Trying to wean off Elavil

[Mel]

Has anyone tried to get off of Elavil?

[Anne from Toronto Canada]

I have been on 150 mg elavil for the past 20 years and recently am trying to wean myself off it. I was successful for the first 100mg, but am having a horrible time with the last 50 mg - went through withdrawal symptoms because I stopped taking it one night. Shivers, nausea, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, lethargy... After 5 days without the elavil, I went back to my pharmacist who gave me 10mg elavil. She said to wean off very slowly ie: take 40 mg every night for the next month, then 30mg for the next month, etc... and for the last 10 mg, every other night, till I don't feel any withdrawal symptoms, then 10mg every 3 nights... Hope this helps you. Check with your doctor, before applying my experience to your own! Good luck!

[Sdiane]

Anne from Toronto Canada wrote:

I have been on 150 mg elavil for the past 20 years and recently am trying to wean myself off it. I was successful for the first 100mg, but am having a horrible time with the last 50 mg - went through withdrawal symptoms because I stopped taking it one night. Shivers, nausea, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, lethargy... After 5 days without the elavil, I went back to my pharmacist who gave me 10mg elavil. She said to wean off very slowly ie: take 40 mg every night for the next month, then 30mg for the next month, etc... and for the last 10 mg, every other night, till I don't feel any withdrawal symptoms, then 10mg every 3 nights... Hope this helps you. Check with your doctor, before applying my experience to your own! Good luck!

I also have been taking this rx for 27 years. I'm tired of constipation and weight gain. Last night my first night to cut back to 25 mg but, I think that is too extreme. I was on 100, then 50 for one week and Dr. said go to 25. Well, I couldn't get to sleep, had jerks, heart racing, weird dreams but, did finally fall asleep and stay asleep. I'm going to try my hardest to beat this RX. And they say it isn't an addictive med.

[Sdiane]

I also have been on this rx for 27 years. I'm tired of constipation and weight gain. Was on 100 then cut to 50 about two weeks ago. Was having nausea, and depression. Although, I have nothing to be depressed over. Dr. told me yesterday to cut to 25. I couldn't sleep. Had jerks, heart racing and weird dreams. Finally, slept well once asleep. I'm talking to my pharmacist today to be put on a more realistic dosing so I can be free once and for all. Good luck to all I think it might be tough.