Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted December 4, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 4, 2014 I have terrible insomnia too that has me barely able to function at times. I have no answers to this one but I have learned to go to bed and try to just rest and relax. Make my bed as comfy as can be, I love my bed because it hugs me and is warm and safe. I just enjoy being in it and don't even try to sleep any more. Sometimes I fall asleep for an hour or so, 90 minutes is the longest but if I get 3 blocks of 90 minutes I can cope much better. On very rare occasions I sleep for 2 hours , then another 2 in the morning and that makes such a huge difference. Even with 90 minutes, if it is good quality unbroken sleep I feel much better. I have learned to just lay down and if it comes it comes, if it doesn't I am grumpy and exhausted but not particularly worried any more, it comes eventually in small portions. I hope that you both can get some sleep soon, even just a little. **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
Wildflower0214 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 I have terrible insomnia too that has me barely able to function at times. I have no answers to this one but I have learned to go to bed and try to just rest and relax. Make my bed as comfy as can be, I love my bed because it hugs me and is warm and safe. I just enjoy being in it and don't even try to sleep any more. Sometimes I fall asleep for an hour or so, 90 minutes is the longest but if I get 3 blocks of 90 minutes I can cope much better. On very rare occasions I sleep for 2 hours , then another 2 in the morning and that makes such a huge difference. Even with 90 minutes, if it is good quality unbroken sleep I feel much better. I have learned to just lay down and if it comes it comes, if it doesn't I am grumpy and exhausted but not particularly worried any more, it comes eventually in small portions. I hope that you both can get some sleep soon, even just a little. Ya, I feel like you are much more stable mentally, so I think that helps you not freak out. I'm all over the place, and I know that I slip off the edge after so long sleep deprived and am way to sensitive to take anything to help. Sorry you don't sleep. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Honestly, if I thought Jesus would be there waiting for me and I could do it without hurting my parents, I would take my leave. This is like torture. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Don't even say that, JDM. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I know everything is better when you sleep, though. With Chronic Fatigue anyway, I can't function like this Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Don't even say that, JDM. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I know everything is better when you sleep, though. With Chronic Fatigue anyway, I can't function like this I can't see a way out. I can't see it getting better 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
WinningThrough Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Feeling like it will never get better is a withdrawal symptom. So many feel like that. But people do get better over time. You're in the thick of it at five months off. I see you've been on ativan too so you may be getting some withdrawal from that. It's awful now but it will get better. The only way out is through. Aug 2013 - Augmentin leading to akathisia Sept-Nov 2013 - Citalopram 20mg, severe reaction, off at 5mg. Valium 4mg, prn Oct 2013 - 5 zopiclone tablets, 7.5mg End Nov 2013-end Feb 2014, Seroquel, top dose 150mg, off at 25mg End Nov 2013-early march 2014, Zoloft 100mg top dose, off at 25mg End Dec-2013-early April 2014, lorazepam 1mg prn April 3rd 2014 zoloft 5mg for a few days. 18/4/14 - zoloft, 1mg. Came off at 0.35 mg,14th June 2014 29 June 2014 - 1mg lorazepam, last ever 29 June 2014 - med free Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Feeling like it will never get better is a withdrawal symptom. So many feel like that. But people do get better over time. You're in the thick of it at five months off. I see you've been on ativan too so you may be getting some withdrawal from that. It's awful now but it will get better. I spread my doses out over the day so that should help me I believe. I just feel like I don't know how much longer I can take this. This crao has been going on for ten months. I know u know the feeling. What do u do all day when u can't sit? I'm trying to figure out what to do cause I can't sit still right now. I'm exhausted from no sleep. One night is one thing but when they start adding up, it's rough. Thx for encouragement 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Don't even say that, JDM. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I know everything is better when you sleep, though. With Chronic Fatigue anyway, I can't function like this Yes, I bet you're exhausted. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Maybe I have restless legs, and arms and back....? Maybe that's what it is. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 It seems to me like it got significantly worse after your dental procedure?! My hope is that if the anesthetic affected you, it will be temporary. Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 It seems to me like it got significantly worse after your dental procedure?! My hope is that if the anesthetic affected you, it will be temporary.Yes, it did. i knew that was exactly what it was. Unfortunately, I had no choice, and did not want to wait and risk root canal and infection and encounter with antibiotics. No thank you. I pray it goes away soon. :-/ 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 What do you do all night? 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 If I'm not twitching, I just lay quietly and hope I will go back to sleep, and sometimes I will at least doze. Sometimes I will move from the bed to the recliner, but haven't had much luck sleeping there. On occasion, I just have to get up and sit and rock, but fortunately that doesn't happen too often. It seems to me, though, like the trend with me is for the worst times to actually be worse instead of better. Don't know if that is typical at this stage or what... Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 The more I listen to you talk about your experience, I feel like we have two different things. I was told by one of the mods that askathisia calms down at night, and that I have restless legs syndrome most likely. Especially because it's a creepy crawly sensation. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 Muscle tension, chest tight and burns, back tight. This is new. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Ugh... I would imagine there would be many different sensations associated with withdrawal, and I have had many myself. What made me think mine was akathisia had a lot to do with the psychological symptoms that accompany it--not just the restlessness, but agitation, irritability, impulsiveness, and at times anxiety and depression. The anxiety and depression especially hit when I wake up in the middle of the night. One thing that I did have that seems to be mostly gone now, I'm not even sure how to describe. It was a burning sensation in my head that felt at the same time like someone or something was squeezing my head. I'm sure everyone's experience is probably different, though. I hadn't heard about the akathisia going away at night. That's interesting. Mine often eases off before bedtime, but the first time I wake up (often an hour later), it frequently is back, to varying degrees. Initially I thought this was anxiety, having never experienced anxiety before. Realizing it wasn't that, I wondered about restless legs, and even read about body-wide "restless legs". All that led me to the description of akathisia, which definitely seems to fit for me. I'm sure the symptoms vary somewhat for everyone, though. Whatever it is, I pray that you can get some relief soon! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 Yes!!!!! Me too! I want some relief! I know you do too. God put me to sleep last night. 6 hours. No other way. Was not gonna happen without a miracle. Grateful for that. I would like a break from the irrational mental angst. That would be precious to be relieved of that. I'm sorry you suffer as much as you do. :-/ praying 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Glad you got some sleep last night! I got more than what I've been getting too. Makes a world of difference! Prayers! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Glad you got some sleep last night! I got more than what I've been getting too. Makes a world of difference! Prayers! Prayers for you!!! 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Glad you got some sleep last night! I got more than what I've been getting too. Makes a world of difference! Prayers!Prayers for you!!! glad you slept!!!! Fantastic! 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Definitely helps! Morning was kind of rough, but got somewhat better as the day went on. Now--just hoping for a repeat tonight!! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Well, this is new kinda... Sensations still there, but better. Slept last night! Thank God. Think I'm now reacting to the minimal items I can eat, since numbing agent gave me a reaction. But, now I feel like I can fluctuate in my core belief systems just throughout a day. Everything I've ever believed is questioned, there is always an oppositional voice in my head to anything I believe that would bring me comfort. This has been going on off and on for months but is bad today. I feel like I'm in a dream, but a bad one and my perception feels like everything has this negative impending sense of doom. But I slept! And the sensations have had times where they die down. So grateful. I want out of this. I have talked to some people who said they had "bad withdrawal" and I ask them what their symptoms are/were, and they never had insomnia, or any of the awful stuff... And I just want to scream! I know we are all different, but I'm tired of listening to people who have bad headaches or who have muscle pain and flip out and call it "horrific" and they are still able to take IB profen, while there are people out there who spend nights rocking in a corner because they can't sleep, in such bad derealization they barely can hang on to reality, or are tormented with obsessional thoughts which render their body in physical angst or some combo of all three or more. Or, for those of us who have all kinds of pain but can't take anything because we react when we even look at a med. so we just deal with it. Ok, maybe I'm resentful. So what? I'm sure I'll get over it. People complaining they have "awful" insomnia because they wake up a couple times in the middle of the night, but otherwise sleep for 8-10 hours regularly.... Makes me want to shout obscenities. Yes, I am bitter, and im sure it will pass. I'm sure it's some kind of neuro-emotion. I've gotten to the point I don't care who I offend. I just don't and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels like saying this stuff. I just am at point mentally that I will say it. Tmm or later today, I will probably want to delete this post. But it's part of the process. I feel like those of us who CT or rapid tapered need to just have a thread on here for ourselves. Maybe I'll start one. I just can't listen to people who tapered slowly and properly try and tell me how I need to handle this. the experiences are so different. It's like comparing someone who fell off of their bicycle wearing protective padding to someone who rode full speed ahead and crashed over a fence hurling them over the handlebars and crashing onto the ground face first. Not the same experience. Sorry. I resent everyone in my house who sleeps, and eats what they want and can take meds. I resent the living crap out of it. And I don't care how bad it sounds. I do. I'm tired of saying I don't and wishing them well, when I don't feel that way at all. Hopefully, this phase will end. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Definitely helps! Morning was kind of rough, but got somewhat better as the day went on. Now--just hoping for a repeat tonight!! Did you sleep?I really hope you did. I know you have suffered due to insomnia. Beware of my rant on the above post, I just had to let it out. I'm not sure if anyone identifies with me or if they will even admit it, but I feel that way a lot. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Oh! Another one I have to add, complaining about sleeping too much....really? I would go into an induced coma for the next two years to recover if I could. Ok, Im done on the rant. I'm just venting. I have no other place to do it, and I'm sure I will be apauled with these posts in the near future, but I had to say it. Not my intention to offend. If I do, please write it off as a wave of crazy. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 I TOTALLY relate to you! No, I did not sleep very well. Better than some nights, but still not good. Woke up several times before 1:30 or 2:00, at which point I woke up to repeated panic attacks, which lasted throughout the morning. Never did get back to sleep. I have the dark thoughts as well, and they really hit me where I live. I am 60 years old, and the obsessive thoughts are very convincing that I am old, and have no life left anyway.. or certainly I will not by the time this is all over--IF it ever is over... So, yes--I can relate. I had a halfway decent day yesterday, but not so much today. I don't have the food limitations you do, but I pray I don't get a really bad headache, because I sure can't take anything for it. I haven't really tried to compare symptoms with anyone else, because every time I try to read anyone's thread, it gets me so ramped up I can't do it. I really would like to be supportive of others, but I just can't get through the stories at this point... I do have the advantage of only having taken one medication, but I am pretty bitter too. I just assumed this was the case with everyone, though. In any case, I definitely relate. Praying for us both! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 I TOTALLY relate to you! No, I did not sleep very well. Better than some nights, but still not good. Woke up several times before 1:30 or 2:00, at which point I woke up to repeated panic attacks, which lasted throughout the morning. Never did get back to sleep. I have the dark thoughts as well, and they really hit me where I live. I am 60 years old, and the obsessive thoughts are very convincing that I am old, and have no life left anyway.. or certainly I will not by the time this is all over--IF it ever is over... So, yes--I can relate. I had a halfway decent day yesterday, but not so much today. I don't have the food limitations you do, but I pray I don't get a really bad headache, because I sure can't take anything for it. I haven't really tried to compare symptoms with anyone else, because every time I try to read anyone's thread, it gets me so ramped up I can't do it. I really would like to be supportive of others, but I just can't get through the stories at this point... I do have the advantage of only having taken one medication, but I am pretty bitter too. I just assumed this was the case with everyone, though. In any case, I definitely relate. Praying for us both! Well there! Doesn't that feel better?! Haha. I'm sorry about the panic attacks. Awful!!!! I started a thread in symptoms and self care about CT and rapid taper. So I'm hoping those of us in these situations or people who are on the other side can help each other. Do you ever have thoughts about your faith? I feel like I've been in perpetual spiritual crisis during this time. I have all kinds of thoughts about my faith... And it sucks because this is not the time I need questions. This is when I need comfort. I need to rest on my faith, not have the rug pulled out from underneath me by my own ruminating. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 No, fortunately I have not had any thoughts about my faith, but that will probably come next Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 No, fortunately I have not had any thoughts about my faith, but that will probably come next It's awful. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Guess so... Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Having to go to hospital. Piece of food stuck in throat, and then tried to eat more and it feels worse. Prayers. Please. No meds needed. I need a f*cking break!!!! 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Oh no... Prayers! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 Thank you luv! Well xray, and they can't see anything, so I declined numbing drink to relieve sensation and went home. Inthink it just got scratched really bad and felt like something was stuck. So, thank God no meds. That's something to be happy about. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Amen! Absolutely!! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired) Link to comment
Wildflower0214 Posted December 7, 2014 Author Share Posted December 7, 2014 Alto, This is a question for you. I was CT switched from Lexepro to Effexor while already destabilized. Are the effects on my system as bad as a CT all together? I was theorizing that since I had another similar drug to go to that it wasn't as bad as a CT altogether. It's obviously done damage, just wanted to know if the implications were as serious as a CT to nothing at all. And if anyone has any input... Or experience? My sig looks awful, I've tried to tidy it up and it keeps giving me a hard time. maybe will try again soon. But was on Lexepro for 6 or so years, and was in "poop out", tried to taper too fast, became destabalized, tried to reinstate, didn't work (enter Ativan and poly drugging) switched CT from Lexepro to Effexor, bad reaction to Effexor after on it maybe 2 months, had to rapid taper Effexor. Also, I have no idea if this topic is in the right place?? I didn't know where to put it... 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted December 8, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 8, 2014 JDM, I moved the above post from tapering because its about your situation in general. If you want to communicate privately with Alto, you could send her a PM, otherwise, posting on your own thread gives others a chance to weigh in with their opinions. 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
Wildflower0214 Posted December 8, 2014 Author Share Posted December 8, 2014 JDM, I moved the above post from tapering because its about your situation in general. If you want to communicate privately with Alto, you could send her a PM, otherwise, posting on your own thread gives others a chance to weigh in with their opinions. Gotcha. Wasn't sure if it was discussed in particular anywhere in the forum already. Didn't see it. I figured there would be something given how many of us were shoved from one drug to another. I'm interested to see what anyone has to say. Thx. Hope u are well. 2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor..... 5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses. Link to comment
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