ac1980: looking for support!

[ac1980]

Hi all,

I’m 38 and have been on antidepressants since I was 22.

 

I have a history of OCD and anxiety, which is why I was prescribed meds in the first place. I never thought the pills were working since I didn’t feel a noticeable difference, but in hindsight, maybe they were.

 

anyways, I’ve been on Zoloft 50 to 100 back to 50 from 2013-2021, and was mostly stable - though I did have severe bouts of anxiety still, at least I could function and exercise.

 

Late last year I cut my dose to 25. I started getting chills all the time when I was exposed to cold weather and just generally felt unwell, but chalked that up to everything BUT my medication (I’ve long feared I have a severe undiagnosed health condition, though hundreds of tests and doctor visits haven’t revealed a thing).

 

Along with the chills, I noticed my right leg felt a bit heavier, but I could still function as normal when it came to exercise. Then, back in July, I cut my dose to 12.5, daily for a couple of weeks and then every other day.  Throw in some gabapentin, too, (doses between 100-500, taken as needed). that’s when all the fun started. I was still getting violent bouts of chills daily, but my leg was feeling weaker , and then my right arm and hand started to feel weak and uncoordinated. I could still walk without many issues, but running was becoming difficult. August was worse for the arm and leg, though the chills started to subside. September has been a nightmare - my arm fatigues instantly upon use (forearm muscle just feels shot), and it’s difficult to walk because my right leg just feels so weird. I also started having muscle twitches, primarily in my right leg and arm, but some on the left side too. I’ve seen 3 neurologists and had and EMG, and they assure me I don’t have ALS but I continue to worry it’s something along those lines.

 

I just can’t fathom how this could be medication related since the muscular issues are all on one side of my body. 
 

my psych put me on Effexor and I’m on 37.5 for the past week, but no signs of improvement.

 

can anyone relate?

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by ChessieCat
added spacing

[Frogie]

@AC1980

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site helping members taper off psychiatric medications or have tapered off and are now healing.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that you only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

 

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From what you describe, you tapered much too quickly and that is probably causing your wd symptoms. Unfortunately most dr's know very little about these drugs and the implications they cause by not tapering properly.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)

 

NEVER SKIP DOSES TO TAPER

 

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

 

 

Also, you can not take gabapentin "as needed". If you are still on that drug, you will need to stay on a steady dose and taper later.

 

Tips for tapering off gabapentin (Neurontin)

 

 

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications:

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

 

My suggestion would be to stop the Effexor and go back on the Zoloft at 6.25 mg. It will take 7-10 days for your body and brain to register this. It can always be increased if needed, however it is easier to increase a drug than it is to decrease it.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

 

We don't suggest supplements on here as they can be stimulating to the central nervous system (CNS) except 2. If you would like to try one, try a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

 

After you have read the links provided, please reach out with any questions you may have.