Amitriptyline Side Effects
Over time, the side effects of amitriptyline motivated drug makers to search for safer drugs to “treat” depression. Unfortunately, the SSRIs that have since saturated the market, have also been found to have very similar side effects and liabilities. Another shared feature among all antidepressants is they stop working over time. This is called tolerance, which often leads to increasing the dosage, the frequency, or adding more drugs to the daily regimen.7
Amitriptyline (like many psychotropic drugs) can lower the seizure threshold, especially at high dosage or in overdose.10
Amitriptyline side effects, each category lists adverse effects that are very severe and some less severe 1,2,6,7 (please note, this is not a complete list)
Black box warning: for increased suicidality and clinical worsening of depression 6,7- Birth Defects
- Cardiac events: heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations
- CNS and Neuromuscular: coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusions, mania, hypomania, confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle coordination or control, tremors, neuropathy (nerve pain), numbness, tingling, involuntary movement disorders, excitement, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, drowsiness, nightmares, weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and others
- Anticholinergic: blocked (paralyzed) intestines, urinary retention, constipation, blurred or other vision disturbances and changes in the eyes, dry mouth
- Hematologic: decreased red blood cells and loss of bone marrow function, decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), decreased platelet count resulting in unusual bleeding, bursting blood vessels (purpura), abnormal increase in certain white blood cells which are associated with inflammation, allergies, infection, asthma, rashes, trouble breathing, swelling, and certain cancers
- Gastrointestinal: liver damage, hepatitis, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, peculiar taste in the mouth, diarrhea, black tongue
- Endocrine: enlarged breasts and testicles in males, secretion of breast milk and enlarged breasts in females, increased or decreased libido, impotence, blood sugar dysregulation
- Other: weight gain or weight loss, increased urinary frequency, excessive perspiring, hair loss (alopecia), swelling in the feet, ankles, or other body parts.
Success Story: Overcoming Amitriptyline Dependence
Sarah, a 42-year-old with chronic migraines, struggled with Amitriptyline withdrawal’s fatigue and mood swings. At Alternative to Meds, a customized plan combining slow tapering, IV magnesium, art therapy and other treatment choices helped her regain energy and emotional stability within 12 weeks.
Everyone will have their own time line, based on their goals, and the many factors that are unique to the person’s profile.
Using Holistic Alternative Therapies Can Help During Amitriptyline Withdrawal
For a comprehensive description of non-pharmacologic remedies and strategies for amitriptyline withdrawal, please take time to review the vast range of strategies used at ATMC including neurotoxin removal 12 that provide relief of amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms. Alternative to Meds Center offers science-based programs to ease withdrawal and foster long-term wellness.
A few examples of evidence-based holistic services at ATMC include:
Lab testing, to inform the design and monitor the progress of an individual’s program- Safely tapering off amitriptyline under medical oversight
- Mindfulness, meditation, yoga
- Physical exercise, Qigong
- Orthomolecular nutrition plans, IV treatments
- Supplementation, personally tailored
- Neurotoxin removal
- Neurotransmitter rehabilitation
- Equine therapy
- Nebulized glutathione
- Sound Healing
- Cold Plunge Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Colon Hydrotherapy
- Sauna cleanse
- Peer Support programs
Amitriptyline Overdose Risks, Drug Interaction Risks, Notes on Pregnancy
Amitriptyline carries a high risk for death if overdose should occur. Many drugs share this liability, but amitriptyline is known to be potentially lethal and can raise risk of seizures in overdose. This is partly because the drugs effects occur so fast, and the number of mechanisms that too much of the drug in the system can disable.
There are also many risks involved with taking other medications, including alcohol, at the same time as taking amitriptyline. The types and names of drugs that should be avoided make a very, very long list, and can be found on the package insert or FDA drug label, or you can ask your prescriber if you are taking multiple drugs simultaneously.
In pregnancy, amitriptyline passes the placenta. And, though no human studies have been done, animal studies showed warning signs in newborns. Breast-feeding should be avoided if one is taking amitriptyline, and a discussion with a trusted caregiver is recommended regarding taking this drug if planning a pregnancy, or while pregnant.6-10
Amitriptyline Withdrawal at Alternative to Meds Center
There is no other program on earth that delivers the excellent, comprehensive level of care that Alternative to Meds Center does.
We have found that the vast majority of our clients have a significant neurotoxic burden that can be safely eliminated for relief. Nutrition is key for energy, healing, and restoring all aspects of health. That is why we pay close attention to consuming clean foods, ample fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality protein, all foods organic and non-processed wherever possible, and avoiding sugars, refined carbs, chemical additives, flavor enhancers, and other endocrine disruptors in foods. The body must be supplied with the proper raw materials for real healing.
You are invited to call us and get more detailed information on inpatient enrollment, costs, insurance coverage, length of stay, and other questions you may have about coming to ATMC for help with amitriptyline withdrawal. We are here to help.
Amitriptyline (marketed under the brand name Elavil) was one of the drugs born of the pharma-frenzy to find new and better schizophrenia drugs. When the drug didn’t work for schizophrenia, it was later repurposed as an “antidepressant,” or mood elevator (hence the name Elavil). Amitriptyline’s mood elevating effects were deemed a good fit for the “serotonin deficiency” theory of “depression.” Like all antidepressants, the drug accelerates the spending of available neurotransmitters, which temporarily does boost mood until these natural neurotransmitters become used up, and now there is the liability of an actual deficiency.
