How Long Does Elavil Stay In Your System?

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that affects the chemicals in your brain that can result in depression. The medication is non-habit forming, works well and is often effective at controlling depression, but the medication has some significant side effects that other antidepressants do not.

Some people find that amitriptyline is particularly effective while other people find that the medication results in serious side effects. As a result, some people decide to discontinue use of the medication. Withdrawal from amitriptyline, however, is often a process that results in complications. This process leaves some people curious about how long the medication will remain in their system. The answer is that the medication often leaves a person’s system a few weeks after use of amitriptyline is discontinued.

There are some important steps that a person can take during withdrawal from amitriptyline to make sure that the procedure continues as smoothly as possible, which include the following:

• Avoid rushing the process, which can take several weeks.
• Reduce dosage gradually rather than stopping suddenly or “cold turkey.”
• Select a time to stop the medication that is not too stressful.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while on Elavil because this can result in dangerous side effects or even death.
• The medication should not be used if a person has used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
• Some people experience suicidal thoughts when they first start taking an antidepressant, especially individuals who are younger than 24 years old.
• Make sure to report any new or worsening symptoms to your physician while on the medication including anxiety, sleep difficulties and increased depression.
• Never take a double dose if you miss taking the medication because this can result in serious side effects.

Many people are surprised to learn that there are a variety of factors that change between people and influence how quickly the withdrawal process works. Some of these factors include the following:

• The amount of amitriptyline a person takes. Individuals who take a larger dose of the medication frequently take a long time to withdraw from the medication.
• Genetics. Some people are simply able to proceed through the withdrawal process easier and faster than others due to genetics.
• The physical structure of the person involved. People with larger body frames, including people who weigh more and people who are taller, are likely to proceed through withdrawal quicker and easier than people with smaller bodies.
• Whether the person is taking any other drugs. Any other drugs in a person’s system can influence the rate and severity of withdrawal from amitriptyline.