Are you struggling with an addiction to Amitriptyline? If so, you may be interested in finding out more about drug rehab treatments to help you get through your addiction. If that’s the case, give us a call today. Our team of friendly and helpful advisors will be able to provide you with the advice you need to get started with your addiction treatment.

What is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is a prescription medication that is a Tricyclic Antidepressant. In some cases, this drug is also prescribed for pain management for things like fibromyalgia, arthritis, unexplained back and neck pain, or damaged nerve endings.

The drug works by changing the balance of neurotransmitter chemicals within the brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. These types of antidepressants are not as common due to their side effects. However, they are still commonly prescribed due to the effects that they can have on chronic pain and all anxiety and depression that come from that pain. If it is not used properly, taking this drug could result in drug addiction.

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What Are the Signs of Amitriptyline Addiction?

Professionals see most antidepressants as non-addictive; however, there is some evidence that Amitriptyline can be addictive. This drug depresses your central nervous system and can be quite a desirable effect for some people. This can then lead to people misusing the drug.

People may misuse this drug to feel relaxed, sedated, or slightly euphoric. Chronic use of Amitriptyline can cause a physical dependence on the drug. People taking the drug in large doses or very often can start to become accustomed to the drug, and this is what leads to dependence. Over time, this dependence can lead to addiction.

There are a few common signs and symptoms of Amitriptyline that you can look out for. These include the following:

  • Continuing to take the drug when it is no longer needed or no longer prescribed
  • Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
  • Losing interest in school, work, hobbies, or relationships
  • Spending a lot of time thinking about the drug, including the effects, how to get more of it, and when to use it
  • Constantly using the drug and not being able to stop
  • Faking symptoms to be prescribed more of the drug
  • Sudden changes in your physical appearance, behaviour, and hygiene

Another sign of Amitriptyline abuse is abusing the drug along with other substances to produce a higher rate of euphoria. Alcohol is very commonly abused with this medication as they tend to heighten each other’s effects.

This can cause you to experience a higher intensity of sedation or high feeling. People may also use this drug to come down from stimulant drugs such as Adderall or cocaine.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Amitriptyline

When addicts try to stop taking this type of drug or reduce the doses, they will begin to experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these withdrawal symptoms depends on various factors, such as the length of time the drug was taken, the physiology of the addict, and the dosage taken.

Below is a list of some of the most common withdrawal effects that come with this type of drug:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Aches and pains
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Headache
  • Suicidal thoughts

The withdrawal symptoms are most common in people who have taken large doses of the drug for a long time rather than in those on shorter treatment courses. It is never recommended that you try to stop taking Amitriptyline abruptly, as this can cause very severe withdrawal symptoms.

The safest way to detox from this type of drug is by doing it under a medical professional’s supervision by reducing the dose gradually. This is usually done over a few weeks or months until you can completely stop taking the drug. This reduces your dependence on the medication and will make the withdrawal effects much safer and less severe.

Can I Just Stop Taking Amitriptyline?

It is never recommended that you just stop taking this type of drug. If you want to stop using this medication, you will need the help of a doctor so that you can gradually reduce your dosage. This is so that you can reduce the severity of any withdrawal effects that you may experience.

If you have been using the drug for some time or abusing it and need some help to stop using it, medical detox is the best way to move forward. This is the safest and most comfortable way for you to detox from this type of drug. Seeking professional private drug and alcohol rehab treatment for this type of addiction is the best way for you to move forward.

Get Help for Your Amitriptyline Addiction Today

While Amitriptyline can be a very effective way to manage depression or chronic pain, it is also important to remember that abusing any prescription drug can be very dangerous. Abusing prescription drugs can lead to the development of a very serious addiction that requires help.

If you believe that someone you know is abusing prescription medications, it’s important to know that many treatment options are available. If you are struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs, it’s important that you reach out for help as soon as you can. Addictions can very quickly spiral out of your control. This is why it’s so important to get help as soon as you can.

Speak to our team today at 0800 880 7596, and we would be happy to provide you with confidential advice and answer any questions you may have to get started with your addiction treatment today.

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John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: December 22, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.

Dr Adel Ghaly

Dr Adel Ghaly - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 22, 2023

MB BCh, Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) from 2002

Dr Adel Ghaly is a registered Doctor who is a specialist psychiatrist. Dr Ghaly gained an MB BCh in 1982 from Assiut University and has since become a substance misuse specialist and psychiatrist. After gaining his qualification in Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) in 2002, Dr Ghaly has worked in hospitals and as a specialist trainer recognised by the GMC.