goodsleep: No consistent improvement so far

[goodsleep]

Hi, I’ve not sleep well since starting antidepressants. 

 

 

It was more like an immediate adverse reaction, rather than withdrawal. 

 

 

 

No trouble going into sleep, but wake up frequently. 

 

 

 

My pattern is usually 3/4-2-2h (3-4 hours sleep, wake up, 2 hours sleep, wake up, 2 hours sleep)

 

 

 

I assume what caused sleep disorder is 2mg abilify. 

 

 

 

I stopped them in January, so about 6 months ago.

 

 

 

Other antidepressants, I stopped them at the end of Feb, so about 5 months ago. 

 

 

 

I used some sleeping pills like twice in a week(quetapine 50mg) until mid April, so about 3 months ago.

 

 

 

Only window was 2 weeks ago, when I managed to sleep 7 hours straight for one day. 

 

 

 

Other than that, it came back to my original sleep pattern - 3/4-2-2

 

 

Sometimes, like once a week, I manage to sleep 5 hours straight, I think it happens more than it did in April, May, June(In those periods, if lucky, once a month)

 

 

 

When I read other’s recovery, they have ‘consistent’ recovery phase. I’m worried that my sleep never comes back. 

 

 

 

I want my old life back. One day, I’m hopeful but next day, I’m frustrated. 
 

 

 

Thank you all for your kind supports, I really mean it!

[Erimus]

Hello, and welcome to Surviving Antidepressants. We are a peer support forum to assist in tapering off psychiatric drugs safely, or recovering from psychiatric drug withdrawal.

 

This topic is for anything relating to you, and any questions you have. Please do not start another topic.

 

All the answers you are looking for regarding tapering and antidepressant withdrawal are on this site. Please search around and continue to read as much as you can manage. Use the site search function to search for specific words or phrases, such as drugs or symptoms.

 

 

 

You are currently in The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization . We would expect slow improvement in your symptoms over the coming months and years, so long as you stay clear of any psychiatric drugs and psychoactive substances. Once you have had an adverse reaction you will always be sensitised to this class of medication, as well as some antibiotics. It's best to avoid all of them unless absolutely necessary.

 

The good news is it sounds like you are still sleeping, although it is interrupted. It's good to practice sleep hygiene methods like having set sleep and wake up times, avoiding blue light before bed, and excercising outdoors daily.

 

 

 

Here are a few of the most useful links:

 

--------Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ--------

 

Micro tapering

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

Using a scale to weigh and measure doses

 

--------From the Symptoms and Self-Care Forums--------
 
What is withdrawal syndrome?
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Hypersensitivity and Kindling

 

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

 

Regards

Erimus