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☼ ChapNasty: entering 5th month of WD


ChapNasty

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Posted

I'm coming up on my 5th month of being off of Citalopram for 6 years. I recently came upon this forum and I'm just bewildered at the information I've found that was never told to me by my doctor. She made this WD sound like it was a 30 day thing no problem. No lingering effects or anything. I have alot of  resentment towards her right now! It would have been nice to have the accurate tapering information 4 months ago. Unfortunately, I'm not in that boat.  In my current situation, what can I expect going forward at the 5 month mark. This has been extremely rough on my family. I have 3 kids and a wonderful wife, who all have been blind sided by what I have turned into. They are my livelihood and my inspiration to be the father and husband I am capable of being. I'm just struggling, I still have different symptoms everyday (irritability, heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle tension, neck and back pain, foot numbness, panic attacks, high anxiety, headaches, tinnitus). I am doing the best i can but feel bad for my wife. This was my problem and should never have unknowingly effected her like this. Will these symptoms ease over time? I'm searching for someone who has had a similar experience than I and can give me some insight.

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

  • ChessieCat changed the title to ChapNasty: entering 5th month of WD
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hi, Chipnasty.

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. 

 

Unfortunately, doctors are very ignorant about withdrawal. However, there's no reason to think you won't heal. These horrible symptoms fade over time. 

 

Five months off is a long time out, but you may benefit from a very tiny reinstatement dose. Here is some information for you to read over, should you decide to go this route. 

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

To get to a small enough dose for a reinstatement, please see these threads: 

 

Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram)

 

Making a citalopram solution yourself

 

For more on tapering and withdrawal: 

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain

 

Healing from antidepressants. Patterns of recovery video (4 minutes)

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization


 

Quote

 

Weekly: 90 min. Massage,  60 min. Accupuncture, and 20 min. Alpha Brain Wave Therapy (Vielight)


 

 

The above is from your signature. I'm concerned that some of these treatments may actually be causing problems. When your nervous system is sensitive, massage, acupuncture and brain wave therapy can cause the nervous system to hyper-react. 

 

However, some people find massages and acupuncture relaxing.  It's important your acupuncture know that you don't want treatment for "depression" as he or she may give you an "activating" treatment, which can be very bad for someone with a destabilized nervous system). Make sure it's a "calming" treatment. 

 

Please see:

 

Acupuncture

 

I couldn't find anything for the Alpha Brain Wave Therapy (Vielight); however, you may find some comparable information here: 

 

Alpha-Stim, Fisher Wallace Sota Biotuner, PoNS, and similar devices

 

You have in your signature that you are off of both benzos and ADs now. Are you taking any other kinds of drugs, including over the counter? If so, please add them to your signature. 

 

After you have a chance to read through these threads, please let us know if a reinstatement is something you'd like to try and we'll help you sort out the best starting dose. 

 

 

 

 

Posted

Shep,

 

Your response was much appreciated. I really don't think I could reinstate at this point. The first 2 months of this fast taper withdrawal took a huge toll on my health and family life.

I will be taking your advice about reducing acupuncture and vielight brain therapy. I'm not feeling any positive effects from those but more anxiety.

Do you have any thoughts about CBD Oil?

 

I can tell I am getting better with time but still have those waves. Its just nice to talk with folks who understand what I'm going through. I don't have anyone around me that would understand. I try to tell my wife and she tries but if you haven't been through it you wouldn't understand.

 

Keep grindin'

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted
6 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

Your response was much appreciated. I really don't think I could reinstate at this point. The first 2 months of this fast taper withdrawal took a huge toll on my health and family life.

I will be taking your advice about reducing acupuncture and vielight brain therapy. I'm not feeling any positive effects from those but more anxiety.

 

Please continue to post and let us know how you're doing. Since these forms of therapy were causing more anxiety, you likely will benefit from discontinuing them and will see improvements in the coming weeks as their effects fade out. 

 

6 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

Do you have any thoughts about CBD Oil?

 

CBD oil is a hit or a miss for people going through withdrawal. Please see:

 

Cannabis, marijuana, THC, and CBD or Hemp oil

 

If you do try CBD oil, do so at a very small dose until you see how you react. 

 

6 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

I can tell I am getting better with time but still have those waves. Its just nice to talk with folks who understand what I'm going through. I don't have anyone around me that would understand. I try to tell my wife and she tries but if you haven't been through it you wouldn't understand.

 

Yes, this is an extremely isolating path to follow. You may want to read and post here in the Relationships thread for a bit of company with like-minded people: 

 

Relationships and Social Life

 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted (edited)

Hi Chapnasty, 

 

I just wanted to welcome you to SA too. Yes, withdrawals can certainly be a lonely journey when everyone around you doesn’t seem to understand. I’m so glad you’ve got a lovely caring family though, they must be wonderful treasures in your life. 

 

This certainly is a rollercoaster ride🎢🎢 of windows and waves, up, down, up, down. You can get windows and waves all in the same day too. Our poor little brains are trying to repair themselves. Your symptoms will ease over time, but unfortunately no one can say when. There is absolutely nothing linear in withdrawals, they are all over the place. Just take heart in the fact that every day is a day closer to healing. 

 

Wishing you all the best in your continued recovery.💚

Edited by Carmie
Typo

Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg. 2020➡️5.60 to 4.80. 2021➡️4.60 to 4.0.  2022➡️3.95 to 3.55. 2023➡️ From 3.50 to 3.25.  2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️May1=3.0✔️ June7=3mg✔️ July 15= 2.95✔️  Aug14=2.90✔️ Sep13=2.85✔️ Oct12= 2.80✔️ Nov9=2.75✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

Posted

Thank you Carmie & Shep

 

I appreciate the kind words of encouragement.

 

I do have a couple questions, I'd like to know your opinions if possible.

 

I get super anxious when taking fish oil and vitamin D, not sure if its the actual supplements or from the withdrawal. Did you either of you have any luck with certain supplements?

 

My sleep pattern is all over the place. One night not bad getting deep sleep, next night just tossing all night no sleep at all. Any tips on this would be appreciated.

 

Dizziness and trouble focusing throughout the day. Any remedies to help with this would be great.

 

Wondering if there are any supplements or natural remedies to take to subside the symptoms or anything that has help you.

 

Thank you

 

 

 

 

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted

I find that coconut oil makes me think smarter and calmer. Although, only taken a little bit and once a week,  because its a lot of fat for the body to digest (it digests differently from regular fats I read). Also, it might only just be for me, because the medication I took was zyprexa, different than yours. Also, it is a long time from when I first started withdrawal, so that might be something too.

My medications were short-timed and low-dosed, but still affected my life a lot; all this is in 2017.

June 21 - June 28 (inpatient) - 300 mg lithium

June 6 -  July 14 (inpatient then outpatient) - 10 mg zyprexa

July 14 - July 17 (outpatient try taper) - 7.5 mg zyprexa

July 18 - July 21 (outpatient doctor changed) - 10 mg zyprexa

July 21 - July 24 (outpatient doctor said got worse) -  15 mg zyprexa

July 25 - now (quit ct with family supervision) - nothing

 

I quit ct and was successful, but there were tons of symptoms and without my family support probably impossible. My situation was fortunate, and maybe if I tapered there would be less symptoms. But I feel what worked was a will to keep going, patience, and attitude to want to get better in any situation ct or tapering.

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted (edited)
10 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

I get super anxious when taking fish oil and vitamin D, not sure if its the actual supplements or from the withdrawal. Did you either of you have any luck with certain supplements?

 

Do you take the fish oil and the vitamin D at the same time? 

 

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol or calcitriol)

 

As you can read in these links, fish oil tends to be calming but vitamin D can be stimulating and led to insomnia and other problems. 

 

So it may be the vitamin D. You may want to reduce your dose and see how you feel. To get vitamin D naturally, try to take a 15 - 30 minute walk outside every day in the sunlight. Or eat foods high in vitamin D. 

 

During withdrawal, the only two supplements SA recommends are fish oil and magnesium. But if you have reactions to those, best to avoid, as well. 

 

Once you've healed from withdrawal, you'll be able to try supplements again. 

 

10 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

My sleep pattern is all over the place. One night not bad getting deep sleep, next night just tossing all night no sleep at all. Any tips on this would be appreciated.

 

The every-other-night sleep pattern is common for a lot of people, especially those coming off benzos. 

 

This pattern will improve over time. 

Edited by Shep
added information

 

 

Posted

Any recommendations for the headaches?

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted

Hi Chap.

 

My situation is similar to yours. Please read my thread. 

 

I have a wife and children and also a full time job. I know how hard it is and the impact it has on your mind and loved ones. 

 

Take each day..... do what you can and dont feel guilty for what you cant. This is not you fault!!!

 

I think as males we put alot of self pressure on ourselves to get better. What you will see as time moves forward is you slowly start doing more and more. 

 

All your symptoms are common also..

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Posted

My current daily exercise consists of riding a indoor bike at a nice pace for about 20-30 mins but never really pushing it. I try to do this 5-6 days a week. I used to lift weights 3-4 times a week before starting my quick taper so yesterday I thought I would try it since its been about 5 months and I had some energy. Terrible idea, last night and today my head has felt like it was going to explode with pressure and ache. I think I triggered something cause I've been ridden with high anxiety and brain fog since I then. Hope I didn't put myself back into a wave. I do try not to push myself but it's hard to and just let my mind wonder. I try to keep busy but sometime end up feeling worse. What poison do you pick? Sit with your thoughts or keep busy and risk triggering a wave??

 

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hi CN, 

 

How are you doing?💚

Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg. 2020➡️5.60 to 4.80. 2021➡️4.60 to 4.0.  2022➡️3.95 to 3.55. 2023➡️ From 3.50 to 3.25.  2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️May1=3.0✔️ June7=3mg✔️ July 15= 2.95✔️  Aug14=2.90✔️ Sep13=2.85✔️ Oct12= 2.80✔️ Nov9=2.75✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Topic title:  7.5 months off Celexa

 

I just hit the 7.5 month and have been clobbered with a big wave. Today I was just driving down the highway and BAM, I was nailed with sheer panic and shakiness out of nowhere. I have gotten better with breathing techniques these past 7 months and can usually breath through it but today was different. I just couldn’t calm down at all. Felt impending doom, terrible thoughts, and just almost like I was back at square one. The passed couple weeks I felt like I was on the mend but today just rocked me and my momentum. Can anybody help with advice or experiences they’ve faced to help me get back?

 

Edited by ChessieCat

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted
On ‎1‎/‎23‎/‎2019 at 8:25 PM, ChapNasty said:

I'm coming up on my 5th month of being off of Citalopram for 6 years. I recently came upon this forum and I'm just bewildered at the information I've found that was never told to me by my doctor. She made this WD sound like it was a 30 day thing no problem. No lingering effects or anything. I have alot of  resentment towards her right now! It would have been nice to have the accurate tapering information 4 months ago. Unfortunately, I'm not in that boat.  In my current situation, what can I expect going forward at the 5 month mark. This has been extremely rough on my family. I have 3 kids and a wonderful wife, who all have been blind sided by what I have turned into. They are my livelihood and my inspiration to be the father and husband I am capable of being. I'm just struggling, I still have different symptoms everyday (irritability, heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle tension, neck and back pain, foot numbness, panic attacks, high anxiety, headaches, tinnitus). I am doing the best i can but feel bad for my wife. This was my problem and should never have unknowingly effected her like this. Will these symptoms ease over time? I'm searching for someone who has had a similar experience than I and can give me some insight.

Hello,

Your story is quite similar to mine...

 

I was on 20 mg of citalopram for 7 years.  I tapered over 4 weeks on the advice of my doctor, having never heard of withdrawal.  I have been suffering immensely.  I have nearly lost my relationship more than once.  I am also in month 5 of withdrawal. 

 

I was an avid exerciser before drugs but then lost all energy and motivation on them and gained 25 pounds.

 

I had continuous symptoms for a few months after withdrawal, but now I have windows.  On Sunday I decided to exercise.  It felt so nice to actually have energy that I pushed myself and overdid it.  Almost immediately after I had severe elbow pain that had me screaming and bawling in pain.  Never had this before withdrawal.  Starting a few hours after and continuing until now I have had intense anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depersonalization. total body pain, headaches, feeling like my eyes are bulging out of my head, bad light and noise sensitivity it is just awful. 

 

Message me anytime. 

April 2011 - citalopram 20 mg

April 2018 - tapered in 4 weeks

Nov 2018 - reinstated 20 mg

Stopped 8 days later bad reaction

November 5 2020 - reinstated citalopram 0.5mg. Increase to 1mg

November 10 2020 - stopped citalopram.  

December 8 2020 - reinstate 2.5mg citalopram. Stayed on until December 17

December 20 2020 - discontinue citalopram again 

Dec 2020 - start ativan for akathisia 

Nov 2020 to Jan 2021 - tried low dose Seroquel, Risperidone, Luvox, Zoloft and Prozac. just added symptoms no benefit

Feb 2021 - ativan went paradoxical. landed in hospital. cold turkeyed.

Totally drug free since Feb 21, 2021

Posted

Thanks for your reply Daisy! Just checking in with you. How have you been feeling the past couple weeks? I have been off (in a cloud) the past week with weird aches and body pains. This whole thing just keeps me guessing, you just never know what symptoms are going to show up on any given day. Have you heard anything about this “ten month wave”? I think it’s adding and amping up my anxiety every day. Hope your hanging in there and healing everyday. 

 

 

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted
2 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

Thanks for your reply Daisy! Just checking in with you. How have you been feeling the past couple weeks? I have been off (in a cloud) the past week with weird aches and body pains. This whole thing just keeps me guessing, you just never know what symptoms are going to show up on any given day. Have you heard anything about this “ten month wave”? I think it’s adding and amping up my anxiety every day. Hope your hanging in there and healing everyday. 

 

 

Hi @chapnasty. I am in a really bad wave. Nonstop intrusive thoughts just like the first month. Depersonalization. Tons of anxiety. I actually have had aching legs and headache for 5 days straight so I relate to the body pain. It's all so discouraging and scary. I have heard of the 10 month wave yes. People have said it's really bad. Are you holding up? I just want this all to stop. Still seems like new symptoms all the time. Hang in there!

April 2011 - citalopram 20 mg

April 2018 - tapered in 4 weeks

Nov 2018 - reinstated 20 mg

Stopped 8 days later bad reaction

November 5 2020 - reinstated citalopram 0.5mg. Increase to 1mg

November 10 2020 - stopped citalopram.  

December 8 2020 - reinstate 2.5mg citalopram. Stayed on until December 17

December 20 2020 - discontinue citalopram again 

Dec 2020 - start ativan for akathisia 

Nov 2020 to Jan 2021 - tried low dose Seroquel, Risperidone, Luvox, Zoloft and Prozac. just added symptoms no benefit

Feb 2021 - ativan went paradoxical. landed in hospital. cold turkeyed.

Totally drug free since Feb 21, 2021

  • 1 month later...
Posted

Creeping up on this 10 month wave everyone keeps referring to. I’m starting to get deeper waves as I approach. The last 2 months have been my best since quitting cold turkey. I’m almost scared to revert back to what I was feeling in the beginning. Can anyone please share the personal experience with me when they were going through this 10 month wave?

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

Hello, CN, what are the symptoms you have now? You said you've been better over the last 2 months, did waves get worse again?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Yes. All of my original symptoms have come back in a matter of 24 hours high anxiety, neck and joint pains, major migraines, brain fog, constant fear, and shakiness. I haven’t felt this bad in about a 2 month period. I’ve had little waves that have lasted a couple hours but none for this long.

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted

This happened to me. Look at my thread at 10 months i was asking about the big wave.

 

To be honest im 12 month out and the past 8 weeks have been pretty difficult some days. You do get left wondering when is this **** guna end!

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Posted

Same here, at 9 months. Had some pretty good months before but this wave is the hardest ever. All the symptoms are back but more severe, and usually my waves last a few days to a week. This has been going for 3 weeks now. In a constant hell of flu, anxiety, dp and akathisia. 

2008 - Setralin 150mg, CT after 1 year. 
2015 - Venlafaxin 150mg. CT after 1 month. 
2016 - Brintellix 100mg, CT after  2 years.
2018 

January - Mirtazapin 25 mg, CT after 1 month. 
Mars - Setralin 100 mg. CT after 1 month. 
August- Lexapro 5 mg. CT after 1 month, adverse reaction. Stopped all benzo, sleeping pills here too. 

2019 

January - Took fluconazol and itraconazol, strong reaction, like bein floxed. 

January - Used progesteronecream 200mg a day for 1 month. Severe reaction month 2 so i stopped (maybe built up cream in tissues?) 

April - Took plan-B, this messed me up the most. 

  • 4 months later...
Posted
On 6/8/2019 at 3:18 PM, Altostrata said:

Hello, CN, what are the symptoms you have now? You said you've been better over the last 2 months, did waves get worse again?

Yes. Months 10-12 were really intense. Pretty much back to square one. All my original symptoms came roaring back with a vengeance. I just cleared 13 months and I have hit a nice little wave. Still have the intrusive thoughts but anxiety is lower than it has been in awhile. 

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted
28 minutes ago, ChapNasty said:

Yes. Months 10-12 were really intense. Pretty much back to square one. All my original symptoms came roaring back with a vengeance. I just cleared 13 months and I have hit a nice little wave. Still have the intrusive thoughts but anxiety is lower than it has been in awhile. 

I still have intrusive thoughts too but other symptoms are much better. We are so similar!

April 2011 - citalopram 20 mg

April 2018 - tapered in 4 weeks

Nov 2018 - reinstated 20 mg

Stopped 8 days later bad reaction

November 5 2020 - reinstated citalopram 0.5mg. Increase to 1mg

November 10 2020 - stopped citalopram.  

December 8 2020 - reinstate 2.5mg citalopram. Stayed on until December 17

December 20 2020 - discontinue citalopram again 

Dec 2020 - start ativan for akathisia 

Nov 2020 to Jan 2021 - tried low dose Seroquel, Risperidone, Luvox, Zoloft and Prozac. just added symptoms no benefit

Feb 2021 - ativan went paradoxical. landed in hospital. cold turkeyed.

Totally drug free since Feb 21, 2021

Posted

Has anyone tried Full Spectrum CBD oil while going through protracted withdrawal? Does it help with symptoms at all??

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted

@ChapNasty Just wanted to offer you encouragement. I can’t even imagine WD with a partner and children, it is hard enough flying solo. Though perhaps having a family around can be a great comfort. In bad waves, bedbound, I can go days without meaningful human interaction. Still isolation is a multi axis thing- we all know that old adage of being the loneliest  when in company. It’s a state of mind. As well as @Leo1983 , @jozeff is navigating withdrawal with a wife and two young children. I hope it’s ok to connect you up. 

 

1999:  Paroxetine (20mg). Age 16. 2007-2008: Fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1.5 years (age 25) Citalopram 20mg 2002-2005, 2009: Escitalopram (20mg), 2 weeks, (age 26) (adverse  reaction)/*Valium 5mg/Temazepam 10mg 2010: Mirtazipine (Remeron)( do not remember dosage) 2010, 5 months.                     2010-2017: Citalopram (20mg) (age 27 to 34) 2016: i.1st Sept- 31st Oct Citalopram 10mg , ii.1st November 2017-30th November 2017, Citalopram 5mg iii.1st December 2017- 4th February 2018, Citalopram 0mg, iv.5th February 2018- March 2018 Citalopram 5mg (10mg every other day) 28th February- tried titration of 5mg ( some adverse effects)

2018: 1st March 2018- 1st June Citalopram 10 mg (tablet form) /started titration 8mg , then 7 mg.2018: June 15th- 10th July Citalopram 10 mg pill every other day 2018: 10th July - 13th Sept Citalopram- 0mg  (CBD oil first month of 0mg, passiflora on and off) 2018 13th Sept Citalopram  2mg ,  approx 16th Sept 4mg , approx 25th Sept 6mg held.  2019: 11 Feb 19: 7mg (instant bad rxn) 12 Feb 19 6mg held 1 May 19 5.4mg held 5 Oct 19 5.36mg 22 Oct 19 5.29mg 30 Oct 19 5.23mg 4/NOV/19 5.18mg 12 Nov 19 5.08mg 20 Nov 19 4.77mg 7 May 22 2.31mg 17/09/2023 0.8mg

(Herbal/Supplements since 1st September: Omega Fish Oil 1200mg, 663mg of EPA- 2 tablets a day, magnesium and magnesium bath salts)

I did not die, and yet I lost life’s breath
- Dante
  • 2 months later...
Posted

16 months off Celexa

 

What a journey this a been and I’m still trucking along. I will start by saying this has been the hardest period of my entire life. It has gotten more manageable coming up on month 16 clear of any Celexa in my body. My anxiety still exists and comes and goes throughout every day. I can get through the panic attacks better than before due to not having all the other symptoms. Don’t get me wrong, I still have all of them but they seem to be on a sort of carousel. Yesterday, I felt off with a side of panic, today I have tremendous body pain with a twitchy eye, tomorrow will probably be bloating with day long headache. All in all, the symptoms are not as intense so I do feel I’m on the road to recovery. I always have the unsteadiness that a big wave is around the corner and can come on at any time. I’m doing my best to take one day, even one hour at a time. That’s what I have found to be the best approach. I think about the future a lot too. One day I will be over all of this and my wife and kids will truly see the real me again. That thought alone drives me and can’t wait for all of this to be behind me. I’m more than happy to answer any question to the best of my ability. I love talking to people that have shared in this process.

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted
On 12/26/2019 at 1:22 AM, ChapNasty said:

All in all, the symptoms are not as intense so I do feel I’m on the road to recovery.

 

Wonderful update, CN. 

 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

 

 

  • 1 month later...
Posted

How long should I abstain from drinking alcohol? I would love a nice cold beer or cocktail with my wife on Valentine’s Day. Is this a terrible idea? I haven’t had a sip for 18 months. Any advice or knowledge of how long is a good measurement to wait on consuming alcoholic beverages after your last dose.  

11/2012 - 6/2018: 20mg Citalopram. .25mg Xanax as needed.

6/2018 - 7/2018: 10mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 7/2018 - 8/2018: 5mg Citalopram. Rx Orders. 8/2018 - 9/2018: 5mg Citalopram every other day. .25mg Xanax as needed. Rx Orders.

Aug. 29, 2018: Stopped all SSRI's and Benzo's.

9/2018 - 10/2018: 2 months off. Absolute Hell. Thought I had lost my mind. Horrible acute withdrawal. Anxiety 100 out of 10.

1/2019: 4 months off. Everyday is a grind. I'm putting up the good fight. Waves and windows. Anxiety 8 out of 10.

12/2019: 15.5 months off. I still have symptoms but not all at once. Manageable now. Daily waves and windows. Anxiety 6 out of 10.

3/2020:  18 months off. Just finished a solid month wave. Thinking it was the 18th and final big one. Shorter waves and longer windows. Anxiety 5 out of 10.

Bi-Weekly: 90 min. Massage / Daily: Low Carb Diet, 30 min Cycling Exercise, no supplements, no caffeine, no alcohol

 

 

 

 

Posted

I wouldn't. I see people getting thrown into waves over cold medicine and alcohol. But, there are plenty that eventually can tolerate wine, or have been drinking beer through their entire WD. I was someone who abstained from alcohol most of the time anyway (drank through my 20's, then got "healthy" in my 30s and only had occasional drinks, then I didn't like drinking because the next day I would feel like I needed to sleep the whole day- even from just one martini or cider). 

Just my two cents, but not worth it. I haven't even tried CBD oil after bothering a bunch of people about their usage, nor have I caved into buying any of the TES machines out of fear of  getting worse (and although there are great reviews for both mediums, I always find the post of the person who has used either and have been in a wave for several months from trying it). You can always do a search on the website and see how other people are doing with their alcohol usage, too, if that helps. 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

Posted

I had a few last night. It does ramp anxiety up and it does cloud your head more the next day. 

 

I decided once a week or one in 2 weeks i would have a night that i enjoyed. I was sick of sitting waiting for the miracle to land one morning. 

 

I guess its a choice you have to make. 

 

Enjoy yourself as soon as you feel you can!

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Posted
5 hours ago, ChapNasty said:

How long should I abstain from drinking alcohol? I would love a nice cold beer or cocktail with my wife on Valentine’s Day. Is this a terrible idea? I haven’t had a sip for 18 months. Any advice or knowledge of how long is a good measurement to wait on consuming alcoholic beverages after your last dose.  

 

The thing is, nobody knows. It could set you back any amount of time, or not at all, and anything in between those extremes.And you just can't go by anyone else's experience...each of our nervous systems are so different.

Sorry, there's no easy answer.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

  • 7 months later...
Posted

@ChapNasty, how are you doing? I’m a wife, mom to a 4 1/2 month old baby and like you, my family is what is driving me to feel better. They do not deserve this 😭

 

How did you cope or get through this? I feel awful. 

Paxil 20mg - 2013-2015 (tapered to Lexapro)

Lexapro 20mg 2015 - May 19th, 2020

Celexa 10mg - May 19-May 26; Celexa 20mg - May 26-June 25; June 25-July 22; Celexa 30mg - 2 weeks leading up to July 22 - Caused adverse reactions/impending doom,panic,akathisia CT’d Celexa July 22.

Developed PGAD August 13th - brutal; Buspar added 5mg twice a day for withdrawal anxiety - August 14th-15th but didn’t help PGAD (HELPED ANXIETY)

Nortriptyline 1mL liquid - August 19th-Sep 3 - HELPED PGAD but stopped because I thought I was having bad side effects (learned it was prob withdrawal from Celexa)

Sep 4 -Lexapro 1.25mg Sep 5 -Lexapro 2.5mg helped withdrawal symptoms but caused muscle pain so I knew I messed up

Sep 6-Sep 9 - Lexapro 1.25mg (helped flu like symptoms - severe “cortisol anxiety” at all hours of the night and day. No relief unless I take ativan which I tried so hard to avoid - severe nausea (too much med)

Sep 11-Now - Celexa .5mg (liquid .25ml)
May 2020 - Ativan .25mg as needed for anxiety - schedule at .125mg 3 x’s a day (September 13-15th 2020 or so - September 21st, 2020) September 22, 2020 - skipped midday dose of Ativan -  withdrawal symptoms insomnia, leg pain (September 23,2020 - now back to .125mg 3 x’s day)

(Vaginal Valium as needed for PGAD) - Used twice since August 13th - STOPPED

09/23/20; Pink Stork Probiotic - 08/2019-Current (started for pregnancy nausea)

2010-Now - Dexilant 30mg for acid reflux

  • 7 months later...
Posted

@chapnasty how are you , i would love to hear how your doing 

2021:  started celexa 10mg feb 2nd 

feb 25th took my last 10g; feb 26th 5mg; feb 27th 5mg; feb 28th 2021 cold turkey 

currently taking mag

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