PluckyPony: Tapering Abilify

[PluckyPony]

Glad you found something that helped that rough spot. When you're up to it, would you post your ginger tea proportions in one of our threads on nausea? It will probably help others to see someone's actual report of success and how much fresh ginger was used.

 

Digestive problems: Nausea, etc.

What to do for dizziness, queasiness, nausea

 

Hi Scallywag!  I don't have an exact recipe per se, but I am willing to give it a go.

[PluckyPony]

Hi SA family,

 

Last week brought the onset of a pretty bad mini-episode, with the voices badgering me at work so badly, I had to leave for a spell. But I returned to finish my tasks. The voices have slowly retreated and I have been able to work and socialize. My sleep also fractured during that week, but that improved as well. Last night, I had a full night's sleep without consuming an excessive amount of carbs, which made me very happy.  

 

The excessive eating has finally subsided, and with the exception of the sticky rice (yum!) that I made, my eating habits have rebounded.  To my chagrin, I discovered that the minute amount of alcohol and caffeine in kombucha ruins my sleep.  Added that to the list of no no foods and drinks for me, which makes me a bit sad, because I love kombucha with the heat of a thousand suns.  

 

I noticed the amount of people equating evil actions with madness have increased in the media. This concerns me to no end, and I try my best to educate others about the importance of distinguishing between the two. 

 

Sending love to all my brothers and sisters in the struggle, especially the ones without any forms of support during the withdrawal process.

 

PluckyPony

[KarenB]

So good to hear from you Plucky, and especially to hear that you have coped with such a difficult time. 

 

A possible alternative to kombucha is water-keffir, flavoured with ginger.  It is similar to kombucha, but with no caffeine or alcohol.  A very healthy, slightly fizzy drink with the same refreshing qualities.  Could be worth a try. 

[PluckyPony]

So good to hear from you Plucky, and especially to hear that you have coped with such a difficult time. 

 

A possible alternative to kombucha is water-keffir, flavoured with ginger.  It is similar to kombucha, but with no caffeine or alcohol.  A very healthy, slightly fizzy drink with the same refreshing qualities.  Could be worth a try. 

 

Hi Karen!  Your encouragement and advice always warms my soul.  Thank you for being there for all of us. *hugs*

 

They don't sell water kefir where I live, so I am looking into making it myself.  Absolutely ecstatic that an alternative exists to my beloved Kombucha. 

 

Also kudos to NZ for the taper schedule Excel sheet.  An excellent resource!  At the rate of my old taper, it would take 5.2 years to get to 1mg of Abilify. Yikes! Rather than continue down that unnecessarily slow path, I'm tapering at a rate of 4-6 weeks per 10% reduction, with room for breathers in case my situation worsens. Kinda apprehensive about going faster, but also hopeful about the future and the role of the tapering process in transforming it.

 

Plucky

[PluckyPony]

Hi SA Family,

 

Went from the 6.3mg to 5.7mg of Abilify November 1st, 2016. Sleep's still okay, a few minor waking spells of no more than 1hr once in awhile. My biggest problem has been dealing with my anger. Working on it!

 

Visited Dr. Creepy.  He wanted to place me on Abilify injections because "it will work better" (despite the fact that I tell him I know how to manage my symptoms every single time ). Dr. Creepy ended my session by exclaiming that I will begin to de-compensate and lose my job if I continue to titrate my medication. I've always knew Dr. Creepy didn't care for me, but at that point I realized he really lacks insight into the lives of those in his care. And why the ones who faithfully listen to him may never improve. 

 

Despite the nonsense, I keep moving and hoping.

 

My heart is with the survivors of the recent New Zealand and Japan earthquakes.

[PluckyPony]

Happy New Year.  Updates galore!  Still continuing my 10% taper schedule. My emotions are really beginning to awaken, including logical anger and sadness (not Abilify induced rage).  Unfortunately, I began to look to food to deal with my feelings; I have to find healthier ways to deal with these sorts of things.  Still working and recently received a positive review from my super awesome boss.  Social life has improved, but I still struggle with awkwardness.  But hey, if I accept that aspect of my personality, perhaps other people outside of my family will too.

 

Sleep: I still get it.  Exercise: Need much more of it.  The triumvirate of food-based neuro-terror (processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol): Must avoid it.

 

Super grateful for the practical help I have received from SA members.  Wouldn't be where I am without it.

 

I would love to be a part of offline survivor and/or voice-hearer groups as well.  If anyone knows of any in So-Cal, please let me know.

 

Keep on truckin',

 

Plucky

[KarenB]

The triumvirate of food-based neuro-terror (processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol): Must avoid it.

 

This should be the name of a whole thread!  Love this .

[PluckyPony]

 

The triumvirate of food-based neuro-terror (processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol): Must avoid it.

 

This should be the name of a whole thread!  Love this .

 

 

 

Aww! Thanks, Karen. I really do enjoy wordplay, and writing really, really bad poetry . 

 

I haven't forgotten about the water kefir.  It's one of my 2017 goals to brew a batch of it. 

[JanCarol]

Hey Plucky!

 

I saw hope in the form of children of all hues creating art on a balmy Californian day.  Working together and having fun.  It amazed me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt joy.  

 

That's it!  That's the Vision!

 

You feel the pleasure in seeing the vision - just think how much pleasure (and depth) you will feel in pursuing the vision!  

 

I think this is how we are meant to be - finding the things that give us joy, and pursuing them.  That's not to say it won't be without hardship - because all lessons worth their while have to be earned - but let our passions motivate us through those hardships instead of other people's expectations.

 

 

The first line of defense will be camomile tea and no computer/television use 1 hr prior to bed time.

 

I love the way you are thinking, here!

 

Would like to know if anyone has any experience with generic liquid Abilify and if they are finally distributing it in the US? 

 

http://www.drugstorenews.com/article/amneal-launches-generic-abilify-liquid

 

So is the "Amneal" brand what you've been using?  Please let us know so that we can update our Abilify Tapering thread!  (see you are helping the community here with your hard work!)

 

I've been binging like crazy, eating way too much sugar and chocolate.

 

Oh that has got to be hard.  I know that sugar binges affect my mood, my self esteem, all kinds of crap.  Like you, I sometimes use carbs to 'crash' to take me to sleep - but it's not a good strategy when it becomes a binge.

 

Sugar cravings may be an indicator of a chromium deficiency (but be careful, it's a mineral and can go toxic).  The preferred type is chromium picolinate.

But more likely the sugar (and fat) cravings come from the Abilify, as you state.  I remember Seroquel - and - me and a packet of anything meant that the packet was gone.  I could feel my tummy bloating, but the packet had to be eaten until it was gone.  It was stronger than a compulsion - it was like I had become Cookie Monster or something, and had to devour anything in sight.  Well, not anything - because the broccoli and carrots got left behind.  It had to be sugary, fatty, carb rich foods.

 

Here's a thing - our brain is comprised of fats and eats carbs.  What if some mechanism of the brain, which Abilify (and Seroquel, in my case) is working on - make the brain "hungry" for more carbs?  That bottomless pit really does feel impossible to fill!

 

It's a hard thing to fight!  Good onya for recognizing that you are doing it - I think I sleepwalked through quite a few binges, only to wake up the next day, groaning.

 

My own orthomolecular doctor gave me inositol to help stave off diabetes and metabolic disorder.  I was also reading the l-glutamine might help with sugar cravings too (but I just read that, I don't know anything else about it).

 

* * *

I tried to find Bipolarized the Movie, but they've got some sort of weird distribution system that I cannot get it in Australia.  I don't even know how to buy a DVD of the movie (to ship to an address in the USA).  For all its acclaim (here's an article about it on Mad In America:  https://www.madinamerica.com/2016/03/bipolarized-and-crimes-against-nature/ ) I cannot see it.  There's some sort of weird University Library distribution system (my alma mater not listed, probably needs student ID or proof that I'm still a student)...you were lucky to hear what you heard on the radio!

 

You might also enjoy the series on YouTube called, "Bipolar or Waking Up" by Sean Blackwell (free).  I don't subscribe to all of his theories, but it's good to see undiagnosing wherever it happens!  Also, here's a bunch of great podcasts on Shades of Awakening:  http://shadesofawakening.com/archive/

 

Overall - it's great to see the progress you are making on a nice, gentle taper!  You can do this!  You got this!  And it is getting better!

 

I hope you see the sun today!

[PluckyPony]

Hey Plucky!

 

I saw hope in the form of children of all hues creating art on a balmy Californian day.  Working together and having fun.  It amazed me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt joy.  

 

That's it!  That's the Vision!

 

You feel the pleasure in seeing the vision - just think how much pleasure (and depth) you will feel in pursuing the vision!  

 

I think this is how we are meant to be - finding the things that give us joy, and pursuing them.  That's not to say it won't be without hardship - because all lessons worth their while have to be earned - but let our passions motivate us through those hardships instead of other people's expectations.

 

 

The first line of defense will be camomile tea and no computer/television use 1 hr prior to bed time.

 

I love the way you are thinking, here!

 

Would like to know if anyone has any experience with generic liquid Abilify and if they are finally distributing it in the US? 

 

http://www.drugstorenews.com/article/amneal-launches-generic-abilify-liquid

 

So is the "Amneal" brand what you've been using?  Please let us know so that we can update our Abilify Tapering thread!  (see you are helping the community here with your hard work!)

 

I've been binging like crazy, eating way too much sugar and chocolate.

 

Oh that has got to be hard.  I know that sugar binges affect my mood, my self esteem, all kinds of crap.  Like you, I sometimes use carbs to 'crash' to take me to sleep - but it's not a good strategy when it becomes a binge.

 

Sugar cravings may be an indicator of a chromium deficiency (but be careful, it's a mineral and can go toxic).  The preferred type is chromium picolinate.

But more likely the sugar (and fat) cravings come from the Abilify, as you state.  I remember Seroquel - and - me and a packet of anything meant that the packet was gone.  I could feel my tummy bloating, but the packet had to be eaten until it was gone.  It was stronger than a compulsion - it was like I had become Cookie Monster or something, and had to devour anything in sight.  Well, not anything - because the broccoli and carrots got left behind.  It had to be sugary, fatty, carb rich foods.

 

Here's a thing - our brain is comprised of fats and eats carbs.  What if some mechanism of the brain, which Abilify (and Seroquel, in my case) is working on - make the brain "hungry" for more carbs?  That bottomless pit really does feel impossible to fill!

 

It's a hard thing to fight!  Good onya for recognizing that you are doing it - I think I sleepwalked through quite a few binges, only to wake up the next day, groaning.

 

My own orthomolecular doctor gave me inositol to help stave off diabetes and metabolic disorder.  I was also reading the l-glutamine might help with sugar cravings too (but I just read that, I don't know anything else about it).

 

* * *

I tried to find Bipolarized the Movie, but they've got some sort of weird distribution system that I cannot get it in Australia.  I don't even know how to buy a DVD of the movie (to ship to an address in the USA).  For all its acclaim (here's an article about it on Mad In America:  https://www.madinamerica.com/2016/03/bipolarized-and-crimes-against-nature/ ) I cannot see it.  There's some sort of weird University Library distribution system (my alma mater not listed, probably needs student ID or proof that I'm still a student)...you were lucky to hear what you heard on the radio!

 

You might also enjoy the series on YouTube called, "Bipolar or Waking Up" by Sean Blackwell (free).  I don't subscribe to all of his theories, but it's good to see undiagnosing wherever it happens!  Also, here's a bunch of great podcasts on Shades of Awakening:  http://shadesofawakening.com/archive/

 

Overall - it's great to see the progress you are making on a nice, gentle taper!  You can do this!  You got this!  And it is getting better!

 

I hope you see the sun today!

 

JanCarol, thank you for the spirited encouragement and understanding. You absolutely rock! Still slowly titrating my medication. I'm below 4mg and still getting a decent amount of sleep.  My sleep quality actually improved despite the interruptions; I feel more rested after I wake up. That one can actually sleep and wake up refreshed felt like a pipe dream; I am happy that I am experiencing that now. 

 

That atypical anti-psychotic food binging boggles my mind.  Your comment reminded me of the absolute struggle to keep from eating every sugary, fatty thing I can find.  My eating habits have slightly improved, but I still have to fight tooth and nail not to eat everything. I want to learn how to deal with my rediscovered emotions.

 

In terms of my Abilify titration, I use a combination of homemade liquid and pills ( a neat tactic, among many, that I learned on SA) to administer my dose. It works.

 

Socially, I feel a little lost. I still try to ask the people that I like to hang out, and I am glad when I spend time with kindred spirits.  Learning to be less needy and more emotionally independent. Even though I believe in the interconnectedness of humanity, I realize that no one can implement change in my life better than me. 

 

Slow and steady will win this race!

 

Plucky

[PluckyPony]

Hello SA Family!

 

I'm on 3.4mg of Abilify.  Sometimes I can't believe how far I have come.  The current taper so far has been really uneventful (with the exception of the minor bouts of sleeplessness that I experience during my pre-menstrual cycle and major binge eating cycles).  Maniacal eating has finally subsided, beginning to finally lose weight. Making new acquaintances and hanging out with people outside of my immediate family.  The later activity really matters the most to me right now, because  genuine connections with others can be very healing for the soul.  My emotional control continues to become stronger; re-learning to not ruminate on the sillier aspects of humanity (although the thought of seeing Dr./Uncle Creepy still freaks me out). Currently not working at the moment due to job relocation, looking forward to finding a position as soon as possible.

 

My voicehearing has increased a bit, but not to the point of being intolerable. They can be mean and hurtful, but I prefer verbal insults and feeling hurt to absolute silence and feeling nothing at all (even though I usually still heard the voices while taking large amounts of psych meds).  With time, understanding, curiosity and humor, the bad voices will fade and the good voices will become stronger again.  Ultimately, I am the captain of the good ship PluckyPony, and must continue to be responsible for my actions, not the voices. 

 

I can't believe I am almost free of this nightmare, after a decade of sadness and humiliation from so-called experts.  That I am still sleeping (a little too much at times) and actually feel peace in my spirit (after years of being without emotions) gives me great hope for the future. So many things I want to do once the shadow period has finally passed; I can't wait to make it happen.

 

To a beautiful, drug-free, tomorrow!

 

Plucky

[KarenB]

Wow Plucky - what a beautiful update!  I'm so happy for you, with all these lovely aspects of your life coming back again.  And even feeling peaceful.  Enjoy it, well, I'm sure you don't need to be told that...

[PluckyPony]

Wow Plucky - what a beautiful update!  I'm so happy for you, with all these lovely aspects of your life coming back again.  And even feeling peaceful.  Enjoy it, well, I'm sure you don't need to be told that...

 

Hi Karen! 

 

That extended moment of tranquility felt good! At the moment, the negative voices rage more than usual in places where they typically reside, but almost always leave me alone when I am outside of my place of residence. Initially, I felt very dismayed and disoriented. They kept bringing up events from the past and lying about the present, issues I never really addressed without diving for a bag of cookies. Definitely a combination of withdrawal and the emotional re-awakening taking place. 

 

Feeling incredibly raw.  I decided to listen to Eleanor Longden's TED Talk and found solace in her words.  And while I would rather work on my immediate needs (employment, weight loss, relationships), delving into my reactions to the "past" can no longer be avoided.  It hurts too much to continue to swallow the pain, especially when I don't have to.

 

In spite of the current issues I am facing, I still have a lot of hopes and dreams for the future.   I have never been as close to fully re-integrating into society as I have now.  And I cannot continue to lose sight of that goal.

 

Writing can be so cathartic and soul cleansing!  I'm off to write poetry and not eat the entire bag of cookie thins .

 

Continue to shine like the stars in the night sky, Karen.

 

Plucky

[whitelily]

Hi PluckyPony, just been reading your thread and its so encouraging to read of your progress - well done for getting so far.   

 

I can totally relate to maniacal binges - I'm not currently working so one thing I've been trying is resting in bed when I get the urge to binge because I seem to get so stressed, and this seems to help, as well as drinking pots of various teas.

 

May the rest of your withdrawal continue to go as well.

 

Take good care of you .... 

[KarenB]

Totally agree about the healing power of writing.  Not sure how it works, but it does.  You have such a clear picture of where and who you are - you've obviously done a lot of work to get to this place Plucky, and I think you'll continue to find the strength to equal the challenges you are seeing now.  

 

I'm sitting here thinking how strange it is to be on the other side of the world from somebody, and yet feel so much joy for them.

 

Happy writing    

[PluckyPony]

Totally agree about the healing power of writing.  Not sure how it works, but it does.  You have such a clear picture of where and who you are - you've obviously done a lot of work to get to this place Plucky, and I think you'll continue to find the strength to equal the challenges you are seeing now.  

 

I'm sitting here thinking how strange it is to be on the other side of the world from somebody, and yet feel so much joy for them.

 

Happy writing    

 

Hi Karen,

 

Your message of support spoke to my heart and soul. The uplift that I felt as I read it moved me beyond words and into the realm of pure feeling, which I cherish immensely.  I hope that I will have the internal strength one day to assist others on the same path as you do.

 

The taper continues to go well, emotions continue to swell with more vibrancy and depth.  I can have crushes on guys again . At the same time, I feel anger and sadness over how some people use my label and difference to mock and ostracize me. When I remember they experience heartache, and their pain causes them to lash out, I don't feel as angry.  Hurt people hurt people.

 

Sleep quality continues to improve. Huzzah!

 

I don't really share my poetry with others, but I would like to share a spontaneous line with you and my SA family.

 

We, children of light and sorrow, can weave change with needles of the past, threads of the present and the hope of tomorrow.

 

All the best!

 

Plucky

 

 

[PluckyPony]

Hi SA Family,

 

Dropped to 3.0 mg of Abilify and still sleeping well.  I don't drink caffeine or alcohol, but I do consume processed sugar a little more than I should   However, the sugar cravings have stabilized significantly.  Slowly losing weight and keeping active. 

 

I have a social life and can tolerate people in the real world.  Although I struggle at times with that aspect of my life, I can see the positive results of forcing myself to engage with the world. 

 

My 4th attempt at tapering, with the knowledge that I found here, is definitely the charm...

[PluckyPony]

Hello SA Family,

 

Life continues to push forward; it ebbs and flows, waxes and wanes.  My sleep has improved, but I am beginning to sleep too much.  Excess sugar continues to be the culprit in those cases.  Processed sugar really sucks the life out of me, literally.  The cravings have slightly increased, but I think stress might be the main culprit this time. 

 

In the midst of my emotions returning, the shadow of anger and overwhelm envelopes me at times.  I become deeply angered by the years lost to these drugs and horrid psychiatric care.  Yet, I don't want to return to the Abili-rage state of perpetual hatred and fear I lived in for much of my adult life.  This anger feels organic and necessary.  I still process it using the old ways at times, through mindless eating and mentally running away.  However, I use other methods to understand what I and others have been though. 

 

Perhaps the biggest lesson is that it doesn't make sense. 

 

This senseless suffering shook my faith in the beauty of humanity and I questioned the value of my own life in the grand scheme of things. I still struggle with seeing it at times, especially when the voices of negativity (both human and not human) drown my thoughts out.  Then out of nowhere, words and actions of love and courage, often from strangers, remind me of the joy and wonder of life and people.  That we have the capacity to improve and grow.

 

I work.  I volunteer.  I even managed - for the first time in years - to fall in (and out) of love.  I'm everything now, on 2.7mg of Abilify, that Psychiatry Inc. said I could never be without massive doses of their drugs. SA continues to play a massive role in my personal growth.  I am in awe of the kindness of the volunteers on this board, more knowledgeable than the p-docs I have seen in my lifetime. The progress and support of other members also aides me during difficult periods.  That we are here together, pooling knowledge and providing encouragement, gives me true hope for not only us, but the world.

 

Plucky Pony

 

 

[KarenB]

That's lots of real living you're doing there Plucky, and it's so good to hear it.  Even though things are hard at times, at least you can say you're out there living.  And falling in and out of love!  Woo-hoo! 

[Plshelp]

Plucky! 

 

You are so very lucky to be experiencing emotions. I wish mine would come back. And the fact that you're having crushes on guys? That's amazing! 

 

You really are fortunate to be healing as you're tapering. I wish I was as lucky as you. Keep doing awesome. Fingers crossed for you. 

[PluckyPony]

On 7/8/2017 at 0:31 AM, KarenB said:

That's lots of real living you're doing there Plucky, and it's so good to hear it.  Even though things are hard at times, at least you can say you're out there living.  And falling in and out of love!  Woo-hoo! 

 

Karen,  thank you.  I feel like a child at times, learning how to manage the strength of my feelings.  I cry profusely over the stories and memories that the voices expose, yet I would not trade it for the frozen rage that 20mgs of Abilify produces.  And about love...a wonder that I am grateful I can feel with intensity again. Still working, still learning, still truckin.

 

On 8/28/2017 at 2:47 PM, Plshelp said:

Plucky! 

 

You are so very lucky to be experiencing emotions. I wish mine would come back. And the fact that you're having crushes on guys? That's amazing! 

 

You really are fortunate to be healing as you're tapering. I wish I was as lucky as you. Keep doing awesome. Fingers crossed for you. 

 

Plshelp, we will make. Healing is real.  I'm experiencing it now, challenges and all.  Sending positive vibes your way!

 

Plucky

 

 

[Plshelp]

An update about how you are doing would be great. Fill us in. I'm looking for hope. I'm so desperate to feel better. I'm trying to look for a cure - to heal or regenerate the receptors that have been damaged from the antipsychotics... 

 

If you have anything that you've taken or done to heal, please share! Thx

[PluckyPony]

On 9/30/2017 at 10:49 PM, Plshelp said:

An update about how you are doing would be great. Fill us in. I'm looking for hope. I'm so desperate to feel better. I'm trying to look for a cure - to heal or regenerate the receptors that have been damaged from the antipsychotics... 

 

If you have anything that you've taken or done to heal, please share! Thx

 

Hi Plshelp;

 

I fell off the wagon.  Hard.  They hospitalized me and forced me to take some pretty horrific drugs: geodon, peroxin (sp, wtf is that?), ativan and abilify maintena. Most of the drugs forcefully given when I tried to assert my rights (yes, they can and will do this to you in certain hospitals, even in the liberal bastion that is California). I have never felt so angry at the uselessness of American Psychiatry as I do now.  I am too doped up to return to work, and I have to live off of the little savings that I do have.  Not feeling terribly plucky at the moment, yet I am keen to take away lessons from this latest episodes.  They are the following for me:

 

Consistency is Key:  I wanted to sprint towards the finish line so badly! Yet in my mad dash to drug freedom, I stumbled.  Started missing doses when I became too tired to measure out the powder. Developing a consistent plan for measuring out the doses could prevent this fatigue (to the SA archives!).

 

Long holds are Your Friends:  Dropped doses faster than I should, especially after 3mg of Abilify.  Now, I have to go back and slowly withdraw, including time for longer holds. 

 

Have a Freakout plan, and share it with Others:  My breaks are a combination of genuine spiritual emergencies + screaming episodes.  It's the screaming episodes that always get me in trouble.  In the process of developing a freakout plan for myself.  Honestly there are precursors for me, signs that I can pay more attention to, but it will differ for everyone else. 

 

MammaP's sagely words of wisdom, don't get Caught:  This is not the mental health system of the early 2000s, it's a much more ugly beast, especially if you only have access to public care.  It sucks, you have very few rights, and the so called mental health advocates will probably not arrive on time to help any of you (and this is in liberal California!).  If you need to scream and freakout, please avoid doing it in public. 

 

I created this crisis, and with resolve, I am going to get out of it.  These drugs don't work and I don't care what they think, I will not continue to poison myself for the sake of Mental Health Inc.  Don't lose hope.

 

PluckyPony

[RealMe]

On 10/15/2017 at 9:04 AM, PluckyPony said:

Don't lose hope.

 

HI PluckyPony,

I just came across this post, and so I read your whole thread from the beginning.  I was also on Abilify and had so much trouble.  I notice you have not posted since mid-October, and I wonder if you would please give us an update.  Hope you are feeling better and I wish you recovery and healing.

Best wishes,

RealMe

[PluckyPony]

On 1/2/2018 at 4:53 PM, RealMe said:

HI PluckyPony,

I just came across this post, and so I read your whole thread from the beginning.  I was also on Abilify and had so much trouble.  I notice you have not posted since mid-October, and I wonder if you would please give us an update.  Hope you are feeling better and I wish you recovery and healing.

Best wishes,

RealMe

 

Hi RM. I had to focus on rebuilding.  Things feel okay: I am working, social and still willing to taper off this singular poison for good.  I have my unlucky days, but there have been  more good ones than bad since the last hospitalization (not due to the drugs).  Slowly, but surely I will achieve my goal.

 

Stay gold.

 

Plucky

[RealMe]

1 hour ago, PluckyPony said:

 

Hi RM. I had to focus on rebuilding.  Things feel okay: I am working, social and still willing to taper off this singular poison for good.  I have my unlucky days, but there have been  more good ones than bad since the last hospitalization (not due to the drugs).  Slowly, but surely I will achieve my goal.

 

Stay gold.

 

Plucky

Glad to hear you are doing well and focusing on rebuilding!  I like your positive determination about achieving your goal.  I will never regret getting off Abilify, just wish I had done it the way it is recommended on this forum.  Sorry you were in the hospital, nothing serious, I hope.

 

Best wishes for hope and healing,

RealMe

[PluckyPony]

Hi SA Family!

 

The mad wave for the past few weeks have finally dissolved into a manageable tide pool.  My voices bother me at times, but fades away when I am busy or out of my trigger areas (sometimes they feel like spirits more than anything else).  I have been more social, but a lot less hard on myself when I want to just lay in bed and not deal with people.  As much as I would like to be in a relationship, I find that focusing on rebuilding my life after the last hospitalization takes priority over anything else.  Doing a slower drop than 10% after 4.5mg of disAbilify. 

 

Sleep continues to be okay.  I get it, but not the restorative version of my pre-drug days.  Still wake up groggy at times.  Chamomile and homemade jujube ginger tea helps me a great deal during the sleepless nights the week before my period and other tougher times as well. 

 

Eating has worsened.    I think it has to do with my feelings of uncertainty about the future and withdrawal.  It worsens in the evenings (after 5:00pm) for some reason I don't really understand. My vices continues to be sugar and processed foods.  Sigh.  Sugar continues to be my pretend best friend that always manages to stab me in the back without fail.

 

One day, sugar and I will break up.   For good.

 

Keep on truckin'.

 

Plucky

[RealMe]

On 3/14/2018 at 9:33 PM, PluckyPony said:

One day, sugar and I will break up.   For good.

Hi PluckyPony,

I see that you have not journaled on SA since 3/14/18, and I am hoping you are doing well.  I also detoxed from "disAbilify" beginning August 8, 2017.  It took at least 3 months before I saw any improvement whatsoever.  I am grateful to be off that terrible substance.  Please post when you can.  I'm sure your experience will be invaluable to me and others on this forum.

Best wishes,

RM

[PluckyPony]

On 7/6/2018 at 8:08 PM, RealMe said:

Hi PluckyPony,

I see that you have not journaled on SA since 3/14/18, and I am hoping you are doing well.  I also detoxed from "disAbilify" beginning August 8, 2017.  It took at least 3 months before I saw any improvement whatsoever.  I am grateful to be off that terrible substance.  Please post when you can.  I'm sure your experience will be invaluable to me and others on this forum.

Best wishes,

RM

Dear RealMe, congrats on finally tapering off!  I no longer take Abilify, but I am taking Haldol Deca, about 200mg shots every 4 weeks.  I am under conservatorship because I did not want to take drugs and had no other place to go but my family home.  However, when I win -and I will win- I will stop the drugs for good.  Haldol Deca has been somewhat gentle, still messing with me physically (high blood pressure and elevated A1C at 5.8, plus post period spotting), but not nearly as bad as tergetol, abilify, or shudder, zyprexa (which should be banned, but county of LA loves it because it costs so little).  I can DC it anytime and be fine as long as I drink lots of chamomile tea for sleep (and smoke weed).  In 3 months, it shall be over! 

 

Best!

 

Plucky

[PluckyPony]

It's hot and my blood pressure issues are finally beginning to calm down.  It does not help that Haldol doesn't play well with blood pressure medication.  After some deep thinking, I decided to gently titrate off the final psych med I have - Haldol Deca (injectable).  No three month then boom, gone.  It will take about 1 year or maybe 7 months from now.  I am so close to the finish line, with a drug that I can ween off of safely that I can feel it!  I feel good, and hopeful for the most part.  The last battle will be ending the conservatorship, moving out of the house (I found a simple job, whooooo!) and directing my psychiatrist to get me off of the drug for good.  Praying for a better tomorrow, because I feel hopeful about today.

[PluckyPony]

Hi SA Family!

 

It's been 2 months since I took any drugs, and I am doing fine!  My doctor refused to lower my dose of Haldol Deca to 150mg (so that I can ween off of it slowly).  Instead, I decided to quit against medical advice.  It worked! My last injection took place February 22nd, 2023.  I haven't had much in terms of withdrawal, and I am grateful for that.  The best birthday gift next year will be a one year, drug free update! I want to thank the Surviving Antidepressants team that provided me with the initial support and resources, my family despite our ups and downs for financial support, and most of all the Deities of planet Earth for guiding me to the promise state.  I feel genuinely blessed, because I have finally made it out alive and well!

 

Love always,

 

Plucky!

[ComezWithARisk]

On 5/30/2023 at 2:19 AM, PluckyPony said:

Hi SA Family!

 

It's been 2 months since I took any drugs, and I am doing fine!  My doctor refused to lower my dose of Haldol Deca to 150mg (so that I can ween off of it slowly).  Instead, I decided to quit against medical advice.  It worked! My last injection took place February 22nd, 2023.  I haven't had much in terms of withdrawal, and I am grateful for that.  The best birthday gift next year will be a one year, drug free update! I want to thank the Surviving Antidepressants team that provided me with the initial support and resources, my family despite our ups and downs for financial support, and most of all the Deities of planet Earth for guiding me to the promise state.  I feel genuinely blessed, because I have finally made it out alive and well!

 

Love always,

 

Plucky!

Did you relapse?did you get any withdrawal?