littlebird: tried tapering Pristiq - will try tapering Wellbutrin instead

[littlebird]

55 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am debating a move to Florida after my trip there so can appreciate wanting to live in a warmer climate.

 

I was thinking about this too, my in-laws live there, but take a look at some of the anti-LGBTQ legislature being proposed right now... the political climate cancels out the weather one for my partner and I. 😬

[littlebird]

Log

10am - 25mg Wellbutrin

12pm - 100mg Gabapentin pill (on the go)

2pm - 25mg Wellbutrin or Gabapentin…? I don’t remember. I’m not doing well on this trip.

4pm - 25mg Wellbutrin (***** up)

6pm - 100mg Gabapentin pill (still go go go)

8pm - 100mg Gabapentin

10pm - 25mg Pristiq

12pm - 100mg Seroquel

 

I saw the friend I’m with now with back in October, on a different med situation, and I was so much happier then. We laughed a lot more, and I felt so much lighter. Feeling weird and flat. Really driving home how bleak I feel lately, usually I laugh and joke and have a good time with this friend… I’m struggling to smile. Wondering if I need to bump Wellbutrin up a little more.

[Thorin]

On 3/30/2023 at 3:03 AM, littlebird said:

 

On 3/29/2023 at 4:41 PM, Thorin said:

Agree with John 100%. One thing at a time. Don’t Stress the rest. Can come later.

 

Thank you, friends! I got tears in my eyes, I think I needed to have more compassion for myself

Yes you do! You should have the same amount of compassion for yourself that you would have for us LB

 

On 3/30/2023 at 3:03 AM, littlebird said:

the moment, I only went down 2.5%. Anything higher felt like too much. Then I started The Family Tour and it was so disruptive I didn't taper any further.

 

The walls are closing in a bit, but I know it's only temporary. Anxiety is kinda through the roof, but that's the be expected.

Ah ok. The anxiety is the hardest thing to deal with I find.

[littlebird]

Log

10am - 26mg Wellbutrin IR (bumping it up a little, mood has been bleak)

12pm - 100mg Gabapentin pill (long story, haven’t been able to make liquid)

2pm - 26mg Wellbutrin IR 

4pm - 100mg Gabapentin

6pm - 26mg Wellbutrin IR

8pm - 100mg Gabapentin

10pm - 25mg Pristiq

12am - 100mg Seroquel (can’t wait, so tired)

 

Home tomorrow! Should be much easier to do meds.

 

Gratitude

So glad to get time with my friend!! I needed this.

 

My partner was teaching my friend’s nephew pool shots, and it was really cute to watch. 

 

Biked along the beach today! Sunny and beautiful day.

 

Dog is loving the dog beach down here, glad we’re close to one.

[littlebird]

3 hours ago, Thorin said:

You should have the same amount of compassion for yourself that you would have for us LB

 

So true!!! Also so much easier in theory than in practice. Being kinder and more compassionate to myself is a long journey.

 

3 hours ago, Thorin said:

The anxiety is the hardest thing to deal with I find.

 

It's so hard! Getting more exercise has been helping, I've been walking much more than usual this month. Still, I am way too close to spinning out and overthinking, like it's reflexive and I have to work to think calm thoughts.

[littlebird]

I have a question about interactions if anyone can help. I'm beyond tired (bad sleep and strenuous day) and I have to wait 45 more minutes to take Seroquel and go to bed. I'm struggling to keep myself awake and starting to get a headache.

 

Every so often on a night like this I look up the interaction between Pristiq and Seroquel (a moderate one) and debate just interacting 'em. How bad could it be? If the interaction happens when I'm sleeping, does it matter?

 

I've also debated skipping Pristiq and taking Seroquel early, but then I think about how I felt more depressed on days after I skipped Pristiq.

 

So... if it's a moderate interaction, is it okay to occasionally take Seroquel early when my body is begging for bed?

 

I have fibromyalgia, and since starting this schedule, there have been nights when a flare started from pushing myself to stay up late. I can feel one starting now, which is prompting this question. Leaning towards taking Seroquel 11:30ish. I deeply need some sleep.

[Rosetta]

On 3/23/2023 at 12:55 PM, littlebird said:

Well, had the psych med talk with my mom sooner rather than later! She mentioned her psychiatrist has her on alternating day doses of Celexa (one day higher dose, one day lower), and is recommending daily benzos to help with anxiety. Yikes.

I’m sorry.  — Rosetta

[StayHopeful]

 

@littlebird

What did you end up doing? Did you wait or go ahead and take the Seroquel early.

 

If I'd read this sooner, I would have suggested not skipping the Pristiq, and to just stay awake and take the Seroquel when you normally would. There's too many variables. Though the drug interaction you refer to is "moderate", it's hard to predict what is considered "moderate" for you, or when you'll experience them. It may not be too bad, but then again, could be horrible. The effects could happen when you are asleep or could linger on after you wake up for a while. 

 

Is there any way that you could mitigate your fibromyalgia flare symptoms until your Seroquel dose? It may be worth it, if you can, so that you don't inadvertently, end up feeling worse.

 

SH

[littlebird]

1 hour ago, StayHopeful said:

I would have suggested not skipping the Pristiq, and to just stay awake and take the Seroquel when you normally would. There's too many variables.

 

Took the Pristiq, then pushed through to midnight and took Seroquel at the normal time. I was so tired, but I think it was worth it. 

 

1 hour ago, StayHopeful said:

Though the drug interaction you refer to is "moderate", it's hard to predict what is considered "moderate" for you, or when you'll experience them. It may not be too bad, but then again, could be horrible. The effects could happen when you are asleep or could linger on after you wake up for a while. 

 

This is so true! That's what kept me pushing till midnight, I'm sensitive to this stuff and didn't want my last day with my friend to be one where my brain was overly weird.

 

1 hour ago, StayHopeful said:

Is there any way that you could mitigate your fibromyalgia flare symptoms until your Seroquel dose? It may be worth it, if you can, so that you don't inadvertently, end up feeling worse.

 

This is a good idea. Maybe tonight, since I just got home, I can try staying warmer than I did last night. Might fire up the ole electric blanket while I stare at the clock and beg it to be midnight. I'm deeply exhausted, but I need to stay on schedule. 😭

 

Thank you for the advice! I just got home after 3+ weeks of travel and an exceptionally active weekend, and I'm beat. Was tempted to pop the Seroquel early and let my body sleep, but something made me dig my laptop out of my luggage and see if anyone had thoughts on my question. Really appreciate you taking the time to answer me! 

[littlebird]

Log

10am - 26mg Wellbutrin IR (bump up seems to be helping)

12pm - 97.5mg Gabapentin (finally had a moment to make liquid)

2pm - 26mg Wellbutrin IR

4pm - 97.5mg liquid Gabapentin

6pm - 26mg Wellbutrin IR

8pm - 100mg Gabapentin pill (on plane)

10pm - 25mg Pristiq

Can’t wait for:

Midnight - 100mg Seroquel

 

Just got home from a very long series of trips! I’m a tired little bird and very much looking forward to having a long sleep in my bed.

 

EXCEPT I am terrified I picked up bedbugs from that filthy hotel we spent a night in. Can’t tell if we did, or this is anxiety. I feel like things are crawling on me and I’m itchy, but only when I’m thinking about the bedbugs… so it might be psychosomatic. Like when someone talks about lice and your head itches. Also, if I have them then my partner does too, and they are already asleep in our bed. Gonna have to let go and let god on this one and try not to worry.

 

Gratitude

Super happy I did this friend-trip after family tour, needed some fun in my life!

 

We expected SoCal rain, but ended up getting sunshine. Thanks, weather, you made my weekend. 😎

 

Lay in the sun before heading out to airport, just soaking it up. Felt amazing. Very much looking forward to it getting warm enough to do that in the bay.

 

The second place we stayed in Long Beach was 100% better, and after the expensive nightmare hotel that little rundown motel seemed like a 5 star getaway. Funny how contrast can make you appreciate things more than usual! I walked in and said with so much joy, “Oh, it’s CLEAN!” 

 

I’m going to try to make the most of my waiting for midnight times. To make myself feel better about last night, I watched TV with headphones while my partner snoozed and ate some snacks. Maybe I can think of it as time just for me and enjoy it instead of checking the clock like I’m in class waiting for the bell to ring.

[littlebird]

3 hours ago, Rosetta said:

I’m sorry.  — Rosetta

 

Thanks, Rosetta! I gave it a shot with both my parents, and it was a hard no-go. I think all I can do is keep occasionally remarking on my own positive experiences with tapering, and the ways I feel better after being on less meds.

[littlebird]

I found myself wondering if the Go Faster Demon (©️ @Fifree) is related to the Substance Abuse Demon, the lil frenemy that sits on your shoulder and says, "Go harder, have one more, destination oblivion." 

 

There's a similarity of "I want to feel different, damn the costs."

 

Late night wonderings of a little bird who thanks to meds now has a bedtime, and unlike childhood LB who wanted to stay up, I can't wait for bedtime to get here so I can rest my tired bones. Ruminating! 

[Thorin]

7 minutes ago, littlebird said:

wondering if the Go Faster Demon (©️ @Fifree) is related to the Substance Abuse Demon, the lil frenemy that sits on your shoulder and says, "Go harder, have one more, destination oblivion." 

 

There's a similarity of "I want to feel different, damn the costs."

Very likely. I’ve met both those demons. One is more fun than the other but ultimately neither has your best interests at heart

[littlebird]

4 minutes ago, Thorin said:

Very likely. I’ve met both those demons. One is more fun than the other but ultimately neither has your best interests at heart

 

😈 Oh they'll get ya! Honestly probably also related to whatever made us want to numb out what was hurting with meds in the first place. Trying to get to know my demons more these days and figure out their motivation.

[Fifree]

10 minutes ago, littlebird said:

I want to feel different, damn the costs

I think you're right. Both of them are related to a desire for instant gratification that's for sure. 

 

I want to be more Zen about the whole thing - tapering for years really sucks, but given we've all kicked ourselves in our own behinds by rushing at times, what's the alternative?

[littlebird]

1 minute ago, Fifree said:

I want to be more Zen about the whole thing - tapering for years really sucks, but given we've all kicked ourselves in our own behinds by rushing at times, what's the alternative?

 

While the process sucks, the company makes it better! Since we're in it for the long run, glad we're finding some fun and fellowship in the process. Here for a good time and a long time!

[j1290]

7 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Here for a good time and a long time!

haha more words I never expected to hear on an AD tapering forum!  Glad to be in this together with such great company!🙏

[Fifree]

57 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Since we're in it for the long run, glad we're finding some fun and fellowship in the process.

Definitely - great to get on here and chat with a bunch of friends who "get it"

[littlebird]

4 minutes ago, Fifree said:

1 hour ago, littlebird said:

Since we're in it for the long run, glad we're finding some fun and fellowship in the process.

Definitely - great to get on here and chat with a bunch of friends who "get it"

 

Heh, I was dragging myself to midnight and got to chatting with my Australian/night shift crew and it's late now. Oops! No regrets, it's made my night infinitely better. Also, Pristiq amps me up now that Wellbutrin IR isn't right before it. Might have to move things around again.

[Thorin]

4 minutes ago, littlebird said:

 

Heh, I was dragging myself to midnight and got to chatting with my Australian/night shift crew and it's late now. Oops! No regrets, it's made my night infinitely better. Also, Pristiq amps me up now that Wellbutrin IR isn't right before it. Might have to move things around again.

Woohoo Australian/night shift crew!

[j1290]

1 minute ago, Thorin said:

Woohoo Australian/night shift crew!

 

🧛‍♂️🙌 Night shift giving a shout out to  'Straya! 🇦🇺🏝🐨🐦

[littlebird]

1 minute ago, j1290 said:

🧛‍♂️🙌 Night shift giving a shout out to  'Straya! 🇦🇺🏝🐨🐦

 

👻 Woohoo!! 🦇 Your emoji game is making this lil nocturnal fruit bat smile, as is the worldwide company! Thanks for making it fun, y'all. Okay, I'm gonna stop putting off bedtime. I want to keep playing! 

 

Okay, Pristiq officially amps me up too much. This happened last night too. I don't know if I've ever tried it in the mornings...

 

 

[Thorin]

29 minutes ago, j1290 said:

 

🧛‍♂️🙌 Night shift giving a shout out to  'Straya! 🇦🇺🏝🐨🐦

Woot!

[FireflyFyte]

On 3/31/2023 at 2:39 PM, littlebird said:

I was thinking about this too, my in-laws live there, but take a look at some of the anti-LGBTQ legislature being proposed right now... the political climate cancels out the weather one for my partner and I. 😬

 

Part of me thinks that it would be helpful to have more pro-LGBTQ people living there to fight against the legislature but keep being told that it's a losing battle.

 

6 hours ago, littlebird said:

Okay, Pristiq officially amps me up too much. This happened last night too. I don't know if I've ever tried it in the mornings...

 

 

I heard that Pristiq can be activating so might be worth seeing if it can be moved to the morning.

[StayHopeful]

 

You're more than welcome! I'm glad you were cautious. 😊

[littlebird]

3 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

Part of me thinks that it would be helpful to have more pro-LGBTQ people living there to fight against the legislature but keep being told that it's a losing battle.

 

Having spent some time there, we got a long road there. Also the summers are increasingly brutal, and hurricanes are just getting worse. I could see Miami being a good spot, but also it might be underwater in our lifetime. I've thought long and hard about moving there, it would be nice to be close to in-laws to help out more and I love beach life, but then I run into some bigotry that makes me rethink.

 

3 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I heard that Pristiq can be activating so might be worth seeing if it can be moved to the morning.

 

Wild how much Wellbutrin was masking that! I'm finally feeling the Pristiq activation. Maybe I skip it tonight and try it tomorrow morning as the first dose?

[FireflyFyte]

45 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Wild how much Wellbutrin was masking that! I'm finally feeling the Pristiq activation. Maybe I skip it tonight and try it tomorrow morning as the first dose?

 

If I am remembering correctly, you shouldn't move your medication by more than two hours at a time but maybe a moderator can confirm.

[littlebird]

Oh noooooo I have a line of bites on my back that look like what the internet tells me bedbugs look like. Thoughts and prayers, please. Never had them, don't want to start now.

[j1290]

18 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Thoughts and prayers, please. Never had them, don't want to start now.

You got it!  Fingers crossed!

[FireflyFyte]

24 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Oh noooooo I have a line of bites on my back that look like what the internet tells me bedbugs look like. Thoughts and prayers, please. Never had them, don't want to start now.

 

Sending positive thoughts your way that bedbugs didn't make it home with you.

[littlebird]

11 minutes ago, j1290 said:

You got it!  Fingers crossed!

 

5 minutes ago, FireflyFyte said:

Sending positive thoughts your way that bedbugs didn't make it home with you.

 

Thanks y'all!! I realized I sleepily put on one of the itchiest sweaters in the house this morning with no undershirt and it was scratching up my skin. Switched to a soft sweatshirt and started feeling better... gonna just try to stay positive! Inspected the bed, didn't see any signs we got got. Hoping for the best, and keeping an eye on the situation just in case. 😬 Trying not to spin out too hard.

[littlebird]

1 minute ago, littlebird said:

Hoping for the best, and keeping an eye on the situation just in case.

 

Also stuffed the clothes I wore home last night in the freezer and am washing the duvet cover on high heat juuuust in case.

[Fifree]

Hoping you are bug free LB. How gross

[littlebird]

Wedding stress is hitting like a ton of bricks. Also, forgot how limiting it feels to be back in this neighborhood. Unwinding on the front porch feels dangerous, in my travels I got used to feeling safe outdoors. Mugging trauma still active for sure. Not doing so hot, but coping.

[littlebird]

Log

10am - 26mg Wellbutrin IR

12pm - 97.5 Gabapentin liquid

2pm - 26mg Wellbutrin IR

4pm - 97.5 Gabapentin

6pm - 26mg Wellbutrin IR

8pm - 97.5mg Gabapentin

10pm - 25mg Pristiq

11pm - amped up, not enjoying this change

11:45pm - overwhelmed and stressed

12am - 100mg Seroquel

 

Just like I had to adjust to travel, I'm adjusting all over again to being home. Starting to pay the price of taking emotional hits as I process things and think about boundaries I realized needed to be there far too late in the game 

 

Gratitude

While it’s chilly, I’m glad we got some sun!

 

I’m putting together little welcome bags for wedding guests, and it’s nice to have a tangible task to balance out the nebulousness of “call/email all the people and keep many things in your head.” Cute things in bags, cute sticker, fun lil gifts for folks flying out, smooth brain, happy thoughts.

 

As much as I wanted to stay in and hide from life, I made myself go for a short walk. Came across a lovely soul, he only signed and I don’t know ASL, but we had a moment anyway. Wish I’d learned ASL as a kid, why don’t we teach sign language in schools?

 

Have I mentioned that I’m grateful for this site, and all y’all lately? Cause I am! Coming home and having a little party on here last night, as the Australian/night shift/night owl LB crew popped around from thread to thread supporting each other and having fun. Great welcome home!

 

Wins

Been compassionate to myself, much more than I’ve ever been in the past.

 

Talking to friends more (including you lovely folks) has been meeting some social needs I’d been ignoring for far too long.

 

I cooked tonight, told anorexia to kick rocks and didn’t cut any calories from the recipe.

[Thorin]

11 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Just like I had to adjust to travel, I'm adjusting all over again to being home. Starting to pay the price of taking emotional hits as I process things and think about boundaries I realized needed to be there far too late in the game 

Hey LB, be kind to yourself over the next week or two of you find you’re struggling. I’ve found travelling and family can really knock me about for a bit and it can take a little while to bounce back. You’ll probs be fine but if you’re struggling that may be why…..