Upnorth: reinstating

[Upnorth]

@Frogie @Altostrata

     Friday April 15th. 

10:30pm ---  zoloft 3.0mg, 2 slices toast.  Nausea is moderate. .heart rate is up 

11:00pm -- mild sweating, air hunger. An muscle tension. 

     Saturday April 16th 

12:30am -- nausea moderate, mild sweating, air hunger. 

1:30am -- same 

3:30am -- nausea moderate , air hunger, agitated . Go to bed .

4:30am -- still awake, restless. 

6:30am -- cortisol spike, agitated, take 50mg anti nausea .back to bed.  Intrusive dark thoughts. 

6:30-10:30am --' restless, not sleep, agitated, air hunger, muscle tension. 

12:30pm -- get up, agitated, air hunger, feel like I can't breathe.  1 coffee. 

2:00pm -- take 0.5mg Ativan.

2:30pm --  bowl of oatmeal, mag 150mg, probiotic, vit c .ginger pill. Agitated, muscle tension. 

3:30pm -- air hunger, agitated, 

5:00pm--- anti nausea 50mg. 

6:30pm-- eggs and has browns & toast. Mag 250mg, probiotic, ginger pill.  Nausea is moderate, dizzy, flu like feeling. 

7:30pm -- air hunger, moderate nausea, flu feeling. 

9:00pm -- moderate nausea, air hunger moderate . Muscle tension. 

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

It's fine to take a rescue dose here and there of the Ativan, but don't rely on it or your body will rely on it and then you will become dependent in a short amount time.

 

Air hunger is the pits. I still have it sometimes. But it will get better.

[Upnorth]

@Frogie

I've been reading over the post, again, and correct me if I'm wrong, from what I understand,  the better idea is to reinstate a low dose of benzo. Then after I get some stability,  wean off the zoloft ..

Sorry, my brain feels like mush lately. Not sleeping much and thinking is cloudy. 

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

Yes. But you have to have a dr that is willing to give you a running prescription for the benzo.

 

Then you would stabilize on that and taper slowly off the Zoloft.

[Upnorth]

@Frogie

Okay,  thanks.  I'll know more on Thursday.  Hopefully I can convince the new Dr to agree. 

Sorry for buggin you 

[Upnorth]

@Frogie 

I've been going thru some of my test results from a few years ago because I recall that in one of my CT scans the Dr had mentioned I had some mild copd.Smoked for 40 years.   I'm not sure what extent it is at but will be asking the new Dr tomorrow.  I think this may be a contributing factor to my air hunger. It never bothered me before wd but I assume with the hyper sensitive nervous system,  I am now feeling it and it's adding to the chemical induced anxiety. 

Been having some bad days lately and the anxiety and nausea are scarey. .not getting much sleep. 

[Upnorth]

@Frogie

I was unsuccessful convincing the new Dr to give me a long term prescription of ativan.  Not sure what to do now . She gave me 5x0.5mg pills and said to cut them in half . I told her that I had been taking 0.5 mg last summer and cutting them in half probably wouldn't have any effect . Guess I'll have to find a different Dr. In the meantime,  not sure how to move forward, ?

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

As long as you don’t take it for 2 weeks you should be fine to stop. In the meantime you can look for another dr that might be able to help you.

[Upnorth]

@Frogie

I'm unsure of what you mean. What is it I can stop after 2 weeks?  

I've been sticking to 3.0mg zoloft but unsure what to do. 

Been really sick lately. .my mind is mud. 

[Upnorth]

On 4/26/2022 at 4:20 AM, Frogie said:

@Upnorth

 

As long as you don’t take it for 2 weeks you should be fine to stop. In the meantime you can look for another dr that might be able to help you.

@Frogie

Unsure of what you mean. What is it I can stop after 2 weeks? 

Been sticking to 3.0mg zoloft but don't know what to do. 

Feeling pretty sick lately. .

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

You can stop the Ativan as long as you don't take it more than 2 weeks. You can't stop the Zoloft unfortunately.

[Upnorth]

12 hours ago, Frogie said:

@Upnorth

 

You can stop the Ativan as long as you don't take it more than 2 weeks. You can't stop the Zoloft unfortunately.

@Frogie 

I've only used 0.5mg ativan 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I've been tempted to take more. Really having some tuff days. What do you recommend with the zoloft? 

[Upnorth]

@Frogie @Altostrata 

I've not been well,  should I taper from the zoloft?  Anxiety has been terrible .

[Upnorth]

@Frogie @Altostrata

Do you have any suggestions for headaches?  I've been having brutal headaches lately and haven't changed my dose.  Still at 3.0mg zoloft but thinking of reducing. 

[ChessieCat]

There are many existing topics on SA.  To find them you can use the site search function or an internet search engine and add site:survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.

 

migraine-headache-neck-ache-pain-and-head-pressure

 

Q:  Is there a possibility that you have Covid or have you recently had a vaccination?

 

Q:  Have you changed your sleeping position or pillow or fallen asleep in a chair or on a couch?

 

If you cannot get any relief you might consider seeing a physical therapist / physiotherapist in case there is a physical cause.

[Greatful]

@Upnorth

Have you noticed any  improvement since you reinstated the Zoloft?

Could you update your signature from when you went from 3.5mg of Zoloft to 3mg. and what ever supplements you are taking.

You went 14 months without and ssri's--

From Oct. 2020 and reinstated in Feb 2022-? Do you feel worse/better now with the reinstatement? or the same?

Do you still take Probiotics?  I stopped taking my probiotics- omega 3's and vitamin c's- and I had horrible nausea at times- not much of a appetite--since I stopped those supplements- my appetite is better- less nausea- and less anxiety- I still take 300 to 400 mg a of Magnesium glycinate  spread out throughout the day---I guess I'm saying maybe the probiotics are not helping at this point....What a guessing game -right🙄 

I feel for you Upnorth- this is so crazy-- how can  these drugs can cause so much destruction in our bodies/brains---- I hope your doctor is more open with what is going on since he can experience someone he loves trying to get off them....

 

 

[Upnorth]

17 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

There are many existing topics on SA.  To find them you can use the site search function or an internet search engine and add site:survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.

 

migraine-headache-neck-ache-pain-and-head-pressure

 

Q:  Is there a possibility that you have Covid or have you recently had a vaccination?

 

Q:  Have you changed your sleeping position or pillow or fallen asleep in a chair or on a couch?

 

If you cannot get any relief you might consider seeing a physical therapist / physiotherapist in case there is a physical cause.

@ChessieCat

I don't think I have covid and haven't had any vaccinations.  I have had migraines in the past and that was part of the reason I wanted off the zoloft. I haven't made any other changes. . ie  pillow or sleeping position. My nausea is reallybad lately as well.  Thanks for your response. Been feeling pretty ill lately. 

[ChessieCat]

10 minutes ago, Upnorth said:

I have had migraines in the past

 

If you ever seek medical advice about your headaches, and are prescribed something for them, please be sure to do your own research about the drug they prescribe BEFORE taking them.  I am aware that there are some very nasty prescription drugs that they hand out.

[Upnorth]

9 hours ago, Greatful said:

@Upnorth

Have you noticed any  improvement since you reinstated the Zoloft?

Could you update your signature from when you went from 3.5mg of Zoloft to 3mg. and what ever supplements you are taking.

You went 14 months without and ssri's--

From Oct. 2020 and reinstated in Feb 2022-? Do you feel worse/better now with the reinstatement? or the same?

Do you still take Probiotics?  I stopped taking my probiotics- omega 3's and vitamin c's- and I had horrible nausea at times- not much of a appetite--since I stopped those supplements- my appetite is better- less nausea- and less anxiety- I still take 300 to 400 mg a of Magnesium glycinate  spread out throughout the day---I guess I'm saying maybe the probiotics are not helping at this point....What a guessing game -right🙄 

I feel for you Upnorth- this is so crazy-- how can  these drugs can cause so much destruction in our bodies/brains---- I hope your doctor is more open with what is going on since he can experience someone he loves trying to get off them....

 

 

@Greatful

I haven't noticed any improvement with the reinstatement. I had hoped to stabilize and then taper slower but when I went from 3 to 3.5mg,  I started having sweating spells. I  think I am worse but hard to say cuz I've been this way so long. I know I'm not better. 

I was at 3.5mg from March 17 to 27th.  Since then I have been holding at 3.0mg. 

Might be an idea to stop the supplements,  I take 400mg magnesium, in divided dose. Vitamin c 500. Probiotic twice a day. Also take 2 to 4 ginger pills. I take anti nausea 50mg  (dimenhydrinate) 2 to 3 times a day . My nausea is awful, hard to function.  My anxiety is really bad as well. 

Unfortunately,  my Dr has retired early and I am now trying to get the new one to understand. 

 

[Upnorth]

1 hour ago, ChessieCat said:

 

If you ever seek medical advice about your headaches, and are prescribed something for them, please be sure to do your own research about the drug they prescribe BEFORE taking them.  I am aware that there are some very nasty prescription drugs that they hand out.

@ChessieCat

Yes,  there are. . I usually read about any drugs now.  The new phyc Dr I spoke with wants me to take amitriptoline for my chronic pain and headaches.  I'm pretty sure that would make things worse . He also mentioned clonazapam.  I told him I was having severe withdrawal symptoms but I don't think he gets it. 

[Upnorth]

Tried to update signature but it says it exceeds limit?

[Upnorth]

Wish this air hunger would ease off. Try so many breathing suggestions and they don't seem to help. Also having increased sweating spells again,  anyone have any suggestions? 

[Altostrata]

Nausea suggest you might have a food intolerance. Is there something you eat regularly that might be making you sick? Have you tried a non-irritating exclusion diet?

[Upnorth]

I've cut dairy and my diet is quite bland so I don't know for sure.  I wonder if it's anxiety related. My air hunger is bad. . hard to get thru the day,  feel like I'm being smothered. 

[Frogie]

22 hours ago, Upnorth said:

Tried to update signature but it says it exceeds limit?

You are only allowed 12 lines. You might try to consolidate it some.

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

I've been reading about dimenhydrinate because I wasn't quite sure what it was. But I did find it was an antihistamine, sold over the counter as Dramamine. It controls motion sickness, however, it can cause nausea if taken in large amounts and also cause headaches.

 

Have you been having headaches since starting this? I do get migraines 3-4 times a year and my dr prescribes Fioricet for my migraines. But if you take it continuously, you can become dependent on it because it is a barbiturate.

 

Have you tried Tylenol. Ibuprofene, or even Excedrine Migraine, although it does contain caffeine.

[Upnorth]

2 hours ago, Frogie said:

You are only allowed 12 lines. You might try to consolidate it some.

Does the previous amount count and I'd have to delete some? 

[Upnorth]

2 hours ago, Frogie said:

@Upnorth

 

I've been reading about dimenhydrinate because I wasn't quite sure what it was. But I did find it was an antihistamine, sold over the counter as Dramamine. It controls motion sickness, however, it can cause nausea if taken in large amounts and also cause headaches.

 

Have you been having headaches since starting this? I do get migraines 3-4 times a year and my dr prescribes Fioricet for my migraines. But if you take it continuously, you can become dependent on it because it is a barbiturate.

 

Have you tried Tylenol. Ibuprofene, or even Excedrine Migraine, although it does contain caffeine.

I usually don't take more than 3 per day 50mg. Sometimes 2. Been trying to not take any but sometimes it helps me sleep. 

I have taken many different things over the years for migraines, not much helps. 

At one time many years ago a neurologist wanted me to go on amitriptaline for migraines but my Dr at the time said it was a bad idea. I was on zoloft already. I have had headaches for a long time but I think they got worse after starting zoloft.  For the past 7.years they became unbearable,  sometimes 3 days a week. I think I would go back to that compared to the wd.  At least I had some decent days. That was part of the reason I wanted off the zoloft. And last summer, the headaches were less severe but now they are bad again. 

I did notice something today,  I had to drive 3 hours to get my compounded zoloft and I was not doing well.  I took 0.5 ativan before I left and it helped .  My air hunger dropped significantly and the muscle tension and anxiety also eased up. I almost felt calm and wasn't freaking out for no reason . The "crushing " feeling was also much less. 

 

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

If you can get a running prescription for the benzo, then get one if you think it would help. I don't like to see anyone go on a benzo because they are difficult to get off of. 

 

I don't know what to tell you about your headaches. Maybe just try cool compresses, being in a dark room, tylenol and ibuprofen. Hopefully they will lesson when you are tapered off the Zoloft.

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

All we need is the dates, doses, and what you took. Try this one and see if it works for you.

 

 100 mg zoloft Sept 2010, tapered Sept/2019.

Last dose Oct/2020

Reinstated Feb 6 2022 1 mg, 2 mg Feb 25, Mar 6 2.5 mg 

Current 50 mg dimenhydramate, 

Mar 6 to Mar 16th, 3.0 mg 

Mar 17-22. Upped to 3.5 mg

[Upnorth]

9 hours ago, Frogie said:

@Upnorth

 

If you can get a running prescription for the benzo, then get one if you think it would help. I don't like to see anyone go on a benzo because they are difficult to get off of. 

 

I don't know what to tell you about your headaches. Maybe just try cool compresses, being in a dark room, tylenol and ibuprofen. Hopefully they will lesson when you are tapered off the Zoloft.

  Unsure of what to do.  It seems that the only time I get some relief is when I  take ativan.  Is clonazapam better than ativan?  Still trying to get a running prescription so that we can continue with what you and alto recommended. 

 I wonder if I should just taper the zoloft?

All of your suggestions for headaches are what I currently do. Thanks for caring. I use lots of ice packs.   

Just wish I  could have some windows and have a break.  So fatigued. 

[Frogie]

@Upnorth

 

Clonazepam lasts longer than Ativan so you would only take it twice a day. Where Ativan is short lived and you’d probably need to take it 3 times a day for it to stay in your system. 

[Upnorth]

Unbelievable. . Seen my Dr today and told her the only thing that helps when I'm in crisis is ativan. She doesn't like the benzos and thinks I might have some serotonin syndrome.  Then recommends  vortioxetine, it's another ssri,  umm, doesn't that work on the same seritonin receptor.  What is it with Dr's,  why can't they just help.  She said she was against benzos because they are addictive but no problem switching AD. So sad that they are not educated about these poisons. .

[OldDodgy]

@Upnorth

 

Sorry about the doc debacle. 
 

I had a serotonin surge on vortioxetine after 4 days. It was not true serotonin syndrome but I had a night in hospital under observation. 
 

I hope you get some advice from the Adm on this issue. 
 

OD 

[Upnorth]

@Frogie @Altostrata @ChessieCat.

Do you ladies know if Breo Ellipta..: Fluticasone Forate /Vilanterol would work for my air hunger? It is a corticosteroid and I'm wondering if I would have a bad reaction because of my dysregulated nervous system.  I'm scared to try it. Have you heard of anyone using this? 

 

[Altostrata]

Please use site search. Please do not tag me for advice about over-the-counter allergy drugs.