Daisy: Effexor xr

[Daisy]

5/30/18

Sensitized nervous system

Action-Purchased  "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Claire Weekes

 

Withdrawal from antidepressant with symptoms

Action- Follow up visit to PD

Results-I am doing much better than when I saw him last week. Next visit is in 3 months which is his standard practice. I can contact him by e mail with any problems he can help with and go see him if I or he thinks it is necessary.

 

Concerns about my health

Action-CBC with differential, CMP and Thyroid panel

Results- Everything is with in normal limits 

[Daisy]

I am checking in and letting you know I am doing well today. I am strong in my decision not to make any changes to my medications for an undetermined period of time. My body and nervous system has been tramatized and I need to let it rest. I have purchased the book by Claire Weekes " Hope and Help for Your Nerves." I had labs done on Tuesday ( CBC with differential, CMP and Thyroid panel. All of the tests came back with in normal limits including my Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio. I have plenty of the good Cholesterol HDL and am 0.1 point away from being of 1/2 risk for  heart disease, stroke, etc. It must be genetic.  Though I try to take care of myself, I do not follow a strict diet or exercise program. I do walk daily and hope to get back to my Yoga class next week.

 

The fasting for the labs was really rough. I ending up not having anything to eat for over 12 hours due to a long wait at one lab. When my name was called, I had misunderstood which lab I needed to go to and had to go to another. Then there was another 1/2 hour wait because it was closed for their lunch. Though it felt like my blood sugar was 50, it actually was 85. I was very grateful for the glucose tablets I had bought when I knew how long the wait would be. I chewed one and gone was my headache and feeling shaky. I had brought a banana to eat after the blood draw, but I felt I needed something that acted much quicker.

 

I pray that you all are doing well and if you are having symptoms, I pray that relief will come to you soon.

 

Daisy

[peng]

Daisy, Effexor is awful. I am having to hold at the moment.  Yes, do not chop and change your medication.

One thing I note about your posts (as a former data quality controller - it never leaves you!) is that they are of a high standard of composition and punctuation, etc.

Praise yourself for this - it shows you may not be as bad in some skills as you may believe.

 

Best wishes.

 

[Daisy]

3 hours ago, peng said:

Daisy, Effexor is awful. I am having to hold at the moment.  Yes, do not chop and change your medication.

One thing I note about your posts (as a former data quality controller - it never leaves you!) is that they are of a high standard of composition and punctuation, etc.

Praise yourself for this - it shows you may not be as bad in some skills as you may believe.

 

 Best wishes.

I am truly sorry to hear you are having a rough time. I am pleased to know you have the presence of mind to listen to your body and are holding.

What you do not know Peng is how long it takes me to write some of my posts. I am having to do frequent  spell checks and double check my punctuation when it does not look correct. I have tried a few times in the past to learn how to type using proper finger placement and without looking at the key board, but I always revert back to 2 finger typing. I proofread what I have written and also try to format it so that it maybe  easier to read. I also am not of the generation that were practically born with a computer in their lap.

 

Thank you so much for the compliment'

Daisy🌼 

[Daisy]

It is 9:34 a.m. California time. I am having difficulty with a constant low hum in the background of anxiety and fear, feel "weepy" inside,  a feeling of balance problems, a creeping feeling of my scalp and shoulders, and a few what I am going to call "head bounces" and also feeling shaky even though I am not shaking, which is  accompanied by mild hand tremors.  I  am having some heart burn. My blood pressure and heart rate are normal. I have eaten and just got back from taking the dog for a slow walk around the block. Right now I feel fatigued along with the what I have mentioned above.

 

Changes this morning in medication are as follows:

 

1) I took Prilosec 20 mgs with a banana, almond milk, a glass of water and green food juice blend because I felt shaky and wanted some food to get into my system.

2) Instead of taking a solution of 5 mgs of Prozac, I took a 5 mg tablet.

 

Any advice on how to get through this or how I can make myself more comfortable is welcome.

Daisy

 

 

 

[Daisy]

I took a little Old Amish Formula in warm water followed by a glass of warm water.  The heart burn is mostly gone.  I am going to lay down for awhile after I feed the dog and see if that helps me with the fatigue. The hum of anxiety, fear and creeping feeling in my scalp and shoulders are almost gone. What is left is the fatigue and balance problems. The balance problems are mild.

Daisy

[Daisy]

It sure would be nice if someone would talk to me and say something really simple like " I am glad you have been feeling better than when you first came back here. That must be encouraging."

A little kindness goes a long way when someone is suffering.

Daisy

[Offforgood]

Thank you Daisy for your encouraging words.. I didn’t expect any response since my post was such a downer and I m glad you are feeling better.  I hope your fatigue and anxiety begin to subside significantly.  All my best to you.  

[Daisy]

And thank you for your kindness Offforgood.

You are not alone because  we are walking on the same road together. We can gain strength by holding each other up. 

Daisy

[Daisy]

I was thinking Offforgood, that despite our problems, we have made a success of our lives. You have a business that you built up, a new love and have a family. I have a career, my own home, family and good friends.

Daisy 💕

[Daisy]

I can honestly say I have been feeling good the last 2 days and my energy level has improved to the point that I was busy all day yesterday until I settled down in the evening to watch the TV. Today I have been busy too.  I am able to drive and have been since last week. What a relief! The Lexapro was one nasty drug for me. Now I am on only 5 mgs of Prozac daily and Xanax 3 times a day for a total of 1.25 mgs daily. I feel I am stabilizing, but for now, I am holding everything just as it is. 

Daisy

[Daisy]

Oh and guess what Shep. I had a chocolate shake and 3 chocolate chip cookies from MacDonalds  again last night and I am still alive.

Daisy

[Shep]

On 5/23/2018 at 11:56 PM, Daisy said:

Started with Prozac, Heard it was good to help bulimia.

 

Daisy, is bulimia something you are currently dealing with? Are you in treatment for this? 

 

We had a member here a few years ago who reported bulimia as being "iatrogenic" (caused by) an SSRI.

 

Rainfall: recovery from iatrogenic bulimia: Please spread the Word

 

As JanCarol wrote in that thread, "It only stands to reason that these drugs would mess with all your hormonal systems, including adrenal, thyroid, insulin - all of those things that are soothed and spiked with sugar and fat.  Then, piled on with the guilt about the weight (also piled on with the drug) - you purge, and drain yourself of nutrients and start again.  It's easy to see how this could happen, and i'm surprised we haven't heard about it more often.  Or maybe it's just rare that someone has MADE this CONNECTION to the drug."

 

On 5/31/2018 at 2:42 AM, Daisy said:

I had labs done on Tuesday ( CBC with differential, CMP and Thyroid panel. All of the tests came back with in normal limits

 

I'm glad you had good results on your labs.

 

Question - did they test B12? 

 

The reason I'm asking is because you are on a PPI, which can make it very difficult to absorb vitamin B12. Please see:

 

Tips for tapering off stomach acid blockers or PPIs (esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole)

 

As Alto writes in that post, "Low B12 may cause symptoms that can be mistaken for a psychiatric disorder and make your nervous system susceptible to damage from withdrawal."

 

I spent some time looking over your drug history for when you first started an AD, a benzo, and a PPI:

 

Prilosec started more than 10 years ago 

Xanax  started in 2008 (Tapered off it 2013. Reinstated 2017)

Effexor XL started in 2009

 

You started out on a PPI prior to any psych drug, which may have led to a reduction in B12, resulting in psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression leading to a misdiagnosis and treatment with a benzo. Benzos are nervous system depressants, which could have caused the depression symptoms leading to a SSRI. 

 

Please look into having your vitamin B12 levels checked. I have to wonder if perhaps the PPI caused a lot of your problems and, if you are dealing with an eating disorder, the SSRI either caused it or is making it worse, perhaps? And benzos are notorious for causing depression and leading people to an antidepressant. 

 

It's a vicious circle, but the good news is, once you are able to slowly titrate off all of these drugs, you'll be in a very good place with your health going forward. 

[Daisy]

17 hours ago, Shep said:

Daisy, is bulimia something you are currently dealing with? Are you in treatment for this?

No. I beat that in my thirties

17 hours ago, Shep said:

 

Question - did they test B12? 

 

The reason I'm asking is because you are on a PPI, which can make it very difficult to absorb vitamin B12. 

 

 

I did not have B12 tested. It is normally done if an abnormality shows up  RBC on a CBC. 

"A Vitamin B12 Blood Test may be ordered if a CBC with Differential detects large red blood cells.  Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folic acid test."

https://www.walkinlab.com/vitaminb12bloodtest.html

17 hours ago, Shep said:

It's a vicious circle, but the good news is, once you are able to slowly titrate off all of these drugs, you'll be in a very good place with your health going forward. 

Thank you Shep. I am feeling so much better than when I first came back on SA in May looking for help. Lexapro was a very nasty drug for me. It caused confusion, lack of focus, lack of motivation, fatigue, crying jags, motion sickness with nausea, poor appetite and I believe a sensory hallucination. I am currently holding at 5 mgs Prozac and 1.25 mgs Xanax daily. The Xanax is divided into 3 doses. My goal is to get off both the Prozac and Xanax. But I was pretty beat up from just stopping the 50 mgs of Prozac and going on the dreaded drug Lexapro, that I need to regain homeostasis.

As far as the Prilosec; My GERD can get bad and the acid reflux causes damage to the esophagus. I am no youngster. I turned 65 in May. I am blessed because many people my age are already  on blood pressure and high Cholesterol medications. I also am not retired. I still was working part time until I had to take a personal leave of absence. I do plan on going back, but will limit the cases I accept. I am in the medical profession.

Daisy

 

[Daisy]

I just woke up, and as usual, my mind is filled with thoughts. One of them is that it does not matter who you are or what knowledge you have, whether it be by life experience or study, these psychotropic medications can bring you to your knees and make you humble.

Daisy

[Daisy]

I have ordered Magnesium oil and under the tongue liquid B 12. I hope the Mag helps my chronic back pain and the B12 helps with the fatigue I still experience. My fatigue is better and I am able to do a lot more, but today I took care of what was absolutely necessary and then rested. I took a short walk today in the morning before I pooped out. I am going to go back to my therapeutic  yoga class tomorrow at the senior center. It has helped with the back pain and I have missed it.

Daisy

[Daisy]

I received a copy of Dr Claire Weekes "Hope and Help for Your Nerves." I like how the book is formatted and what the author has to say. I am still in the explanation portion where ii explains what is happening to your body's nervous system when you become fearful. This  is often called the" Fight or Flight" response. I have talked to my therapist before about this natural response as an explanation for the anxiety I experience and he has offered solutions that are not medication related, but I think this book will be of further help because I can study it and refer back to it when needed.

Daisy 

[Daisy]

I woke up from a nap a short time ago and as usual when I wake up, I am filled with thoughts. As of late, I have taken to writing them down as they come when I wake up in the morning and I am going to sit and do it now in a couple of minutes.  By doing this, it has helped to organize my thoughts and I am not just spending time sitting or standing there listening to my thoughts and not knowing what I want or need to do first or even if it is a good idea to do them at all. I have never been diagnosed with ADD, but when I wake up, I feel like I have it for awhile.

Daisy

[Daisy]

I am going to have a BMP drawn in about one month because the Chloride was 1 point below the standardized amount.  My Sodium was with in normal limits. I am not too concerned by the Chloride, but I want to make sure it is not a trend. If it is, then off to the doctor I will go with lab results  in hand.

Daisy

[Daisy]

I am having a little set back today. First it was anxiety and now some nausea, headache and no appetite. It might be a reaction to starting a new supplement yesterday or a stress reaction to something related to my job. By advice, I am cutting down on the supplement. If that does not work, I will stop it. Food does not sound good right now, but I know I need to eat some dinner. I am going to try plain non fat yogurt mixed with unsweetened applesauce. That slides down pretty easy, is nutritious and I do not have to chew it. 

Daisy

[ChessieCat]

It's important for this information to be in your Intro topic:

 

On 6/3/2018 at 2:01 AM, Daisy said:

I am ordered cbd oil with no THC. It is a trial and I really do not know how I will react. It is RAW Hemp Oil Drops 300mg CBD + CBDa (3%). If it rev's me up like it did you Fontman82, I will stop it. I think the reactions to it is person specific. I could be wrong though.

Daisy

 

6 hours ago, Daisy said:

I have been taking the cbc oil since yesterday 6/4 at the starting dose recommended by the manufacturer of 1 drop 3 times a day. Today I am noticing an up tic in an anxiety symptom of a burning, tingling sensation of my scalp and worry. I do not know if it is the cbc oil or that I am thinking about when I will go back to work. There is also pressure from work to complete some documentation I had not finished when I took a personal leave of absence.

 

4 hours ago, Daisy said:

I will reduce it to 1 drop a day in the morning and see how that works. Thanks

Daisy

 

1 hour ago, Daisy said:

I really feel lousy this evening. If it is due to the CBD, does anyone know how long it takes to get out of your system?

Daisy

 

[Daisy]

Thank you ChessieCat. The nausea is better and so is the anxiety/worry. But I still have  the same feeling in my scalp and tinnitus has been added.

Daisy

[mammaP]

Re CBD oil, I looked this up yesterday for a friend. It stays in the system for around 5 days. Many people find it makes withdrawal symptoms worse, I tried it once, just one drop but couldn't tolerate it. 

 

 

Edited June 6, 2018 by mammaP

[Daisy]

On 6/6/2018 at 2:12 AM, mammaP said:

Re CBD oil, I looked this up yesterday for a friend. It stays in the system for around 5 days. Many people find it makes withdrawal symptoms worse, I tried it once, just one drop but couldn't tolerate it. 

I did not take any yesterday and felt crummy the whole day with increased back pain and bouts of dizziness. I also was easily brought to tears. Today is much better. 

Thank you for the information mammaP.

Daisy🌺

[Daisy]

Recovery is taking its toll on my pocket book. Between doctor's visits, therapy, massage therapy and a couple chiropractor visits for a flare up of my back pain, I have had to draw from my savings. I am currently on a leave of absence from work. I am trying to keep a good attitude and believe this is all going to be worth it, but it is having an impact on my sense of security.

Daisy

[Daisy]

 

A Beautiful Window

 

I had a wonderful day today. I went to the chiropractor because I really have been having a lot of pain, mostly in my buttocks. Last week when I was there, I told him that not only did I have pain, I was withdrawing from an antidepressant. Today he did his usual heating pad, then an adjustment. Then he proceeded to use acupuncture to balance my body. He inserted I think about 3 needles in the front of my lower legs. Then I think he put one in my forehead. I started to giggle. It was kind of a nervous giggle, but it felt good. When I ask him what the one on my forehead was for, he said it was for clarity of thought and depression. The whole time I was left alone, I continued to giggle. I could not help myself. When he took all the needles out, the giggling stopped. I do not know if he has ever had that type of reaction from other patients, but he was pleased with what it did for me. 

I have felt good all day despite still having buttock pain. I took care of my cats at my second residence, took the car to a drive through car wash and vacuumed  it out, ( which was not an easy task with a back brace on), bought an outfit for the Celebration of Life party I am going to tomorrow, went to the pet store, went to the grocery store and got my nails done.

It really has been a great day. I am so very, very grateful. I hope I remember this day when I am in a wave.

Daisy🌺 

 

 

[Daisy]

Emotional event today. I am going to a Celebration of Life party for my sister's husband. Tears are normal at a time like this. I am going to do my best not to fight them or fight any laughter I feel when sharing memories with others.

Daisy🌺

[Daisy]

I am tired today from yesterday's event, but I am still moving on with my day the best I can. A few things will have to wait, but they are nothing urgent.

I am still at 5 mgs of Prozac daily

20 mgs Prilosec daily

1.25 mgs Xanax daily in 3 divided doses

I have added sublingual B12 and Magnesium oil

I continue with Krill oil, calcium, D3 and probiotics.

I am holding. I do not feel stable yet and still have symptoms I deal with. Some days are better than others.

Daisy🌺

[Daisy]

I have developed noise and light sensitivity and my feet and skin are sensitive. Any little tiny strand of hair, whether it be the cats's or my own, causing itching and I have to keep my hair tied back. My scalp itches and so does my upper back and shoulder area. It helps to keep clothing off my upper back and shoulders. The bottoms of my feet are sensitive to pressure which is very unusual for me because I walk barefoot with no problems.  I have no rash or redness of my skin.

 

I wonder if it is the B12 or the magnesium I added?  Or are these symptoms part of my body adjusting to not having the amount of antidepressant it is used to.

 

If others have had any of the above symptoms, have you found anything that has helped? I really would like to be more comfortable.

 

Daisy🌻

[Carmie]

5 minutes ago, Daisy said:

I have developed noise and light sensitivity and my feet and skin are sensitive. Any little tiny strand of hair, whether it be the cats's or my own, causing itching and I have to keep my hair tied back. My scalp itches and so does my upper back and shoulder area. It helps to keep clothing off my upper back and shoulders. The bottoms of my feet are sensitive to pressure which is very unusual for me because I walk barefoot with no problems.  I have no rash or redness of my skin.

 

I wonder if it is the B12 or the magnesium I added?  Or are these symptoms part of my body adjusting to not having the amount of antidepressant it is used to.

 

If others have had any of the above symptoms, have you found anything that has helped? I really would like to be more comfortable.

 

Daisy🌻

 

Hi Daisy, 

 

I’m in a window but my face is really itchy too and I’m breaking out. Im not sure why, still trying to figure it out. Not sure if it’s food related or the actual medication is causing it. I’m sorry you have so much sensitivity over your body at the moment.

 

I know that a lot of people on this site don’t recommend taking B vitamins when you’re going through withdrawals. I wonder if that’s affecting you? 

 

Sending hugs🤗

 

 

[Lloyd]

I was taking B6 with my magnesium but i dont think it was helping, in fact i think it was making it worse as i would feel hot and itchy after taking it.I switched to a magnesium that doesnt have B vitamin in it as allot of magnesium supplements have b vitamin included.

[Daisy]

 

29 minutes ago, Carmie said:

I’m in a window but my face is really itchy too and I’m breaking out. Im not sure why, still trying to figure it out. Not sure if it’s food related or the actual medication is causing it. I’m sorry you have so much sensitivity over your body at the moment.

 

I know that a lot of people on this site don’t recommend taking B vitamins when you’re going through withdrawals. I wonder if that’s affecting you? 

 

Sending hugs🤗

Itching is a miserable thing isn't it? I am going to stop the SL B12 to see if that makes a difference. It also could be that I am sensitive to an additive in the B12. It does taste like candy🍬!

 

I had a window the other day. It was lovely. I hope yours stays wide open and lets a lot of fresh air into your life

[Daisy]

33 minutes ago, Lloyd said:

I was taking B6 with my magnesium but i dont think it was helping, in fact i think it was making it worse as i would feel hot and itchy after taking it.I switched to a magnesium that doesnt have B vitamin in it as allot of magnesium supplements have b vitamin included.

I use magnesium oil 3 times a week. It helps with my back pain. The ingredients are purified water, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate and calcium chloride.

 

It says it is pure magnesium chloride from Zechstein Sea bed-never exposed to modern pollution....I have my doubts about that! 

 

Daisy🌻

[Daisy]

1 hour ago, Daisy said:

I have developed noise and light sensitivity and my feet and skin are sensitive. Any little tiny strand of hair, whether it be the cats's or my own, causing itching and I have to keep my hair tied back. My scalp itches and so does my upper back and shoulder area. It helps to keep clothing off my upper back and shoulders. The bottoms of my feet are sensitive to pressure which is very unusual for me because I walk barefoot with no problems.  I have no rash or redness of my skin.

The back brace I have been wearing is now causing itching so off it comes too.

Daisy🌻

[Carmie]

7 hours ago, Daisy said:

 

Itching is a miserable thing isn't it? I am going to stop the SL B12 to see if that makes a difference. It also could be that I am sensitive to an additive in the B12. It does taste like candy🍬!

 

I had a window the other day. It was lovely. I hope yours stays wide open and lets a lot of fresh air into your life

 

Yes, itching is not much fun Daisy, 

 

I hope stopping the B12 resolves yours. 

 

I’m so glad you had a window yesterday. Make some happy memories when you’re in a window so when it shuts you have some things to look back on that make you smile. 

 

Hope you have many more windows💚

[Daisy]

50 minutes ago, Carmie said:

Hope you have many more windows💚

You too Carmie❇️ (sun shining)

Daisy🌻