FireflyFyte: Latuda withdrawal

[FireflyFyte]

On 11/3/2023 at 12:20 PM, Happy2Heal said:

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

 Yup, my current poly-drug combination is thanks to inpatient psychiatrists.

 

On 11/3/2023 at 1:12 PM, Angus said:

I am hoping to be able to begin my taper sometime- I still have wd symptoms so I am still holding.

 

I hope that you stabilize soon and can begin your taper.

 

On 11/3/2023 at 1:12 PM, Angus said:

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

 

Too cute!

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday, made another drop in Gabapentin so am at 484mg. I had a very high anxiety weekend so probably should have held a little longer but will see how my body handles this drop and will consider up-dosing if applicable. 

[FireflyFyte]

Am down to 460mg of Gabapentin. I am looking forward to getting to the 400mg mark and holding there for awhile as I am still experiencing increased anxiety, an uptick in my heart rate, and periods of depression even with 5% drops of the Gabapentin. I am still shocked that dropping the Gabapentin has been more difficult than the Olanzapine to date.

[Thorin]

3 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Am down to 460mg of Gabapentin. I am looking forward to getting to the 400mg mark and holding there for awhile as I am still experiencing increased anxiety, an uptick in my heart rate, and periods of depression even with 5% drops of the Gabapentin. I am still shocked that dropping the Gabapentin has been more difficult than the Olanzapine to date.

Hi FfF. The gabapentin works on the same receptors as benzodiazepines do. I’m coming off a Benzo at the moment. They can be extremely difficult to taper for many people so it’s not surprising that gabapentin is causing some issues for you.

 

cheers

[littlebird]

5 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am still shocked that dropping the Gabapentin has been more difficult than the Olanzapine to date.

Same! I thought Seroquel tapering would be the big bad, but that was easy and Gabapentin throws me for all the loops. "Gentle medicine," my buns.

 

5 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am still experiencing increased anxiety, an uptick in my heart rate, and periods of depression even with 5% drops of the Gabapentin.

Same, heart is currently racing and I'm electric with anxiety! I switched to decaf tea too. I went even slower with 2.5% drops and still my emotions get rocked. Also feels like I have more memories coming back, along with the thoughts and feelings associated. It's like my memory was frozen along with emotions.

 

Gabapentin, why you so rough??

1 hour ago, Thorin said:

The gabapentin works on the same receptors as benzodiazepines do. I’m coming off a Benzo at the moment.

Great point, Thorin! I keep forgetting that (and everything else). Good lord is it a rough ride to taper this one. Makes me want to get off of it altogether.

[FireflyFyte]

18 hours ago, Thorin said:

The gabapentin works on the same receptors as benzodiazepines do. I’m coming off a Benzo at the moment. They can be extremely difficult to taper for many people so it’s not surprising that gabapentin is causing some issues for you.

 

This makes a lot of sense. I eagerly await my hold and a reprieve from my current state for a bit.

 

16 hours ago, littlebird said:

Same! I thought Seroquel tapering would be the big bad, but that was easy and Gabapentin throws me for all the loops. "Gentle medicine," my buns

 

Right!? They give it out like candy while tapering is a complete nightmare.

 

16 hours ago, littlebird said:

Same, heart is currently racing and I'm electric with anxiety! I switched to decaf tea too. I went even slower with 2.5% drops and still my emotions get rocked. Also feels like I have more memories coming back, along with the thoughts and feelings associated. It's like my memory was frozen along with emotions.

 

I am still drinking coffee but should probably consider switching to decaf 😭

[littlebird]

2 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Right!? They give it out like candy while tapering is a complete nightmare.

Like candy is right! Looking up and down my block, there are a number of people who casually mentioned being on Gabapentin for chronic pain, anxiety, benzo WD, etc, etc.

 

What's wild to me is that Kaiser, the insurer/provider we all share, won a whole lawsuit against Pfizer about off-label prescribing.... then just kept on prescribing it off-label. 😡

 

2 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am still drinking coffee but should probably consider switching to decaf 😭

If you do, please taper that too! Caffeine headaches are a beast. 😭 Currently in the "do I lower Gabapentin or hold" phase, been drinking more caffeinated tea after each dose to counteract the sleepy effects which means I probably need to go down... but I'm already bracing for increased emotionality from the cut. Had no idea how much it was stifling my emotions until it was tapered and they started coming flooding back!

 

Have you found any good coping skills to help with the Gabs WD? 

[FireflyFyte]

On 11/30/2023 at 2:07 PM, littlebird said:

Have you found any good coping skills to help with the Gabs WD? 

 

Sorry for the delayed response! Life has been hectic between sick pups, work deadlines, and getting dumped 💔

 

I try to get outside as often as possible, weather permitting, I journal, I am trying to get back into yoga, and am working on using breathing exercises more often. Most of what I do is just ride the wave and try to not get additionally anxious and accept that it is drug related.

[littlebird]

2 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Sorry for the delayed response!

No need to apologize! You're all good. ❤️

 

2 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Life has been hectic between sick pups, work deadlines, and getting dumped 💔

Ugh, so sorry to hear you're going through a break-up. Awful, awful feeling. Hope your pups get better and work eases! It's so impressive you volunteer your time to moderate here on top of a full life. Thank you for helping out!

 

2 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Most of what I do is just ride the wave and try to not get additionally anxious and accept that it is drug related.

I needed to read this today, just accept that neuroemotions are in the mix and I need to self-soothe and ride it out. Got a bath bomb for myself while holiday shopping, might have to see if a nice bath helps the wave pass! Hope you're having a soothing and cozy Sunday night. 

[FireflyFyte]

16 hours ago, littlebird said:

Got a bath bomb for myself while holiday shopping, might have to see if a nice bath helps the wave pass!

 

Did the bath help?

[FireflyFyte]

Have been battling some mystery virus since Thursday (negative for COVID and the flu) but still went ahead with my latest drop of Gabapentin so am currently at 436mg/day split into two doses. Generally speaking, beyond some light headedness, I haven't had any physical withdrawal symptoms related to Gabapentin as they have tended towards heightened anxiety so am hoping that making a drop while not at 100% health isn't too risky of a move. Time will tell and will be tuned into my body this week to see if I end up needing an updose.

[FireflyFyte]

I was able to stay at 436mg of Gabapentin and make another drop on Sunday down to 414mg. The withdrawal symptoms have eased significantly over the last 3-4 weeks which has been a welcome reprieve. I will make one more drop and then hold before resuming my Olanzapine taper. 

[FireflyFyte]

On Saturday, forgot to take my morning Gabapentin dose and then had an afternoon coffee so spent the remainder of the day with an angry GI system, shaky/unsteady, and increased anxiety. Not a fun reminder to be diligent about my dosages and limit caffeine intake 😭

Otherwise, returned to the pill form of Gabapentin and dropped down to 400mg/day. I will hold here for 2-3 weeks and then return to tapering the Olanzapine.

[FireflyFyte]

I have returned to tapering my Olanzapine dose and am down to 0.97mg. I made the first drop last night and usually don't feel effects for 4-5 days so will see how I am feeling by this weekend.

[FireflyFyte]

Have made two drops since my last post so am now down to 0.87mg of Olanzapine. No noticeable withdrawals recently beyond maybe a slight uptick in anxiety but my emotions continue to be walled away which is frustrating especially as I try to navigate a new relationship and one of my dogs being tentatively diagnosed with cancer.

 

I have also gained a little bit of weight recently after already gaining around 20lbs since starting my current cocktail which is disheartening. I am starting to track my food again and plan to increase my exercise (as I can tolerate it) to see if I can shed at least 5 - 10lbs. I realize that I might struggle to lose any weight until I am off all of the medication which means 4-6 years in the future.

 

I am trying to find a new therapist so I can more earnestly work on addressing my anxiety, self-esteem issues, and my struggles with building meaningful relationships. My last therapist was not a good fit for me and where I am in my healing journey.

 

 

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday, dropped down to 0.83mg of Olanzapine.

 

Have been battling the desire to taper faster so I can better access my emotions but, rationally, I know that it's not a good idea. I am just exhausted by only feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, or apathy. I miss a wider range of emotions.

 

I am also concerned that my not well managed stress levels are affecting my pets and causing them to be stressed as well. None of them deserve having to shoulder my burden.

[BurntButterscotch]

Hi @FireflyFyte I wanted to check out your progress as well. Am I seeing right that you were in Olanzapine for about 3/4 months? 

[FireflyFyte]

31 minutes ago, BurntButterscotch said:

I wanted to check out your progress as well. Am I seeing right that you were in Olanzapine for about 3/4 months? 

 

Yes, I was on Olanzapine for around 3 1/2 months when I started my taper. I started at 2.5mg and am down to 0.83mg with manageable withdrawal symptoms but I understand I have to be careful the lower in dose I get so will adjust my tapering if needed.

[BurntButterscotch]

23 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

 

Yes, I was on Olanzapine for around 3 1/2 months when I started my taper. I started at 2.5mg and am down to 0.83mg with manageable withdrawal symptoms but I understand I have to be careful the lower in dose I get so will adjust my tapering if needed.

How are you currently feeling? I’m obsessing over getting off the Zyprexa but no I have no sleep when I dropped down. My physc prescribed some supplements to lower my cortisol levels to see if that might help with my sleep patterns. I have 4 kids and a partner who is already over my issue as it was a new thing that just came on out of no where. So I’m sooo terrified of the long taper and putting my relationship through the ups and downs for that long 

[FireflyFyte]

On 3/8/2024 at 3:37 PM, BurntButterscotch said:

How are you currently feeling?

 

Overall, I am doing well. I have periods of anxiety and depression but they are manageable especially with the help of my therapist.

 

On 3/8/2024 at 3:37 PM, BurntButterscotch said:

I’m obsessing over getting off the Zyprexa but no I have no sleep when I dropped down.

 

I would encourage you to write about this in your thread and can share some resources.

[FireflyFyte]

Dropped down to 0.78mg of Olanzapine last night.

 

I am learning that as I get lower in dose, I have to be more cognizant of my caffeine intake. Too much caffeine, especially in the afternoon, can cause a spike in feeling light headed, dizziness, and anxiety. Thankfully, I seem to still tolerate my single cup of coffee in the morning.

 

Otherwise, my feelings and emotions are still blocked primarily though whispers of sadness and depression filter through. I wish joy could make an appearance here or there. 

[hayduke]

I cross tapered from espresso to decaf in the later stages of my taper.  It was hard, but worth it - I won't start again.

 

Hopefully you're not seeing any signs of dopamine supersensitivity?  You're on a really low dose now, so take your time and ride it out carefully.

The good stuff will return before long

[FireflyFyte]

8 hours ago, hayduke said:

I cross tapered from espresso to decaf in the later stages of my taper.  It was hard, but worth it - I won't start again.

 

I seem to be tolerating my single cup of coffee in the morning but will taper over to decaf if needed.

 

8 hours ago, hayduke said:

Hopefully you're not seeing any signs of dopamine supersensitivity?  You're on a really low dose now, so take your time and ride it out carefully.

 

No, no signs of dopamine super sensitivity, thankfully. I am dropping 5% every two weeks but am trying to listen to my body as I taper and will either hold longer or make smaller drops if I sense that something is amiss.

[FireflyFyte]

Made my next drop last night in Olanzapine so am now at 0.74mg.

 

No real changes to report otherwise. Still feeling muted, emotions wise, and trying to not lose hope about feeling positive feelings once again.

[Sonia009]

5 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

Made my next drop last night in Olanzapine so am now at 0.74mg.

 

No real changes to report otherwise. Still feeling muted, emotions wise, and trying to not lose hope about feeling positive feelings once again.

@FireflyFyte Hope all goes well for you, best wishes.🙏😊

[FireflyFyte]

14 minutes ago, Sonia009 said:

Hope all goes well for you, best wishes.🙏😊

 

Thank you, Sonia, I really appreciate it.

[Emonda]

Look at how far you've come @FireflyFyte. You've made great progress since you started tapering.

 

Keep plugging away...

[FireflyFyte]

15 hours ago, Emonda said:

Look at how far you've come @FireflyFyte. You've made great progress since you started tapering.

 

Keep plugging away...

 

Thank you, Emonda. I am in a much better spot compared to when I joined but I do miss having a much wider range of emotions 😟

[FireflyFyte]

I am now at 0.7mg of Olanzapine. I plan to jump at either 0.2mg or 0.25mg but will see how I am feeling once I get to that stage of my taper. I have plenty of time before I get there, anyway.

 

Otherwise, not much has changed. Still lacking most emotions and motivation. I am dealing with a minor cold but hopeful that it will resolve in a few days.

[BaccatePlayer]

8 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am dealing with a minor cold but hopeful that it will resolve in a few days.

Seems common this time of the year. Good luck with your taper and wish you quick recovery, your emotions will be back.

[FireflyFyte]

4 hours ago, BaccatePlayer said:

Seems common this time of the year.

 

My partner pointed out that it might be allergies and after taking some allergy medication, I do feel better so that might have been the cause.

 

4 hours ago, BaccatePlayer said:

Good luck with your taper and wish you quick recovery, your emotions will be back.

 

Thank you. I am anxiously awaiting feeling a wider range of emotions soon. 

[FireflyFyte]

Yet another drop in Olanzapine so am currently at 0.66mg.

Had a potential COVID exposure but tested negative this morning. I will test again on Wednesday just in case but am hoping I don't need to deal with COVID in addition to everything else.

 

Otherwise, still little to report. Barely feel any emotions and motivation is next to non-existent. 

[Emonda]

8 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Yet another drop in Olanzapine so am currently at 0.66mg.

 

Every drop is a win 👍 (a saying I've stolen from LostinCanada 🙃) 

[FireflyFyte]

12 hours ago, Emonda said:

Every drop is a win 👍 (a saying I've stolen from LostinCanada 🙃) 

 

Yes, I try to keep this in mind. I am down from 2.5mg -> 0.66mg and telling myself that slow and steady wins the race.