HayleyLou94 Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 (edited) Please help, 2 weeks ago I was prescribed 50mg sertraline for intrusive thoughts, but was not depressed. I took my first one and about 6 hours later I had a very bad reaction I had a fever my blood pressure was high, I had diarrhea and my mind was cray I knew instantly that I had poisoned myself, it wasn't until a week later I read up on serotonin syndrome and realized I experienced all the side effects and still suffer some of them to this day, here are my symptoms I have and have got worse short term Memory loss, agitation, irritability, muscle twitching, shivering, restlessness, sweating(up my neck and scalp mostly), hallucinations derealization/depersonalization, feel disoriented at times, muscle spasms which are painful at times, tingling/prickling sensations in my hands feet chest arms and legs, pressure at the back of my head. I don't get it I was a happy outgoing person until the doctor insisted the tablet would take away intrusive thoughts, not only do I still get them but get even worse! hallucinations! I don't want this Have I got the effects from serotonin syndrome or is this permanent nerve and brain damage? please help I am quite worried and no one wants to listen to me Edited January 6, 2014 by Petu Added member name and detail to title Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted January 6, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 6, 2014 Hi Hayleylou, welcome to SA. Wow, all that from just one pill! It really is shocking the misery they cause people! I am fairly sure that this will get better, it is an extreme reaction but you can recover from it. Are things getting any easier at all? It sounds like a nightmare and you must have been terrified reacting that way. You must be very sensitive to this type of medication, I wouldn't touch any more psychiatric meds with a bargepole if I were you! Your brain and central nervous system will heal, I wish I could give some timeline for you but it's impossible to say. I hope that you are better very soon. In the meantime take care of yourself,you deserve some TLC going through that experience! Fish oil might help. and magnesium. These are the only supplements that seem to help with this kind of thing. Some people find melatonin helps for sleep,but the greatest healer is time. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
Administrator Karma Posted January 6, 2014 Administrator Share Posted January 6, 2014 Hi Haleylou, I agree with MammaP, you seem to be very sensitive to these types of drugs and should most likely avoid taking them. Are you taking anything else that might have reacted adversely with sertraline? Have you looked into working with a psychologist or licensed social worker? Your intrusive thoughts might be handled with talk therapy. I used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy about 25 years ago and still find some of those techniques helpful today. You do not have permanent nerve or brain damage from one pill. Welcome to our community, you will find lots of support here. Karma 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers Link to comment
Bellisimo Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Hey Hayley! First of all you should call your doc and tell him what you experience bc if you got that syndrome , can be dangerous.Im suffering withdraws atm and also got all these symtoms when i went back on ssri from had been away awhile, they went away after awhile when it stabilazed in my body.. But i say like everyone else here that if you got all these symtoms from one pill , do not continue take it! And its not a braindamage , you will recover im sure get well. 2007 - 2013: was on citalopram (tried to quit a few times, never worked, always went back on. max dose 40mg) 2012-2013: was tapering my citalopram all down to 2,5 mg then quit.2013/aug: Took my last pill W/D hit me bad after a few weeks off my medicine. 2014/August: 12 months off (much improved) 2015/April: 20months off. ( much improved, still some symtoms comes in waves, but not so intense.) 2015/june: 22months off. FELT different than before, all shakings suddenly stopped, feel much better. a fantastic feeling! 2016/Feb : 2 years and 6 months off, END of my suffering. I feel perfectly fine and back to normal. 2018/Oct: Iam still feeling great. It is hard to believe my own story when I read back, what I went through! Link to comment
Ellen042 Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Hi Hayley, You've found a place where people do want to listen to you. You did name quite a number of serotonin syndrome symptoms, but not even that is permanent. You will get better. Don't worry. With exposure to only one pill, I would think you would stabilize sooner rather than later. I had a similar but MUCH less severe reaction to an SSRI. Took the pill two days and stopped on the third day. I recovered quickly and pray you will too. insomnia, anxiety, depression- since childhood lyme disease, dysautonomia, chiari malformation- dx 4/1997 nortriptyline- 75mg since childhood clonazepam- 3mg since 4/1997 trazodone-100mg since 4/2013, now tapering rotating antibiotics and antimalarials for lyme disease midodrine- 10mg for dysautonomia repeated skull surgeries for chiari malformation Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted January 6, 2014 Administrator Share Posted January 6, 2014 Welcome, Haleylou. Some people are extremely sensitive to serotonergics and have very bad reactions to them almost instantly. If I were you, I'd never consider taking any psychiatric drug ever again. Please look at our Symptoms and Self-care forum for suggestions on how to cope with symptoms. Over time, your nervous system will repair itself. Stay calm, be patient, and do your best to take care of yourself. 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. Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share Posted January 8, 2014 Thank you for all of your replies guys, it means a lot I'm trying to stay positive just this brain fog is a pain in the backside lol it's the worst of it all and it's affecting my vision too. Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 I have another problem, my hands and feet turn blue when I am in the shower, anyone know why this is happening? Swear my body and mind hasn't been the same at all since the drug reaction Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted January 14, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 14, 2014 Hi Hayleylou, I have no idea why your hands and feet would turn blue in the shower! Is it just when you take a shower? How are you feeling otherwise? I hope you are feeling better, that was quite a reaction you had! **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 I know it's weird and quite scary tbh lol. And not really still got the horrible derealization/brain fog and muscle twitching, I can't do anything with it, I went to take a walk earlier today and my mind was blank, was looking around and my mind just wasn't familiar with anything, it's horrible, I wander around my house a lot looking at everything and it's weird I know where I am but my mind doesn't it's really hard to explain lol. I really do hope this will pass, I hope you guys are right as it's really ruining my life, I feel like I'm a different person, everytime I try to remember myself how I was before the drug reaction, it's all a blur, like that wasn't me it was someone else.. this is all hard to explain to doctors and psychiatrists, so frustrating :/ thanks for asking anyways I'm trying to stay positive it's just so hard. x Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 Damn I feel worse this morning woke up with a cold, sore throat and bad chest, head is buzzing, more symptoms to deal with Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted January 15, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 15, 2014 Dear HL, I'm so sorry you are going through all this! That derealisation is awfully scary, the scariest thing I've ever experienced so I really admire the strength with which you endure it and the fact that you even infuse it with humour and remain positive. I know it's far, far from easy and I so hope it goes away soon. But your inner self is so strong and intact and clearly sees this withdrawal trick for what it is... I personally find physical symptoms as a helpful distraction from emotional pain and anguish. It sort of gives me a licence to pamper myself, to feel misearable with a good reason and aslo focuses my attention to my body and away from the mind. That said, I also hope it goes away as soon as possible because it's awfully annoying. What happened with the hands and feet??? big hug, bubble Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 I know, it's a nightmare and they go blue when I'm in the shower, I ran hot water over my hands and feet and showed them to my parents and they don't think much of it, they just tell me not to worry, I've had so many weird things happening with my body since the drug reaction and it's worrying me so much, and the doctors are no help as they assumed that it's all anxiety :/ everythings a mess. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted January 16, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 16, 2014 Hi HL, I'm sorry you've had a bad reaction to Sertraline, its good you only took one dose, some people are sensitive to this kind of medication and should never take it. But you still have the original problem which led you to trying the meds in the first place. Have you looked into working with a psychologist or licensed social worker? Your intrusive thoughts might be handled with talk therapy. I used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy about 25 years ago and still find some of those techniques helpful today. Intrusive thoughts and derealization are common features of anxiety, which can often be treated and managed with therapy and relaxation methods. Have a look at our discussion about non-drug treatments for emotional symptoms: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1112-non-drug-techniques-to-cope-with-emotional-symptoms/ Your hands and feet turning blue in the shower is probably just a temporary symptom of the medication reaction and not serious, but if it continues, you might want to see your doctor about it. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Hopefull Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 I had a severe reaction too on SSRI after a third pill! I completely understand you. My advice would be not to take anything else and allow your body to heal! I found that my healing took longer because I was taking herbal supplements, vitamins etc. I healed faster once I stopped everything. Everyone is different but I found that it is better not to take things while you are healing. I became sensitive even to Magnesium and Fish oil. This is not a medical advice, just personal experience. The doctors don't really understand people with severe reactions to SSRI's from my own experience. They hardly hear about it. Some Doctors can be ignorant and need to be re-educated about SSRI'S rare side effects. What you are experiencing is real! Believe me, I know what is feels like! It does get better, but you need to be patient and that can be testing at times! Hang in there! All the best! DRUG HISTORY: November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction). January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey). January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering. October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg. September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed. September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised. February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 Hey Hopefull, thanks for your reply, it's a nightmare to live with isn't it? I can't even go out anymore and I know, well some of the doctors I've seen don't even think I had a reaction! they say it's very unlikely for me to react to one pill, and that even if I did it would be gone, and said it may be just anxiety, I really don't think so. Is there certain foods I should avoid? Cause I've noticed I feel a little worse after eating certain things lol. Thanks and hope you're feeling a lot better Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 hi guys, sorry if I'm being such a pain lol, I just wanted to let everyone know I've been to the doctors again and they are certain I just have worsened anxiety nothing more, I'm starting cbt (cognitive behavioral therapy) soon, so that should help with the health anxiety I have now . I also wanna ask if there is certain foods and drinks I just stay away from?, I know caffeine is one of them and I haven't had any of that since long before I had the reaction. I have noticed feeling kinda worse after certain food/drinks especially fizzy drinks. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted February 3, 2014 Administrator Share Posted February 3, 2014 Whether you have had an adverse reaction or not, CBT is likely to be helpful. Good for you. A caution, though -- very few doctors understand adverse effects of antidepressants. I hope your symptoms resolve soon. 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. Link to comment
Nikki Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Hayley....I have read a few posts on other sites where members took one pill or were on pills for a week and had very severe reactions. I does happen, you are not alone. It is frightening. The good news is that the people I am referring to are doing very well. It took time and they helped themselves out nutritionally, and with counseling. If you can, maybe listening to meditation CD's might help quiet the intrusive thoughts. If you can't do it, don't get mad at yourself. Finding a hobby that you can immerse yourself in may be helpful too. A healthy distraction. So sorry the doctor is not listening.....they do that sometimes Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted February 4, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 4, 2014 I also wanna ask if there is certain foods and drinks I just stay away from?, I know caffeine is one of them and I haven't had any of that since long before I had the reaction. I have noticed feeling kinda worse after certain food/drinks especially fizzy drinks. It may be the high sugar content of fizzy drinks which is making you feel worse, cutting down sugar is often helpful as is cutting out or limiting alcohol and highly processed foods. Chocolate can cause problems too. If you pay attention to how you feel after eating or drinking certain things, that can be a guide for what to avoid for now. Scroll to the bottom of this thread to the food sensitivity section for some ideas: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/604-important-topics-about-symptoms-including-sleep-problems/ But beyond cutting out the obvious stimulating or unhealthy things, try and relax and stick to a well balanced, varied diet of fresh foods as much as possible. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
HayleyLou94 Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 Thank you for your replies everyone I have been having a lot of panic attacks and been worried to death for a while that I have what's called delirium, does the delirious person know they're delirious? or would the doctors know if I had this? My parents & therapist said it just sounds like confusion and not delirium. Reading these comments has helped a lot and given me some positivity that I can get through this, again thanks everyone xx Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted February 5, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 5, 2014 I used to get delirious when I was young. If I was sick with a fever, I would sometimes get it at night, I don't think you know its happening, it seems real. Try not to worry, having a bad reaction to this kind of medication can make someone feel quite strange in lots of different ways, but its just feelings and strange perceptions, it sounds like you have improved a little. I'm sure the therapy is going to help. Please would you put a short version of your drug and reaction history in your signature so members can see your situation when they answer your posts. Instructions for doing that are here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Hopefull Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 Hi Hayleou, How are you going? There is a way to prove your sensitivity to sertraline by doing a genetic test. I did this and It showed up, plus the fact that I developed sensitivity to benzodiazepines after taking Zoloft and it showed up. The doctors can not then ignore this fact and it gave me reassurance! It is worth doing because it can save you the trouble with other medications. This is not to say that medications that prove that you are not sensitive to are going to work. At least you will be speared the horrific side affects that some medications can give you. You would know what medications to avoid in the future. It would shut up the doctors that did not believe you! You have proof that the doctors can not argue against. It is worth the investment! Hope you are feeling better! All the best. DRUG HISTORY: November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction). January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey). January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering. October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg. September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed. September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised. February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. Link to comment
Muddles Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 I had a bad reaction similar to yours when the doctor put me on an SSRI. He kept me on it and didn't recognise that I'd had a bad reaction. He then put me on a different type of antidepressant to get me eating and sleeping again. The rest is history. I wished I'd known back then, but was told it was all in my head. Drugs will not - especially if you're sensitive like me, help with any issues/problems you went to with the doctors in the first place. I never had intrusive thoughts before going on medication. Intrusive thoughts are anxiety related and you can recover without meds. The pattern can be broken with an understanding and tools to overcome them. Drug induced intrusive thoughts on the other hand are harder to overcome. I hope you recover quickly from your bad reaction and take advise from the people here. 2008 - Doctors appointment with stress induced anxiety led to Citalopram prescription. Severe adverse reaction Mirtazapine prescribed - adverse reaction but told to stay on. Poop out - December 2013 15mg Currently on 13.5mg, April 12mg May 10th - 11mg June 10th - 10mg July 8th - 9mg September - 0mg Link to comment
Juninmoon Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Hi, did your blue feet symptoms go away in the end? Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted November 1, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 1, 2016 Juninmooon - Please start an introduction topic for yourself. That will be the best place to answer your questions.Link to start a new topic for yourself in the Introductions and updates forum This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to 0.0 mg Aug. 12; details here scallywag's IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
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