Depression Forum - Coming off nortriptyline (allegron)

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Q: Coming off nortriptyline (allegron)

asked by: freo_boy_83 on April 24th, 2009

New User

Hi everyone, I have been on antidepressants for about 6yrs now, and recently I have noticed I am not myself, I find it hard to feel emotions, I feel like I am living in a bubble, not to mention the other side effects such as weight gain and sweating (the 2 major and troubling 1's)
So currently I am taking 100mg (4 tablets) per day, about 1 year about I dropped from 150mg to 100mg per day and it was relatively easy, and now I want to come off them completely.
My doctors have informed me that I will be on these meds for life, but I think I am pretty stable now, I dont really have suicidal thoughts any longer, and my coping strategies are far better now then before. I really want to come off the meds cause I need to be myself again, I want to feel normal and myself, without the medical conditions I have now.
Please pass on your advice and experiences, it would be really appreciated. I am going away for 1 week in 2 weeks time, I am hoping to use that time to possibly come off the meds, thanks.

Replies(7)

gagelle

replied on May 12th, 2009

New User

Coming off nortriptyline (allegron)

Reduce the dosage slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Two weeks does not sound like enough time, in my opinion.

Users who thank gagelle for this post: Fairy Godmother

Fairy Godmother

replied on May 12th, 2009

Supporter

gagelle is CORRECT 2 weeks is not enough time. I was on Effexor and it had hte same effect on me. I had to gradually eliminate it, and had dizzy spells, just a weird feeling coming off of them. I can relate why you want ot come off the nortriptyline, as hte Effexor made me a numd non caring individual. No feelings.....I am presently on Nnortriplyline 75mg and can honestly say, I'll stay on this dose. Sometimes our brains need this because we can't function alone, that's where the meds step in. If you read my profile and the posts I;ve tried to respond too, you 'll see I am a very caring individual. I take the nortriptyline to keep migraines away. If you really want to come off the Nortriptyline, do it SLOWLY...

gagelle

replied on May 12th, 2009

New User

coming off Effexor

Hi Fairy Godmother. I'm in the process of coming off Effexor now. It has some of the worst withdrawal effects of any antidepressant. I'm going very slowly but it's still not easy. The drug just stopped working for me. I'm supposed to start Nortriptyline. The strange thing is that despite all the withdrawal pains, I feel more alive and can think clearly. (I also have migraines, depression and a back problem.)

I find that regular exercise is very helpful. (It even helps my back.) I lift weights and ride a stationary bike. It's amazing how much the exercise alleviates my symptoms. I'm still debating with myself about whether to start the Nortriptyline.

freo_boy_83

replied on May 12th, 2009

New User

Hi gagelle and fairy godmother, thank you both for all your advice. As I have mentioned I am on 100mg of allegron a day till 18 days ago, I cut my dose down to 75mg per day, and it has not been too easy as I have had a few stress's to deal with, but in all I think I am doing well, however has doctors and both of you have adviced, 2 weeks isnt enough, so I am going to stay on this dose for another 2 weeks, and if I am still doing fine I will go see a doctor to advice on going down to 50mg, that is my goal and hope to do that, but if not then I will have accept that I will stay on them.
I hope both of you stay well, and again thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it Smile

girl79

replied on May 21st, 2009

New User

You do need to do it slowly, some of my withdrawals were worse than the symptoms i started taking it for - and i found it hard to work out if it was me or the withdrawals, but if u hang in there they do go away. I was taking it for depression and anxiety. I cut mine down to 25mg a day but am going back up again. I am curious if anyone feels effexor works better for them with less side effects? I heard effexor and the newer version Paxil arent meant to cause weight gain?

freo_boy_83

replied on May 21st, 2009

New User

Girl79

I girl79, thanks for your advice. I cannot speak for effexor or paxil, but I have horrible side effects on my meds, the 2 worst are hot sweats, and weight gain, I am told they are not common side effects, but they are known to affect some people. I am finding it sooo hard to loose the weight, but it is possible. I am thnking that I am doing well with my meds, so I am going to cut down to 50mg per day.

gagelle

replied on May 21st, 2009

New User

Coming off Effexor

Well, here's an update on my attempt to come off Effexor. I followed my doctors schedule which almost landed my in the hospital. I had such severe diarrhea, that I couldn't retain any fluids which could have lead to dangerous dehydration. The loss of electrolytes can actually cause a heart attack. After I went back on the Effexor, my symptoms stopped.

If I try to go off it again, I will have taper even more slowly. This experience shows that everyone has a different reaction to these drugs, both going on and coming off them. I am particularly sensitive and have to be very careful.

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