Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: discogirl on April 14, 2024, 02:29:25 PM
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Ive been on Amitryptline for 2yrs now. Ive been on 10mg and I take it mornings as its never done anything for my sleep.
Im wanting to taper off slowly as ive introduced cbd gummies and they appear, although early days to be helping.
I just wondered how others tapered off and what the withdrawal was like, which im most scared of to be honest.
Thank you x
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I was given this for acute anxiety
20mg x 2 daily :-\
Didn’t find it helped at all so gradually reduced dose over a few weeks
I also took Kalms CBD gummies and Rescue Remedy
Maybe have a chat with your GP first, you can always up your dose if you think you need to but think a slow steady pace is best
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I've never taken this drug, but just to let you know you can get it prescribed in liquid form if you want to taper slower. Thos is what I am going to do with my citalopram.
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I was given this for acute anxiety
20mg x 2 daily :-\
Didn’t find it helped at all so gradually reduced dose over a few weeks
I also took Kalms CBD gummies and Rescue Remedy
Maybe have a chat with your GP first, you can always up your dose if you think you need to but think a slow steady pace is best
Hi kathryn22
Did you cut the pill into quarters or halves?
Were you taking the kalms cbd gummies at the same time as tapering off? sorry for all the questions but can I ask what side effects you had? how long were you on the amitryptline and how many weeks did it take you to come off please. thank you x
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I've never taken this drug, but just to let you know you can get it prescribed in liquid form if you want to taper slower. Thos is what I am going to do with my citalopram.
Hi penguin
I was thinking about asking for it in liquid form but ( im terrible for overthinking) but i wondered if moving from pill to liquid form would change how quickly absorption was or if the concentration would be altered in any way?
It would be easier in liquid form though.
How is the tapering off the citalopram going? How long have you been tapering? xx thank you
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I've never taken this drug, but just to let you know you can get it prescribed in liquid form if you want to taper slower. Thos is what I am going to do with my citalopram.
Hi penguin
I was thinking about asking for it in liquid form but ( im terrible for overthinking) but i wondered if moving from pill to liquid form would change how quickly absorption was or if the concentration would be altered in any way?
It would be easier in liquid form though.
How is the tapering off the citalopram going? How long have you been tapering? xx thank you
Haven't started yet. I have appointment with psychiatrist next week with a view to getting a taper plan for the citalopram and finding what else to try instead for the anxiety. I will be asking for the liquid to taper though. I hadn't thought of that re the switch to liquid. Perhaps you could initially try same dose that you are on with the tablets and see if it is okay before lowering? I will ask at my appointment next week as same thing will apply for me! I plan to taper really slowly.
As an aside, I'm looking ideally to get something from him that helps with hot flashes as I also plan on tapering off hrt.
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Hi penguin
I would be interested to learn what taper plan he gives you.
How long have you been on the citalopram?
Best of luck with it all.
maybe we could share our journey and encourage each other.
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Hi penguin
I would be interested to learn what taper plan he gives you.
How long have you been on the citalopram?
Best of luck with it all.
maybe we could share our journey and encourage each other.
Nearly 2 years. Feel like I am taking a sugar pill for all the good its doing me, my anxiety is the worst it has even been.
Yes I'd like that, DM me. And happy to share the taper plan. I'm seeing him on 23rd, so week after next.
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I was on this for about a year. All it did was make me groggy in the morning. I slowly tapered by cutting in half and also by stretching the times between doses so reduced over 4 days then 3 then 2 etc. I can't remember precisely but just tried to do it really slowly and it was quite effective. I did have some days when I felt nauseous / dizzy but wasn't sure if it was related or not. Probably took about 3/4 months to wean off completely from 10mg dose.
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I've never taken this drug, but just to let you know you can get it prescribed in liquid form if you want to taper slower. Thos is what I am going to do with my citalopram.
My understanding is that you can only obtain any liquid form having seen a psychiatrist/consultant but would like to think otherwise ?
I weaned off low dose amitriptyline for pain very gradually years ago but had not been using it for as long as 2 years. Bought a pill cutter which helped.
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Hey Discogirl
Completely ignore my post🤣🤦♀️
This is what happens when your atrophy is so bad it scrambles your brain
It was Propranalol I was given this time round for my anxiety not Amitryptline
Although I did have Amitriyptline some years ago for about 6 months made me feels awful so gradually reduced the dose over a month and then did a bit of cold turkey for a week Wouldn’t take it again
Sorry to have mislead you
Can only blame the atrophy and long Covid and the menopause and anxiety etc etc etc
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Hi penguin
I would be interested to learn what taper plan he gives you.
How long have you been on the citalopram?
Best of luck with it all.
maybe we could share our journey and encourage each other.
Nearly 2 years. Feel like I am taking a sugar pill for all the good its doing me, my anxiety is the worst it has even been.
Yes I'd like that, DM me. And happy to share the taper plan. I'm seeing him on 23rd, so week after next.
Hi penguin
Thanks I will do. I appreciate that x
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I was on this for about a year. All it did was make me groggy in the morning. I slowly tapered by cutting in half and also by stretching the times between doses so reduced over 4 days then 3 then 2 etc. I can't remember precisely but just tried to do it really slowly and it was quite effective. I did have some days when I felt nauseous / dizzy but wasn't sure if it was related or not. Probably took about 3/4 months to wean off completely from 10mg dose.
hi shropshirelass
thats helpful thank you.
I will get a pill cutter. did your sleep get affected at all x
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Hey Discogirl
Completely ignore my post🤣🤦♀️
This is what happens when your atrophy is so bad it scrambles your brain
It was Propranalol I was given this time round for my anxiety not Amitryptline
Although I did have it some years ago for about 6 months made me feels awful so gradually reduced the dose over a month and then did a bit of cold turkey for a week Wouldn’t take it again
Sorry to have mislead you
Can only blame the atrophy and long Covid and the menopause and anxiety etc etc etc
[/quot
hi kathryn22
dont worry at all. your information was still helpful.
it was very kind of you to reply x
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I've never taken this drug, but just to let you know you can get it prescribed in liquid form if you want to taper slower. Thos is what I am going to do with my citalopram.
My understanding is that you can only obtain any liquid form having seen a psychiatrist/consultant but would like to think otherwise ?
I weaned off low dose amitriptyline for pain very gradually years ago but had not been using it for as long as 2 years. Bought a pill cutter which helped.
hi minusminnie
ah well never mind. I will buy a pill cutter.
thank you x
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I've never taken this drug, but just to let you know you can get it prescribed in liquid form if you want to taper slower. Thos is what I am going to do with my citalopram.
My understanding is that you can only obtain any liquid form having seen a psychiatrist/consultant but would like to think otherwise ?
I weaned off low dose amitriptyline for pain very gradually years ago but had not been using it for as long as 2 years. Bought a pill cutter which helped.
Ah now that I don't know. I would hope it is possible for a GP to prescribe given they are the ones usually to put us on these meds. You can taper much slower with liquid. Another question I will ask and feed back next week!
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This has info about tapering off antidepressants and says it reflects the NICE guidelines as of March 2024. Talks about how to taper / taper plans and use of liquid when explaining how to get down to really low doses. Apparently some people need to go super low, like 2%, before stopping. I can't see how on earth you could do that with a tablet. Discogirl I think you need to argue your case quite strongly for using liquid.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants
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I may have slept a bit better when on it but no massive improvement. I do issues with sleep. I was concerned about my sleep being worse when I came off it, but it wasn't greatly affected.
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This has info about tapering off antidepressants and says it reflects the NICE guidelines as of March 2024. Talks about how to taper / taper plans and use of liquid when explaining how to get down to really low doses. Apparently some people need to go super low, like 2%, before stopping. I can't see how on earth you could do that with a tablet. Discogirl I think you need to argue your case quite strongly for using liquid.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants
Hi Penguin
Thanks so much for this information, it's a massive help.
and yes, I want to taper off slowly as its wiser but as you say I would really need the meds in liquid form to do that.
I shall make an appt to see my gp.
thanks again for this penguin x
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I may have slept a bit better when on it but no massive improvement. I do issues with sleep. I was concerned about my sleep being worse when I came off it, but it wasn't greatly affected.
Hi shropshirelass,
I'm thinking if I taper slowly that should help as well.
I,m hoping the same about my sleep as well x
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This has info about tapering off antidepressants and says it reflects the NICE guidelines as of March 2024. Talks about how to taper / taper plans and use of liquid when explaining how to get down to really low doses. Apparently some people need to go super low, like 2%, before stopping. I can't see how on earth you could do that with a tablet. Discogirl I think you need to argue your case quite strongly for using liquid.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants
Hi penguin
Just looked at the attachment, its really good with lots of information.
The tapering plans seem quite complicated, might just be me, but seems a lot to get my head around x
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This has info about tapering off antidepressants and says it reflects the NICE guidelines as of March 2024. Talks about how to taper / taper plans and use of liquid when explaining how to get down to really low doses. Apparently some people need to go super low, like 2%, before stopping. I can't see how on earth you could do that with a tablet. Discogirl I think you need to argue your case quite strongly for using liquid.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants
Hi penguin
Just looked at the attachment, its really good with lots of information.
The tapering plans seem quite complicated, might just be me, but seems a lot to get my head around x
Yeah I thought that too. I don't think you need to do all the calculations though. The key is to keep is small and then hold for a period of time. I will ask the psych next week and then message you as I'll be going through same thing. I haven't looked up the half life either citalopram or amitriptyline and I think that'll influence things too. A long half life = withdrawal starting later so may need a longer hold period. Happy to help you work it all out of you like, we can learn together!
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Looked up this morning and you can crush the amitriptyline tablets which may not taste too good but a way possibly of taking smaller and smaller doses ? Worth asking GP about ?
Hope i'm wrong re how to obtain a liquid form but a liquid form of a different drug was not being offered by a GP for a family member. It came from seeing a consultant.
Hope your appointment goes well for you on the 23rd Penquin.
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Penguin - Thanks for all the information it really is much appreciated x
Minusminnie - I will ask my gp about the liquid form if I can't then I will maybe try and cut them, I was wondering about crushing them but i want to try and get as accurate a dosage as I can. Worth a try I suppose though x
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Hi. Just scanning this thread.
I recently got liquid escitalopram through my GP to aid in my increasing. Not gone there yet, but that's another story.
I never even had an appointment I just asked as a special prescription request - no problem.
I can't see why it would be a big deal. It's the same med.
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Hi Crispychick
I will definately ask, when I get to speak to my gp.
It will just be easier in my withdrawing.
Thanks so much for your help x
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Shouldn’t be a big deal …
Liquid costs more, so many GPs won’t do it - especially when they don’t understand/ believe it’s important- cos it goes outside budget :(
Xx
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Your so right Hollyboll, all comes down to money with gp's now.
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Ah ok. ::)
I was lucky then. I'm not normally lucky as here in Scotland prescriptions are free and it often feels we get less access to meds because of that.
Ok. Push your case discogirl. Just tell them you absolutely cannot get off them trying with tablets. Surely it's cheaper in the long run to have you off the drug :o
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Hi Crispychick
I would have thought the same that in the long run its cheaper to have me off the meds but who knows with the NHS these days. My gp is lovely so I hopefully speak to him tomorrow. Thank you xx
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Hi everyone,
Just wanted to give an update.
My lovely gp has prescribed the amitrypline in liquid form, so once I've got the medicine, I will swop over to the liquid form and start tapering.
My gp has said that because I was on only 10mg I could just stop the tablets!!! But given peoples experiences of withdrawal I didn't want to chance that.
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Hope it goes well for you.
Thanks. Just shows GPs can prescribe liquid they just don't let you know about it.
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He is a really nice gp. But your right its all down to finances with nhs now.
i only hope im ok going from pill to liquid form but im determined to get off them xx
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Oh that's amazing, well done discogirl, really pleased he's done that. Did he give you advice on the taper plan with the liquid or are you working that out on your own?
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Hi penguin
No he didnt give me a tapering plan. I might have to work that one out for myself.
He was all for me stopping it straight away! I told him i was taking cbd gummies to help with sleep and hes quite an advocate of cbd.
Bit frightened of starting the taper but hopefully if i do it carefully that will minimise the side effects.
let me know how you get on xxx
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Hi penguin
No he didnt give me a tapering plan. I might have to work that one out for myself.
He was all for me stopping it straight away! I told him i was taking cbd gummies to help with sleep and hes quite an advocate of cbd.
Bit frightened of starting the taper but hopefully if i do it carefully that will minimise the side effects.
let me know how you get on xxx
I will do, my appointment is next Tuesday!
Amitriptyline has a half life of between 10 and 28 hours from what I've read, whereas citaloptan half life is 35 hours. So I guess the key is to have a hold point for each reduction of a decent amount of time, like at least a couple of weeks so that you allow time for any side effects to show.
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Hi penguin
No he didnt give me a tapering plan. I might have to work that one out for myself.
He was all for me stopping it straight away! I told him i was taking cbd gummies to help with sleep and hes quite an advocate of cbd.
Bit frightened of starting the taper but hopefully if i do it carefully that will minimise the side effects.
let me know how you get on xxx
As scary as it is, I am also feeling quite excited about the thought of being free of this drug which definitely isn't working, and finding something that does.
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Specialist advice generally is that even the RCS is too fast - unfortunately psychiatrists are people who prescribe drugs.
For anyone trying to taper, I'd recommend looking at Critical Psychiatry / survingantidepressants.org / the work of Horowitz / Healy - lots around including on youtube.
Idea generally is to reduce by 10% not more than every month or so - your CNS needs time to catch up and stabilise. That means the reductions get very small as you get to lower doses. So it's easier with liquid although there are other options - lots of info on survingantidepressants.org
Some people are fine doing halving and quicker etc but a lot of people have problems - hence even the RCS updated its guidelines and the Critical Psychiatry movement (all of whom, like Horowitz and Healey are psychiatrists).
The effective half-lifes can vary from hours to days - or even longer for some - I don't think it's really about whether something is listed as 28 or 35 ... and as always different people react/metabolise differently. Best practice isn't to shorten the hold just because something has a short half-life - but to give yourself proper chance to stabilise after each decrement; it's just that a longer half-life might give you a less bumpy ride / side-effects ... and for those with particularly long half-lives (eg fluoxetine) any effects might only emerge a lot later.
HTH and good luck to all
xx
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Hi Hollyboll
Thanks so much, such a lot of good information.
Yes I agree, I intend to reduce by no more than 10% so my CNS can stablise. I've been on 10mg in tablet form for 2yrs and pick up my liquid amitriptyline on friday.
I am intending to go slowly so I agree that 10% reduction would be fine.
I think the half life of the amitry is between 9 to 15 hours I think, not as long as fluoxetine, but I am currently taking cbd gummies at night to help with sleep however the cbd and the amitry both get metabolised through the same enzyme which means that the AD stays in my system longer.
Thanks so much for your advice x