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☼ Lipsticklou:HI (one year off)


Lipsticklou

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Posted (edited)

HI everyone,

I am so glad i have found this forum, After 10 years of being on Sertraline 200mg a day, and Gabapentin 900mg a day for 7 years i am well in the throws of withdrawal , this has been the hardest thing i have ever had to go through , i was missed diagnosed 10 years ago and actually now realize that there was actually nothing  medically wrong with me , i just needed a bit of support and understanding but instead was put on medication, i am going through hell with these horrendous withdrawal symptoms, head zaps ,sickness, diarrhoea, hot sweats, fatigue, ear ache, painful mouth, headaches, severe mood swings, headaches, depression, dizziness, the list goes on , this now is just over a month it is wearing me down , sometimes i feel and see how far i have come but then  3 hrs later i seem to be back where i was, its hard to dig deep when there is no one around you that knows what your going through or what you feel ,will i ever be back to how i should be ??    

Edited by Emonda
Moved new topic back to existing topic

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • manymoretodays changed the title to Lipsticklou:HI
  • Administrator
Posted

Welcome, @Lipsticklou

 

When did you take your last pill of each drug and how did you taper?

 

To help us out, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Hi I have been pill free since the 25th May 2023 , I have reduced by 25mg every other week as instructed by my doctor,  it has been the most horrendous experience in my life and even though we are now in July I am still suffering with certain withdrawal is this normal and how long will this go on for ?

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

Hello, @Lipsticklou

 

Withdrawal symptoms result from tapering too quickly. They are normal only in that they are common because doctors don't know anything about tapering. Doctors presume that withdrawal symptoms are mild and last only a few weeks, but clearly this is not what has happened to you.

 

How has your symptom pattern changed in the last 2 weeks?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Hi yes it has I spent 2 1/2 weeks in bed with severe symptoms, sickness horrendous brain zaps vision was disturbed diarrhoea,  now I am left with moods swings digestion problems , bad tummy ,but there is obviously a vast improvement as I'm able to function alot better as in everyday routine with my children 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

I am sorry you had those weeks of severe acute withdrawal syndrome.

 

You probably went off 2 drugs too quickly. If you've seen significant improvement in only 2 months, you might recover naturally. You'll need to be patient, this is likely to be slow. See


What is withdrawal syndrome? 
  
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Many people find these to be helpful:

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

You might try a low dose of one at a time to see what it does for you.

 

Please let us know how you're doing. 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Thank you so much I will try those suggestions I need to manage the withdrawal that I am experiencing now ,thank god I found this site it helps to know I am not on my own ! I have recently had a terrible argument with my mother who has no idea what I'm going through and at 85 years old has her own issues with an ageing brain ,this seems to have impacted on my recovery and I have spent the last 3 days feeling very unwell but I'm guessing my brain can not cope with additional pressure at the moment?

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

You might be very sensitive to emotional upset. Please avoid it if possible. You might assure your mother that you don't feel well but you're going to cope with it.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Posted

Thank you very much for your help I will update with regards to the supplements you have recommended which I have started today 😀 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

Posted

Hi thought I'd share sine exciting news I have been taking omega 3 fish oil since Monday and vitamin E since Tuesday and now its Friday and the difference in my general feelings in my head is amazing, I am still suffering with mild brain zaps and a weird sensation like my brain is turning completely over but certainly not as bad as they were which is amazing ! I am starting on the magnesium tomorrow so watch this space! 

I have also been trying to find some advice on weight gain caused by sertraline,  I have over the 10year period of being on them put on over 3 stone which for a small person like me is excessive, I am hoping that now I'm off the drugs I will lose some weight but just recently I seem to have got bigger and feel bloated which worries me alot , is this normal ? Will I eventually lose this weight ? Anyone else had this problem?

 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

Posted

Hi anyone got any suggestions on sickness, mine seems to be really bad again , it was improving but last couple of nights it's been horrendous again to the point of having to go to bed with fans on ,as the cold helps for some reason ,I'm struggling with food as well.it either gives me upset tummy or raging indigestion this all seemed to have settled down but as bad as ever again, just when I thought I'd turned a massive corner 😞

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

Posted

My mom doesn't understand WD either, but psychiatrists don't either
 I'm glad my mom is close. Regards PS I took only 6 months of escitalopram and I also have WD

 

2022 escitalopram od 25 lipca 2,5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg sierpień-grudzień- 7,5 mg, 5 mg, (1 miesiąc) 2,5 mg - C/T 
WD
2023 Krótkie przywrócenie z daty WD: 

escitalopram 25 maja – 12 czerwca 5 mg, 2,5 mg plus przerwa

Przywrócenie 24 07,23 0,5mg escitalopram, 18.08.23 0,22 escitalopram, 07.09. 0,28
Teraz 0,30 mg escitalopramu 

W zeszłym roku 6 miesięcy na escitalopramie byłem bardzo pobudzony, hipomaniakalny i nie potrzebowałem snu. 
Od lipca 2023 r. przywrócono i zmniejszono z 0,50 mg do 0,30 mg Lexapro – trudności w zasypianiu i brak snu, ból oczu i IBS. Anhedonia. 

Listopad 2023 - 0mg

Apr 2023 - worst reintroducing 0.25 mg-0.10mg escitalopram for 5 days and dropping it with terrible stomach effects if I had kept it probably wouldn't have happened 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hi @Lipsticklou, I've merged your post from the Symptoms forum here. Please search for existing threads before you start one - there is one on the topic of nausea and physical symptoms

 

"Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig 

 

I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. 

 

In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. 

 

Aug  2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg,  xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn 

Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used)

Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up)

September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0

Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd

March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week

Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering)

citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg,  7/27/19 -1.5 mg,  8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg

 

Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate

  • 6 months later...
Posted

Hi after coming off Sertraline last year after a very slow tapering off which was over seen by my new GP I find myself now really struggling with Depression which is something I've never had a problem with in fact that was not the reason I was put on the drug in 2013.

I am finding it really hard to cope with the highs and the more so lows, has anyone else struggled with this? my actual withdrawal was horrendous and my GP told me I has a severe withdrawal very much like someone who had withdrawn Heroin so I'm hoping its just my brain trying to find its level, any advice  ??? 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

Welcome back @Lipsticklou,

I've moved your new post back to your own thread. It is best to keep everything relating to yourself in one spot. It makes it easier for those trying to assist and for others who may read about your journey.

 

Sorry to hear you have been doing it tough. Stopping ADs CT can take quite a while to stabilise from.

 

Have you seen the following list of possible WD symptoms? Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

People experiencing WD symptoms often say things like you said, "I've never had a problem before", or, "This feels different to my previous symptoms".

 

9 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

I find myself now really struggling with Depression which is something I've never had a problem with in fact that was not the reason I was put on the drug in 2013.

 

I note that symptoms that mimic depression are the first symptoms on the checklist. Have a read of the list. Can you relate to what you read? It's not at all uncommon to experience WD symptoms 9 months after a CT.

 

Have you read these links before:

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Can you identify these windows and waves in your life over the past ~9 months?

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

Are you still taking your magnesium and fish oil?

 

Are you drinking alcohol at all?

 

10 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

I'm hoping its just my brain trying to find its level,

 

What you describe and the timeline suggests this is the case. It takes time and patience to stabilise from a CT. Have you noticed any improvement with any symptoms over the past 9 months?

 

Does gentle exercise help you? It does wonders for me, but others don't find it beneficial. Moderation is key.

 

I'd encourage you to read some of the success stories. I find they give me a real boost when I need it.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Emonda

 

 

 

Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

Start of taper: Jan ’22 Vortioxetine 15mg, 

End year 1: 4.5mg, 

End year 2: 2.38mg, 

Year 3: 8 Feb 2.19mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 2 May 1.83mg, 13 Jun 1.69mg, 25 Jul 1.50mg, 14 Aug 1.46mg, 3 Sep 1.43mg, 10 Sep 1.40mg, 17 Sep 1.37mg, 16 Oct 1.34mg, 23 Oct 1.32mg, 30 Oct 1.29mg, 6 Nov 1.26mg, 27 Nov 1.23mg, 3 Dec 1.21mg

Posted
8 hours ago, Emonda said:

Welcome back @Lipsticklou,

I've moved your new post back to your own thread. It is best to keep everything relating to yourself in one spot. It makes it easier for those trying to assist and for others who may read about your journey.

 

Sorry to hear you have been doing it tough. Stopping ADs CT can take quite a while to stabilise from.

 

Have you seen the following list of possible WD symptoms? 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

People experiencing WD symptoms often say things like you said, "I've never had a problem before", or, "This feels different to my previous symptoms".

 

 

I note that symptoms that mimic depression are the first symptoms on the checklist. Have a read of the list. Can you relate to what you read? It's not at all uncommon to experience WD symptoms 9 months after a CT.

 

Have you read these links before:

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

Can you identify these windows and waves in your life over the past ~9 months?

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Non-drug coping strategies

 

Are you still taking your magnesium and fish oil?

 

Are you drinking alcohol at all?

 

 

What you describe and the timeline suggests this is the case. It takes time and patience to stabilise from a CT. Have you noticed any improvement with any symptoms over the past 9 months?

 

Does gentle exercise help you? It does wonders for me, but others don't find it beneficial. Moderation is key.

 

I'd encourage you to read some of the success stories. I find they give me a real boost when I need it.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Emonda

 

 

 

Hi Emonda,

Thank you so much for replying to my post,

I have certainly improved since last year and yes it comes in waves, just when I think I have made it I have a really bad  spell it seems to be totally uncontrollable, I do not have the anger so bad anymore even though I can be wound up very quickly which isn't me at all ,I always found the funny side of everything I don't  seem to be like that anymore which I find distressing , I am very tearful at times for no reason and that comes in waves too.

I suppose I am expecting too much but like everyone I just want to feel myself again what ever that is .

I do not drink alcohol and I was taking the fish oil tablets but had trouble with really bad vertigo and thought it might be a side effect of the tablet, but maybe not and I have not taken them since, maybe I should try them again?

I have read a number of links you have sent me and they are very interesting and everything regarding the waves is so what I am feeling and it has reassured me that I am not going mad after all ,it seems it is four steps forward and 5 back ,every time these waves come along maybe I am focusing too much on them and it make me feel down, the building of the waves have got shorter it used to build up over time until it was really bad now it seems to be on me before I know it , when I feel them building I fill with dread,  the check list also I can relate to so much , most of the things on the  list I have suffered with and that in itself reassures me  that I am progressing forward and getting better, if I didn't get these terrible low times it would not be so bad but it makes me feel like I am losing control  and losing my mind, certainly talking to you guys that have experience of what this is like is such a help as most people do not have any understanding.

Can you recap me on the best type of fish oil and the quantities roughly to take 

regards

lipsticklou x 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted
16 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

I suppose I am expecting too much but like everyone I just want to feel myself again what ever that is .

 

16 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

I have read a number of links you have sent me and they are very interesting and everything regarding the waves is so what I am feeling and it has reassured me that I am not going mad after all ,it seems it is four steps forward and 5 back ,every time these waves come along

 

I hear you. Time and patience are key on this journey.

 

16 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

I was taking the fish oil tablets but had trouble with really bad vertigo and thought it might be a side effect of the tablet, but maybe not and I have not taken them since, maybe I should try them again?

 

If you do try again, just start with a low dose and see how you go.

 

16 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

the check list also I can relate to so much , most of the things on the  list I have suffered with and that in itself reassures me  that I am progressing forward and getting better,

 

Glad you found it reassuring

 

16 hours ago, Lipsticklou said:

Can you recap me on the best type of fish oil and the quantities roughly to take 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

I'm not familiar with the brands on England, but have a read of the link regarding amounts.

 

Wishing you well.

Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

Start of taper: Jan ’22 Vortioxetine 15mg, 

End year 1: 4.5mg, 

End year 2: 2.38mg, 

Year 3: 8 Feb 2.19mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 2 May 1.83mg, 13 Jun 1.69mg, 25 Jul 1.50mg, 14 Aug 1.46mg, 3 Sep 1.43mg, 10 Sep 1.40mg, 17 Sep 1.37mg, 16 Oct 1.34mg, 23 Oct 1.32mg, 30 Oct 1.29mg, 6 Nov 1.26mg, 27 Nov 1.23mg, 3 Dec 1.21mg

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 1/31/2024 at 9:19 AM, Emonda said:

 

 

I hear you. Time and patience are key on this journey.

 

 

If you do try again, just start with a low dose and see how you go.

 

 

Glad you found it reassuring

 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

I'm not familiar with the brands on England, but have a read of the link regarding amounts.

 

Wishing you well.

Emonda thank you so much as always what would I do without this group!

I do have another question ,since I have been off medication I have suffered with spells of upset stomach it doesn't seem to be a particular food just anything ,anything you have experienced??

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • Administrator
Posted

I note that stomach issues are on the WD symptoms checklist. Have another read of the list. It wouldn't surprise me if that's what it was.

Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

Start of taper: Jan ’22 Vortioxetine 15mg, 

End year 1: 4.5mg, 

End year 2: 2.38mg, 

Year 3: 8 Feb 2.19mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 2 May 1.83mg, 13 Jun 1.69mg, 25 Jul 1.50mg, 14 Aug 1.46mg, 3 Sep 1.43mg, 10 Sep 1.40mg, 17 Sep 1.37mg, 16 Oct 1.34mg, 23 Oct 1.32mg, 30 Oct 1.29mg, 6 Nov 1.26mg, 27 Nov 1.23mg, 3 Dec 1.21mg

  • Administrator
Posted

Hi @Lipsticklou

If you have a question, please post it here rather than e-mail us offline.

 

If a link you clicked on isn't working, please post it here too, so others have the opportunity to respond...we are a very small team.

 

Regards, Emonda 

Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

Start of taper: Jan ’22 Vortioxetine 15mg, 

End year 1: 4.5mg, 

End year 2: 2.38mg, 

Year 3: 8 Feb 2.19mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 2 May 1.83mg, 13 Jun 1.69mg, 25 Jul 1.50mg, 14 Aug 1.46mg, 3 Sep 1.43mg, 10 Sep 1.40mg, 17 Sep 1.37mg, 16 Oct 1.34mg, 23 Oct 1.32mg, 30 Oct 1.29mg, 6 Nov 1.26mg, 27 Nov 1.23mg, 3 Dec 1.21mg

Posted
20 minutes ago, Emonda said:

Hi @Lipsticklou

If you have a question, please post it here rather than e-mail us offline.

 

If a link you clicked on isn't working, please post it here too, so others have the opportunity to respond...we are a very small team.

 

Regards, Emonda 

 

20 minutes ago, Emonda said:

Hi @Lipsticklou

If you have a question, please post it here rather than e-mail us offline.

 

If a link you clicked on isn't working, please post it here too, so others have the opportunity to respond...we are a very small team.

 

Regards, Emonda 

OK thanks 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • 4 months later...
Posted

@Lipsticklou Hi, how are you today, have you gotten better over time?

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Posted

@Dahlia50how are you getting through your day?

Maria George 

Started mirtazapine Dec. 20 2023 and stopped January 20,2024.

Only 1 antidepressant

Posted

Hi Dahilia,

Yes, so much better. I'm over a year clear of all drugs, and I'm finally feeling how I should be ,what ever that is, my system has for sure taken a battering in everyway but it does get better, whether my system ever returns to how it should be who knows ? But it's certainly better than it was .

How are you doing ?

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

Posted

@Lipsticklou Hi, good to hear that it has improved. Glad it got better for you!
In your thread you previously wrote about gained weight and stomach problems/bloated in WD, has it gotten better?

I'm unfortunately very bad, 8 months off, tapered too fast. Can only hope it gets better with time.
 

Wishing you continued healing 🌿

 

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Posted

Hi Dahlia,

Do not despair it will get better, unfortunately I too was tapered off the medication far too quickly, the Drs that prescribe this stuff have no idea( which in my opinion is disgusting) , the worse thing you can do is keep going back onto small doses , you have to bite the bullet so to speak and get through it, its not easy its the hardest thing I have ever done and one I will never do it again , but you will get there believe me !

I gained  so much weight I was a size 20 but now a year on I am a 14/16 and my frame in its self has shrunk its very weird, I do still get bloated and there are a lot of foods I can not tolerate since coming of the meds its seems my whole system has changed! 

The way I manage it now is I fast for 16hrs then have a 8hr eating window this seems to work for me but I would leave that until your feeling a lot better.

What symptoms are you suffering with ? I had sickness horrendous brain zaps, indigestion( really bad), dizziness, anxiety, upset tummy all the time! flu like aches the list goes on ! Are you taking any vitamins ? I started taking fish oil capsules which I found really helped that was a suggestion from one of the main people on this forum .

Dahlia hang on it there it will get better , you will have bad days and the odd good one but you will get there, you have to allow your body to recover from this horrendous trauma .

Feel free to message me anytime and I will help you as much as I can ,

sending my blessing YOU CAN DO IT XX 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

Posted

@Dahlia50 Thinking lof you.  How are you? Hope you are getting better. I am slowly healing. Sending Hugs❤️

Maria George 

Started mirtazapine Dec. 20 2023 and stopped January 20,2024.

Only 1 antidepressant

Posted

@Lipsticklou   Hi, thank you for your kind words, it means a lot.

Agree, Drs prescribe this stuff and have no idea, it's disgusting. It's definitely the worst thing I've ever been through. Hardly know how I got through some months/days.
 

I went from 12mg to zero at the end, far too quickly. Was it similar for you? I missed the window but got bad reaction when tried to reinstate, made it worse in my case. Have no choice but to endure it. I do take fish oil capsules.
Been really bad, almost 9 months off. My worst symptoms now are brain burning, extreme pressure, pain headaches, agitation, body ache, weak, only managed to walk shorter distances, low, fatigue, digestion/bloating. Wave after wave. But there have been other symptoms as well, loss of hair, dry skin, pressure in the ears, tired eyes. 

 

Glad to hear you are feeling improvements a year off. I saw you took sertraline for 10 years, how are you feeling with emotional numbness/depression?
It feels hopeless but I promise, I'll hang on, hope it gets better…
You're right, it really is a horrendous trauma for the body and brain.

Thanks again for your encouragement and support.
Wishing you continued healing. 💛🌻

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Posted

Hi Dahlia,

Sorry for the delay in replying, I reduced my dose by 10mls every two weeks then when I got down to 10mls a day I started taking it every other day for a couple of weeks then every third day for a couple of weeks until I got to the stage where I only had one last tablet to take, I was fine for three days then BANG I was really Ill and that continued from the end of May last year until that Christmas .

I had what they described as Brain Zaps which feels like an electrical current going through your brain, these were horrendous and my whole body used to twitch uncontrollably, I too had body aches just like severe flu and I was actually constantly in bed for a month unable to function at all in fact my children had to look after me , they even had to take me to the toilet, I was unable to drive for about 6 weeks in total as my eye sight went and I had trouble focusing, I had terrible fatigue and do still have that to a point but it is a lot better, I have also had severe indigestion which I never suffered with until I came off Sertraline ,in fact I have it so bad I have recently found that the high levels of acid are damaging my stomach lining and causing it to bleed , showing as a low blood count in a very recent blood test, so I'm due more bloods next week to confirm and have been given stomach liners, this is most definitely in my opinion been caused by long term use of this drug. 

I have to use eye drops everyday due to very dry eyes and my skin is very dry too which it never used to be  I do also have bloating and there are so many foods I just cant eat anymore its a vicious circle to be honest with the indigestion and the bloating I also had pressure in the ears ,Tinnitus and episodes of earache.

The numbness has completely gone I am so alert now it makes me realise how numb I was all the time, I have never suffered with depression really until coming off this medication I was actually prescribed this drug for OCD not depression, I can find ways to bring myself out of feeling down but it is hard sometimes but to be honest I function so much better I used to lose days sat doing nothing and not actually realise it.

You will feel like you are making progress and then it will feel like you have gone backwards its like taking two steps forwards and then six back but this will shorten each time it happens its also comes in waves like you described , I found it useful to write down in a diary each day how I was feeling and what symptoms I had each day then you can actually look back and you will see a pattern and the waves become less and the duration shorter and that actually gave me hope and pushed me on to keep going.

Dahlia it will get better I know that for sure , its the hardest thing I have ever been through and one I never want to do again but you will get through this , your body and brain is in an utter state of confusion and its going to take time for it all to level up,

Keep going you are doing great !! Always reach  out on here and message me if you need anymore support or advice, always happy to help you 

Sending positive vibes! you are a warrior!, remember that YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS XX 

  

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

@Lipsticklou Hi, thank you for taking the time to write. It means a lot to me. Good thinks to hear.

I recognize a lot of what you wrote earlier in your thread. Among other things, there was nothing medically wrong with me but put on a medication, just needed support understanding and grieving after being suddenly left after a long relationship. Normal stuff, to develop. Instead put on a downright dangerous medication who seems to have restructured the brain and made one very numb. I read that you had depression like waves around 9 months off, kind of what I’m experiencing right now. 
 

Sorry I didn't reply earlier, don’t have much energy when frequent waves hit, but I'm wondering about your taper. Mine was a disaster. May also have been aggravated by one reistatement. Looks like you dropped 25mg every other week. Was it when you came down to a low dose that you reduced 10ml every two weeks? I went from 12.5mg to zero and that's when I was hit by worst WD. What dose did you come off from?
It seems that we both did more or less c/t. Although I didn't understand that at the time because of wrong information by Dr. Horrible that you ask a Dr for help and advice and then it turns out like this.
THANKS again and hope you continue to improve and heal moving forward. 🌿🌻

2007 Zoloft 25mg (2008 50mg)

2022 May - Dr wanted to increase to 62,5mg. Misinterpreted by Dr, it was tolerance/side effects. Felt sick, went back to 50mg efter 2 weeks.

2022 Oct - Reducing dose to 37,5mg (from 50mg). WD in few days, advised to go back to 50 - I then got adverse paradoxical reaction 

2022 Oct - Zoloft 50mg adverse reaction

2023 May 5th - Reducing dose to 25mg (directly from 50mg by Dr, difficult WD).

2023 Aug 1st - Reducing dose to 12,5mg 

2023 Oct 10th - Removed dose from 12mg to zero by Dr. Reinstated 2,5mg citalopram after 3 months, bad reaction. Reinstated 0,5mg zoloft for 6 days after 7 months, didn’t work. In terrible WD.

 

 

 


 

Posted
On 7/7/2024 at 2:32 PM, Dahlia50 said:

@Lipsticklou   Hi, thank you for your kind words, it means a lot.

Agree, Drs prescribe this stuff and have no idea, it's disgusting. It's definitely the worst thing I've ever been through. Hardly know how I got through some months/days.
 

I went from 12mg to zero at the end, far too quickly. Was it similar for you? I missed the window but got bad reaction when tried to reinstate, made it worse in my case. Have no choice but to endure it. I do take fish oil capsules.
Been really bad, almost 9 months off. My worst symptoms now are brain burning, extreme pressure, pain headaches, agitation, body ache, weak, only managed to walk shorter distances, low, fatigue, digestion/bloating. Wave after wave. But there have been other symptoms as well, loss of hair, dry skin, pressure in the ears, tired eyes. 

 

Glad to hear you are feeling improvements a year off. I saw you took sertraline for 10 years, how are you feeling with emotional numbness/depression?
It feels hopeless but I promise, I'll hang on, hope it gets better…
You're right, it really is a horrendous trauma for the body and brain.

Thanks again for your encouragement and support.
Wishing you continued healing. 💛🌻

Looks like we got off at the same time.  I get pressure sometimes too. Today it is in .y tongue and finger tips.  So tired of dealing with this.  I heavy heavy head..weak neck...numbness...

Sertaline- tried 50 mg beginning of June 2023. Caused hyperreflexia.  So stopped after one dose. Tried several smaller doses that month.  Had burning and twitching so just stopped. 

Lexapro

June of 2023' 2.5 mg for two weeks 

July of 2023 5 mg for two weeks

July of 2023 7.5 mg for 2 weeks

August to mid September 10 mg

Mid September reduced to 7.5

October to October 15 reduced to 5

October 15 to October 30 reduced to 2.5 

October 30-off

 

  • 3 months later...
Posted

I have now been drug free for over a year , and what a journey it has been and one I wish never to repeat , but I am now reaping the benefits of being off Sertraline, for any of you that are dealing with the withdrawal or starting your journey to be rid of this terrible drug and those like it dig deep and hang on in there , yes it's hard beyond belief and there will be days where you question whether you can continue this dreadful path but you can and when the waves of feeling like you have never felt before and you feel utter despair remember people like me have got the other side .

I do have to question what this drug has done to my body and whether the issues I'm left with will ever correct.

I function 99% better than I did on it, my weight has reduced significantly my constant severe body aches have totally gone and I feel alive again which wasn't the case for 10 years of my life.

What I am left with now is severe reflux which to my horror they wanted to prescribe me another antidepressant to treat it, obviously I flatly refused and reminded the GP why.

The reflux is something I have never suffered with until last August so at this point I had been drug free for 3months ,I'm wondering if this is a consequence of high levels of Sertraline for 10years ?

Has anyone else had similar issues? As I have made a complaint about the GP that prescribed me the Sertraline at the highest dose and failed to keep any form of Medical records on my care  the other GPs at the practice refuse to engage in any conversation regarding this drug ,so I'm having to do my own research into this issue ,it's seems to me that it is prescribed like sweets with little known about it especially the side effects and certainly the withdrawal from it .

Has anyone else experienced stomach issues or any other issues after being free from it for over a year ? I would love to hear from you .

In the meantime if your struggling dig deep and reach out on this forum I know myself what a great support network this is and there is a wealth of information and help on here ,I don't know what I would of done without this forum x

 

Sertraline from March 2013 to May 2023  200mg per day started reducing April 2023 every other week by 25mg 

First pill free day 25th May 2023

 

Gabapentin  from 2020 to 2023  900mg per day  reduced 100mg per week from April 2023  May 2023 first month free 

 

 

Posted

@Lipsticklou great to hear you are doing well.

DGL is very effective for reflux. I have recommended it to a few on here and they have had success with it as well. 

I take 1/4 of a 400 mg chewable tablet twice daily. (Natural Factors brand) Also if I have an extra flare up I will just take another piece.

It has been recommended by US Veteran Affairs for those tapering off PPIs.

https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthline.com%2Fhealth%2Fdigestive-health%2Fdgl-for-acid-reflux&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

 

 I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on this site. 

2016-twice weekly for a couple months-oxazepam 10 mg sleep/ 2020-22-once a week 3.75-7.5 mg Zopiclone for sleep/20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/Dec 5&6/22 10mg Paroxetine/ Dec 8&9/22 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8mg/23.07.28-4.73mg/23.08.04-4.65mg /21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47mg/6.2.24-4.46mg/ 19.2.24-4.44mg /4.4.24-4.43mg/28.4.24-4.4 mg/5.5.24-4.39 mg/19.5.24-4.36 mg/2.7.24-4.34 mg/9.7.24-4.32mg/31.7.24-4.3 mg/ 1.10.24 -4.29mg/27.11.24-4.25 mg

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/0.25 mcg melatonin nightly

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

 

  • Moderator
Posted

Greetings @Lipsticklou, and welcome to SA!  We are a community of volunteers providing peer support in the tapering of psychiatric medications and their associated withdrawal syndromes. 

 

Congratulations on your drug-free one-year anniversary!  What an accomplishment! 

1 hour ago, Lipsticklou said:

I am now reaping the benefits of being off Sertraline, for any of you that are dealing with the withdrawal or starting your journey to be rid of this terrible drug and those like it dig deep and hang on in there , yes it's hard beyond belief and there will be days where you question whether you can continue this dreadful path but you can and when the waves of feeling like you have never felt before and you feel utter despair remember people like me have got the other side .

Thank you for this - Your story gives needed hope to those of us who need to know that it is possible, with time and patience.

 

1 hour ago, Lipsticklou said:

What I am left with now is severe reflux which to my horror they wanted to prescribe me another antidepressant to treat it, obviously I flatly refused and reminded the GP why.

The reflux is something I have never suffered with until last August so at this point I had been drug free for 3months ,I'm wondering if this is a consequence of high levels of Sertraline for 10years ?

Has anyone else had similar issues?

Sertraline Side Effects  at Drugs.com does list indigestion as a possible side effect.  Acid reflux is also side effect that is commonly mentioned here at SA.org.  I think it would difficult to "prove" this was related to Sertraline, but we can say it is possible.  If you search the site for acid reflux, you can read reports by others, and perhaps other members will respond to your question here and offer some solutions.

 

While you have been of sertraline for a year and have come so far (!!), after being on it for 10 years, your body is likely still healing.   Unfortunately, it is not possible to say how much longer, or how long it will take for you to overcome this challenge.  Unbelievable that doctor was going to prescribe another AD for this!  I encourage you to also avoid over-the-counter drugs as much as possible due to risk of adverse reactions - your body may still be sensitized and unable to metabolize even OTC drugs well.  I suggest doing an Internet search for "natural therapies for acid reflux" - it looks like there are a number of things to try.  Perhaps others here will share what works for them.

 

1 hour ago, Lipsticklou said:

,so I'm having to do my own research into this issue ,it's seems to me that it is prescribed like sweets with little known about it especially the side effects and certainly the withdrawal from it .

Unfortunately, this is more the rule than the exception.

 

Again, congratulations and thank you for sharing your success story!

 

This is your introduction topic.  Each member gets one intro topic- please post updates and questions here, in this thread.

 

Best wishes.

I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions.

1985-2010 (est.) - various ADs including Wellbutrin, Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft.  dosages unk.

1991-1992 - stopped AD while to conceive and during pregnancy.  Resumed 1993 (?).

2005 (est.) - tried to stop, severe symptoms.  Resumed meds.

2010 (est) - started Celexa (dose unk)

2016 (est) - started Effexor, working up to 112.5 mg/day.  Stayed at this dose for many years.

2023 - Feb. began linear tapering off Effexor. Switched to hyperbolic tapering in April 2023.  By July 12, 2024 at 1.36 mg / day.

July 13, 2024 - up-dosed to 1.44 mg / day to address severe withdrawal symptoms.  Felt somewhat better by next day; symptoms continue to improve.

Other meds:  75 mcg/day Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

Supplements:  Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU), Boron, Magnesium Threonate (3 per day of 2000 mg with 145 mg Mg), Vitamin E (every other day), Lugol's iodine (4 drops/day); Omega 3's (currently 1 capsule Krill oil in morning, 2 capsules DHA-1000 Fish oil, one in afternoon and one in evening); Adrenal "cocktail" once or twice per day (– ¾ ts cream of tarter plus ¼ tsp Celtic salt dissolved in water.  Taken with Vitamin C.)

My Intro Topic:  Jane318: Tapering off Effexor - Struggling at the End

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed.  Jeremiah 17:14a.

  • Jane318 changed the title to Lipsticklou: One whole year !
  • Administrator
Posted

Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

 

When you're ready to write a Success Story, please follow the instructions here.

2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage

2011 - CT Quit Tramadol

2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years

August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP)

September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit

September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit

Drug Free Since October 5th 2019

  • Emonda changed the title to ☼ Lipsticklou:HI (one year off)
Posted
On 11/22/2024 at 3:27 PM, Lipsticklou said:

my constant severe body aches have totally gone

Hi! I am coming up on 7 months off Zoloft and I am experiencing severe body aches currently. This is a new symptom for me so it’s discouraging. How did you help with the aches? I’ve been taking epsom salt baths but it doesn’t seem to touch the aches/burning. 
 

Your story and healing give me hope! I am looking forward to the day where I can live my life with no symptoms

2015-2019 Zoloft 50mg 
2019-2021 Prozac 20mg
2021-2024 Prozac 50mg
March 1st had 1st panic attack
March 10th increased zoloft to 75mg
March 20th Switched to Prozac 20mg
April 10th increased Prozac to 30mg
April 24th switched back to Zoloft 50mg
May 11th: stopped Zoloft 50mg

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