j1290: gets off the Wellbutrin and on with life!

[littlebird]

10 minutes ago, j1290 said:

My plan going forward is to be extra vigilant about taking OTC or prescribed meds and caffeine.   I'm going do my best to let my CNS relax.  Easier said than done, I ❤️cappuccino.  I do not ❤️ anxiety though, so time to give it a break.

Yay, love to hear it! OK, might be a silly question but I'm not a coffee drinker: would a decaf cappuccino still be tasty? I know there's still caffeine in decaf coffee, but less right? You deserve tasty treats and a relaxed CNS.

 

On 10/8/2023 at 11:35 AM, j1290 said:

PG13 3rd place meme in sentence form 🤣.

Oh man, this is me after just solving a small work problem that if I wasn't tapering I probably could have figured out hours ago. Throwing myself a pizza party for a C+!

 

Reached my goal for the day shortly after that, finally. It's getting late here, no longer "healthy working hours." I think it's time for kicking back with some Zelda to let my CNS have a chill time too before bed. I've been less than chill lately. 😎

 

Glad you're getting through and having less headaches! Oh man, almost want to edit my med side effect list I just posted for "near daily headaches." I was popping ib profen waaaaaay too often just to cope with the pain. I rarely get a headache now and your experience with those getting better too has me thinking WellyB might have been kicking us real hard in the head this whole time. 

[Thorin]

1 hour ago, j1290 said:

Weird ride today.  Mirrored my last Day 26 but much improved, thank heaven.  I was mildly irritable and medium anxious today, and no headaches(!).   I'm not getting my hopes up on that one(I am😆) , but it sure makes the rest of it all more tolerable.   I got out more today than I have in ages.  Great to get back into the thick of it.  I've got to be patient and remember I need to be patient at least another month before things are going to begin to be more settled.  I did 6 reductions since my last hold and I'm sensitized.  

My plan going forward is to be extra vigilant about taking OTC or prescribed meds and caffeine.   I'm going do my best to let my CNS relax.  Easier said than done, I ❤️cappuccino.  I do not ❤️ anxiety though, so time to give it a break.

The fatigue of the last few days has nearly completely dissipated today.  I might have relaxed a little bit but I didn't take a nap at all.   

Wish there were no symptoms but all good news at the same time. Continual improvements show you’re on the right trajectory my man! Glad the fatigue is easing. It makes everything harder!

[Soup]

@j1290 so I finally looked up the word lassitude that you describe you are feeling and wow that’s exactly how I feel exactly . HAs that gotten lighter for you as you have tapered ? 
As always thanks For sharing 

[j1290]

45 minutes ago, Soup said:

so I finally looked up the word lassitude that you describe you are feeling and wow that’s exactly how I feel exactly . HAs that gotten lighter for you as you have tapered ? 
As always thanks For sharing 

Hi Soup!  Always nice to see you swing by 😊

I didn't know that word either, I had to google it up myself.  At about the 3rd week into a taper I have days where I had zero energy, felt like I'd been running a marathon and had to take powernaps for an hour or two.  It was like a super fatigue.   As I recall it happened every reduction for somewhere around 4 days, and then it kinda disappeared and I had new symptoms to think about 😄

[j1290]

DAY 27  3/10 headaches, some anxiety, emotionality

 

Woke up really early with anxiety continued from yesterday, which fortunately lifted and the rest of the day was headachey.  I took some niacin that seems to have helped a bit.  Symptoms have similarities to my last long hold in May, but improved overall.  

I'm sensitized and trying to really take it easy on myself and avoid stress.  No caffeine today for the first time in a while, which might be contributing to the headache. 

 

23 hours ago, Thorin said:

Wish there were no symptoms but all good news at the same time. Continual improvements show you’re on the right trajectory my man! Glad the fatigue is easing. It makes everything harder!

Thanks, man.  Yeah I'm glad it lifted too.  Things are moving and I'm starting to accept just how slow the healing might be.  That's cool, I'll figure it out.   

 

23 hours ago, littlebird said:

You deserve tasty treats and a relaxed CNS.

You're a genius.  Anything at Starbucks can be made decaf, so I don't see why I couldn't have a double cappuccino now and then!  

23 hours ago, littlebird said:

Throwing myself a pizza party for a C+!

haha I can relate!  I was just reading in symptoms and self care someone mentioned we may have to give up being at the head of the class while tapering, which has sure been my experience😊

 

23 hours ago, littlebird said:

I think it's time for kicking back with some Zelda to let my CNS have a chill time too before bed.

Oooooh nice!   I'm trying to get into the 'no screens before bedtime' groove but it's a struggle.   

 

23 hours ago, littlebird said:

I rarely get a headache now and your experience with those getting better too has me thinking WellyB might have been kicking us real hard in the head this whole time. 

My temporary reprieve might be over, but at least for the moment it's really tolerable.   You ever take Niacin?  Call me crazy but I think it might have helped tonight.  Advil and whatnot never did much to touch them for me, if that means anything.  I appreciate good moments so much now, its not even funny.   Just a few minutes of feeling OK are golden.   

[Thorin]

26 minutes ago, j1290 said:

Woke up really early with anxiety

A lot of people on the Benzo pages swear by high dose vitamin c before bed for this. Worth a try?

[j1290]

DAY 28  3/10 headache and pressure, anxiety

 

Went to sleep last night at a much earlier time than I normally would.  I have to think that's due to not having any caffeine, and it's great.  Had a few hours of the anxiety today, but I was able to center myself using breathing and meditation.  That's much better than yesterday, so while things may not be perfect, they are improving.   Niacin is proving to be really helpful with the headaches, which is improving my overall quality of life.  I'm far from normal or even WD normal, but if I squint I can see it.  😄

22 hours ago, Thorin said:

A lot of people on the Benzo pages swear by high dose vitamin c before bed for this. Worth a try?

The package just arrived.  Any particular amount you recommend?  

[littlebird]

49 minutes ago, j1290 said:

The package just arrived.  Any particular amount you recommend?  

Just be careful, don't go higher than recommended dose. Overdoing Vitamin C can lead to stomach issues and kidney stones

[Thorin]

I don’t know sorry mate. May have to play with it a little and see how it works for you. I just had the recommended dose last night.

[j1290]

DAY 29 3/10 headachey, some emotions

 

Day 3 without caffeine and I miss coffee, but not the effects.  Emotionality is improved yet again, feeling like things are beginning to get to WD normal.   I still have a lot of uncomfortable head symptoms but the niacin seems to be  keeping them tolerable.  I want to feel 100, but I'm at around 50-60% I'd bet.   I'm notably improved each and every day.  I'm doing everything I know to make it easier for my CNS to settle down.   I'd say today was about the smoothest day I've had in the last 6 months.  Being on an even keel for most of the day like that feels amazing, even if I have a long way to go.   I want to appreciate every gift I'm getting along the way, so I can take it for granted later 🤣

 

I only wish I'd tried niacin sooner for the headaches and pressure.   At least so far its helping more than I ever would have guessed.  I remember taking it when I was on a full dose of bupropion and it didn't agree with me one bit.  

[Thorin]

2 hours ago, j1290 said:

DAY 29 3/10 headachey, some emotions

 

Day 3 without caffeine and I miss coffee, but not the effects.  Emotionality is improved yet again, feeling like things are beginning to get to WD normal.   I still have a lot of uncomfortable head symptoms but the niacin seems to be  keeping them tolerable.  I want to feel 100, but I'm at around 50-60% I'd bet.   I'm notably improved each and every day.  I'm doing everything I know to make it easier for my CNS to settle down.   I'd say today was about the smoothest day I've had in the last 6 months.  Being on an even keel for most of the day like that feels amazing, even if I have a long way to go.   I want to appreciate every gift I'm getting along the way, so I can take it for granted later 🤣

 

I only wish I'd tried niacin sooner for the headaches and pressure.   At least so far its helping more than I ever would have guessed.  I remember taking it when I was on a full dose of bupropion and it didn't agree with me one bit.  

Hey man sounds like things are going well for you. What sort of niacin you taking and what dose? Might give it a go….. any WD from quitting caffeine? Kicked my butt when I first quit and I ended using tapering using tea.

[LostInCanada]

9 hours ago, Thorin said:

What sort of niacin you taking and what dose?

I have the same question. Niacin or niacinamide? Do you get the flush from it?

Dr Hoffer used niacinamide to treat schizophrenia, niacin to treat high cholesterol, etc. 

 https://leaderpost.com/news/saskatchewan/dr-abram-hoffer-worked-to-unlock-secrets-of-the-human-brain/wcm/57e6936d-571e-438b-bd66-5fa0e1ee2ec6/amp/

Interesting work 

 

[j1290]

32 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

I have the same question. Niacin or niacinamide? Do you get the flush from it?

@LostInCanada

Hello,

 

I'm taking this stuff from Amazon.  I have gotten some mild flushing but nothing serious.  I've taken it before and didn't like the flush so I was hesitant to take it again, but turns out its really helping with the head stuff so far.  I only wish I'd taken it sooner.  

 

I watched some videos by Dr. Hoffer.  Seems like a very smart guy!

[Go2zero]

53 minutes ago, j1290 said:

I'm taking this stuff from Amazon.  I have gotten some mild flushing but nothing serious.  I've taken it before and didn't like the flush so I was hesitant to take it again, but turns out its really helping with the head stuff so far.  I only wish I'd taken it sooner.  

 

 

I did some research on niacin a while ago and I found that Inositol is a form of Niacin that does not give flushing. I eventually decided to take combined Inositol/Choline. They seem to work extra good when combined. This supplement seems to give me some relief, although not extreme.

 

I take these:

https://www.amazon.com/Now-Supplements-Choline-Inositol-Capsules/dp/B0013OVYDY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VM9R4W6ZE8Z8&keywords=inositol+choline+now&qid=1697303509&sprefix=inositol+choline+now%2Caps%2C310&sr=8-1

 

[j1290]

DAY 30  3/10 head stuff

 

I'm going to call it a 3/10 because I'm still uncomfortable overall, but man have I come a long way.   30 days ago I had the most vivid nightmare I can remember when I did that reduction, and 3-4 days ago I was having strong anxiety, and the last few days have been pretty chill overall, as long as I don't think about those anxious days because it triggers me 😁😂🤣  

 

I think this is day 3 or 4 of taking the Niacin whenever my head starts acting up, and things seem to go back into place.  I'm still getting random head pains and pokes and things so there's plenty of healing to do, but today was just relaxed and stable.   Those of us who have experienced the opposite know what a pleasure something so simple can be 😆

 

I'm starting to get stable, and it is really nice.   

 

Here's a song about Bupropion, has a mellow beat 

Quote

 

 

[Thorin]

19 minutes ago, j1290 said:

DAY 30  3/10 head stuff

 

I'm going to call it a 3/10 because I'm still uncomfortable overall, but man have I come a long way.   30 days ago I had the most vivid nightmare I can remember when I did that reduction, and 3-4 days ago I was having strong anxiety, and the last few days have been pretty chill overall, as long as I don't think about those anxious days because it triggers me 😁😂🤣  

 

I think this is day 3 or 4 of taking the Niacin whenever my head starts acting up, and things seem to go back into place.  I'm still getting random head pains and pokes and things so there's plenty of healing to do, but today was just relaxed and stable.   Those of us who have experienced the opposite know what a pleasure something so simple can be 😆

 

I'm starting to get stable, and it is really nice.   

 

Here's a song about Bupropion, has a mellow beat 

 

STARTING TO GET STABLE DUDE!!!!!!!!

 

also, cool tune but not sure I like the topic.

[j1290]

54 minutes ago, Thorin said:

STARTING TO GET STABLE DUDE!!!!!!!!

Pretty nice, man.  Pretty nice.  Been a long time.  Just a day or two is enough to help.   

 

56 minutes ago, Thorin said:

also, cool tune but not sure I like the topic.

Realtalk!

 

9 hours ago, Go2zero said:

This supplement seems to give me some relief, although not extreme.

Thanks, Go2!   I've only been taking it a few days so maybe it'll stop working or start acting funny, but it's doing something for me, and that's worth trying for sure.  I saved your link, I'll give that a shot next time I need more.   I'm surprised the flushing has been mild so far.   

[Go2zero]

6 hours ago, j1290 said:

Thanks, Go2!   I've only been taking it a few days so maybe it'll stop working or start acting funny, but it's doing something for me, and that's worth trying for sure.  I saved your link, I'll give that a shot next time I need more.   I'm surprised the flushing has been mild so far.   

 

Since I seem to be dealing by histamine intolerance (most probably caused through Prozac tapering) I looked at the effects of Niacin and Inositol on histamine.

 

There is a huge difference I found. Where Niacin may raise the histamine levels, Inositol seems to have a healthy regulating and balancing effect on histamine levels.

 

See here for more info:

 

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-b3-niacin

 

https://casadesante.com/es-eu/blogs/gut-health/is-inositol-high-in-histamine

 

[j1290]

DAY 32  3/10 head stuff, lassitude

 

Went out and met up with some people yesterday, and today I got the lassitude.  Feel like I ran a marathon.  I'm noticing the flush from the Niacin more, but it's still mild.  Things are improving each day, slowly.   

 

On 10/15/2023 at 2:53 AM, Go2zero said:

See here for more info:

Thanks for these, Go2!  I'm going to have to order some and see how it works for me.   

[Thorin]

2 hours ago, j1290 said:

Things are improving each day

Makes me happy every time I read this.

[LostInCanada]

13 hours ago, j1290 said:

I got the lassitude

Lol...it definitely feels like a disease doesn't it. 

You are doing really great. 🎉

[j1290]

DAY 34  3/10 head stuff, lassitude

 

Took an epsom salt bath tonight when I got some head issues, it was super nice and I felt like I was in a spa 😊  My emotionality has been calm, head symptoms improving but tonight had increased pressure which I believe sets off anxiety.   Based on my last long hold I'm expecting windows and waves but really hope things just steadily improve(hah!  not gonna happen).  

 

I really have to temper my expectations.  Just 7 days ago or so I was really going through it, so even if I don't like my current symptoms, they're really not much at the moment.  

 

As far as I can tell, getting off the caffeine has been the best thing I've done for my sleep health in a long time.  I don't sleep perfectly or anything but I'm going to bed much earlier, and I feel less stressed out in general.  Why did I ever like that caffeine anxiety in the first place?  

 

On 10/17/2023 at 9:27 AM, LostInCanada said:

Lol...it definitely feels like a disease doesn't it. 

You are doing really great. 🎉

haha yeah I got a bad case alright!  😆  All part of the fun 😊

[littlebird]

57 minutes ago, j1290 said:

Took an epsom salt bath tonight when I got some head issues, it was super nice and I felt like I was in a spa 😊

Ooooooh that sounds nice! Inspiring me to clean out the tub and do the same. You ever throw some magnesium flakes in there? Glad you were able to kick the caffeine and it has been helping. You been getting some decaf treats?

[Catina7]

A nice hot bath is one of my go-to's for self-care.  I'm glad it helped!  I normally add 2 cups Epsom salt, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup sea salt, and some lavender essential oil.  I also like Dr. Teal's lavender bubble bath....super therapeutic!  I also use one of those bath pillows, light some candles, and play soothing music.  Can you tell I take my bathing very seriously?!  HAHA

 

I'm so glad you kicked the caffeine!  It always makes my anxiety much, much worse.

 

Keep up the great work!  Although I don't always comment, I do keep up with your progress.  😇

[j1290]

DAY 36  3/10 headstuff

 

Yesterday was tricky with the anxiety and the head stuff.  Today has just been headpressure, which is a welcome improvement.   So far things seem to continue to be similar to my previous long hold.  I did some more research on head pressure.  It seems common, with no fast easy fix.  Compared to the anxiety and head issues I had last week, last month, last year, this is a breeze and I have to remember that.   Things will continue to improve, this is just an uncomfortable wave right now.   

 

I had some good days, and I'm going to have more, and I'm going to seize the opportunity every single time to make the most of them.   

 

On 10/18/2023 at 11:43 PM, littlebird said:

Ooooooh that sounds nice! Inspiring me to clean out the tub and do the same. You ever throw some magnesium flakes in there? Glad you were able to kick the caffeine and it has been helping. You been getting some decaf treats?

It's super fun, I chilled out in the tub reading a book for ages yesterday.   I read some people will put their feet in hot water and put a ice pack (or frozen peas) on their neck and that can help with migraines.  Haven't tried it, but couldn't hurt.   No decaf treats, although those sound great!   Tomorrow will be 10 days off of the caffeine, and I think I'm over the worst of the cravings.   Sleep is still bumpy but it's so much better than when I drank all that coffee.   

 

On 10/19/2023 at 4:53 AM, Catina7 said:

I normally add 2 cups Epsom salt, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup sea salt, and some lavender essential oil.  I also like Dr. Teal's lavender bubble bath....super therapeutic! 

Now this is what I'm talking about!   OK I'm going to pick up some bubble bath because that's exactly what's been missing.    I'll throw in some baking soda and sea salt while I'm at it and I should be good to go.   

 

On 10/19/2023 at 4:53 AM, Catina7 said:

Can you tell I take my bathing very seriously?!  HAHA

I love it!  Just ordered my bath pillow and a candle for good measure.   I'm learning from the pros!! 😆

 

On 10/19/2023 at 4:53 AM, Catina7 said:

I'm so glad you kicked the caffeine!  It always makes my anxiety much, much worse.

It surely wasn't doing me any favors 😊  What was I thinking having so much of that every day?!

 

On 10/19/2023 at 4:53 AM, Catina7 said:

Keep up the great work!  Although I don't always comment, I do keep up with your progress.  😇

No worries, I do the same with you as well.  I'll let you know how the new tub gear works out.   I'm pretty excited, not gonna lie 🤣  I was thinking about getting one of those little shelves that go on the tub for reading.    

[Catina7]

You tickle me, you really do @j1290!  Hey, if you get one of those shelves then you'd be one-up on me!  If you use the bubble bath along with the Epsom salt it won't bubble up very much.  I normally do two different types of baths - one with the mixture of ingredients I mentioned, and then the other one with just the bubble bath by itself.  But hey, whatever floats your little rubber ducky haha!  (Are you gonna go out and get a rubber ducky now? lol).  🦆

 

I'm glad you're doing well for the most part....keep up the great work!  🤗

[j1290]

DAY 38  3/10 headstuff

 

Had a few uncomfortable and bumpy days, glad to report that things have improved.  Soaking in the tub is the best thing ever for symptom management.  Windows and waves and all that, I believe that things are continuing to trend towards improvement, but it's a zig zag to get there for sure.   

On 10/21/2023 at 6:04 AM, Catina7 said:

Hey, if you get one of those shelves then you'd be one-up on me!

Still thinking about it, but I should get it.  My candle and pillow came in yesterday and I was able to luxuriate for hours, it was really great for symptomatic days.   Glad you suggested the pillow, it's a game changer!

 

On 10/21/2023 at 6:04 AM, Catina7 said:

If you use the bubble bath along with the Epsom salt it won't bubble up very much.

I suspected that might be the case but I have to have it 🤣

 

On 10/21/2023 at 6:04 AM, Catina7 said:

(Are you gonna go out and get a rubber ducky now? lol).  🦆

This is actually a great idea.  Done!🦆

 

I'm going to have a killer bath setup now.  It's such a great reprieve, I just wish I'd done it sooner.

[Thorin]

1 hour ago, j1290 said:

Had a few uncomfortable and bumpy days, glad to report that things have improved.  Soaking in the tub is the best thing ever for symptom management.  Windows and waves and all that, I believe that things are continuing to trend towards improvement, but it's a zig zag to get there for sure. 

Sorry to hear you had a few rough days late but glad that things are still trending upwards. Soaking in the tub is so good isn’t it. I’ve been doing it heaps since I restarted this taper.

[j1290]

2 hours ago, Thorin said:

Soaking in the tub is so good isn’t it. I’ve been doing it heaps since I restarted this taper.

Its so worth doing.   I almost didn't bother tonight but I'm really glad I did.  I also started using a Tens unit to see if that does anything for me.  

 

[Thorin]

2 hours ago, j1290 said:

I also started using a Tens unit to see if that does anything for me.

Keen to hear how this goes

[Catina7]

8 hours ago, j1290 said:

glad to report that things have improved

 

So happy for you!  

 

6 hours ago, Thorin said:

Soaking in the tub is the best thing ever for symptom management

 

It truly is!  No matter what symptom you have, a nice long soak just does something for your mind, body, and soul.  I always feel much better after my bath.

 

8 hours ago, j1290 said:

This is actually a great idea.  Done!🦆

 

I had a sneaking suspicion that you were going to do this hahaha....you are tooooo funny!  

 

Thanks for always making us smile here at SA!  🤗

Edited October 23, 2023 by Catina7

[Thorin]

1 hour ago, Catina7 said:

truly is!  No matter what symptom you have, a nice long soak just does something for your mind, body, and soul.  I always feel much better after my bath.

Agreed!

[Catina7]

22 minutes ago, Thorin said:

Agreed!

 

👍 🛁 😁

[j1290]

DAY 40  3/10 head stuff, anxiety

 

I think this is the first time in updating my journal that I had to think for a minute of what symptoms I have.  Yesterday was pretty solidly symptomatic but I was still able to perform, and today was much improved, but still not easy.   I'd call it a window of sorts, and I'm really grateful for it.  I try to make the most of them.  Head issues were surprisingly light today.   I got some new suppliments, might be them but I think it takes a while for those to kick in.  Trying to do a lot of exercise to relax.   

 

On 10/23/2023 at 3:16 AM, Catina7 said:

I had a sneaking suspicion that you were going to do this hahaha....you are tooooo funny!  

I can't say no to a challenge! 😄  Tried it out today and promptly forgot it was in the tub, so when it brushed against my leg I about jumped out  screaming 😱 🤣🤣🤣  It's gonna be an adjustment having it in there but it's pretty cool.   It's me new bath buddy!   🦆

[Catina7]

7 hours ago, j1290 said:

when it brushed against my leg I about jumped out  screaming 😱 🤣🤣🤣

 

Have you ever considered getting a job as a stand-up comedian?  Just sayin'....  Thanks for the laugh first thing this morning!  I wish you and Mr. Ducky many happy times together lol!

[Stardust]

18 hours ago, j1290 said:

I can't say no to a challenge! 😄  Tried it out today and promptly forgot it was in the tub, so when it brushed against my leg I about jumped out  screaming 😱 🤣🤣🤣

I read this before I saw the earlier posts and I thought oh my god what dropped in his tub?  I pictured a freaking tarantula or a snake!!!  But then I read back saw it was a Tens unit which I had to look up.  Glad you're okay.  Too funny!!!