Nelly: coming off fluoxetine / Prozac

[Nelly]

1 hour ago, Sassenach said:

Hi Nelly

 

I presume you mean you do not take the supplements some days.

Is that correct?

In withdrawal if you do not take meds and supplements on a regular basis your body is continually trying to adjust to the changes which means it is struggling to get to homeostasis.

The kindest thing you can do is give it a level playing field.

Why did you start taking Cyto renew?

You are in withdrawal and experiencing the "normal symptoms so you can and will get better.

GPs know nothing about antidepressant withdrawal and their standard answer is reinstatement at full dose.

Why do you think he/she will suggest 75mgs?

Under NHS rules a doctor can only suggest options and advise accordingly.

The way forward is your decision.

If you wish to get off Venlafaxine the only way is to taper slowly with holds where necessary as now.

I saw you are feeling lonely. This site is a peer site and members do not only talk about withdrawal but become friends who support each other.

I know it is not the same as as being in the same room but can be quite liberating and shortening the days helps on the bad ones.

Just don't spend too much time on here.

Finally for today. How are you feeling now.

 

Yes that’s right, some days I haven’t been taking them. I take cyto renew as blood tests showed I was pre diabetic and saw that this may help. I also have neuropathy. I will start taking them again daily thank you. 

Should I continue with where I am with venlafaxine. I don’t really want to increase. I want to try to ride the storm. 

This site is proving so encouraging and helpful, partly because you know what I am going through. I value it so much. 

Yes I have a dog, she is my life and no matter how I feel I have to take her for a walk. 

I work in a cafe on a Monday. This is also very good for me as  I am able to socialise and I enjoy it and it helps me forget and stop overthinking. I went to bed and slept, after I finished, and after I had walked Daisy. I am now cooking some fish and cabbage 😊

i don’t feel great on waking. Not emotional just exhausted in mind and body. Thank you so much xxx

[Altostrata]

Nelly, do you sometimes feel down because of life circumstances? That is something you can address without drugs. Filling up the time with activities and making friends is always a good first step. Sometimes this doesn't come easily, you have to learn how to do it.

[Nelly]

1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

Nelly, do you sometimes feel down because of life circumstances? That is something you can address without drugs. Filling up the time with activities and making friends is always a good first step. Sometimes this doesn't come easily, you have to learn how to do it.

Hia 

Thank you for your reply. Yes I do. I have made positive changes in my life over the last 2 years and the effects have been very positive. I moved areas, unfriended people that weren’t good for me, and friended people that like me, and who are good for me. I joined groups where there is no pressure. I have jobs that I enjoy. It’s just when I feel so foggy, that I am too tired to socialise. I have often and still am too tired in my head to even want to talk  Hopefully this will improve once I have the AD’s  out of my system. It is a strange feeling, feeling so tired and unwell but not being ill. This must be WD. 

You keep me going. Thank you x

[Sassenach]

Good morning Nelly.

 

Has your GP advised you to updose in the past?

Why do you believe he/she will suggest 75mgs?

How are you feeling today?

You should definitely hold at your present dose until you stabilise and then an extra month to allow your system to settle.

I am currently slowly stabilising after reinstating half Escitalopram dose.

I have the head fog today so you are not alone. All the symptoms improve over time and we will all get there eventually.

What breed is Daisy?

 

Sassenach

[Nelly]

6 hours ago, Sassenach said:

Good morning Nelly.

 

Has your GP advised you to updose in the past?

Why do you believe he/she will suggest 75mgs?

How are you feeling today?

You should definitely hold at your present dose until you stabilise and then an extra month to allow your system to settle.

I am currently slowly stabilising after reinstating half Escitalopram dose.

I have the head fog today so you are not alone. All the symptoms improve over time and we will all get there eventually.

What breed is Daisy?

 

Sassenach

Hello Sassenach

No I don’t think that she will suggest updosing, although this does seem to be the doctors answer to everything! 

I will keep on as I am. Today, has been ok, I feel ok. I had plenty of sleep last night. That does seem to help. Today, I took Daisy to the groomers. She is a Bichon frise x Westie 😄 then I helped out at the cafe for 3 hours. 

I do believe we will get there, only because of the information provided on this website, otherwise I wouldn’t know. 

Are you just taking half citralopan? How are you feeling? X

[Nelly]

6 hours ago, Sassenach said:

Good morning Nelly.

 

Has your GP advised you to updose in the past?

Why do you believe he/she will suggest 75mgs?

How are you feeling today?

You should definitely hold at your present dose until you stabilise and then an extra month to allow your system to settle.

I am currently slowly stabilising after reinstating half Escitalopram dose.

I have the head fog today so you are not alone. All the symptoms improve over time and we will all get there eventually.

What breed is Daisy?

 

Sassenach

I see that you are taking 5mg of citralopan. This is a low dose? 

[Sassenach]

Hi Nelly

 

Sound like a good day, canine and humans around all is good for recovery.

Bichon / Westie brilliant cross. Are her ears erect or like a bichon?

I am stabilising on half dose citalopram.  Definitely improving over last few weeks but a real wave today.

Did you remember your supplements today?

Give Daisy a hug from me.

 

Sassenach

[Nelly]

1 hour ago, Sassenach said:

Hi Nelly

 

Sound like a good day, canine and humans around all is good for recovery.

Bichon / Westie brilliant cross. Are her ears erect or like a bichon?

I am stabilising on half dose citalopram.  Definitely improving over last few weeks but a real wave today.

Did you remember your supplements today?

Give Daisy a hug from me.

 

Sassenach

😄 no her ears are floppy and trimmed short. Yes a good day thank you. Yes I have taken my supplements this morning. 

You are doing well. 

I find if you can sleep then this is a great relief. 

I will upload Daisy’s picture x

[Altostrata]

Nelly, what is your "blood glucose support"? What is Cyto Renew?

[Nelly]

12 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Nelly, what is your "blood glucose support"? What is Cyto Renew?

Good afternoon

They are food state supplements that I get from Cytoplan. Blood glucose supports main ingredient is magnesium and cyto renew for its alpha lipoid acid. I was recently told by the podiatrist that I have neuropathy and told by the doctor that I was pre diabetic. 

I am waiting to see a neurologist. I joined a Neuropathy forum and these supplements were recommended to me along with tumeric x

[Sassenach]

Hi Nelly

 

How are you feeling today.

Weather rainy today so wet dog smell whenever he comes near.

He just gets dry and wants out again.

Used to towel him dry but waste of time.

See you got a visit from the boss, I don't know how she gets around everyone.

Have a good evening.

 

Sassenach

[Nelly]

39 minutes ago, Sassenach said:

Hi Nelly

 

How are you feeling today.

Weather rainy today so wet dog smell whenever he comes near.

He just gets dry and wants out again.

Used to towel him dry but waste of time.

See you got a visit from the boss, I don't know how she gets around everyone.

Have a good evening.

 

Sassenach

Hello

The boss! I thought you meant my boss for a minute! It’s raining here too. 

You have a collie? Daisy doesn’t have that doggy smell 😄 thankfully. I’m ok today thank you. Manageable anyway. Pushing myself to go swimming, I know it will do me good, but I can’t be bothered! Keep going over it in my head instead of just doing it! Would just like to go to sleep. How are you feeling? 

[Sassenach]

Feeling better than yesterday, not as good as tomorrow.

We had three collies, then two, now one.

Love competing in agility with them.

We should make the effort and swimming is good, but not push to our own detriment.

I usually resolve to do it following day, then awake with the right mindset and go for it.

Have a good evening

 

Sassenach

[Altostrata]

If you're pre-diabetic, you need to cut down on eating sugar. No shortcuts. We're not big fans of supplement programs like Cytoplan. Often the supplements contain ingredients that can set off someone sensitized by withdrawal syndrome, plus they're usually useless but expensive.

 

What times of day do you take your drugs and supplements? How do you feel before and after?

[Nelly]

6 hours ago, Altostrata said:

If you're pre-diabetic, you need to cut down on eating sugar. No shortcuts. We're not big fans of supplement programs like Cytoplan. Often the supplements contain ingredients that can set off someone sensitized by withdrawal syndrome, plus they're usually useless but expensive.

 

What times of day do you take your drugs and supplements? How do you feel before and after?

Good morning

i have already cut down on my sugar intake and carbs. 

I take my venlafaxine and thyroxine 100mg  after breakfast approx. 9am. I take my fish oil at the same time. In order not to overload my body I take the other supplements mid morning. 

I am interested to know that you don’t rate the cytoplan supplements. I value your guidance. 

I don’t really make a conscience note about how I feel before and after. 

Many thanks x

[Sassenach]

Hi Nelly

 

When you were diagnosed pre-diabetic did your doctor arrange for you to see a dietician?

I was diagnosed diabetic many years ago but have controlled it with diet.

About three months ago there was a documentary on TV that carried out a clinical trial over several months and proved that not only can Diabetes be diet controlled,

but can actually be reversed.

Don't hold your breath but I am working on it.

How are you feeling today and did you get to swimming?

 

Sassenach

[Altostrata]

9 hours ago, Nelly said:

I don’t really make a conscience note about how I feel before and after. 

 

We need this information. Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms. You can post them in this topic with a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right.

 

[Nelly]

2 hours ago, Sassenach said:

Hi Nelly

 

When you were diagnosed pre-diabetic did your doctor arrange for you to see a dietician?

I was diagnosed diabetic many years ago but have controlled it with diet.

About three months ago there was a documentary on TV that carried out a clinical trial over several months and proved that not only can Diabetes be diet controlled,

but can actually be reversed.

Don't hold your breath but I am working on it.

How are you feeling today and did you get to swimming?

 

Sassenach

Hello

What changes did you make to manage your diabetes by diet alone? 

No I wasn’t referred on to a dietician. I did my own research on a suitable diet, and made some positive changes to help me avoid reaching the point which may result in Diabetes. I do believe the changes I have made will have made a difference. I did take my blood sugar readings before and after meals for a time, and they proved consistent and within a normal range. I have continued with the same diet now for some time. 

I didn’t go swimming. I am not going to beat myself up about it. I am going through some changes and want to go with how I feel, and if that means having a sleep then that is what I am doing. 

I am feeling ok today thank you. Work is a bit stressful at the moment but I am able to manage it,   

How are you? X

 

[Nelly]

25 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

We need this information. Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms. You can post them in this topic with a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right.

 

Ok i will do this thank you x

[Nelly]

19/07/19

Feedback from Doctor today; was supportive of my decision to taper venlafaxine. 

Thyroid test results showing low, but not enough to increase dose. 

After b’fast;

9am  venlafaxine 7 beads 

9am thyroxine 100mcgms 

9am Fish oil 1000 mgs 

Slight anxiety, no other notable symptoms. Fairly good day. 

Bad food; 1 flap jack 

Will take thyroxine half hour before breakfast in future as stated. 

[Nelly]

19/07/19 9.30pm 1 x  cytoplan blood glucose support which includes main ingredient; 60mg magnesium. 

Decided to start using up what I have remaining; before bed, to see if it helps with a good nights sleep. 

[Altostrata]

Sounds like a good plan for the supplements. Please include your sleep pattern in your daily notes.

 

Would appreciate at least 24 hours of notes at a time, thank you.

[Nelly]

15 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Sounds like a good plan for the supplements. Please include your sleep pattern in your daily notes.

 

Would appreciate at least 24 hours of notes at a time, thank you.

Thank you

20/07/19 Not a good nights sleep; felt like I was awake thinking or dreaming but I also thought I was asleep? 

4.30 am wide awake; went back to sleep. Won’t take blood glucose support before bed again. 

7am thyroxine 100mcgms

7.30am up out of bed

7.30am b’fast etc.

7.45am venlafaxine 7 beads 

7.45am Fish oil 1000mg

9.15am-5pm work in the cafe. Very good day; must be a window. Usually I would face the day with dread if I haven’t slept well. Today was not the case. No dread! No nasty symptoms. 

Bad food; brown bread, cheesecake 

8.30pm Dead sea salt foot soak

10.30pm Good night 

 

[Altostrata]

Well, that's promising.

[Nelly]

On 7/20/2019 at 2:19 AM, Altostrata said:

Sounds like a good plan for the supplements. Please include your sleep pattern in your daily notes.

 

Would appreciate at least 24 hours of notes at a time, thank you.

Thank you

20/07/19 Not a good nights sleep; felt like I was awake thinking, but I thought I was asleep.

4.30 am wide awake

[Nelly]

Sorry, posted the above again by mistake. 

21/07/19

Another poor nights sleep. 

6.45am thyroxine 100 mcg

7.15am cup of tea etc

7.30am venlafaxine 7 beads

Fish oil 1000mg

8am walked Daisy

some upsetting thoughts of family and ex partner came to mind but allowed them to pass by. 

8.30am went back to bed; didn’t sleep

Had a relaxing pleasant day with company

5pm went to bed slept for 3 hours

11pm  Bed 

 

 

[Altostrata]

When you have a relaxing day, you sleep better, correct? See

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration

 

Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

What is the sleep cycle?

 

Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

Shame, guilt, regret, and self-criticism

 

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

 

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

[Nelly]

22/07/19

Disrupted sleep. In the past I could sleep for 10 hours and still need to drag myself out of bed and my mood would be very low. 

6.45am thyroxine 100mcg

7.15am breakfast 

7.15am venlafaxine 7 beads

7.15am fish oil 1000mgs 

9am - 4pm work in cafe 

4.30pm Walk Daisy, pottering in the garden

bad food today; cake

Slight ache at back of neck 

Thoughts came to mind that I can’t remember feeling so happy and contented. Is this the real me? No dread. It has taken many life changes for me to reach this point.  But I don’t want to get too enthusiastic. In my second and main job there are problems within our team around relationships. In the past this would have caused me to become anxious; my anxiety is minimal. I have an ex partner who I was seeing for 5 months; the relationship caused my insecurities and need for love to surface. It was never going to work. I felt that he didn’t want me enough. Trying hard to rid myself of this contact, but find it difficult. My biggest emotional distress all my life has been around relationships and the need to feel loved. I am told I’m vulnerable. The partners I choose or they choose me, have always been unavailable which reinforces my emotional instability. This has always been a contributory factor for my  breaking down and feeling unloved. Trying to overcome this as part of my work on having a better life. But it’s hard. Loneliness is horrible. Having received no love as a child has contributed to my insecurities. 

That said, I can’t help but say, I am the best that I have been.  I want to hold on to it. X

8.25pm feeling tired; going to bed soon. 

i am starting to think that AD have made me feel worse throughout my life, except perhaps when I have reached breaking point, when time out from work has been also necessary. I can’t remember not taking AD. X

 

 

[Nelly]

7 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

When you have a relaxing day, you sleep better, correct? See

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration

 

Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

What is the sleep cycle?

 

Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

Shame, guilt, regret, and self-criticism

 

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

 

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

Thank you for the links. Yes sleep is sometimes better after a relaxing day, but not always. I can’t explain the disrupted sleep and why it is happening. But I am coping with it, which has not been the case in the past. I do avoid people if I am tired x

[Nelly]

On 7/20/2019 at 2:19 AM, Altostrata said:

Sounds like a good plan for the supplements. Please include your sleep pattern in your daily notes.

 

Would appreciate at least 24 hours of notes at a time, thank you.

[Nelly]

Hello

i think I have made a mistake. I bought some viridian magnesium 300mg capsules yesterday. I have opened a capsule and it is in powder form. After reading the advice that is provided on here, I wanted to take it easy and just a little 3 times per day. I don’t know how to do this with the powder. Shall I just dab my finger in it and hope for the best? 

I also bought some BetterYou magnesium oil. 

Would appreciate your thoughts on  this please. Many thanks x

[Altostrata]

Ingredients for Viridian magnesium  https://www.viridian-nutrition.com/Shop/High-Potency-Magnesium-P726.aspx#

 

It's probably mostly magnesium oxide, which doesn't do much. Next time, you might want to buy magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate.

 

Magnesium is best taken in small doses throughout the day. You might put the powder for a capsule in a glass of water and sip it over a few hours.

[Nelly]

23/07/19

poor nights sleep

6.45am   Thyroxine 100mcgs

Slight dizzy feeling

8.30am b’fast

8.30am Venlafaxine 7 beads

8.30am Fish oil 1000mgs

visit to 91 year old mum showing signs of dementia. Saw sister. Challenging times but I remained positive. For the first time in my life I felt it would ok to hug my mum which I did but she didn’t respond. Didn’t feel rejected but thought about how I felt more comfortable than I ever have doing it. 

Took Daisy on the beach. Met my ex partner of 5 months; suspected it may not be a good idea but did it for the company. 

No time for much else this day. 

Bad food garlic bread and cake 

 

[Nelly]

4 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Ingredients for Viridian magnesium  https://www.viridian-nutrition.com/Shop/High-Potency-Magnesium-P726.aspx#

 

It's probably mostly magnesium oxide, which doesn't do much. Next time, you might want to buy magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate.

 

Magnesium is best taken in small doses throughout the day. You might put the powder for a capsule in a glass of water and sip it over a few hours.

Thank you 

i will start this tomorrow carefully x I don’t want to spoil my progress. X

[Altostrata]

Good to see you felt a bit better. Please post 24 hours of notes at a time, thank you.

[Nelly]

24/07/19

I have done things the wrong way round this morning

6.30am b’fast, tea

8.15am coffee

9am thyroxine 100mcgs

9.30am venlafaxine 7 beads

9.30am fish oil 1000mg 

10.30am - 5pm work from Home; busy. 

12pm a little anxious; work related issues. Feel a bit dizzy. Emailed senior manager. Felt better. 

4pm feeling a little dizzy. 

Looking back over the last 2 days; family; sister who can be volatile, mum;  cleaning, shopping, re assuring her, listening to her, contact district nurse, sort out paper work, ex partner; not supportive, work related issues, would have most probably have set me off emotionally or become more anxious . I seem to be more accepting of situations. I say to myself don’t let this spoil your hard work and progress. This has been a long time coming. I worry a little just how fine the line is between staying well and not. 

Manageable aching behind my ears and neck 

Bad food; bread and a little chocolate 

8pm Bed 

56 minutes ago, Nelly said:

Thank you 

i will start this tomorrow carefully x I don’t want to spoil my progress. X

As I saw citrate and bisglycinate as part of the ingredients I thought this would be the correct product x