Can you get addicted to amitriptyline?

Answer 1

Elavil is a mood-elevating drug. If it is taken for prolonged periods and then discontinued, there will usually be a backlash effect that causes depression for a period of time. Abrupt cessation can cause nausea, headache and a general lousy feeling. Calling that withdrawal might be pushing things a bit, but it does have certain aspects in common with addiction.

However, we usually refer to addictions as dependencies that are so necessary to the individual that it is extremely difficult or impossible for them to stop voluntarily. Elavil does not fall into that category. You should know that Elevil (amytriptyline) is one of the antidepressant drugs that is associated with suicidal tendencies in a small number of users.

Answer 2

I myself have been taking Amitriptyline for over a year now and it can be something you become reliant on but not addicted I don't think. Not something like tobacco or heroine. I've done a lot of reading and from what I can tell its not something that you build up a tolerance to either so you don't have to worry about ever increasing dosages. Another thing is that it is actually a very old medication and has been used to treat depression and anxiety for years and its never been found to have any long term side effects. From my experience you may feel addicted to it if you suddenly stop the usage of it or go for a night or more without it. Typically not taking it at bedtime causes me to have very graphic and violent nightmares which make sleeping almost impossible but I don't think it's something addictive because its also not something you abuse or crave the need for it either like narcotics. Once people start to use it and feel that its working they then think "Oh I'm better now I can get off of it," and then try to abruptly and end up in the shape they were before and think they are "addicted." It's an anti-depressant not an anti-biotic and needs to be taken regularly to feel its effects but if you feel you must get yourself off of it then you can but do it very very slowly over a period of a few months at least. Slowly decrease your dosage say every 2 weeks or so even cut the pills in half if you have to. Either way good luck.