Any adverse effects switching from amitriptyline to nortriptyline (after withdrawal)?
Question posted by superhalfcircle on 16 Oct 2018
Last updated on 22 November 2021 by Richard wallace
I was on 10 mg amitriptyline for 3 months for headaches and insomnia. I tolerated this dose well with some dry mouth and grogginess upon waking. After 3 months I decided to taper down, with the approval of my neurologist. I tapered to 5 mg (using a pill splitter) for 1 month and then 2.5 mg... but promptly began experiencing major withdrawal symptoms. I had 10/10 headache that sent me to the ER, as well as high levels of fear, panic, and anxiety which are completely abnormal for me. Correlated to this was also diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and trouble urinating.
We connected all this to withdrawal and I went back up to 10 mg, with symptoms steadily improving. Note that Ami has delayed withdrawal symptoms. More recently, my progress seems to have stalled and somewhat declined. I am again experiencing rapid heart rate and headache, but the emotional symptoms are not as pronounced.
The doc has suggested that I switch to Nortriptyline as perhaps it can be more effective for me. I would like to know if anyone has had experience switching from Amitrip to Nortrip and if you noted any adverse effects with the switch? I am hesitant to change things. I do not want to go through withdrawal all over again.
Also, has anyone gone through Amitrip withdrawal and what was your experience like/what did you do to stabilize and then taper effectively later on?
I have been on amitriptyline for years, 75 mg. I tried to get off numerous times, went to ER a few times. I got down to 30 mg but trying to get off it totally wouldn’t happen. Ten plus headaches, nausea, awful. In my mind it is a dangerous drug you can’t get off it. I have been changed to nortriptyline but it doesn’t work as well, not quite as sedated, but my headaches are back, which is the reason I was on amitriptyline.
Votes: +0
AE
Aeggo
4 Aug 2019
I’m in the same boat, did you try the nortriptyline? I switched about three weeks ago and feel crazy and I don’t know if I should wait it out or it’s not for me.
Votes: +0
SU
superhalfcircle
6 Aug 2019
Hi Aeggo, it's been awhile since visiting this site and a lot has improved for me, thankfully. I did not switch to Nortriptyline. Decided to stay on Ami to keep variables the same. I was in a very distressing situation from withdrawal but after I reinstated to my original dose (10 mg Ami) things stabilized after 6 months, with some ups and downs. I am now tapering at a very slow rate of 0.5 mg per month, with help from a compounding pharmacy. I highly suggest you to check out the following websites: Mad in America and Surviving Antidepressants. The second site is a peer support forum and you will find a lot of answers on there. Wish you the best. However "crazy" you feel now, it WILL pass with time. You are not alone.
AE
Aeggo
6 Aug 2019
Thank you so much
BU
Buggs333
17 Oct 2018
Hi, first I wanted to say that because those two meds are related I doubt that you will have too many problems switching. Secondly, I loved my amitriptyline. How ever at about the age of 47, my pcp wanted my psychiatrist to get me off of t due to it affecting my heart. Take into consideration I had been on it most of my adult life. Also I was on 150 mgs. My psychiatrist just took me straight off. I thought I was going to die. I laid on the couch for a week or so. I could never sleep. I just remembered being sooooooo sick. I lost 25 pounds in two weeks. Also I got really depressed. I never did fully get all the way better for 12 months. So like, it took a year to recover. I doubt it will be like that for you because of the lower dose and because you are going on its sister drug. (Related). I really do hope you get better. Let us know how it all goes. Best of luck.
