AliG Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 At this point I would agree to almost anything . Get out of there and then we can talk about a long term plan .What they are doing is just " damage control " . I'm so sorry for what you are going through . Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted March 10, 2017 Author Share Posted March 10, 2017 In order for me to get out of this hell hole , I have to take a medication or I won't be going anywhere , I no this site does not promote going on drugs and is for people wanting to come of them , but I have been given a choice amitriptyline or paroxadine which I want to take neither, so seems it did work for me many years ago , and pooped out 3 years ago , would it be safer for me to try a low dose of venalaxafine again to make them happy and get out of here , after such a long time of the drug could my body interprete it as a new drug again , I have to try something , don't really want to put a tricilic in me got enough side effects as it is , does anyone have any suggestions , I want to do as least damage as possible , because in these hospitals they start you way to high , and I want the smallest amount possible , 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
Bruin Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Hi Terry. so sorry you have been having such a tough time. I believe Alto suggested, a while ago, that a small dose of Venlafaxine might be the way to go. It does sound as the worst of the Mirt WD might be over which is a good thing. Sending you all best wishes and hoping that you manage to get out of the Hospital soon. Bruin Anti Depressants for 25 years. Valium between 2006 to 7 tapered off over a month without too bad withdrawals. For last 15 years 150 mg of Effexor and 30 mg of Mirtazapine. Occasional short term benzo use without habituation. March 2015 stopped Effexor after rapid taper. 6 weeks. One month fluoxetine June 2015...stopped CT July 2015. October 2013 to December 2015 Zopiclone 15 mg at night, Dec 2015 to Early March 2016 Lyrica 75 mg at night. Stopped too quickly as adverse side effects. January to May 2016 tapered Zopiclone to 7.5mg Crossed over to Valium and now ..March 28th 2017 Benzo Free. Also on 30 mg Mirtazapine and holding until have finished Benzo taper. IN protracted WD from Effexor. Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted March 12, 2017 Author Share Posted March 12, 2017 Hi bruin , as you can see the predicament I am in , I have made a decision that I am not going to reinstate any meds now that I have been taken of them all , I am going to fight this with out any more disturbance to my cns , I have been put back on venalaxafine 37.5mg by the hospital but I have been spitting them out , I need them to think that I am taking them so I can get out of this hospital , been in over 8 weeks now , on and of flouxetine, diazepam clonazapam for 2weeks of each , zoplicone done nothing so stoped and they stoped my mirtazapine when I came in , been through hell , the only way I am going to come out of this alive is no more drugs , when you feel so bad on them you can't feel much worse of I don't suppose , I shake all the time have terrible insomnia now , hot sweats through the nights , fatigue , they have made me worse with all the changes , so now going to just go without and hopefully survive , I hope you are fairing better 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
Hibari Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Wow Terry, you have a tremendous amount of inner strength despite what is going on with you during this time. I'm so sorry you experiencing those horrific withdrawal symptoms and no wonder. You are going through cold turkey wd from many medications and are being battered on all sides. I am wishing you well Terry and I am cheering you on to get out of the hospital and get off medication. 9/2013-4/2014: After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro, Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs 1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs 7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021 Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize 10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6 6/16 3.4 6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7 7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0 9/5 1.8 9/16 1.6 9/30 1.4 10/13 1.2 10/26 1.0 11/9 0.8 11/22 0.6 12/6 0.4 12/23 0.2. 2024 1/4/24 Remeron/Mirtazapine free Additional Support: Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs, L-theanine Link to comment
Bruin Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Terry I completely understand the predicament you are in. It sounds like complete hell and that you have been completely messed around by the system. Stay strong ....You will get through. I think you are doing amazingly in a very difficult spot. All The Very Best Bruin Anti Depressants for 25 years. Valium between 2006 to 7 tapered off over a month without too bad withdrawals. For last 15 years 150 mg of Effexor and 30 mg of Mirtazapine. Occasional short term benzo use without habituation. March 2015 stopped Effexor after rapid taper. 6 weeks. One month fluoxetine June 2015...stopped CT July 2015. October 2013 to December 2015 Zopiclone 15 mg at night, Dec 2015 to Early March 2016 Lyrica 75 mg at night. Stopped too quickly as adverse side effects. January to May 2016 tapered Zopiclone to 7.5mg Crossed over to Valium and now ..March 28th 2017 Benzo Free. Also on 30 mg Mirtazapine and holding until have finished Benzo taper. IN protracted WD from Effexor. Link to comment
Bruin Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 Hi Terry......am just stopping by to say that you are very much in my thoughts and I hope you are getting some moments of relief. You are a great deal stronger than you think and you will get through this. All the Very Best Bruin Anti Depressants for 25 years. Valium between 2006 to 7 tapered off over a month without too bad withdrawals. For last 15 years 150 mg of Effexor and 30 mg of Mirtazapine. Occasional short term benzo use without habituation. March 2015 stopped Effexor after rapid taper. 6 weeks. One month fluoxetine June 2015...stopped CT July 2015. October 2013 to December 2015 Zopiclone 15 mg at night, Dec 2015 to Early March 2016 Lyrica 75 mg at night. Stopped too quickly as adverse side effects. January to May 2016 tapered Zopiclone to 7.5mg Crossed over to Valium and now ..March 28th 2017 Benzo Free. Also on 30 mg Mirtazapine and holding until have finished Benzo taper. IN protracted WD from Effexor. Link to comment
Madeleine Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Hi Terry:Just stopping by your thread to see how you are.Thinking of you, M. 200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021; Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg ------- Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18; May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted March 18, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 18, 2017 Hi Terry - I hope the fact that we haven't heard from you for a few days is good news. Please let us know how you're doing. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to 0.0 mg Aug. 12; details here scallywag's IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 So I have been of all a/ds and medications for just over a month now , and it's been hell , the worst thing is the constant headache 24/7 it is so bad my brain feels like it has been hit with a brick and my neck is so tense that if I lye down my head just throbs and makes me feel sick , can't sleep because it hurts so much , have tried codiene 30 mg x4 a day for 4 days hasn't touched it , shaking a lot as well the whole body worse at nights , has anyone found anything to relieve these headaches , I'm starting to think that there is something else amiss here , 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
AliG Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Terry, as it has been a while can you give us a little more information as to your current state. You say you are off all meds. How did you taper ? Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 High AliG ,I was taken of all meds by the hospital I was on 13.75mg of mirtazapine , which they stoped c/t then given 20mg of flouxetine for 7 weeks which was then stoped c/t that was at the beginning of March , I now have insomnia , body shaking all day and extreme headaches especially in the back of head and neck , also body feels very hot all the time , they want me to go back on venlaxafine but I refused , had headaches for about 14months now but since coming of all meds they have 10 folded , the headaches are worse when I lye down at night ,hope this helps , the only thing I am taking is pure EPA fish oil in the morning 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
leahy Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Hi Terry, I am so sorry to hear about your suffering. My headaches were that bad. This is the first time I've heard anyone describe the severity of this headache. Nothing helped me. Not Imitrex or Fiorocet or any of those heavy duty migraine headache medications. I also thought something was amiss. So did my regular doctor (as opposed to my stupid pdoc). She sent me for an MRI and all kinds of testing of the head to rule out something "serious" Nothing was found and I continued to suffer for at least a year and then intermittently the following year as I learned to slow my taper even more. I know you have no choice. My heart goes out to you. I wish I could be more help. If there were a way for you to get more sleep, I think you might begin to feel better. Insomnia was a huge factor in the severity of my headaches. I took magnesium in case that helped. I don't know if it did. some people think it helps. I was taking an epsom salt bath every night. Are you home from the hospital? 2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg 2015 Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April Rem 22.5, May Rem 30 xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 2016 Jan Rem 20 xanax 2, Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg Link to comment
Bruin Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Hi Terry......am so sorry that you are suffering so badly. It does sound like acute WD ...which would not be surprising with what you have been through with the medications. I have also suffered severe headaches in WD but they have not been as persistent as yours. ie they are not all the time. I wish I had an answer for you but it will change and slowly improve. Cheering you on and sending best wishes. Bruin. Anti Depressants for 25 years. Valium between 2006 to 7 tapered off over a month without too bad withdrawals. For last 15 years 150 mg of Effexor and 30 mg of Mirtazapine. Occasional short term benzo use without habituation. March 2015 stopped Effexor after rapid taper. 6 weeks. One month fluoxetine June 2015...stopped CT July 2015. October 2013 to December 2015 Zopiclone 15 mg at night, Dec 2015 to Early March 2016 Lyrica 75 mg at night. Stopped too quickly as adverse side effects. January to May 2016 tapered Zopiclone to 7.5mg Crossed over to Valium and now ..March 28th 2017 Benzo Free. Also on 30 mg Mirtazapine and holding until have finished Benzo taper. IN protracted WD from Effexor. Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted May 24, 2017 Author Share Posted May 24, 2017 I am 3 months of all medication now , and I am really struggling with such a low mood , apathy so bad no interest in anything life in general , but the worst thing is I feel like I have the flu all day every day , my headaches are so bad even all my teeth hurt and my jaw aches , I have a high body temperature which leaves me soaked in sweat , my hands and top of my feet burn all day long , i am loosing the will to live , I can't go out in the sun or have a hot bath I just can't raise my body temperature with out it making me feel so ill , I have tried magnesium but it does nothing , fish oil actually makes my headaches worse , I had most of these symptoms while on meds but I have had some for 2 to 3 years now , it is a endless suffering a daily torture that no human being should go through , how do I get some relief from this , everyday I lose another part of my life , I have tried everything , spent so long reading and trying things that have been recommended by all the brave people on here but I can't get any relief , I am only surving for the sake of others but each day I am getting closer to giving up , I am lost , 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
doggiemama Posted May 24, 2017 Share Posted May 24, 2017 My heart breaks for you . I found that CBT helped me but not all therapist are good so you might have to see a few to get someone that fits with you. When I'm in a bad wave I feel like I will never get better. Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted June 24, 2017 Author Share Posted June 24, 2017 I have been of all meds for 4 months now c/t by the hospital , and I thought that things couldn't get any worse but how wrong am I , I wake at 2 am every morning now with inner tremors and shakes that leave me burning hot , these are so bad now I have to get up and my legs feel so weak and shaky they feel like they won't support me , I sit down stairs and cry because I am so fed up with this the depression and anxiety has magnified even more , I have tried so much and so hard , but nothing relieves any thing , reinstating is not a opposition as the meds did nothing for me , my doctor wants me to try propranolol to help with the morning symptoms but I am so frightened to try anything in case it makes me worse , not that it can , supplements don't do anything , been like this for over 3 years now with no signs of healing in hope that I might see some light , but as time goes on I'm getting so much worse , any help would be apprieciated 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
Pepita Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 hi there, so sorry to hear that you're having such a hard time! so you're off meds 4 months and been on them 3 years? (because you say you've been suffering for 3 years with no sign of healing?) you went off cold turkey? ( is that what you mean by c/t)? what have been your original conditions why you went on meds in the first place? quitting cold turkey is very hard on your body it's horrible that this is done in hospitals, makes me so angry! you are in withdrawal and all withdrawal related symptoms won't last but it can take a long time to recover. For some it happens faster, some take longer but it's good you're here in this forum now so you can learn from others who have been through this. Stay strong! Remind yourself that it's not you and that you're not crazy or insane- this is withdrawal, and it can be very much like someone who is withdrawing from alcohol/heroine and other drugs. You'll get a message here with many helpful links from an administrator soon I am sure of. Do you have any support from family/friends? 2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg 2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg 2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late) Completely drug free since August 2015 Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted June 24, 2017 Author Share Posted June 24, 2017 Thanks pepita , I have been clean of all meds which were cold turkey by the hospital for 4 months now ,but I have been in protracted withdrawel for just over 3 years since my doctor took me of Effexor cold turkey which I had been on for over 10 years , so my suffering has been for years but the last 4 months have been utter despair and getting worse , if you see my history you can see that over the last 24 months I have been given other meds which have done nothing or made things worse , I don't no what to do anymore , if going by the reasoning behind protracted withdrawel is right and that no medication can help then I am totally screwed , can't get any relief at all 24 hours a day , no life , no point in life , in the last 3 years I have felt so bad everyday I just wish everyday would be my last 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
pinkfairy Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Hello...am so truly sorry for what they did to you,it breaks my heart...I too was CT off 2 meds then lots of reinstatements! i can your pain An suffering,I wish this was an easier journey for us all!it seems to me the ones with the biggest hearts get treated badly,by doctors who have no clue....you said you want every day to be last,I feel like that too... but do you know what.YOU are worth this fight..I know your tired,I no your suffering,but one day when you least expect it,your window will open.your prize could be around that corner any day... please just do not give up,An let the pharmaceutical companies win...your a beautiful soul,with broken wings.but we're all here to help you learn how to fly again. am suffering too...but please even if you have to get down your knees please crawl with me to the finisish line...we care so very much about you.i want you to know that you are so worth this fight... its all WD nothing more,your in there.just take it 5 minutes at a time An walk or crawl with us ? First AD when i was 19.Binge drinker/drugs 15 years weekend use.I was always pulled on and off.2005-2007-Mirtapine 45mg CT. 2010-2016 Paxil 40mg + Zopiclone.Jan-2016 i was CT off Paxil.Stopped alcohol Jan 2016.Given 2-4mg of Diazepam April 2016 CT them after 3 month.They reinstated 8mg of Diazepam July 2016 and the Doctor CT me off Zopiclone the same day.They then tried adding all different drugs Mirt one of them at 15mg (i took 7.5mg).I was tapered August 2016 7.5mg.Sep 2016 7mg.Oct 2016 6mg.Tried 1mg of Paxil-stopped after 2 days.Nov 2016 5.5mg.Tried olanzapine @2.5mg (stopped after a week)Dec 2016-5mg.Tried switching to liquid Jan-March 2017 (no good)back to pills.April 2017-4.75mg of Diazepam June 2017 -4.5mg.July 2018 went inpatient for 10 days.Awakening 4 days later.HELD.Sep 2017 4.3mg Dec 2017-4mg (Held)April 2019- started tapering the Mirtazapine.Sep 2019 at 6mg of Mirtazapine (HELD)Stopped smoking CT after 26 years.10.16.19..Restarted the Diazepam taper Jan 2020 micro tapering (game changer) now 18/7/23 @0.052mg Diazepam + Mirtazapine @6mg. Link to comment
DaveB Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Why did you doctor take you off Effexor? Did it become ineffective? Have you tried reinstating Effexor, may be worth a shot since I am assuming you did well on it as you were on it for such a long time. Also I am surprised they never tried to reinstate you on a TCA or something similar to Effexor like Cymbalta. 2008 - October 28th, 2016: Zoloft 50 - 150 mgs, settled on 50mgs from 2011 - 2016. January 23rd - March 1st 2017: Zoloft 50mgs, direct switch to Lexapro. March 1st - May 1st 2017: Lexapro 10 mgs, down to 5mgs for a week, then off. June 1st - July 31st 2017: Paxil 20mgs, Lyrica 600mgs August 1st - September 30th 2017: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs October 1st - November 12th 2017: Paxil 60mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs November 12th, 2017 - September 4th 2018: Paxil 40mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 4th - September 27th: Paxil 30mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs September 28th - November 7th: Paxil 20mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs (Also Testosterone Therapy started in June 2018 and ended in November 2018) November 7th 2018 - February 22nd 2019: Paxil 10mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs February 22nd 2019 - April 17th: Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin 1mgs April 17th - Now: Zoloft 25mgs, Zyprexa 2.5mgs, Klonopin .5mgs Link to comment
caperjackie Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Pinkfairy ........ I wish there were a 'like button' on here as your response to Terry is absolutely beautiful. Terry .......... she is right! The appalling suffering that coming off these drugs entails is brutal (especially after a CT) but there is light and freedom at the end of the road and it is so worth reaching. The good people here will help you along ......... hang in there. Link to comment
pinkfairy Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Thank you caperjackie.... this site is amazing,one goes down in the trench we all re group An lift each other out ❤️!! your maybe not to good to reply,but if your reading this...you are so cared for An wanted. where there is breath is life....keep going with us ? First AD when i was 19.Binge drinker/drugs 15 years weekend use.I was always pulled on and off.2005-2007-Mirtapine 45mg CT. 2010-2016 Paxil 40mg + Zopiclone.Jan-2016 i was CT off Paxil.Stopped alcohol Jan 2016.Given 2-4mg of Diazepam April 2016 CT them after 3 month.They reinstated 8mg of Diazepam July 2016 and the Doctor CT me off Zopiclone the same day.They then tried adding all different drugs Mirt one of them at 15mg (i took 7.5mg).I was tapered August 2016 7.5mg.Sep 2016 7mg.Oct 2016 6mg.Tried 1mg of Paxil-stopped after 2 days.Nov 2016 5.5mg.Tried olanzapine @2.5mg (stopped after a week)Dec 2016-5mg.Tried switching to liquid Jan-March 2017 (no good)back to pills.April 2017-4.75mg of Diazepam June 2017 -4.5mg.July 2018 went inpatient for 10 days.Awakening 4 days later.HELD.Sep 2017 4.3mg Dec 2017-4mg (Held)April 2019- started tapering the Mirtazapine.Sep 2019 at 6mg of Mirtazapine (HELD)Stopped smoking CT after 26 years.10.16.19..Restarted the Diazepam taper Jan 2020 micro tapering (game changer) now 18/7/23 @0.052mg Diazepam + Mirtazapine @6mg. Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted June 25, 2017 Author Share Posted June 25, 2017 Thank you pink fairy for your kind words , utah49er the reason the doctor took me of Effexor is because after 10 plus years it pooped out and my body went in to withdrawel , then he stuck me on , citalapram mirtazapine , pregablin , diazepam and clonazapam short term on benzos couple of weeks , then early this year 6 weeks of flouxetine then my meds were stopped cold turkey by hospital , every time I took another antidepressant it ramped up my symptoms so bad , if you could find the ultimate torture regime then this is it , 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted June 25, 2017 Mentor Share Posted June 25, 2017 ((((((hugs))))) PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
Jeanny44 Posted July 11, 2017 Share Posted July 11, 2017 I do feel with you Terry 4949. I was on Effexor for 9 years. Last year in July i stopped by 37,5 mg. The doctors said, it's save. It wasn't. In November the symptoms of a protracted withdrawal began and got worse til now. I need to force every meal, cause i don't feel any hunger or apetite anymore. I feel pressure in my head and dizziness. My vision is tunnellike. It's difficult for me to read or watch tv. The nerves in my legs are tingleing and the muscles are hyper sensitive. Also i have an extreme weakness in my legs and arms. i can't leave the house. Reinstating didn't work at all. I was in the hospital last month. But all they had to offer was another antidepressant and a therapy. I don't have even the power for a therapy. I can't stay on my legs for a longer time. This all is one year ago now and i'm scared, where this will bring me. I don't have any windows. The symptoms are permanent there. I hope and pray so much, that we all get healed ((hugs)) Taken Effexor/ Venlafaxine from 2007 - 2016 Came off with 37,5 mg in July 2016 by the advice of 2 psychiatrist, that this is save Protracted withdrawal began in october with loss of hunger and apetite, closed psychiatry August - Septembre 2017 Duloxetin 2 week, Sertraline then 5 weeks, quit on my own at home at 25mg, during the whole time was given Lorazepam 8quit in hospital too fast, dunno the dosages of the other meds, Symptoms: dizziness, balance issues, loss of hunger and apetite, pressure in head, tinitus, swayinglike feeling in the brain, tingleing and buzzering, nausea, feeling of a sore stomach and gut, cognitive issues, can't talk much nor listen, very sensitive to noises and movements, agitation, fast constipation, tunnellike vision ( can't get the whole picture for example by reading, i can only see one word, pictures in tv are to fast), weakness in legs and arms, feeling my nerves with tingleing and a weird feeling in my thighs til my feet, low bp: around 100/ 60, high heartrate: in rest around 100, like 150 - 160 when I get up, pulse gets already up when I just turn around in bed, can hear the pulse in my left ear, can't leave the house, symptoms got worse with every month Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 I have been of all meds now for five months , but have been suffering withdrawel now for four years , but things are so worse now than ever , I cannot get out of bed my body is burning all over with extreme sweating , I have such bad muscle weakness , I have a inner shake that is driving me insane , I can't sleep eat or drink , I feel so unwell it's like my body is full of adrenaline or cortisol all day , I cannot rest , the anxiety over all this is through the roof I feel very depressed , I have been curled in a ball crying most of the day , I am at my wits end , I take fish oil and magnesium but I don't think they do anything , how can it be that I am getting worse , where are the windows , why am I suffering so bad , I am frightened to go and see a doctor as he will want me on another anti depressants, I can't work I struggle to walk down the street , but I have no income , 24 hours a day 7 days a week it's torture , I have tried everything in my power to bring relief but found nothing , can anybody tell me what I need to do please 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
virgo43 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Dear Terry u are not alone. I am experiencing the same. I am trying to lower the dose from 50 to 25mg and the same is happening. I believe Alostrata can help. How is ur sleep? Headache? How about water consumption. Are u urinating dark yellow despite u are consuming a lot. I will remind alostrata immediately July 2016: prescribed 25mg Zoloft, diagnosed with MDD. Developed severe reaction and taken to ER.. CSeroquel when not able to sleep, very small dose (12.5mg) but causing headache and dry mouth the next two three days, July - December 2016: 25+ 25mg, constantly in pain, had to go to ER once, January 2017: Still believing the doctors and thinking the meds are helpful, increased the dose to 75mg, had to go to ER three times, after drinking water non-stop. Realised that these meds are actually toxins and are very harmful. Looking for experts in the field, going to doctors February - May 2017: 50mg, severe withdrawal symptoms, severe burning pain in chest, lower back, Seroquel only 12.5mg but not helping. Slowly developing OCD, as the headaches and heat flash can hit any time. found SA site and started reading day and night May-September 2017: 25mg, drinking lots of water, having great pain, not able to function, ER visits because of arythmia, hot flashes October 2017: started tapering and feeling better, but the symptoms are there. Supplements: None so far, Treatment Outline.docx July 23-30th, 2017.xlsx Link to comment
Junglechicken Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Sounds like you might have to re-instate at a lower dose Terry. I'm sorry that being off the meds completely hasn't worked. Your CNS is reacting badly to the meds being removed. Alto et al., will be able to advise re: the right dose to come back in on, but I don't think you can go on feeling so terrible. HUGS, JC x Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 Re instate which drug though , I have been on so many over the last year or so if you look at my drug history , and I have not found any relief since the venlaxafine stop working nearly four years ago . I just don't know what to do every waking minute is torture , I am in hell , just need some relief , the overheating and burning skin is a torment on its own I feel like I have been stranded naked in the Sahara desert , I can't stop shaking , I am so thirsty but struggle to drink even water , 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 1 hour ago, virgo43 said: Dear Terry u are not alone. I am experiencing the same. I am trying to lower the dose from 50 to 25mg and the same is happening. I believe Alostrata can help. How is ur sleep? Headache? How about water consumption. Are u urinating dark yellow despite u are consuming a lot. I will remind alostrata immediately I am drinking water even though I don't want to as I am thirsty all the time , my urine is always dark yellow , some days I drink 2 litres of water and I still need more as I have a constant dry mouth and thirst 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
virgo43 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Same with me. When I went down from 75 to 50 I drank 4 liters vomited and of course dark yellow urine for 2 days and lost weight Yes this is all in our head we need attention....that is what people tell me. How did u manage the insomnia?? If I go cold turkey from 25mg and endure the symptoms by drinking so much water I could have cardiac arrest. Delirium tremans....in other words.... July 2016: prescribed 25mg Zoloft, diagnosed with MDD. Developed severe reaction and taken to ER.. CSeroquel when not able to sleep, very small dose (12.5mg) but causing headache and dry mouth the next two three days, July - December 2016: 25+ 25mg, constantly in pain, had to go to ER once, January 2017: Still believing the doctors and thinking the meds are helpful, increased the dose to 75mg, had to go to ER three times, after drinking water non-stop. Realised that these meds are actually toxins and are very harmful. Looking for experts in the field, going to doctors February - May 2017: 50mg, severe withdrawal symptoms, severe burning pain in chest, lower back, Seroquel only 12.5mg but not helping. Slowly developing OCD, as the headaches and heat flash can hit any time. found SA site and started reading day and night May-September 2017: 25mg, drinking lots of water, having great pain, not able to function, ER visits because of arythmia, hot flashes October 2017: started tapering and feeling better, but the symptoms are there. Supplements: None so far, Treatment Outline.docx July 23-30th, 2017.xlsx Link to comment
virgo43 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 U should drink electrolyte water ..lemonade.....eat yogurt. How about irritation and anxiety? Insomnia? How can u handle that? Reinstate and then? Same story. How will cns adjust while there is so much stress hormone. Brain needs sleep to recover. July 2016: prescribed 25mg Zoloft, diagnosed with MDD. Developed severe reaction and taken to ER.. CSeroquel when not able to sleep, very small dose (12.5mg) but causing headache and dry mouth the next two three days, July - December 2016: 25+ 25mg, constantly in pain, had to go to ER once, January 2017: Still believing the doctors and thinking the meds are helpful, increased the dose to 75mg, had to go to ER three times, after drinking water non-stop. Realised that these meds are actually toxins and are very harmful. Looking for experts in the field, going to doctors February - May 2017: 50mg, severe withdrawal symptoms, severe burning pain in chest, lower back, Seroquel only 12.5mg but not helping. Slowly developing OCD, as the headaches and heat flash can hit any time. found SA site and started reading day and night May-September 2017: 25mg, drinking lots of water, having great pain, not able to function, ER visits because of arythmia, hot flashes October 2017: started tapering and feeling better, but the symptoms are there. Supplements: None so far, Treatment Outline.docx July 23-30th, 2017.xlsx Link to comment
virgo43 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 In addition to all that I had migraines and thought my brain would explode... July 2016: prescribed 25mg Zoloft, diagnosed with MDD. Developed severe reaction and taken to ER.. CSeroquel when not able to sleep, very small dose (12.5mg) but causing headache and dry mouth the next two three days, July - December 2016: 25+ 25mg, constantly in pain, had to go to ER once, January 2017: Still believing the doctors and thinking the meds are helpful, increased the dose to 75mg, had to go to ER three times, after drinking water non-stop. Realised that these meds are actually toxins and are very harmful. Looking for experts in the field, going to doctors February - May 2017: 50mg, severe withdrawal symptoms, severe burning pain in chest, lower back, Seroquel only 12.5mg but not helping. Slowly developing OCD, as the headaches and heat flash can hit any time. found SA site and started reading day and night May-September 2017: 25mg, drinking lots of water, having great pain, not able to function, ER visits because of arythmia, hot flashes October 2017: started tapering and feeling better, but the symptoms are there. Supplements: None so far, Treatment Outline.docx July 23-30th, 2017.xlsx Link to comment
virgo43 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I know how it feels. Exactly. If I can tackle insomnia then we would improve... Moderators know best. I don't want to interfere in their territory. From what I read the 2 explanations come close Fight flight response through HPA axis disruption CNS disruption So what? Well we don't know... I also am the same....exactly. So u are not alone in this planet.... July 2016: prescribed 25mg Zoloft, diagnosed with MDD. Developed severe reaction and taken to ER.. CSeroquel when not able to sleep, very small dose (12.5mg) but causing headache and dry mouth the next two three days, July - December 2016: 25+ 25mg, constantly in pain, had to go to ER once, January 2017: Still believing the doctors and thinking the meds are helpful, increased the dose to 75mg, had to go to ER three times, after drinking water non-stop. Realised that these meds are actually toxins and are very harmful. Looking for experts in the field, going to doctors February - May 2017: 50mg, severe withdrawal symptoms, severe burning pain in chest, lower back, Seroquel only 12.5mg but not helping. Slowly developing OCD, as the headaches and heat flash can hit any time. found SA site and started reading day and night May-September 2017: 25mg, drinking lots of water, having great pain, not able to function, ER visits because of arythmia, hot flashes October 2017: started tapering and feeling better, but the symptoms are there. Supplements: None so far, Treatment Outline.docx July 23-30th, 2017.xlsx Link to comment
Terry4949 Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 To be honest I am at the stage where I would take anything now , but it is not a option , when we are in withdrawel nothing will help us , so we are doomed , waiting for this to heal overtime if it ever will is unbearable , this daily torture is unrelenting and I can't really see the point of it all now , if there is truly nothing that can help us what's the point , I can't go on like this for another 10 years in hope that it might get better , how I have managed the last 4 years is beyond me , I have been suicidel many times , cried a thousand tears , have felt so low and so ill for so long , recovery for me is not going to happen I don't think , and no medications can help , what's left 2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine feb 2015 quetiapine stopped feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg july 2015 citalopram stopped sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine march 2017 all meds stopped Link to comment
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