Flowers: tapering citalopram

[Flowers]

19 hours ago, Frogie said:

Flowers:

 

I was sick with daily nausea and diarrhea for 9 months.

 

I just stuck it out without tapering.

 

The dr prescribed Cholestyramine and had me take probiotics. It stopped the diarrhea. I niw take a digestive enzyme and Metamucil everyday and do pretty well. But I know exactly how you feel.

 

I'm sorry your nausea has come back, you were doing so well.

 

I'm not a mod, but I think you being on 2 meds might have something to do with this? But I'm just like you, trying to get off this poison. So don't take my info to heart. I'm just telling you what happened with me.

 

Keep me up to date. 

 

Take care.

Frogie xx

Hi Frogie

 

I completely missed this post of yours yesterday! So sorry.

 

Would you know that the nausea hasn't been so bad today and I managed breakfast and lunch! Still in a nasty wave though.

 

I hear what you are saying about being on Ven and Cit together.  When I reacted badly to Ven my Dr took me off quickly and put me straight back on Cit. I suffered with terrible symptoms so Andy suggested reinstating a small amount of Ven to take the edge off which it did. The Ven never agreed with me so any I am putting in my body is too much I think! 

 

I am keeping a daily diary hour by hour to see if I can pinpoint what is going on and how I feel after taking these meds. Maybe it will be a case of having to taper off the Ven sooner rather that later.

 

Thank you for your observation regarding this and your kind comments.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

[PatriciaVP]

Hi Flowers,

 

Thanks for stopping by my thread. Sorry to hear that you are feeling just as poorly as I am especially after having held for so long. The relentless nature of this process can be so discouraging, but I do believe it will end. One of these waves will be the last one. We will heal.

 

Please let us know what happens with the liver enzyme test, and how you're using it to inform your taper. Someone suggested it for me, but I wasn't sure what difference knowing these things would make. Maybe if I understood better how to use the results....

 

Hang in there, dear Flowers, and I will endeavour to do the same.

[Flowers]

Nausea and diarrhea not so bad this morning so I may get to eat something today! I wake up with a different symptom everyday.

Today I am exhausted and my hands are aching. Yesterday I was dizzy, shaky and  agitated.

 

We have a lot of people coming over here on holiday and they want to see us. It is hard because I want to see them and socialise but sometimes just can't. If I do manage to meet up with them it is exhausting constantly trying to act as though everything is normal. When underneath I am feeling really depressed or anxious or both. 

 

As for the liver enzyme gene test - I have to go to a walk in clinic which is about 1 - 2 hours drive away. They do  the test and it takes about a month for results  to come back. It is expensive but it might just be worth it. The test results come straight back to me so I will either have to get them translated into English or take them to my Dr who knows I am having the test. I just have to wait for a day when I feel well enough to make the journey to the clinic.

 

This clinic do another test but I am not sure about it. It is a nutritional assessment of the brain to check if you are eating correctly to give you a good healthy brain and if not maybe supplementing.

 

The test includes:

 

Neurotransmitters (Urine test) dopamine,serotonin,noradrenaline.

 

Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.

 

Vitamins and minerals Ferritin, Folic Acid,Cobalamin,Zinc, Selenium.

 

Homocysteine. Vitamins B6, B9 or B12.

 

If anyone has any thoughts or experience of this nutritional assessment I would appreciate any feedback.  I will probably have the liver enzyme test done first and if that doesn't show up anything give more consideration to the other one.

 

Hope every one is having a good a day as possible.

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AmyK]

Hi Flowers! I would definately take the second test. If it shows deficiancy in minerals and vitamins it's so easy to eat better food and get the needed supplements (if one can tolerate them). I did a test like that and it showed my ferritin (iron storage) as ultra low. 

Does it also show thyroid levels? 

As for the neurotransmitters I am very hesitant. Could that really show in urine? 

 

Take care, Flowers! I am thinking of you. Hugs! 

[Flowers]

Hi Amy

 

Great to hear from you. How are you doing? See from your sig you managed to get off completely. Well done I am so pleased for you!

 

As for the tests I welcome your comments. I am a bit sceptical about the neurotransmitters too. It says ' the analysis of the urinary catabolites of the three principal neurotransmitters is a peripheral indicator of its activity'. This means nothing to me!

 

Yes, you can also have TSH and TPO done on this test.

 

What did you do when they found your iron was low? Did you have to take supplements and did it help you feel better in WD?

 

So many questions!

 

Love from Flowers xxx

[Flowers]

https://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/validity_of_nt_testing.html

 

I have just been reading this article which makes the motives for   Brain Screen testing  more clear.

 

Flowers

 

xxxx

[joy2730]

Hi Flowers, I have hold of the 'wrong end of the stick', I thought you were going for a blood test to see whether you genetically were able to tolerate citalopram, but I think I have got that wrong.  Below is a quick summary I have copied from the internet of what I thought you were going for.

 

Drug-gene testing — also called pharmacogenomics or pharmacogenetics — is the study of how genes affect your body's response to medication. ... The P450 enzyme with the most variation in different people is the CYP2D6, which processes many antidepressants and antipsychotic medications.

 

Flowers I am so sorry you are not feeling well and having to 'pretend' to feel well for the benefit of others - I know what that feels like, it is a lonely place to be.

 

Regarding your testing, I would thoroughly look into it and then, if you felt able to spend the money, go for it.  You only get one life and it may, or may not, help you.  If you are prepared to accept it may not help and run that risk, the benefits could be great.  If you were very short of money it would be different, there isn't a price tag on health.

 

I hadn't realised you didn't feel well enough to travel the 2 hrs needed for the testing, that is quite serious!  Does your doctor think you will benefit from the test? 

 

I hope today isn't too bad for you.

Joy

[AmyK]

Thankyou, Flowers. It feels very good to be off, even though I am not really back to myself yet. 

I take iron supplements. I cant tell really if they make any difference, but I think they are. They are very high on iron. 

I just thought it would be good for you to to take a test like this too, it wouldnt hurt. 

I hope you find relief soon, Flowers. Many hugs! 

[PinballWizard]

Flowers,

 

I am new to your forum. You have had a long and hard journey to get where you are today. I am proud of you. Everyone here has given me the courage to start lowering my doses. I am planning it start tapering off Citalopram (20mg/day) in September 2017. Waiting for my Valium withdrawals to subside. Thanks to your experiences, I am going to take it slow and give myself the time to heal both physically and mentally.

 

I hope you feel better, and I will continue to follow you.

 

Stay strong,

PW

[Flowers]

5 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Hi Flowers, I have hold of the 'wrong end of the stick', I thought you were going for a blood test to see whether you genetically were able to tolerate citalopram, but I think I have got that wrong.  Below is a quick summary I have copied from the internet of what I thought you were going for.

 

Drug-gene testing — also called pharmacogenomics or pharmacogenetics — is the study of how genes affect your body's response to medication. ... The P450 enzyme with the most variation in different people is the CYP2D6, which processes many antidepressants and antipsychotic medications.

 

Flowers I am so sorry you are not feeling well and having to 'pretend' to feel well for the benefit of others - I know what that feels like, it is a lonely place to be.

 

Regarding your testing, I would thoroughly look into it and then, if you felt able to spend the money, go for it.  You only get one life and it may, or may not, help you.  If you are prepared to accept it may not help and run that risk, the benefits could be great.  If you were very short of money it would be different, there isn't a price tag on health.

 

I hadn't realised you didn't feel well enough to travel the 2 hrs needed for the testing, that is quite serious!  Does your doctor think you will benefit from the test? 

 

I hope today isn't too bad for you.

Joy

Hi Joy

 

You haven't got the wrong end of the stick! I am going to get the P450 enzyme test. While I was reading the other stuff from the clinic I noticed another test they do for nutritional brain screening. I am not sure about this one!

 

When I am in a wave I can't do much and it depends which particular symptom I have as they change on a daily basis! 

 

I think my Dr thinks I am neurotic! He tells me not to worry about everything but he is not in WD. When I discussed the test with him he was amazed I had even heard of it. I think he realises it will help me to know whether I can metabolise Citalopram as some days I really feel like it is poisoning me! It will probably turn out to be WD but you never know.

 

Today hasn't been so bad. I managed to eat lunch and dinner.

 

Hope all OK with you.

 

Flowers xxx

[Flowers]

1 hour ago, PinballWizard said:

Flowers,

 

I am new to your forum. You have had a long and hard journey to get where you are today. I am proud of you. Everyone here has given me the courage to start lowering my doses. I am planning it start tapering off Citalopram (20mg/day) in September 2017. Waiting for my Valium withdrawals to subside. Thanks to your experiences, I am going to take it slow and give myself the time to heal both physically and mentally.

 

I hope you feel better, and I will continue to follow you.

 

Stay strong,

PW

Hi PW

 

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and encouragement.

 

I am glad that my experiences have helped you to plan how you are going to taper off Cit. 

 

My advice to you would be not to hurry into tapering off Cit until you feel well clear of the Valium WD. I waited a year to stabilise before starting to taper off Cit and took it really slowly.

 

We are all different and you may well have a smooth taper - I really hope so.

 

I have heard that it is very hard to come off Valium so if you have managed that you are strong too. Tapering off Cit will be a walk in the park!

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

[joy2730]

Hi Flowers

 

I am so glad you are thinking of having the gene testing, I would love to have it here in the UK.  Somehow you need to be able to travel to the test when you are in a window, I wonder if you can make a provisional appointment subject to your fluctuating health - if you are paying privately that may be the case.  Sadly, money tends to call the tune.  I needed that test years ago when I pinged from one SSRI to another with disasterous results.  I think my GP surgery knows that because I once asked if I could change from epilim back to lamotrigine and my GP said due to my history of not being able to tolerate SSRIs they were very unwilling as lamotrigine contains something similar to an SSRI in it (this may or may not be true of course).  I would love the results of such a test to go into my medical notes.

 

I am in a good place today, I can tell the citalopram is lessening in me but my mood is stable.  Runny nose, very wobbly after sauna, clearer head, a bit more energy.

 

My daughter and I took Esme to the local swimming pool today for the first time, she had been in the swimming pool in Tenerife.  Esme absolutely loved it, and my neighbour was there with her little boy.  My husband fell out with this neighbour years ago, so it was good to catch up with her, and one of my carer colleagues was there with her baby niece and her partner, so it was a perfect little mix really.  We dipped Esme completely under the water twice, there is a theory this is good for babies at present, and she was not phased at all.  I looked after Esme while my daughter swam and then she looked after Esme while I swam, then they waited in reception while I went in the sauna.  We are going to repeat again next Tuesday.  No photos are allowed in british swimming pools, I wonder if it is the same in Spain.  Esme has brought something new into my life, which I really needed.  My husband and I get on OK but the years have taken their toll and perhaps we are not as close as we should be.  My mental health has taken its toll on us as a couple, even me getting better has taken its toll as the dynamics of our relationship has changed. 

 

I walked our farm dog out tonight, and then back to work tomorrow.  So I am doing OK Flowers at present.  I am sleeping well and even managed an afternoon snooze today, which I love, I have all my best sleeps in the afternoons.

 

I am hoping I can completely stabilise on 18 mg, and make a success of that.

 

Your internet friend, Joy.  Hoping you will be a little better tomorrow too.

 

 

 

[Frogie]

Hi Flowers:

 

Just thought I would drop by and say hello.

 

Hope you are feeling well, and no nausea.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

Hi! Especially to Joy and Frogie and JC 

 

I am pleased to say that I am in one of my fortnightly windows! It is just great to have a break from all the horrible symptoms that have plagued me so much this year. I am enjoying every minute of these precious moments as don't know how long they will last before I am plunged back into a wave again. I am feeling normal and have a lot of energy. 

 

It has coincided with lots going on at work which I can't do but can organise others to take some responsibilities off my husband's shoulders. Also, we have friends over here visiting their holiday homes so I have been able to go out and socialise and have dinner with them.

 

It is very hot here now and the town is buzzing with tourists so am avoiding all that. Managing to get a swim in the bay daily to cool off.

 

I am keeping my journal up to date so I can reflect on these days if and when times get hard again.

 

So to all those out there reading this........ if you are struggling in a wave, just get through it the best you can because you may find a window comes along very soon. I have learnt from experience never to give up hope. 

 

Thanks for all the encouragement and support my friends.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

[Junglechicken]

Flowers,

 

Thats wonderful news!

 

REALLY happy for you, and this new window came round quickly too.  You are getting there 

 

You have been so brave, and your determination has paid off.

 

Have fun!

 

Love, JC xxx

[Frogie]

Hi Flowers:

 

I'm so happy to hear that! I was getting worried, hadn't heard from you. You were out having the time of your life.

 

Keep it up.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[joy2730]

What fantastic news Flowers.  Things are settling for you, perhaps it won't break at 2 weeks but will continue longer.  I hope you are not so busy that you stop making your daily notes that show the pattern of your symptoms.

 

A daily swim - how lovely.  I gather you must be sleeping well too.  Busy with work, that is a good distraction.

 

Perhaps the citalopram is really doing it job now and the venlafaxine is releasing its hold on you.

 

You must enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

 

As at today, Friday 14 2017, Flowers and Joy are in a good place, Frogie is struggling a little.

 

Take care everyone, it is so important to document the good days every bit as much as the bad, otherwise we are not getting the full picture.

 

Joy

[Flowers]

Thanks JC, Frogie and Joy

 

Whilst these windows are wonderful in giving us an opportunity to do normal things and enjoy life a little it sure is hard when a wave hits again!

 

I have had a brilliant few days for which I am so grateful - today I am not so good and am experiencing nausea and feeling quite tearful although I have managed to keep the tears at bay. It might be that I am just tired as there has been a lot going on for me to cope with - all nice things though!

 

Will see what tomorrow brings.

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

[joy2730]

Has all the wired feeling stopped now Flowers or are you still getting some from the small amount of venlafaxine you are still taking?

 

I havecal add o been thinking that if someone is a poor metabolise of SSRIS does that mean they have a far worse time withdrawing from these mess.   Perhaps a moderator can answer that - it is something that I have often thought about.

 

Take care Flowers and let us know how the next few days pan out for you.  You may well be tired.  I have been on that position before and sometimes it is just tiredness and not withdrawal or depression. 

 

Joy

[Dan998]

It's so cruel when a wave hits after having such a nice window. When we are in a window we forget about the waves and vice versa.

 

It is such a cruel fate to be in withdrawal, but like you say, we will have to see what tomorrow brings. Fingers crossed that it's something nice.

[nick1990]

Sorry to hear about your window closing Flowers. And sorry i haven't been active on your thread either. I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and sending you healing vibes!!

Your going to stabilize. I did. Everyone does. It just takes longer than we hope for. But it'll happen. Just keep things steady. And then you can continue tapering and one day this will all be but a blurry memory.  Ive found when I'm not feeling good and having symptoms that green smoothies are great. Kale, spinach etc.. They taste kind of like lawn clippings but that stuff does you so good and takes no toll your body, whilst blasting you with nutrients that your brain and nervous system are craving. Buy organic though

 

Seriously though, i believe so much of this process can be sped up and symptoms minimized through diet and lifestyle.  Its working for me and worked for me at the worst of times.

 

Im still tapering away. Little bit faster than originally but I'm watching my body and its reactions closely. Having a few symptoms now and then, especially on day 4-5-6 after a drop but they're mild and I'm mostly feeling good. I think I'm doing pretty darn well and am living in the sunshine with my good friends and surfing most days. Starting a new job tomorrow at an Organic Cafe (If the trial goes well). Almost down to 35mg now from 45mg in November - definitely noticing improvements. Should be down to 20mg or less by next September. 

 

Any way - you take care and look after yourself. Ill be keeping an eye on the forum, especially when I'm having not so good days haha and I'm sure within a few months you'll be back to yourself .

 

Love and hugs

Nick

[Flowers]

10 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Has all the wired feeling stopped now Flowers or are you still getting some from the small amount of venlafaxine you are still taking?

 

I havecal add o been thinking that if someone is a poor metabolise of SSRIS does that mean they have a far worse time withdrawing from these mess.   Perhaps a moderator can answer that - it is something that I have often thought about.

 

Take care Flowers and let us know how the next few days pan out for you.  You may well be tired.  I have been on that position before and sometimes it is just tiredness and not withdrawal or depression. 

 

Joy

Hi Joy

 

I am not so wired now but do have cortisol mornings when in a wave. I wake up early heart banging, feeling jittery in my stomach. 

 

When in a wave like today I wake up with those things but also with a streaming nose and chesty cough. Stomach upset and feeling sick. It's almost like an allergy to something but I haven't eaten or been exposed to anything different. 

 

I really want to get this liver enzyme test done. My husband hasn't been able to take me yet as he's been too busy so maybe next week we can make the trip. 

 

Am just going to rest today and hope for the best!

 

Flowers xxx

[Flowers]

3 hours ago, nick1990 said:

Sorry to hear about your window closing Flowers. And sorry i haven't been active on your thread either. I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and sending you healing vibes!!

Your going to stabilize. I did. Everyone does. It just takes longer than we hope for. But it'll happen. Just keep things steady. And then you can continue tapering and one day this will all be but a blurry memory.  Ive found when I'm not feeling good and having symptoms that green smoothies are great. Kale, spinach etc.. They taste kind of like lawn clippings but that stuff does you so good and takes no toll your body, whilst blasting you with nutrients that your brain and nervous system are craving. Buy organic though

 

Seriously though, i believe so much of this process can be sped up and symptoms minimized through diet and lifestyle.  Its working for me and worked for me at the worst of times.

 

Im still tapering away. Little bit faster than originally but I'm watching my body and its reactions closely. Having a few symptoms now and then, especially on day 4-5-6 after a drop but they're mild and I'm mostly feeling good. I think I'm doing pretty darn well and am living in the sunshine with my good friends and surfing most days. Starting a new job tomorrow at an Organic Cafe (If the trial goes well). Almost down to 35mg now from 45mg in November - definitely noticing improvements. Should be down to 20mg or less by next September. 

 

Any way - you take care and look after yourself. Ill be keeping an eye on the forum, especially when I'm having not so good days haha and I'm sure within a few months you'll be back to yourself .

 

Love and hugs

Nick

Hi Nick!

 

Thanks for your kind thoughts and good to hear you are managing your taper so well. Sounds like you are having lots of fun too!

 

I am not sure I could get your green smoothies down as I am not a smoothie fan at the best of times!! I will try and give it a go when I am not so nauseous! I do eat healthily most of the time as the fruit and veg is so fresh here. 

 

Hope the job at the Organic Cafe works out OK.

 

Continue to have fun and look after yourself.

 

Love and hugs back

 

Flowers xxx

[Flowers]

9 hours ago, Dan998 said:

It's so cruel when a wave hits after having such a nice window. When we are in a window we forget about the waves and vice versa.

 

It is such a cruel fate to be in withdrawal, but like you say, we will have to see what tomorrow brings. Fingers crossed that it's something nice.

Thanks Dan.

 

Yes it is cruel, so very cruel. At least I have my memories of what I got up to in the window!

 

I am lucky that my husband is very supportive. Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to go through this alone so I don't inflict all this stuff on him. Trouble is when I am in a wave I get very needy and don't want to be alone. I have always been a strong, independent woman  and get so frustrated about what I become in a wave. 

 

Let's hope things improve for the both of us soon.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

 

 

[joy2730]

Hi flowers 

 

I recognise that neediNess -I had it really bad coming off venlafaxine - it is horrid I couldn't even bear to let my husband do his farm work.

 

Let us know abut your wave.  I am in a good place but left my pills plus tapering stuff at work so yesterday and today I had to guess my dosage and I can tell it's not as acurate.   I collected it this morning so I can be accurate again on the morning.  Lesson learnt. 

[Martina23]

Hello Flowers, good to read of you, Martina

[Flowers]

18 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Hi flowers 

 

I recognise that neediNess -I had it really bad coming off venlafaxine - it is horrid I couldn't even bear to let my husband do his farm work.

 

Let us know abut your wave.  I am in a good place but left my pills plus tapering stuff at work so yesterday and today I had to guess my dosage and I can tell it's not as acurate.   I collected it this morning so I can be accurate again on the morning.  Lesson learnt. 

Hope you are going to be OK Joy. 

 

Flowers xxx

[Flowers]

12 hours ago, Martina23 said:

Hello Flowers, good to read of you, Martina

Hi Martina! Good to hear from you.

 

How are you?

 

Flowers xxx

[Junglechicken]

On ‎19‎/‎07‎/‎2017 at 8:49 AM, Flowers said:

Thanks Dan.

 

Yes it is cruel, so very cruel. At least I have my memories of what I got up to in the window!

 

I am lucky that my husband is very supportive. Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to go through this alone so I don't inflict all this stuff on him. Trouble is when I am in a wave I get very needy and don't want to be alone. I have always been a strong, independent woman  and get so frustrated about what I become in a wave. 

 

Let's hope things improve for the both of us soon.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

On ‎19‎/‎07‎/‎2017 at 8:49 AM, Flowers said:

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Flowers,

 

The neediness thing I recognise very well.

 

I was a pathetic needy heap for months and months and HATED it if my hubby went away for a week (which he has done quite often)......got very scared etc.,, and it was only yesterday was I able to travel up to London ON MY OWN as I had some things to do; and felt absolutely fine.

 

Its only natural that we're going to feel afraid and vulnerable when hit with weird symptoms.....and that having someone there is comforting in its own right.  I also got scared if I didn't have access to medical care.

 

Your hubby knows that the medication doesn't agree with you/your CNS, and so is taking care of you.  I also understand that frustration that you were (before all this blew up), a strong, independent woman.  The wind has been taken out of our sails on that one.  This is such a mental journey of recovery, and my Naturopath keeps telling me that's its vital I remain positive and keep the faith.

 

Hang in there dear Flowers 

 

Love JC xxx

 

 

[joy2730]

Hi Flowers

 

I haven't quite got the hang of this new site yet.  Somewhere you said something about hoping it goes well following my forgetting my meds/tapering equipment at my place of work, and I can't find the thread again!

 

Well the good news is I am fine, but have a little more nausea on the morning and a little more dizziness during the day, but other than that I am fine, and my mood is great.

 

This could be from guessing the dosage or it could be from reducing anyway.  I am so glad I decided to stick at 18 mg for another 4 weeks.  The top and bottom of it all is that my body really notices the changes at a physical level, but if my mood is fine and the physical symptoms are mild I am fine.  I did feel a slight unusual tenseness as well but that has passed and I think that may be because of messing up the dosage.

 

I have eased off with my exercising a bit as I was getting muscles!  Being overweight plus muscles feels really bad.  Muscles feel bulkier than fat. I am still going to my fitness centre, just not as much, because I have discovered that even if I exercise all week but continue to eat too much and take the citalopram, I will not loose anything at all.  The sauna helps a lot for general well being, but also doesn't cause weight loss, and my swimming at my speed is never going to cause weight loss either.  I guess it is a case of everything in moderation and I am not good at moderation, I tend to be an all or nothing type of person.

 

My constipation continues to be ridiculous, but the exercise helps that a little, but again not without the laxatives.  I am becoming like some of my clients - bowel obsessed.

 

I have time off today, I just did a 'getting up' call this morning and the rest of the day is my own.  I have put Esme to bed for the past 2 nights and will see her again today.  She has a lovely nature, but my daughter is tired now and feeling the commitment.  She is still almost fully breast feeding at nearly 6 months, Esme is now having rusk/baby porridge at lunch to fill her more.  The health visitor recommended putting her onto solids at this stage a bit instead of introducing formula milk as Esme needed something extra to till her.  My daughter feels she would like to go back to work 2 days a week and I am going to be available for 1 day and my husband for the other.  We are going to try and do it as a family.  It will be a bit hotch potch covering for each other, but we brought our own kids up in this way.  Esme will have to go out on the farm a bit with my husband, but there are far worse things than that. My daughter hadn't planned to go back at all to work, but now she thinks she needs to do a little.  She complained yesterday, and with tears in her eyes, that it is basically her, the TV and 2 settees all day.  I don't see it like that, I think she has Esme and that is wonderful.  Esme is so easy as well, but I know it can be a shock to have a baby and suddenly not work.

 

My daughter said she is definitely not the mother of 2, so we must make the most of Esme.

 

To conclude, as I am rabbiting on now,  like you Flowers, if my mind/mood is OK I can manage the rest, if the physical symptoms aren't too onerous.

 

I love this site and all the support on it.  I don't think anyone who hasn't been down this withdrawal route themselves can really understand.  I would never have believed that all these small adjustments would be necessary with long holds, and that such stability of dosage was required.

 

Take care Flowers, Frogie and anyone else really this.  I am not sure if antidepressants can be made so they don't have a withdrawal syndrome given their mode of action, I hope I am wrong, but it seems strange that all classes of antidepressants to date have had these problems.  I found dothiepin horrendous.

 

Joy

[Flowers]

9 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

 

 

Hi Flowers,

 

The neediness thing I recognise very well.

 

I was a pathetic needy heap for months and months and HATED it if my hubby went away for a week (which he has done quite often)......got very scared etc.,, and it was only yesterday was I able to travel up to London ON MY OWN as I had some things to do; and felt absolutely fine.

 

Its only natural that we're going to feel afraid and vulnerable when hit with weird symptoms.....and that having someone there is comforting in its own right.  I also got scared if I didn't have access to medical care.

 

Your hubby knows that the medication doesn't agree with you/your CNS, and so is taking care of you.  I also understand that frustration that you were (before all this blew up), a strong, independent woman.  The wind has been taken out of our sails on that one.  This is such a mental journey of recovery, and my Naturopath keeps telling me that's its vital I remain positive and keep the faith.

 

Hang in there dear Flowers 

 

Love JC xxx

 

 

JC - you are always such good support and comfort to me. Thank you.

 

Well done on getting to London - that is a big step.

 

How do you keep positive? Any tips? I am such a negative person!

 

Flowers xxx

[Frogie]

Hi Flowers:

 

JC is so upbeat and such a pleasure to talk to.

 

Even when the world is falling apart, she just goes on happy.

 

I'm like you, a negative person. Everything that happens is negative to me. My therapist and I are working on that.

 

Hopefully someday we can both be like JC.

 

How's your nausea? I had a tad this week. But I've been to the dentist twice, and one more appt next week. Novacaine seems to give me nausea. 

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Flowers]

7 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Hi Flowers

 

I haven't quite got the hang of this new site yet.  Somewhere you said something about hoping it goes well following my forgetting my meds/tapering equipment at my place of work, and I can't find the thread again!

 

Well the good news is I am fine, but have a little more nausea on the morning and a little more dizziness during the day, but other than that I am fine, and my mood is great.

 

This could be from guessing the dosage or it could be from reducing anyway.  I am so glad I decided to stick at 18 mg for another 4 weeks.  The top and bottom of it all is that my body really notices the changes at a physical level, but if my mood is fine and the physical symptoms are mild I am fine.  I did feel a slight unusual tenseness as well but that has passed and I think that may be because of messing up the dosage.

 

I have eased off with my exercising a bit as I was getting muscles!  Being overweight plus muscles feels really bad.  Muscles feel bulkier than fat. I am still going to my fitness centre, just not as much, because I have discovered that even if I exercise all week but continue to eat too much and take the citalopram, I will not loose anything at all.  The sauna helps a lot for general well being, but also doesn't cause weight loss, and my swimming at my speed is never going to cause weight loss either.  I guess it is a case of everything in moderation and I am not good at moderation, I tend to be an all or nothing type of person.

 

My constipation continues to be ridiculous, but the exercise helps that a little, but again not without the laxatives.  I am becoming like some of my clients - bowel obsessed.

 

I have time off today, I just did a 'getting up' call this morning and the rest of the day is my own.  I have put Esme to bed for the past 2 nights and will see her again today.  She has a lovely nature, but my daughter is tired now and feeling the commitment.  She is still almost fully breast feeding at nearly 6 months, Esme is now having rusk/baby porridge at lunch to fill her more.  The health visitor recommended putting her onto solids at this stage a bit instead of introducing formula milk as Esme needed something extra to till her.  My daughter feels she would like to go back to work 2 days a week and I am going to be available for 1 day and my husband for the other.  We are going to try and do it as a family.  It will be a bit hotch potch covering for each other, but we brought our own kids up in this way.  Esme will have to go out on the farm a bit with my husband, but there are far worse things than that. My daughter hadn't planned to go back at all to work, but now she thinks she needs to do a little.  She complained yesterday, and with tears in her eyes, that it is basically her, the TV and 2 settees all day.  I don't see it like that, I think she has Esme and that is wonderful.  Esme is so easy as well, but I know it can be a shock to have a baby and suddenly not work.

 

My daughter said she is definitely not the mother of 2, so we must make the most of Esme.

 

To conclude, as I am rabbiting on now,  like you Flowers, if my mind/mood is OK I can manage the rest, if the physical symptoms aren't too onerous.

 

I love this site and all the support on it.  I don't think anyone who hasn't been down this withdrawal route themselves can really understand.  I would never have believed that all these small adjustments would be necessary with long holds, and that such stability of dosage was required.

 

Take care Flowers, Frogie and anyone else really this.  I am not sure if antidepressants can be made so they don't have a withdrawal syndrome given their mode of action, I hope I am wrong, but it seems strange that all classes of antidepressants to date have had these problems.  I found dothiepin horrendous.

 

Joy

Hi Joy

 

Glad everything is OK after the blip. Maybe you can find an exercise regime that still gives you pleasure but not so many muscles! You have tried very hard to lose weight but if the exercise isn't having the desired effect then you are right in cutting down. 

 

I know you will be enjoying your time with Esme and it is so good of you to look after her to enable your daughter to get back to work. Maybe she misses her friends at work? 

 

I have learnt so much from this site and am still learning and of course have made some very good friends. Well I like to count you all as friends!

 

Who knows what the future AD's will do but it would be good to think that they could come up with something that doesn't cripple you when you try to get off it!

 

Take care

 

Flowers xxx 

[Junglechicken]

7 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Hi Flowers:

 

JC is so upbeat and such a pleasure to talk to.

 

Even when the world is falling apart, she just goes on happy.

 

I'm like you, a negative person. Everything that happens is negative to me. My therapist and I are working on that.

 

Hopefully someday we can both be like JC.

 

How's your nausea? I had a tad this week. But I've been to the dentist twice, and one more appt next week. Novacaine seems to give me nausea. 

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

Both,

Maybe its because I'm not tapering yet, lol?!

You guys are both tapering, so that could explain why I seem happier as I'm not going through the dose drops which destabilise the CNS.

Anyway, if you think you're both negative you've just gotta meet my MIL 

TC,

JC xxx

 

[Frogie]

4 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Both,

Maybe its because I'm not tapering yet, lol?!

You guys are both tapering, so that could explain why I seem happier as I'm not going through the dose drops which destabilise the CNS.

Anyway, if you think you're both negative you've just gotta meet my MIL 

TC,

JC xxx

 

JC:

 

You are so fun to talk to. You always have a punch line.

 

Might be because you aren't tapering, so you are steady. Before I started tapering, I thought I could conquer the world, now it gone "splat" on me.

 

Like it was stated, I hope it doesn't cripple any of us when we are done.

 

i know one person on here that is crippled because of the meds, it's so sad. She's so young.

 

I'm working on the negativity. Hopefully one day I can be happy go lucky like you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

 

I probably should have answered you on your thread, but wanted Flowers to be part of this too. I still want to figure a way to meet everyone. Have a reunion. That would be wonderful.

[Flowers]

5 minutes ago, Frogie said:

Hi Flowers:

 

JC is so upbeat and such a pleasure to talk to.

 

Even when the world is falling apart, she just goes on happy.

 

I'm like you, a negative person. Everything that happens is negative to me. My therapist and I are working on that.

 

Hopefully someday we can both be like JC.

 

How's your nausea? I had a tad this week. But I've been to the dentist twice, and one more appt next week. Novacaine seems to give me nausea. 

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Hi Frogie - great to see you here.

 

Yes - JC is a real tonic isn't she?  wish I could be more like her. 

 

I was having therapy too and it was helping with these issues. Trouble is when I am in a wave I just can't deal with any of it so have put it on hold for now. I sometimes forget the tips she has given  me  to change something negative into a positive! I should practice it more than I do. 

 

Sorry you have had the nausea again. It's probably the stress of the dentist too.Hope it all turns out ok for you.  Are you feeling more relaxed after your busy time? 

 

I am in a wave and have had nausea all day. I don't want to eat a thing but if I don't it just gets worse. I try and eat bland food and do feel better after I have had something.

 

I am trying to stay hydrated too - I don't want to drink anything  either. It is so hot here and will be for the next few weeks. I think I saw you were having some hot days too?

 

Lots of love from Flowers  xxx