Stopping amitriptyline to go back on citalopram

Treatment and medication
1

Hi guys,

I have done 2 weeks on 10mg of amitriptyline. Been getting ringing in my ears, finding it hard to wake up and feeling very low.

Saw the GP today and she says amitriptyline only work as an antidepressant with a minimum 50mg dose, I don't think I could handle that so going back on citalopram.

My worry is will I have any side effects from stopping the amitriptyline? I feel like I have failed myself looks like I will be on antidepressants all my life as the anxiety seems to rule my life. Thanks

2

Amy it's only a very low dose of amitriptyline

And you have only been on it 2 weeks takes around 4-6 for full effect I'm no doctor or pharmacist if you are worried give them a ring but I can't see it being any side effects

You have not failed at all don't think like that the Drug was not working for you I get ringing in the ears 24/7 but I'm used to it

Now

Please don't feel that way xx take care

3

Thanks Marshall, I wasn't going to stop but the doctor said it would be for the best when she saw me today. I couldn't handle a larger dose and I don't really have pain just headaches and numbness.

At least I tried!!

4

Yes you did try It's not a easy drug to take I struggle on 40mg along with tramdol but it's working for me and I'm at last having a good night sleep pain free good luck with citalopram and keep strong my mother is on lithium since she was 45 she's now 78 so it's no shame too take meds

Xx

5

Hi, 

I have been on amitriptyline for about 2 months, for migraine. Also have tinnitus, which I believe has got worse whilst taking amitript. I'm on 40mg at the mo, meant to increase to 70mg but don't think I will coz of the tiredness. 10mg seems quite a low dose to be getting side effects. If you haven't asked the doc if it's ok to stop and start citalopram I'd ring the surgery and ask advice. 

Don't feel a failiure, I also suffer anxiety/depression and have been on anti-depressants for many years. It's just finding what works for you, and it's not your fault if one doesn't work for you. 

Also I think it takes longer than 2 weeks for them to get in your system. I'd call the doc and get some answers. Take care, Vic.

6

I think it's been a good thing for me to try because it's made me realise how bad my anxiety really is. I think my headache/numbness is all related. I'm seeing a councellor in a couple of weeks and she is still sending me for a neurology referral just in case. Fingers crossed I will feel better in a few weeks. Thanks for all your help again 😀

7

Thanks, I saw the GP today she doesn't think the amitriptyline I offered to carry on but she said not to and to start the citalopram straight away and just stop the amitriptyline. I think all my headaches/numbness is caused my anxiety to be honest. Just need it to stop but it's not looking very good x

8

If the GP says to change straight away then I wouldn't worry too much. And the dose isn't too high on the amitript. Headache/numbness could be migraine related? Good that you are seeing a neurologist. They were helpful with me. Good luck! x

9

Thanks, just out of interest what did the neurologist say/do?

10

I'd had an MRI and gone for the results. He said the MRI was clear and all my symptoms were migraine related. Hence the amitriptyline. So I didn't really have a consultation with him before that. I'm guessing they will ask you a lot of questions, and perhaps book you for a scan if necessary. Looks like you are on the right track.