GoodSarah: 26 weeks pregnant and tapering off zoloft- life is rough

[GoodSarah]

Here's a question- Does SA have a position on tapering Flexeril? Due to a neck/shoulder injury I had to take 10mg every night for 4 weeks ( along with PT and exercises) I'm pretty much healed up now. I didn't take any last night and I feel pretty normal. I'm kinda sad about quitting it because it we helping me sleep but oh well. Just wondering if anyone's had experience with this - this is

My first injury and use of muscle relaxers. Thanks!

[Meimeiquest]

My sister told me this, but I didn't believe it...the basic info says it is similar chemically to tricyclic antidepressants. So for people who end up on this forum, I guess that would mean "careful", whatever that means for your own system.

[Sarabera]

Goodsarah--how is it going? hope you are doing okay.

Sarah

[Sarabera]

Hey thanks for checking in! So glad to hear that you are doing okay. Hope motherhood is going fine also!

[GoodSarah]

Motherhood is good. Baby girl is 9 months now. I'm ok. But really tired of a revolving constellation of issues. For example-insomnia has been a problem off and on since I was pregnant ( more often than not) then there was the neck/shoulder injury that lasted a month and a half. Currently I'm experiencing lots of GI issues. I've had stomach problems off and on for years and to varying degrees. I've had it last days,weeks, and months. I've also been free of GI distress for years at a time. And I have sinus inflammation that comes and goes as well as very occasional migrains. I just feel like a merry go round of ailments sometimes and I'm only 29. It gets really discouraging because it seems like something is always flaring up at any given time. Currently in very grateful to be SSRI free ( thank god!!!') but I just stopped taking the flexeril about 10 days ago and I know I'm not completely done with Xanax for good. I know this site is for coming off meds and I'm embarrass when I have to admit to relying on my "rescue" med. I've used it 3 times in 2 weeks. But after the severe insomnia I've already experienced-o just can't go for weeks and weeks without sleep anymore. I don't have it in me. Plus having an infant to care for pits the pressure on. She wakes up at 630 am whether I've slept or not. There is NO sleeping in.

[GoodSarah]

Hi all- here is the current situation. Been off Zoloft over a year hooray!!! I'm the past 6 months I began experiencing debilitating migraines. Not sure why. I have a neck injury that flared up and I restarted PT. I went on progesterone only BC to see if hormones are the culprit. Had an MRI in the ER- it was clean. But it's been really bad lately. I have daily pain on a 3-5 level but when the migraine hits it's 7-9 for 5-7 days. Sooo with these migraines come a slew of new meds of course. I'm currently taking 100 mg of topirimate ( topomax ) 50 mg 2x daily. And my rescue drugs are Imitrex nasal spray and fiorcet PRN. I know this isnt a migraine board but at this point I really need support from people who know what it's like to lose days and weeks to a condition you can't control. People who know what it's like to lay in bed at night trying not to panic or run to the ER because you think your life is over. I'm seeing a neurologist and he says I'm a candidate for Botox. I have to " fail" at the topirimate first - pretty sure there's no problem there. My hope is that some day I can taper the topirimate and eliminate the rescue drugs altogether. Topirimate is and IQ crusher and an erergy zapper I can barely function that is when I'm not having a migraine. Plus Imitrex works by releasing tons of serotonin - great just what I need. Only plus to topirimate is I don't need the Xanax really. Anyways I'm pretty stuck right now because these drugs are the only thing keeping me oit of the emergency room and I hate it . But some day I am determined to get off topomax if the Botox works or at least get to a lower maintenance dose. If there's anyone out there with experience being on topirimate or getting off it if love to hear from you. And I'd love to hear from anyone at all. My baby is 15 months old now and I'm home with her a lot plus I have a part time Jon and thongs a really hard right now. Love sarah

[bubble]

Hello Sarah. Nice to hear from you and congrats on the year off.

 

So sorry about migraines. It sounds truly awful but you are handling it with so much grace. I know it can't be easy especially with the little one and given how long it's been taking.

 

People in withdrawal deal with all sorts of issues so we have a thread on that topic as well. I don't know if it will help but here it is: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1785-migraines-headaches-neck-ache-and-head-pressure/

 

I've only ever had 2 migraine attacks. It was brutal but it went away in a day or two. It happens rarely so I didn't really study it. I just know that for every condition there are natural remedies or techniques that help us accept a difficult situation and deal with fear and sadness they cause. Have you come across anything of the sort for migraines?

 

I suppose any 'general' relaxation techniques would be beneficial.

 

I so hope this goes away soon. Just runs its course. Let us know how you are doing.

 

Big hug

 

Bubble

[GoodSarah]

Thanks bubble- for your kind words. Having gone through the AD stuff , the prenatal and postpartum anxiety, the anxiety, I do have my " tool kit" at least. I'm not accustomed to chronic pain though so this is new. I just feel really at home here even though I'm not dealing with with withdrawal right now. However I am hopeful that o can taper and possibly cut out topamax some day which I've heard is difficult.

[GoodSarah]

Soooo just got done with a bout of kidney stones ( first ever) these could be a side effect from Topomax. Now the neurologist says to taper off 25 mg every week while we " look for a different medication for me." A little nervous about this as I've done some reading and some people have issues withdrawing from topomax. But the kidney stones were terrible. Starting to feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Are there any links for topomax? Anyone on topomax here? I'd rather do the 10% method but I definitely don't want any more stones. I've only been on for a month. I'm currently taking 75 mg.

[GoodSarah]

Anyone? I've also been having severe abdominal pains that began same time as the stones. The stones have passed bit the pains are still there. Abdominal pain is listed as a side effect of topomax. I'm wondering if there's a correlation now. I'm planning to drop 25 mg tonight. Wish I could do the 10 percent method but it seems I'm having a fairly large adverse reaction. I'm wondering if there's others out there with topomax experience? And/ or people who've had to taper very quickly for medical reasons???

[nz11]

Hi Sarah found this on Topomax...maybe you already have it.

 

Topamax can increase the level of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis). This can weaken your bones, cause kidney stones, or cause growth problems in children or harm to an unborn baby. You may need blood tests to make sure you do not have metabolic acidosis, especially if you are pregnant.

https://www.drugs.com/topamax.htm

 

Must admit this was a bit of a surprise to me. Gee is there anything these drugs don't cause?

 

From what i can see there is no link here on topamax (im sure a mod will correct me if i overlooked it) which is an antiepileptic drug. However there is a thread on neurontin/gabapentin which also is an antiepileptic so you could read that to get an idea of a similar drug class.

 

Tips for tapering off Neurontin (gabapentin)

Like all other psych drugs these are also tapered at the 10% rate.

 

Here are the side effects of topamax

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/topamax-side-effects.html

I note one on the list is:

pain or tenderness in upper abdomen or stomach.; but i think you already spotted this.

 

I've only been on for a month. I'm currently taking 75 mg.

Even though you have only been on for 1 month you have essentially had approx well from what i can see over 12 months  exposure to psych drugs involving failed taper attempts and switches this will complicate it.

Im willing to bet that each new drug was used to cover wdl off the previous one and as such its been a revolving door.

 

Im not in a position to voice an opinion as clearly your doctor is going to remove the drug at speed for health reasons...

However i would say it may very well be rough for some time....sounds like the doc is going to switch you yet again....you will need to decide if you are going to accept  something to 'try to take it away' with the potential of upward spiralling doses and/or  drug cocktail initiation or hang on and survive the wdl which will get more manageable in time.

 

Now the neurologist says to taper off 25 mg every week while we " look for a different medication for me."

I am so sorry you are in this difficult situation that began back in  2014.

 

Getting off this drug in 3 weeks is very close to a cold turkey. There are people on this site who have endured this and made it to the other side.

Havent read your whole thread so i may have missed something but it appears you were drug free for most of this year its unfortunate you didnt press on drug free.

 

Dont be fooled by the medical profession when the wdl hits masquerading as every kind of psych distress they will say the problems are you be assured it is not you, you are not flawed it is the drug withdrawal.

 

Wishing you strength.

nz11

[scallywag]

Please keep notes on paper of your symptoms after you reduce dose from 75 mg to 50 mg of Topamax.
 
I did a web search. It seems that some people do well on the program your doctor is suggesting; others do the same reductions but less often, 25 mg every 2 or 3 weeks. Your symptoms will be a much better guide to what works than a schedule.

Here's one information page my search turned up: http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/07/14/topamax-topiramate-withdrawal-symptoms-how-long-they-last/

[bubble]

 

Havent read your whole thread so i may have missed something but it appears you were drug free for most of this year its unfortunate you didnt press on drug free.

 

Dont be fooled by the medical profession when the wdl hits masquerading as every kind of psych distress they will say the problems are you be assured it is not you, you are not flawed it is the drug withdrawal.

 

Wishing you strength.

nz11

 

Sarah is suffering from very disabling migraines. I don't know if that is WSD related or not. But Topamax was added to treat migraines...

[GoodSarah]

I tried to update my signature but used up too many lines so if a mid could help me -here is my full update in a nutshell

 

May 2016- gallbladder removed

June 20116- started having atypical migraines. Doc misdiagnosed them as sinus inflammation. Numerous allergy meds and an ER trip later turned up accurate diagnosis. Was having daily debilitating migraines bu August of this year.

 

Seeptember 1 2016- Began taking Topirimate (topomax) for migraines started at 25mg and titrated up to 100mg within 2 weeks. Was effective at treating the migraines. Still getting migraines but were starting to become less frequent.  Also added PRNS sumatriptan nasal spray and Fiorcet for pain during this time.

9/12 ER visit for migraine- shot of compazine (Antipsychotic) and benadryl- bad reaction (akathisisa) wore off after about 6 hours and felt normal again

 started getting a bad stomach off and on sometime in September

9/25 went down to 75mg topirimate due to sedation

10/29 ER visit for extreme nausea and abdominal cramps. No diagnosis or relief. Follow up visit with GD found out I had kidney stones (possible side effect from TOpirimate) Neuro doc says taper 25mg a week. wen down to 50mg 10/6

Still having extreme abdominal pain (now doc thinks its a colon infection) 

 

ALso using xanax for sleep way more than I'd like to admit. I am in pain and nauseous I can't go to sleep without it. I will admit I've ben using bits and bobs throughout the past year like 1-3 X a week. I honestly do not feel like I have had any withdrawal from the xanax the entire year. and have gone many days between use with no heightened anxuety. Howvere now I am relying on it very heavily and am really sad about this. I have a 15 month old at home. Im on leave from work. I'm terrified at the though of rapid tapering topomax. It's all a huge mess. Feeling kinda hopeless. I NEVER would have considered another psych med but for some reason thought this situation was different since it's a "migraine med" But I already got blurry vision going from 100 to 75 mg. I'm just hoping that since I've only been on about a month maybe I won't be so bad off? 

I know no one's a doctor but I reall need some advice/encouragement!!!! In dire straights! And yes I know my CNS is in shock. I just don't know what to do.

[GoodSarah]

And thank you Scallywag, NZ, and Bubble for chiming in last night. I needs the company ????

[scallywag]

If you're concerned about the fast taper your doctor is advising, go slower. If s/he objects, ask "What is the risk of going slower?"

[GoodSarah]

Yea I just have to weigh the medical aspect of the kidney stones into the picture. I think the doc would probably say whatever I want to do. I guess it's a personal thing I have to think about.

[Altostrata]

It sounds like you need a definitive diagnosis of the colon problem.

[GoodSarah]

Yes Alto! I talked to my GP today. He suspects a colon infection so I'm doing stool testing over the weekend. It's even possible I'm looking at crohns or UC but that's a bit of a ways off. I do know I had kidney stones though last week. Since I had blood in my urine and one came up on a CT scan. No way to know if they were caused by topomax- I've never had kidney stones before though and it's one of the side effects to look out for. Good to hear

From you Alto- any input much appreciated!

[GoodSarah]

Oh man most horrific migraine ever yesterday!!! Could be one of the side effects of coming off topomax. Down to 50mg. I'm not going down any further for now. Going to call the neurologist tomorrow to ask about getting Botox injections asap instead of more Guinea pigging. It's been expensive but I just don't care anymore. I know many others can rapid taper tooomax but I'm not sure I can. Could

Have just been a bad migraine but it was

Horrendous!!!! Weirdly my abdominal pain is all but gone right now and my appetite is much better at least for now. Still haven't gotten the results from the stool sample but I'm really starting to wonder if the topomax and GI issues are related. Seems rather coincidental that gI pain flared up at the same time as kidney stones presented (which were caused by the topomax) and now I'm taking less and feeling better. Hmmmmm. Still need to wait for results and to see what happens with my tummy over the next week. I hope my situation isn't too medically skewed for this board. I know this isn't a migraine support community. Bit I'm finding some major similarities with the doctors, their ignorance, the meds and their side effects

[Altostrata]

Well, the problem with communicating with doctors is a constant across health care.

 

I would do some Googling about Topomax side effects and see if it could be affecting your gut.

 

Could be you could take a smaller dose of Topomax and avoid the side effects.

[GoodSarah]

Results came back- no colon infection. I googled around and there are reports of people getting severe abdominal issues from topomax. Neurologist confirmed it's a possibility- one of the more rare scenarios though. Kinda angry right now because my GP gave me the brush off and said I need to take probiotics for 2 weeks before giving me any kind of GI consult ( in case this is IBS related ) I just know he sees the words "panic disorder" in my chart and thinks I'm a hypochondriac. I got that label during my horrific pregnancy when I first developed insomnia and hence anxiety. That was 2 years ago. I have not been on psych meds in over a year except the occasional Xanax. I haven't had a panic attack in over a year. I was working a regular job raising my daughter. I'm in real pain and it's not showing up on the " tests" and "scans" which makes me think it's related to the topomax. The abdominal pain came on at the exact same time as the kidney stones did ( which were caused by the medication). Yet I feel like I can't even bring it up because it's a "rare" side effect and I'm a "hypochondriac " I'm planning on dropping to 25 mg on Thursday. This is a fast taper. I got a horrible migraine on Saturday and m trying to accept that it will probably happen again. It's all just a huge mess right now. My neurologist is submitting a claim for Botox treatments now at least. And I got a referral to a pain clinic to get an injection of an occipital nerve block as a trial. At least we are now exploring some non drug options now.