StarShopping87: Immediate adverse reaction

[Heath]

I cannot predict future But I know all waves aren’t always severe.

A manageable wave could be a small window. Maybe one in the same. never thought of it that way good question. If We are all so individual in this. 
 

From what I have read windows get longer and more and waves get shorter and less. 
 

take a look at this if you haven’t already

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-stabilization/

 

[getofflex]

In my personal experience, the waves have gotten shorter and less severe.   Instead of having windows, I mostly have times where I feel OK, not really good or really bad.  

[StarShopping87]

1 minute ago, getofflex said:

In my personal experience, the waves have gotten shorter and less severe.   Instead of having windows, I mostly have times where I feel OK, not really good or really bad.  

Yeah I get that. I feel ok today, not the best. But it seems like my symptoms aren’t as severe as they were a month, even just a couple weeks ago. I still have a lot going on obviously considering I’m 2 months in but I feel a slight, very small improvement. I hope it continues like that and I don’t go backwards, that’s what freaks me out. I’m trying my hardest to stay positive but then I get a thought or I’ll read something and I’m just like wtf! I do feel kinda panicky and irritable today. My anxiety is kinda bad but I believe it’s organic. My allergies are insane lol! One day it’s 85 then today it’s like 43 and snowing 🥴. I pray I’m on a slow steady path to healing if I’ve noticed improvement since a month ago. 

[getofflex]

I'm very glad to hear that you are seeing some improvements!  Be careful what you read - there are horror stories on the internet.  Please realize that much of this may or may not be true.  I understand the challenges of volatile weather - we have this in Missouri, too, and it's also affecting me.  Keep up the good work - you are doing great!  

[StarShopping87]

I’m so worried I have messed my healing up.  I’ve been doing so well with everything. Sleep had improved greatly with minor waves. However, I’ve had a busy day running errands which also included a track meet at school. Insomnia has come back with a vengeance, my adrenaline is pumping and I feel like I’m on the edge of a panic attack. Like I’m about to bust through my chest. This past week and a 1/2, give or take, I have been doing well (gradually). Is this just a hellish wave? I feel extremely over stimulated, probably from going to the track meet. Will this end soon? My waves a generally short and manageable, but the last time I hit a insomnia wave I thought I was going to lose it from not sleeping a solid week. 

[getofflex]

On 4/13/2022 at 12:55 AM, StarShopping87 said:

I’ve been doing so well with everything. Sleep had improved greatly with minor waves.

That's wonderful!  Getting sleep helps immensely doesn't it.  

 

On 4/13/2022 at 12:55 AM, StarShopping87 said:

I’ve had a busy day running errands which also included a track meet at school. Insomnia has come back with a vengeance, my adrenaline is pumping and I feel like I’m on the edge of a panic attack

It sounds like you overdid it and got overstimulated.  If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that this will be short lived.  I've done this myself many times, and usually things straighten out in about 1-3 days.  Our nervous systems tend to be hypersensitive in withdrawal, and many things can set them off - doing too much, intense exercise, changes in weather or seasonal changes, certain things in our diets, stress and drama, etc. 

[StarShopping87]

8 minutes ago, getofflex said:

That's wonderful!  Getting sleep helps immensely doesn't it.  

 

It sounds like you overdid it and got overstimulated.  If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that this will be short lived.  I've done this myself many times, and usually things straighten out in about 1-3 days.  Our nervous systems tend to be hypersensitive in withdrawal, and many things can set them off - doing too much, intense exercise, changes in weather or seasonal changes, certain things in our diets, stress and drama, etc. 

sleep has been hard, but I am managing 3-4 hours (atleast dreaming) but my brain feels very heavy and wired. It’s such a weird uneasy feeling to describe. I’ve got a terrible headache (weather may contribute as it’s raining with a cold front moving in?) but I just feel very sensitive and emotional today. I have some chemical fear on top of it but not severe. I do feel like I’m calming down though. I was just soo excited for my kiddo lol!! Probably will stay away from the next couple track meets as I just can’t handle it. I need to learn not to overdue it during my windows just because I’m feeling it. There is a old cartoon, I can’t remember if it was along the lines of the original Mickey Mouse, but there was a seen where he was at a call center answering lines. In order to answer it, he had to plug the wire into a slot. Well it got overwhelming to where he was plugging in/out really fast trying to answer the lines. That is how my brain feels lol. Chaotic and overwhelming! Hope this wave passes soon!! 

[getofflex]

2 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

sleep has been hard, but I am managing 3-4 hours (atleast dreaming) but my brain feels very heavy and wired. It’s such a weird uneasy feeling to describe.

I very much understand, as I felt this same way several years ago in early recovery.  You will find your sleep will continue to improve.  

 

2 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

I’ve got a terrible headache (weather may contribute as it’s raining with a cold front moving in?) but I just feel very sensitive and emotional today.

Weather fronts can also affect a sensitized nervous system.  I know I get a ramp up in my symptoms whenever there is a weather front, and in springtime, we have a lot of unsettled weather.  You aren't far from me (Missouri) and I've been dealing with a lot of volatile weather in the past month or so.  Also, the shift from winter to spring can affect us as well.  

 

2 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

I need to learn not to overdue it during my windows just because I’m feeling it

Been there, done that, got that t-shirt.  I did this a week and a half ago myself, and felt it the next few days.  

 

I'm very glad to hear that you are seeing improvements!  

[StarShopping87]

1 minute ago, getofflex said:

I very much understand, as I felt this same way several years ago in early recovery.  You will find your sleep will continue to improve.  

 

Weather fronts can also affect a sensitized nervous system.  I know I get a ramp up in my symptoms whenever there is a weather front, and in springtime, we have a lot of unsettled weather.  You aren't far from me (Missouri) and I've been dealing with a lot of volatile weather in the past month or so.  Also, the shift from winter to spring can affect us as well.  

 

Been there, done that, got that t-shirt.  I did this a week and a half ago myself, and felt it the next few days.  

 

I'm very glad to hear that you are seeing improvements!  

The weather has been very bizzare! Snow one minute, 90 degree weather the next. Rain today, sun tomorrow. I’ve noticed the pollen is getting bad too! My car was covered yesterday. Fun times for sure! I get bad headaches with fronts and pressure systems (I think a lot of people do naturally)  I have to say though, I find rainy days very comforting. I love a good storm! I have a hard time going out in the sun right now due to sensitivity and DR. Everything looks like the Truman show outside. Very fake. It’s not like that all times, as it comes and goes. Usually it’s on very sunny days and if I sit outside for too long. 

[StarShopping87]

@Altostrata I know there are recovery stories, and adr tags, but have you personally seen a amount of recoveries when it comes to immediate adr? There aren’t many success stories on here with adr and it’s kinda scary. I’m just scared looking for reassurance I guess. I just wish there were more success stories with adr. 

[Altostrata]

From what I've seen, people who are suffering after-effects of an immediate ADR recover faster than people who have genuine withdrawal syndrome. Still, recovery will be slow and full recovery probably will take more than a year.

[getofflex]

Here is a story of another person who had an immediate adverse reaction, and she is recovering very well.  Still has issues, but much better.  

 

Alena: Adverse Reaction After 1 Zoloft Pill

[StarShopping87]

9 minutes ago, getofflex said:

Here is a story of another person who had an immediate adverse reaction, and she is recovering very well.  Still has issues, but much better.  

 

Alena: Adverse Reaction After 1 Zoloft Pill

I’m actually talking to her now! We’ve been in contact maybe a week or two! So happy to hear she is improving. I have started talking to some ladies off of fb as well, one is 95% healed after 6 doses of Zoloft, she is 2 years and 1 month out. Another girl had 4 doses of lexapro and is continuing to improve, I believe she is 1 year out. She actually knows 2 people that have healed from adr (one healed in 6 months after 1 pill). I guess we are out there just hard to find. There is a girl on Baylissa’s website she interviewed named Penny. She gives me a lot of hope considering we have a lot in common as far as our living situation. She is a mom of 4 and went through adr with a 6 month old baby. She recovered and went on to have her 5th baby!! Very inspirational. She didn’t turn around until 12-18months. Thank you for thinking of me and tagging Alena! I need all the positivity and hope I can get right now. 

[StarShopping87]

3 months and 6 days in from my last last dose of lexapro. I’m down to 13 consistent symptoms vs 21 last month, and over 40 the month before. My waves are becoming a tiny bit more manageable but it’s still hard, and windows aren’t much. More or less just feeling the same… not bad, not good. My 3 main symptoms are stimulation to light, sounds, stress, and sceens. Light is improving, and sounds some (it’s the loud noises and repetitive noises that make me very uncomfortable), screens make my brain hurt like tv. Weird brain feelings like falling, spinning, wired, leaning, heavy, pressure and this weird drugged feeling. It may coincide with the stimulation. It’s a very uneasy/scary feeling. The 3rd major symptom is my sleep anxiety over insomnia.  My anxiety is bad at night because I’m terrified of not sleeping after severe insomnia during the beginning of month 2. I did not sleep for 6-7 days straight and it scared the crap out of me. Nights are extremely difficult. Mornings are 50/50. Some of my other symptoms are: tinnitus (not that bad) fear/anxiety, fear of not healing, headaches, head/eye pressure, some dizziness (improved a lot since the first month), brain fog, and irritability(new). I know I’m still in the thick of it, and I have a ways to go. I’m doing a little better with acceptance but it’s hard, especially like days like today. I’m feeling kinda down and hopeless, like I’m never going to heal and this is permanent. The brain sensations are the scariest for me right now. We had bad weather last night and the threat of tornadoes this afternoon so I’m sure that plays a part. I get bad headaches around weather fronts. It’s just hard to think positive healing thoughts when this seems like forever (permanent) I keep trying to remind myself that people heal but it seems fake? Just thoughts inside my head. Anything encouraging would be great right about now! I keep re reading the same stories over and over, which helps push me through the day. Praying for healing, peace and comfort 🙏🏻💖

[getofflex]

22 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

The 3rd major symptom is my sleep anxiety over insomnia.  My anxiety is bad at night because I’m terrified of not sleeping after severe insomnia during the beginning of month 2. I did not sleep for 6-7 days straight and it scared the crap out of me. Nights are extremely difficult.

My worst symptom during my WD was insomnia.  My husband, a pharmacist, kept telling me, insomnia won't kill you, it will just make you miserable.  He was trying to reassure me, and he was right.  Try to see if you can reduce your anxiety around sleep and night time.  Try to make it your goal to get rest, instead of feeling that it's imperative that you sleep.  Have you tried listening to very relaxing music at a very low volume at night?  This helps me immensely.  There are long play lists of music for relaxing and sleeping on Spotify.  

 

22 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

We had bad weather last night and the threat of tornadoes this afternoon so I’m sure that plays a part. I

Yes, definitely!  We get this in Missouri too, and storm fronts and low pressure fronts can have an impact on our nervous system, and worsen sleep, or cause anxiety.  It does for me, too.  

 

22 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

fear of not healing,

This is really common in WD.  This is such a bizarre and unpredictable process, recovery from psych meds, that we tend to lose hope of healing.  Please read this link, especially item #5, it addresses this issue well: 

 

Steps for Managing WD Symptoms

 

Please keep telling yourself, you will heal!  https://baylissa.com

 

 

Edited May 7, 2022 by getofflex

[StarShopping87]

1 minute ago, getofflex said:

My worst symptom during my WD was insomnia.  My husband, a pharmacist, kept telling me, insomnia won't kill you, it will just make you miserable.  He was trying to reassure me, and he was right.  Try to see if you can reduce your anxiety around sleep and night time.  Try to make it your goal to get rest, instead of feeling that it's imperative that you sleep.  Have you tried listening to very relaxing music at a very low volume at night?  This helps me immensely.  There are long play lists of music for relaxing and sleeping on Spotify.  

 

Yes, definitely!  We get this in Missouri too, and storm fronts and low pressure fronts can have an impact on our nervous system, and worsen sleep, or cause anxiety.  It does for me, too.  

 

This is really common in WD.  This is such a bizarre and unpredictable process, recovery from psych meds, that we tend to lose hope of healing.  Please read this link, it addresses this issue well: 

 

Steps for Managing WD Symptoms

 

Please keep telling yourself, you will heal!  https://baylissa.com

 

 

Hey! Thanks for responding. I usually don’t listen to music at night because it triggers anxiety from when I had that week of no sleeping… I laid awake for hrs listening to guided meditations and music so if I hear it now it just reminds me of bad times. I have been able to sleep at night, every night so far but the hours vary. Some nights I can get 8, others 4.  It’s just the fear of not sleeping that is hard to deal with. I usually do some diamond art before bed as I find it relaxing,  or journaling. Like last night, I had a hard time falling asleep but I kept reminding myself it may take awhile but I have always falllen asleep and I may be ok in the next hour. It’s hard to believe sometimes but it helps. I’m going through a really tough wave today (started late yesterday) and it’s the worst one I’ve had in weeks. I had bad hot flashes last night, every time I rolled over or moved heat would rush through my body. Intense fear, panic and anxiety. My brain feels very weird today, I’m fatigued but wired, and hitting a depression spell. I haven’t felt this low since  mid feb. I’m already terrified of not sleeping tonight. I feel drugged and dizzy and extremely panicky. Praying this wave will ease up. I feel soo weird and it’s very scary. I’m trying to read success stories but it’s not helping much. I feel like I need someone to hold my hand through this to get by even just through the minutes/hours. 

[Ariel]

Hi @StarShopping87

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I know it can feel scary sometimes. 

 

1 hour ago, StarShopping87 said:

I feel like I need someone to hold my hand through this to get by even just through the minutes/hours. 

 

This made me tear up. I can really relate to feeling this way. I am reaching out to hold your hand virtually...

 

How is your home situation? What sort of support system do you rely on? Are you in touch with pets, friends, family, neighbors, spiritual congregation, significant other(s) on a regular basis?

 

One of the things many of us learn in healing is how to become our own best friends. It's a process of getting to know ourselves and learning to listen to our bodies so that we may get better at taking gentle care of ourselves. A lot of us are good at showing up for others; when healing from iatrogenic harm it helps to practice showing up for ourselves and treating ourselves with unconditional love and acceptance. That means different things to different people. Each of us is free to explore what that might look like for ourselves. It's a practice of learning how to hold our own hand. A bonus is that being able to do that is something that will benefit us for the rest of our lives, long after we've recovered. A lot of getting through psychiatric-drug recovery is building life skills that will serve us forever after. 

 

From reading your thread I see you've already familiarized yourself with Baylissa Frederick's book and Claire Weekes' work. It's great that you are investing in learning non-drug coping techniques to help manage challenges along the way. As I imagine you already know, there are so many great resources here on SA, too. What are some of your favorite help topics?

 

Remember two things: You are not alone. + It gets better.

It takes time but healing happens, and it's happening all the time, even when we cannot consciously feel it. 

Thinking of you and sending prayers of peace and healing,

A.

 

 

 

[StarShopping87]

3 minutes ago, Ariel said:

Hi @StarShopping87

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I know it can feel scary sometimes. 

 

 

This made me tear up. I can really relate to feeling this way. I am reaching out to hold your hand virtually...

 

How is your home situation? What sort of support system do you rely on? Are you in touch with pets, friends, family, neighbors, spiritual congregation, significant other(s) on a regular basis?

 

One of the things many of us learn in healing is how to become our own best friends. It's a process of getting to know ourselves and learning to listen to our bodies so that we may get better at taking gentle care of ourselves. A lot of us are good at showing up for others; when healing from iatrogenic harm it helps to practice showing up for ourselves and treating ourselves with unconditional love and acceptance. That means different things to different people. Each of us is free to explore what that might look like for ourselves. It's a practice of learning how to hold our own hand. A bonus is that being able to do that is something that will benefit us for the rest of our lives, long after we've recovered. A lot of getting through psychiatric-drug recovery is building life skills that will serve us forever after. 

 

From reading your thread I see you've already familiarized yourself with Baylissa Frederick's book and Claire Weekes' work. It's great that you are investing in learning non-drug coping techniques to help manage challenges along the way. As I imagine you already know, there are so many great resources here on SA, too. What are some of your favorite help topics?

 

Remember two things: You are not alone. + It gets better.

It takes time but healing happens, and it's happening all the time, even when we cannot consciously feel it. 

Thinking of you and sending prayers of peace and healing,

A.

 

 

 

Thank you for such comforting words. As far as my home life, I am a stay at home mom of 4 kids (3-14 yrs old). My husband is supportive but at times is frustrated and scared because he doesn’t know what to do. On days when I feel ok, or even a manageable wave I can reach out to people and it helps. Days like today im terrified and can barely hold a conversation out of fear. I have some people that im in touch with through fb that are in my situation of immediate adr. One has healed and one is maybe 80%. They have helped a lot but I feel like im getting on everyone’s nerves because im scared. Im hoping I will start to feel relief in the upcoming months, especially at 12mths. Days like today just freakin suck! I just wish I could breathe and feel a sense of “everything is going to be ok” I’ve been reading success stories literally all day. That’s how I know im in a bad wave, when I can’t get off the phone. I’ve been doing well, then BAM I feel like im back to square one. I could literally just sit here and cry right now. 

[Ariel]

I'm so sorry, @StarShopping87  I can relate to what you describe. 

 

It gets better, it really does. And I know that when we are getting tossed around and pummeled by a gnarly wave it can feel unsatisfying to hear "it takes time", because when we are suffering so acutely we want relief right now and not a moment later. 

 

I consider being a stay-at-home-mom of four children to be a 24/7 job. So kudos to you for going through this while also working more than full-time! That takes grit. I hope you give yourself credit for your strength and perseverance every day. 

 

8 minutes ago, StarShopping87 said:

That’s how I know im in a bad wave, when I can’t get off the phone.

 

I am intimately familiar with this phenomenon. That's why I'm gonna tell it to you straight: you get to choose how you spend your time. 99.9% of this healing process is out of our hands. We have infinitesimal control, if any; the iatrogenic harm has been done, and healing happens on its own timeline. The key is for us to a) get out of the way; b) facilitate healing whenever, wherever we can. Our own behavior is something we can actually influence. How we choose to spend our free time is up to us. 

It's one thing if scrolling online on your phone is actually making you feel better and helping you get through the day. But if it isn't -- if you find yourself glued to the screen with no positive effect on your symptoms -- stop. It is in your power to say: I got this. And put the phone away and do something, anything, that proactively and constructively contributes to managing your symptoms. Even if it's only for 5 minutes. Even if you don't feel like it in the moment. You gotta practice that sense of agency, and fake it till you make it. 

You are a mother of four. I don't know you, but I extrapolate that you have at least 14+ years' parenting experience being a responsible adult and making good choices which benefit your family. 

The iatrogenic chemical injury of psych drugs can make us feel like we are being reduced overnight to a heap of quivering, cowering, helpless regression. But that is an illusion. That is just the illness talking. You are still in there, your empowered adult badass mother-of-four self is right here! Even though it may not feel like it, I promise you, you are in there. Connecting with that is something to practice. How to behave as your own best parent, how to behave as your own best friend, how to mother yourself as well as you mother your children, how to make those good choices like getting off your phone and doing something beneficial to support healing and symptom management. I don't know what that looks like exactly -- you could prepare a list of "healthy healing proactive behavioral choices to serve as an alternative to getting sucked into my phone"; this way you won't have to reinvent the wheel every time, you'll just have a go-to list of options to consult and can easily pick one. 

 

YOU GOT THIS. 

 

I believe in you. That is why I am being so direct. I hope it's okay. I just know you are going to get through this and I see how strong you are. 

Gooo Star! <3

 

[StarShopping87]

17 minutes ago, Ariel said:

I'm so sorry, @StarShopping87  I can relate to what you describe. 

 

It gets better, it really does. And I know that when we are getting tossed around and pummeled by a gnarly wave it can feel unsatisfying to hear "it takes time", because when we are suffering so acutely we want relief right now and not a moment later. 

 

I consider being a stay-at-home-mom of four children to be a 24/7 job. So kudos to you for going through this while also working more than full-time! That takes grit. I hope you give yourself credit for your strength and perseverance every day. 

 

 

I am intimately familiar with this phenomenon. That's why I'm gonna tell it to you straight: you get to choose how you spend your time. 99.9% of this healing process is out of our hands. We have infinitesimal control, if any; the iatrogenic harm has been done, and healing happens on its own timeline. The key is for us to a) get out of the way; b) facilitate healing whenever, wherever we can. Our own behavior is something we can actually influence. How we choose to spend our free time is up to us. 

It's one thing if scrolling online on your phone is actually making you feel better and helping you get through the day. But if it isn't -- if you find yourself glued to the screen with no positive effect on your symptoms -- stop. It is in your power to say: I got this. And put the phone away and do something, anything, that proactively and constructively contributes to managing your symptoms. Even if it's only for 5 minutes. Even if you don't feel like it in the moment. You gotta practice that sense of agency, and fake it till you make it. 

You are a mother of four. I don't know you, but I extrapolate that you have at least 14+ years' parenting experience being a responsible adult and making good choices which benefit your family. 

The iatrogenic chemical injury of psych drugs can make us feel like we are being reduced overnight to a heap of quivering, cowering, helpless regression. But that is an illusion. That is just the illness talking. You are still in there, your empowered adult badass mother-of-four self is right here! Even though it may not feel like it, I promise you, you are in there. Connecting with that is something to practice. How to behave as your own best parent, how to behave as your own best friend, how to mother yourself as well as you mother your children, how to make those good choices like getting off your phone and doing something beneficial to support healing and symptom management. I don't know what that looks like exactly -- you could prepare a list of "healthy healing proactive behavioral choices to serve as an alternative to getting sucked into my phone"; this way you won't have to reinvent the wheel every time, you'll just have a go-to list of options to consult and can easily pick one. 

 

YOU GOT THIS. 

 

I believe in you. That is why I am being so direct. I hope it's okay. I just know you are going to get through this and I see how strong you are. 

Gooo Star! ❤️

 

Thank you! I needed to hear this! 

[Ariel]

@StarShopping87

Thinking of you and reaching out to hold your hand <3

 

 

[StarShopping87]

10 minutes ago, Ariel said:

@StarShopping87

Thinking of you and reaching out to hold your hand ❤️

 

 

Thank you. I’m miserable 😭 I had a scary night last night… rushes of severe anxiety and fear. Im so scared this is never going to end 

[Ariel]

I'm sorry, Star. I know it can be so hard sometimes. 

Sending hugs 

[StarShopping87]

I am currently sick with a typical summer virus.. I just found out pneumonia is going around my child’s class. Does everyone react to antibiotics or is it hit or miss? After reading about people being floxed I’m worried about taking anything if I need to. Hopefully it won’t come down to that, but are there certain antibiotics to steer away from in the event I have to take them?  

[Altostrata]

You wouldn't want to take antibiotics for a virus. Be sure your doctor takes a sample to identify the bug before risking an antibiotic. The drug would be specific to the bug.

[StarShopping87]

11 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

You wouldn't want to take antibiotics for a virus. Be sure your doctor takes a sample to identify the bug before risking an antibiotic. The drug would be specific to the bug.

Right, I was more worried about the virus turning into a sinus infection. I have fluid behind my ear drums and a lot of sinus/head pressure. Praying it passes and not turn into sinus/ear infection. 

[StarShopping87]

Got hit with another severe wave, back to back.. only this time I’m sick on top of it. My brain feels weirdly different from last week. Last night I developed the dreadful insomnia and felt like my brain was shifting gears. Insomnia is my worst symptom which creates massive fear and panic. I’m not ok at all. Nothing but fear and panic today with weird brain sensations. I pray this gets better. I’m so freaked out and everything feels like it’s getting worse. I pray for sleep most importantly. I was sleeping a lot better from my 6 day stint Going into 2 months, so I feel like I’ve hit a major set back. Lord please give me the strength to get through this 🙏🏻

[Altostrata]

I'm sorry you weren't able to sleep. Please try to rest anyway when this happens, rather than becoming anxious about it. It's grueling but this is a way to cope with the time passing.

 

What are your virus symptoms? Did you take a covid test again?

[StarShopping87]

Just now, Altostrata said:

I'm sorry you weren't able to sleep. Please try to rest anyway when this happens, rather than becoming anxious about it. It's grueling but this is a way to cope with the time passing.

 

What are your virus symptoms? Did you take a covid test again?

I took 2 tests, both negative. I feel like I’m on the mend… sinus/head pressure, headache…. I feel like it’s all in my sinuses. My taste and smell Are gone but slowly coming back. I was terrified about getting a sinus infection because my mucus is very thick and stringy (clear not yellow) so I’m trying to increase fluids. Hopefully that’s the case, I’m not drinking enough. Allergies are not helping either. I live in the southern states and the pollen is insane!  I feel it has really amped all my symptoms up from the immediate adr. My brain feels extremely weird (very over active and stimulated) , it’s soo hard to describe it.. the other night it felt like gears shifting. Last night just a lot of uneasy pressure feeling but I felt like I was spinning. I have not taken any meds at all. No ibuprofen or anything. Trying to get through it one day at a time. I was thinking of maybe re introducing fish oil.. I didn’t have a reaction to it however I also didn’t notice a difference, but I’m wondering if it could help with my sleep.  I can’t have any form of magnesium, not even the bath salts. I made the mistake of taking a bath the other day and ended up in a massive wave… although it could also be due to the virus, I just don’t want to chance it again. 

[Altostrata]

This sounds like a mild case of covid. The rapid tests are only 84% accurate. 

 

Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, stay out of the heat, get gentle exercise, such as walking, if you can.

[Greatful]

@StarShopping87

Stopping by to say hi---Congrats on being a mother of 4- wife -then having to  go through having a Adverse Reaction to the drugs-- You are doing a great job trying to make it through this😊

 

Summer is coming and the kids will be home from school that will keep you busy--- Maybe to busy LOL---

 

It must be the Lexapro and the weird brain sensation-My hubby claims it blew up my brain when I started it  LOL--You were the smart to stopped it-I tried to make it work--By the time I realized I can't stay on it- it was close to a month Now I am trying to taper off  I wish now that I would have stopped it then---It seem the lex really can do a number on your brain--I think I told you all the horrible brain sensations I had---now I get that horrible tingling/like it's frying/ cold or burning ---and I want to rip at it...  Kind of like a healing shrinking scab---I get where my  brain feels like it is on a bad high too-- It feel's heavy or sometimes light and floppy on my shoulders- spacy and it almost feels like you are going to have a out of body experience---Oh my goodness the brain panic is really tough too---It's not racing with a million thoughts it racing to get out of the trapped feeling---Panic Panic Panic let me out---

 

If you try the Omega 3's again, I am curious to see if your nausea and not being able to eat comes back--I stopped Omega 3-vitamin c and my probiotic and my nausea is mostly gone and my anxiety is down--not gone LOL but down...

 

I found a lot of encouragement from Baylissa's book Recovery and Renewal

Which on do you have---I think she talks about you are healing all the time--

Some on here on SA try to look at the waves and symptoms as your brain is healing/working hard---I know I know we all would like the whole process to speed up and be less painful😁  

 

You will get through this--time will march on and it will drag you with it--

You are moving forward..  You are not alone♥️

 

 

[Ariel]

21 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

Hey! I saw that you have had viral infections during your withdrawal. I currently have a terrible virus (not Covid) and it has majorly ramped up my symptoms. Is this normal? Did you end up having to take antibiotics? I’m terrified this is going to turn into a sinus infection. 

 

6 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

I feel like I’m on the mend…

 

Hi Star, 

Sorry about the virus. Glad you're on the mend.

 

Yes, there was one memorable bug while I was "tapering" and another well past the zero mark (there may have been others, but those two stand out). Fortunately the afflictions were viral and antibiotics were never on the table. 

 

Based on my experience, yes it is normal for an infection to ramp up WD symptoms. My guess is that any activation of the immune system will affect the nervous system, brain, gut, etc. -- hence cases of seasonal allergies becoming extra challenging. My crude understanding is that our WD-addled bodies are particularly vulnerable to stress, and illness is a stressor. The body does not differentiate between physical and psychological stress -- either way our nervous system comes into play w/ regulatory stress response. Because in WD (or ADR) our nervous systems are fundamentally dysregulated (a.k.a. dysautonomia), what would otherwise be a normal, healthy regulatory response to stress goes haywire. This can sometimes be experienced by as a WD wave, or otherwise.

 

It sucks to get sick with a virus while in recovery from psych drugs, as it can exacerbate WD symptoms. However, it's important to remember that while the embodied experience of the illness may feel more intense due to the WD piece, it's usually not more dangerous or harmful than it would otherwise be. It just might feel worse and maybe last longer than normal.

 

Take care of yourself; do your due diligence regarding any relevant, necessary medical testing to rule out anything serious; and take care of yourself some more. Go easy, avoid stress, follow your usual WD-friendly gentle-living guidelines. Eventually your systems will sort themselves out, your mind-blowingly amazing super-healer body will clear the pathogen, and you'll be back to where you're meant to be on your WD journey. 

 

Take it slow and give yourself all the love you deserve. Get well soon <3

A.

 

[StarShopping87]

5 hours ago, Greatful said:

@StarShopping87

Stopping by to say hi---Congrats on being a mother of 4- wife -then having to  go through having a Adverse Reaction to the drugs-- You are doing a great job trying to make it through this😊

 

Summer is coming and the kids will be home from school that will keep you busy--- Maybe to busy LOL---

 

It must be the Lexapro and the weird brain sensation-My hubby claims it blew up my brain when I started it  LOL--You were the smart to stopped it-I tried to make it work--By the time I realized I can't stay on it- it was close to a month Now I am trying to taper off  I wish now that I would have stopped it then---It seem the lex really can do a number on your brain--I think I told you all the horrible brain sensations I had---now I get that horrible tingling/like it's frying/ cold or burning ---and I want to rip at it...  Kind of like a healing shrinking scab---I get where my  brain feels like it is on a bad high too-- It feel's heavy or sometimes light and floppy on my shoulders- spacy and it almost feels like you are going to have a out of body experience---Oh my goodness the brain panic is really tough too---It's not racing with a million thoughts it racing to get out of the trapped feeling---Panic Panic Panic let me out---

 

If you try the Omega 3's again, I am curious to see if your nausea and not being able to eat comes back--I stopped Omega 3-vitamin c and my probiotic and my nausea is mostly gone and my anxiety is down--not gone LOL but down...

 

I found a lot of encouragement from Baylissa's book Recovery and Renewal

Which on do you have---I think she talks about you are healing all the time--

Some on here on SA try to look at the waves and symptoms as your brain is healing/working hard---I know I know we all would like the whole process to speed up and be less painful😁  

 

You will get through this--time will march on and it will drag you with it--

You are moving forward..  You are not alone♥️

 

 

Do the sensations ever stop? It’s probably the worst symptom I have besides insomnia/ fear of not sleeping. However, if I could sleep every night, I could probably handle the symptoms a little better. Fear of not sleep and actually not sleeping are horrid for me. I am listening to guided meditations at night but I still toss and turn. Sunday night I slept hard. Really hard, but then last night I was all night. I do believe I had a few minutes of dreaming and I was so exhausted in the morning but it was very rough. I get hot flashes and every noise turns into fear. It’s awful. I just want to sleep like before meds. I’ve been told by quite a few adr peeps that things seem to improve around 6 months so im holding on to hope. I’ve been in a wave almost 2 weeks now and very miserable. Praying this virus runs it’s course and I calm down very soon. I feel better, still can’t smell but I think it’s because my sinuses are inflamed and stopped up. Im sure allergies have a lot to do with it as well since pollen is very high right now. 

[StarShopping87]

3 hours ago, Ariel said:

 

 

Hi Star, 

Sorry about the virus. Glad you're on the mend.

 

Yes, there was one memorable bug while I was "tapering" and another well past the zero mark (there may have been others, but those two stand out). Fortunately the afflictions were viral and antibiotics were never on the table. 

 

Based on my experience, yes it is normal for an infection to ramp up WD symptoms. My guess is that any activation of the immune system will affect the nervous system, brain, gut, etc. -- hence cases of seasonal allergies becoming extra challenging. My crude understanding is that our WD-addled bodies are particularly vulnerable to stress, and illness is a stressor. The body does not differentiate between physical and psychological stress -- either way our nervous system comes into play w/ regulatory stress response. Because in WD (or ADR) our nervous systems are fundamentally dysregulated (a.k.a. dysautonomia), what would otherwise be a normal, healthy regulatory response to stress goes haywire. This can sometimes be experienced by as a WD wave, or otherwise.

 

It sucks to get sick with a virus while in recovery from psych drugs, as it can exacerbate WD symptoms. However, it's important to remember that while the embodied experience of the illness may feel more intense due to the WD piece, it's usually not more dangerous or harmful than it would otherwise be. It just might feel worse and maybe last longer than normal.

 

Take care of yourself; do your due diligence regarding any relevant, necessary medical testing to rule out anything serious; and take care of yourself some more. Go easy, avoid stress, follow your usual WD-friendly gentle-living guidelines. Eventually your systems will sort themselves out, your mind-blowingly amazing super-healer body will clear the pathogen, and you'll be back to where you're meant to be on your WD journey. 

 

Take it slow and give yourself all the love you deserve. Get well soon ❤️

A.

 

Thank you for this response! It makes sense because I was not feeling like this until I got sick. I haven’t had a wave this bad since going into month 2. I’ve had some old symptoms pop up and go, some are sticking. Hopefully I will heal from this virus asap and get out of this wave. 🙏🏻

[StarShopping87]

Month 4 update: 

in a bad wave, again. Seems like month 3 was one long wave. I did have a few good days but not many.  I have extreme fear of not healing. My current symptoms are:

 

-Insomnia (slight improvement)

-head, ear, eye pressure (comes in waves) 

-weird brain sensations (pulling, spinning, drugged, uneasy, over all just out of it) 

-sensitivity to stimulation (noise, stress, screens, driving, light, anything negative) 

-fear/anxiety (pretty bad-severe at times) 

-i.t. (Improving) 
-neuro emotions? (Not sure I have this or not) 

 

I have moments of depressed like feelings due to feeling like this all the time… exhausted, fatigue, feeling down and hopeless. Finding it hard to get motivated some days. I feel guilt because I can’t do the things I used to enjoy like events with my kids. I wake up and feel pure fear and anxiety all throughout the day until it’s time to lay down. Some nights the fear is bad like last night. Guided meditations sometimes help with that. I know 4 months in isn’t exactly a lot so this is more just documentation as the months go on. Just trying to stay strong and get through the days the best I can. I definitely feel like I’ve made progress from month 1 and 2 as I had over 40 symptoms, but hell still feels like hell. I’m currently not taking anything meds or supplements as everything is too activating or I react to it. 

 

[getofflex]

6 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

I have extreme fear of not healing.

this is very very common.  The symptoms of WD/ADR are so compelling, and so overpowering, it is very easy to believe this.  Please read this link, especially item #5.  

 

Steps for Managing WD Symptoms

 

You are having some improvements in "it" (what is this?) and insomnia, so that means you are healing!  

6 hours ago, StarShopping87 said:

I definitely feel like I’ve made progress from month 1 and 2 as I had over 40 symptoms, but hell still feels like hell. I’m currently not taking anything meds or supplements as everything is too activating or I react to it. 

I salute you for your courage and strength!  I'm very proud of you for soldiering through this, and not running back to drugs to try to fix it.  You will be able to face almost anything after this.  

Edited May 31, 2022 by getofflex