Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 52244

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elavil withdrawals and hives?

Posted by lissy on January 22, 2001, at 15:20:09

My mom went cold turkey off elavil about 4 days ago and is itchy all over her body and head could this be withdrawal symptoms and has anyone had any other w/d symptoms she might anticipate?

Re: elavil withdrawals and hives?

Posted by SLS on January 22, 2001, at 15:54:15

In reply to elavil withdrawals and hives?, posted by lissy on January 22, 2001, at 15:20:09

> My mom went cold turkey off elavil about 4 days ago and is itchy all over her body and head could this be withdrawal symptoms and has anyone had any other w/d symptoms she might anticipate?

It would have been better that she taper her dosage gradually. The itching might be a histamine rebound (Elavil has antihistaminic properties). I should think these are withdrawal symptoms that are independent of histamine and has more to do with the potent effect of this drug on the nervous system.

Another reason for using a very gradual taper is that it helps to prevent a relapse. There are a great number of statistics to demonstrate that relapse is far more likely when someone discontinues an antidepressant rapidly.

For both of these reasons, I think you might want to consider restarting the Elavil back to her original dosage and plan with her doctor a gradual taper schedule to prevent relapse. This would also prevent any withdrawal reactions.

Really.

- Scott

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