Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Ways To Cut Down On Amitriptyline And Tramadol

I have been on amityripline for fifteen years with Tramadol. This was for nerve pain. I tried to cut down from 50mg to 25mg when I stopped taking the amityripline I had a frightening nights sleep. I was terrified to be in my own flat. I felt my blood was rushing through my veins like a roller coaster. Can I stop taking amitripline suddenly.?
Kathleen
Thu, 25 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. You are taking 50 mg amitriptyline and tremadol since years and are taking regularly. Abrupt stoppage of the drug can precipitate the withdrawal so should be avoided. Best way to wean off the drug is by reducing the doses gradually. As you have been taking taking the drug since years so the weaning should be continued for at least 6-10 weeks. The doses should be reduced by about 20% every two weeks and reduction of doses in this manner will not cause much withdrawal symptoms. In my opinion don't wean off both drugs simultaneously and first stop taking one drug and then wean off second drug. For problems of insomnia during weaning off the drugs medicines like benzodiazepines can help. Please consult a psychiatrist for detailed prescription.

Thanks, Hope this helps you.

Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Ways To Cut Down On Amitriptyline And Tramadol

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. You are taking 50 mg amitriptyline and tremadol since years and are taking regularly. Abrupt stoppage of the drug can precipitate the withdrawal so should be avoided. Best way to wean off the drug is by reducing the doses gradually. As you have been taking taking the drug since years so the weaning should be continued for at least 6-10 weeks. The doses should be reduced by about 20% every two weeks and reduction of doses in this manner will not cause much withdrawal symptoms. In my opinion don t wean off both drugs simultaneously and first stop taking one drug and then wean off second drug. For problems of insomnia during weaning off the drugs medicines like benzodiazepines can help. Please consult a psychiatrist for detailed prescription. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi Psychiatrist.