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Equanimity Asking for Help for Unrelenting Vertigo Due to Withdrawal


Equanimity

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The anxiety issue began after the death of my father when I was 19.  He was 45.  It was at college when the mother of all anxiety attacks occurred.  The only two good things to come out of the emergency room visit that night was: I wasn't having a heart attack as I thought and it was the first I heard the term “anxiety attack.”  For me, it helped to put a name to the face of the monster.  However, that was the night that began an over twenty year dependence on Valium.  Little yellow Cheerio-sized lifesavers on a treacherous, drowning sea.

 

The Valium era ended abruptly when in 2001 an entire bottle of them ended up in my gut.  Lucky for me, I was able to puke them up and lived to tell about it.  Not lucky for me, I ended up in a hospital rehab where the first of the parade of many psychotropic drugs came into my life.  (Creedence's Bad Moon Rising would be playing right about here if this were a documentary.)

 

They weaned me off the Valium with some other drug and then promptly put me on Prozac.  A very high dose of Prozac.  I was told I was depressed so I needed to be on a drug that would “help my brain.”  Anxiety attacks/panic attacks are a debilitating destroyer of lives.  I would do anything to make them stop.  So I took the damn pills.

 

Then I got home.  My husband had to scrape me down from the ceiling only to deal with me wanting to desperately put my hands through the window.  Screaming and crying and not knowing why.  With wild anxiety still plaguing me and believing that I needed medication for depression, to the doctor I went.  

 

This doctor put me on Paxil, a SSRI anti-depressant drug. 

 

After six months on Paxil, feeling drug induced exuberance, I wondered why I was even on any type of drug.  I decided to wean myself off of it.  I slowly reduced the Paxil a quarter of the dose every two or three weeks.  The feeling of electric zaps through my body and into my head were the worst part.  I was surprised that twitching away didn't bring any anxiety with it.  However, about four weeks after I finished the taper, BOOM, the anxiety I experienced was off the charts.  

 

I remember trying all kinds of natural remedies like L-Tryptophan and Sam-E, but at that time I really didn't know enough and just gave up because neither helped with anxiety.  (Anxiety attacks are by far the most painful thing I have ever experienced.  It took years of understanding what was actually happening during an anxiety attack to help me to know how to make them stop.  Without drugs.)

 

Enter the next doctor who really was the epitome of everything that is wrong with the current western psychiatric modality of medicine.  He had a “God complex.”  It was his way or the highway.  Plus he had the annoying habit of thinking his pontifications were something I found interesting instead of allowing me to talk about my emotional issues.  Therein lies the problem with modern psychiatry: just drug them and my work here is done.  In the end, he got better talk therapy than I did!  I got the drugs.

 

I was given Celexa, another SSRI drug.  Celexa was a little different from Paxil in that it was both an anti-depressant and an anti-anxiety drug, therefore it is supposed to help reduce anxiety.   

 

At first, my reaction to Celexa was more like Paxil, where I had a frenzied, unnatural energy.  Then I had a similar reaction as I had with the Prozac where I needed to be coaxed down from the ceiling and the backs of couches.  But this time the doc gave me a reason why I was reacting this way: “I know the problem!  You're bi-polar!” he exclaimed. 

 

A dangerous guessing game.  That is what their bible, the DSM, is and nothing more.

 

And when it comes to psychotropic drugsand they will admit thisit is pharmaceutical roulette.  They have no idea.  They just throw drugs at you like pasta against a wall to see what sticks.  So my bad reaction to Paxil was not a side effect in the doctor’s mind:  Nope, I have a “disorder.”  This reasoning allows the next step: stacking. This is where they attempt to fix the side effects of one drug by adding another drug.  Along came the procession of “mood stabilizers.”  There was Depakote, then Zyprexa, Risperdal, Geodon, and finally Neurontin was settled on.  They all knocked me on my ass.  Liquid lead.  

 

Then, the cherry on top of this noxious cake was the most hideous of all drugs for me: Klonopin.  I was quite a zombie.  

 

Another doctor got involved and I ended up on Trileptal on top of the Neurontin, Klonopin, and Celexa.  She was what is called, a “med doc.”  What this means is she sees you for fifteen minutes to give you a “med check” to see if the meds are working and if not what to change and/or remove.  No psychotherapy.  Wham bam thank you, ma’am.

 

Med docs do not have much time in their schedule for complaints.  She decided that I should go into the hospital to have all these drugs tuned up since I was having a problem “acclimating” to them.  So I entered a university hospital.  A nice, little psych ward where I really didn't belong.  Those of us with anxiety issues are not mentally ill.  In fact, there are far too many people put on these drugs that have no business being on them.  I really feel they do more harm than good for anyoneputting a synthetic material into our wonderfully, complex brains!but I will speak for myself.  It is up to the individual to decide.

 

I left there with a new doc in the university’s Bi-polar Research Department.  In the hospital, Neurotin was dropped, the Trileptal increased to dizzying heights, Celexa was switched out for Lexapro, another SSRI anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drug, and the Klonopin went up to a very high 6 mg.

 

A few weeks later just about all my curly, long hair fell out.  In gobs.  What?  You want me depressed, drugged AND bald? I asked.  His reply was that I needed that drug, Trileptal, that caused the hair loss.  He said it was a trade-off for my mental health.  BULL.  

 

What mental health?  I was unable to leave my house for two years.  I was so drugged.  I experienced “black-hole depressions.”  I take exception with that word, depression.  Another psychiatrist term, like “bi-polar.”  These drugs caused both the “depression” and the so-called “manic episodes.”  Whatever sadness I felt in my lifeand who among us doesn't feel sad sometimes?became something far beyond normal.   

 

The last psychiatrist entered my life in 2004.  She was better than most in that she actually took the time to let me talk.  And she listened.  Also, she and I had the same Eastern belief system.  Me, because of my interest in metaphysics which began shortly after the death of my father.  Her, because her religion was Hindu; she was originally from India.  She is currently my doctor of record.  I have not seen her since last year however.  

 

We played a lot of pharmaceutical roulette.  Off the Trileptal I went, and my hair grew back.  Seroquel, Effexor, Lithium, Lunesta, Ambien, Sonata and many others were thrown but didn’t stick.  In the end, she kept me on 6 mg.  Klonopin and 20 mg. Lexapro, but then added Lamictal and Rozerem 8 mg.   With Lamictal, I refused to go up to the 200 mg. she was planning. I weaned down to 100 mg. and stayed there.  Then one night in 2009, I took them all.

 

I remember very clearly how clear I was about taking them all.  My brain was numb.  I wrote notes nonchalantly as if they were shopping lists.  This, my friends, is where the anxiety God gave us comes in:  If only I was nervous about what I was about to do.  If I had some kind of anxiety I would never have even contemplated it.  I sold my soul and numbed my brain to relieve myself of anxiety.  Now I had this impregnable drug-induced shield of armor.  It was a lack of anxiety that almost killed me.

 

I was unconscious for ten days.  These were four full prescriptions I swallowed.  This real creep, a physician's assistant (he comported himself as if he were a doctor, never explaining that he wasn't one) actually threatened to have me involuntarily committed if I did not commit myself to ten days of rehab at this hospital.  So I paid the $750 co-payment and stayed because I did not want the state involved in my life.  (Read Will Hall’s story at beyondmeds.com/2007/11/02/will-halls-recovery-story/).  As the ten days were nearing a close, he felt I needed to stay longer.  He felt.  For the first time in my life I was glad my insurance company said no to something.   

 

The 12 Step Program may work well for those abusing alcohol or drugs recreationally, but us anxiety ridden souls who took the drugs given to us by doctors as directed, well, we are NOT drug addicts.  These doctors prescribed these drugs to us but will not take responsibility for the fact that they can and DO cause suicidal tendencies!  (The FDA does put warnings on the box stating this fact, among other side effects.)  But, after a month in the hospital, I came home taking the same drugs.  My doctor added Wellbutrin to the mix.  They just load you up again, and then some, on the same thing that almost killed you.

 

Epiphanies are glorious things.  When you are on a seeker's path, as I had been since my father died, eventually the seeker gets answers.   All the years of eating good food, yoga, walking, meditation, reading Edgar Cayce books, Neale Walsh and especially Emmet Foxit all come together at the end of December 2012.  Strangely, it was the Mayan calendar too.  I had this grand awakening to God and the Universe.  Some knob turned in me. 

 

And then, my son, the Paleo Diet advocate, told me to read an article by Chris Kresser wherein he mentions Dr. Peter Breggin.  (See Breggin.com and watch four life changing videos, Simple Truths About Psychiatry.)  Sound the musicah, AHHHH!  I got it!  I am a big fan of common sense and Dr. Breggin’s information was perfect logic.  A little information changed my life.  Information I wished would have come much, much sooner!  But hey, things happen when they happenLife is that way you know.  Right then and there I knew I had to get off those drugs forever.  It was all a lie, those drugs.  ALL OF IT.

 

In February, I went to a holistic, naturopathic clinic to safely get off the Klonopin.  I had weaned down from the Lexapro from the 20 mg to 10 mg and from the Lamictal 100mg to 75 mg in January before I left.

 

Now here I am in June writing this.  I am still recovering physically (my body took a hit while my brain recovered) from the Klonopin taper and am now a couple of weeks removed from the last bit of Lexapro.  Free of them.  Just the 50 mg of Lamictal to go.  I plan finishing the taper of that next month after giving Lexapro enough time to get out of my body completely.

 

For the first time in about twenty-five years, my brain is crystal clear.  I feel like my brain was a carburetor that needed to be cleaned of years and years of gunk, rebuilt, and now is running like it is brand new.

 

I can FEEL my life.  I remember reading someone's post about how difficult it was to taper off of Lexapro.  The writer said that he kept crying.  Perhaps because he was feeling his life again and his brain no longer numb?  I am emotional, and glad to be!  My brain is a happy, apple-checked child running in the garden again. 

 

Was this easy to do?  Hardly.  Unrelenting heart palpitations, creepy-crawly pins and needles skin with the feeling of hair brushes biting it.  The vertigo.  Sleep, out the window.  BUT, whatever you conquer, the more difficult, the more gratifying when you reach the goal.  I can most definitely understand how other people found this incredibly difficult to get through.  I have read many stories on the internet.  Thank God for the internet!  What a lucky generation we are have all this information at our finger tips.  Lucky we are that we can share our stories and help each other out here.

 

Pertinent cliches:  What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  Living well is the best revenge.  Just say no.

 

UPDATE:  I DID finish the Lamictal taper July 20th, 2013 and my "happy, apple-checked child running in the garden again" has tears streaming down her face.  The three months following the completion of the Lamictal taper has been more difficult emotionally than the previous months after the Lexapro taper ended in June.  The totality of tapering from three potent psychotropic drugs did take it's whopping physical and psychic toll.

 

The last two paragraphs (before "pertinent cliches) I wrote on a VERY good day.  I left them in for those of you who can relate to feeling very okay one day and then on the next say, "Is THAT what I wrote yesterday?  Who WAS that person?"  I also wrote it for my son, Mr. Paleo, who told me my original essay sounded "too angry."  And it was.  However, I think I left enough anger in there against the psychiatrists and our allopathic medical society, in general.  There are days when that anger is not present and that is very good.  Then again, when the anger reappears sometimes, I let it.  Then I let it go again.

 

I CAN feel my life again, however.  That part is true.  And I am extremely glad I got off those dreadful drugs.  Although I am still suffering from the unrelenting vertigo, and the crying and despair, I would NEVER want to go back to being that drugged zombie person who was labeled "bi-polar" because of a side effect from an SSRI drug.  My anxiety issue has caused me to isolate myself.  Now I find I don't want or like to be isolated anymore.  Right now I am looking to others, like those of you reading this now, for support through this prolonged withdrawal period.  No one can understand us like our peers.  More importantly, I want to add what I can to the conversation and hope that my experience can help someone else.  Ultimately, that is why we are all here on Earth, to help.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

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THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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I made my introduction in "Epiphanies and Palpitations" earlier this evening.  One outstanding symptom for me now is vertigo that will not stop!  I am talking vitamin B complex, choline, inositol, CoQ10, fish oil, vitamin C, magnesium as has been suggested by a holistic health book that I have at home.  I eat a high protein, low carb diet with absolutely no sugar.  That has helped with healing a lot of my physical withdrawal symptoms.

 

Any other supplements or other ideas?  I would be grateful for any help with this particular problem.  Thank you so very much. :)

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

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THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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Wow, that was amazing. I relate to everything you said. I posted my story too just a while ago. What awful things these meds have done to us! It is nice to know we are not alone. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

 

Kari

Numerous types and combinations of meds for a bipolar diagnosis, from 10/2012 - 10/2013

I was typically on two to three of these at any given time; my history is a bit daunting:

 

1). Abilify: started 10/2012; 5 mg once a day for approximately two weeks along with Citalopram and Seroquel; asked to be taken off of it due to SE

2). Seroquel: started 10/2012; 25 mg at night for sleep, titrated up to 150 mg; had to titrate back down to 25 mg due to the SE at the higher dose; I still take 25 mg at night to sleep

3). Citalopram: started 10/2012; 10 mg every morning for about 7 months (up until 9/2013); was told this med caused me to "rapid manic cycle"; experienced profound WD (brain zaps)

4). Zoloft: started 1/2013; 50 mg once per day; I was switched from Citalopram to Zoloft because they thought the Citalopram might be making me "manic"; could not tolerate Zoloft (GI issues), was put back on Citalopram

5). Lithium: started 3/2013 for mood stabilization; took for three days then quit - it made me violently ill (GI issues)

6). Trileptal: started 4/2013; 300 mg in the morning, 600 mg at night; took for approximately five months along with Citalopram and Seroquel - added as a mood stabilizer; experienced intolerable SE and was asked to be taken off

7). Tegretol: started 8/2013; titrated off Trileptal and titrated up Tegretol in addition to being on Citalopram and Seroquel; 300 mg in the morning, 600 mg at night; experienced "mixed episode" during titration and had to be hospitalized

 

**all meds stopped at this point (hospitalization) and an entirely new cocktail was begun**:

 

8). Lamictal: started 9/2013 along with Wellbutrin and Zyprexa; 25 mg once per day, titrate up to 50 mg; took it for about 3 weeks and became increasingly "manic"; became allergic to it (rash)

9). Wellbutrin: started 9/2013; 100 mg every morning

10). Zyprexa: started 9/2013; 5 mg every morning, 2.5 mg every afternoon, 5 mg at night

11). Trazadone: started 9/2013; 100 mg at night for sleep; took for two nights, developed allergic reaction (rash)

 

**all meds stopped due to allergic reactions; one new med started**:

 

12). Geodon: started 10/3/2013; 20 mg twice per day; developed intolerable akithisia; abruptly stopped taking Geodon 10/19/2013 due to SE - felt worse than I have ever felt in my life

13). Ativan 0.5 mg PRN: last 3 months to help with anxiety I began to have due to SE from all the other meds; I never needed Ativan before

 

I am currently WD off Geodon and probably everything else I have been on; still take 25 mg Seroquel at night and Ativan PRN

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  • Moderator Emeritus

That vertigo is one nasty withdrawal symptom. I sympathise! Fish oil has helped me 

and I have magnesium baths but don't take any other supplements because I am so 

sensitive that some of them make things worse. I'm sure someone else will be along

who can be more help. Welcome to SA,  :)

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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That vertigo is one nasty withdrawal symptom. I sympathise! Fish oil has helped me 

and I have magnesium baths but don't take any other supplements because I am so 

sensitive that some of them make things worse. I'm sure someone else will be along

who can be more help. Welcome to SA,  :)

Thank for for responding to me, mammyP.  It is good to be here on SA.  This morning I contacted a holistic nurse who does energy therapies like Reiki and Asian Bodywork, yoga therapy and such.  I do really want to get back to yoga!  It is so very helpful in connecting mind, body, spirit.  That is what we all need to get those three back in harmony again.  I think the choline is actually starting to help me.  It is an amino acid, kinda sort of, but really part of the B complex.  It is supposed to help with vertigo and other brain issues.  My brain is healing, I know this!  We are all healing at our own pace.

 

I am glad I took the leap and joined SA.  Feeling a bit overwhelmed however.  My mind just didn't want to shut down last night.  I love to write, but when I do--especially fiction, and I haven't been able to do in these last few months--my mind just won't quit.  I start writing in my head when it is really time for sleep.  And I am sure you and everyone on here knows how important sleep is!  But I am so glad for this connection, I will work it out with my run away mind through meditation and the art of just being still.  And you were a terrific help. :)

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

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THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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Thank you to Petu for getting me merged and straightened out here on SA.  :)  I hope to get the hang of the blog soon!

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

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THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Administrator

Welcome, Equanimity.

 

Given that you are a one-person history of overdrugging, you're doing very well.

 

Vertigo is a very common withdrawal symptom. Acupuncture might be helpful. Be sure to find an acupuncturist with whom you can communicate and who understands you want calming, NOT stimulating treatments.

 

Be patient. Time is the great healer.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Welcome, Equanimity.Given that you are a one-person history of overdrugging, you're doing very well.Vertigo is a very common withdrawal symptom. Acupuncture might be helpful. Be sure to find an acupuncturist with whom you can communicate and who understands you want calming, NOT stimulating treatments.Be patient. Time is the great healer.

Hi there, Altostrata.  Thank you for responding with an idea.  I have had acupuncture in the beginning after I came home from the holistic clinic where I got free of Klonopin.  So I know what you mean about "calming" and not "stimulating."  The stimulating thing happened not with the acupuncture, but with a therapeutic massage I was given at the clinic.  I went kinda emotionally berserk after one that was a little too invigorating!

Yes, there are times when I am pretty happy with my progress, and then there are times where I feel sheer panic for some crazy reason.  And that usually happens when my sleep has not gone well.  I wake up with anxiety in the middle of the night and then when upon awakening sometimes.  (There was a post on here from Nadia that spoke about it quite well.)

I do appreciate you taking the time to address my question.  The best thing I can do for myself right now if to not get overwhelmed.  Just being back in my shop after almost eight months can be overwhelming at times.  I love my customers who help keep my brain busy and am grateful for that, at least. It seems stress is our biggest enemy while we are healing.  Finding others who understand us really helps.  I will look into acupuncture after I give acupressure and reiki and whatever else this holistic nurse thinks will help.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Administrator

You may wish to reduce light stimulation. Use blackout shades, curtains, and a sleep mask in your bedroom. Make it as dark as possible.

 

In the daytime, wear sunglasses, even indoors. We have a topic or two on the amber shades. You might want to look at those.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thank you Altostrata, but I am afraid of the dark these days.  Today I did some more reading from others on this blog to see how things are done here.  So here is a good place to just tell about how I am coping today.  It's funny your comment, Altostrata that I seem to be doing okay "given that you are a one-person history of overdrugging."  It's a funny thing that I am okay when around other people and how I can write like I have it together, but right now I feel frightened of these new feelings.  Like I have been born again and am new.  And this new being is bobbing on a turbulent sea, constantly with this vertigo with no let-up all day.  Sometimes the sea does calm, but the bobbing is still there.

 

And that is a perfect metaphor for my emotions.  I feel so vulnerable.  I am wearing my nerve endings on my sleeve.  I feel so unsheathed.  And I am, after twelve years of anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and whatever type of psychotropic.  Since there were so many, I can't really tell or even know the difference.  My brain is coming unnumbed and I can't or won't pop a Valium like I was told to do in the days before the drugging.  That never worked anyway.

 

I have noticed that the majority of people who have had this happen to them are very sensitive people.  My mother and grandmother were nervous wrecks, but my mother wasn't sensitive and never used any drugs.  But my sweet grandmother was prescribed Valium and she had crying spells.

 

And I stil do not think anything is wrong with us!  We are spiritual beings in a material world.  And those of us who are sensitive are the most aware.  I probably am not making sense, but writing this out for other to see somehow is calming and helping me to feel real.

 

The searing fear that coagulates in my solar-plexis and becomes a wad of anxiety gum has dissipated for now, but I am still chewing on my bruised and tender inside cheeks that I bought gum to help stop me from doing so.  I hope to be clearer tomorrow if I write.  I think it's best to just stop right here.  

 

 

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Moderator Emeritus
And I stil do not think anything is wrong with us!  We are spiritual beings in a material world.  And those of us who are sensitive are the most aware.  I probably am not making sense, but writing this out for other to see somehow is calming and helping me to feel real.

 

 

You make sense to me.

 

I also believe that in the majority of cases there was never anything 'wrong' with us.  Its more likely that there was a lot of 'wrong' going out outside of us and we were reacting quite naturally to unnatural circumstances.

 

I've also been told, from a very young age that I was sensitive, but like it was a bad thing.  Its taken me years to understand that its difficult to be sensitive and aware in this world, but its actually what this world needs, increasing awareness and sensitivity among its inhabitants, not less.  Unfortunately, a lot of us end up getting this very valuable quality drugged out of us, so that we can fit in and go along with the current agenda. 

 

Please keep writing if it helps you to feel better, this is your thread, so use it the way it works best for you, and I'm sure what you have written makes sense to a lot of us here.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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Thank you, Silver Star for touching me this morning.  I just saw this and I have tears running down my face from being understood by another human being.  

 

I do feel there is a grand awakening upon the Earth.  It is us "sensitive" ones that are here to help and heal.  I really do believe that.  So when I am going through another bump in this withdrawal road, I keep reminding myself that there is nothing wrong with me.  That I am just having another in a long series of awakenings and to just notice it and not embrace it any other way.

 

I get this knowing from going inside to that quiet place.  It comes as feelings, not words.  A knowing sense.

 

When the outside world upsets me, I get myself spinning from the stress.  It was good to just write a journal entry here for someone else to see.  It really helps to have witnesses.

 

I contacted a holistic nurse yesterday who says on her website that she believes in the mind, body, spirit connection.  I was hoping her reiki and asian bodywork modalities would help with the vertigo.  But when I told her my situation, she got nervous and said she would feel better if I was seeing a therapist "just in case I really do need medications--not that she believes in them..."  And blah, blah, blah.

 

I wished I lived in California where there is a blooming awareness of the dangers and misconceptions of just drugging people instead of gently helping them.

 

So my anxiety level is way too high.  I really feel like a little child, new to this world.  I do believe if I had been gently helped instead of drugged, I would be way beyond this kind of fright by now.

 

I am a raw egg.  There was an experiment that I read about once when a health education teacher wanted to teach the idea of birth control to his or her teenage class.  He had them take a raw egg and pretend it was a baby.  That had to take with them everywhere they went 24/7.  If they dropped the egg, well, that would be the end of their baby, lying cracked on sidewalk.

 

I don't think God will drop me.  But I am so nervous about the yolk breaking.  This is just a feeling.  A hyper-sensitive feeling.  But I have it none-the-less.

 

I have to keep remembering that I am only 7 months out from a rapid Klonopin 1 1/2 mg. taper--a drug I was on daily for 12 years.  And that I am only 4 and a half months out from finishing a 20 mg. taper of Lexapro--a drug I was on for at least 9 years.  And that I am only 3 months out from a 100 mg. taper of Lamictal--again multi-yeared.

 

They told me at the clinic where the Klonopin was tapered, that the sub-acute period was 3 months and boy, was I glad when that period ended.  The post-acute stage, they said, can last up to 9 months.  Now I know they really can't pinpoint anything, but that it is a guide.  And from reading other's stories, I know it can last sometimes years.  But I don't want to put that in my head except to know that these hyper-sensitive feelings are just that--hyper-sensitive.  I look forward to the day when I can feel the real Me completely when I am free of these withdrawal side effects,

 

I am grateful for SA.  I thank the creators and the members for it's existence.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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I feel like a dunce, Petu.  I called you Silver Star.  I must learn to take my time when I am so emotional.  I am so grateful for all the help you have given me. :)

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Administrator

Eq, you still may find reducing light stimulation reduces your symptoms. A lot of people have found it helps. Please consider it.

 

Thank you for your kind words for SA.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Hi Alto,

 

Yes, I will keep the light stimulation down.  In fact, I am so sensitive to light and noise right now anyway.  I need to keep ALL stimulation down.  Last night, as what happened the night before, I just woke up with that knot of anxiety in my solar-plexis.  It was still dark, but I just woke up.  I really think it is because of what I said in my last post about that holistic nurse of all people not understanding my getting off the psychotropic drug ferris wheel.

 

You are lucky to live in SF.  Good community out there for existential psychotherapy.  I live just outside Philadelphia.  No so enlightened here.  I went to school back in the late seventies in L.A.  I do like the east coast for many things, but spirituality is not a big thing here.  We are kinda in the closet here where it is so fast paced.  Funnily enough, in crazy NYC, there seems to be perhaps some movement on this.

 

Thank you again for your kindness.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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I want to report that right now, at this moment, I am smiling and am feeling much, much better.  I have spent the last hour or so reading the posts on SA and responding to some.  

 

Here is another reason I think I am feeling better right now:  I was able to get some things off my chest in a very relaxed manner to my other half.  He started reading articles about psychotropic drug withdrawal and was able to understand me just a little bit better today.  (I must say he has been an incredible being while I have been through all of this now and before.  I am grateful that he is here.)  I sent him to beyondmeds.com because one, that is a great place and how I found SA.  Two, I don't want him reading anything I post here for now.

 

So while I am still experiencing bobbing on the open sea of vertigo, I am able to enjoy Life at the moment.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.

 

Thanks to all of you here on SA and to Monica for her work as well.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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My anxiety level increased in the early evening, but I was able to breathe through it.  Meditation has been a great savior for me.  One of the things I do in the evening when the anxiety does get high and I can't get into a meditation practice, is that I listen to talks by Tara Brach on youtube.  I listened to this one tonight and I have deemed it my favorite one for now:

 

 

This woman's soothing voice and extreme grace is a meditation all by itself.  I listen to her with my eyes closed and slow down my breath while keeping a focused attention to her voice.

 

It is called, "Attend and Befriend--Healing the Fear Body."  It was exactly what I needed tonight.  

 

Also, in this one she addresses the medication issue briefly.  It was good to hear what she had to say.  She believes, and so do I--and one of the main reasons why I tapered off all the drugs I was on--that it interferes with our spiritual path.  She is also a psychotherapist besides being a mindfulness meditation teacher.

 

There are countless of her talks for free on youtube.  I am grateful for Monica from beyondmeds.com for mentioning her.  Her talks have been a God-send to me.  I hope this will help others as it has helped me.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you for posting the video, I agree, she has a calming voice, just what I need at the moment too.  I'm going to listen to it now.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

Link to comment

Oh, my dear, Petu, you are very welcome. :)  If it helped just one other person by me posting it here, I am very happy.  Her words helped me last night after I woke suddenly around 4 in the morning again with rampant anxiety stuck in my gut.  I remembered to breathe and did what she said.  I attended and befriended and did put my hand on my heart and my stomach for that healing touch.

 

I did eventually get back to sleep.  But I didn't get enough sleep so the anxiety today is a little high. and the vertigo still galloping.  But I forged through it and got to my shop where there are two customers scheduled--one who is going through a tough chemotherapy and the other has no hair.  So, for the Grace of God go I.

 

I am grateful to be healthy in body and mind.  I know I am healing and this vertigo, well, IT TOO SHALL PASS.  I am grateful for my blessings.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

Link to comment

UPDATE:  Yesterday I went to see my chiropractor about the vertigo.  I had not seen her at all this year because of my jangled nerves after the tapering of Klonopin I did at the clinic in March and the subsequent tapering of Lexapro and Lamictal.

 

What prompted me to think of her was that while having difficulty with sleeping in the past few days, my left foot has been feeling numb and my left leg was also just uncomfortable.  She gently pressed on a point in my neck when I was on the table and wow, it almost felt black and blue!  She said, and I am not surprised by this at all, that my hips and neck were very out of alignment.  I could feel that when I laid face down in the usual position.  

 

When I got home, I could still feel the vertigo, but it had changed.  The feeling of rocking on a boat had slowed.  Today as I write this, it has slowed down even more.  I walked to work this morning and I could feel my gait was different.

 

She admonished me as usual about my posture and I told her that my yoga practice had been halted because of the vertigo.  She said I should be feeling better after a couple of more sessions with her.  I really appreciate this lady because she has always been truthful and never pushes me to come when I don't need her.  She sold me a ball last year.  It looks like a medicine ball, it is that big, but it is just filled with air and I use it to release my back at the end of the day.  It only cost $22 and has saved me countless trips to see her.

 

Don't you wish all health professionals were like this?!

 

Sleep was better last night.  I actually slept through the night, only waking slightly and then falling back to sleep.  I did have that anxiety feeling when I awoke, but I meditated through it and it passed pretty quickly.

 

Before I saw the chiropractor yesterday, my afternoon was what I was call anxious.  I managed to help the two customers, but the second one upset me with all her usual gory stories.  Luckily her husband was with her this time and hurried her along.  God, or the Universe, works in mysterious ways!  Ha!

 

The evening was a bit difficult, but I talked through it with the hubster.  I am grateful for his patience.  I was able to laugh about the day and then get some sleep.  So, I count my blessings as I move through this day and I find longer periods of "windows," as they call it, to helps me remember when the "waves" hit.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Administrator

Good news, Eq.

 

So, maybe a circulation problem? Have you been hunching over the computer a lot? Many of us are so intent on finding answers, we spend too much time at the computer. This causes a lot of symptoms!

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi Alto,

 

Yes, I probably spend to much time on my computer, but I try to keep my posture straight when I do.  I know I will feel so much better when I can get back to regular yoga practice.  I am feeling much better today visa vie the vertigo.  Even though I didn't get enough sleep last night, I am feeling my spine is straighter since since the chiropractor.

 

I am also trying to remember my posture when I am standing, which I do a lot of in my wig shop.  More importantly, I listen to metaphysical type talks on youtube while I stay in a relaxed position in between customers or before sleep.  Finding meaning behind all of this is what helps me the most.

 

Since it was an anxiety issue that through me onto this path of medication madness, and I am having some anxiety issues now, I am looking at it as part of my spiritual awakening.  Like last night, it was rampant.  But I didn't get up and grab a valerian or another magnesium because I have been learning that it is better to face it all head on and really LOOK at it.  I find when I do this, it actually goes away.  I CAN breathe through it.

 

I now know that soothing it with drugs will never work again.  It never worked in the first place.  It just postponed it.  Now I am facing it.  I am learning to stay in the moment and not "futurize" or "pasterize" because not only does the future and the past now truly exist, if I try to go to either place--bingo--anxiety.

 

I am grateful for your inquiry, Alto, and for SA. :)

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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Last night, another night of wake up with anxiety after three hours of sleep and then intermittent sleep with anxiety after that.  However, the intensity of the anxiety was less than the night before.  Progress, I say.

 

Also progress with the vertigo.  I have increased my intake of extra virgin organic coconut oil.  Along with that I am taking krill oil, which is fish oil from the antarctic.  It is more potent that regular fish oil.  I am also taking CoQ10, 150 mg. per day.  And choline.  I have been reading how coconut oil is helping people with Altzheimer's disease.  I will post this information in a separate post, I think, after I see if the vertigo stops as I increase the amount of coconut oil.

 

I saw the holistic nurse today, who I had to convince not to be afraid of me because, HORRORS, I tapered off of all my psychotropic drugs.  Even though she is a "holistic" nurse, she was a RN first and still has one foot too many in the allopathic world.  After about an hour, she relaxed as she realized, "hey, perhaps this normal person talking to me has a point that she was given these drugs in error and that saving her brain and mind by going off of them was, like, an excellent idea."  She didn't even charge me for the visit because it took too long for HER to get comfortable with helping me with her eastern healing modalities of Reiki, Shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology, etc.  We never got to any of that today.  She showed me a couple of meditation exercises and gave me names of one, a psychiatrist, who she says doesn't really use drugs--no thanks, and two, the name of some allopathic internist for me to ask about vertigo.  No thank you once again.

 

I guess she didn't accept the notion that the vertigo is the last of my physical withdrawal symptoms to go.  I accept it.  And that is all that matters.  

 

She did, however, give me one good lead and that was for community acupuncture.  I did that at the clinic out west where I tapered the Klonopin.  Will definitely check that out.

 

The swaying of my boat is less today and for that I am grateful.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • Administrator

Good to hear, Eq. Do you think the omega-3s were the key?

 

Don't worry about taking too much magnesium, as long as it doesn't cause gut discomfort.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi Alto,

 

Thank you for being a witness to my story.  Yes, I do think the omega-3's are the key for helping our brains to rebound after being smacked in the head with a bat full of psychotropic drugs.  That is what it feels like, this dizziness, that I was whacked with a two-by-four.

 

But coconut oil and fish oil are not panaceas by themselves.  Here is the article from Dr. Mercola about coconut oil and what else one should be to prevent Altzheimer's.  I just filled in my own blank and put "recover from over-drugging."  And hey, if we stave off Altzheimer's while we are at it, all the better.

 

http://www.naturepacific.com/contents/en-us/d227_virgin-coconut-oil-brain-food-prevent-Alzheimers.html

 

Anxiety level is a little high today.  It seems that life issues that have not been resolved won't stop for me to just heal.  When I talk about them with a friend, sometimes the friend doesn't talk calmly because she wants me to be happy and gets frustrated.  It's hard to write about what is really happening on an open forum, even though our identities are kind of protected.

 

But you know what I mean about life stresses?  The vertigo is still here and that causes some anxiety.   It is hard when one is "in" it.  I know it will heal, but when it is happening even when I lay down at night, it is hard to get my head out of it.  And then the sleep isn't good.  Then there is the vicious cycle, right?  Little sleep = anxiety.  Vertigo = anxiety.  Anxiety = little sleep.  Little sleep = bouncier vertigo.  And round and round we go.

 

Any insight?  Anyone?  Everyone?  I am so open to any suggestions on coping with stress while healing from this mess.

 

Eq

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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Oh, and last night, as I try to every night--to close things down like television and lights early and calmly face bedtime--late phone call for the hubster.  Tension in the air.  I told him I need CALM before bed.  I kinda lost it last night.  Trying to remain calm for days and with little sleep, well, I just lost it.  Just screamed and cried.

 

It did release the tension, but it was scary.  At least I didn't feel as scared as the last time I lost it after being away for 48 hours.  That was about three weeks ago not.  I see some progress in that light, but still scary, nonetheless.

 

My body also vibrates a little too.  I remember after the galloping heart palpitations I had after the Klonopin taper at the clinic, they changed to just these heart vibrations.  There are times in my days where I can't see the way out, but then I get blessed with hope and homeostasis.  Windows and waves.  Windows and waves.

 

Here's to windows.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

Link to comment

Welcome, Equanimity. Acupuncture might be helpful. Be sure to find an acupuncturist with whom you can communicate and who understands you want calming, NOT stimulating treatments. 

I took this piece of advice today and saw a Chinese doc that I had seen once before right after I came back from the clinic in March.  I asked for the "calm package," Alto. :)  Funny, just like after the chiropractor, the vertigo changed.  Still there, but the sensation went from choppy to swaying gently.  I am a boat.

 

Hopefully, the treatment will also help me sleep better tonight.  I did after the first time in March despite how horrific I felt then.  Trying to deal better with stress today.  Some waves of anxiety.  Some feelings of wondering if I can learn to enjoy life again completely.  I said this before, somehow I feel new.  Like walking for the first time, but again.  My brain chemistry is all new and suddenly I am awake from the fogged dream.  It feels a little scary.  A new era.

1977-2001 Valium 5mg. PRN (and later years I PRNed too much)., 2001 Prozac, but changed quickly to Paxil for 6 months, then tapered over 8 weeks.

2002 Klonopin 1 mg., Celexa 30 mg. had "manic" response (was labeled bi-polar) so Neurontin was added after trying Depakote, Geodon, Risperadal, Zyprexa.

2003 Trileptal was added and Neurontin discontinued. Hair fell out and Trileptal was discontinued.,

2004 Now 6 mg. Klonopin, Lexapro 20 mg. (instead of Celexa) Lamictal 125 mg. instead of Trileptal.

2009 Now 3 mg. Klonopin reduced from 6 mg. after swallowing all the pills and lived to tell about it. Wellbutrin was added, then Rozerem 8 mg. and stayed on Lexapro 20 mg. and Lamictal at 100 mg. (Seroquel and Effexor were tried, but quickly discontinued.)

2011 Successfully tapered from Klonopin 3 mg. to 2 mg. that year in .25 mg. increments.

2012 Successfully tapered off Wellbutrin and discontinued Rozerem replacing it with melatonin. Tapered another 1/2 mg. of Klonopin.

2013 Tapered off Lexapro 10 mg. in January and February, tapered down to 75 mg. of Lamictal in February. Went to a holistic clinic for a month in March and tapered 1 1/2 mg. off Klonopin to 0 by March 13th. Finished Lexapro taper of 10 mg. during the spring and then the last 75 mg. of Lamictal in the summer. All done by July 21st 2013.  Withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional) up the ying-yang.  

10/22/13 Right now am suffering from unrelenting vertigo, crying spells, some anxiety.  Definite periods of hope and homeostasis. 

 

My introductory post:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5118-equanimity-asking-for-help-for-unrelenting-vertigo-due-to-withdrawal/

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

     

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  • 1 year later...

Hi Equanimity,

How are you doing?

Read through your thread and it gave me hope for healing.

I hope that you are doing well after all this time.

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. :(

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