Campervan41: tapering risperidone

[Campervan41]

Will Hall (Maastricht University) has this survey on Beyond Meds at the moment for users of antipsychotic medications. It is for Will’s Phd and explores withdrawal from medications, please consider doing the survey it takes about 30 minutes. 

 

http://www.antipsychoticwithdrawalsurvey.com/

[ChessieCat]

I've quoted your post above and created a topic here:

 

EDITED to add:  Just be informed that this was already posted so combined the two.

 

 

Edited November 23, 2018 by ChessieCat
added edit

[Campervan41]

Thanks Chessie Cat

 

i didn’t realise it was already posted. Glad some more people have taken the survey though

 

just posting an update. Felt calmer initially after updose to 0. 2 ml but the insomnia continued unabated. Week 6 of virtually no sleep at all., the most it’s ever been.The most I usually get is 2-3 hours throughout the whole of my withdrawal and often none I think my body just can’t take any more of it  after 5 years be honest.

 

Friday and Saturday last weekend. Didn’t get outside for 2 days last Friday and Saturday due to poor weather and exhaustion. I don’t think that helps I need exercise and must get outside whatever the weather. No sleep 

 

sunday 1.5 hour walk no sleep

 

Monday walking at work. 30 mg promethazine hydrochloride (phenergan) no sleep

 

Tuesday walking outside 20 minutes but early evening in dark due to work. No sleep

 

wednesday walking outside at work in daytime. 2 x Swanson’s Anti Stress frormula. Slept 1.5- 2 hours woke 12.30. Did meditation feeling calmer, depression seems to have lifted today (Thursday)but we’ll have too see. Still exhausted and severe cog fog.

 

Had to be off work again a few days this week and had to admit that I just can’t physically or cognitively handle something they need me to do next week due to exhaustion. 

 

Going for walk now. Have said I will make a GP appointment. The only options I have there are Sertraline (Zoloft) or mirtazapine (Remeron) but I just don’t want to go there for fear of side effects and it will ruin all the work I’ve done. There is also a risk it could switch me to mania symptoms. Have had so much time off work this year due to insomnia I feel backed into a corner. 

 

ordered a book on sleep restriction therapy today due to be delivered this evening. I will give that a go again. I have done it before with a CBT therapist (CBT-I)with varying results. Basically you limit your time in bed and must get up and leave bedroom if you can’t sleep after 20 minutes. I think I’ll give myself a max of 4.5 hours in bed 10.30- 3.30. The idea is you’re so exhausted you sleep. When your sleep improves you calculate your sleep efficiency which is time asleep divided by time in bed x100. If it is over 85% you can increase your time in bed by 15 minutes. Sleep hygiene must be excellent dimmed lights after nightfall and no screen time a few hours before bed. Anyway I will update if I get any results, no matter how small.

 

Will also do meditation every day- have done a course so familiar with this but got out of habit since Late September. Diet good. No caffeine or sugar. I’m planning to also try cutting out gluten. Also going to buy a blender to make whole food smoothies and soups etc. I’m tempted to try 160 mg of l’theanine tonight but trying another different supplement/ medication this week is probably not a great idea. Have bought a light lamp which I plan to use in the mornings for 15 minutes for light exposure. Will use with caution and monitor mood.

 

Anyway that’s all for now take care everyone

Camper