HI, I HAD BEEN USING "PERFEN-amitriptyline 50/50
FOR ABOUT 20 YRS. I WAS ABLE TO SLEEP TOOK ANXIETY AWAY, KEPT MY WEIGHT DOWN [120 LBS]FEELING GREAT!! BUT THEN THE WORSE STARTED.
SUPPOSEDLY IT CAUSED "SPASMS" I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH "BLEPHAROSPASMS"
FOR 5 YRS NO ONE KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON, NEUROLOGIST AFTER NEUROLOGIST WITH NO HELP
I WENT TO SEE DR RICHARD ANDERSON , SALT LAKE CITY UTAH. HE DIAGNOSED IT , "BLEPHAROSPASM"
HE'S ONE OF THE FEW DRS THAT KNOWS HE'S A PROFESSOR AND WHAT A RELIEVE!! FINALLY SOMEONE DOESN'T THINK YOU'RE CRAZY , HAVE HAD 1 MAJOR SURGERY [MYACTOMY] , AND UP TO NOW 4SURGERIES...
EVERY 3 MOS I GET BOTOX ON EYE LIDS AS UNCONTROLABLE INVOLUNTARY MUSCLES TWITCH.
MEDS WERE CHECKED DE "PERFEN" HELPS TO CONTROL APPETITE BUT... AGGRAVATES THE SPASMS, FACIAL PAIN,HEAD FEELS LIKE AN OCEAN , PRESSURE WITH MAJOR RINGING OF THE EARS CAUSING HEARING LOSS ...
THE EYE LIDS CLOSE SHUT . OPEN THEM USING YOUR FINGERS ,
AND PARTIAL BLINDNESS, VERY SENSITIVE TO LIGHT, STAYED IN DARK ROOM
VERY DIZZY AND UNBALANCED...
NOW I AM TAKING AMITRIPTYLINE [WITHOUT "PERPHEN"]
I BALLOONED TO 30 LBS OVERWEIGHT.
ATIVAN HELPED WITH DIZZINES , NAUSEA AND FEELING LIGHTHEADED..
BUT NOW IT'S CAUSING MEMORY LOSS , CONFUSION AT TIMES SLEEPWALKING... SUCH A TINY PILL WITH A BIG DEMON.
ALL IN ALL PLEASE , PLEASE GET OFF THIS EVIL MEDS VERY SLOWLY ... I AM ON 25MG NOW ,
LITTLE BY LITTLE WIENING... PATIENCE... AND READING THE PSALMS IN THE BIBLE AND PRAYER KEEPS ME GOING.
THEN WILL START Cymbalta AND DICLOFENAC SOD 75MG.
HOPE THIS MESSAGE WILL HELP SOMEONE
superhalfcircle
6 Aug 2019
Hope all of you have been finding more peace. Incredibly unfortunate that so many of us have gone through the ringer with this and other antidepressant drugs. Symptoms like heightened emotional changes, extreme insomnia, and dizziness is withdrawal, pure and simple, but goes unrecognized by our doctors.
If anyone reading this is currently going through withdrawal, visit the site: survivingantidepressants.org -- it is a peer forum with a wealth of information on tapering. If you are reading this and considering starting the drug for any reason, BE WARNED that even at small doses, for small periods of time, you can develop nightmare withdrawal that is worse than your original depression or migraine. Seek all other non-drug treatments first: therapy, EMDR, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes, etc. For migraine and concussion sufferers look into the field of functional neurology to find qualified practitioners who specialize in non-drug migraine treatments that work.
Jimmee
10 Nov 2018
Hi. Ive been been taking 10mg endep for the last 3 months for nerve pain.
Since taking it my nerve pain is 90% better. I have been sleeping alot better and had alot more energy throughout the day and particularly at work, as my job is farely physical.
My Dr has asked me to stop taking it after 3 months. Its been two weeks and i had the following symptons since stopping the tablets..
After two days i started getting headaches which is not the norm for me as i rarley get headaches. Lasted for four days. At this stage i was still unsure if i was going through withdrawal as i dont know the feeling of withdrawal.
Anxiety is normal to me, but hallucinations aren't! But i just assumed i have been working too much.
The second week my body was getting aches and pains, legs, arms, back, neck. By this time im thinking im going through withdrawal.
Third day in a row same aches and pains. I go home from work feeling feverish. That night i get hot and cold sweats, head to toe muscle aches. And my head was throbbing like i got hit by a truck. I took 10mg endep and a 5mg endone to help with pain.
Two days later, body is no longer in pain. But my head still hurts and im quite dizzy all the time.
Im still able to sleep, but not as well.
Im going to my Dr tomorrow to discuss whats happening to me, and hopefully will be resolved. I suggest you do the same if you haven't already.
Mae5187
14 June 2019
How did you make out? Hope things have gotten better for you
superhalfcircle
6 Aug 2019
Responding to Mae as well:
I had a similar experience almost a year ago with the worst headaches and paranoia of my life after reducing from 10 mg to 5 mg to 2.5 mg over two months. I had to learn the very hard way that I did not taper slowly enough, and was given very poor advice by my doctor. Thankfully things have been MUCH improved for me, because I caught the withdrawal and returned to 10 mg. After 6 more months of ups and downs on 10 mg, things stabilized to where I am now tapering 0.5 mg per month. This slow rate is ABSOLUTELY necessary to taper safely. If you have questions I can point you to the resource: survivingantidepressants.org --the people on the forum are lifesavers and have been through withdrawal. Sorry you are going through this experience. You will heal.
Mae5187
6 Aug 2019
Superhalfcirclr, i’m Sorry you experienced withdrawal as well. I’m glad you’ve stabilized. When I tried reinstating months back, it was too late. I’d sleep fine the first night and then be back to the horrific insomnia. The damage was done. Thanks for suggesting the survivingantidepressants site. I did post my story on there, but at this point there’s nothing more I can do, but wait it out :(. This year has been a nightmare. Hoping it will end sooner than later.
SGildart
20 June 2018
I've only taken Amitriptyline for one month. I started with 10 mg for 2 weeks then up to 20 mg for 2 weeks. I was prescribed it for nerve pain but I found all it Sid was make me sleep, I was having a hard time getting up in the morning and couldn't seem to get going until noon. My doctor suggested at such a low dose and only a month to just stop taking it and I'm waiting approval for Cymbalta. My concern is that since stopping the medication I can't sleep as well, I have headaches, anxiety, I'm irritable, constipated, crying all the time, I'm sore and ache... i don't know if I should go back on 5 or 10 mg until I get my cymbalta or just suffer through it
Deetriplethreat
15 Oct 2018
I am going thru the exact same withdrawals. I’m crying all the time. Irritable. I can’t sleep. This is like hell. I just want to know if or when it will stop. I was prescribed this for fibromyalgia. I’m in so much pain since i ran out of meds. This wasn’t even by choice. But i don’t think I’ll get back on if I’m this messed up.
Mae5187
14 June 2019
I stopped at a low dose after only taking for several months. My sleep disappeared. How is your sleep going these days? Any better. I hope your other symptoms are going away too?
Lindi55
10 May 2018
I had been on Amitriptyline for 12 years. It was prescribed for nerve root pain and not depression. I started on a low dose and was then maintained on 50mg.
I had a unrelated surgical procedure six years ago and didn't take the Amitriptyline for five days and when I was discharged from the surgical ward was depressed to the extent that I was suicidal. I knew that my suicidal thoughts were illogical but had no control over them. Started back on my regular dose and I was back to my normal self within 4 days or so. That was scary.
Last year despite being on the med I developed anxiety and panic attacks when my Mum passed away. I had a Psychiatrist consult and he recommended weaning off the amitriptyline and going on Duloxatine. I weaned off amitriptyline over five weeks and thought I was doing ok albeit a little anxious at times. I filled the prescription for the Duloxatine and then saw the drama that this medication had caused some people trying to go off it. I decided not to take it and maybe I wouldn't need anything. I hadn't consulted my Dr re this. Bad move on my part. Well after six days I am really regretting my decision. Like you SphereR, I am really dizzy,anxious and jumpy. I even have checked my BP a couple of times but the reading was fine. I am going to see my GP today as I am going to ask to go back on the amitriptyline again but hopefully a lower dose. If my Dr agrees I'm just hoping I get some relief soon.
Hersheys2804
14 Nov 2017
Ive been off amitriptyline for 8 days experiencing nausea to the point i wanna faint its horrible not sure if your symtoms stopped
sak9210
7 Aug 2017
I also had a paradoxical reaction to Amitriptyline. I was taking 10 mg. I am underweight and always wondered if that may be the reason I'm so sensitive to medications. I've tried all of the SSRI's but couldn't tolerate the side effects. I took the Ami for a little over 5 weeks. I tried 10mg, 5mg, back up to 10mg. PM, AM, and afternoon. I really wanted to try everything and not give up. I noticed that my sleep was really broken up. I couldn't fall asleep at all without taking Klonopin. I had lots of dreams, but pleasant dreams. But what I noticed is that when I woke up, I didn't worry, and would roll over and go back to dreaming. I actually felt more awake in the morning even though I was waking up all night long. I am tapering off now, because I've been having a lot of joint pain and dizziness. Related? I'm not sure. But as soon as I went back down to 5mg, my insomnia is worse.
Now I can't fall back to sleep easily and woke up tired, bad mood and with a headache. So I don't know what the answer is. If I ever get things figured out, I will post it. Good luck to you. Klonopin seems to be the only med that helps.
Mae5187
14 June 2019
Sak9210 did your sleep every normalize. 9 months off and my sleep is just as terrible as terrible. I get 4 hours if I’m lucky and it’s broken and doesn’t even feel like sleep. I hope you are doing better! Would love to hear!
Bigbums
18 June 2017
I have been taking Amitriptyline for a long time, at least for 16 years. I decided to come off it some months ago. But when I didn't take it I slept less and sometimes I have headaches. About 4 years ago I was having occasional bleeding in my nose which eventually stopped without taking much medications. It actually helped me in feeling better from depression which I was diagnosed of before I started taking it. I initially started with 50mg but sometimes increased to as high as 150mg especially more than 7 years ago. I started taking 25mg once in three days about 8 months ago because of the schedule of my work. I wish I can stopped it altogether but could still not been able to. I hope to stop it sooner.
Lesley 777
9 May 2017
I have been taking endep 5mg for 3 years now and have put on 30 kilos,,the drug is known for putting on weight but that's rediculous,,I have also had dizziness and insomnia,,, I'm so sick of putting on weight every month,,so I'm wanting to find another drug to prevent my migraines,,not sure about how to wean off the drug so am seeing doctor tomorrow,,I have also noticed my depression levels are quite serious I seem to cry alot,,, maybe that's a bit of weight blues,,, I was 50 kilo and have always been small,,so to be this big is discusting for me,,even my breast size has grown and I don't fit into anything nice,,, feeling downhearted,,,
ArmandoLeGentil
21 Feb 2017
Hi SphereR. I am new here, but I am just very upset from what is happening to me right now, please help. I was taking Amitriptyline 10mg (during 3months) for fear that brings panic attacks. After 3months when I felt fine, I stop taking it with the advise of my Dr. Since 4 weeks now I am having insomnia on the point that I was not sleeping for even an hour. My doctor prescribed lorazepam for me to use and control the insomnia. I was having anxiety too and itching after stopping the American but these symptoms are not more there. Is the
insomnia going to last for life? Or when can this finish? Please I need help, comments etc. Please.
shantingey
4 April 2014
Hey guys I have been on amitriptline 10mg before bed. I have not been taking it as i dont think i no longer need it as my headaches are now gone. Was just wondering through a side affect of not taking it can it make your breasts bigger and feel heavier... And feel sore thank you.
sara 1355
23 July 2014
Yes it can. It is one of its side effects. My mother has be on it for several years and has changed 4 sizes. You can find this side effect on wiki.
cheza32
17 March 2014
I been on 20mg for 5 years I wanted to come off as it was making me panic and just always felt tired and in a daze. But down to 10mg then week after came off it all together. It's hard feel dizzy most of the time panic attacks were really bad my heart raced and it was/is scary. Today feel little better still dizzy! So tempted to go back on it but don't want to it's been two weeks now.
Bubba54
14 Sep 2018
I’m already having panic attacks and want to come off the 20 mg I’m taking. Could I try 10 mg each night and see how that works.
fibrosufferer2
13 Aug 2013
Oh yes. Whenever I have trouble affording my meds and go without amtitriptyline even one dose I get dizzy like crazy! It lasted about a week for me but I take 100mg for pain.
SphereR
13 Aug 2013
Yea all the dizziness is gone now yay. I don't know what else to try though Topamax and Dapakote are horrible.
Audrey Franco
17 Dec 2014
I went off amitriptyline for just about three days and ended up having multiple panic attacks, one after another with major insomnia and paranoia. my personality suddenly changed and I wouldn't stop talking. I thought I was a prophet warning everyone about the Rapture and felt very intelligent. my friend stopped by and noticed a big and scary change in me and insisted on taking me to the E R where I was diagnosed with psychoses and altered mental state. very bad experience
craftychook
29 Dec 2014
wow Audrey that sounds awful, how are you going now? better I hope.
im currently tapering off Cymbalta and Endep, then im going off Periactin that I have been on for 15 years, not fun at the moment, the vagueness and dizzies in the head are yuk, have vomited, get shaky, extremely tired, not sleeping, headaches, no appetite, pins & needles. apart from all that i'm doing well, haha, I do have my bag packed, just in case, I am prepared to go in, if it helps. all 3 drugs should never have been together, I thought I was just having another breakdown, I did in 2009, my head always feels full, rushing with thoughts & craziness, my sleeping got worse & ended up with insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, the zapping in my head, major depression and anxiety. so this will be quite a journey but im looking forward to a fresh start.
Aed37
22 April 2017
Do not take amitriptyline hcl. I have taken 200 mg at bedtime for sleep for 15 years. It stopped working in only a few months. Tapering off at 10 percent per month does not work. I am going through the worst withdrawal possible. It may last 2 years. This and other tcas are extremely dangerous.
amanda100
26 July 2017
Hi I am currently on my 3rd attempt to come of amitriptyline. I have been on it 20 months for nerve pain which , it has helped but im so tired i was on 30 mg at my highest dose. I slowly weaned to 10mg no problems and in March 2017 i went to 5 mg after the 3rd day i woke with awful withdrawal symptoms. I had the worst headache ever, nausea unable to eat, stomach cramps, bloated, diarrhoea, eye pain and every muscle in my body hurt. I rang the Gp who advised going back on 10 mg and trying again in another month. I did but went to 7.5 mg, i had bloating and cramps and belching, this eventually went and i cut to 5 mg. OMG all the symptoms returned, i was back on 7.5 mg. I contacted the Dr who prescribed liquid ami so i could reduce by 1 mg. Yes i got to 5 mg. I stayed here for 4 weeks all fine. Then 1 mg drops to 2.5 mg where i am now.
I am experiencing new withdrawal symptoms severe anxiety, fuzzy/dizzy constant head, my ears feel blocked but hurt when any load noises are heard, my throat is burning more form mid day ? anxiety i am not sure. My neck (left side) is aching again this occures mid morning and is severe at night. My lips keep being numb and i have loose stools, my appetite slightly reduced. I keep jumping and am having random twitching. I am frightened which is making my anxiety worse. Any help please, i do not want to increase my dose back up really.
Related topics
migraine, insomnia, migraine prevention, amitriptyline, withdrawal, sleep
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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