Overwhelmed, demotivated, apathetic? Cannot get going on interest or action

[Podatus]

Wow! This sounds like me, too. It's not really apathy, like when I was actively depressed, because I know what I have to do and, on some level, want to do things. I just can't make myself do them most of the time. I sleep ok most nights, but still often fall asleep in the afternoons (or feel like I want to).  I thought these types of feelings would go away once I wasn't depressed, but now I'm wondering if it's the meds. Grateful for finding this site.

12 minutes ago, Songbird said:

I'm glad I found this thread.  I've been struggling with this a lot recently.  Sometimes it is fatigue, sometimes lack of motivation but usually I think it is a combination of both.  There are so many things I want to do, so many projects I want to work on.  There are also a zillion things that need doing around our place.  I'm constantly beating myself up for being lazy and not getting much done.  Whenever I get a day off, I spend about half of it sleeping.  It helps to see that others experience this and it is not just ME.  Now and then I'll have a good day when I feel energetic and motivated and get a bunch of things done, and that feels great when it happens.

 

[Barbarannamated]

On 12/17/2015 at 9:09 AM, JanCarol said:

It's probably emphasized by the learned helplessness the drugs gave us.

 

Many of us learned, as I did, that there was no point - no matter what I did  - I would just "relapse" (decades passed, before I learned that this deep depression I kept falling into was withdrawal from the drugs)

 

I said this for years in one of the Murphy's laws sayings:  "You can't fall off the floor," 

 

and then the apathy says, "So why bother getting up?  At least I cannot fall from here."

 

This is SPOT ON, Jan Carol.  I've referred to Seligman's (?) "learned helplessness / learned hopelessness"  in describing how I feel. I'm 8 years out from a sloppy taper of Pristiq, but still on several meds, and this is killing me.  

 

I was forced onto Involuntary Medical Retirement in 2001 after a neuromuscular injury partly due to Zoloft in 1993. Since then, I've just been trying to find something to stay occupied with by myself every day. I got involved in quite a few church groups, volunteer work, and horse activities (mainly observing), but nothing *stuck* except the horses, but they've since passed.  

 

My primary *job* since 2001 has been doctor appointments and pharmacy interactions several times per month (rarely does an RX order go smoothly).  

 

All of this has contributed to the learned helplessness / hopelessness / I'm just staying on the floor and not trying anymore.  THEN withdrawal brought a whole new feeling of futility and being trapped on these drugs and at the mercy of doctors and prescribing guidelines.  

 

The motivation / reward circuit is completely gone for me. I don't bother paying some bills if they're not on autopay.  Why bother to do the *right* thing?  I've played by the rules all of my life and it only hurt me.  The proverbial *good girl* in my family, but my druggie sister has been given EVERYTHING imaginable. Now she's on hospice and I can't find an ounce of sympathy for her. 

 

Sorry for that long explanation. I just don't know how I will ever get past 25 years of hit after hit.  

[JanCarol]

Well, my "Year of Saying Yes" is long over, and while it expanded my life, I had to follow it with a Year of Saying No.  Of drawing lines around people and things.  I pretty much gave up playing online with the Crazy Cat Ladies - I miss them, but it's hard to go be jolly with them when people over here are struggling.

 

I started my own website, that I post on about once a month - not enough to be a successful blogger - and I always put that one off - it's the last "thing I have time & energy to do."

I have to fight so hard just to keep my head above water.  It's like treading water in wave after wave of surf.  I keep getting knocked back down.

 

Getting treatment for my knee has been good - but it's knocked a hole in my exercise program (I have to rest it for a week after the prolotherapy shots).  This means that I never get better, with that week off, then I scramble to build back up and just about get where I was when it's time for another shot.  I take my last shot this week, so maybe the last half of the year I'll get some headway.

 

There are always so many things I want to do.  Visit other yoga studios, where my shaman ladies are practicing.  Attend other events to network and expand my horizons.  Hold special events of my own - like "drumming in the park" or a trip "out bush" with the ladies.  Here it is June, and I've done none of these.

 

There's always something.  The flu.  Bad sleep.  IBS.  Pain.  "If it ain't one thing, it's another."

 

Musical interlude:

 

The only thing I know to do is just keep putting one foot in front of the other.  If I can take this step, I can take another later.  Keep my eyes on the horizon, and if a step is away from that goal - save my spoons for a step that is towards that horizon.  I may never get there - but at least I'm alive.

 

I've been putting one foot in front of the other since 1986.  More so since 1998.  There were about 10 years (thank you Lithium, and probably Seroquel didn't help) where I gave up entirely, and here I am - what - 30 years on - still putting one foot in front of the other.

 

I look at Tami Simon, who is about my age - and she went to India and came back and founded Sounds True.  How does that ever happen?  (I know, we're not supposed to compare ourselves to others, but how do others DO IT?)

[Barbarannamated]

I can't even get out anymore /again.  I tried to move to Florida and it was just too much.  I'm in an RV with no running water.  I just stay in bed.  Can't shower or anything.  I know that a lot of chronically ill people live like this, but I just cannot continue.  My body is completely shutting down.  Barely 80#, if that.    

Sorry to be posting this here.  

[Songbird]

14 hours ago, JanCarol said:

I started my own website, that I post on about once a month - not enough to be a successful blogger - and I always put that one off - it's the last "thing I have time & energy to do."

 

I started a blog about anxiety in 2014 and was updating it every month or two or three, but stopped updating it in 2016 when I crashed again, and haven't got around to posting in it again since then.  I keep thinking about it, but never actually getting to it.

 

14 hours ago, JanCarol said:

There are always so many things I want to do.  Visit other yoga studios, where my shaman ladies are practicing.  Attend other events to network and expand my horizons.  Hold special events of my own - like "drumming in the park" or a trip "out bush" with the ladies.  Here it is June, and I've done none of these.

 

There's always something.  The flu.  Bad sleep.  IBS.  Pain.  "If it ain't one thing, it's another."

 

With me it's musical projects.  I have a home recording studio, but it takes me about two years to finish one song.  I hardly ever go out to my studio and work on my stuff even though I really want to.  Years go by and I look at how much I've actually achieved and it's a bit depressing.  I keep trying though, because giving up would be much worse.

 

14 hours ago, JanCarol said:

I look at Tami Simon, who is about my age - and she went to India and came back and founded Sounds True.  How does that ever happen?  (I know, we're not supposed to compare ourselves to others, but how do others DO IT?)

 

I do that too, look at all the people with successful online businesses, successful musicians who manage to perform live, create albums, make videos, write blogs, send newsletters, post on facebook, and so on.  How do people do all that???

[Barbarannamated]

Are these people who've been very ill and recovered?   I'm in such a fog right now, I'm not comprehending.  

[Cipro]

Barbarannamated, I'm sorry for you. 18 Years such a long time and may take very long time to recover. I couldn't read all the post cause my English.
But I'm really wonder if there is anyone used short-term and healed "completely". I was studying to olympiads and I really must to be intelligent as I was. I think my problems caused by dopamine inhibition now.
Could you help me with your experience and information? Does 5HT2C antagonist solve this issue permanently? What should i do?

[Barbarannamated]

On 6/12/2018 at 11:30 AM, Cipro said:

Barbarannamated, I'm sorry for you. 18 Years such a long time and may take very long time to recover. I couldn't read all the post cause my English.
But I'm really wonder if there is anyone used short-term and healed "completely". I was studying to olympiads and I really must to be intelligent as I was. I think my problems caused by dopamine inhibition now.
Could you help me with your experience and information? Does 5HT2C antagonist solve this issue permanently? What should i do?

 

Cipro,

 

I'm very sorry you're experiencing this.  

 

My history is very long and involved MANY different drugs over the years, so I encourage others to not compare their own situation to mine. 

 

I haven't read your thread, but from what you've said here, I feel confident that you will heal well.  I would definitely not attempt to *correct* it with additional drugs.  

 

Hang in there and know that you have found the best knowledge and guidance available with Alto and others here on this site.  

 

[Tanha]

On 9/14/2011 at 9:10 PM, Rhiannon said:

I'm grateful for this thread, I am so frustrated about this too. Actually I have all sorts of ideas but I find it almost impossible to carry any of them through. Even simple things like buying an air conditioner and organizing some things around the house feel like huge obstacles; I can see them and think them through but there's just a disconnect between that and actually having the "oomph" to do them.

 

I'm not depressed. I've been depressed and this isn't that. There's just something missing. Unless there's some major reason why I have to do something due to outside forces, it's not going to happen. I just don't have the internal drive.

 

It's not exactly the same as anhedonia, for me, although it's closely connected and the two overlap, and I'm sure it's related as far as whatever's going on neurologically.

 

I like the analogy of impotence, actually--"general impotence", of life.

 

I've suffered from this for most of the 20 years I have been taking antidepressants. It's very interesting to hear other people describing the same thing.

 

Also, it seems to be worse when I'm having other withdrawal symptoms too, and seems to get better during my "hold" periods. But even at my best it's always still a problem.

 

Thanks so much for starting this discussion, I find it very reassuring to hear others describing the same thing, I have to say I have been beating myself up for 20 years about this.

Dear rhiannon

 

how is your emotional Anastesia now?

can this get better while still on drugs?

how can I bear this during my long withdrawl?

[Tanha]

On 6/2/2014 at 3:03 AM, Newbeginning said:

I can relate to so much said here.

 

I remember having severe depression and still getting some adrenaline from deadlines that would help me get my school work done. Not anymore. No amount of guilt, sense of responsibility, dread of negative consequences or any other emotion/reward/punishment seems to have an effect on me.

 

I get to feel horrible afterwards, but I don't seem to be able to "learn from the lesson" from the negative consequences, so to speak.

 

I have relied on occassionally taking a stimulant to get through this. Not the best solution, but a better alternative that living with abnormal apathy and its consequences long enough to start thinking about suicide. I need that break from the stimulant to be able to go on. Literally.

 

I remember the first time I tried nuvigil (prescription stimulant meant to be used for people with narcolepsy). I realized that for months I had not been sitting straight, but rather slouching. I didn't even have the energy or motivation to sit upright. It was quite a revelation. Might seem like a small or silly thing, but it wasn't. You get so used to the apathy that it becomes a way of life. How could I argue this is not my personality when it is all me and others see expressed in my actions?

 

Apathy is also dangerous for our health. Obesity, stress, unstable sleep patterns, no motivation to eat well, exercise, be engaged or socialize. How could it not affect every aspect of our health in the long term? I know I gained a lot of weight in the last several years and I can see this abnormal apathy could have a lot to do with it.

 

My therapist was extremely frustrated with me. I could not follow through with any of the behavioral activation and other behavioral exercises she proposed.

 

Hard to believe, understand and explain how the day has 24 hours, but they go so fast when you're not connected to reality. Everything seems a blur. Every day seems like the one before. Months and years go by and I don't recall living that time.

 

I've often wondered if it's worth living this way, but I'm not giving up. If I'm still here after all this, might as well hang on to the faintest thread of hope.

 

If anyone feels like sharing, I'd like to know more about your experiences with this. Did you try and had any luck with behavioral activation?

 

How did you conclude this abnormal apathy was due to ssri use or withdrawal vs depression?

 

Any thoughts or experiences you share are much appreciated. Best of luck in your recovery journey

 

 

 

 

 

Dear newbeginning

how are you now?

[Tanha]

On 8/23/2014 at 11:06 PM, westcoast said:

Glad to see others have what I call "paralysis of the will."

It is all I can do to keep my home safe from vermin. I don't eat very much because the prospect of the mere act of loading the dishwasher is almost devastating. Any task I have to do goes undone for days at a time. The thought of doing anything with multiple steps is crippling. My mind goes through the steps and collapses partway through, and I decide not to even try the task.

Some weekends I have only ONE goal: "Take out the trash." That's it; my whole list. And I don't always do it. I can't make myself stand up.

 

So when I hear that I should EXERCISE in order to feel better, I want to throw things (but can't make myself

 

I do walk my dogs, but I must say, neverly every step is an ordeal during which I want to turn around and go home. The idea of enjoying a simple neighborhood dog walk is unfathomable, with my brain shouting at me to go home, go home...





 

Dear westcoast

 

how are things now?

did the will to do things come back during taper or after?

[Nevertoolate]

This thread is awesome. It's another piece in the jigsaw falling into place. Here I've been thinking for years I'm just a boring lazy person. 

To think of all the lost years the lost opportunities the lost chances of trying new exciting things 😖

All I want now is to heal and become alive in every sense of the word. 

I'm so so glad to be on this journey with all of you. 

We can do this. 

How exciting is it going to be to see who we can become 💓💓

[Lionheart]

What a wonderful thread!

It's so encouraging to read that other folks are having the same problem.

 

For years now I've been beating myself up over being lazy and undisciplined even though I came to suspect my medication.

 

It's exciting to me that as I get further along the process of tapering off my meds I could very well start feeling more motivated to live instead of just surviving.

 

[Newbeginning]

On 12/26/2018 at 2:35 AM, Tanha said:

Dear newbeginning

how are you now?

 

Hello Tanha,

 

I apologize for the late response. I often miss the notifications from here, as they are not e-mailed like the private messages. 

 

To answer your question I need to give you a little bit of background on my situation first: have been tapering since 2014 and reached a roadblock around 2 years ago when I reached low doses (6mg prozac and 6mg effexor). At that point, withdrawal was too severe at even 10% cuts, and I was forced to hold my dose for long periods of time, in order to stabilize. When I finally stabilized, I tried Melatonin, and that caused withdrawal when I tried stopping it after about 3 months, so I am stuck tapering that now before I can try to decrease antidepressants again. 

 

Anhedonia for me is a side effect, rather than a withdrawal effect. It is not necessarily a dose-dependent side effect in my case, as I have experienced it at low doses too. It started on the medication, before I experienced any withdrawal. I've had it for 15 years at different degrees of severity, but it was 4 years ago that it became disabling (before that, I was able to function, bt only did the most necessary stuff like work/school). That's when I started tapering. 

 

I have had windows of improvement of anhedonia starting on year 2 of my taper. During these windows I feel about 30-60% better, depending on the day. On year 2, the window lasted about 2 months. On year 3, 4 months. On year 4 it's been 5 months, but this last month my mood has been lower, which makes me wonder if I'm heading for another relapse . But I'm fighting it with teeth and nails  💪🧠

 

It's important to mention that when I'm in a window, I do everything I can to maximize my gains. I was in intensive therapy for 8 months last year, and I use every tool I learned for emotion regulation, including tools for managing apathy/low motivation, fatigue, low mood. If I just relied on the improvement I get "naturally" during a window, I would probably not have as much improvement. I push myself a lot, as I see it as the only way to help rewire the brain. I rest a lot too, so it's a balance between pushing and resting that works best for me. It might be different for you, and I stringly suggest you lisen to your body and heart  

 

I am of course still on a substantial dose of medication  (especially Melatonin [70% of my initial dose]and Prozac [30% of my initial dose]), so that may delay my progress too.

 

I hope this is helpful. Please feel fre to reach out by PM too. If you reply here, please send me a PM to let me know, in case I miss it.

 

Good luck!

 

[FarmGirlWorks]

https://nyti.ms/2HWzAg2

 

I post this link from the New York Times about procrastination because it made sense to me through the lens of withdrawal with one of the symptoms being lack of motivation/apathy. It posits that procrastination is what we do when we are managing bad/hard emotions. Or, I would say, like having no positive emotions at all (anhedonia). No amount of life hacks or productivity boosters are going to fix the problems since the root is managing emotions.

 

“Procrastination is an emotion regulation problem, not a time management problem,” said Dr. Tim Pychyl, professor of psychology and member of the Procrastination Research Group at Carleton University in Ottawa.

 

The solution: forgive yourself and self-compassion. Dear lord: I feel like these (along with "accept") are the emotional equivalents to eat your vegetables, get enough sleep, and exercise for the physical body. Be on the look-out for my new book on how to be a perfect human being in five easy steps 😛  Of course I would also add: don't do pharmaceuticals!

 

[ShiningLight]

I struggle with a lifelong (drug-long) pattern of apathy that is getting worse as I age (late 40s). The apathy has also resulted in poor self-discipline. So, not only do I not want to do anything, but I don't even want to try to help myself when I'm feeling bad, it seems. Add to that a traumatic childhood of being neglected, and me repeating the pattern by neglecting myself, and it becomes a spiral, worse every year.

 

I've also gotten quite discouraged with social relationships, as I flit in and out due to mental and physical illness, and am not very reliable. I've kind of given up on trying to be involved because it feels too hard. But I'm lonely. My current friends aren't very available even if I ask to get together. We mostly text. I hate it.

 

It will be years before I'm done with all of the meds. It would probably be naiive to assume that my apathy habit will change magically when I'm off the meds.

 

Any coping tips for dealing with apathy, or anyone else just want to pop in and say 'me too'? It would be helpful to know I'm not alone. I know I need to start practicing the life skills I never developed. How do you work against that darn medication induced apathy? It's so sad because I allow it to rob me of life experiences. I'm kind of just existing.

[Nevertoolate]

"me too"

 

This sounds very much like me in a lot of ways and I'm sure many members will relate on some level 

I hope it helps to tell you on the road to survival you will see glimmers of light. They may not last long sometimes but will be enough to inspire you to keep fighting. In my own experience I just went with the flow of what I was capable of doing. If I didn't feel like socializing I didn't. 

Just keep going and don't bash yourself up over everything. Little steps forward will soon turn into big steps forward. The apathy will slowly fall away. It is amazing to one day realize things are getting better and trust me they will.

You will be able to wear the Survivor badge 🏅🎖with pride 🎉. 

Keep fighting. You are so not alone!

[ShiningLight]

NeverTooLate,

 

Your response helped me so much. Thank you!

[DogLover]

Being high in copper, I read quite a bit about it as far as the mental implications, and much of what I saw mirrors what I see on this thread. Especially creating lists of brilliant plans and no energy to carry them out. My understanding is that copper in the brain converts dopamine to norepinephrine. If this happens to excess one gets the nervous energy of adrenaline, but little dopamine.

 

The way to treat this is zinc and b6, which, if you're suffering from adwd, isn't easy.

 

my two cents

[FleeingFluoxetine]

Hey, everyone. I thought I'd post this because I don't know what's going on.

 

I'm three months into lowering my Seroquel from 150 to 100 mg. I've definitely been depressed (tears, suicidal thoughts, darkness, etc) although that mostly seems to be behind me. What's weird is this feeling of slipping on the ice/weakness.

 

Say I think about doing something like going to a movie. In the past, on the drugs, I'd have to steel myself to do something like this because my meds always made me so anxious. But now that I'm off the drug and I think about going, instead I go to set my mind to do it, but it's like it slips on the ice and can't get any traction. It's like the fight I've had to fight for so long is gone and without it I don't know what to do? I don't know. It's so weird. I'm not really doing anything these days, I'm just sitting around, swimming, or going on long drives hoping I'll feel better.

 

Part of me wants to throw in the towel and go back on the meds? I don't know what the answer is. I see my doctor in another two weeks.

[bluestone]

On 5/23/2019 at 9:33 PM, FleeingFluoxetine said:

Hey, everyone. I thought I'd post this because I don't know what's going on.

 

I'm three months into lowering my Seroquel from 150 to 100 mg. I've definitely been depressed (tears, suicidal thoughts, darkness, etc) although that mostly seems to be behind me. What's weird is this feeling of slipping on the ice/weakness.

 

Say I think about doing something like going to a movie. In the past, on the drugs, I'd have to steel myself to do something like this because my meds always made me so anxious. But now that I'm off the drug and I think about going, instead I go to set my mind to do it, but it's like it slips on the ice and can't get any traction. It's like the fight I've had to fight for so long is gone and without it I don't know what to do? I don't know. It's so weird. I'm not really doing anything these days, I'm just sitting around, swimming, or going on long drives hoping I'll feel better.

 

Part of me wants to throw in the towel and go back on the meds? I don't know what the answer is. I see my doctor in another two weeks.

Could you try to describe the thought processes that usually go through your head when you’re trying to do something now please?

[Altostrata]

I think this may be the demotivating effect of psychiatric drugs. Merged with similar topic.

[FleeingFluoxetine]

16 hours ago, bluestone said:

Could you try to describe the thought processes that usually go through your head when you’re trying to do something now please?

 

It's just so weird. Like I think "Okay, I'm going to try to see a movie" and then I get this feeling of weakness in my chest and I don't want to go because I'm tired of all the strange feelings. As for what's going in my head, I'll try to write them all down.

[FleeingFluoxetine]

12 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I think this may be the demotivating effect of psychiatric drugs. Merged with similar topic.

 

It could be. I've read that Seroquel causes depression. I'd love to lower it further but I can't go through that hell again. If I ever reduce it again, I'll go by 10% and not 30%, which was stupid of me.

[crashcourse]

On 9/19/2011 at 11:34 PM, Rhiannon said:

🙂

 

I love this forum.

So do I, now that I've found it. I am learning so much from all of you.

Btw, I suffer from demotivation too. I do the research, make a plan (about my imaginary new business), and then simply fail to carry it out.

Keeping in mind that I've lived with epilepsy and never been dismayed, founded a successful business, and am a published writer, it's almost unfathomable how I cannot rinse and repeat ever since I started ADs. Just don't have the intensity.  

I've even given up on writing, since I have now lost the discipline to concentrate on my thoughts, and when I get a bright idea, I lack the desire to transfer it to paper.

So here I sit. Only doing things when they become absolutely imperative. I'm no longer happy, nor afraid, nor motivated, not sad--just breathing.

It's actually this limbo which I went to get rid off. Hence this forum and why I want off my meds.

Damn the health industry.

 

[herod]

Bear in mind that the population at large suffers from motivational issues to an extent. Getting some sun and abstaining from my motivation depressors (sugar, caffeine, binging on the internet, etc.) boosts my motivation by a lot.

[crashcourse]

On 4/6/2019 at 10:55 AM, ShiningLight said:

Any coping tips for dealing with apathy, or anyone else just want to pop in and say 'me too'? It would be helpful to know I'm not alone. 

Me too.

 

I just try to pass the day. In the evening I watch Netflix with my wife. That helps spend soe time. Otherwise I just live in a boring way with no interests.

[Estman]

On 9/14/2011 at 6:45 PM, Barbarannamated said:

I just read Cine's intro in which he mentioned the disconnect between interest (vague, blunted emotion in my case) and ability to DO something with that interest. I beat myself up so badly about this. I read of things that i would like to get involved with and actually get fairly excited. For a few minutes. Then it's gone. I've been in NEUTRAL for so long. I see roads I'd like to explore, but cannot shift into DRIVE. When I do manage to do something, it's a last minute chance happening, as if I'm on a downgrade and gravity gets me there. Planning is impossible.

What is this and how can I deal with it better? I have the emotional blunting and amotivation, then guilt. I used to be so different. I planned things for groups. The organizer. Now I can't seem to plan 5 minutes ahead.

I hate that feeling of apathy.
It's different from depression
Everything would be fine but not
I would like to do many things, but I can't start
I understand it's caused by an antidepressant
I don't know if it's a withdrawal symptom or a side effect
I would like to give up the medicine immediately, but that is not possible and sensible
It makes me angry, I'm really looking forward to getting rid of i

[Estman]

On 4/25/2019 at 6:56 PM, DogLover said:

Being high in copper, I read quite a bit about it as far as the mental implications, and much of what I saw mirrors what I see on this thread. Especially creating lists of brilliant plans and no energy to carry them out. My understanding is that copper in the brain converts dopamine to norepinephrine. If this happens to excess one gets the nervous energy of adrenaline, but little dopamine.

 

The way to treat this is zinc and b6, which, if you're suffering from adwd, isn't easy.

 

my two cents

My blood level also showed low levels of zinc
Could zinc intake improve things, I mean feelings or anxiety?

[DogLover]

On 5/9/2020 at 12:35 PM, Estman said:

My blood level also showed low levels of zinc
Could zinc intake improve things, I mean feelings or anxiety?

 

Hi Estman!

 

Back when I wrote this I was HIGHLY agitated and going through severe Effexor WD symptoms. I was not thinking clearly. I now suspect my symptoms were most likely caused by low serotonin (or effectively low serotonin). Luckily, I was able to stabilize my mood by increasing my Effexor dose. Since, then I've learned quite a bit. I did go through testing with copper (mildly high) and zinc (low), for which I supplement Zn.  I'm sure that Zn has helped my mood somewhat, but not in a short-term noticeable way. My own opinion is it would be like worrying tire pressure while your car is engulfed in flames. I doubt it's going to make a difference.  

 

I did, however, receive AMAZING benefits from amino acid therapy, but I hesitate to recommend it to those going through WD hell. Not that I have reason to suspect it dangerous or agitating. I just don't know. I didn't take any supplements while in that state. 

-DL



 

[Estman]

Hello,

I'm trying to raise my low zinc levels
My depression alternates with fear
Even when I sleep normally, waking up has an inexplicable feeling of fear
There is no reason for that, my life is otherwise fine
Does anyone experience fear?
Is this a withdrawal symptom that passes?
Can't describe in detail
Fear and bad mood for no reason

 

[cathnz]

On 5/14/2020 at 2:22 PM, DogLover said:

 

Hi Estman!

 

Back when I wrote this I was HIGHLY agitated and going through severe Effexor WD symptoms. I was not thinking clearly. I now suspect my symptoms were most likely caused by low serotonin (or effectively low serotonin). Luckily, I was able to stabilize my mood by increasing my Effexor dose. Since, then I've learned quite a bit. I did go through testing with copper (mildly high) and zinc (low), for which I supplement Zn.  I'm sure that Zn has helped my mood somewhat, but not in a short-term noticeable way. My own opinion is it would be like worrying tire pressure while your car is engulfed in flames. I doubt it's going to make a difference.  

 

I did, however, receive AMAZING benefits from amino acid therapy, but I hesitate to recommend it to those going through WD hell. Not that I have reason to suspect it dangerous or agitating. I just don't know. I didn't take any supplements while in that state. 

-DL



 

@DogLover did you use the amino acids while still in Effexor? 

[DogLover]

Yes. I'm still on Effexor. ( 25 bbs x .6mg/bbs = 15 mg). Carefully tapering down at 10%/month. I'm in no real hurry as I'm happy and healthy.  I have noticed that there were no noticeable effects from the last few cuts, so I may up the pace.  

 

I read all kinds of warnings about SSRI and the dangers of 5HTP, but it was in my nature to ignore all that. Sometimes that approach works out for me and sometimes it doesn't. (After all, I'm here aren't I?) So, I just went slow with the supplements and things just started clicking.

 

A few key facts I wanted to make sure I say loud and clear:

-Supplements didn't help with my SSRI withdrawals, increasing my SSRI did.

-Supplement were not tried for my SSRI withdrawals. (not in any meaningful way)

-Supplements may or may not help with wd. I just don't know. I'm not "for" or "against" trying them for wd.

-After I stabilized from SSRI withdrawals, supplements removed my lifetime anxiety and depression. (Along with other things like diet, exercise )

[Estman]

Hello,

 

I was normal for a few weeks and decided a week ago to try to reduce
Since the 2.5mg reduction was too big, I reduced only 1mg this time
At the moment I am currently on a 34mg daily dose
Anxiety and restlessness and fear arose from day 7
This has now lasted for the last 3 days
My plan was to reduce 1mg every 2 weeks
Maybe it's smoother
Unfortunately, even with a small dose change, withdrawal symptoms have occurred

[Dee12h]

I clicked on this bc it said “overwhelmed “, but I didn’t see anyone mention that specifically. That is the word I’ve used over & over to describe my life for the past 2 yrs. I have had some apathy too, but I thought it was caused by my greatly increased fatigue (past 1.5 yrs). Everything I try or want to do just seems too much. Too much stimulation, things to do I’ll never get done, people needing me. I retreat to my room every chance I get. I have this overwhelming urge to get away from everything. Leaving the house or social engagements are super draining. Weekend trips take all week to recover from. My poor husband 😆.

 

The thing is, this is kinda my personality all my life, but it’s increased 4 fold while on AD. I have cut back on SO much (covid helped with that some  ). I’m a homeschool mom with 3 boys, one of whom is a toddler, so even just that is a lot for healthy people. So then the irritability started from just feeling overwhelmed all. The. Time. 
 

Just looking for hope this will go away once I’m off! I had no clue it was caused by the drugs till I went off for 3 weeks & my energy, motivation, patience, & ability to live in the moment sky rocketed. Will that last, or will I crash after a few weeks after I’m off? Thanks for reading. ❤️

[Gridley]

@Dee12h

 

More people will see your post if you put it on your own thread in Introductions and Updates.   If a post is about your situation, that's where it should go.

 

Are you currently off Lexapro?  Did you jump to zero at 7.5mg or are you still on this dose?

 

Please answer on your own thread preceded by @Gridley (and click on the little rectangle that appears when you type that) so I'll be sure to see your response.