Hi, I'm JulieS

I had a nervous breakdown 25 years ago and was prescribed Mirtazapine 50mg and Amitriptyline 50mg. I am extremely sensitive to the brand of Amitriptyline and when the brand I was used to became unavailable in 2018 and I was experiencing extreme side effects (which my doctors told me were not possible and did not exist!!!!) I decided to try and come off the mix of antidepressants. I went into the Priory treatment centre and was taken off both of these medications in 10 days. I was so, so ill to the point of being terrified, unable to sleep, speak, formulate thoughts/speech, sweats, nausea.......just unable to function to the point where I would have to take one of my children with me as my advocate. After 6 months of hell I decided to start taking Amitriptyline again and I stabilised somewhat. However, my insomnia returned and feeling really unwell became my every day norm. Strangely, when I have been prescribed Amitriptyline in Spain, the brand given to me, does not render me unwell. I have not been depressed for years so the only reason I continue to take Ami is because cessation is frightening and at 71 I fear the rest of my life will be blighted with mental/emotional and physical ill health. However, I don't feel so great right now either. It's a Catch 22 situation.