Barbarannamated Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 I've read that several people have difficulty showering during withdrawal. A friend who is on disability for depression also has extreme difficulty, unrelated to withdrawal as far as I know. We both showered every day of our adult lives but now find it so difficult that it happens only once a week on average or only when we have to go out or be around people. I remember first writing about this when staying in RV and thinking it was due to having to use campground facilities. This is embarrassing to admit to as I've always been meticulous about hygiene with every hair in place, etc. It doesn't seem to be a fear of the shower or enclosed space. It just feels like a HUGE undertaking. Any thoughts on what causes this? My husband is on a similar schedule and not in withdrawal. He is also meticulous about his appearance but rarely leaves the house. Is that the common denominator? Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Hi Barb, I am embarrassed to say I have developed this issue as the result of my sleep problems. And yes, it does feel like a huge undertaking as I lack the energy. Even if I leave my apartment, if I know I showered recently and am too exhausted to do it, then I won't. Probably not the best thing to do but there you have it. The only time when I force myself to shower every day is when i am working. So I don't know if that answers your question or not. CS Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010 Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006 Finished taper on June 10, 2010 Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016 Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiaK Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 I couldn't shower for a couple of years since I couldn't stand upright most of the time. I started taking baths and haven't stopped since epsom salt baths are so incredibly soothing and therapeutic. also, western people are obsessed with cleanliness...give yourselves a break...showering daily is not necessary. on epsom salt baths: http://wp.me/p5nnb-7wj Everything Matters: Beyond Meds https://beyondmeds.com/ withdrawn from a cocktail of 6 psychiatric drugs that included every class of psych drug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted March 1, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 1, 2014 Me too, I hate the shower, it takes so much effort and I have to bully myself into it! The stupid thing is that I always feel better after, but still don't want to get in. I prefer to soak in a bath but that doesn't freshen me up at all. I think it might be the hair, hate washing my hair but getting a shower without washing my hair doesn't make me feel any better. I shower maybe 3 times a week at best . It is typical for me to not even get dressed for days on end sometimes, I don't want to remove my 'cacoon' **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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted March 1, 2014 Author Share Posted March 1, 2014 I couldn't shower for a couple of years since I couldn't stand upright most of the time. I started taking baths and haven't stopped since epsom salt baths are so incredibly soothing and therapeutic. also, western people are obsessed with cleanliness...give yourselves a break...showering daily is not necessary. on epsom salt baths: http://wp.me/p5nnb-7wj Thanks, everyone, and Gia for your additional suggestions. Sometimes I can't believe how incredibly hard this all is even at nearly 3 years out. I had NO idea I was risking all of this when I decided to taper 1 drug off my cocktail. Just thought it wasn't working and now I can't even take care of my basic needs. MammaP.... Thank you for sharing. I have gone for days or week without dressing. When I read of people on the forum who are going thru this and working or carrying on somewhat normal lives, I have a hard time not comparing. Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted March 1, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 1, 2014 Hi Barb, You know I have the same problem with showering, but it is getting a little easier (at times) for me now. I agree, its not about any particular fear, but just the overwhelming nature of the whole process and for me the added discomfort because I'm so so sensitive to temperature changes at the moment. I also don't get dressed if I don't need to or change the linen on my bed very often. I agree with GiaK, westerners are obsessed with a lot of things which are not necessary. I'm learning just how basic my needs actually are. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexhex Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I also still have this problem, although it's not as intense as it was last year. It's like I can't get out fast enough. I think part of the problem is that the hot water makes our hearts race (this is normal) but it makes us feel anxious, so we try to avoid the feeling. Also I'm always afraid that if anything happens while I'm alone, I won't be able to get dressed. It's really weird. Short term low dose Klonopin use back in 2004Acute, protracted withdrawal after discontinuingBegan Lexapro in 2005 to ease Benzo withdrawalTook 2 years to stabilizeRapid taper from Lexapro in July/August 2012Return of anxiety, insomnia and cardiac issuesFailed reinstatement early August 2012Acute withdrawal for 9 months; intermittent symptoms for another 6 Relief on February 9, 2014 after addition of Taurine Almost complete remission of symptoms w/addition of 12.5mg Atenolol daily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoMeaning25 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I wanted to open a thread on the exact same problem. I once was obsessed with cleanliness, used to shower 2x a day and was exceptionally neat and tidy on myself. Im very embarrassed by this. I do still shower every day, I also wash my hair everyday, i force myself to get up and shower. but i am not neat on myself and my living conditions any more. I feel this is part of apathy. I also feel extremely fatigued and its very difficult to shower and wash my hair everyday. It takes me twice as long to do things now than before. I hope it gets better, i really do Was on Citalopram 20mg since Feb 2008 - switched to Paxil 20mg in August 2010 Tapered way too fast in April 2012 by skipping days. Taper completed in 6 weeks Tried prozac 20mg for 3 days - felt spaced out, not better. Tried 30mg Cymbalta for 2 days. SEVERE ADVERSE REACTION Antidepressant free since 14 August 2012 Birth control on and off during this time - Last taken 18 June 2017 - Morning after pill Started mainly using 0.5mg Xanax beginning 2016 for severe panic attacks and anxiety due to trauma Xanax on and off never more than 0.5mg at a time, never taking it 3 days in a row - used sparingly 6 Years antidepressant free - Still in severe withdrawal with over 60 symptoms Severe setback started May 2018 with no let up to date. Developed many new symptoms like tremors, inner vibrations, insomnia, visual distortions and dr/dp are 100x worse, i have severe sensitivity to movement, My dizziness and vertigo got worse and it now feels like im constantly rocking on a boat, my anxiety is sky high, suicidal idiation is back, i feel extremely brain damaged Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoast Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Yup, me too. It has plenty to do with not liking being upright, and more to do with the feeling that it's too much of a hassle. So many steps! Undress. Shower. Wash hair. Wash self. Dry off. Find something to wear that still fits. Dress. Deal with hair. I get this "no" message when I try to make myself do physical things, as simple as loading or unloading the dishwasher. Some part of me just will NOT let me do it. There's no "yes" in me. My eating habits are so bad I'm thinking of going on a prepared diet for the elderly (except that stuff is full of chemicals).Folding clothes? Ha ha ha. My dryer has a mound taller than the Chrysler Building at most times.But when I can manage to fold it and put it away, it's a great feeling. I used to love taking a bath every day before work. Now even that pleasure is gone. I say to myself, "what's the point of getting in? You'll only have to get out again and dry off and find something to wear and get dressed"...etc. 2009: Cancer hospital said I had adjustment disorder because I thought they were doing it wrong. Their headshrinker prescribed Effexor, and my life set on a new course. I didn't know what was ahead, like a passenger on Disneyland's Matterhorn, smiling and waving as it climbs...clink, clink, clink. 2010: Post surgical accidental Effexor discontinuation by nurses, masked by intravenous Dilaudid. (The car is balanced at the top of the track.) I get home, pop a Vicodin, and ... Whooosh...down, down, down, down, down...goes the trajectory of my life, up goes my mood and tendency to think everything is a good idea.2012: After the bipolar jig was up, now a walking bag of unrelated symptoms, I went crazy on Daytrana (the Ritalin skin patch by Noven), because ADHD was a perfect fit for a bag of unrelated symptoms. I was prescribed Effexor for the nervousness of it, and things got neurological. An EEG showed enough activity to warrant an epilepsy diagnosis rather than non-epileptic ("psychogenic") seizures. 2013-2014: Quit everything and got worse. I probably went through DAWS: dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome. I drank to not feel, but I felt a lot: dread, fear, regret, grief: an utter sense of total loss of everything worth breathing about, for almost two years. I was not suicidal but I wanted to be dead, at least dead to the experience of my own brain and body. 2015: I began to recover after adding virgin coconut oil and organic grass-fed fed butter to a cup of instant coffee in the morning. I did it hoping for mental acuity and better memory. After ten days of that, I was much better, mood-wise. Approximately neutral. And, I experienced drowsiness. I could sleep. Not exactly happy, I did 30 days on Wellbutrin, because it had done me no harm in the past. I don't have the DAWS mood or state of mind. It never feel like doing anything if it means standing up. In fact, I don't especially like moving. I'm a brain with a beanbag body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted August 29, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 29, 2014 What is this mysterious "folding clothes" and "changing linens" and "unloading the dishwasher" of which you all speak? Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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