AliG Posted October 21, 2015 Author Share Posted October 21, 2015 I can't thank everyone enough for all your thoughts, support and encouragement. I'm heading off on a trip overseas and feeling extremely nervous & anxious about it. I've done quite a bit of travel in the past, but I was in better condition than I am at present. I'm not sure if it's wise at all to be traveling right now but my husband thought it was a good idea to get away. I have agreed mainly to keep the peace but my anxiety is at an all - time high. I just can't seem to get organized or even enthusiastic about this trip. I should be happy but the feeling is just not there. I have always thrived on travel. I love seeing new places and cultures as well as the scenery, people, paintings, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, markets and hustle & bustle of everyday life, in a place that I've never been before. That is usually exciting to me. I'm also worried about the physical aspects of it like my lack of energy, fatigue and sleep issues, which will all be exacerbated. Anyway, fingers crossed. You never know. I might even enjoy it. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
luv2knit Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Good luck, Ali! Hope you enjoy your trip. XOXO 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
starburst Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 AliG when I was at my worst (On 30mg Lexapro and goodness knows how much Lorazapan) my daughter got married in Broome. I was terrified of flying and being on show as 'mother of the bride'. I don't even remember getting on the plane but I kind of woke up once I arrived. It was the best therapy that money could buy. Mangoes growing on the trees, summer in the middle of winter, sunsets on Cable Beach. I never in a million years thought I would enjoy myself as much as I did. Even to this day it is one of my happiest memories. I wish the same for you. Please send me a postcard too!!!....only kidding xxx Link to comment
Martina23 Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Where are you going for a trip? I also find trips quite exciting. 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
AliG Posted October 21, 2015 Author Share Posted October 21, 2015 Thanks Luv. We'll see. Princess, that sounds great ! That is encouraging . Thank you. Martina, I'm going to Thailand. I've never been in that direction before. I've been to the U.K & Europe , a number of times , and also the U.S., so this will be a totally new adventure. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Martina23 Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 I would also like to go to Thailand. There was this film Anna and the King, this was from Thailand. I think you should go there, when you have a chance, I would not think about the withdrawal any minute by such destination. You can then tell us how it looks like there. Are they also like Chinese, eating bugs? I would like to see Hongkong and festival of the moon. And to go on such dragon boats. 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
divalee Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Good luck Ali Remember what I said - no matter how bad I feel and believe me there are times where I feel to give up - I don't. I do everything I have to do during each day and night no matter how I feel - we must= we must. You are in my thoughts and prayers dear Ali - We will all get through this one day. If I could just let go of a person in my life whom I love so dearly - if I could just let go forever - I know my WDs would be so much better. Be strong- we will go with you on your journey. xxxx Love Lee Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules Started tapering December 3, 2011, Off Zoloft May 17, 2013 While tapering WDS were tolerable Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off even worse after 18 months off Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted October 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 21, 2015 Good luck Ali Remember what I said - no matter how bad I feel and believe me there are times where I feel to give up - I don't. I do everything I have to do during each day and night no matter how I feel - we must= we must. You are in my thoughts and prayers dear Ali - We will all get through this one day. If I could just let go of a person in my life whom I love so dearly - if I could just let go forever - I know my WDs would be so much better. Be strong- we will go with you on your journey. xxxx Love Lee Hi divalee. I just love what you said in the first 2 sentences above. Anyway......MMT here. Nice to meet you! And sheesh.......healing energy being sent. I am more off than not more recently.......and that helps.........just do what I must. I can do that. And dear AliG, I hope it all goes really well for your travels/vacation. It all sounds so exotic........me just being this white crazy lady from the states/wrong side of the pond.......what have you. I don't know if you can post or msg. while gone from your usual place....... but if so........do so.........for my entertainment please........descriptions and stuff. Like a postcard or something. Love you. All of you. Thank you. Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
direstraits Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Ali,hope all goes well with your trip...praying you're able to enjoy yourself...you deserve it!xoxo went on Prozac 1994-99,60mg.poopout ct back on 2001-2002,prozac weekly 2002,not working,Effexor 75 mg.?2003-mar.2004 gaining weight 8wk. taper,wellbutrin 150 mg.mar. -may 2004 ctmedfree til july 2005 back to Prozac gaining weight again,back on wellbutrin jan.2006150-300 mg.bad constipation.also was taking aygestin(hormone)perimenopausal irregular bleeding.back on Prozac around sept,?2006,hysterectomy jan30.2007(adenomyosis)off&on Prozac til 2009,citalopram about 1 mo, April 2010 no effect,Effexor again may -mar, 2011.ct,Prozac aug,-dec, 2011 &sept-nov 2012,paroxetine oct,23 2013-may 4 2014 20 mgs.tapered 6 wks.-failed RI in Oct.2014-in protracted WD.started 10 mgs. Fluoxetine May 25 2021 .Stopped fluoxetine May 2022 at 5 mgs. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted October 22, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 22, 2015 Hey Ali - I do that, too. I'm a mess before a trip. Then, when it's time to go, it's like a space flight: pre-launch checklist, check, check, countdown - then BOOM! Fire me into space and then I'm fine. You'll be fine, too. Thailand is beautiful - we went to small island (Koh Samui) and just puddled about the island. Not too crowded, not too many people - you will LOVE the cheap cocktails and massages! We got one every day! The food is marvellous, too. Even street food! I don't know if I would feel the same in a crowded area (like Bangkok) but I have had friends who have had a marvellous time in Phuket. After our experience at Koh Samui (and we are very timid travellers, like to have English around for example) we would be willing to try Phuket. The temples are beautiful, and nothing on the island was over 50 years old - I'd love to see older temples. I would love to see Thai dance - it was difficult to find on the small island. It was beautiful watching the buddha lanterns going up into the sky from the beach at night. Maybe you will send one up for us here at SA - if you do - take a picture of the SA Buddha lantern/prayer! One of the fun things about Thailand, is no matter what you are saying - "the restaurant is this way?" "the restaurant is that way?" "I can have a rental car by noon?" "I can find a taxi over there?" the answer is always, "Yes, yes." When they do not understand a word you are saying, they just say, "Yes, yes." It can be confusing, but for weeks after that trip, we would say to each other, "Yes, yes!" whenever there was confusion. You will have a GREAT time!!! "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment
AmyK Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Hi Ali! During wd I always felt like you before trips. (And I have always loved travelling.) Very anxious and wondering if I would cope. But I always liked it, when I settled on the destination. I think those pauses in life made me rest, have perspective and made me feel "alive" and free. And travelling with a person that understands is calming. You can take a nap when you feel like it and "go by the day". The warm breezes and the sea will make you so good! Have a great trip! Current dose: 0! Free! Quit June 2017. 2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January 2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose. Link to comment
Purplestars22 Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 AliG, amazing that you are going to Thailand have fun exploring the culture. You deserve the different scenery and it may help you. Good luck and best wishes, ps22 Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment
Hopefull Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Hi AliG, Hip,Hop, Hooray! Have lots of fun in Thailand! Enjoy the sunshine and the blue sea. It is nice to get away from every day life. You will be fine. Thank you for thinking of me and always offering encouragement! You deserve a break, enjoy! Xo Hopefull. DRUG HISTORY: November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction). January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey). January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering. October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg. September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed. September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised. February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. Link to comment
luv2knit Posted October 26, 2015 Share Posted October 26, 2015 Thinking of you, Ali! Assuming you're on your trip (?). Hope you are enjoying yourself!! 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
Martina23 Posted October 26, 2015 Share Posted October 26, 2015 Ali, we are already unpatiently waiting for your adventures from your trip ... 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
Prestorb Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Hope you have a great time AliG! I felt like my vacation in early August this year really kicked off my "feeling much better" that has stuck with me, so I am wishing the same for you! (((HUGS))) 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
Tilly Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Happy travels to Thailand, Ali! I have spent many weeks travelling Thailand. It was the first place that I ever travelled alone and remains to be one of my very favourite places in a beautiful world I am not finished exploring. I look forward to hearing of your adventures Sawadee! Love and hugs. Tilly x 1999 - 2004 Paroxetine 20mg -> 2004 - 2007 Citalopram 20mg -> 2007 - short term Trazedone use (insomnia) -> 2007 - 2009 Fluoxetine 20mg -> 2009 - Jan 2012 Citalopram 20mg (Spring / Summer 2012 protracted withdrawal & related agoraphobia) -> 2012 - September Restarted Citalopram - unbearable start up effects. Discontinued in under 1 week -> Oct 12 - October 2014 Escitalopram - 10mg prescribed. Started on 5mg and worked up to 10mg in 2.5mg increments -> Oct 2014 - 5mg; 30/03/15 2.5mg; 15/04/15 3.5mg; 20/05/15 2.9mg; 19/09/15 2.8mg; 30/10/15 2.7mg; 13/11/15 2.6mg. Holding until March. Diet: mostly pescatarianl & lots of veg. Weekly offal for b vitamins. Turmeric, nigella seeds, avocados, apple cider vinegar, coconut products daily. Lots of fluids: water, lemon juice, coconut water, herbal & green tea (decaffeinated). Supplements: vitamin C 4000mg, Omega 3 fish oil - high DPA & EHA, vitamin E 400iu, vitamin D3 5000mg (Winter only - from sun in Spring / Summer), probiotics. Current Symptoms: chronic fatigue, erratic sleep, extreme photophobia, eye floaters, noise sensitivity, tinnitus, cognitive & speech difficulties, dizziness, irregular gait, poor co ordination, severe facial and upper body muscle tension, head and neck pressure. Coping Strategies: good nutrition, cooking, gardening & growing my own food, cycling, dancing, yoga, photography, sewing & creative pursuits, self massage, pampering, meditation, journalling, nature, cuddling cats & humans, laughter & humour, gratitude, self care, aromatherapy, audio books, word games & believing in myself, my potential and my future. "Everything I need is within me" - Shakti Gawain Link to comment
AliG Posted November 2, 2015 Author Share Posted November 2, 2015 Hi All, Thank you all so much for your thoughts and best wishes. Sorry I couldn't keep in touch. I had a techno blackout. I thought it was best to have a complete break and it was easier to leave it all behind. Laptops, iphones etc are not easy for me when traveling. All in all, it was great! The scenery, people, culture were all amazing. We stayed in a beautiful place overlooking the ocean. We were lucky with the weather. Withdrawal wise - up and down. I had a bit of a struggle at times. Sleep was still challenging, dizziness was back.I struggled with the crowds, queues, noise, heat and long haul flights. However having said all that, I had a great time. I would definitely do it again despite everything. I was worried before I left, but I would definitely recommend for anyone who is over the worst to try and get away if you can. Since I've been back though I've had depression. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Martina23 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Good to hear from you again Ali. 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
luv2knit Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 So glad you enjoyed your trip! Hopefully your depression will be short-lived! XOXO 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
direstraits Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 welcome back,Ali,your trip sounded great! glad you had a "blast"! sorry the depression is back,tho; hope it lifts soon...xoxo went on Prozac 1994-99,60mg.poopout ct back on 2001-2002,prozac weekly 2002,not working,Effexor 75 mg.?2003-mar.2004 gaining weight 8wk. taper,wellbutrin 150 mg.mar. -may 2004 ctmedfree til july 2005 back to Prozac gaining weight again,back on wellbutrin jan.2006150-300 mg.bad constipation.also was taking aygestin(hormone)perimenopausal irregular bleeding.back on Prozac around sept,?2006,hysterectomy jan30.2007(adenomyosis)off&on Prozac til 2009,citalopram about 1 mo, April 2010 no effect,Effexor again may -mar, 2011.ct,Prozac aug,-dec, 2011 &sept-nov 2012,paroxetine oct,23 2013-may 4 2014 20 mgs.tapered 6 wks.-failed RI in Oct.2014-in protracted WD.started 10 mgs. Fluoxetine May 25 2021 .Stopped fluoxetine May 2022 at 5 mgs. Link to comment
Hibari Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 So glad you got away and enjoyed yourself despite your sensitive nervous system. That is an amazing accomplishment. I'm so sorry you are feeling depressed. I know you will bounce back again and maybe a little extra self-care is needed after all the energy you expended on your great trip. You are not alone. H 9/2013-4/2014: After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro, Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs 1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs 7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021 Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize 10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6 6/16 3.4 6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7 7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0 9/5 1.8 9/16 1.6 9/30 1.4 10/13 1.2 10/26 1.0 11/9 0.8 11/22 0.6 12/6 0.4 12/23 0.2. 2024 1/4/24 Remeron/Mirtazapine free Additional Support: Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs, L-theanine Link to comment
KLA324 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 (((Ali))) Thank you so much for stopping by my thread and your words of encouragement. I am so happy you did well on your trip. That was a very brave thing to do while going thru this situation. You should be VERY proud of yourself! I hope the depression is a small wave that will pass quickly. Stay strong, Karen 1999-Wellbutrin for anxiety/depression-CT after less than 1 yr with no prob 2000-2010-AD (can't remember which) a few times for a few months-CT each time with no prob 2012 - Ambien (sleep) and Propanolol (public speaking anxiety) Jan 2013 - Apr 2014 - Sertraline (25, then 50mg) Ambien after bout with depression Apr 2014 - Apr 2015 - Sertraline 100mg and Amitriptylene 25mg-CT in May/June. Did notice increased anxiety, moodiness. Aug/Sept 2015 - Trazodone 50mg (11 days for sleep), Phentermine 37.5mg 11 days), Tramadol 50mg (2 days for kidney stone pain) Oct 2nd - CT from Trazodone and Phentermine - CRASHED 2 days later. Severe depression, anxiety, constant crying RI Oct 15th - Citalopram 10mg daily, Vitamin D, Fish Oil Capsule, Magnesium, Simply Sleep at night. Will start weaning 11/15 if stable. Link to comment
calithebold Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Hi Ali So glad you had a good time. I would love to do that sometime but I have a fear of flying and I hate planes to top it off Sarah All medications:: Xanax (1995-96), Aropax (1995-96), Mellaril (1997-2000), Efexor (1997-2002), Seroquel (2000-now), Lithium Carbonate (2000-now), Avanza (2002-05), Epilim (2005), Seroquel-XR (2000-now), Zyprexa (2002-14), Raberprazole (2000-now prn), Crestor (2009-15), Gabapentin (2009-12), Lamictal (2010-now), Abilify (2011-now) Lyrica (2012-now), Diazepam (2010-now prn), Saphris (2014), Respiridone (2014), Chlorpromazine (2014) Neulatil (07/2016) Current medications: Lithium Carbonate 750mg; Seroquel-XR 600mg, 800mg 04/16, 600mg 04/16, 400mg 04/16, 200mg 04/16, 400mg 04/16, 500mg 04/16; Lamictal 250mg 200mg150mg 04/16; Lyrica 300mg; Abilify 20mg 30mg 11/15 Zoloft 25mg 04/16 ceased after a week due to severe suicidal thoughts; Seroquel 25mg prn; Diazepam 40mg CT Jan 2013, 5mg occasionally, (massive med changes in April 2016 due to a hospital admission). Supplements: Fish oil 4000mg, Magnesium 100mg , Niacinamide 1000mg, Slippery Elm 800mg , B12 1000mcg, Zinc 50mg, B6 100mg, Vitamin D 2000IU, Calcium 1200mg, P5P 100mg, Vitamin C 2000mg, Vitamin E 400IU Link to comment
Martina23 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 I am also afraid of planes, I am always afraid that the plane falls down. 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
calithebold Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Me too, I always think that as well! I'm so glad I'm not the only one All medications:: Xanax (1995-96), Aropax (1995-96), Mellaril (1997-2000), Efexor (1997-2002), Seroquel (2000-now), Lithium Carbonate (2000-now), Avanza (2002-05), Epilim (2005), Seroquel-XR (2000-now), Zyprexa (2002-14), Raberprazole (2000-now prn), Crestor (2009-15), Gabapentin (2009-12), Lamictal (2010-now), Abilify (2011-now) Lyrica (2012-now), Diazepam (2010-now prn), Saphris (2014), Respiridone (2014), Chlorpromazine (2014) Neulatil (07/2016) Current medications: Lithium Carbonate 750mg; Seroquel-XR 600mg, 800mg 04/16, 600mg 04/16, 400mg 04/16, 200mg 04/16, 400mg 04/16, 500mg 04/16; Lamictal 250mg 200mg150mg 04/16; Lyrica 300mg; Abilify 20mg 30mg 11/15 Zoloft 25mg 04/16 ceased after a week due to severe suicidal thoughts; Seroquel 25mg prn; Diazepam 40mg CT Jan 2013, 5mg occasionally, (massive med changes in April 2016 due to a hospital admission). Supplements: Fish oil 4000mg, Magnesium 100mg , Niacinamide 1000mg, Slippery Elm 800mg , B12 1000mcg, Zinc 50mg, B6 100mg, Vitamin D 2000IU, Calcium 1200mg, P5P 100mg, Vitamin C 2000mg, Vitamin E 400IU Link to comment
Prestorb Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 So glad you found some well earned enjoyment in your trip AliG! And now you are probably just in need of some well deserved rest. It's also pretty normal for people to feel depressed when they return home from vacation, to all the responsibilities that they enjoyed being away from! Sounds like it was good for you to get away and experience a little bit of "life" again, but now your system just needs some down time in the comforts of home. I am proud of you for making the trip, you are a trooper and I call this trip a success for you! 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
starburst Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Happy to hear that your trip went well. It sounds amazing. Sorry to hear that your depression is back. Perhaps it is part of the normal cycle too, the 'blues' after a major event. It's easy when suffering withdrawal to focus on how we feel all the time and forget that probably some feelings of flatness are quite normal. Much Love xxx Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted November 2, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 2, 2015 Welcome back! It just wasn't a long enough vacation is all...smirk...maybe? That could be why the depressed? I don't know. I like 3 weeks....minimun.....lol.....but then again, Paradise is just one huge vacation kind of life.....:-) I usually just am mental about....did I pack everything I will need?...finally getting on the plane is sweet relief. Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
Hopefull Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Hi AliG, Good to hear that you had a blast on your trip! Welcome back. DRUG HISTORY: November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction). January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey). January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering. October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg. September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed. September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised. February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. Link to comment
nz11 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Welcome back AliG, in case you had a total black out of news i just wanted to say ...'four more years'!! also Id like to tell you that 'Prince of Penzance ' is kiwi !! nz11 Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
Martina23 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Hello Ali, how are you? Is the depression still so bad? When I have depression, I like going for a walk. Mostly in the evening when the city is already so calm. I like that it is already everywhere dark, only some city lights and I can be fully in my thoughts. Maybe it would help you too. Today my boss seems to be angry with me. One client wants all the work done today and I am not sure if I manage it. My boss said that it MUST be today. If I am not within the time, I have to bring the children in the evening to the office with me, and finish the work. How I know my children, surely they will destroy something. 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
AliG Posted November 4, 2015 Author Share Posted November 4, 2015 Hi Martina, thank you. We have a lovely place in Brisbane along the river where my husband and I often go for dinner, and then a walk. The city lights, music, boats on the river and the smell of frangipani in the air always makes me feel great. There are so many things in this world to enjoy. It's the simple things that bring us the most joy. Thank you all for your support. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
KLA324 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Ali - your description of the area where you live sounds enchanting. You paint such a beautiful picture! Maybe try to talk that walk with your husband more often than normal to help you re-establish the joy in life. I believe that the negative emotions and thoughts become ingrained in our minds and that part of our healing is to replace those thoughts with other, more pleasant ones until they become our new way of thinking and living. You are doing a fantastic job. Just going away on a vacation was a HUGE step! (((Hugs))) Karen 1999-Wellbutrin for anxiety/depression-CT after less than 1 yr with no prob 2000-2010-AD (can't remember which) a few times for a few months-CT each time with no prob 2012 - Ambien (sleep) and Propanolol (public speaking anxiety) Jan 2013 - Apr 2014 - Sertraline (25, then 50mg) Ambien after bout with depression Apr 2014 - Apr 2015 - Sertraline 100mg and Amitriptylene 25mg-CT in May/June. Did notice increased anxiety, moodiness. Aug/Sept 2015 - Trazodone 50mg (11 days for sleep), Phentermine 37.5mg 11 days), Tramadol 50mg (2 days for kidney stone pain) Oct 2nd - CT from Trazodone and Phentermine - CRASHED 2 days later. Severe depression, anxiety, constant crying RI Oct 15th - Citalopram 10mg daily, Vitamin D, Fish Oil Capsule, Magnesium, Simply Sleep at night. Will start weaning 11/15 if stable. Link to comment
AliG Posted November 4, 2015 Author Share Posted November 4, 2015 Thanks Karen.I really appreciate that. I read your story today and think you are very strong. I'm always blown away by the strength and fortitude of the people like you that I meet here. I think you are doing fantastically well. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Recommended Posts