Wolverine

[Wolverine]

I have been on AD's for about 20 years.  Don't know why, but about 4 years ago I started having some side effects (face and lips tingling, mouth watering and or weird taste) from what we thought was from AD's.  During these past 4 years, my psyc. has prescribed about every AD out there I think with same results...very frustrating process to the point I've had suicidal ideations numerous times.  Really been a struggle!  About 2 months ago I reached a point where I felt nothing was going to work and decided I wanted to be "med free"...purge my body of these meds and start fresh.  I didn't quit cold turkey, but it was a half ass tapering to say the least...about 2 weeks.  The last 2 months have been hell and I don't know how long I can take it.  Symptoms include:  continued face and lips tingling, mouth watering or dry, achy, hand tremors/numb feeling, very very irritable/angry, stomach issues, headaches, anxiety, fatigue.  I don't know what to do...I can't continue to be on AD's because the side effects from them.  And so far, being off them the withdrawal symptoms are unbearable.  HELP!

Med History (best of my knowledge, especially the last 4 years)

2001-2013: celexa, xanax

2013-2017: lexapro, klonopin

2017-present: effexor, wellbutrin, trintellix, rexulti, buspar, prozac, lithium, paxil, celexa(again), lexapro(again), gabapentin.  I know I'm forgetting some but that's all I can remember right now.

 

I do continue to consult with PCP, Psychiatrist, Therapist but yet to find comfort or answers.  I learned of this site today while googling "withdrawal symptoms" and hope to find light at the end of the tunnel.  Thanks

 

Sincerely,

Wolverine

Edited June 7, 2021 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Wolverine.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  If you could give dates (approximate is fine) and doses of your 2013-2017 drugs, that would be helpful.  Regarding the many drugs you were on from 2017 to present, please indicate the drugs you were on for a month or more along with the dosage.  Please also include the last drug you were on for over a month and the dosage and date you stopped.  A list format is best.  Here's the link for your drug signature.  You'll need to use a computer rather than a phone.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

Because you've been on so many drugs, it's difficult to tell what's causing what. Your completing your drug signature will help us with that.  Side effects are caused by being on a drug and withdrawal is caused by going off a drug too fast.  You're at risk of withdrawal from an antidepressant after one month of use, and the symptoms you describe are typical of withdrawal.  Since you haven't been on any drug for two months, it's likely that your current symptoms are the result of withdrawal.

 

4 hours ago, Wolverine said:

 

I do continue to consult with PCP, Psychiatrist, Therapist but yet to find comfort or answers. 

This is not surprising since the vast majority of doctors know nothing about withdrawal and in fact don't believe it exists.

 

So that you have a better idea of what you're experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal and the healing process.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

When we take psychiatric medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

The brain has a remarkable ability to heal itself from injury, including that caused by psychiatric drugs, so the damage is not permanent.  Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long the healing process will take.  Everyone is different.  These links explain the healing process really well.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can complete your drug signature, ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

Edited June 7, 2021 by Gridley