Elavil Withdrawal - itchy

[vacantenigma]

I've been taking 75 mg of Elavil to prevent headaches since early 2003. Over the last month I've been weened off of it. I had gone off of it once before, so for the most part knew what to expect. I'm having all the typical withdrawal symptoms, dizziness, headache, general stomach discomfort, nausea, sleep issues etc....One thing that I'm having problems with is that I'm very very itchy. Mostly the arms, and scalp, but it won't stop. I haven't found anything online about itchiness being a symptom of withdrawal, maybe it's something else? Nothing else has changed in my routine, I don't have allergies that I'm aware of, so I don't know what else it could be.

Is this normal? Should I be concerned? And in general, when should all the withdrawal symptoms finally go away (I eventually started taking it again the last time I tried to stop because I couldn't take the withdrawal effects even 2 months after being off the meds).

[lorilaws]

Hi, I found you when I googled itching  from amitriptyline withdrawl.  It has taken me months to wean off of this horrendous drug.  I have been totally off for a little over a week and I can't stop itching!  I see that you have written this over a year ago and hopefully can see my comment.  Can you help me with any thing that will help this itching?  How long did your itching last?   I hope you are doing well, hopefully off this drug.

[Andreavll]

Hi! I found this comment googling about itching after stop taken amitriptyline. Your comment is the most recent. It's  been a week with this terrible itchiness and some stomach upset. I was in a low dose and only for 2 years for headaches.  Hope you can read this a give me a piece of advice on how to deal with this. I can't sleep due to this itching.

[Rainbow2017]

Hi, I have been off of Elavil for 9 days. My RNP slowly weaned me of the 50 mg I took daily for 8/1/2 years from constant head pain. I am sitting here very itchy. It began 4-5 days after going off the pill. I have had nausea, chills, hot feelings, aches all over, and have only slept briefly, over the past 9 days. The head pain is back full force. I don't know how long this will last. I only know I don't ever want to go back on the pill, as it gave me memory issues, and my RNP told me, if I remained on it, sooner or later can damage my organs, as well. I wish you so much luck as you go through the horrible withdrawal effects. I have heard 4-21 days the drug remains in our system, but not sure when our body will be fully adjusted to the loss of the medication.

[lorilaws]

Hi, I found you when I googled itching  from amitriptyline withdrawl.  It has taken me months to wean off of this horrendous drug.  I have been totally off for a little over a week and I can't stop itching!  I see that you have written this over a year ago and hopefully can see my comment.  Can you help me with any thing that will help this itching?  How long did your itching last?   I hope you are doing well, hopefully off this drug.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Elavil withdrawal symptoms include headache, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diaharrea, trouble sleeping and vivid dreams. Elavil is known to cause rash, hives and itching.
http://www.medicinenet.com/amitriptyline/article.htm
Since you do not have any history of allergies it is very likely that the itch is due to Elavil.
Please discuss this with your treating doctor. It is always advised to reduce the dose of Eklavil gradually to decrease the chances of getting withdrawal symptoms.
Take care!