AuntieBea: tapering Celexa and Wellbutrin

[AuntieBea]

Hello again

12 hours ago, CoolheadLuke said:

Hmmm ... the iPad might be the problem, I feel like a lot of sites are hit & miss on app type devices.  Do you have access to a laptop/desktop?

I do not have access to a laptop/desktop at the moment. It will be a week or so before I do. 

Maybe it will just have to wait till then....

[AuntieBea]

@Guilietta

Dear Guilietta,

 

It’s so kind of you to stay in touch with me.

I’m really struggling with symptoms today...lots of anxiety and agitation. Trying hard to remember that not every day is like this...there are also days when I feel reasonably well. On a day like this it feels like forever. It’s very discouraging.

 

I’ve tried about three times to send a message off to you, and somehow each time while fussing with trying to get quotes in there the message has disappeared from down below. Admittedly, I am not very competent on the computer, but getting lots more experience here on SA!! 

 

On 10/20/2019 at 5:48 PM, Guilietta said:

How are you? I have been thinking of you as I saw some of the interactions between you, Alto and Gridley.

Trying it again...haha

Yes, they’ve been helping me sort out how to best get on with tapering my Wellbutrin. I am so grateful for their help...I have been struggling with adverse symptoms for six months and not a single doctor has considered that the Wellbutrin might actually be the problem. They just have wanted to throw more drugs at the symptoms instead of getting down to the source of the problem. Anyway, one of these days soon I’ll be ready to actually start tapering it down. 

 

I see from from reading through your thread that you have had a very complicated situation going on, and today it seems is significant because it is your first day of taking beads. I don’t know anything about Duloxetine, or beads, or anything, but I can tell it’s really had you jumping through hoops trying to figure out the best way to proceed. Thank goodness you’re getting the help that you need here. I hope this is a turning point for you Guilietta.

 

You are a dear to check in on me with everything you have going on.... I am thinking of you, and am going to send this note off now before I lose it yet again!😋

AuntiBea

 

[AuntieBea]

@Altostrata

 

Day 5 Symptom Chart 10/25/19 (spacing out Celexa and Wellbutrin dose)

 

  9:15 PM. Sleep (previous night).

  1:30 AM. Woke up. Went back to sleep.

  5:00 AM. Woke up. Some agitation.

  6:00 AM. Got up. Agitation.

  8:00 AM. Took 100mg Wellbutrin.

  9:00 AM. Breakfast. Palpitations, anxiety ramping up.

11:00 AM. Took 5.4mg Celexa

12:30 PM. Palpitations, anxiety, agitation, brain fog, lightheadedness.

  2:00 PM. Lunch.

  4:30 PM. Anxiety, agitation, palpitations.

  5:30 PM. Left eye pain. Headache, palpitations. Anxiety, agitation diminishing.

  7:00 PM. Dinner.

  9:30 PM. Bed.

 

That was a really classic day. Symptoms came on and dissipated just like clock work. I felt reasonably well all day.

This is the first day taking the Wellbutrin at 8:00 AM and the Celexa at 11:00 AM.

[Altostrata]

What do you mean by "agitation"?

 

Wellbutrin and Celexa are still interacting. It will take at least 4 days for any change in the Wellbutrin schedule to even out. Please be patient. Thanks for the good daily notes.

[AuntieBea]

Day 6 Symptom Chart 10/26/19 (spacing out Celexa and Wellbutrin dose)

 

  9:30 PM. Sleep (previous night).

12:30 AM. Wake up. get up.

  1:30 AM. Back to sleep.

  4:30 AM. Wake up. Get up. Intense heat, flushing. Intense palpitations. Headache, lightheadedness.

  7:00 AM. Palpitations. Some anxiety.

  8:00 AM. Took 100mg Wellbutrin.

  9:00 AM. Breakfast.

10:30 AM. Significant anxiety, palpitations. Right eye pain. Headache.

11:00 AM. Took 5.4mg Celexa.

12:00 PM. Lots of anxiety, agitation, palpitations.

  2:00 PM. Lunch. Symptoms continue. Lots of eye pain.

  5:00 PM. Palpitations. Head throbbing. Fatigue.

  7:00 PM. Palpitations continue.

  7:30 PM. Dinner.

  8: 30 PM. Minimal symptoms.

  9:30. Bed.

 

A difficult day with lots of symptoms that started in the middle of the night. Not typical.

This is the second day taking the Wellbutrin at 8:00 AM and the Celexa at 11:00 AM. 

 

 

 

[AuntieBea]

@Altostrata

5 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

What do you mean by "agitation"?

An experience of anxiety that is more located in my physical body than in my mind. 

In extreme instances it feels like I am going to “climb out of my skin.” Can’t rest or stay comfortably still. Akathisia maybe...?

Lately I have not been experiencing it  to this degree. It’s been a more low grade version of the same thing.  But distinctly different from what I am calling anxiety.

[Altostrata]

My guess is,  once you get on a set schedule, tapering Wellbutrin is the next step.

[AuntieBea]

@Altostrata

On 10/24/2019 at 3:50 PM, Altostrata said:

This is Wellbutrin XL, correct? Please update your signature.

Alto, I haven’t forgotten to update. I’m waiting to get access to a laptop or desktop because my iPad isn’t letting me do what I need it to do. Working on it with CoolheadLuke.

[AuntieBea]

I will keep with this schedule and keep posting my notes then. Yes, I agree about the Wellbutrin. Will keep in touch.

Thanks Alto

[CoolheadLuke]

On 10/26/2019 at 7:58 AM, AuntieBea said:

Hello again

I do not have access to a laptop/desktop at the moment. It will be a week or so before I do. 

Maybe it will just have to wait till then....

 

Yeah, sorry - I haven't used an iPad, so I'm not sure how to edit stuff on it.  Hopefully it'll be easier once you're on a computer.

[AuntieBea]

Day 7 Symptom Chart 10/27/19 (spacing out Celexa and Wellbutrin dose)

 

  9:30 PM. Bed.

  3:30 AM. Wake up.

  4:30 AM. Get up. Palpitations. Otherwise minimal symptoms. 

  7:30 AM. Palpitations. Throbbing sensation. Otherwise minimal symptoms.

  7:45 AM. Breakfast.

  8:00 AM. Took 100mg Wellbutrin.

10:45 AM. Palpitations. Throbbing sensation. Otherwise minimal symptoms.

11:00 AM. Took 5.4mg Celexa. Second breakfast.

11:45 AM. Noticing visual changes.

  1:00 PM. Palpitations. Head throbbing. Left eye pain. Anxiety, agitation starting up. Mood shift 

  2:00 PM. Lunch. Anxiety, agitation, palpitations, throbbing sensation. Fatigue. Disturbing thoughts (lonely etc).

  3:00 PM. Lots of anxiety, agitation, palpitations, throbbing sensation. Disturbing mood.

  3:30 PM. Walk.

  5:30 PM. Symptoms diminishing.

  6:30 PM. Dinner.

  9:00 PM. Bed.

 

Went to bed at 9:00 PM but could not sleep. Symptoms ramping up. It feels like I over-exerted myself with the walking (too fast and too far). I’ve had this happen before with over-exertion. Symptoms flare up with a vengeance. Was up most of the night. Also 

have highly charged relationship issues going on at the same time. Symptoms are all exaggerated I’m sure. I feel particularly awful this morning (written next day, 10/28/19).

[Gridley]

44 minutes ago, AuntieBea said:

Symptoms flare up with a vengeance. Was up most of the night. Also 

It is natural to have symptoms flare up due to physical overexertion and relationship issues.

[AuntieBea]

Good morning Gridley,

10 minutes ago, Gridley said:

It is natural to have symptoms flare up due to physical overexertion and relationship issues.

 

Thanks for the reassurance! I’ve been feeling quite well lately, that’s probably how I got into this pickle...thinking I could do a vigorous walk!!! It would serve me much better to every day do the 30 minute, gentle walk I keep hearing being recommended. 

I tend to go from one extreme to the other....

 

 

[AuntieBea]

13 hours ago, CoolheadLuke said:

Yeah, sorry - I haven't used an iPad, so I'm not sure how to edit stuff on it.  Hopefully it'll be easier once you're on a computer.

 

Thanks. Yeah, my husband is out of town with his laptop. When he gets back I’ll tackle this again!

[Giulietta]

2 hours ago, AuntieBea said:

I’ve been feeling quite well lately, that’s probably how I got into this pickle...thinking I could do a vigorous walk!!!

 

Hello AuntieBea,

 

How are you today? This is how we can trigger symptoms - feeling well can be a double-edged sword when we are stablizing, etc.  Too much stress (physical or emotional) can cause this in me as well.  I see you have heart palpitations and I have been having more of these the past couplel of weeks. What's up with that....

 

You've come a long way with your meds. I just re-reviewed yoru signature. Good for you!

 

Giuilietta

[Erell]

Hi dear 

So Nice of you To stop by my thread 😚

I'm gonna read yours To discover your story.

What do you do when you don't sleep? I find that quiet relaxing music helps me sometimes To calm down. And sometimes sudoku also 😉

 

Big hugs!

[AuntieBea]

Hello @Gridleyand @Altostrata

 

I think I may have taken my 100mg Wellbutrin twice this morning. 

 

I was so stressed out I suspect I took it the first time and wasn’t paying attention. Then I took it again thinking I hadn’t taken it yet.

 

I’m guessing I just need to wait it out. Symptoms are more intense than usual, with additional tingling/burning sensation in my mouth, and facial flushing.

 

What should I do tomorrow? Does this impact my process for stabilizing the doses?

[Gridley]

4 minutes ago, AuntieBea said:

 

I think I may have taken my 100mg Wellbutrin twice this morning. 

 

This happens fairly often and generally the repercussions are not serious.  It would make sense that your adverse reaction would be more intense.

 

Take your Wellbutrin as normal tomorrow.  I would give it a few days for your system to normalize.  Once you're returned to your previous symptom status, you can start thinking about tapering.

[AuntieBea]

OK. Thank you Gridley! I appreciate your help so very much.

[AuntieBea]

Hi Guilietta!

 

So.nice to hear from you! 

5 hours ago, Guilietta said:

feeling well can be a double-edged sword when we are stablizing, etc.  Too much stress (physical or emotional) can cause this in me as well. 

 

Yeah, on a day when I’m feeling well I tend to think I’m all better, and then it’s quite a rude awakening when things take a turn for the worse. Still, it’s the days or hours that I have the experience of normalcy that give me hope. Gridley also confirmed that relationship stress and physical over-exertion definitely can cause symptoms to flare up. I also doubled up on my Wellbutrin dose today by mistake (took it twice because I wasn’t paying attention the first time I took it, so I took it again thinking I hadn’t taken it).

Terrible, terrible symptoms all day. 

 

So, it’s been a difficult day for me Guilietta....

But  it reminded me that a few months back I was feeling this way just about every day. Then I felt so grateful.🥰

 

Alto has really helped me to reduce the adverse effects of my two meds (drugs) just be spacing out the times when I take them rather than taking them together at the same time. Hopefully, I’ll be able to start tapering the Wellbutrin soon...today’s mishap will have set me back a bit because I now have to wait a few more days to re-stabilize before tapering. But that’s OK. 

 

6 hours ago, Guilietta said:

I see you have heart palpitations and I have been having more of these the past couplel of weeks. What's up with that....

 

I know...it’s a crazy thing! This is the most persistent, never-ending symptom that I have. There are worse things for sure...the brain zaps you mention have to be really awful. I’ve never had that experience. Had a bit of akathisia going on for a while. Didn’t have my weighted blanket back then...that would have been so helpful!

Oh by the way, I did get a cover for mine...you asked a while back. It took forever to get the blanket situated in there with all those ties!!! Then I decided I should wash the cover because it smelled of the finishes they use on the fabric, so then I took it out and put it all back together a second time. So I am really experienced with that now!

 

I hope you have an enjoyable evening Guilietta. Wondering how you’re doing with your beads and applesauce. I’ll have a look over there now. I do hope it’s going OK!

—AuntieBea

[Erell]

Hi sweet AuntieBea 

It is 8.30am here in Brittany, and we have a very rainy Grey sky. Good excuse To spend time under the blanket;)

 

You must be under your blanket too : I hold your hand from France ❤

[AuntieBea]

Good morning to you Errel!

 

Yes, I was under my blanket until about an hour ago. It is overcast here in New York as well, and chilly today. 

I fell asleep really early last night, well it was 8:00 PM, maybe not so very early. I had planned to spend time on SA in the evening, but before I knew it I had fallen sound asleep in my most comfortable chair, still dressed in my day-time clothes! That’s how tired I was from not having slept at all the night before....

 

18 hours ago, Erell said:

What do you do when you don't sleep? I find that quiet relaxing music helps me sometimes To calm down. And sometimes sudoku also 😉

I know what you mean about relaxing music...I do that as well sometimes. Anything to help me relax and calm down my mind which is usually racing. One thing I always do in the middle of the night is to light candles...candlelight is comforting to me somehow. A living flame helps me feel not so alone. Then I usually have a cup of tea, mostly herbal, but sometimes regular black tea with milk (English style) with toast and honey. Reading, journaling, yoga sometimes, anything distracting and relaxing. I’ve never done sudoku...I’m not too big on crossword puzzles...do you think I’d like it? 

 

I’m not sure where Brittany is...I must get out a map. I notice you often talk about the sea, so I’m guessing that Brittany may be on the coast or close by. Where I live here in New York it is not so close to the ocean...I miss that. I grew up near the coast in Northern California. The air is different, and the light is different. It is revitalizing In its own special way. 

 

It warmed my heart this morning to know you were holding my hand in France...and I am holding yours sweet Erell. I hope you are feeling well today...I will check in on your thread....

❤️ AuntieBea

 

 

[AuntieBea]

Day 8 Symptom Chart 10/28/19 (spacing out Celexa and Wellbutrin)

 

  9:00PM. Bed. Can’t sleep. Lots of symptoms (walk was way too vigorous yesterday).

12:00AM. Wide awake. Hot feet, palpitations. Head throbbing. Angry, upset, exhausted.

  1:00AM. Back to sleep (Light, fitful sleep).

  3:30 AM. Woke up. Hot feet, legs. Palpitations.

  7:45 AM. Breakfast. Left eye pain, blurriness. Palpitations, throbbing sensation. Symptoms all exaggerated—overly vigorous 

                   exercise and relationship stress (already noted yesterday).

   8:00AM. Took 100mg Wellbutrin. HELP!! I may have taken it twice.

10:30 AM. Palpitations ramping up. Head throbbing. Left eye pain.

11:30 AM. Intense palpitations (wondering about the Wellbutrin). Left eye pain. Prickly, burning sensation mouth/tongue.

                   Facial flushing.

  1:00 PM. Intense symptoms continue. Headache, eye pain, palpitations. Agitation, anxiety.

  3:00 PM. Intense symptoms continue. Eyes very sensitive. Also brain fog.

  5:00 PM. Intense symptoms continue (I must have taken the Wellbutrin twice based on intensity of the symptoms).

  6:00 PM. Dinner. Symptoms diminishing ever so slightly.

  8:00 PM. Sleep. Symptoms are slightly diminished but still way more intense than usual.

 

My mishap today, taking the Wellbutrin twice, is a real setback I’m afraid. 😟 

I’ll just have to give my nervous system time to settle down again. I was reminded that the way I felt today was how I was feeling every day back in July/Aug/Sept when my body was being assaulted with blood pressure medications on top of the 

Wellbutrin/Celexa. So things have definitely improved since then. These drugs are poison for me....

 

On a positive note...at least I have some answers now, and a positive direction toward healing with all the help here on SA.

Thank you for that!!

 

 

 

 

 

[Erell]

Hi Auntie !

 

Haha I don't know if you would like sudoku, but you can try

Yes I live near the sea and happy To be able again To see her. She can be great comfort sometimes:)

I'm glad To read that you have been able To sleep last evening !

❤

[AuntieBea]

Day 9 Symptom Chart 10/29/19 (spacing out Celexa and Wellbutrin)

 

  8:00 PM. Sleep (previous night).

  1:00 AM. Woke up. Got up. Strong palpitations. Headache.

  1:30 AM. Back to bed. Light sleep.

  6:00 AM. Got up. Strong palpitations. Headache.

  7:00 AM. Strong palpitations. Headache. Agitation. Relationship issues continue to be upsetting.

  7:45 AM. Intense headache. Eye pain. Throbbing sensation. Palpitations.

  8:00 AM. Took 100mg Wellbutrin.

  9:15 AM. Symptoms continue as earlier.

10:15 AM. Headache. Palpitations continue. Anxiety, agitation ramping up. Brain fog settling in.

11:00 AM. Took 5.4mg Celexa.

11:30 AM. Symptoms continue. Agitation is intense. Eyes are sensitive. Brain fog intense.

  2:00 PM. Symptoms continue. Also quite depressed.

  5:30 PM. Headache, eye pain, brain fog, depression.

  7:00 PM. Dinner.

  8:00 PM. Headache, eye pain, brain fog, depression beginning to diminish.

  8:30 PM. Sleep.

 

Another really difficult day. Still trying to stabilize. Feeling really discouraged. Hoping for a better tomorrow....

 

 

[Gridley]

4 hours ago, AuntieBea said:

Another really difficult day.

I wouldn't feel discouraged.  It's only been two days since the double dose.  This'll straighten out.  I know it's a setback but I don't think it's a big one.  All of us on this forum have made mistakes.

[Giulietta]

Hello AuntieBea,

 

You poor dear. What a terrible day you had - and even though we may know it's transitory WD symptoms - the apprehensive part of us (which everyone has to varying degrees!) asks and worries what is wrong and when will it stop. You said this to me just a day ago I think. Funny how it comes around. The nurturing and support when things flare up means a lot to me.

 

The heart palpitations must be contagious - I've had a lot of them the past several days and generally they are not one of my prevalent symptoms. It's unpleasant to awaken wtih them. Maybe it is part of a cortisol spike.

 

7 hours ago, AuntieBea said:

  8:00 PM. Headache, eye pain, brain fog, depression beginning to diminish.

  8:30 PM. Sleep.

 

I wonder if the depression started to lift in anticipation of going to bed.

 

Thinking of you and hoping for a better day for you tomorrow.

 

Hugs, 🤗

Giulietta

 

 

[AuntieBea]

Hello Gridley @Gridley

3 hours ago, Gridley said:

I wouldn't feel discouraged.  It's only been two days since the double dose.  This'll straighten out.  I know it's a setback but I don't think it's a big one.  All of us on this forum have made mistakes.

 

Thanks for the encouragement!

This really threw me for a loop.  Fortunately I am already feeling a bit better tonight.  Still can’t believe I went so totally unconscious with something as critical as that.🤔

 

 

[AuntieBea]

Hi Guilietta,

32 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

Funny how it comes around. The nurturing and support when things flare up means a lot to me.

 

It means SUCH a lot to feel supported and encouraged when things flare up. You are so right....

 

I’ve had some big flare ups the last couple of days after inadvertently taking my Wellbutrin dose twice in the morning on Monday. 

The depression especially has been wicked. When that settles in on me, I lose all perspective and am sure it’s going to last forever.... 

 

53 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

The heart palpitations must be contagious - I've had a lot of them the past several days and generally they are not one of my prevalent symptoms. It's unpleasant to awaken wtih them. Maybe it is part of a cortisol spike.

 

I think you may be right about the cortisol spikes. I have had this going on for a long time...awakening, sometimes with a jolt, with intense palpitations and a hot, flushing sensation throughout my body. I sure hope you didn’t catch them from me, that would be awful...!  I actually have palpitations almost all the time. They pretty much have their own special spot reserved on all my symptom charts.😋

 

Thanks for checking in on me Guilietta!

I hope you are feeling well tonight and enjoying your evening.

 

❤️AuntieBea

[Erell]

7 hours ago, AuntieBea said:

 Fortunately I am already feeling a bit better tonight. 

 

So pleased To read this! 🤗 ❤

 

 

[Respector]

AuntieBea! You are so brave and strong. Thank you for this thread. I'm 29 and also trying to taper wellbutrin and celexa. I had success with doing wellbutrin first and now at between 1-2mg celexa (trying to find a stable dose to hold for a while. ) I've also experienced feeling sensitive to foods and supplements and have had to be super mindful of what I put in my body. Please know you are not alone!! Stay strong and positive.

[Erell]

Hi dear Auntie 

 

How are you doing Today?

 

Thinking of you ❤

[AuntieBea]

Hi Errel,

 

It’s so sweet of you to check in on me...I have been out of touch for a couple of days. I’m feeling better today, but the two days prior were difficult with lots of intense symptoms. And upsetting relationship issues on top of that made it all much worse. I haven’t been able to reach out or communicate at all.😟 

When depression settles in everything becomes quite hopeless.... But that has lifted by now and I am starting to feel more optimistic again, even with other symptoms still going on. 😌

 

It’s late...I’m sure you are sleeping. And I hope you are sleeping soundly! So this note will probably find you in the morning. I’m going to check over on your thread now to see how you’ve been doing....

 

❤️ AuntieBea

 

 

 

 

[AuntieBea]

Hello Respector,

 

Welcome to SA! It’s nice to hear from you! 

 

I’m interested that you are also tapering Wellbutrin and  Celexa, and that you have already been able to successfully taper off of the Wellbutrin. I’ve taken it for many years (both of them together actually), but it seems that the Wellbutrin in particular is causing significant adverse effects at this point including high blood pressure and vision problems. So needless to say I am very eager to get off of it, but also aware of the need to taper cautiously. I’ve read here on SA that sometimes people are able to taper off of this particular drug faster than other antidepressants...wondering what your experience has been?

 

Thanks for the encouragement...being reminded that I’m not alone on this journey (antidepressant withdrawal), or any journey in my life for that matter, means such a lot. 

 

6 hours ago, Respector said:

I've also experienced feeling sensitive to foods and supplements and have had to be super mindful of what I put in my body.

Yeah, everyone here on SA is having this experience it seems. More and more I’m finding that what I absolutely cannot tolerate any more of is pharmaceutical drugs of any kind. Recently tried a couple of blood pressure medications (this was before realizing that the Wellbutrin was probably the source of the problem) which threw my body into complete chaos...terrible!!!

 

Thanks for reaching out and being in touch with me. Why don’t you start an introduction topic for yourself...there’s such a lot of support here for what you are trying to do to get off of these drugs.

 

All the best to you,

AuntieBea

 

 

 

[Erell]

Hi Auntiebea 

 

I'm really glad To read that your day was easier.

Dont worry about the inability To communicate: it comes and go. I have days while I would like To interact with people, and others while I'm totally unable and afraid of it. This is normal

 

you're not alone 😙

[Respector]

11 hours ago, AuntieBea said:

Hello Respector,

 

Welcome to SA! It’s nice to hear from you! 

 

I’m interested that you are also tapering Wellbutrin and  Celexa, and that you have already been able to successfully taper off of the Wellbutrin. I’ve taken it for many years (both of them together actually), but it seems that the Wellbutrin in particular is causing significant adverse effects at this point including high blood pressure and vision problems. So needless to say I am very eager to get off of it, but also aware of the need to taper cautiously. I’ve read here on SA that sometimes people are able to taper off of this particular drug faster than other antidepressants...wondering what your experience has been?

 

 

My experience has found this to be true. I've had hard times coming off of both celexa and klonopin but wellbutrin was much easier. When I first tapered wellbutrin there was an immediate reduction in anxiety followed by a week or so of increased depression, trouble concentrating, low motivation, irritability. Im not usually a cranky person but I hated everyone that week lol. It shared symptoms with smoking cessation (from what I've read, never habitually smoked cigarettes) which is interesting since its can be prescribed to help with that. All that being said it was much easier to come off than has been my experience with other drugs, and the unpleasantness had a short shelf life even with my sensitivities. Have you tried tapering it before? What was your experience?