Joanette - Help

[Joanette]

I need help desperately 

I’m on dulexitine 60 mg for anxiety depression and can’t sleep so I’m taking trazadone 100 mg -200 mg

at night. I’m so scared. Don’t know how to come off. I’ve read how terrible these are👺don’t know who to go to yo help me, and can’t live like this anymore. I’m soo anxious fear everything in life. Please help 

Edited August 24, 2023 by FireflyFyte

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I can understand that you are feeling scared, and anxious about how to come off these drugs.  I just want to reassure you that if you follow our conservative harm reduction approach that I will outline below, you should have minimal to no withdrawal.  

 

Can you please give us specific information in your signature about your drug history for all drugs and supplements you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  We only need drug names, dosages, and dates, as best you can remember.  Please read the link below for instructions.  

 

How to List Your Drug History in Your Signature

 

Here is some important information about how these drugs actually work.  This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we generally taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, so that the reduction becomes exponentially smaller.

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

It is important to only taper one drug at a time.  This link will help you decide which to taper first.  I'm guessing you will want to taper duloxetine first, as that is your activating drug.  

 

Which Drug to Taper First?

 

Stability is really important when we are tapering off psych meds.  Please read the link about stability:

 

Keep It Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

Please let us know if you have any questions.  

[Joanette]

Don’t know how to respond using a signature line. Please help. I don’t have a computer only iPhone. Could trazadone or dulexitine be causing my severe anxiety fear, 

how do I connect with you via phone

or email.

thanks

[getofflex]

Just put your drug information in the format requested in a regular post, and I can copy it into your signature.  We don't do phone or email support.  The support we give here is 1) how to taper off drugs safely, and 2) how to manage withdrawal.  

[getofflex]

Let me reassure you that there is a way out of the psych drug trap.  It takes time, patience, and perseverance.  Try reading some success stories to encourage you and give you reassurance.  Many have managed to come off these drugs, and live a decent life afterwards.  You can too. 

 

Success Stories

 

Here are some tips for managing anxiety: 

 

video: Claire Weekes on Anxiety and Panic

 

Emotional Spirals

 

Acknowledge Accept Float

 

Music to Calm Anxiety

 

Breathing Technique for Anxiety

 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

15 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes) Female voice - getselfhelp.co.uk

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes) Male voice - getselfhelp.co.uk

 

Meditation

Edited August 22, 2023 by getofflex

[Catina7]

Hello @Joanette and welcome!  Did you have any of this anxiety and fear before you took these drugs?  

 

You're in a safe place here on this site with people who can understand what you're going through.  I myself have dealt with severe anxiety and fear;  it's terrifying.  But remember, they're only thoughts and they cannot harm you.

[Joanette]

Questions:

Does cymbalta and trazadone not mix good together 

does taking these drugs interfere with taking many supplements 

does anyone know if cymbalta or trazadone causes insomnia suicidal thoughts

 

[FireflyFyte]

23 hours ago, Joanette said:

Questions:

Does cymbalta and trazadone not mix good together 

does taking these drugs interfere with taking many supplements 

does anyone know if cymbalta or trazadone causes insomnia suicidal thoughts

 

Joanette, I merged your post onto your main thread here which is where you want to direct any questions you might have.

[FireflyFyte]

Joanette,

 

From Drugs.com interaction checker, here is what I get for Trazadone and Cymbalta -

On 8/22/2023 at 10:03 PM, Joanette said:

Does cymbalta and trazadone not mix good together 

Interactions between your drugs

Major

traZODone  DULoxetine

Applies to: trazodone, Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Using traZODone together with DULoxetine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

traZODone  food

Applies to: trazodone

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of traZODone such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with traZODone. Do not use more than the recommended dose of traZODone, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

DULoxetine  food

Applies to: Cymbalta (duloxetine)

DULoxetine may cause liver damage, and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with DULoxetine. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, excessive tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes, as these may be symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Antidepressants

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antidepressants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'antidepressants' category:

• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• trazodone

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

 

On 8/22/2023 at 10:03 PM, Joanette said:

does taking these drugs interfere with taking many supplements 

 

We only recommend two supplements here - King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

Can you list out the times, and dosages, of all of your medications and supplements?

[Joanette]

On 8/23/2023 at 8:26 PM, FireflyFyte said:

 

Joanette, I merged your post onto your main thread here which is where you want to direct any questions you might have.

 

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Joanette

 

When did you start Cymbalta and trazodone? Are you also taking quetiapine? When did you start that? Please update your signature with the dates.

 

When did you last change any of your drugs? Which drug, what was the change?

 

What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? 

[Joanette]

Hello: I was put on antidepressants about 20 years ago. I think it was Prozac not sure don’t remember. 2 years ago after learning this drug can cause Alzheimer’s I cold turkey. Had brain zap for awhile but they went away. Few months later l learned how alcohol was poison. Gave up alcohol cold turkey. Then I could not sleep finally went to doctor they put me on trazadone. Had to go back on antidepressants. My life has been hell.

I wasn’t always the happiest person before but right now I am not living a normal life. Lost job lost my home lost me as a person. I live in fear every minute. Mind never stops. Have no energy no desire nothing. I hate any noises, my sense of smell is wierd food doesn’t taste good for except ice cream. I was given hydroxyine for anxiety. The meds don’t help. I need help from someone who I can trust and get me off these drugs. I want a normal life back 🙏

I will update my signature page

thanks for caring 🙏

[Altostrata]

When dates did you start Cymbalta and trazodone? Are you also taking quetiapine? When did you start that? Please update your signature with the dates.

 

When did you last change any of your drugs? Which drug, what was the change?

 

What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? 

[manymoretodays]

Hi Joanette,

Good job.  You got to the signature, but may not have read the "how to" or what we like to see there.

Here's a copy below:

Currently I am taking cymbalta 60mg was on 30 and 20. The incompetent doctor when I asked him to help me wean me off he took me down to 30 then 20 in a matter of weeks. Had to go back on. Had brain zaps.

trazadone 100 mg at night for sleep.

Terrible nightmares every night.

quetiapine 25 mg take with trazadone

and sometimes during the day. Does not help with anxiety neither does the cymbalta 

taking many many supplements natural doctor trying to detox my body 

could supplements be adding more harm with the antidepressants?

from the drugs, past history of alcohol 

mold toxicity supplements I don’t know anymore? 😓

why is life soo hard and why can’t you trust people who are suppose to help

only to find out they are lies

You can go in easily to edit or update using this link: AccountSettings/Signature  then just be sure and hit the Save button at the bottom when done/revised

Please lead with a year, like briefly get a year down when you started with medications/drugs and what was tried if you remember.

Then year, month, day if remembered with recent drug additions or changes.

That will help us help you.

Here's the original signature topic/link:

 

And then this:

18 hours ago, Altostrata said:

When did you start Cymbalta and trazodone? Are you also taking quetiapine? When did you start that? Please update your signature with the dates.

 

When did you last change any of your drugs? Which drug, what was the change?

 

What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? 

 

Please note the times you take your drugs now, then the name of the drug taken, and dose in a reply, right here.

Last changes, when, what drug or drugs?  Again, right here.  It could also go into your signature too, briefly, concisely

 

If you answer the first question in your signature, then you don't need to re-answer here.

 

Let us know what supplements you started right here in a reply too.  Name and dosage.  When started.

 

All those answers will help us help you.

 

We don't do phone management or manage via PM's here.  We are set up as an Internet forum design.  For support, education, empowerment, and even data collection around safer tapering and withdrawal practices from prescribed psychoactive drugs. 

 

Welcome aboard.  Hang on and in.  Sounds really tough right now......this will change to better.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

manymoretodays(mmt)

Edited August 27, 2023 by manymoretodays
link, additional

[mstimc]

Hi Joanette

While the experienced mods are heling with your med history, I can offer you some ways to quiet your mind and racing thoughts.  What you're experiencing isn't unusual, which is good, because many people, including me, have suffered from the same thing.  I think I know how you feel--your mind is always "on" and you're in a constant loop from one dark thought to another.  Its almost like being an animal trapped in a very small cage.  Like getofflex said, it will take time, but you can quiet the monkey in your head.  Your mind is racing so fast, its got your physical body on constant alert, and that just feeds back to the racing thought loop.  CBT and ERP are great for helping with long-term thought management, but one thing you can do right now is a combination of physical and mental exercises. 

 

Structured movement exercises like  Tai Chi or Qi Qigong really help calming the mind because you have to be present and follow the movements while listening to the instructor.  Even if its just for a few minutes per day, any exercise that breaks the nonstop thought loop will calm your body.  You'll start to realize the thoughts are only as powerful as the attention you give them.  Then you can move on to coping tools like CBT. You can recover!

[Altostrata]

@Joanette What date did you change to 60mg Cymbalta?

 

What date did you start quetiapine?

 

How often do you take quetiapine?

[Joanette]

can someone help me start the weaning off cymbalta? Can you recommend someone to go to? I have been recommended to take certain supplements only after the weaning off starts

Thanks, 🙏

 

[Joanette]

Can someone please help me where to start tapering off my drugs?

[Shep]

@Joanette Please note I moved your last two posts off of other threads and merged them into your introduction thread here. Please continue posting here in this thread. If you scroll up, you'll see Altostrata's last post where she asked you some questions. She asked you to update your signature with dates in an earlier post. We need this information in order to help you. 

 

A direct link to your signature is here:

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

This post gives an example:

 

On 7/19/2011 at 11:31 AM, Altostrata said:

FOR READABILITY, SHORT LINES ARE BEST.

• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs
• Include ALL drugs, doses, and dates (starting and stopping)
• Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years
• Use actual dates or approximate dates (e.g. mid-June 2018) rather than relative time frames (e.g. 3 months ago)
• Spell out months (e.g. "January" or "Jan" as 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as 9 Jan 2016 or 1 Sept 2016)
• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses

 

Example:

2001–2002 paroxetine 
2003  citalopram 
2004  paroxetine
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg

 

 

What we need:

• Carefully read the posts in your thread and answer the questions
• Only post about your taper here in this same thread
• Update your signature so we have a timeline -- dates -- of when you started each of your drugs. 

[Shep]

@Joanette Before trying to answer the questions here, you may want to listen to this short 4-minute video first and try to calm down and relax:

 

The Breathing Space: Guided Meditation Practices (MBSR) by Jon Kabat-Zinn video (4 minutes)

 

You may also want to check out this longer video from Dr. Claire Weekes:

 

Dr Claire Weekes - Managing Anxiety video (18 minutes)

[JanCarol]

Hey Joanette - 

Multiple Psych Drugs - Which One To Taper First? suggests to taper the most stimulating drug first.

 

What has likely happened, is the Cymbalta "pooped out," and the doc increased it to a too-stimulating dose - and so then, added the trazadone and quetiapine to balance the stimulation.

 

Tips for tapering off Cymbalta

 

As it comes down, you will likely also need to reduce the trazadone.  But later!  Focus on one drug at a time.  Change only one thing at a time.  (this includes diet, exercise, supplements - only one change at a time, so that you can learn what your body likes & what it doesn't)

 

Backing down the Cymbalta should help reduce your need for the other drugs. 

 

But you need to go carefully.  The other mods have offered you calming suggestions that are excellent.

 

It helps to have some tools in your toolkit as you prepare to taper:

Before You Begin Taper - What you Should Know

 

Breathe, if you want to come off your drugs, you need to stop thrashing about.  Doctors like to drug conditions like that.

 

Breathe, and find some place in your body & life where there is goodness, and move towards that.

 

Breathe, and study, and learn to taper.  Doing the homework first is priceless.  Nobody ever regretted tapering too slowly.

 

I hope you see the sun today.

 

 

[Altostrata]

@Joanette please focus and answer my questions:

 

On 8/27/2023 at 3:06 PM, Altostrata said:

@Joanette What date did you change to 60mg Cymbalta?

 

What date did you start quetiapine?

 

How often do you take quetiapine?

 

[Joanette]

Hello:

I hope this is where I respond. I’ve been trying to figure this forum out.

I meant to say hydrozine not Quetiapine. I took Quetiapine sometime ago.

im taking trazadone 100 mg at night with hydrozine 25 mg

I only took trazadone last night and could not sleep. Had to get up and take hydrozine. I wanted to see if I could sleep without it.

As far as my history of drugs I’ve been on in the last 24 months. I don’t remember them all. Should I call the pharmacy to get a print out?

I’ve been through tough times during these last 2 years.
thanks for caring 

[Catina7]

2 hours ago, Joanette said:

Hello:

I hope this is where I respond. I’ve been trying to figure this forum out.

I meant to say hydrozine not Quetiapine. I took Quetiapine sometime ago.

im taking trazadone 100 mg at night with hydrozine 25 mg

I only took trazadone last night and could not sleep. Had to get up and take hydrozine. I wanted to see if I could sleep without it.

As far as my history of drugs I’ve been on in the last 24 months. I don’t remember them all. Should I call the pharmacy to get a print out?

I’ve been through tough times during these last 2 years.
thanks for caring 

 

Hi @Joanette, yes this is where you respond.  I'm glad you were able to figure it out!

 

If you can't remember your drug history, then I would think calling the pharmacy to get a printout would be a great idea.  Make sure you then update your drug history in your signature.  

 

I'm so sorry you've been through tough times these last two years.  We do care about you and are here to help you!  

 

Catina ❤️

[Joanette]

Did I post in the correct place?

[Catina7]

9 hours ago, Joanette said:

Did I post in the correct place?

 

Yes you did.  This is your "thread" where all your posts go. 

[Joanette]

Did anyone take antidepressants while drinking alcohol? I was on antidepressants for 20 years while drinking alcohol. I gave up alcohol 2 years ago and my life has been hell.

did the antidepressants cause damage to my brain or the alcohol or both. Back on antidepressants with no alcohol but added trazadone to sleep. Never had a sleeping before. Now I can’t even take a nap. Besides all the depression and generalized anxiety I have I can’t sleep even with the drugs.

any help advise or referral to a place I can get help? I need help!

thanks 🙏

[Catina7]

14 hours ago, Joanette said:

Did anyone take antidepressants while drinking alcohol? I was on antidepressants for 20 years while drinking alcohol. I gave up alcohol 2 years ago and my life has been hell.

did the antidepressants cause damage to my brain or the alcohol or both. Back on antidepressants with no alcohol but added trazadone to sleep. Never had a sleeping before. Now I can’t even take a nap. Besides all the depression and generalized anxiety I have I can’t sleep even with the drugs.

any help advise or referral to a place I can get help? I need help!

thanks 🙏

 

I'm no expert, but I do know that mixing antidepressants and alcohol is not good.  I do think this site will help you, but what the mods need first is a complete drug history for you for the past 18-24 months.  Were you able to call your pharmacy to get a printout?  If you haven't already, I would highly suggest you do that.  It will help the mods figure out the root of your problems.  It could be that the problem is not quitting the alcohol but starting back on your antidepressants.  So try to do that as soon as possible, okay?  ❤️

Edited September 6, 2023 by Catina7

[redkite]

HI, just had a quick scroll threw and boy are people being kind, caring and holding you holding . Do what they say!!!! They are the only people who can help you and you will recover with their guidance, just listen to them and take note. find the inner strength you have inside yourself which believe me is there you just have to dig it out!!! Being ill  is truly awful but it can, and does change, just give it time,effort and trust.  I also used to drink and miss it, as now there is no turn off button! You have to invent other buttons!!!!! Have you gone to AA or anything like that ? You have found this site now and you can start working towards a lighter way of living. Look up, see the stars shine and now that you to can shine too just give yourself a fighting chance by working with the special moderators here, who do it all for nothing but love and empowerment. Take care of you self Redkite

[mstimc]

16 hours ago, Joanette said:

Besides all the depression and generalized anxiety I have I can’t sleep even with the drugs.

any help advise or referral to a place I can get help? I need help!

Hi Joanette

 

It sounds like you're falling into the trap of "scanning", or looking for things to be anxious about.  Your anxious mind is telling you something must be wrong and it's making your anxiety even worse. When I was trapped in this thinking, I would literally tell myself "OK, I took care of x problem, now what should I worry about"?  Anxiety needs constant feeding or it loses its power over you.  I really encourage you to try some mind/body exercises, even for a few minutes a day, like Tai-Chi or Qigong--you need to have someplace to put the physical energy anxiety is causing and following the flow of the movements will take your attention off your negative thought patterns.  Again, even if its for just 5 minutes at first, you'll be able to calm your body and mind.  You're trying to deal with coming off a mix of medications, so your nervous system is running chaotically.  Anything you can do to naturally calm your system will help. 

[Joanette]

I hope I’m posting in the right place.I’m so scared I’m posting in the wrong place.

 

Has anyone heard of Dr.Neil Nedley?

He has a clinic in California who specializes in anxiety and depression.

It’s a 10 day program at his facility to

help those suffering. His program is mind body and spiritual healing.

thanks 🙏

 

 

 

 

[Catina7]

Hi @Joanette....yes, you are posting in the right place!

 

I have never heard of Dr. Nedley so I looked him up.  I'm not sure what methods he uses in his treatment for anxiety and depression.

 

We here at SA help people who want to taper off their psychiatric medications or who are having problems doing so.  We offer advice on tapering and non-drug ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms.  If that's what you're looking for then I suggest you stick around here and let us try to help you.  However, it's hard for us to pinpoint exactly the root of your issues if we do not have a complete drug history for you.

 

I'm sorry you're going through a rough time.  We want to help and are here for you. 

[mstimc]

Hi Joanette

I live in California and I've never heard of this program. That notwithstanding, no program, book, or practice will help you unless you accept you already have the power to recover inside you.  One of the reasons medications for behavioral issues are so popular is that they're external.  They don't require us to do anything other than take them when we're told.  That's great if you want to mask the effects, or if you need to deal with a short-term problem to hep you get over a bad patch, but they're not permanent solutions. Practices and techniques that bring out your own power to recover, like CBT and ERP, are really the only permanent non-drug solutions. But they don't work unless you commit to them and believe you have the ability to recover. 

 

I was where you are, looking all over for the thing or person or book.  Nothing worked. Then, when I went to our son's junior high school jazz concert, I had my first window.  I just got caught up in the look of joy on his face when he was playing, and for maybe 20 minutes I forgot about all my anxious thoughts and feelings.  It was a short window but from then one I knew I could recover if I tried.  It took time and a really good therapist, but I made it.  These meds mess you up but the effects aren't permanent.  You can do this!

[Joanette]

Can you take supplements along with cymbalta and trazadone? I tried looking online and no luck. I have been taking many supplements per this natural doctor. 
Should I include supplements in my drug list?

thanks 🙏

[FireflyFyte]

10 minutes ago, Joanette said:

Can you take supplements along with cymbalta and trazadone? I tried looking online and no luck. I have been taking many supplements per this natural doctor. 
Should I include supplements in my drug list?

 

We only recommend two supplements here - 

• Magnesium
• Omega-3

Please include your supplements in your signature.

[Shep]

On 9/8/2023 at 3:54 PM, Joanette said:

Can you take supplements along with cymbalta and trazadone?

 

Please update your signature to reflect not only your drug history, but also what you are currently taking. Right now, your signature states:

 

        2003: antidepressant I think it was Prozac (don’t remember) don’t remember the dose either 

        2021: cold turkey cymbalta 30 mg

 

When did you go back on Cymbalta and when did you add in Trazadone? Please update your signature to include the dates (month and year), along with the doses you're currently taking for all of your drugs.

 

A direct link to your signature is here:

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

What time(s) of the day do you take your drugs? 

 

Please note there is a MAJOR drug interaction between Cymbalta and Trazadone. Here is the drug interaction report:

 

Drug Interaction Checker - Cymbalta and Trazadone

 

If you're taking the Cymbalta in the morning and the Trazadone at night, you may be okay because the further you take them apart from each other, the less the drug interaction. But it's important to know that some of your symptoms may be from the drugs themselves, in addition to withdrawal from earlier drug withdrawal experiences.