[Sorjuana]

Hi, everybody. I sought out this forum because I decided to wean myself off of Lexapro and Amitriptyline - mostly because of the weight gain and because I would like to be "clean" in about a year so I can try to conceive again. Unfortuntately for me, I've had problems with anxiety/depression since I was in college...I'm now 32 and have a wonderful little girl and a great husband.

I called my psych about four weeks ago and told her I was going to wean off of the Lexapro...I didn't tell her about the Amitriptyline. I weaned off both meds (10mg. Lexapro, 10mg. Amitriptyline) for over a month, using The Road Back. I have been off my meds completely for 11 days and can't sleep, have anxiety and am feeling down. The thing that scares me is I can't separate whether how I'm feeling is withdrawal, or if it's "how I am" off these meds and I should go back on.

I went to my psychologist yesterday and she was angry/surprised that I went off the Amitriptyline too (T.S. I say). I asked her before I went on the meds if they cause weight gain. She said "no". Since I've started them, I've gained back all of the pregnancy weight that I lost on Weight Watchers...about 30 lbs. Since I haven't been able to sleep from Amitriptyline withdrawal, that has put a real damper on my mood too. My doctor prescribed Ambien CR for me and told me that it is non-habit forming. I googled Ambien CR and withdrawal, and it certainly seems to me that it IS habit forming and has just as much hellish problems as the other drugs during withdrawal.

My question is this: how long is it going to take to get rid of these withdrawal symptoms - how long before I can distinguish what is the withdrawal and what is "me"?

My doctor says the Amitriptyline should only be in my system for 10 days...it's been 11 and I'm having a very hard time. I haven't had the brain zaps like I usually do when withdrawing from medicine (most likely due to the Omega 3's that I'm using), but the anxiety/sleeplessness is really killing me (the Tart Cherry doesn't put a damper on my anxiety). I hope to not start taking the Ambien habitually because I want to be drug free - last night was my first night on it and I am OUT OF IT today.

Thanks to anybody who's taken the time to read this. Any help/comments/suggestions would be SO nice to hear as far as how long it takes to get these meds out of my system. I'm feeling quite alone in this little private hell caused by these meds, crying, laughting, anxiety, hyper, etc. I feel like I'm riding a rollercoster and don't know when it's going to end..

[theguy]

check out this e-book about paxil withdrawal. It seems to she some light into what really happens with withdrawal. I am on celexa and I have come off. The road back can be tough at times and depression and anxiety are withdrawal effects coming off.

http://paxilprogress.org/pdf/Paxil-W...Guide-2005.pdf

I wish you well.

[oldhen]

Hi I am new too but just wanted to tell you- I think you were very smart getting off the Amitriptyline. I was on it too and did I put on weight- I couldn't get enough sweets. I have always been tiny but now because of it I am having one heck of a time taking it off.

I had him put me on something differt and he chose Prozac- I love it I finally feel normal and they say its supposed to make you lose weight. At least I don't have ANY cravings.

Best of luck


oldhen

[annbaker1]

Hi ! I was just wondering how you came out with your withdrawal to the amitriptyline. I, too, am having a terrible time with not sleeping.

Could you let me know if you were successful getting off it and if your weight returned to normal.

[SoMuchToBeCleanFor]

Valerian root is supplement that can be found in the vitamin aisle that helps with anxiety. It's not habit-forming, and from what I know is safe to take while pregnant. I hope this helps you guys. You'll be in my prayers.

[confusedvette]

I took 25 mg of amitriptyline 2 night s in a row.I woke up nervous and anxious and paced the floor for an HOUR each night to get rid of the anxious feeling it caused.....and that was just taking TWO pills!