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alldaisy: Zyprexa withdrawal - severe insomnia and lack of appetite


alldaisy

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Around sept 2012 I stopped taking Zyprexa 15 mg cold turkey. I did it because I gained 30 pounds in around 4 months. When I quit Zyprexa, I started  with a lot of crying, anxiety, panic attacks, lack of appetite and insomnia. I did not sleep for three days in a row and then I slept for about three days, after that I never ever slept again naturally. I am never sleepy, never tired, never hungry (the other symptoms disappeared). I am always wide awake even after sleeping 2 -3 hours a day and some days just 1 hour. I have tried geodon, trazodon, clonopin and other medicines that I can't remember now, nothing helps, some of those meds helped me sleep some hours and then stopped working. Gabapentin was the only medication that made me sleep around 5 - 6 hours . I started with 600 mg, but after some months on that dosis, it stopped working. Now they put me on 1200 mg of gabapentin, but I have not noticed any improvement, I am only sleeping  2 -3 hours (very irregular). The only change on all these months is that now I am not dreaming so much as the beginning of the nightmare, I am having more hours of deep sleep.

 

In 2012 I was feeling so bad and I was so ignorant about psychotropic drugs that I trusted my doctors when they told me that my insomnia and all the symptoms  were for the chemical imbalance and not Zyprexa related. I took the new medications (lamictal and geodon) without complaining 

After two years of this nightmare I have read a lot looking for answers, help, support and a cure for my insomnia. I have found a lot of people describing the same thing, going through the same nightmare. I have not found a logical explanation or a cure. Some people have started sleeping better without help of any medication after some months, some after 22 months, there are other that have been like this for 6 years already. Some have been put back on very low dosis of Zyprexa (for some this worked, for others it didn't). 

 

My plan is: zero coffee or chocolate, a balanced diet, I try to eat turkey, bananas, do exercises. I always go to bed at the same time and take the gabapentin at the same time. I try not to use the computer or electronic 2 -3 hours before bed time. I take a warm bath before going to bed, read a book, drink warm milk.

 

 I read in other forums that a scientist at Harvard found that there is still Zyprexa binded to receptors after 6 months that the person has stopped taking it. Maybe I just need more time, my brain need time to heal and recover.

 

Could be possible that Zyprexa permanent damage my brain? Could be possible that the anxiety and stress response went haywire on my body? Why I am never sleepy or hungry?

 

sorry for my English skills, English is not my first language

Edited by scallywag
tags added

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Dear alldaisy I want to welcome you to SA to let you know you've been heard although I might not be able to help much.

 

I'm very sorry to hear about your ongoing suffering. I see that you have already done a lot to look for possible ways to get better. I hope we can here help you on your journey.  What would help us to help you is to put information on your drug history in your signature so that we can immediately see it every time you post. The link is here:  http://survivinganti...your-signature/ Please include the information on all the drugs you are taking at the moment and their doses. Addsupplements if you are taking some.

 

While reading your story, I noticed that a lot of symptoms associated with acute withdrawal fortunately disappeared which definitely means your brain is recovering. 

 

From everything I've read here I would totally agree with your tentative conclusion that your brain just needs more time to heal and recover. Maybe somebody else will have heard about the time Zyprexa is bound to receptors....

 

I personally don't think there is such a thing as permanent brain damage. I firmly believe in the ability of our brains to recover regardless of how hard they've been battered. When I need to remind myself of that I browse through this topic: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2761-neuroplasticity-and-limbic-retraining/

 

Have you checked this thread on our forum here?: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/604-important-topics-about-symptoms-including-sleep-problems/ When you browse down a bit you will find a lot of links covering what I believe is if not everything than almost everything there is under the sun that helps with insomnia.

 

I've also read it from people here that while in withdrawal (and protracted withdrawal which seems to be your case), people actually manage to function with very little sleep while waiting for their circadian rhythms to restablish. How are you feeling during the day? 

 

Are you taking any supplements? Most people do well with magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids:http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

 

I like your plan a lot. You are definitely on the right track. I hope you will find useful tips to add to it here but for sure you will find a lot of friendly support. There are quite a few of us here who are not native speakers of English and yours is just great :)

 

best,

bubble

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello Alldaisy,

 

Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic, and unfortunately we don't know a lot about the course of withdrawal from this type of drug. It seems to be very much like that of antidepressants, but there are differences, and of course there are differences from one individual to another.

 

You're doing a lot of the right things with regard to diet and sleep, and I'd like to suggest one more thing with regard to sleep. Many of us have found that our cortisol levels are elevated in withdrawal which makes us sensitive to light.  I was unable to sleep for two to three days at a time when I first went into withdrawal from Lexapro. Then I came across a very helpful suggestion here, and that was to darken the bedroom as much as possible and wear a sleep mask. I was able to fall asleep every night shortly after I started doing these things and began to heal at that point.  My cortisol level didn't seem to go down until early afternoon, so on bright days I also wore sunglasses in the house, and most definitely all of the time when I went outside.  I did my shopping near sunset when the light isn't so bright but before people are turning on their headlights.

 

There's every chance that you will heal eventually. It seems that psychiatric drugs of all kinds make changes to brain structure, but these changes gradually reverse. Withdrawal symptoms are likely evidence of the brain struggling to rebuild itself rather than an indication of permanent damage.

 

I'd also recommend staying away from any further psychiatric drug use. Once a person goes cold turkey and goes into withdrawal, the body and mind can remain sensitive to them for years.  My personal opinion is that all of them are worthless, harmful crap, and I wouldn't recommend that anyone take them, ever.

 

Welcome to the forum, Alldaisy. I'm glad you found us.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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I've also read it from people here that while in withdrawal (and protracted withdrawal which seems to be your case), people actually manage to function with very little sleep while waiting for their circadian rhythms to restablish. How are you feeling during the day? 

 

Are you taking any supplements? 

 

 

Thanks Bubble for the links and words of support. I have been in a lot of forums, this is the best.  It has a lot of useful information. 

 

During the day I feel fine. I have energy and I'm able to function. It is weird that even with very little sleep I am not tired. My brain is always on, I have the feeling that after I quit Zyprexa something changed in my brain and the on switch was left permanently. I am really scared sometimes, scared of not sleeping anymore. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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I'd also recommend staying away from any further psychiatric drug use. Once a person goes cold turkey and goes into withdrawal, the body and mind can remain sensitive to them for years.  My personal opinion is that all of them are worthless, harmful crap, and I wouldn't recommend that anyone take them, ever.

 

 

 

Hi Jemima,

 

I agree with you. Unfortunately when I was very depressed I saw a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist. The damage is done, It cannot be reverted. 

 

If I went cold turkey with Zyprexa, it was because my psychiatrist refused to put me out of the drug, for him 30 pounds in 4 months was normal. He did not mention that I should not quit the drug cold turkey, he did not mention the risks. 

 

This week has been hard for me, I am sleeping very bad. I just want to be the same person that I was. I want my body to function again. Really, I do not know what else to do.  There is something terrible wrong on my brain.

 

My family want me positive, they do not understand how bad I am feeling because the damage is not quantificable or visible. Apparently, I am physically fine, emotional too. I am able to function and I have energy. But if I am smiling it is for my children. I want to be strong. 

Nobody should be prescribed psychotropic drugs without previously been informed of the risks. I will file a complaint to the FDA for the Zyprexa. 

 

Thanks for been there and your time

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Moderator Emeritus

We have quite a few people here who struggle with sleep (you already found Paul who was also on Zyprexa).

 

The reason I asked about how you are feeling with this little sleep is because I sort of felt that you were managing but were scared at the thought that this very important biological process is disrupted. I've had some brief periods of insomnia over the years and more than not being able to function, I was actually horrified that something awful was going to happen to me. So I totally understand your feeling. When I came here I read that people do manage fine on much less sleep than is "normal" and that it's not so detrimental as we are fearing. It's actually the fear that forces us to resort to desperate measures which in the long run make things worse or prolong the suffering.

 

As, I said I see clear sign of recovery in you in that most of your initial symptoms have abated and even disappeared. Have you noticed that over time you are getting a bit more sleep (however little?)

 

When I look at your signature, I don't quite understand which of the medication listed you are still taking. Trazodone, Klonopin, Quetiapine and Risperidone were just temporary attempts and now you are taking only Gabapentin?

 

In addition to general supplements which help the brain to recover, some members who have problems with sleeping found vitamin D and melatonin helpful. So you might want to explore that too. Apart from Paul, other members that come to my mind when it comes to ongoing sleeping issues are MammaP and Wulfgar so you might also want to check how they are coping. I find it very reassuring to know that I'm not the only one afflicted with some things and that there are other people struggling and coping.

 

I completely share your impression about the forum ;) and I'm happy you are with us.

 

Best,

bubble 

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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As, I said I see clear sign of recovery in you in that most of your initial symptoms have abated and even disappeared. Have you noticed that over time you are getting a bit more sleep (however little?)

 

When I look at your signature, I don't quite understand which of the medication listed you are still taking. Trazodone, Klonopin, Quetiapine and Risperidone were just temporary attempts and now you are taking only Gabapentin?

 

Well, I haven't notice any improvement, the only difference is that my body seems to be more adapted to the lack of sleep or irregular cycles. Before I used to get desperate waiting for the sunrise, now I try to stay in bed (I enter a semiconscious status where I dream a lot but I am aware than I am awake). My insomnia is very weird, as I mentioned before my brain is permanently "on"

 

Sorry for the superficial description of the medication I have taken on my signature, but I did not keep exact record of dosis and time frame. Trazodone, Klonopin and quetiapine were just temporary attempts that did not help. 

 

My vitamin D level are very low, then I am taking Vitamin D 50.000 u, I will take fish oil too.

 

Thanks again Bubble

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • 4 weeks later...

It has been a while since last post and my situation is still the same. I am still dealing with a very severe insomnia. 

 

I am just thinking on my situation, taking in account all I have read and I do not know what else I can do to reverse the damage done in first place by Zyprexa withdrawal. 

 

Sept. 2012 I quit Zyprexa and automatically I stopped sleeping. After that my pdoc has put me on many medications to help me deal with the insomnia. Some of them has helped me for sometime and briefly stopped working. Then I have been in and out of medications because this or because additional side effects. Gabapentin is the only medication that helped me sleep longer (6 -7 hours) at the beginning. Now I am sleeping less and less every time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours sleep, very irregular, and with a lot of dreams), it takes me almost two hours to sleep. 

 

Is this process or disruption of my sleep reversible?(I have been dealing with the insomnia for almost two years) Can psychotropic drugs permanently damage the brain? (I was told that no, but I have my doubts since I have not recovery yet)

 

I was told by my pdoc to reduce the dosis of gabapentin since the increment did not help. Can this makes my sleeping worse? I read that gabapentin is not an sleeping pill, that it is not addictive. Why gabapentin helped me at the beginning and has stopped working over time? 

 

Why I am never tired or sleepy even with so little sleep? I would like to add that I am not anxious, depressed or paranoid. I am mentally ok. I have good energy levels too but I am like a machine or a computer permanently ON. 

 

I wish I could have my life back. Have that feeling that I want to sleep, go to bed close my eyes and have a restful deep sleep.

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Administrator

When did you reduce gabapentin? How much are you taking now?

 

What is your daily symptom pattern?

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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When did you reduce gabapentin? How much are you taking now?

 

What is your daily symptom pattern?

 

I haven't reduce the dose of gabapentin yet, I am still taking 1200 mg at 10 pm every night. I have been on that dose for ~ 4 months. The new dose will be 900 mg. The pdoc increased the dose from 900 mg to 1200 mg four months ago to help me sleep better, the increment did not make any difference. I will be taking the new dose when I run out of the 1200 mg dose ( in 1 1/2 week)

 

My only symptom is this severe insomnia. I am full of energy, totally awake. It seems like I have taken  10 cups of espresso (coffee). I take gabapentin every day at 10 pm, I get to sleep (deep sleep) ~ at 12 every night, I sleep very irregular, different number of hours every day ( going  0 to 4 hours a day), I wake up at midnight full of energy (totally awake and rested) and I stay in bed going to a period of ~ 2 hours more in a semiconscious status (a lot of dreams).

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Given your history, please taper the gabapentin. I suspect you might be too sensitized to neuroactive drugs to tolerate a 25% cut.

 

Gabapentin must be tapered just like any other psych drug. I would recommend starting with a 10% cut just like any other taper, then wait a couple of weeks and make sure you're not going to have a withdrawal reaction before you cut any further. If it turns out you can tolerate a faster taper you can make a bigger cut the second time. 

 

When I went from 1200 gabapentin to 300 abruptly I had a terrible reaction and became extremely depressed and suicidal. You, of course, are not me, but please be cautious at least at first until you see how reduction affects you.

 

If it's not helping with the insomnia, I agree there's no reason to be subjecting your body and brain to it. 

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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Thanks Rhi for your advice. 

 

All this situations is so frustrating. I do not know what I am going to do, I tried many drugs, nothing helped me, the only drug that helped me is not working anymore. There are people on different forums describing long period of insomnia after Zyprexa withdrawal, we are all looking for help. Nothing is written.  I want to stay positive, but the truth is that I am afraid. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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I'm sure it will pass one day. The two crucial neurotransmitter systems for sleep regulation - Serotonin and Histamine are both heavily antagonized by Zyprexa, they may take a long time to re-regulate. I know there's some guy documenting his experience with Zyprexa withdrawal through Youtube videos, he's ~22 months in to his taper and hardly sleeping as well.  I think insomnia does also become a bit self-perpetuating after a prolonged period of time, so it pays dividends to do everything in your power to promote sleep. Here's some info I was given by a doctor to help with my insomnia:

 

BEATING INSOMNIA
For many people, insomnia is a learned problem. Repeated nights spent worrying or toss- ing and turning in bed teaches the body to associate the bed with arousal and alertness, when instead we want the body to associate the bed with relaxation and drowsiness. In order to break this problem we need to help the body “relearn” to associate the bed with sleepiness. The steps below will do this. Read them carefully, follow them closely, and call the clinic if you have any questions.You can sleep better!
 
STEP 1: DO NOT GO TO BED UNTIL YOU ARE VERY DROWSY (NO MATTER WHAT TIME IT IS!). Do not go to bed according to the clock. Instead, go to bed only when you are so drowsy you can barely stay awake.You might end up getting in bed long after your usual bed time if you do this, but that’s okay.With time, you will get drowsy earlier in the night.
 
STEP 2:IF YOU ARE AWAKE IN BED MORE THAN TWENTY MINUTES,GET OUT OF BED AND DO SOMETHING RELAXING. This is very important! Remember that by lying in bed a long time awake,you are teaching your body to associate the bed with wakefulness. We want the opposite to happen, so you must leave the bed if you’re not sleeping. When you get out of bed, avoid doing activities that excite you or make you tense. Instead, do something relaxing.
 
STEP 3:WHEN YOU BEGIN TO FEEL DROWSY AGAIN,TRY GOING TO BED AGAIN. If you again lie awake in bed for twenty minutes,it’s important to go back to Step 2 by get- ting out of bed. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you eventually fall asleep. When you start this program, you might need to repeat these steps several times until you fall asleep, but this will improve after 1 week for most people.
 
STEP 4: GET OUT OF BED AT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY. No matter what time you fall asleep during the night,make sure to get up at about the same time each day (even weekends).Do not stay in bed more than 1 hour later than your usual waking time.
 
STEP 5: DO NOT NAP DURING THE DAY. If you absolutely must nap,limit the nap to twenty minutes.You might want to set a timer to make sure you don’t sleep longer.
 
MOST IMPORTANTLY: HAVE PATIENCE! Chronic insomnia doesn’t develop overnight and it doesn’t go away overnight.In fact,most people who follow these steps find their sleep gets worse before it gets better. However, in one to two weeks, you should notice significant improvement in your sleep if you follow these steps closely. 

Past use of Pritiq, Escitalopram, Lithium and Valproate. All ceased with no withdrawal experienced. 

07/2013- Started 10mg Asenapine (Saphris) an AAP 

01/2014- Given 2 week taper by doc

02/2014- Experienced absolutely excruciating anxiety and insomnia

02/2014- Tried reinstating at 5mg but had akathisia attack that hospitalised me

03/2014- Prescribed Doxepin and then Mirtazapine and Diazapam for 'agitated depression'

04/2014 - New Psychiatrist. Willing to empower me to get drug free. Started 50mg Chlorpromazine as an alternative to reinstating Asenapine. Rapidly tapered off the Doxepin and Mirtazapine.

  Currently: 45mg Chlorpromazine, 2.5mg Diazapam. 

  Supplements: Fish oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Magnesium

 

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  • Administrator

Turning lights down or off at nightfall also helps, as does avoiding computer use after sunset.

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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Thanks Acetyl and Altostrata for all the recommendations.

 

My problem with this insomnia is that it is not typical, it is very weird case of insomnia. I never feel drowsy. The only way I can sleep a little is if I take the gabapentin and go to bed calmly. If for any reason I take the gabapentin and I keep doing any activity, I just cannot sleep at all. I cannot sleep without medication. I am never tired, drowsy or sleepy. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Administrator

Yes, that is a very familiar type of insomnia experienced by people with withdrawal syndrome or other drug damage.

 

Many of us here, including me, have had to deal with it.

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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Altostrata,

 

Are you sleeping better? For how long did you have insomnia? Are you able to sleep now without using any medication? 

 

Well, I wish you are totally recovery.

 

Thanks again for all the support and being there helping. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
Link to comment
  • Administrator

I'm doing a lot better now.

 

Please see our Symptoms and Self-care forum.

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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Last night I had another night of 0 hours sleep. I took the gabapentin as usual, I did the same ritual, the warm bath, the hot milk, went to bed at the same time, but my brain refused to go off. I was in status hard to described. I was conscious I was not sleeping (deep sleep) but I was very calm and relaxed. 

 

Please tell me that this is going to pass some day, that the damage is not permanent. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Administrator

That is a fairly typical withdrawal syndrome pattern. It does gradually change.

 

You may wish to start reducing gabapentin, it doesn't seem to be helping and it may be causing a paradoxical reaction -- waking instead of sleeping.

 

See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2309-tips-on-tapering-neurontin-gabapentin/

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

I had lots of nights like that early on, but now my sleep is much better by comparison.  You will recover.  I found that sleep hypnosis audio was helpful on nights I couldn't fall asleep, even if I didn't manage to fall asleep, having something calming to listen to was helpful.

 

Jody Whiteley has a lovely selection for free on youtube, some of them run for over 8 hours.

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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Thanks Altostrata and Petu for the feedback.

 

Altostrata, you are right, there are many people going through out the same process, insomnia is a common factor in many cases. But I am worried, I have read cases where people is not recovering. Even in the forum, I read a case, a person who lost the ability to sleep naturally (she described exactly how I am feeling), and has been like that for 6 years already. Maybe the same way medications cause side effects, permanent metabolic damages, diabetes, ...also can cause this permanent damage "insomnia" or inability to sleep naturally. I have not improve, even a little bit in two years. 

 

I will stat the gabapentin reduction today, let see what this bring...

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
Link to comment
  • 4 months later...

Hi you all, 

 

I cannot believe that have passed 4 years already since the craziness took my life.  It has been a while since I started taking gabapentin, I am not all good, but I am stable. I am sleeping well again. The only problem that I still have is that I do not have appetite, also that I have gained a lot of weight, but I am dealing with this mild symptoms. I am here to say thanks to all of you that took the time to write me and support me during the hard times. I am here to let others know that the recovery is possible. Keep fighting, do not lose faith. I am really thankful for the excellent psychologist that treated me and helped me to feel better. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Alldaisy,

Thank you for updating and letting us know how you are.  I'm glad you are feeling better.  How did your ability to sleep come back? Was it suddenly or slowly?  I was reading earlier in your thread where you were afraid you would never be able to sleep properly again.  I'm sure your appetite will come back too in a little more time.

 

Are you still taking 900mg Gabapentin?

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

I also have been troubled by severe insomnia and loss of appetite during my days on Effexor, and during withdrawal. Here is what worked for me:

 

a) For the insomnia, I bought a "sound and light" machine. I did not know which one to get ... so I bought the Proteus, which was at the time one of the highest rated machines on Amazon.com. Sleeping pills had never worked for me. My insomnia was severe... I was only sleeping two or three hours a night. I was not expecting the sound and light machine to work. But I was *desperate.* To my complete astonishment, it worked brilliantly. The first time I ever used it, I fell asleep easily and woke up feeling as if I had never slept so well in my entire life. It was weird. (Oddly, it had a side effect. I have been a life-long nail biter. I bit them until they bled. I tried EVERYTHING to stop, and I could not. Three days after I got the sound and light machine, I stopped biting my nails. Stopped cold. As if someone had hit a switch in my brain. Weird. Just weird.)

 

B) Loss of appetite. I became anorexic when my depression became extremely severe in spite of the Effexor. I knew that I must eat, but I had to force myself. I lost twenty pounds in a month. I lived on one apple and one yoghurt a day. My appetite returned when I began to exercise. Sleeping again helped. The huge breakthrough was I started a type of talk therapy called "EMDR." It is a type of scripted talk therapy that uses technology to put the person in deeply relaxed state while talking. It is backed by solid research and it is safe. I got significant relief after just a couple sessions. 

Advice in this post is based on personal experience and reading; this is not medical advice and I am not a doctor. 

 

History: Started Zoloft 1996. On and off meds (including Serzone, Buspar, Wellbutrin) until pregnancy in 2003. Started Zoloft again in 2004. Zoloft lost effectiveness. Started Effexor low dose. In 2006, began crash and burn. Nightmares. Memory loss. Very severe depression. Loss of appetite. Insomnia. Sleeping pills did not work. In 2007, hit bottom. Very high doses of medication did not work. In 2008, sought alternatives. Entered EMDR therapy. EMDR gave relief from severe depression and anxiety after a few sessions. In 2009, I tapered off Effexor grain by grain. EMDR helped. Exercise helped. Better nutrition helped. Left with severe memory loss, probably due to Effexor. Neurofeedback therapy helped me recover memory and got rid of last remnants of depression. As of 2014, memory is much better. I have slowly regained my capacity to feel contentment and joy. I continue with exercise, nutrition, and a meditation practice.

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Hi Alldaisy,

Thank you for updating and letting us know how you are.  I'm glad you are feeling better.  How did your ability to sleep come back? Was it suddenly or slowly?  I was reading earlier in your thread where you were afraid you would never be able to sleep properly again.  I'm sure your appetite will come back too in a little more time.

 

Are you still taking 900mg Gabapentin?

 

Hi Petu,

 

The recovery road has been long and with many bumps. My ability to sleep did not come in a zap, it was an slowly and gradual process. I started with very irregular-repetitive cycles, for example 0, 1 ,3 ,4 hours then 0 hours again and then the same pattern the week next to it, it kept that way for some time. Then three very bad days again, and then the same previous cycle. After been sleeping on that pattern for some months, I started sleeping the same amount of hours every night and one every like  2 - 3 weeks, another bad night. Later, I started just sleeping longer, more hours every day.  I took my medication every night at the same time and went to bed every day at the same time. I believe this helped. Also, it helped me that I overcome the fear of never sleeping well again or at least I got used to no sleeping well, I refused to take or help me on the bad nights with the benzo, I resisted the temptation to do it, I almost surrender on my desperation. But I believe it helped me no to do it. 

 

Thanks for your good wishes. Let's see if my body continue healing.  

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
Link to comment

I also have been troubled by severe insomnia and loss of appetite during my days on Effexor, and during withdrawal. Here is what worked for me:

 

a) For the insomnia, I bought a "sound and light" machine. I did not know which one to get ... so I bought the Proteus, which was at the time one of the highest rated machines on Amazon.com. Sleeping pills had never worked for me. My insomnia was severe... I was only sleeping two or three hours a night. I was not expecting the sound and light machine to work. But I was *desperate.* To my complete astonishment, it worked brilliantly. The first time I ever used it, I fell asleep easily and woke up feeling as if I had never slept so well in my entire life. It was weird. (Oddly, it had a side effect. I have been a life-long nail biter. I bit them until they bled. I tried EVERYTHING to stop, and I could not. Three days after I got the sound and light machine, I stopped biting my nails. Stopped cold. As if someone had hit a switch in my brain. Weird. Just weird.)

 

B) Loss of appetite. I became anorexic when my depression became extremely severe in spite of the Effexor. I knew that I must eat, but I had to force myself. I lost twenty pounds in a month. I lived on one apple and one yoghurt a day. My appetite returned when I began to exercise. Sleeping again helped. The huge breakthrough was I started a type of talk therapy called "EMDR." It is a type of scripted talk therapy that uses technology to put the person in deeply relaxed state while talking. It is backed by solid research and it is safe. I got significant relief after just a couple sessions. 

 

Thanks for the new info, I did not knew about that device you mentioned, I know there some other over there. I never try any. They are really expensive. I tried to help me myself with the medications that I initially I refused to take. And many other advices that I read on this forum and some recommendations given by my physicians. 

 

Yes, I read time ago about EMDR therapy, I did not get the whole idea how it works. My psychologist have not used that therapy with me. However, I revisited my traumatic events and revived again, it was and still is very painful for me. Since now I am feeling better I am more capable to control my emotions and survive the flashbacks. I will have to learn to live with my past, maybe one day I finally forget what happened to me. For me has not been weeks, I have been like these for years, I wish it could be just that easy for me. Sometime life damage us in an unmentionable way. 

 

About the lack of appetite, yes, I am like you, I force myself to eat. My psychologist want to control my life in way, that she is pushing me to do exercises using all the tricks on her books. Too bad that an no an easy target. Maybe one day I decide that I want to do it, but for know I refuse to do it, just because she want and no going to do it. But anyway, thanks for suggesting that do exercises have helped you to improve you appetite. My goal is one day, if I survive all this, If find at least a figment of joy, to stop taking medication. It that happens, it means that I went to my previous status before my traumatic events. For now, and after 6 long sad years at least I am sleeping better. 

 

Thanks for sharing your experience with me. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Dear alldaisy,

 

I'm very grateful to you that you came back to tell us that your sleep has been restored. I read from the beginning of your thread and saw that I told you so ;) This will mean so much for people who are feeling like you felt when you first came here. 

 

I belive your appetite will regulate as well. 

 

best,

Bubble

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Are u still on the gabapentrin?

2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor.....

5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses.

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Dear alldaisy,

 

I'm very grateful to you that you came back to tell us that your sleep has been restored. I read from the beginning of your thread and saw that I told you so ;) This will mean so much for people who are feeling like you felt when you first came here. 

 

I belive your appetite will regulate as well. 

 

best,

Bubble

Thanks Bubble,

 

Yes, my sleep was restored, time help to heal.  However I am not the same person, I do not know if I will ever be the same person again. I am so sad. 

 

As you mentioned, let's think that my appetite will regulate too. Let's be positive.  

 

Thanks for all you did for me and you do for people like me. I really appreciate the time you all take to read our comments and for your words of encouragement. 

 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas! I will try keep my info updated. If my health continue improving, I will let you know. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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Are u still on the gabapentrin?

Hi jdm

 

Yes, I am still taking the 900 mg at night. I am taking 6 mg of Invega in the morning too. I just want to be out of all those medications, but I do not know if that day will arrive any time soon. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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  • Administrator

Be patient, you'll get through this.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks for explaining how your sleep returned Alldaisy, and well done for resisting taking a benzo, I'm sure that helped you recover your sleep faster.

 

You will be free from medications if you keep going.  Then you can look back at how far you have come and be proud of your strength and for everything you have gone through.

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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Thanks Altostrata and Petu for your good thoughts.

 

I wish one day I can look backward and say, thanks god, I survived, I meds free. But now that I am feeling better the docs prescribed me a new medication instead of tell me to reduce the dosage of gaba. 6 years is many years in a person life, 6 years almost lost in this never ending cycle of doctors appointments and medications, sorrow, crying, fear, sleepiness and sadness. Well, I will have to keep calm and optimism, I have to think that the worst part is behind. I will keep you all posted about my progress or any little health improvement. 

 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New 2015!

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
Link to comment
  • Administrator

What new drug has been prescribed, and for what?

 

Please be careful with this.

 

Check drug interactions in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this topic.

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

What new drug has been prescribed, and for what?

 

Please be careful with this.

 

Check drug interactions in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this topic.

 

Thanks for the link. 

 

The new drug is "invega", 6 mg every morning. Really, I cannot tell the reason why I was put in additional drug.  Maybe, it was for the same stupid reason I was put in psycho drugs years ago, but to be honest, It was not necessary this time. I am kind of tired to fight with my doctors and request that they put me out of meds. They are not listening, they do what they want and when they want and the the way they want. It is like they find satisfaction if we are on drugs.  Now, I am sad, a little depressed. But it is understandable, I am not working. I would love to have an active life, be working and no living so isolated as I am living now. My life is not the worst life ever, but it is kind of inhumane. My doctors are my only human contacts. I used to live in warm weather, these grey and cold days do not help me with my mood either. Plus the lack of a job, friends, coworkers, family near by, all those aspects are against my recovery. But as I mentioned before, let's see for how much longer I can deal with this and continue living like this. 

Zyprexa 15 mg  for 5 months  in 2010. I quit cold turkey /Zyprexa 5 mg from sept 2011 to sept 2012. I quit cold turkey

Lamictal and Geodon for around 6 months (from around sept 2012 to feb 2013)

Trazodone/ Klonopin 0.5 mg / 1 mg /Quetiapine  and gabapentin 600 mg/ Risperidone and gabapentin 600 mg

Gabapentin 1200 mg  around feb 2014 to  june 2014/ Gabapentin 900 mg july 2014 to December 2014

Invega 6 mg dec 2014 (for 8 days) / Gabapentin 600 mg

Invega 6 mg April 2015 / Gabapentin 900 mg

Invega 3 mg May 2015 / Gabapentin 600 mg

Since May 25th Gabapentin 600 mg

July 24 Gabapentin 400 mg August 18 Gabapentin 300 mg

Currently taking Invega 6 mg and Venlafaxine 150 mg. 2018

2019. I took invega 3 mg for two months. I stop taking medication two days ago (11/13) I am doing ok.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.

 
 
 
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