Amitriptyline Addiction, Amitriptyline Dependence
Despite amitriptyline being one of the earliest antidepressant medications brought to market over 60 years ago. very little research was ever done on the potential of amitriptyline addiction. Hence, amitriptyline was long considered to be without addictive properties. However, recent research has shed more light on amitriptyline addiction, and the signs and consequences of amitriptyline addiction. Amitriptyline addiction is not common, but instances of amitriptyline dependence and amitriptyline addiction have now been documented, according to an impressive review of actual case studies and amitriptyline research authored by Umaharan et al, published in the Journal of Case Reports in Psychiatry in January 2021.2
Amitriptyline addiction or dependence is generally classed into two categories: physiological or physical dependence, and more prominently, psychological dependence. In the research mentioned above, a case history report follows a patient who became both physically and psychologically addicted to amitriptyline.
Amitriptyline addiction was reportedly linked to its sedative, psychedelic, and euphoric effects, according to the highly detailed case report study. Of great concern, amitriptyline is subject to dose tolerance, where a person desires a higher dose to achieve the same results. In the case of this antidepressant, this can induce a lethal outcome, as the overdose lethality of amitriptyline is extremely high. In fact, amitriptyline ranks as having the highest lethality rate of all antidepressants in the world.1
How Long do Amitriptyline Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Amitriptyline withdrawal is commonly reported to last a number of weeks or months until these symptoms eventually begin to fade.23
Individual factors can greatly affect the time it takes to recover from withdrawal, such as age, general health, genetic factors, quality of the diet, social support or lack thereof, stress from the immediate environment, co-prescribed medications, extant pathology, or other factors.
Discontinuing/Quitting Amitriptyline)
Whether one is experiencing amitriptyline addiction or dependence, some people will experience very mild amitriptyline withdrawals, while others may feel so overwhelmed as to make the task feel impossible to endure. It can happen that without proper support and guidance, the person may decide to give up completely and go back on the antidepressant. Despite the well-established risks of prescribing TCAs and SSRIs and other medications concurrently, the practice is shockingly common.17,22 Polydrug detoxification can become too complex to manage in a detox facility that is designed for mono drug detoxification.5 With proper step-by-step help, it may be possible for even the most difficult of amitriptyline withdrawals to be gently and correctly guided along to a successful outcome. Once amitriptyline addiction or dependence has developed, we strongly urge anyone to find the help that will get you through the gradual cessation experience safely rather than suffering on your own.
Can I Stop Taking Amitriptyline Cold Turkey?
It is unsafe to try stopping amitriptyline cold turkey. Abrupt withdrawal from amitriptyline (or Elavil, Endep, or other brand names) can be hard to distinguish from the signs of acute toxicity.3
Acute toxicity develops rapidly whatever the cause and requires immediate hospitalization to prevent injury or death. Airway compromise, respiratory failure, coma, seizure, and convulsions can all present and need intensive care to prevent irreparable damage.
Coming off tricyclic antidepressant drugs such as Elavil (amitriptyline) should never be done abruptly or too quickly. Always consult a medical caregiver/physician who is familiar with safe Elavil or amitriptyline withdrawal treatment before you begin any attempt to come off an antidepressant.
Two important facts about this drug are that Elavil withdrawal/amitriptyline withdrawal should never be done abruptly and that amitriptyline ranks number one of all antidepressant drugs for death due to suicide.
An astounding 2 of every 5 antidepressant-related suicides link to amitriptyline, according to a 2017 report by Dr. J Craig Nelson (UCal), and Dr. Daniel A. Spyker (Oregon Health & Science University in Portland).1 This report suggests strongly that it would be best to learn how to get off amitriptyline and similar drugs safely so as to avoid such consequences.
Amitriptyline (under the brand name Elavil) was one of the very first TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) ever produced. The “tricyclics” were first marketed in the 1960s. The word tricyclic comes from the triple ring of atoms that comprise the drug’s structure. The toxicity of this drug has become renowned. Attempting suicide with a high dose of amitriptyline is usually “successful,” as Elavil’s lethal effects are tragically well documented over the last nearly six decades. Fatal overdoses with amitriptyline/Elavil have been reported, due to the drug’s toxic effects on neurochemistry, the heart, respiratory and other systems.1
We have collated important and useful information concerning this neurotoxic substance, but there may be other questions you have about amitriptyline addiction, dependence, or other questions that you should consult your doctor or caregiver about. Be especially vigilant with your research, especially if you have not yet begun a prescription. As even the FDA label suggests, though not as clearly as we would like, there may be alternative, safer ways to achieve your health and wellness goals rather than tricyclic medications that the drugmakers and regulators themselves admit are unknown as to how they work.9
Below, we will cover Elavil or amitriptyline side effects, helpful information regarding Elavil withdrawal/ amitriptyline withdrawal treatment, and other information that may be useful in deciding how or when to seek Elavil or amitriptyline tapering and withdrawal help. The information below provides help to anyone to acquire some familiarity with how the drug can potentially affect various functions of the body, including the heart, the digestive and urinary tracts, and the brain.