Stopping the use of amitriptyline may lead to withdrawal symptoms as your body tries to adjust to a decrease or absence of this medication. Amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms are generally mild, although some individuals might experience more severe symptoms.
How Long Do Amitriptyline Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Symptoms of amitriptyline withdrawal can last for a varying length of time. Generally, research shows that these symptoms might last between 1 and 3 weeks.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms or amitriptyline withdrawal might appear when individuals suddenly stop taking this medication, especially if they have been taking it for several weeks. Common symptoms that might occur include malaise, headaches, and nausea. When doses of amitriptyline are gradually decreased, some individuals have reported experiencing restlessness, sleep disturbances, and irritability within 2 weeks. In rare cases, individuals have experienced hypomania within 2 to 7 days after stopping the chronic use of amitriptyline.
Precautions
Since withdrawal symptoms may be more severe in some individuals, those who take this medication should follow their medical provider’s instructions for gradually decreasing or tapering the dosage. Slowly stopping the use of this medication rather than abruptly stopping it might help reduce the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment Options
Amitriptyline is not known to cause addiction, so addiction treatment is not generally needed. Those who are going through withdrawal from this medication should let their medical provider know if their symptoms are severe or if these symptoms continue for longer than a few weeks.
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