GDS444: Weaned off Zoloft, Lamictal and Abilify 3.5 years ago - developed insominia

[GDS444]

I'd love some feedback and suggestions. Exactly three and a half years ago I weaned off of Lamictal, Zoloft and Abilify, under my psychiatrist's supervision. He had me wean each medication for about two weeks each, which in retrospect is probably much too quickly. I was on that cocktail for maybe three years. I was on one or more psychotropics for a total of five years.

 

Less than two weeks after taking the final pill, I developed insomnia. This has gone on for three and a half years. I have seen five sleep MDs, tried nine sleep medications, sleep restriction, hypnotherapy, every known and unknown supplement for sleep, every cannabis combo, CBD and combo, etc . And still have insomnia.

 

I am being treated for low testosterone by my endocrinologist in case this is hormonal. I get my blood back in 10 days after being on testosterone for a little more than three months.

 

About one month after the weaning, I asked my psychiatrist if he thought the insomnia was from withdrawals. He said yes. A couple of weeks later when I brought it back up, he denied it was caused by withdrawals.

 

There are so many stories about people having insomnia (as well as other terrible effects) after getting off of psychotropic medications. But three and a half years later?

 

Anyone have a similar story? Know where I can get help/answers? If it is caused by damage from the medications, how to I repair my brain? Are there doctors who can help?

Edited April 14, 2023 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, GDS444.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  A list format is best.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

Your psychiatrist tapered you far too quickly.  (We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of current dose every 4 weeks.  Why taper by 10% of my dosage?)  Fast tapers such as yours frequently result in withdrawal and protracted withdrawal.  

 

Protracted Withdrawal or PAWS (post-acute withdrawal …

 

Unfortunately, the vast majority of doctors know nothing about safe tapering or withdrawal.  Insomnia is a very common symptom of protracted withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal of 3.5 years or more is also common.  Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long protracted withdrawal will last in each case.  Ultimately it will end.  

 

Here are some further links on withdrawal, why is happens, and the healing process.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Have you noticed any temporary improvements over the course of the 3.5 years?  Protracted withdrawal symptoms often present in a windows (good times) and waves (bad times) pattern.  

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

In our experience, there is nothing that will hasten the recovery period.  Time is the only cure.  The brain will repair itself from the damage the drugs have done, but it does so in its own time.  

 

There are several things we do recommend.  Avoid alcohol, any psychotropic drugs, sugar and caffeine.  Generally, people in withdrawal do better with gentle exercise rather than strenuous.  Avoid stress as much as possible.

 

I'm sure your exploration of sleep aids has been thorough, but these tips might be of help.

 

Relaxation exercises, guided meditations, calming videos, sleep hypnosis

 

Trick and tips to fall asleep faster

 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/16/tips-tricks-fall-asleep-faster.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20170216Z1&et_cid=DM133787&et_rid=1889748952

 

This link contains helpful information, including insomnia and also non-drug coping skills.  

 

Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

 

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (glycinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.  I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us.