Brief Answer:
It's ok, but need to go slow & monitor response
Detailed Answer:
hello and welcome to HCM!
I have read the question and it says that you have been taking amitryptiline 100 mg and
lexapro for past many years . You want to know if you can stop it ( amitryptiline ) .
From my clinical experince I can say that-- if someone is taking a drug for past many years, it is better to go for gradual dose reduction, and monitor the response. I usually recommend that there should be a reduction of 25 mg or so at one time and the next deduction is done after may be two weeks...your doctor would know how to go about...
This is a trick task, espically when neurons are stabilised for long time by it..so, I would advice that you go slow and keep a check on your symptoms, mainly -
headaches, and
anxiety.
It is good that you are on lexapro, I would ask you that if you have an increase in depressive/ anxiety symptoms, then increase the dose of lexapro( although you have not mentioned its dosage). This might help in taking care of relapse. Do not try to taper and stop both the drugs together.
Stopping amitryptiline will be good for your cardiac status too, as this drug is usually avoided in patients above 50-60 yrs of age, (as it might cause cardiac side effects). Lexapro is relatively safe and mild drug with minimum interaction with other drugs...it will be safe for you comparing the two.
So, you should meet your doctor,and discuss these points
- go for slow and gradual tapering of medicine
- continue monitoring the effects
- please monitor your blood pressure and check on headaches
- if required, increase the dose of lexapro ( please donot stop both of these medicine, it will harm you rather than helping)..
- increase the amount of salad, take adequate water and fruits
Wish you good health!
please feel free to ask more questions for clarification
If you are satisfied by the answer, then please close the query and rate the answer
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
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