Elavil for anxiety and insomnia? Weird Side Effects

I started to take elavil 25mg yesterday for my insomnia and anxiety. I have felt really weird and out of it all day and dont want to continue taking if I continue to feel this way. I start a new job on monday and don't want to feel this way. do you think i should discontinue to take it or will this feeling be gone by monday?

Ben's Answer:

I'm unable to give you medical advice regarding your medication, as I'm not a medical doctor. However I will say that in my experience, people can have a wide range of side effects from any medication, including all antidepressants. It is unique to each individual. How it effects you may be totally different than how it effects someone else. Some people feel no effect good or bad for weeks after staring an antidepressant. Others - especially those who are sensitive to drugs - may feel "altered" almost immediately (though that is usually not the state that they stay in for the long term). So in short, it may be hard for anyone to predict how long or much you would feel that way. Sometimes doctors will decrease or adjust a dosage to minimize side effects, or may offer another choice of meds to try instead.

Best to consult your doctor when you can, and trust your intuition.

Both anxiety and insomnia often can be alleviated with Meridian Tapping/EFT or meditation - which may be options to try, in addition to medication.

Take Care,
Ben Schwarcz, MFT
Santa Rosa Psychotherapist












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Comments for Elavil for anxiety and insomnia? Weird Side Effects

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Apr 17, 2010
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starstarstar 		Don't Give Up
by: JP

Ben is right--side effects and benefits differ for everyone with every drug. I have been on and off Effexor for several years now, battlling major depression and PTSD. I always start out feeling "strange", but it dissipates within a week or two. In between Effexor, I have tried other antidepressants that did not help, or did not help as much. It can take time to find exactly the right drug and dosage that will work best for you.

I highly recommend that you try EFT/Meridian Tapping. I have quickly received short-term relief for several problems, and I hope that as I keep using it I will gain long-term benefits. Also, meditation right before going to bed will help the insomnia--you will be relaxed and calm and able to fall asleep. Ben's guided meditation is just the ticket--give it a try! You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain! Whatever you do, don't give up--you can and will make it if you really want to.

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