FireflyFyte: Latuda withdrawal

[Carmie]

Thank you so much for your kind words on my thread @FireflyFyte , I’m sorry to hear you’ve been depressed this weekend. I hope you manage to get a few more brighter days this week. I’ve been doing lots of crying myself, due to health issues. Definitely no fun. 
 

You’re doing great job moderating, it’s certainly a good feeling being able to contribute. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. 

 

All the best with your latest drop🧡

[FireflyFyte]

11 hours ago, Carmie said:

I’ve been doing lots of crying myself, due to health issues. Definitely no fun. 

 

I know that you have had a really rough go with those health issues as of late, I really hope your symptoms turn a corner towards the positive soon.

 

11 hours ago, Carmie said:

You’re doing great job moderating, it’s certainly a good feeling being able to contribute. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. 

 

Thank you. I need to remember this more.

[littlebird]

On 8/29/2023 at 6:12 PM, Carmie said:

You’re doing great job moderating, it’s certainly a good feeling being able to contribute. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. 

Seconded! You can only do so much, then it's time to pour into your own cup and take care of you. You're doing great! 

[FireflyFyte]

10 hours ago, littlebird said:

Seconded! You can only do so much, then it's time to pour into your own cup and take care of you. You're doing great!

 

Thank you, littlebird, really appreciate it 💜

[FireflyFyte]

I moved in early June and had to switch pharmacies and, of course, I picked up my latest refill of Olanzapine yesterday and it's a different manufacturer 😒 Now I have to decide if I want to pause my next drop scheduled for Sunday to ensure I don't have any issues with the change. Tonight will be my last night of the previous manufacturer so I guess I will see how I feel on Sunday after three doses of the new one and make a decision at that stage.

 

Otherwise, have been stable. Some periods of depression and anxiety but have been addressing by journaling, getting in some exercise, and breathing techniques. 

[hayduke]

That's a good idea @FireflyFyte.  I wound up keeping a few different brands but managed to stick with the same one through the tail end of my taper.

I never noticed much difference, but better safe than sorry.

[FireflyFyte]

I have decided to hold at 1.08mg of Olanzapine until at least Wednesday though I should have made my next cut last night. I started a new manufacturer of Olanzapine on Friday and yesterday had a lot of anxiety due to a family member and their drinking so arrived home carrying a lot of physical stress so opted to play it safe and not drop. If I feel stable by Wednesday, I'll go down to 1.03mg.

[Thorin]

I like your cautious approach FfF. Seems wise to me.

[j1290]

11 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I started a new manufacturer of Olanzapine on Friday

I used to hold for 3 weeks if I could swing it after a manufacturer change.  It never went smoothly for me, but some people it's easy.   

Add life stresses on top of that, and I think you're smart to be careful and stable before making your next move.   

[FireflyFyte]

12 hours ago, Thorin said:

I like your cautious approach FfF. Seems wise to me.

 

Thanks, Thorin. I would have loved to make another drop but trying to err on the side of caution.

 

12 hours ago, j1290 said:

I used to hold for 3 weeks if I could swing it after a manufacturer change.  It never went smoothly for me, but some people it's easy.   

Add life stresses on top of that, and I think you're smart to be careful and stable before making your next move. 

 

So far, I seem to be tolerating it well but, interestingly enough, I struggled when they changed my manufacturer for Wellbutrin back in the day so I know it's a possibility for less than smooth sailing.

[Thorin]

On 9/12/2023 at 10:32 PM, FireflyFyte said:

So far, I seem to be tolerating it well but, interestingly enough, I struggled when they changed my manufacturer for Wellbutrin back in the day so I know it's a possibility for less than smooth sailing.

A good few months ago now I got the wrong brand and it really impacted me. I always get my preferred brand now.

[FireflyFyte]

Dropped down to 1.02mg last Wednesday.

 

I really need to start tracking my symptoms again so I can better understand if what I am experiencing is related to withdrawals or not. I have been clenching my jaw, struggling with focus and motivation, having periods of anxiety, and experiencing some apathy. None of it is overwhelming but I would not appreciate it getting more intense so I think I will hold at 1.02mg for a few weeks and then start my Gabapentin taper as long as I feel steady.

 

Otherwise, I adopted a puppy last week so have additional chaos in the house which probably added to some of my anxiety. She is really cute, though!

[BigCat]

4 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Dropped down to 1.02mg last Wednesday.

 

I really need to start tracking my symptoms again so I can better understand if what I am experiencing is related to withdrawals or not. I have been clenching my jaw, struggling with focus and motivation, having periods of anxiety, and experiencing some apathy. None of it is overwhelming but I would not appreciate it getting more intense so I think I will hold at 1.02mg for a few weeks and then start my Gabapentin taper as long as I feel steady.

 

Otherwise, I adopted a puppy last week so have additional chaos in the house which probably added to some of my anxiety. She is really cute, though!

I have just checked in here to get to know you.  Isn't ironic that YOU don't have a system of tracking symptoms?  I mean that kindly.  I don't.  Or didn't. Yet I work in healthcare.  No one does.  Except me, now, because I want to have an evidence base to show my doctor.  What sort of puppy?  My Dentist says I need a $400 mouth guard to stop me grinding my teeth.  I think I need to get off these bloody drugs... 

Best wishes

[brassmonkey]

@BigCat Go to a sporting good store and get an athletic mouth guard. They are easy to fit and only cost a few dollars. I used them for years.

[littlebird]

1 hour ago, brassmonkey said:

@BigCat Go to a sporting good store and get an athletic mouth guard. They are easy to fit and only cost a few dollars. I used them for years.

Serious life hack, great idea

[littlebird]

6 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Otherwise, I adopted a puppy last week so have additional chaos in the house which probably added to some of my anxiety. She is really cute, though!

Awww this sounds so cute and chaotic! A puppy is like a toddler, so many needs and also so much energy. Also such lovely, silly energy to lighten the mood. Nothing like a floppy pup with their big paws and wiggles. Our dog used to run up and bounce off our bellies when she was little, and hop on a skateboard and ride it as it rolled across the floor. 🤣 

[FireflyFyte]

17 hours ago, BigCat said:

Isn't ironic that YOU don't have a system of tracking symptoms?  I mean that kindly.  I don't.  Or didn't. Yet I work in healthcare. 

 

I had a system when I was going through withdrawals approximately a year ago but I stopped tracking as it was feeding into OCD-tendencies but since I am in a much better state currently, I am hoping I can track again, using a small journal, without issue.

 

17 hours ago, BigCat said:

What sort of puppy?

 

She is a chihuahua or possibly a chihuahua mix.

 

17 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

Go to a sporting good store and get an athletic mouth guard. They are easy to fit and only cost a few dollars. I used them for years.

 

I might have to try this. Thank you for the suggestion, brassmonkey!

 

16 hours ago, littlebird said:

Awww this sounds so cute and chaotic!

 

It is definitely both 😂

[BigCat]

4 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

I had a system when I was going through withdrawals approximately a year ago but I stopped tracking as it was feeding into OCD-tendencies but since I am in a much better state currently, I am hoping I can track again, using a small journal, without issue.

 

Isn't that the problem, when you need to be aware of symptoms, but looking out for them makes them worse, and yet recording reinforces them?  I am naturally anxious and conscientious, but have also to be aware of the slippery slope "Down The Rabbit Hole".  

Good luck, be the observer, not the participant in the drama. 

[FireflyFyte]

On 9/19/2023 at 2:26 PM, BigCat said:

Isn't that the problem, when you need to be aware of symptoms, but looking out for them makes them worse, and yet recording reinforces them?  I am naturally anxious and conscientious, but have also to be aware of the slippery slope "Down The Rabbit Hole".  

Good luck, be the observer, not the participant in the drama. 

 

Thank you. This is what I am trying to do currently.

[FireflyFyte]

Bought supplies so I can start tapering my Gabapentin dose this Wednesday. The plan, as long as I can handle it, will be to drop down to 400mg in increments of 10% per month (broken up into 5% drops per week) and then I will resume my Olanzapine taper and once finished with that will return to tapering the Gabapentin. Oh the joys of being poly-drugged 😅

[FireflyFyte]

Had my bi-monthly appointment with my psychiatrist this morning. I explained that I was going to pause the Olanzapine taper for now and start to taper Gabapentin and, unsurprisingly, she wanted me to drop from 900mg (she still thinks I am taking it three times a day) immediately down to 600mg and downplayed the need to slowly taper Gabapentin but eventually agreed to let me taper 5% every two weeks.

 

Of course, she also discussed upping my Prozac and/or Gabapentin if anxiety "returns" which I told her I would keep in mind but goal is to try that at some point so no desire to up my dosage.

 

At this point, I know that she will prescribe my medication regularly and that's all I need as I taper on my own accord.

[FireflyFyte]

Made my first drop yesterday in Gabapentin from 600mg/day to 570mg/day (a 5% drop) and learned that Gabapentin tastes awful (making a water solution) so have been adding zero calorie flavor packets to make the mixture more palatable but it still makes my stomach a little uneasy afterwards.

 

Otherwise, still dealing with some anxiety, jaw clenching, low motivation, and exhaustion but nothing that is greatly impacting my day-to-day so will consider myself lucky at this point.

[FireflyFyte]

Tapering Gabapentin is a doozy 😬

I have only make one 5% drop from 600mg -> 570mg and have dealt with mild dizziness, heightened anxiety, lowered patience, GI issues, and somehow even more exhaustion than usual. It is worse in the afternoon and early evening but fluctuates throughout the day.

 

I am supposed to make another drop this coming Sunday, and have been feeling a bit better the last few days, but have to decide if I am going to make another 5% drop or try something a little smaller and see how I adjust.

 

So far, tapering Gabapentin is a bumpier ride than the Olanzapine which is surprising me, to be honest.

[littlebird]

3 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

Tapering Gabapentin is a doozy 😬

Isn't it tho?? 😵‍💫 Also, doesn't it taste boot-nasty? Buckle up if you try the liquid from the pharmacy, has that chemical taste + a terrible cough-syrupy flavoring. 

 

Some tricks for the taste are eating something fatty like a piece of chocolate that coats your tongue a little before taking Gabapentin and then immediately washing it down with a flavored drink.

 

Still experimenting on what drinks work best, sparkling water doesn't cut it, tea doesn't really either unless it has milk in it.

 

4 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

I have only make one 5% drop from 600mg -> 570mg and have dealt with mild dizziness, heightened anxiety, lowered patience, GI issues, and somehow even more exhaustion than usual. It is worse in the afternoon and early evening but fluctuates throughout the day.

Sounds so much like my experience! I found the best luck with the brassmonkey (that funky monkey) 2.5% drops with this. Less emotionality/anxiety and physical symptoms, at least in my experience.

 

5 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

So far, tapering Gabapentin is a bumpier ride than the Olanzapine which is surprising me, to be honest.

My thoughts exactly! I thought tapering my AP would have been the thing that threw me for a loop, and by far Gabapentin affects my mood far more.

 

If anything, tapering Seroquel so far has felt really good and helpful while tapering Gabapentin has thrown my CNS hardcore and I have to go as slowly as humanly possible.

[FireflyFyte]

15 hours ago, littlebird said:

Still experimenting on what drinks work best, sparkling water doesn't cut it, tea doesn't really either unless it has milk in it.

 

I have been using the water flavoring packets and they have been working well to mask the taste.

 

15 hours ago, littlebird said:

Sounds so much like my experience! I found the best luck with the brassmonkey (that funky monkey) 2.5% drops with this. Less emotionality/anxiety and physical symptoms, at least in my experience.

 

I am going to try one more 5% drop but if it ends up being too harsh for me, might switch to 2.5% drops instead.

 

[FireflyFyte]

Made my next drop in Gabapentin on Sunday so am now down to 540mg/day (split into two doses taken 12 hours apart).

 

So far, have been feeling OK. Dealing with some increased irritability and some chest tightness. Both are annoying but manageable. 

 

I keep intending to track my symptoms again so maybe I will start that this week so I can determine if I notice any patterns after drops and use that data to inform me if I should extend holds and/or drop lower amounts.

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday, I dropped my Gabapentin again so am at 510mg (split into two doses taken 12 hours apart).

 

Current withdrawal symptoms include chest tightness, irritability, depression, jaw clenching, anxiety, and some exhaustion. I am still surprised that I am having a noticeably harder time dropping Gabapentin than I have had with Olanzapine to date. I am looking forward to getting down to 400mg/day in the Gabapentin and holding there for awhile so I can return to lowering the Olanzapine.

 

I have experienced a slight increase in emotions, mostly negative ones, but I understand it is a step towards feeling more like myself.

[Carmie]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms @FireflyFyte, 

 

It’s amazing how we are put on such high doses of these meds. Wishing you all the best with your continued tapering🧡

[FireflyFyte]

On 10/30/2023 at 8:51 PM, Carmie said:

It’s amazing how we are put on such high doses of these meds. Wishing you all the best with your continued tapering🧡

 

Thank you, Carmie 💜

I remember the psychiatrist assuring me that 900mg/day of Gabapentin was a "moderate" dose 😒 Thankfully, I was able to drop from 900mg -> 600mg with little issue but my current drops are hitting fairly hard.

[Happy2Heal]

10 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

 Thankfully, I was able to drop from 900mg -> 600mg with little issue but my current drops are hitting fairly hard.

that's often the case with lower doses

it's weird but it happens a lot

 

I admire your slow and methodical taper, such patience

 

how's the puppy doing? I am not really  a "dog" person myself with one exception: I think Chihuahuas are adorable. Neighbor had a long haired one that wasn't even 4lbs It was hard to tell the head from the tail sometimes it was so fluffy 

 

 

[Carmie]

16 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

Thank you, Carmie 💜

I remember the psychiatrist assuring me that 900mg/day of Gabapentin was a "moderate" dose 😒 Thankfully, I was able to drop from 900mg -> 600mg with little issue but my current drops are hitting fairly hard.

Hi @FireflyFyte, yeah, lower doses can be really hard. Some people can go quicker than others. I’m only tapering about 1.5% every six, seven weeks or more now. I’m at 3.25mg at the moment. 
 

This journey certainly takes a lot of patience. Slow and steady does it🧡

[FireflyFyte]

12 hours ago, Happy2Heal said:

that's often the case with lower doses

it's weird but it happens a lot

 

I admire your slow and methodical taper, such patience

 

Thank you. It's been tough to not move faster but my accidental withdrawal from Latuda landed me inpatient and don't want to experience that again.

 

12 hours ago, Happy2Heal said:

how's the puppy doing? I am not really  a "dog" person myself with one exception: I think Chihuahuas are adorable. Neighbor had a long haired one that wasn't even 4lbs It was hard to tell the head from the tail sometimes it was so fluffy 

 

She is doing well and has recovered after rest and a short course of anti-inflammatories. She is a short-haired chihuahua but she is quite adorable.

 

6 hours ago, Carmie said:

This journey certainly takes a lot of patience. Slow and steady does it🧡

 

This is what I remind myself often.

[Angus]

@FireflyFyteIt sounds like you are making progress- so glad to hear! I have dogs as well- they are the best company:). Enjoy your fur baby!

Angus

[FireflyFyte]

38 minutes ago, Angus said:

It sounds like you are making progress- so glad to hear!

 

Yes, thank you, it is slow but have to acknowledge that I am down in Olanzapine 2.5 mg -> 1.2mg and Gabapentin from 900mg -> 510mg. 

 

39 minutes ago, Angus said:

I have dogs as well- they are the best company:). Enjoy your fur baby!

 

Lovely - what types of dogs? I have my chihuahua, a dachshund, and an Italian greyhound mix.

[Happy2Heal]

3 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Thank you. It's been tough to not move faster but my accidental withdrawal from Latuda landed me inpatient and don't want to experience that again.

yes I sure don't blame you there! all they know how to do is load you up with more drugs

3 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

She is doing well and has recovered after rest and a short course of anti-inflammatories. She is a short-haired chihuahua but she is quite adorable.

glad she's doing ok and is recovering Oh all chihuahuas are adorable I think!! 

[Angus]

@FireflyFyteYou have made great progress!! I am hoping to be able to begin my taper sometime- I still have wd symptoms so I am still holding. You give me hope!

I have a mini yorkie and a maltipoo. They are the best😊.