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going off preventative meds

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Posted 5/12/2007 5:43 AM (GMT -8)
I have been reading through some of the old, old posts (2005) and people were talking about going off their meds and going the natural way - or nothing at all.

Do you go off your meds working with your doctor?  I thought that it is dangerous to just quit some of the meds, that you need to be weaned off of them.

My husband is on 150mg of amitriptyline and wants off it real bad but I am making him wait for the doctor's appointment on June 5th (today is May 12th) before quitting or starting to wean off it.  I am scared to wean off or quit it without checking with a doctor.  We are going to a different neurologist this time as the last one gave up!

What do other do and think?

Thanks, Rhoda

Posted 5/12/2007 6:08 AM (GMT -8)
You could try calling the doctor you're going to see and explain why he wants to start weaning off it and ask if there's any reason why he shouldn't. That's the sort of thing a neurologist ought to be able to answer without an appointment. The doc could also give you a schedule to taper off by; with amitriptyline, he'll want to wean fairly slowly or it will really disrupt his sleep patterns.

I'm tempted to tell you how I handled decreasing my dose of this med, but I really think you shouldn't rely on advice from nonphysicians who know nothing about the patient.

Mark
Posted 5/12/2007 2:19 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Rhoda,

My personal view for what it's worth is that you are right Rhoda to wait until you see the Neuro on 5th June, as it really is not very long!!!

However, in the meantime if your husband really cannot stand to be on this drug any longer I believe the general rule of thumb is to taper down in the same way as you tapered up with a drug like Amitriptyline - I did! But is is always best to discuss this with your Doctor because, although I can easily suggest this, I do not know your husbands full health history!!!!

I hope you get some real help with this new Neuro this time Rhoda, take care

Ann
Posted 5/12/2007 2:54 PM (GMT -8)
Absolutely would talk to a doctor or if not possible, a pharmacist. I know that some medications such as Topamax you can have seizures if you suddenly stop taking you medications.

Personally, I have stopped and started medications all too frequently (from lack of insurance at times) but  I would never recommend it. I have during these situations always spoken with a medical professional, the last thing I want to do is cause more problems than I already have!!!

Definitely give the doc a call if its not possible to hang in until the appointment. That's what WE pay THEM for!

Sara

Posted 5/14/2007 6:05 PM (GMT -8)

Thanks everyone for your advice.  We are going to wait until June 5th when we see the new neurologist.  We are a little nervous to change meds without a doctor knowing.

This forum is great and I appreciate everyone's input.

Take Care, Rhoda

Posted 5/15/2007 2:05 PM (GMT -8)
Glad to hear it Rhoda!

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