What is elavil withdrawal?
Elavil is a drug belonging to class of tricyclic antidepressant medicines and is also known as amitriptyline. It is used to treat depression, migraines, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain and nocturnal bed wetting in children. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and neropinephrine in the brain. Thus the level of serotonin in the brain increases by a considerable amount, hence it reacts by reducing the sensation of pain by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. Due to the effect the drug has on pain, people get addicted to it. When they try to get rid of the addiction, the brain cannot cope up with a sudden absence and is termed as the situation of Elavil withdrawal or Amitriptyline withdrawal.
Elavil Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Body ache
- Appetite changes
- Crying spells
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Head ache
- Flu like symptoms
- Itching
- Hypersensitivity
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Panic attacks
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleep changes
- Restlessness
- Poor concentration
- Sweating
- Weight changes
Assessment
- Patient must furnish information related to the dosage, frequency & method of use
- To know toxins that affect the brain certain lab tests can be conducted
- Psychological reasons for the use of the medication may be revealed by talking to a psychiatrist
Treatment
- Instead of sudden stoppage, the consumption needs to stop gradually
- Participation in activities like meditation and exercise help to increase tolerance and benefit the health
- It’s important for the patient to sleep and eat the required amounts to be able to recover faster
- Patients must divert their attention to other recreational activities that reduces chances of drug cravings.
Prevention
- Use of medication must be avoided unless it has been prescribed.
- Patterns of dependence must be reported to a doctor as soon as they are observed.
- Medications that ease the withdrawal symptoms must be used.
- The method of quitting the addiction suddenly must be avoided.
- Patient must be surrounded by loved ones to render emotional support and encouragement to give up on the addiction.
How long does it take for Elavil to detox?
Although, there is no fixed timeline that states the number of days it takes for complete withdrawal, moderate cases might experience severe symptoms for the 1st 3-12 days. However, compete withdrawal can take up to a month. The time taken for detoxification entirely depends on the dosage and frequency of use of the drug.