Abdullah Posted October 27, 2019 Posted October 27, 2019 I took Abilify for 2 weeks, then tapered for a week and quit. Withdrawals have been intense. How long should I expect them to last? No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted October 27, 2019 Author Posted October 27, 2019 Hello. I took Abilify for 2 weeks, then tapered off in one week. I'm in week 5 now, and the withdrawal symptoms have only just begun to subside. How long should I expect them to last? No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted October 27, 2019 Author Posted October 27, 2019 I took Abilify (10mg) for 2 weeks, then tapered off in a week. Had very intense withdrawals (esp brain fog) that are only now (5th week since last dose) beginning to slightly subside. How long should I expect this to go on? No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 31, 2019 Administrator Posted October 31, 2019 Welcome, Abdullah. What were your acute withdrawal symptoms, shortly after you went off the drug? How have they changed? How do you feel now? How is your sleep? 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.
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 2, 2019 Administrator Posted November 2, 2019 @Abdullah please see the responses to your posts in this topic. Put your questions and post about your progress here. 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.
Abdullah Posted December 4, 2019 Author Posted December 4, 2019 Week 11 now, no change in withdrawal symptoms. Had none for a week after my last dose of abilify, then was hit by the most severe depression I've ever experienced. Other symptoms : (Physical) Tremors, occasional feelings of nausea, Fatigue (Psychological) Anhedonia, severe Depersonalization/Derealization, severe decline in cognitive abilities, stammering No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted December 4, 2019 Author Posted December 4, 2019 On 11/1/2019 at 3:14 AM, Altostrata said: Welcome, Abdullah. What were your acute withdrawal symptoms, shortly after you went off the drug? How have they changed? How do you feel now? How is your sleep? I noticed I was becoming increasingly depressed during the week after my last dose, but apart from that, no other major symptoms. Things have (unfortunately) not changed. Apart from the strange dreams, my sleep is fine. No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 5, 2019 Administrator Posted December 5, 2019 How much Abilify were you taking? Did you have any adverse effects while you were taking it? To help us out, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this. 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.
Abdullah Posted December 5, 2019 Author Posted December 5, 2019 3 hours ago, Altostrata said: How much Abilify were you taking? Did you have any adverse effects while you were taking it? To help us out, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this. I was taking 10mg daily. Started having severe akathisia and noticed my creativity and wit seemed dulled. My confidence also started to plummet. Decided to taper off (in a week) after the 15th day of starting it No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 5, 2019 Administrator Posted December 5, 2019 Your nervous system is still recovering from the adverse reaction. We often suggest reinstatement of a very small amount of the drug, such as 0.5mg in your case, to stop withdrawal symptoms, but since you had an adverse reaction to the drug, you might get it again. How have your symptoms changed in the last month? 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.
Abdullah Posted December 5, 2019 Author Posted December 5, 2019 3 hours ago, Altostrata said: Your nervous system is still recovering from the adverse reaction. We often suggest reinstatement of a very small amount of the drug, such as 0.5mg in your case, to stop withdrawal symptoms, but since you had an adverse reaction to the drug, you might get it again. How have your symptoms changed in the last month? I took Abilify from September 1 - 22, 2019. Withdrawal symptoms appeared suddenly on September 30th and haven't improved/changed since. I reinstated 10mg on 25th November. More than a week has passed since then with no improvement in symptoms. Will wait for a few more days then quit Abilify for good and wait out the withdrawal No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 6, 2019 Administrator Posted December 6, 2019 18 hours ago, Abdullah said: I reinstated 10mg on 25th November. You had a serious adverse reaction to 10mg. If I were you, I'd cut this in half, take 5mg and see if that helps. More is not better. 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.
Abdullah Posted December 6, 2019 Author Posted December 6, 2019 2 hours ago, Altostrata said: If I were you, I'd cut this in half, take 5mg and see if that helps. I'll try that. Thank you for the advice. No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted December 6, 2019 Author Posted December 6, 2019 2 hours ago, Altostrata said: You had a serious adverse reaction to 10mg. This time it doesn't seem to be affecting me. I'm not entirely sure why though (Possibly because of the depersonalisation? Or have I reinstated too late?) No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
jozeff Posted December 6, 2019 Posted December 6, 2019 Hi Abdullah, Sorry to hear you are suffering so much. Since you had such a severe reaction to this drug after just taking it for two weeks I would be very careful not to jump around in dose out of despair. Just some personal advice.This might increase your symptoms even more. I would advise you to follow the thoughts given here by mods and fellow sufferers. (You are doing that already;)) I've heard too many stories in my life of people visiting a doctor after adverse reaction and they were immediately prescribed another antidepressant. Be very wise and careful with that. I would really like to know how the 5 mg ability is working for you! Good luck and stay positive!! Cheers Jozeff 1 Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg Apr 2018 - Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed) Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks, updosed to 18 mg - 14Aug 2018 - 26apr 2019 citalopram 18 mg, hold 8 months 2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg 2020 03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg / 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg / hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold... 2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg / 13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg / 09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg 2022 08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 2023 hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg 2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold / 08apr 1.38 mg / 15apr 1.36 mg / 20apr 1.34 mg / 28apr 1.33 mg / 2may 1.32 mg / 9may 1.30 mg hold / micro taper 0.002 mg/day start 17jun / 27jun 1.28 mg / 06jul 1.26 mg / 29jul 1.20 mg / 24aug 1.14 mg / 02sep 1.12 mg / 10sep 1.10 mg / 17sep 1.08 mg / 23 sep 1.06 mg / 07 oct 1.02 mg / 12oct 1.0 mg hold 1 month / 13nov 0.99 mg / micro taper 0.002 mg/day / 27 Nov 0.96 mg / 05dec 0.94 mg
Abdullah Posted December 19, 2019 Author Posted December 19, 2019 I've had to CT Abilify again No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted December 19, 2019 Author Posted December 19, 2019 Noticed no change for the time I reinstated it (3 weeks). CT'd because it was causing breast growth and I worried that if I continued longer I'd have to get surgery done. I suppose I'll just have to ride this out. No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted December 20, 2019 Author Posted December 20, 2019 Anyone else CT'd an antipsychotic? No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted January 1, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Posted January 1, 2020 On 12/20/2019 at 11:45 AM, Abdullah said: Anyone else CT'd an antipsychotic? Abdullah, I moved this post from the new thread you created in the intro section. Please note there's only one intro thread per member. There's a thread you may want to read about people stopping various types of drugs cold turkey: Cold turkey or rapid taper success stories? As Alto mentioned earlier in your post, you were only this drug a relatively short period of time and may be dealing more with an adverse reaction. This is the timeline for a for a cold turkey of an antidepressant, but a lot of this is also true for an antipsychotic. It can take a long time to recover. CT and Fast Tapers Although you took this drug for more than a week, because this post is about an adverse reaction, it may be helpful: But I only took it for a Week You may find some ways of helping your symptoms here: Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms Are you currently taking any supplements? We don't recommend a lot of supplements, as many members report their nervous systems are simply too fragile to handle them. However, magnesium and fish oil tend to be calming to the nervous system and many people report they do help. Please only add in one supplement at a time and at a small dose. For more, please see: King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker You may try to add in these (one at a time) to see if they help with your symptoms.
Abdullah Posted January 8, 2022 Author Posted January 8, 2022 Hi everyone, just wanted to drop in and say I've been slowly feeling much better for the past few months. My blank mind (extreme dp/dr) has almost gone away, and I can function somewhat normally now (I still have mild dp/dr though). I've also started university again! 4 No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted January 9, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Posted January 9, 2022 That's great to read, Abdullah. Thanks for your update.
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted January 9, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Posted January 9, 2022 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! Please see this topic: How to write your success story 1
Sofa Posted March 13, 2022 Posted March 13, 2022 @Abdullah How are you feeling? I also suffer from blank mind, very few spontanious thoughts, dp/dr and total loss of all emotions. Very bad cognitive function. Hard to remember who i used to be. How long until you started to see significant improvement? June-July -21 Zyprexa 2.5-7.5 mg July -21 Mianserin 20 mg four days July-Aug -21 Valium 30 mg a day, tapred, return of symptoms Aug-Oct -21 Oxazepam Tapred from 10 mg x 3 to zero Dec-Jan -21/22 On and off mirtazapine 15 mg. Kindling reaction? March 8.-19. - Zopiclone 7.5 mg to combat insomnia March 20 - 5 mg valium because of akathisia and panic April 3. - 5 mg x 2
Abdullah Posted March 15, 2022 Author Posted March 15, 2022 Things started improving (gradually) after 15 months I think. No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Landis Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 Hello, Abdullah! From my point of view, your story has great motivational potential, you are a very persistent and strong-willed person, worthy of all respect. Unfortunately, I am now experiencing almost the same symptoms as you a few years ago: four months ago I abruptly stopped olanzapine, which I had been taking for only three weeks, and now I am suffering incredibly, and without any hint of improvement in my well-being. Sorry for the perhaps tactless question: if you try to quantify the intermediate results of your rehabilitation process, then by what percentage have you recovered now? Oct 20 2021 - Nov 11 2021: 2.5 mg (1.25 mg. in the morning and 1.25 mg. in the evening) -- abruptly stopped taking the drug (cold turkey)Nov 15 2021: an attempt to reinstate olanzapine (I don’t remember the exact dosage, but it was 1.25 or 2.5 mg.), failed due to my fear of this drugNov 16 2021: took 25 mg. quetiapine at nightNov 17 2021 - Nov 18 2021: took olanzapine at a dosage of 1.25 mg for two days in a row, stopped the drug againNov 20 2021 - Nov 29 2021: chaotically took quetiapine these days (I think I took 25 mg one night and 12.5 mg the other) and olanzapine (also a couple of times 1.25 mg each, and the last dose fell on November 29th)Dec 2021 - Jan 2021: for a month and a half to two months I took many different natural supplements (fish oil, 5-HTP, St. John's wort, green tea extract, tyrosine, biotin, citicoline, Alpha GPC) and multivitamin complexes (B vitamins, for example); in addition, in the same weeks I took about 8-10 tablets of phenazepam, but I never did this even for two days in a row, because I just needed to relieve my anxiety, even if temporarily; from time to time I also took hydroxyzine during these months with an approximate regularity equal to one tablet (dosage - 0.25 mg.) in 5-6 days; in the first 14 days of January, I was also injected intramuscularly with peptides (cortexin)beginning of February 2022: four days in a row I used 37.5 mg. venlafaxine, 25 mg. lamotrigine and 50 mg. trazodone (soon gave up all drugs due to lack of visible effects)end of February 2022: I once tried a 50mg sulpiride capsule and a few days later took a 250mg Phenibut tablet (again, no noticeable effects)
Lilly998 Posted October 5, 2022 Posted October 5, 2022 On 1/8/2022 at 7:47 AM, Abdullah said: Hi everyone, just wanted to drop in and say I've been slowly feeling much better for the past few months. My blank mind (extreme dp/dr) has almost gone away, and I can function somewhat normally now (I still have mild dp/dr though). I've also started university again! Good for u abdullah Have u experienced anhedonia due to the drug adverse rx/wd, if so has anhedonia disappeared for u? Have u returned normal physically,mentally, emotionally? Sep 2019 Escitalopram 5 mg Mar 2020 Escitalopram 40mg May 2020 Escitalopram 35 mg+25mg Clompiramine Sep 2020 Escitalopram 20mg +25mg Clompiramine Dec 2020 Escitalopram 15mg+ 25 mg Clompiramine Jan 2021 Escitalopram 10 mg + 25 mgClompiramine Feb 2021 Escitalopram 5mg +25 mgClompiramine Mar 2021 50 mg Clompiramine for few days Mar 2021 25 mg Clompiramine Apr 2021 0 mg Clompiramine " this step without consulting the Dr"
Abdullah Posted October 6, 2022 Author Posted October 6, 2022 Hi Lilly. Yes the anhedonia has almost gone away, but I wouldn't say I'm in perfect health. Things have just improved to the point where I'm able to function normally again. I'd say I'm about 90% back to my old, pre-abilify self. 11 hours ago, Lilly998 said: Good for u abdullah Have u experienced anhedonia due to the drug adverse rx/wd, if so has anhedonia disappeared for u? Have u returned normal physically,mentally, emotionally? No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Lilly998 Posted October 6, 2022 Posted October 6, 2022 48 minutes ago, Abdullah said: Hi Lilly. Yes the anhedonia has almost gone away, but I wouldn't say I'm in perfect health. Things have just improved to the point where I'm able to function normally again. I'd say I'm about 90% back to my old, pre-abilify self. Alhamdullah for this 🕊🌻 This is awesome I am so happy for u ✨️ and I hope I heal soon too ✨️🌻 When did ur anhedonia resolved completely after 15 months off or what ? Wish u the best of health Abdullah ✨️ Sep 2019 Escitalopram 5 mg Mar 2020 Escitalopram 40mg May 2020 Escitalopram 35 mg+25mg Clompiramine Sep 2020 Escitalopram 20mg +25mg Clompiramine Dec 2020 Escitalopram 15mg+ 25 mg Clompiramine Jan 2021 Escitalopram 10 mg + 25 mgClompiramine Feb 2021 Escitalopram 5mg +25 mgClompiramine Mar 2021 50 mg Clompiramine for few days Mar 2021 25 mg Clompiramine Apr 2021 0 mg Clompiramine " this step without consulting the Dr"
Abdullah Posted October 6, 2022 Author Posted October 6, 2022 8 hours ago, Lilly998 said: Alhamdullah for this 🕊🌻 This is awesome I am so happy for u ✨️ and I hope I heal soon too ✨️🌻 When did ur anhedonia resolved completely after 15 months off or what ? Wish u the best of health Abdullah ✨️ Improvement started after the 15 month mark. It took about 4 months until I felt somewhat 'normal' (i.e close to being my old self). I'd also started university then and feel the socializing aspect of it helped (in accelerating recovery); interacting with people, discussing coursework, completing group assignments etc 1 No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted October 6, 2022 Author Posted October 6, 2022 On 3/15/2022 at 7:01 PM, Landis said: Hello, Abdullah! From my point of view, your story has great motivational potential, you are a very persistent and strong-willed person, worthy of all respect. Unfortunately, I am now experiencing almost the same symptoms as you a few years ago: four months ago I abruptly stopped olanzapine, which I had been taking for only three weeks, and now I am suffering incredibly, and without any hint of improvement in my well-being. Sorry for the perhaps tactless question: if you try to quantify the intermediate results of your rehabilitation process, then by what percentage have you recovered now? Hi, and thank you for the kind words! I'd say I'm about 90% back to being old me No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted September 26, 2023 Author Posted September 26, 2023 Hi everyone, it's been almost a year and I thought I'd drop in and give an update. I've rejoined medical school now, wrote a research paper a last month, started a blog and (just now) have cleared my USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam)! 2 No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Abdullah Posted September 26, 2023 Author Posted September 26, 2023 what I'd advise everyone to do is that no matter how hard it seems, try your best to live as 'normally' as possible and socialize (with people you like) as much as you can. Have goals you can work towards and try to create meaning No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted September 26, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 26, 2023 @Abdullah How are you feeling? Do you feel you've recovered? If not, what symptoms are you currently experiencing?
Abdullah Posted September 27, 2023 Author Posted September 27, 2023 hey shep, I'd say I'm mostly recovered. But completely functional, back to normal etc. I've found it got much better after joining med school, the socializing and working/discussing academics with like minded folk helped a lot imo No prior history of psychiatric/recreational drug use. I developed depersonalization/derealization disorder in December 2016, and recovered completely in August. What I'm experiencing currently is very, very different to anything I experienced then. - September 1st to 5th (2019) : Took 5 mg of Abilify (Noticed my confidence levels beginning to decline, slight depression/dread/panic beginning to creep in, creativity/cognitive abilities seemed slightly diminished) - September 6th to 15th (2019) : Increased dose to 10 mg (Symptoms listed above became worse, and developed severe restlessness) - September 15th to 23rd (2019) : Tapered over a period of 1 week. Restlessness improved but other symptoms became slightly worse - September 23rd to 30th (2019) : Depression continued to increase. On the 30th I started experiencing the worst case of depersonalization I've ever experienced. Severe depression, thoughts and emotions gone, could barely function cognitively. I'm a bit calmer now but the symptoms haven't improved still November 24th to December 7th : Reinstated 10 mg. Noticed no effect other than breast growth. Tapered over a week and quit again Quote Edit
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted September 29, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 29, 2023 On 9/27/2023 at 12:25 PM, Abdullah said: hey shep, I'd say I'm mostly recovered. But completely functional, back to normal etc. I've found it got much better after joining med school, the socializing and working/discussing academics with like minded folk helped a lot imo This is excellent, Abdullah. Thanks for continuing to post updates. Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually! Please see this topic: How to write your success story
Mentor littlebird Posted September 29, 2023 Mentor Posted September 29, 2023 On 9/27/2023 at 9:25 AM, Abdullah said: hey shep, I'd say I'm mostly recovered. But completely functional, back to normal etc. I've found it got much better after joining med school, the socializing and working/discussing academics with like minded folk helped a lot imo This is great news, thank you for sharing! Gives me hope for the other side of these meds. ☀️ Congratulations on med school!! A doctor with lived experience with psych meds is so important, I bet you'll have a great perspective with patients who are suffering side effects (who I'm sure you'll meet in any realm of medicine you go into). Hope you're taking care of yourself as much as possible, med school has to be a heavy work load. Pronouns: they/them/theirs Started on Prozac in early 2000s to treat cPTSD, been on various cocktails ever since. 2002-2004, 2017-2022: Buspar, tapered down to 0 2016-present: 100mg Seroquel for sleep -> May 2023: 90mg -> June 2023: 81mg -> September 2023: 72mg -> switched to brand name, much too strong, down to 60mg -> October 2023: 54mg -> November 2023: 50mg -> January 2024: 45mg -> April 2024: 40.5mg -> May 2024: 41mg -> June 2024: 35mg -> July 2024: 31mg -> August 2024: 28mg -> September 2024: 25mg 2016-Present: 100mg Wellbutrin SR -> January 2023: 75mg IR (37.5mg 2x a day, a mistake, don't replicate) -> February 2023 (33.75mg 2x a day) -> July 2023 (30.37mg 2x a day) -> August 2023: 25mg 2x a day -> October 2024: 22mg 2x a day 2018-present: 25mg Pristiq 2015-present: 600mg Gabapentin (200mg 3x a day) -> December 2022: 300mg Gabapentin (100mg 3x a day) per GP's recommendation after side effects -> March 2023: 90mg 3x a day (switched to liquid suspension) -> April 2023: 81mg 3x a day -> September 2023: bad generic, switched back to homemade liquid; too strong after bad generic, down to 70mg 3x a day, still bad. Adjusted slowly till at 60mg 3x a day, much better. Long hold till -> December 2023: 54mg, still feels too high after November Seroquel switch from brand name to generic, doc recommended 50mg which feels better -> January 2024: When Wellbutrin went down, Gabapentin started putting me to sleep, went down to 45mg, then 41mg to stay awake, so far so good -> February 2024: 36mg, still too high, 34mg -> March 2024: 31mg, STILL too high, 30mg down to 25mg Supplements: Multivitamin w/magnesium, probiotics, digestive enzymes, anti-viral nitric oxide nose spray as needed
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