Libby123: Introduction

[Libby123]

Despite being quite nervous, I think it's time to make my introduction. 

 

I spent from early 2000's trying a variety of antidepressants.  Prozac, setraline, amitryptiline, duloxetine, mirtazipine. Possibly something else, as well. Then, a crisis led to hospitalisation, and addition of quetiapine to fluoxetine.  This was early 2019.

 

Around four months ago, I stopped taking prozac, and about three months ago, I quit quetiapine.  Both CT as I hadn't discovered this site. I was only taking 25mgs quetiapine and 20mgs prozac, so couldn't really taper without the help of the GP practice, in whom I have no confidence.

 

A few months along, I am experiencing what I realise are waves and windows. Insomnia has been a recurring problem, but advice gained here has been very helpful. 

 

In my waves, I feel very depressed, but I now see this as withdrawal, rather than relapse. I don't think that antidepressants ever helped. As a cptsd sufferer, married to a troubled man, with two autistic sons, I was just overwhelmed.  I am now a widow, and l live a very quiet life, with one if my sons.

 

Medication does not feature in my future.

 

 

History

 

 

Edited February 27 by FireflyFyte
Updated title

[FireflyFyte]

Hi Libby,

 

Welcome to SA. Thank you for summarizing your drug history in your signature.

 

3 hours ago, Libby123 said:

A few months along, I am experiencing what I realise are waves and windows.

 

In case you haven't read it, you can learn more about windows and waves at The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization.

 

3 hours ago, Libby123 said:

Insomnia has been a recurring problem, but advice gained here has been very helpful. 

 

We also have a resource regarding insomnia at Tips to help sleep: so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia.

 

Additionally, we recommend the following supplements to help during withdrawal. If you decide to take them, would introduce one and then the other to ensure you respond well -

• Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker
• King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

You are still early in your journey being off your medication so we advise avoiding alcohol, weed, and strenuous exercise as they can cause setbacks in healing.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[Libby123]

Thank you so much, FireflyFyte. A lot of useful information. 

 

I am already following much of the advice here. One thing your reply hilighted, which I hadn't noticed before, was that I take vitamin D and calcium tablets. These were prescribed by a GP many years ago. I have added magnesium glycinate, with, I believe, good effect.  Perhaps vitamin D without calcium is a better option, due to calcium/magnesium interaction? I also take B12.

 

I have avoided all contact with the nhs for over four years!

 

Thanks again.

 

[FireflyFyte]

12 hours ago, Libby123 said:

Perhaps vitamin D without calcium is a better option, due to calcium/magnesium interaction?

 

I would space apart your calcium and magnesium supplements to counteract the interactions.

[Libby123]

Thank you for the previous advice.

 

I am not doing well at the moment. Maybe a slight window here and there, but mostly waves. I am beating myself up a lot that I didn't taper, but reading all of the advice here, it doesn't seem like it would be a good move to reinstate. I hope I am right about this. Also, I have such a deep seated fear of the medical profession.  I used to be a nurse which I found very traumatising. Then I spent years begging for help, and finally I had to deal with the NHS, while my 50 year old husband died within six months, with an aggressive brain tumour. I am actually terrified of my gp surgery. I think it is mostly about the shame I feel.

 

The thing I would like some advice on, if possible, is this.

 

I have just had probably my worst night ever. No sleep, racing heart, palpitations. All familiar to everyone here, I am sure. I occurred to me that I could have made two mistakes.

 

Firstly, I don't think I ate enough yesterday,  and I believe that these drugs upset blood sugar levels, so today I am going to try and eat more, especially something before going to bed. I wondered if porridge might be an option.

 

Secondly, I realised that I had forgotten my magnesium glycinate tablets. Easily remedied, of course,  but do you think that this could have played a role in increased insomnia.

 

I can cope with the days, if only I can sleep. I am so lucky that I don't need to work.  I feel for those who have to work whilst going through this hell.

 

Its odd, but despite everything, I am coping. I am actually quite calm, and make a point of not burdening my adult son, who I live with. I don't really have anyone who understands, so I have withdrawn quite a lot.

 

Finally, I have decided to sell my car. I can't drive safely, and my son has said he will drive me, if needed. 

 

So thats my update. I would be happy to communicate with anyone who feels up to it!!

 

 

[Erimus]

1 hour ago, Libby123 said:

Firstly, I don't think I ate enough yesterday,  and I believe that these drugs upset blood sugar levels, so today I am going to try and eat more, especially something before going to bed. I wondered if porridge might be an option.

It's important to maintain stable blood sugar levels by eating regularly, otherwise our nervous system becomes even more stressed than it already is. I think during withdrawal little and often is the key, stick to smaller meals at a more frequent rate. Protein, healthy fats, and slow-release carbs are what maintain blood sugar levels. You want to consume the most carbs in your evening meal, as this helps maintain blood sugar levels through the night. Protein and healthy fats are important with every meal.

 

1 hour ago, Libby123 said:

Secondly, I realised that I had forgotten my magnesium glycinate tablets. Easily remedied, of course,  but do you think that this could have played a role in increased insomnia.

Possibly, any minor changes can impact you in this hyper-vigilant state. I've definitely experienced symptoms when stopping supplements, but they usually only last 2-3 days, and mostly impacted my digestive system.

 

1 hour ago, Libby123 said:

I don't really have anyone who understands, so I have withdrawn quite a lot.

That's what this community is here for, most of us are withdrawn in the sense that nobody in our day to day lives understands this journey.

 

1 hour ago, Libby123 said:

Finally, I have decided to sell my car. I can't drive safely, and my son has said he will drive me, if needed.

Be wary of further isolating yourself from the world. When you say you can't drive safely, is that a result of withdrawal symptoms? If you live rural you would feel very trapped without means of transportation, because you will eventually be ready to venture out again.

[Libby123]

Thank you,  Erimus, for your very thoughtful and helpful reply.

 

I am in a slightly better place at moment,  but know that it is a window, that will give way to a wave. Understanding this does, however,  make it a bit easier to cope with. 

 

It's early days, I know, but I have really benefited from your suggested changes to my diet, especially having a nutritious snack before bed. 

 

Thank you, again.

[Libby123]

Hello, again.

 

I have been taking in a lot of information from this site, and keeping up with new posts,  whilst having a good 14 day window.

 

During this window, I experienced what I believe to be akathesia,  but it wasn't too troublesome. 

 

Going back into a wave, this feeling of choking in my throat, and palpitation like feelings in my chest has been difficult,  especially with regards,to sleeping.

 

Can anyone give me any ideas of things that can help? Diet, maybe or supplements.  I am taking magnesium glycinate, vitamins D and B12, and epsom salt baths.

 

Use of vitamin B6 came up in my research,  so wondering about that. Cutting down on sugar is something I am trying, as well. 

 

Any suggestions would be good, as well as positive stories. 

 

Thank you for listening. 

[Erimus]

There is no magic supplement that will cure the symptoms you experience in waves. You are going to experience them regardless, as your brain works towards stability.

 

We only recommend two supplements. Omega 3 Fish Oil and Magnesium. Both should be introduced separately and increased slowly.

[Fluoxyoyo]

Libby123 - hang in there, try to relax as much as you can, remember it’s not you, just the reaction to lowered medication. It might take a while before things improve but it will be worth it 🥰