Ramiro: Pristiq protracted withdrawal after 1.5 years, 6 months in

[Ramiro]

Ok let's start from the beginning. I went to a psychiatrist after getting anxiety and depression for a long time, only accepting it after having a mental breakdown when moving to the USA from my native country, work related. I got a prescription for Setraline initially, and only after 7 days of taking it I was sent to the ER due to massive anxiety and panic attacks. I got switched to Lexapro 10mg, and prescribed Xanax as needed (never really used that much, I was scared). I got some stability and in one of my checks I shared I was having a hard time focusing, so they prescribed me Strattera for ADHD. two months in I got a severe bad reaction to it (Anxiety and panic attacks again), I stopped it cold turkey and the doc upped my lexapro dose to 15mg, never got back to feeling well. After that I was switched to Pristiq 50 mg and got stable again. I decided to get off the meds because I was having a lot of brain fog, and also I didn't want to be on them anymore (wanting to find a better way of dealing with Depression and Anxiety). I was told to reduce the dose to 25 mg for a month, then two weeks taking 25 every other day and stop.

I did that, I felt so good the first month after stopping Pristiq, just some brain fog and brain zaps, but then I got severe anxiety, depression, suicide ideations, hopelessness, derealization. I knew I was going to face withdrawals but, as everybody, thought they will be mild and for a short time. After 3 months of feeling terrible I started to get some mild relief, some days of being a little happy from time to time, but everything went back to horrible again. two months ago I started to research about Metabolic psychiatry and found Dr Chris Palmer work, read his book "Brain Energy" and decided to start a Ketogenic diet. after a month I started feeling much much better, but 7 days ago I got back to feeling terrible, with its peak last night with awful panic attacks and insomnia. I'm feeling frustrated and hopeless right now, I know this is just another wave, but it's so discouraging to feel like this after getting a taste of feeling good. 

I read and watched as many videos and forums talking about withdrawal as I could find, trying to get some relief or guides, now I'm just trying to find some encouragement. 
Today was one of those days I thought "I can't do this anymore", so jumped in here and shared my story. I always feel like nobody understands this, My wife has been fantastic with me, but still I think she can't relate to this. 

I just need some words, I feel I'm back to step 1, and this is 10 times worse than my initial depression and anxiety (before meds).

Thanks for the work you do for the people like me, we need support and there's no real support out there. 

[Emonda]

Welcome @Ramiro

 

Sorry to read about your experience. It is all too common, sadly.

 

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

I was told to reduce the dose to 25 mg for a month, then two weeks taking 25 every other day and stop.

 

Poor advice, unfortunately: Never skip doses to taper

 

Tapering slowly is the way to go: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? The reductions should get smaller and smaller each month, for example: 10mg, 9mg, 8.1mg, 7.3mg etc. This process involves a degree of trial and error, as there is no way of predicting how an individual will respond. Importantly, if you develop unpleasant side effects from tapering, halt the taper, give yourself time to settle, and once stable, taper more slowly and by smaller amounts moving forward. The experience of others suggests that the lower you go in dose, the slower you need to go with tapering.

Those that taper too quickly often develop very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) is a helpful summary of what many experience.

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

brain fog and brain zaps, but then I got severe anxiety, depression, suicide ideations, hopelessness, derealization.

These are typical WD symptoms.

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

thought they will be mild and for a short time.

This is the line pushed by medical people, but simply not true.

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

After 3 months of feeling terrible I started to get some mild relief, some days of being a little happy from time to time, but everything went back to horrible again

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

7 days ago I got back to feeling terrible, with its peak last night with awful panic attacks and insomnia. I'm feeling frustrated and hopeless right now,

Recovery from ADs and tapering is not linear. There are good days and not-so-good days/weeks/months. This is referred to as the Windows and waves pattern of stabilization.

It sounds like you are back in a wave, and that's pretty standard. The fact that you identify it as a wave is positive, too.

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

I read and watched as many videos and forums talking about withdrawal as I could find, trying to get some relief or guides, now I'm just trying to find some encouragement. 

You sound like you've done plenty of research and are well informed.

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

Today was one of those days I thought "I can't do this anymore", so jumped in here and shared my story.

Sometimes you just have to do it hour by hour, then progress to day to day etc. Distractions can be helpful. Getting outside for a walk with your wife, listening to relaxing music etc. Some go swimming and I read the other day someone finds horse riding very beneficial (I'd find that stressful!).

On 8/17/2024 at 3:09 AM, Ramiro said:

his is 10 times worse than my initial depression and anxiety (before meds).

This is a typical response from people experiencing WD.

Why not have a read of some success stories. I find that so beneficial when I need a lift.

With time and patience, you will bounce back.

 

Some general info:

Emotional Spirals

Non-drug coping strategies

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Avoid alcohol. 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

Emonda

[Ramiro]

Thanks for coming back to me. 

I feel relief knowing this is common, but at the same time is frustrating and hard to cope with it. 

 

It has been hard to sleep and feel a sense of calm these past days, so nervous, depressed and anxious. I had panic attacks last night again, was able to sleep for a couple of hours but I'm feeling terrible today. 

I got back some blood work and panic so much because I have a couple of number high. I guess I got some metabolic issues from the medicine, but the panic is so intense I think I'm going to die. 

I'm struggling to detach from the intrusive thoughts, finding so hard to work and been crying all morning. This is so hard. 

 

I'll just post my thoughts and updates here. 

Thanks for all the suggestions, will read some anecdotes to get some encouragement. 

 

 

 

[Ramiro]

Almost 10 days in a Wave, I think this is the hardest one until now. My initial phase (month 1 to month 4) was hard but not as hard as this past week, is it supposed to be like this? 

 

I've been able to work but this time I had to ask for leave, it was just unbearable. Mornings are terrible and I'm getting crying spells out of nothing, every perception (good or bad) makes me cry and get an extreme anxiety and fear. 

I found tapping to be useful so I'm practicing every day, but the relief is only temporary. 

I found a book called Recovery and Renewal and it has been helpful, but the constant sensation of doom and hopelessness is just too much. 

 

Read some anecdotes and I feel encourage but at the same time it hurts to know that this can last for years. 

Just wanted to get an entry on how I'm feeling, I'll love some words of encouragement or some experience from people with similar experiences. 

 

Thanks for maintaining this site, we all need it. 

 

[Emonda]

Welcome back @Ramiro

 

10 hours ago, Ramiro said:

My initial phase (month 1 to month 4) was hard but not as hard as this past week,

 

I'd go back and read the section on windows and waves again. Agreed, it's not easy!

 

10 hours ago, Ramiro said:

Just wanted to get an entry on how I'm feeling, I'll love some words of encouragement or some experience from people with similar experiences. 

 

Have a read of KenA's success story. He stopped his meds CT, and shares his story of recovery.

 

10 hours ago, Ramiro said:

Thanks for maintaining this site, we all need it. 

 

I benefit so much from this site, too.

 

Warm wishes, Emonda