Doctorsrcrap: can't cry and frustrated

[Doctorsrcrap]

Can anyone else relate? 

I get this pent up feeling inside which I can only describe as terrible anxiety and it feels like a pressure and I feel like i just want to burst out of my body but i csnt do anything to release it. I cant cry, I literally seem incapable even when on the brink and there's just no release for it. It's horrible. 

Can anyone shed some light? 

 

Most of my problems are emotional related now but manifests in different ways throughout the day. Never any peace though. 

 

@Altostrata

@Shep

 

Any advice. Is this something that sounds familiar? 

 

I'm frustrated that I still can't cry which was a problem that started on the drug. 

 

 

[Altostrata]

When did this feeling start? What time of day does it occur? How long does it last?

 

How have your other symptoms changed in the the last month?

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

I had the feeling of everything being stuck inside whilst I was on the tablets but the last 2 weeks it has become worse and really strong. 

It doesnt occur at any particular time of day its random but mainly if i need to do something.

However I am never relaxed. I cycle throughout the day between non stop anxiety, this bursting feeling, adrenaline rushes, waves of panic, crushing feeling on the chest, restlessness, dark thoughts etc. 

 

The previous 2 weeks was constant fight and flight mode of basically 24 7 panic and insomnia. 

 

I still have tinnitus, the occasional upset stomach, periods a bit out of sync but not major and I sometimes feel light headed. 

 

I hope this makes sense. What do you think? 

[Altostrata]

Nobody seems to like withdrawal syndrome.

 

21 hours ago, Doctorsrcrap said:

The previous 2 weeks was constant fight and flight mode of basically 24 7 panic and insomnia. 

 

I still have tinnitus, the occasional upset stomach, periods a bit out of sync but not major and I sometimes feel light headed. 

 

It appears that while you are still miserable, your symptom pattern has changed in the last 2 weeks and may be a bit better, is that correct?

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

I dont know if i would say better just changes slightly I guess. 

I suppose I didn't know whether what i was describing sounded common. 

I thought my anger had gone away but now I'm waking up angry throughout the night 

Sorry I wasn't trying to complain I guess i just wanted to know that whst i was experiencing was normal or others had experienced it. 

[ChessieCat]

When you have a symptom, go to the Symptoms and Self Care forum and type a word in the search bar.

 

For example a search for anger:

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?q=anger

 

And this is the Symptom list from Glenmullen:

Crying spells

Worsened mood

Low energy (fatigue, lethargy, malaise)

Trouble concentrating

Insomnia or trouble sleeping

Change in appetite

Suicidal thoughts

Suicide attempts

Anxious, nervous, tense

Panic attacks (racing heart, breathless)

Chest pain

Trembling, jittery, shaking

Irritability

Agitation (restlessness, hyperactivity)

Impulsivity

Aggressiveness

Self-harm

Homicidal thoughts or urges

Confusion or cognitive difficulties

Memory problems or forgetfulness

Elevated mood (feeling high)

Mood swings

Manic-like reactions

Auditory hallucinations

Visual hallucinations

Feeling detached or unreal

Excessive or intense dreaming

Nightmares

Flu-like aches and pains

Fever

Sweats

Chills

Runny nose

Sore eyes

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain or cramps

Stomach bloating

Disequilibrium

Spinning, swaying, lightheaded

Hung over or waterlogged feeling

Unsteady gait, poor coordination

Motion sickness

Headache

Tremor

Numbness, burning, tingling

Electric zap-like sensations in brain

Electric shock-like sensations in body

Abnormal visual sensations

Ringing or other noises in ears

Abnormal smells or tastes

Drooling or excessive saliva

Slurred speech

Blurred vision

Muscle cramps, stiffness, twitches

Feeling of restless legs

Uncontrollable twitching of mouth

[Doctorsrcrap]

@ChessieCat

Thank you. 

The problem I have is putting into words what i am experiencing in order to find what im looking for. If that makes sense. 

Like how other people describe emotional numbing doesn't seem to sound the same as what i experience.

It's all very confusing. 

I dont want to be a pain and ask so many questions. I do try not to. 

The feeling I described that was worrying me I just didnt know if it had an actual name or of their were others who could understand that experience. 

Sorry 

[Altostrata]

Perhaps you don't have emotional numbing. In your own words, how do you feel?

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

I feel upset but can't cry to get relief. 

And as I described the different manifestations of anxiety and general overwhelm thst feel stuck 

[Altostrata]

This would not be unusual for withdrawal syndrome.

 

On 11/16/2022 at 1:05 AM, Doctorsrcrap said:

I still have tinnitus, the occasional upset stomach, periods a bit out of sync but not major and I sometimes feel light headed. 

 

It seems to me that you are fortunate your withdrawal symptoms are fading in such a short amount of time.

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

I am grateful that the physical side isn't as bad as others but the emotional side isn't letting up. 

I'm assuming then that would im describing with mental symptoms still sound common for withdrawal. 

Feeling like all this negativity is stuck inside and I want to tear out of my own body is awful. 

[Altostrata]

Nobody seems to like withdrawal syndrome.

 

Please review potential adverse effects of propranol, if you're still taking it.

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

I know nobody likes it. Who would. I just wanted reassurance it was normal or connect with people who had experienced similar symptoms. 

I didnt know if it was a bad idea to stop the propranalol whilst in withdrawal? 

[Altostrata]

If you look back over your topic, you have received such reassurance numerous times.

 

Have you read up on the adverse effects of continuous propranolol?

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

Any time ive looked it says it's ok to use long term. 

Although I do plan on stopping it at some point.

Do you know of the adverse effects from long term use that I dont know? 

Would your opinion be to start reducing it now? 

 

[Altostrata]

Is that so? https://www.drugs.com/sfx/propranolol-side-effects.html

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

I just assumed that those symptoms would have started when i started taking it which I dont think was the case. However have I been a bit dense and these things could of gone paradoxal like antidepressants can?

[Altostrata]

On 9/23/2022 at 2:11 PM, Altostrata said:

How often are you taking propranolol, what dosage? Please review adverse effects of propanolol.

 

On 9/30/2022 at 2:50 PM, ChessieCat said:

 

beta-blockers-propranolol-metopropol-atenolol-etc

 

It can be found by going to the Tapering Forum and search for propranolol.

 

I also found the following (which might be merged into one topic at a later time):

 

tapering-beta-blockers-or-alpha-blockers

 

tips-for-tapering-off-propranolol

 

 

 

On 9/30/2022 at 3:10 PM, ChessieCat said:

Do a general internet search for term propranolol side effects.

 

On 11/3/2022 at 2:52 AM, Shep said:

 

....

Some of your symptoms may also be side effects of propranalol. Scroll down this page for a list of this drug's side effects:

 

Propranolol information

 

Are you taking this drug for a heart condition or any other medical condition not related to psychiatric use or to help with withdrawal? 

 

 

On 11/3/2022 at 3:05 AM, Shep said:

 

Since you're destabilized, I would hold the propranalol steady until you're ready to taper it. You may want to read through this thread to learn more about this drug:

 

Tips for tapering off propranolol

 

But I wouldn't start tapering it until your nervous system is able to handle another withdrawal. 

 

 

You may want to try mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, gentle walks in nature, etc. 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

[Altostrata]

Suggest you start slowly and carefully reducing propranolol. At the dosage you're taking, you might get blood pressure rebound if you go too fast.

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

Ok thank you.

I was concerned because shep had told me to hold for now. But of you think i should start to reduce then i will soon. 

I have one last question regarding the propranalol then. You still advice a 10% reduction which I'm happy to follow. However because I take 40mg twice daily should it then be I reduce 5% of the morning dose and 5% off the night dose or should it be 10% from morning dose and then 10% off evening dose?

[Shep]

On 11/20/2022 at 3:14 AM, Doctorsrcrap said:

I was concerned because shep had told me to hold for now. But of you think i should start to reduce then i will soon. 

 

If the side effects of the drug are worse than withdrawal, you may want to taper the drug to reduce the side effects. You might start out with a micro-taper of say 3% to see how you do. 

 

If you get hit with withdrawal symptoms that are worse than the side effects, you'll know it's too soon to taper. 

 

On 11/20/2022 at 3:14 AM, Doctorsrcrap said:

However because I take 40mg twice daily should it then be I reduce 5% of the morning dose and 5% off the night dose or should it be 10% from morning dose and then 10% off evening dose?

 

It's 10% off of the total dose. Since you're on 40 mg X 2 times a day, that's 80 mg total. 10% of 80 mg is 8 mg. You can reduce by 8 mg off either of the doses. If the evening dose helps with sleep, you may want to decrease the daytime dose first. Or you could reduce by 4 mg off each of the two doses (for a total of 8 mg in daily reduction).

 

But again, you may want to start off with a micro-taper of 3% to see how you do. 

 

80 mg X 3% = 2.4 mg reduction. You can divide this up by reducing 1.2 mg off each dose or taking the full 2.4 mg reduction off of one of the doses. 

Edited November 21, 2022 by Shep
fixed typo

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Shep

At this point I dont know what's withdrawal. Whars side effects from the all the ads. What's aside effects from propranalol and whats just me. 

I honestly at this point have no idea 

[NardilTime]

I was in this spot six months ago. I had no clue what was what. So I said to myself, I’m gonna see where I’m at in a year. If I’m still suffering this bad I’ll re-evaluate. Six months later and I’ve improved so much that the answer has been revealed. Virtually everything I was feeling was the result of longterm exposure to the drugs. Of course I still have anxiety. That’s normal. 

[Shep]

19 hours ago, Doctorsrcrap said:

@Shep

At this point I dont know what's withdrawal. Whars side effects from the all the ads. What's aside effects from propranalol and whats just me. 

I honestly at this point have no idea 

 

This is why I suggested the below. Please let us know your thoughts on trying a small reduction. You may want to reduce it off the morning dose so you're not as sedated during the day.

 

 

21 hours ago, Shep said:

If the side effects of the drug are worse than withdrawal, you may want to taper the drug to reduce the side effects. You might start out with a micro-taper of say 3% to see how you do. 

 

If you get hit with withdrawal symptoms that are worse than the side effects, you'll know it's too soon to taper. 

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Shep

I can't say I feel very sedated. I was going to try a small cut from my evening dose because I am trying to hold down a part time job and feel i would benefit from having more propranolol in my system through the day. I'm not sure. 

I have this feeling of doom and dread following me around. It makes me feel so manky. 

[Shep]

Sounds like a good plan, Doctorsrcrap. Please let us know how you do. 

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Shepthanks for your help

[Doctorsrcrap]

4 months off all antidepressants. 

Last night made my first cut on propranolol of 5%. 

Will update accordingly 

[Shep]

@Doctorsrcrap You may want to especially take note of your sleep. If you find that decreasing the nighttime dose compromises your sleep, you may want to focus on the daytime dose. 

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Shep

Can you relate to something or know if it's normal for others? 

I get this kind of anxiety from time to time which is more of an extinestial crisis. Like whats the point in anything or was I ever happy etc. Those sort of thoughts. 

I never experienced it in my life until I first started taking antidepressants. Then it stopped. Then it comes back from time to when when meds are changed etc and now it's happening again whilst I'm off them. 

Do you think its just from the tablets and will take time to go away? 

I hope that's the case because before all this medication debacle it wasn't a thing.

[NardilTime]

I had that. Really bad. It’s maybe 10% of what it was the first 8 months of withdrawal. 

[Altostrata]

@Doctorsrcrap It appears your withdrawal issues are quite mild.

 

On top of a physiological dependency on propanolol, you may be confronting your fundamental disposition, which is pessimistic and self-defeating. You may wish to work with a psychotherapist or other counselor about this.

 

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

@AltostrataI have done plenty of work with therapists and infact am still seeing one occassionally. 

Are you trying to say that what im experiencing cant be from withdrawal then or from the medication as I thought anxiety depression and intrusive thoughts were part of the package. 

[Altostrata]

Prior to 2015, did you have a habit of mind tending towards anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts?

 

Please note yet again that we have repeatedly suggested your overuse of propanolol might be contributing to your condition, and you have repeatedly ignored that.

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

How have I ignored it when ive already started to reduce it?

 

No i didnt have anxiety like i got in 2015 ever and I was never depressed. I was put in a situation at work which caused a breakdown because I couldn't cope before thst I was perfectly fine 

[Altostrata]

How much propranolol are you taking now? What has been the effect of the reduction?