compsports Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Has anyone gotten a flu shot? I haven't had one in years and with the exception of getting bronchitis from working at a special ed school in 2006, I have never gotten sick other than getting a cold. Yesterday, my sister said that if I was going to be around my great niece alot, I would be putting her at increased risk if I didn't get one. I doubt that but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something since obviously, I don't want to do that. I think I do worry that due to my sleep issues, that I may be more susceptible than usual. But so far, knock on wood, nothing has happened. 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...
Meimeiquest Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 It's a big deal now for health care workers not to get a flu shot. I'm already fighting enough battles, so I'm just getting it. I have never had a known problem. HOWEVER, I think getting ill with the flu is mostly caused by someone's reduced immune function, not exposure to the virus...it's probably all over in the active season. You have to assume you might be more vulnerable because of the extreme stress your body is under from insomnia. And you might be more vulnerable to problems from the vaccine, I don't know. I don't get my family vaccinated. But that is just my opinion, there are arguments on both sides. But "The CDC says so" is a medical establishment argument that could be valid or invalid. There is a big "whistleblower" case going on there right now over MMR vaccines and autism. 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus dalsaan Posted September 21, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 21, 2014 I get one every year through work, have never had any problems Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist. Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014. Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September. Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015. Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15). Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past. DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017 >My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted September 22, 2014 Author Share Posted September 22, 2014 Thanks Meime and Dalsaan, Meime, after stupidly getting a deep cut on my foot, I got a tetanus shot when I went to the doctor to have it looked at and didn't have any problems. But for reason which may not make alot of sense to folks on this board, I am scared that a flu shot would be a different story. I will have to do more research. I am just grateful I can discuss the issue on this board without fear of being ridiculed. 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...
Meimeiquest Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Do you have a specific concern? I think most people worry about metals (I heard thimerosol is out now, but haven't researched) and bypassing normal immune function. Dr. Sears has written a pretty balanced book on vaccinating children, pros and cons. I'm sure it would have info on flu vaccine. 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 23, 2014 Administrator Share Posted September 23, 2014 I get a flu shot every year in November. I don't want the flu. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted September 25, 2014 Author Share Posted September 25, 2014 Hi Meime, I think I do worry about the metals. Since there are going to be so many people at the baptism, chances are I am not going to be able to get near the baby so I am not going to worry about it for now Alto, thanks for chiming in. I might reconsider when November rolls around. 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...
Meimeiquest Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 When is the baptism? Right now is not exactly major flu season. And if you bring your baby to church, I really don't see the worry in knowing one adult is not vaccinated. I think you should decide based on your needs. 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btdt Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 Last flu shot I had I was still on antidepressants I got sick as a dog and could not get well it was actually the start of the long drawn out illneses of a wk sick a couple wks well a wk sick than continued till I quit effexor ... I thought and think it was part of pooped out. Seems my drugs failed shortly after or at the same time I had my last flue shot As far as getting one since lol... impossible I reacted to food to vitamins there was no way in hell I was getting a shot of anything... I would not get a shot of B12... no no flu shots for me. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted September 28, 2014 Author Share Posted September 28, 2014 Meime, it is today. Totally agree with you And I was around her in April and she didn't get sick. So there. Btdt, I am so sorry for what you experienced. That is my fear. 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...
btdt Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 I personally feel I cannot afford another reaction I have many some are serious all last a long time. I am in no way telling others what to do... I know I am not the norm or sure hope I am not. I think I could weather the flu if I had to but another reaction I don't know if I can with every one I think this is it the big one meaning stroke ect... as a lot of what happens to me seems to be neurological but not always. peace all WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted September 29, 2014 Author Share Posted September 29, 2014 I personally feel I cannot afford another reaction I have many some are serious all last a long time. I am in no way telling others what to do... I know I am not the norm or sure hope I am not. I think I could weather the flu if I had to but another reaction I don't know if I can with every one I think this is it the big one meaning stroke ect... as a lot of what happens to me seems to be neurological but not always. peace all Totally understand BTDT. I think I feel the same way. 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...
HollyH Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 I had a flu shot for the first time in my life (I'm 57) 3 days ago. I have been ambivalent about vaccines, but also knew I was approaching an age where the flu coulde be more dangerous. What tipped the balance for me is that I work for a health care-related organization that was doing them on-site that day. Management pressure got to me. I've had mild flu symptoms and extreme tiredness since then. Coupled with depression. I have a strange immune system, admittedly--I don't typically get fevers. When everyone else gets the flu, I just get very mild cold symptoms coupled with extreme exhaustion. Pretty unpleasant. I guess I would be happy not to experience that again. Let's see what happens! 1992-1997 Succession of SSRIs, Wellbutrin, Tricyclics - moderate depression became not so moderate over time... 1998-1999: Can't be the meds, so: New dx – Bipolar II, SSRIs with mood stabilizers, benzos, Trazodone 2000-2002: Moclobomide plus cocktail - yuck! So - Mood Stabilizers, Nortrypline (tricyclic),Trazodone. 2003-2006: Lamictal 200 mg, Nortrypline 75, Trazodone 75 - felt almost okay until they pooped out in 2006 2006 (July - December, I think) Tapered off Nortriptyline 2007 (January –June): Tapered Lamictal to 100 mg. Increased Trazodone to 125. Concentration problems came/stayed 2013 Tapered Lamictal to 80 mg. Cut to 77.5 December. 2014 Jan. Lamictal cut to 75 mg not successful 2014 Feb cut Trazodone to 112.5 April 22 Trazodone to 108, Lamictal to 75. Badness! Lamictal back to 77.5 , Traz still at 108. July 19 cut Trazodone to 104 ish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 Sorry to hear that HollyH. I think that is what I feared. What really gets me about hospitals making all their employees get one even if they don't have direct contact with patient is that it doesn't protect patients against visitors who many have very germs that they can spread. It is crazy. Anyway, I hope you feel better. 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...
HollyH Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Hi compsports: I do feel a bit better, thanks, other than some brainfog. Although that could just be a Monday "back to work" thing! 1992-1997 Succession of SSRIs, Wellbutrin, Tricyclics - moderate depression became not so moderate over time... 1998-1999: Can't be the meds, so: New dx – Bipolar II, SSRIs with mood stabilizers, benzos, Trazodone 2000-2002: Moclobomide plus cocktail - yuck! So - Mood Stabilizers, Nortrypline (tricyclic),Trazodone. 2003-2006: Lamictal 200 mg, Nortrypline 75, Trazodone 75 - felt almost okay until they pooped out in 2006 2006 (July - December, I think) Tapered off Nortriptyline 2007 (January –June): Tapered Lamictal to 100 mg. Increased Trazodone to 125. Concentration problems came/stayed 2013 Tapered Lamictal to 80 mg. Cut to 77.5 December. 2014 Jan. Lamictal cut to 75 mg not successful 2014 Feb cut Trazodone to 112.5 April 22 Trazodone to 108, Lamictal to 75. Badness! Lamictal back to 77.5 , Traz still at 108. July 19 cut Trazodone to 104 ish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 Hi compsports: I do feel a bit better, thanks, other than some brainfog. Although that could just be a Monday "back to work" thing! Glad you have some improvement although I am sorry to hear about the brainfog. Hope that disappears quickly. 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...
summer Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I got my flu shot 4 weeks ago. I've been getting it since age 65 at the beginning of Sept. Significant info on the net about the importance of seniors getting the flu shot. I didn't have any side effects... easy peasy. My step-grandson (age 11 at the time) almost died a few years ago when he got the H1N1 bug a few years back. He was rushed to the hospital with a fever of 105 and his mom was told had he not gone to the hospital he wouldn't have made it. My son got it also, but not as bad. They both didn't get the shot that year. The shot doesn't cover everything that is going around now, but it does prevent many variations of flu type illnesses. I'm around my granddaughter and grandson all the time... not taking any chances of passing anything on to them. Grandd got flu mist yesterday... grandson only 9 months old. Charter Member 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenwind Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 I was doing well last week and three days ago when I picked up my medication, pharmacist asked me to get a flu shot. Then I decided to get it. Since the next day, I have been really tired, my legs are numb, can't get up in the morning and little depressed. It was the debate between a possibility of having flu (I get flu easily) or a bad reaction. I am realizing that at the moment, I am very sensitive about whatever comes into my body since I had an acute WD symptoms and a terrible reaction to antibiotics in the past 2 months, 2004 Sept paxil 2005 July I quit Paxil(CT) Sept., acute WD/relapse then reinstated Paxil. In 5 days felt better. 2006 March quit Paxil (CT) again then April acute WD/relapse reinstated Paxil. In 5 days felt better. 2010 Oct. I had the same episode above 2011, I had a breast cancer (stage 1) and doctor changed Paxil to Effexor 37.5 mg. (she said effexor works for hot flushes and it's better for me) 2012 in May, Effexor dose was increased to 75 mg because it wasn't working much for my hot flushes. 2014 in May, I changed back to 37.5 mg. Because of few of the side effects I did not like. My breast cancer is now all cleared. 2012-2014 I was quitting effexor every 3 months without knowing the harmful consequences. no WD until 2014 Aug. 2014 2014 Aug 25 after 1.5 months of off Effexor, WD reinstated 75mg for 10 days and got adverse reaction then Finally found this forum 2014 Sept 1 reduced the dose to 37.5 2014 Sept 20 took antibiotics (amoxillin) for tooth implant which led me to terrible WDS again Oct 13 started to taper; took 4 beads out of 38. had one great week and Oct 21, after flu shot, acute WD I realized each cap has a different number of beads. Started to count 34 beads. Waves and Windows in 2 weeks interval. 2014 Dec. 28 Started Prozac bridge with my psychiatrist's instruction. Added Prozac 5mg 2015 Jan 07 started to taper Effexor 5 beads everyday 2015 Jan 13 Effexpr 0 beads +Prozac 1.25 ml (5 mg) +Klonopin 0.25 mg at night: since tapering off Effexor, feeling great, much less tinnitus and tingling pain 2015 Jan 22 increased Prozac to 10 mg due to the depression. supplement: fish oil 2400 multi Vt. Jan 8 changed to EPA 1200 + DHA 600 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildflower0214 Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 These vaccines are loaded with heavy metals. I'm not saying they are not necessary in some cases, but we are as over vaccinated as we are over medicated. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyH Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 It's been two months since my flu shot and it has not been a good time. I was sick off and on for 6 weeks. Unusually difficult moods as well,which is why I haven't been posting. Can I say for sure it was the vaccine? No. But I think it could be. If I do get another flu shot, ever, it will have to be the kind without thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative. 1992-1997 Succession of SSRIs, Wellbutrin, Tricyclics - moderate depression became not so moderate over time... 1998-1999: Can't be the meds, so: New dx – Bipolar II, SSRIs with mood stabilizers, benzos, Trazodone 2000-2002: Moclobomide plus cocktail - yuck! So - Mood Stabilizers, Nortrypline (tricyclic),Trazodone. 2003-2006: Lamictal 200 mg, Nortrypline 75, Trazodone 75 - felt almost okay until they pooped out in 2006 2006 (July - December, I think) Tapered off Nortriptyline 2007 (January –June): Tapered Lamictal to 100 mg. Increased Trazodone to 125. Concentration problems came/stayed 2013 Tapered Lamictal to 80 mg. Cut to 77.5 December. 2014 Jan. Lamictal cut to 75 mg not successful 2014 Feb cut Trazodone to 112.5 April 22 Trazodone to 108, Lamictal to 75. Badness! Lamictal back to 77.5 , Traz still at 108. July 19 cut Trazodone to 104 ish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NowhereMan76 Posted December 18, 2014 Share Posted December 18, 2014 I have had the flu shots many times, including this year. I've never had a reaction. --- Started in June 2004 - Lexapro 10MG Off and on from 2004 to 2008 - Lexapro 10MG October 2008 - Lexapro 10MG Late April 2012 - Lexapro 5MG Late August 2012 - Cold Turkey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted December 18, 2014 Author Share Posted December 18, 2014 Thank you all for your responses. Well, I never got a flu shot, was around my great niece and as far as I know, I didn't cause her harm. In an interesting bit of ironic timing, I got an online message from my doctor's office telling me I needed to get my flu shot since records have shown I never obtained on. No thank you. 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...
Muddles Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 My daughter was supposed to have the flu shot at school a couple of weeks ago and I was at a loss at if I should let her have it. I read up and found a lot of articles about vaccines and decided against it. There were a lot of children who didn't have it which makes me wonder if folk are becoming more aware of possible side effects of these jabs. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babs Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 These vaccines are loaded with heavy metals. I'm not saying they are not necessary in some cases, but we are as over vaccinated as we are over medicated. This is pretty much my view too. I'm over 50 and get the shots pushed on me every winter and I usually stubbornly refuse, for no particular reason other than I hate pharma companies and I think if I keep my immune system healthy I won't get it. Although for some strange reason, last year I accepted the shot. I am long past withdrawal so don't have to worry about any issues there. Paxil 20mg 1994-2005Tried to quit twice, finally did it on my 3rd attempt in 2005. I went from 20mg to zero in about four months, believing at the time that it was a reasonable taper. It wasn't. I suffered mostly emotional symptoms: frequent episodes of "anxious depression" lasting for about 17 months before it got noticeably better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted December 20, 2014 Author Share Posted December 20, 2014 These vaccines are loaded with heavy metals. I'm not saying they are not necessary in some cases, but we are as over vaccinated as we are over medicated. This is pretty much my view too. I'm over 50 and get the shots pushed on me every winter and I usually stubbornly refuse, for no particular reason other than I hate pharma companies and I think if I keep my immune system healthy I won't get it. Although for some strange reason, last year I accepted the shot. I am long past withdrawal so don't have to worry about any issues there. Babs, When I went to a walk in clinic earlier this year to get the wax taken out of my ears since it was easier to get to than my doctor's office, I got the bleeping flu shot question pushed on me. I had a hard time getting the woman to shut up about it even though I was diplomatic. I guess they aren't used to people refusing their advice. Because of my sleep issues, I feel my system is quite hypersensitive so I definitely worry about taking meds and OTC remedies. And since I can't remember the last time I had the flu, I am not messing with success. 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...
Mentor ang Posted December 23, 2014 Mentor Share Posted December 23, 2014 I had one flu shot, years ago, got sick as a dog, with full blown flu. I will never have another one. Yes, may have had the flu before the shot, but I never felt sick before that damn shot. 1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression. Serotonin syndrome, oh yes! seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol. Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly) pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby). 98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout.... Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol, and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg tegretol 400mg. Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.Mid 15 .... 75mg seroquel, 3 x 1800mg SJW 2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW:::: 28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::; 18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump. 23/9 3mg....., 27/9 0mg. Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg............. LIGHTBULB MOMENT, I have MTHFR 2x mutations. CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it. Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted December 27, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 27, 2014 Seems to be a wide range of responses on this one. I work in a hospital and get a flu shot every year, have never had a problem with any immunizations. 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...
Wildflower0214 Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 These vaccines are loaded with heavy metals. I'm not saying they are not necessary in some cases, but we are as over vaccinated as we are over medicated. This is pretty much my view too. I'm over 50 and get the shots pushed on me every winter and I usually stubbornly refuse, for no particular reason other than I hate pharma companies and I think if I keep my immune system healthy I won't get it. Although for some strange reason, last year I accepted the shot. I am long past withdrawal so don't have to worry about any issues there. Babs, When I went to a walk in clinic earlier this year to get the wax taken out of my ears since it was easier to get to than my doctor's office, I got the bleeping flu shot question pushed on me. I had a hard time getting the woman to shut up about it even though I was diplomatic. I guess they aren't used to people refusing their advice. Because of my sleep issues, I feel my system is quite hypersensitive so I definitely worry about taking meds and OTC remedies. And since I can't remember the last time I had the flu, I am not messing with success. CS Ya, I don't think it wise in our position. But every person is different. I also come from a family that doesn't jump on the antibiotic and vaccine train. My parents refused to give me the whopping cough vaccine because I had febrile seizures when I was very young. This vaccine is known to pose a risk of seizure disorders. I'm not saying vaccines are not necessary some of the time. But, it seems to me, that the medical industry is just that... An industry. A business. And when there is money to be made, I can guarantee someone is not telling the full truth. And, given my experimce with psych meds, I doubt it is very different regarding other pharm products...like...you guessed it.... Vaccines. Why would I assume GSK is telling the truth about vaccines when I know they certainly hide part, if not all of the truth about psych meds they produce? And as far as I know, GSK is one of the major companies pushing flu shots. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
imac Posted January 18, 2015 Share Posted January 18, 2015 I know each case is different but at 22 months off meds I got the tetnus vaccine and within 2 weeks I got intense head rushes and squeezing in my brain and Bp disregulation. I barely slept for a year afterwards. Up all night every night with these major rushes and pressure squeezing in my brain. Had MRI's and saw a neurologist. I suggested the vaccine did this to me and they laughed at me. It seemed too coincidental to all of a sudden have a new horrific symptom at 22 months off. Anyhow. I suffered with this daily for about 15 months. Then it finally began to subside. It now only occurs occasionally ( one night every few weeks). I searched similar stories of what I've had and found nobody on PP or here or anywhere else who had this awful symptom. I just found someone in benzo buddies mention getting this exact same problem about 2 weeks after a flu shot. This person was 18 months off meds and fully healed. They believe the flu shot put them into acute WD that lasted 3 long hard years after they were already healed from ssri/ benzo WD. I will never take another vaccine again but we are all different and react differently. I've just never had an issue with a vaccine before in my life and I've had quite a few flu shots. It's really a crap shoot. We take the risk either way. 13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft 2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” ― Mahatma Gandhi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildflower0214 Posted January 18, 2015 Share Posted January 18, 2015 I know each case is different but at 22 months off meds I got the tetnus vaccine and within 2 weeks I got intense head rushes and squeezing in my brain and Bp disregulation. I barely slept for a year afterwards. Up all night every night with these major rushes and pressure squeezing in my brain. Had MRI's and saw a neurologist. I suggested the vaccine did this to me and they laughed at me. It seemed too coincidental to all of a sudden have a new horrific symptom at 22 months off. Anyhow. I suffered with this daily for about 15 months. Then it finally began to subside. It now only occurs occasionally ( one night every few weeks). I searched similar stories of what I've had and found nobody on PP or here or anywhere else who had this awful symptom. I just found someone in benzo buddies mention getting this exact same problem about 2 weeks after a flu shot. This person was 18 months off meds and fully healed. They believe the flu shot put them into acute WD that lasted 3 long hard years after they were already healed from ssri/ benzo WD. I will never take another vaccine again but we are all different and react differently. I've just never had an issue with a vaccine before in my life and I've had quite a few flu shots. It's really a crap shoot. We take the risk either way. This is scary, because it's like we never really heal. The waves may stop, but one round of antibiotics, a surgery, or a vaccine can send Us straight back into WD. Makes me wonder, I'm not sure we ever fully recover from this. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
imac Posted January 18, 2015 Share Posted January 18, 2015 I know each case is different but at 22 months off meds I got the tetnus vaccine and within 2 weeks I got intense head rushes and squeezing in my brain and Bp disregulation. I barely slept for a year afterwards. Up all night every night with these major rushes and pressure squeezing in my brain. Had MRI's and saw a neurologist. I suggested the vaccine did this to me and they laughed at me. It seemed too coincidental to all of a sudden have a new horrific symptom at 22 months off. Anyhow. I suffered with this daily for about 15 months. Then it finally began to subside. It now only occurs occasionally ( one night every few weeks). I searched similar stories of what I've had and found nobody on PP or here or anywhere else who had this awful symptom. I just found someone in benzo buddies mention getting this exact same problem about 2 weeks after a flu shot. This person was 18 months off meds and fully healed. They believe the flu shot put them into acute WD that lasted 3 long hard years after they were already healed from ssri/ benzo WD. I will never take another vaccine again but we are all different and react differently. I've just never had an issue with a vaccine before in my life and I've had quite a few flu shots. It's really a crap shoot. We take the risk either way. This is scary, because it's like we never really heal. The waves may stop, but one round of antibiotics, a surgery, or a vaccine can send Us straight back into WD. Makes me wonder, I'm not sure we ever fully recover from this. I have often wondered this too. Maybe our systems need a good decade or so to desensitize and it's just hard to be AB free and vaccine free and medication free due to life circumstances. Some people can tolerate many things after WD. Even drinking. Others can't. I think my only fear now is what if I get sick? I'm scared to take anything at all. What if I ever need surgery. Otherwise I live a super clean life now and I'm glad for it. If it weren't for WD I'd probably not be half as healthy as I am now. 13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft 2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” ― Mahatma Gandhi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildflower0214 Posted January 18, 2015 Share Posted January 18, 2015 I know each case is different but at 22 months off meds I got the tetnus vaccine and within 2 weeks I got intense head rushes and squeezing in my brain and Bp disregulation. I barely slept for a year afterwards. Up all night every night with these major rushes and pressure squeezing in my brain. Had MRI's and saw a neurologist. I suggested the vaccine did this to me and they laughed at me. It seemed too coincidental to all of a sudden have a new horrific symptom at 22 months off. Anyhow. I suffered with this daily for about 15 months. Then it finally began to subside. It now only occurs occasionally ( one night every few weeks). I searched similar stories of what I've had and found nobody on PP or here or anywhere else who had this awful symptom. I just found someone in benzo buddies mention getting this exact same problem about 2 weeks after a flu shot. This person was 18 months off meds and fully healed. They believe the flu shot put them into acute WD that lasted 3 long hard years after they were already healed from ssri/ benzo WD. I will never take another vaccine again but we are all different and react differently. I've just never had an issue with a vaccine before in my life and I've had quite a few flu shots. It's really a crap shoot. We take the risk either way. This is scary, because it's like we never really heal. The waves may stop, but one round of antibiotics, a surgery, or a vaccine can send Us straight back into WD.Makes me wonder, I'm not sure we ever fully recover from this. I have often wondered this too. Maybe our systems need a good decade or so to desensitize and it's just hard to be AB free and vaccine free and medication free due to life circumstances. Some people can tolerate many things after WD. Even drinking. Others can't. I think my only fear now is what if I get sick? I'm scared to take anything at all. What if I ever need surgery. Otherwise I live a super clean life now and I'm glad for it. If it weren't for WD I'd probably not be half as healthy as I am now. I'm just scared crapless that this will follow me around for a long long time. It's too much to swallow. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
imac Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I think you mentioned on another tread that you're still in acute. Trust me. You won't feel THIS bad forever. It's hard to gain perspective when you are In that bad of shape. I still suffer with a lot of symptoms but if I was told I still have 10 years of healing to do it wouldn't scare me because my symptoms have been tolerable for a few months now. I don't think people are in acute for years and years and years. It just scares the people in acute to hear this because they can only associate and relate to anything with their current feelings of terror. If that makes any sense to you. 13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft 2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” ― Mahatma Gandhi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btdt Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I think you mentioned on another tread that you're still in acute. Trust me. You won't feel THIS bad forever. It's hard to gain perspective when you are In that bad of shape. I still suffer with a lot of symptoms but if I was told I still have 10 years of healing to do it wouldn't scare me because my symptoms have been tolerable for a few months now. I don't think people are in acute for years and years and years. It just scares the people in acute to hear this because they can only associate and relate to anything with their current feelings of terror. If that makes any sense to you. Thank you for saying this and it is worth repeating... peace WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaskamom Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I've had flu shots for years on Paxil and tapering with no side effects; however, sometimes the shot for the year doesn't match the strains going around. This year, Influenza A is hitting hard, but it isn't in the shot. We always seem to get some form of flu or bad virus most every year, but as my DH says, it could be much worse (symptomwise) if we didn't get it. 1998- Began taking 20 mg. of Paxil for homesickness 2001-CT and crash/hospitalized 1 week for anxiety. Tried quitting, changing to other ADs, gave up. 2014 -Weaned @ 10% every 4 weeks. Latest 5-14 11.7 mg., 6-14 10.5 mg., 8-21 9.5 mg., 9-17 7.7 mg.,10-14 6.9 mg., 11-14 6.2 mg., 12-14 5.6 mg., 1-15 5.0 mg. 2-15 4.5 mg. (miscalculated may actually be 3.3), up-dosed to 3.7 3-17-15. Hydroxyzine HCl 25 mg. as needed (antihistamine) for anxiety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imac Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I've had flu shots for years on Paxil and tapering with no side effects; however, sometimes the shot for the year doesn't match the strains going around. This year, Influenza A is hitting hard, but it isn't in the shot. We always seem to get some form of flu or bad virus most every year, but as my DH says, it could be much worse (symptomwise) if we didn't get it.It goes to show how different we all are. I haven't had a flu shot in years and haven't even had so much as a cold for 5 years ( even all through WD ). Got my first cold this winter in 5 years. When I did have flu shots while on PAXIL years ago, I got the flu every year. LoL 13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft 2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” ― Mahatma Gandhi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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