keogh08: adverse reaction to citalopram - akathisia?

[keogh08]

Hi

 

I am really in need of some advice. 
 

something very strange is happening, this is not like anything I have experienced in the last four years in terms of waves. I do not typically cycle through waves and windows either. 
 

3 week ago I started with the most horrific symptoms, this started with a headache then horrible intrusive thoughts which are much worse than have been, suicidal thoughts, complete brain blanking to a point I am struggling to finish sentences or think of words. 
A tremor in my diaphragm, and feeling as though I am completely out of it. 
 

This all started after I took a couple of doses of omeprazole. 
 

I am severely worried at these symptoms, that these could be the start of something serious. I have had thoughts that I am getting psychosis etc. Totally unusual. Could this just be a form of anxiety loosing control? 
 

I am planning on getting bloods done this week in case I am low in something. As this does not seem like a typical worsening of symptoms I am used to. 
 

I would like to know whether it’s common for people to have completely different symptom pattern so far out? And should I be concerned that this is the start of something a lot more sinister? 
 

Can PAWS send people into psychosis or schizophrenia where they previously have no mental health diagnosis aside for withdrawal? 
 

Looking for any kind of reassurance that this will pass…
 

 

[keogh08]

I’m not sure if the following could be contributing to how I have been feeling. But recent blood test show I am borderline low in magnesium and folic acid. 
 

How could I be low in magnesium when I have supplemented daily for the past four years? 
 

Low Folic acid seems to correlate with some of my symptoms but again I eat dark leafy greens daily so I am surprised. 
 

I am so sensitive to supplements since my reaction I am worried about attempting to treat the low folic acid, although I have literally been in hell for weeks now! 
 

Any advice would be greatly welcomed. 

[Phoenixmama]

😓 how are you today , i see no one came to answer your questions ☹️

[keogh08]

Hi @Phoenixmama

 

Thank you for responding. 
 

I am not doing great. I have just read your update on your thread and this is exactly the symptoms I have right now. But I will respond to you 🙂 
 

I haven’t had symptoms like this in quite a few years. But similar to you I get respite in the evenings. So I know this is still withdrawal and there is hope. 

[Jools2816]

On 9/6/2023 at 2:18 PM, Alexmember said:

Hello, definitely still interested. Best, Alex.

 

On 9/3/2023 at 8:37 PM, keogh08 said:

Hi

 

I am really in need of some advice. 
 

something very strange is happening, this is not like anything I have experienced in the last four years in terms of waves. I do not typically cycle through waves and windows either. 
 

3 week ago I started with the most horrific symptoms, this started with a headache then horrible intrusive thoughts which are much worse than have been, suicidal thoughts, complete brain blanking to a point I am struggling to finish sentences or think of words. 
A tremor in my diaphragm, and feeling as though I am completely out of it. 
 

This all started after I took a couple of doses of omeprazole. 
 

I am severely worried at these symptoms, that these could be the start of something serious. I have had thoughts that I am getting psychosis etc. Totally unusual. Could this just be a form of anxiety loosing control? 
 

I am planning on getting bloods done this week in case I am low in something. As this does not seem like a typical worsening of symptoms I am used to. 
 

I would like to know whether it’s common for people to have completely different symptom pattern so far out? And should I be concerned that this is the start of something a lot more sinister? 
 

Can PAWS send people into psychosis or schizophrenia where they previously have no mental health diagnosis aside for withdrawal? 
 

Looking for any kind of reassurance that this will pass…
 

 

 

[Jools2816]

@keogh08 ai am not sure when and how you stoped taking meds but could this be protracted withdrawal? I hope that someone from the admin team will answer as if it goes on for too long with unbearable symptoms maybe re-instatement of low dose might be helpful. Sending warmest wishes, I see you are in UK  and I am setting up a support group so let me know if you want to join. 

[keogh08]

Hi @Jools2816

 

Thank you for your reply. 
 

I suffered an adverse reaction 4 years ago. So re-instatement has never been an option sadly. 
 

Please do let me know of the support group. Thank you. 

 

[keogh08]

@Jools2816 But yes I am a protracted withdrawal case at this stage. 

[Jools2816]

@keogh08 Please do message me with your email. I will then forward details. ❤️

[Shep]

On 9/3/2023 at 3:37 PM, keogh08 said:

3 week ago I started with the most horrific symptoms, this started with a headache then horrible intrusive thoughts which are much worse than have been, suicidal thoughts, complete brain blanking to a point I am struggling to finish sentences or think of words. 
A tremor in my diaphragm, and feeling as though I am completely out of it. 
 

This all started after I took a couple of doses of omeprazole. 

 

Keogh, if you haven't already done so, you may want to read this thread on omeprazole just for context (you definitely don't need to taper after only a couple of doses).

 

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

 

How is your diet? What foods do you typically eat? Can you link the foods to certain symptoms? Are you a vegetarian or a vegan and if so, are you getting enough B12? 

 

Are you taking any other medications (including over-the-counter meds)? What supplements are you currently taking? 

[keogh08]

@Shep

 

Thank you for the info. 
 

I stopped the omeprazole shortly after this post as I was convinced it put me into this very nasty wave. I am amazed at how sensitive I still am to medication 

 

I am not a vegetarian or vegan I aim to eat a balanced diet. But I must admit I’ve been struggling so bad my diet has slacked. 
 

I don’t take any other medication besides from Magnesium. But I feel this has now turned paradoxical on me so I have stopped this too. 
 

After 4 years I need some respite or a window. I have never had a window of longer than a few moments in all these years. 
 

My sister went through kindling and withdrawal around 7 years ago. She tells me her symptoms before healing are similar to mine now. So I have hope in the fact that maybe this wave will be the  last and hardest one I have to endure. 

[gn11]

On 9/3/2023 at 3:37 PM, keogh08 said:

Hi

 

I am really in need of some advice. 
 

something very strange is happening, this is not like anything I have experienced in the last four years in terms of waves. I do not typically cycle through waves and windows either. 
 

3 week ago I started with the most horrific symptoms, this started with a headache then horrible intrusive thoughts which are much worse than have been, suicidal thoughts, complete brain blanking to a point I am struggling to finish sentences or think of words. 
A tremor in my diaphragm, and feeling as though I am completely out of it. 
 

This all started after I took a couple of doses of omeprazole. 
 

I am severely worried at these symptoms, that these could be the start of something serious. I have had thoughts that I am getting psychosis etc. Totally unusual. Could this just be a form of anxiety loosing control? 
 

I am planning on getting bloods done this week in case I am low in something. As this does not seem like a typical worsening of symptoms I am used to. 
 

I would like to know whether it’s common for people to have completely different symptom pattern so far out? And should I be concerned that this is the start of something a lot more sinister? 
 

Can PAWS send people into psychosis or schizophrenia where they previously have no mental health diagnosis aside for withdrawal? 
 

Looking for any kind of reassurance that this will pass…
 

 

How are you doing?  For what I know these symptoms will pass. Yes I have to be careful what I ingest although is hard to know. You may want to check Baylissa Frederick's website. She is is wd and paws coach and counselor. Her program is all about reassurance and hope. Sorry about your situation. I am 26 months off last dose aftet 4 and half years of tapet from a small dose of citalopram.

The prognosis is good for recovery but some people take a long time. I am sorry about your suffering

[Shep]

On 9/13/2023 at 7:46 AM, keogh08 said:

 

I stopped the omeprazole shortly after this post as I was convinced it put me into this very nasty wave. I am amazed at how sensitive I still am to medication 

 

I am not a vegetarian or vegan I aim to eat a balanced diet. But I must admit I’ve been struggling so bad my diet has slacked. 

 

That makes sense when you're struggling to have a poor appetite. If you can, try to eat small snacks and meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar even. Withdrawal is notorious for causing drops in blood sugar. Foods high in protein are good, and, of course, eliminating alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and processed foods all can go a long way to helping us feel energized throughout the day and able to sleep better at night. Also, it's important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can mimic withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Try to eat breakfast soon after waking, even if it's just a small snack-size amount of protein, and drink a glass of water to hydrate after going all night without. This can set the stage for a better day. 

[keogh08]

Thank you @Shep

 

ill look to implement these steps asap. 
 

one thing that is really strange is that I am cycling through symptoms that change every day. These are symptoms I have never experienced before. 
 

For example I woke up on Monday to a lip tremor. This lasted two days then left. 
 

Then yesterday I woke up to almost a twisting stomach, it’s like my stomach is in knots but very strange. 
 

It’s not so much there now today. I woke with strange leg and arm sensations! I imagine they will go in the next few days. 
 

But there have been other symptoms like this. And my tinnitus has gone completely after having it every day for four years! 
 

This is so bizarre the fact each day I get something new, that doesn’t last very long. 
 

Have you ever seen this before so far out?

 

thanks

[Shep]

23 hours ago, keogh08 said:

And my tinnitus has gone completely after having it every day for four years! 

 

This is a major improvement! This is one of those symptoms that can last a long, long time. This is a great sign of resiliency. It may not feel that way due to the other symptoms, but nothing you're writing sounds unheard of in the long game of recovery. 

 

23 hours ago, keogh08 said:

Have you ever seen this before so far out?

 

Yes, withdrawal can last many years with symptoms morphing in and out - some fading, new ones added, then receding. 

 

This post explains more:

 

Are We There Yet? How Long Is Withdrawal Going To Take?

[keogh08]

Hi Shep,

 

Yea despite the progress with tinnitus I don’t feel as though I have had many improvements. 
 

If I am being completely honest I am starting to loose hope. 
 

I am a shadow of my former self, it’s as though my core has been stripped and everything that defined me as a person has left. 
 

I don’t understand how I supposed to continue to live like this, especially without any windows like many people get in recovery. 
 

I am very upset that not only have I spent years extremely unwell I may now have lost the ability to have any more children. This is something I am not able to come to terms with. 
 

I also don’t understand how a couple of pills have managed to wreck my life. Not only am i not the same person mentally I also do not look anything like my former self. 
 

I have always been a singer, music has been my life since I was small. I no longer sing nor do I feel the same way about music and this is truly upsetting. 
 

I can’t see the world as I once did. Something happened to my vision which now means my view of the world is also different. 
 

The longer this goes on the more I struggle and I’m sure this should be the other way around. 

[Jools2816]

@keogh08 my heart goes to you! I know it feels without hope; it is how I sometimes feel, if not often. I am here if you want to talk, and please come to the group this afternoon- it is a tiny group with simply wonderful people. We will keep it small so everyone can have enough space. Having you would be so good, and you do not need to do anything. Perhaps you could get some ideas on how to move towards healing and hold on to hope.  It is so hard, I also feel that I have lost most things about myself that were giving me meaning. I go through the motions, and although I do not have windows (I am at the beginning, and my symptoms are due to side effects) I try to have moments, hoping they add up. Please come if you can we will welcome you with love. I sent you an email. x

[keogh08]

Thank you @Jools2816

 

I have responded to you via email. Looking forward to coming along this evening and seeing if there is anything else I can do to aid recovery. 

[Shep]

22 hours ago, keogh08 said:

I can’t see the world as I once did. Something happened to my vision which now means my view of the world is also different. 
 

The longer this goes on the more I struggle and I’m sure this should be the other way around

 

This is common with many (perhaps most of us) on the withdrawal forums. It helps to visit the success stories and visit them often.

 

Success stories: Recovery from psychiatric drug withdrawal

 

You may want to look into mindfulness as a non-drug coping tool. Mindfulness helps us to let go of the intrusive thoughts that tell us we won't heal. Some ideas for this are here:

 

Non-drug coping techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Here is another great thread:

 

Acceptance and Hope

 

And reaching out to those who post on your thread, as you've already done, to form a support group for yourself is also key. You're doing better than you think! 

 

[keogh08]

Just an update on where I am and current symptoms I deal with over 4 years out;

 

• Debilitating and crippling fatigue daily

• Neck Pain that stems from base of head, dull ache and neck cracking. 
• Brain Fog 

• Poor mental capacity

• Anhedonia 

• Depression

• Eye Twitching

• Tinnitus

• Stress intolerance

• Rumination

• Catastrophic thoughts

• General pain and weakness

 

I think at this stage if I were to recover it would be many many years away sadly. 

 

[SlowVeil]

keogh, thank you for the update. you just mentioned your tinnitus went away in here:

On 9/15/2023 at 6:15 PM, keogh08 said:

But there have been other symptoms like this. And my tinnitus has gone completely after having it every day for four years! 

 

but in your latest update that you still have tinnitus? Does this mean you had a brief window of tinnitus free? I think you also mentioned about your tinnitus going away in the tinnitus topic. So you actually started to have some windows of tinnitus at 3 years out?

 

I have stress intolerance as well. When I experience stress and anxiety it will make my muscle twitches evolve into limb twitches during the time I try to fall asleep.  I don't really get respite in my remaining symptoms at all. they have been constant since april 2022.

 

I am so sorry that you are still having these many symptoms this far out...These drugs are real poisons.

[Kieran]

@keogh08

 

just wanting to send you lots of support, compassion and my best wishes to you. This must be all so very hard and I do hope you, myself and all of the other SA members who are suffering get some relief in time.

[keogh08]

Hi @SlowVeil

 

Yes you are correct, I have had a couple of windows of tinnitus. Which I suppose is an improvement. It’s back again now, but given my timeframe I’m not overly excited about it to be honest.

I used to get it right before bed now I get it when I wake-up so bizarre! 
 

When I hear people who have taken meds for over thirty years, healing in half the time I have I am disappointed to say the least. I know we are all unique but I still struggle with acceptance and how a couple of doses has almost disabled me. 
 

I am not entirely sure what causes the eye twitching but it’s new. I don’t recall having it the last 4 years at least not noticeably. It is present every day now. It’s fairly random happens different times in the day not so much as a result of stress or anxiety.  
 

Thank you 

[keogh08]

@Kieran Thank you, that means a lot. 

[SlowVeil]

@keogh08

 

Thank you for explanation.

On 10/21/2023 at 8:38 PM, keogh08 said:

I used to get it right before bed now I get it when I wake-up so bizarre! 

do you mean your tinnitus is not 24/7?  or it was 24/7 but now it only happens during certain period of the day?

On 10/21/2023 at 8:38 PM, keogh08 said:

When I hear people who have taken meds for over thirty years, healing in half the time I have I am disappointed to say the least. I know we are all unique but I still struggle with acceptance and how a couple of doses has almost disabled me. 

I feel the same and I struggle with this mentality as well. I can't believe just minimum dose with less than a month would land me in such an awful state. I hope we get recovered from this hell soon and get to enjoy our lives.

 

sending you warmest wishes.

 

How is your other condition?

[keogh08]

@SlowVeil I hope you are well. 
 

No my tinnitus has never been 24/7. I get it right before falling to sleep and have done for full 4 years. As soon as I hit my pillow it starts. 
 

My sleep is really poor at the moment. I have been able to sleep too much the last four years. Where as now I cannot get to sleep and suffer a lot the next day. 

My other symptoms are pretty much the same. 

Best wishes. 

 

 

[peaceandlove]

Hey im adverse reaction too. 18 months out. I hope you feel better 💕

[peaceandlove]

On 9/3/2023 at 12:37 PM, keogh08 said:

Hi

 

I am really in need of some advice. 
 

something very strange is happening, this is not like anything I have experienced in the last four years in terms of waves. I do not typically cycle through waves and windows either. 
 

3 week ago I started with the most horrific symptoms, this started with a headache then horrible intrusive thoughts which are much worse than have been, suicidal thoughts, complete brain blanking to a point I am struggling to finish sentences or think of words. 
A tremor in my diaphragm, and feeling as though I am completely out of it. 
 

This all started after I took a couple of doses of omeprazole. 
 

I am severely worried at these symptoms, that these could be the start of something serious. I have had thoughts that I am getting psychosis etc. Totally unusual. Could this just be a form of anxiety loosing control? 
 

I am planning on getting bloods done this week in case I am low in something. As this does not seem like a typical worsening of symptoms I am used to. 
 

I would like to know whether it’s common for people to have completely different symptom pattern so far out? And should I be concerned that this is the start of something a lot more sinister? 
 

Can PAWS send people into psychosis or schizophrenia where they previously have no mental health diagnosis aside for withdrawal? 
 

Looking for any kind of reassurance that this will pass…
 

 

btw this sounds exactly what I have. My initial reaction to the citoplram was headache, the thoughts & akathesia. It has came & gone in different intensities these past months. I recently just took an antibiotic & it came back again in full force. You are not alone. I can assure you we are not going crazy  & this is not the real us this is drug induced horrible reaction. My symptoms also feel “better” at night time. I too cannot tolerate exercise or lots of stimulation, stress, as it will ramp my symptoms up 

[keogh08]

Thank you @peaceandlove  

 

I am much better than I was a couple of months ago. I think I got over the reaction to omeprazole fairly quickly. 
 

Although sadly many other symptoms remain. 

[peaceandlove]

12 hours ago, keogh08 said:

Thank you @peaceandlove  

 

I am much better than I was a couple of months ago. I think I got over the reaction to omeprazole fairly quickly. 
 

Although sadly many other symptoms remain. 

What happened to us from taking the ppi & me the antibiotics was definitely the akathisia resurfacing but in a “milder” form. Akathisia doesn’t have to be us pacing it can be internal & our minds litterally won’t shut up. People that never experience this don’t realize No amount of “CBT” or mediation, therapy can stop it we aren’t in control of our minds when it happens. That’s so good though that you got over it quickly, means your nervous system is getting stronger. I’m happy for you  How long do you say it took for it to go away away this time ? 

 

I just recently found this guy’s YouTube channel. Good to watch so you don’t feel alone. He talks about akathisia etc. he barely got his first window at 34 months 

Lately I’ve just been in my room with no stimulation. I wear noise canceling headphones & try to limit my screen time. I sleep with a weighted blanket & due crosswords that I printed out to pass time lmao it sucks. But I know it’s healing me. I'm not going outside anymore unless I have to. 

[peaceandlove]

“ also noticed this. I did some research and found proton pump inhibitors affect the D2 dopamine receptors which is also what the drug Latuda ( which caused my akathisia) also affects. There may be some relation to the D2 receptor. There’s definitely a relation to dopamine which all antipsychotics inhibit. I’ve since done research and am careful with any food or med that can up or down dopamine as it may throw off the healing of akathisia. I noticed certain nuts did this.”

from this website https://akathisiainfo.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/updated-suggestions-for-healing-akathisia/

[dylboy12]

On 11/26/2023 at 3:20 PM, keogh08 said:

Thank you @peaceandlove  

 

I am much better than I was a couple of months ago. I think I got over the reaction to omeprazole fairly quickly. 
 

Although sadly many other symptoms remain. 

Hey mate, 

 

So I think i see a pattern with a lot of people on this forum. They attribute everything even years later to withdrawal . I don't think you would be having problems this late on, it's more likely that you are stuck in thought patterns/ ways of thinking that are causing you to be anxious and feel bad. 

 

I see so many people here not moving on, when in reality if it has been years, they need to move on and stop posting and even giving attention to their symptoms which are likely only remaining because of their obsession to them. 

[dylboy12]

On 11/25/2023 at 5:29 AM, peaceandlove said:

btw this sounds exactly what I have. My initial reaction to the citoplram was headache, the thoughts & akathesia. It has came & gone in different intensities these past months. I recently just took an antibiotic & it came back again in full force. You are not alone. I can assure you we are not going crazy  & this is not the real us this is drug induced horrible reaction. My symptoms also feel “better” at night time. I too cannot tolerate exercise or lots of stimulation, stress, as it will ramp my symptoms up 

I have the same symptoms as you, and i believe like you say it is all to do with the nervous system being hypersensitive, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, all make my symptoms worse

[keogh08]

33 minutes ago, dylboy12 said:

Hey mate, 

 

So I think i see a pattern with a lot of people on this forum. They attribute everything even years later to withdrawal . I don't think you would be having problems this late on, it's more likely that you are stuck in thought patterns/ ways of thinking that are causing you to be anxious and feel bad. 

 

I see so many people here not moving on, when in reality if it has been years, they need to move on and stop posting and even giving attention to their symptoms which are likely only remaining because of their obsession to them. 

I’m not sure what you are trying to imply by this comment but if you read my thread you would realise that my symptoms are largely not anxious and feeling bad. I have a lot of sensitives caused by my reaction to citalopram. Like exercise intolerance, fatigue etc. These symptoms are not those that I experienced directly after my reaction either. These patterns have changed through the healing process I am undertaking. My psychological symptoms have mostly gone. 
 

Now here is my issue with your comment which I find a little insulting, most people assume that adverse reactions are the same as withdrawal. They are not. 
 

When you suffer an adverse reaction, your brain and nervous system is literally fried. 
 

Many reputable psychiatrists I have contacted acknowledge what happens such as Dr. Shipko and it can take upwards of 7 years to heal. 

[keogh08]

@dylboy12 if was at as simple as changing our thought patterns then I can guarantee this site would be defunct as most people would not be suffering. 
 

And I would have been back on track with my life almost 5 years ago. 

[dylboy12]

6 hours ago, keogh08 said:

@dylboy12 if was at as simple as changing our thought patterns then I can guarantee this site would be defunct as most people would not be suffering. 
 

And I would have been back on track with my life almost 5 years ago. 

I have had multiple adverse reactions to drugs and am in a similar situation just not years into it. But i think, if you are ever going to get better you need to look at other causes for your symptoms and stop posting on forums and even researching about it. You're thinking worst case if you think 7 years is average. 

 

I understand some people are very unlucky and do have symptoms for a long time, but you've said the fatigue etc didn't come for a long time so in my view that's not caused by the adverse reaction