So you may have noticed that I’ve been a little absent for the past week. My laptop died, which didn’t help matters, but the main reason was my Amitriptyline reduction. I went down from 75mg to 50mg. This forced me to take a little break, so I thought I would give you a little insight into the initial reaction the body can have to not having a drug it has relied upon for so long. I need to say at this point that all medications will have the potential for symptoms to return, sometimes more vigorously than previously experiences & that it depends on what the medication does & is used for as to what the reaction may be. If you are reducing medication & are concerned about anything, please discuss these with your GP & consultant.
Amitriptyline was originally used as an anti-depressant, but is now more commonly used in the management of certain types of pain. I take Amitriptyline for the pain I experience in relation to my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Unfortunately, because of the way in which Amitriptyline alters the chemicals of the brain, I struggled with the reduction. I experienced an overwhelming sense of despair. I felt detached from the world & unable to cope. I was lacklustre, struggling to concentrate & had very little enthusiasm for anything. I knew these feelings were caused by the change in my brain chemicals, as a result of the reduction & that it would pass. I’ve had reactions like this to medication before & this isn’t the worst I’ve experiences. I’m glad it has only taken a week to feel much more like myself!
I am progressing with the reduction, as you can see by comparing the picture above to the one below, but there is still a way to go. I should be off everything by December. When you reed this, I will have made another reduction, this time to my Gabapentin (long yellow capsules).
My migraine pain has been steadily increasing with each reduction. My joints weren’t affected by the Sodium Valproate (an anti-convulsant also used to treat Basilar Type Migraine) reduction, but since I started reducing my Gabapentin (an anti-convulsant & nerve pain blocker) my EDS pain has also increased. I am now experiencing pins & needles, shooting pain aching & tingling pain in most of my joints. I have had occasions when walking has been difficult. Luckily these haven’t lasted long.
I don’t know how far my body could deteriorate, but what I do know is that the baby at the end of this journey will make it all worthwhile.
I’d just like to thank you all for your support & friendship as I take this step toward the next chapter of my life. I will do my best to keep up with my blog schedule, but know that you’ll understand that this may not always be possible.
Find me on:
Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Snapchat | Google+
You can also sign up for my newsletter!
I really empathise Tanya. It’s horrible how coming off a drug can do such horrible things to you. Keep the end goal in mind and imagine all of the happiness that you will feel at that time. Hopefully it will help get you through this difficult time. Hugs.
Thanks Donna. It’s crazy the effect meds can have on us, positive & negative. I will, thank you. The thought of being a parent is starting to scare me, though I’m sure a lot of pregnant women feel like that & I’m not even at that stage yet! You’re quite right, it will definitely be worth it & I need to keep that at the forefront of my mind. Thank you for your kind words. Xx
Thanks Donna, you’re so right – what ever happens now will be so worth it for a baby! Xx
Sending all the love and hugs, I can’t even imagine how it must be reducing meds but you can totally do this, just try to stay focussed. Always about if you need me x
Thank you Sarah! Love you beautiful! Xx
I’m on the same medication and occasionally don’t take any for a few days (If i’m having alcohol) and haven’t noticed any bad affects of it. Maybe i’m lucky but i’ll definitely look out for them in the future. So sorry to hear you’re feeling this bad. I hope it works out soon
xx
http://www.adrugstoreaddiction.com
That’s interesting Jemma. My GP was very specific that I mustn’t under any circumstances miss a dose. It would depend on why it’s being taken & the dose though I’m sure. Thank you for your kind words! Xx
Does that mean your’re not allowed to drink alcohol? I’m thinking of changing GP because mine never tells me anything! xx
I couldn’t say I’m afraid Jemma. I can’t drink alcohol as I’m on Gabapentin. I did it once & was fast asleep within 5 minutes. I only had one drink & slept for 2 hours in a busy room! I hope you’re able to find a more supportive GP. Xx
Stay strong, it’s tuff coming of medication that you know your body actually needs. A baby in the end though will be so worth it x
Thanks Katy, you’re so right! Xx
You should be so proud of yourself darling! It takes time to come off medication and I noticed when I reduced my Amitriptyline that I felt exactly the same and I had a sense of panic too which didn’t help, but it gets better darling!
Love, Amie ❤
The
Curvaceous Vegan | Instagram
| Twitter |
Facebook
Thank you so much! I couldn’t do it without the constant support of my family & friends. It’s good to know it’s not an uncommon effect for when I have to reduce again. Xx
Thank you so much! I couldn’t do it without the constant support of my family & friends. It’s good to know it’s not an uncommon effect for when I have to reduce again. Xx