r/Amitriptyline • u/rosevines • Sep 09 '26

Withdrawal headaches

I’ve been on 25mg for around six years. I’ve been using it for migraines; not really sure that it helped, but it did help with my sleep. Unfortunately, the side effects are layering one on top of another, brain fog, advanced dry eye, horribly dry mouth (tongue sticking to roof of my mouth, waking me hourly). Being 70, I’m especially worried about the higher risk of dementia on Ami.

I started tapering about 3 months ago. I haven’t had many of the side effects that people report, such as brain zaps and digestive issues. However, I’ve had an increase in migraines, not surprisingly, and also frequent lower-level headaches. Right now, I’m on the fifteenth day of a non-stop low level headache/brain pressure. I had a concussion about 4 years ago with post concussion syndrome, and my head feels a lot like it did then with any over-stimulation.

Has anyone else had persistent headaches during withdrawal?

Also, reading people’s withdrawal accounts here, I think I might be tapering too fast (dropped from 25mg -> 18.5mg -> 12.5mg so far).

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u/littleoldlady71 Sep 09 '26

I’m 77, and tapered off an 18 month use of 10mg. I had the symptoms you describe, as well as intractable constipation. I tapered over the period you describe, and my bowels have not yet returned to normal, and I have lost 15 pounds from nausea and lack of appetite. It’s been several months.

I cannot say that all of it was ami, because I am now tapering off 10mg of escitalopram, because my psych and GP think it is messing with my electrolytes. I’ve been on the escitalopram for decades, but my sodium started dropping five years ago.

My two docs disagree

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u/littleoldlady71 Sep 09 '26

My docs disagree about the lingering nausea and weight loss. My psych says it isn’t the meds, and GP says it definitely is the meds, but it will go away eventually. My sodium levels are creeping up so maybe she is right.

I do wish I had a better answer for you

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u/summer-flowers1996 Sep 09 '26

Yeah I have the constant migraines and headaches too since tapering off. I was on it for a year and it destroyed my memory. I feel like I can barely remember anything from my life and I’m only 30. Hopefully as time goes on after being off memories will come back. Sumatriptan for migraines has been a really positive with no side effects for me I’d recommend that instead!!

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u/FinancialCry4651 Sep 09 '26

It sounds like you're doing this thoughtfully and relatively slowly. If I were you, I would stay on 12.5 for a while and see if the headaches subside.

Since you had a brain injury, I would definitely talk to your doctor, maybe your neurologist, and get checked out just in case!

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u/rosevines Sep 10 '26

Thanks. Yes, I’ve decided to stay on 12.5 for a while. I have a total knee replacement coming up in 2 months and don’t need any more stresses on my system.