do i have to take anxiety medication forever

There is a risk of heart-related side effects with amitriptyline, as well as muscle rigidity, tremors, seizures, increased sensitivity to light, weight gain or loss, hair loss, skin rash, and edema.May cause drowsiness and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery some people may develop tolerance to this effect.May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in young adults (similar to other antidepressants).Dry mouth, headache, constipation, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction.If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Recommended on the WHO pain ladder for nerve-related pain unresponsive to opioid-like drugs (such as morphine).Amitriptyline may be used in addition to other treatments or where alternative treatments have not worked. May be used off-label (this means it is not an FDA-approved indication however it may be useful clinically) for the treatment of other conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or insomnia.May be used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants.It is not known how amitriptyline works to relieve chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or insomnia. Studies confirm that amitriptyline is still effective for treating mood disorders, such as depression, even though the way it works is unknown. Experts are unsure exactly how amitriptyline works, although historically it was believed that amitriptyline’s effects for depression were due to its ability to rebalance chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and/or norepinephrine.Amitriptyline may be used to treat depression or off-label to relieve chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or insomnia.Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm.

Do i have to take anxiety medication forever