Lorinewmi Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 I was on citalopram (generic for celexa) for about 4 years along with Wellbutrin. I was doing awesome until I started to get some awful side effects from the medications- mainly seeing spots and stars and just feeling off and not myself. I decided to just get everything out of my system. I went off Wellbutrin and felt fine and stayed on the citalopram for another few months. I was planning my wedding so I decided to stay on that one. After my honeymoon I decided to go off citalopram for good. I tapered my dosage based on what my doctor recommended. After 3 weeks of tapering I was finally free. One week later the dizziness started. I began to feel dizzy, as if I was rocking on a boat. Swaying, lightheaded, and felt like I was floating in the clouds. It totally sucked. I removed caffeine from my diet and all other foods (sometimes alcohol makes it better, sometimes worse) that triggered the dizziness. I noticed the dizziness was more severe after I ate. As weeks went on, I started to slowly feel better. The dizziness became less and less intense and I was starting to feel like myself again. I thought I was turning the corner! Last weekend I went to NYC and it all came back again. I came home from my trip dizzy as ever and full of anxiety. I started thinking crazy thoughts that I don't normally think about. I feel worse than I did when this originally started. I don't know why this just won't go away. I just want this to end. I want my normal life back. I joined the forum to see if anyone else can relate to this. I feel so lost and anyone I tell thinks I'm nuts or tells me to go to the Dr which has been worthless! I got blood work up and everything came back normal. It's been 8 weeks and I feel so lost and helpless. When will this go away? Can anyone relate? Thanks so much for reading this! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted June 28, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 28, 2016 Hello Lorine, welcome to SA! I'm glad you found the forum. Your doctor's taper was much too fast for someone who'd been on the drug for years. I'm glad that you seemed to have gotten off the Wellbutrin ok, though doing the citalopram taper relatively soon after coming off Wellbutrin may have added to the problem. Did you do a similarly fast taper off Wellbutrin? Thankfully, Wellbutrin is a little easier to get off of than citalopram. You are in withdrawal syndrome and have experienced windows and waves of recovery: Introduction to AD Withdrawal Syndrome Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization When we have destabilized the nervous system by coming off too fast, stress can trigger us back into a wave, and I imagine your trip to New York was just such a stressor. It has been 8 weeks, so you are still in the window where a small reinstatement might be an option for you if you so choose: About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms After stabilizing on a reinstatement dose for some time, you can then begin a slow taper off: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? The paper in this topic explains why it is so important to do a 10% taper. See the graph on page 4 for citalopram. Why taper? See how quickly the graphs drops below the 10 mg mark? That means that receptors are freeing up really fast, and if you jumped off from 10 mg, then most of your receptors were still occupied when you jumped! That is a huge amount of destabilization! So, have a read of these links and then come back with your questions :-) SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted June 28, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 28, 2016 Meanwhile, if you could fill out your signature block with your drug history so that we can see it at a glance beneath your posts, that would be most helpful, Lorine. Please put your withdrawal history in your signature. It will help us to know what your highest dose was for each drug, and how you tapered off, over what period of time, and what dose you jumped from. Thanks! SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted June 28, 2016 Author Share Posted June 28, 2016 Thanks so much! This has been really helpful! I just added my signature. I'm nervous about reinstatement because I don't want to get worse. This has been horrible. I even went to a dizzy specialist who didn't help very much and told me I had migraines. Any idea how long this will last? Even an estimate? If you were me, would you reinstate? I did no taper with wellbutrin, my dr told me I didn't have to. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted June 28, 2016 Author Share Posted June 28, 2016 Do antibiotics enhance the withdrawal effects? Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted June 28, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 28, 2016 If you weren't to reinstate, I can't say how long this will last because you would likely go through windows and waves, feeling better and then worse again. Frankly, that can go on for years for people who cold turkey or come off too fast. So yes, if it were me, I would reinstate. Yes, antibiotics can make things worse. If you are frightened about reinstating, the best way is to dip your toe in the water with a very tiny dose, to make sure it doesn't trigger an adverse reaction. That could be 1 mg of Citalopram. Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram) The choice is yours, of course :-) SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted June 29, 2016 Author Share Posted June 29, 2016 Does it come in liquid form? Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted June 29, 2016 Author Share Posted June 29, 2016 Thank you!! How long is the reinstatement window? Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted June 29, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 29, 2016 Reinstatement is most promising within the first three months. After that, there is less likelihood it will help, though there are those of us form whom it did, myself included (10 months out). Yes, citalopram is available as an oral solution, 2 mg/ml. The trick is getting your doctor to prescribe it. See What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms? How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal? Not all doctors believe in withdrawal past 6 weeks and are likely to push that you are bi-polar or relapsed and need more meds. Hopefully, yours is understanding and willing to work with you. You can also make your own liquid from the pills. See the link on Celexa I provided. SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 5, 2016 Author Share Posted July 5, 2016 Thank you so much! The dizziness is getting better but my anxiety is now through the roof. It's scary. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 5, 2016 Author Share Posted July 5, 2016 Do you think reinstating will help with the anxiety too? I'm just so nervous to reinstate. I'm thinking about getting pregnant next year and I'm so scared if I go back on I'll have to go off again when I want to get pregnant. I don't want to go through this again. That's my biggest issue right now. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted July 5, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 5, 2016 It very well could. As I wrote before, if you do a tiny RI dose, it may temper symptoms enough that you can handle the remaining level of symptoms. Allow plenty of time to stabilize at that dose, and then do the 10% taper off the remaining amount. Much better than waiting to find the waves are unbearable months out. It takes a certain constitution to ride out what amounts to a cold turkey. How were you doing between my last post and today? Please keep notes of your daily symptom pattern; it helps us identify trends that we may not be aware of while in the midst of them. SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 5, 2016 Author Share Posted July 5, 2016 I started to feel better...the dizziness subsided but then I started to get anxiety. It started about a week ago. I feel like I have a pit in my stomach all the time. This is brand new. I'm still dizzy but it's not as severe. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Fox Posted July 7, 2016 Share Posted July 7, 2016 Hello Lorinewmi. I'm sorry that you are having such a hard time. Just so you know you are not alone, I too was doing really well for quite a few weeks and then out of no where the anxiety and dizziness hit me like a ton of bricks. The dizziness is a symptom that has never went completely away but it was manageable. The anxiety would come and go but has been gone for weeks. Now for the last 2 weeks it has been more present and today has been a living hell! I am 16 weeks protracted withdrawal from Prozac And like you I question exactly how long this will last. I have learned many things from this site and one very important one is the wave and window theory. Always remember that this too shall pass and don't loose hope. Today is one more day that you are free from the drug. Sending you good vibes :-) Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15. Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15. Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16. Last Prozac 03-14-16. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 12, 2016 Author Share Posted July 12, 2016 Thanks so much Fox. This seriously sucks. I just want to be myself again. I purchased a book called The Mood Cure by Julia Ross and it's been really helpful and provides a great supplement schedule with natural alternatives to antidepressants. I started taking fish oil and it has helped a ton- legit game changer. Within 10 minutes of taking it, I felt better. I highly recommend it. I also notice that when I eat clean my symptoms are better but than again, I'm having a bad day today and I ate clean yesterday. I am also going to start seeing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist as well to help me cope with my anxiety. It's weird because my anxiety wasn't like this before I went on the meds. It's different and I'm not sure if this is the new me or if I'm still withdrawing. This is week 9 for me. People have recommended that I go back on the drug but I don't want to because I'm gonna try to get pregnant within the next year and I don't want to deal with this again. It's just not worth it! I'd rather have the dizziness than the anxiety! Get The Mood Cures Book and let me know what you think! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
AliG Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 Lorinewmi. A small RI dose could help your symptoms at this point and then perhaps a slow taper off at your leisure. None of us like to go back on the drug , but sometimes it can make all the difference between a smooth ride off and a difficult journey that tends to go on indefinitely. I've read " The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross, and while it's an excellent book it recommends certain supplements that are not ideal in withdrawal. SAMe, 5HTP etc can be problematic. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/572-sam-e-s-adenosyl-l-methionine/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9933-5-htp-5-hydroxytryptophan-and-l-tryptophan/page-3 Have a read and see what you think . Ali 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
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted July 13, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 13, 2016 Funny, I read the Mood Cure as well while in withdrawal from Effexor but not yet realizing it, and probably got myself into more trouble taking 5-htp, tryptophan and Sam-e! As AliG said, for healthy people who are not on meds or in withdrawal from meds, those supplements are helpful, but in withdrawal, all bets are off :-( SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Nicki1722 Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 Lorinewmi, you must take care of yourself before you will be able to take care of a baby! I am in the EXACT same boat as you so you are not alone at all. Quick rundown of med changes. Originally put on Effexor in High School. Probably 2002? Got up to 300mg. In 2009 was able to successfully taper off Effexor with no real problems. Went back on 4 months later after a very bad depressive episode. 2010 Started back on 37.5mg Effexor and did wonderfully. Until 2016. 2/9/16 Effexor 75mg 2/12/16 Effexor 112.5mg 3/3Effexor 75mg 3/12 effexor 37.5mg3/22/16 Lexapro 5mg 3/29/16 10mg lexapro4/10/16 started 50mg Zoloft 4/17/16 stopped Zoloft 4/30/16-5/5/16 Prozac 5/7/16 restarted 18.75mg (20 beads) Effexor. 6/6 to 6/13 attempted Prozac bridge again. 6/16 Effexor 12 beads 7/10 13 beads 7/19 20 beads 7/30 14 beads 10/17 started 1mg celexa in addition to 14 beads Effexor 10/18 2mg celexa 14 beads 10/20 5mg celexa, 14 beads 11/4 stopped Effexor, stopped celexa, started 50mg zoloft 2/2 dropped Zoloft 10% to 45mg 2/20 back to 50mg 3/3 75 mg Zoloft 3/23 reinstated effexor 37.5mg Zoloft to 50mg and tapering zoloft 4/5 75mg Effexor, no Zoloft 4/10 150mg Effexor Link to comment
Sheri755 Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 @SquirrellyGirl. I had no idea that 5 Htp could cause problems during WD. What are your thoughts on L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine? Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering. Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea. 7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days. 9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full. 10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg) 11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg. 11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime 12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2 mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 I've been taking 5HTP as needed and I only take 50-100mg and it's usually at night. It's been helping me. How did it make things worse for you? Was it right away or after a long period of time? Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 @AliG I just had a read and that looks scary. I'm about 9 weeks off celexa and just started 5-htp this week. I only take it if I feel anxiety coming, negative thoughts, or heart palpitations. Yesterday I felt like crying for no reason so I took 50mg of 5-HTP and I felt better. I'm so scared about reinstating. I know I'm still in the window but it scares the crap out of me. If you were me, would you do it? I would probably have to make my own liquid form of the pill. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 @Nicki1722 I'm so glad you're in the same boat as me! I don't plan to start trying for at least a year but it's not worth it for me to go through this again a year from now. Today I had a great day but I know that could change. I hate the inconsistency. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 Also- I can't find any success stories about reinstating. I did a search and can't find any...just success stories from people 3 years later which doesn't really help me right now lol. Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted July 15, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 15, 2016 Did you see this thread? http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/837-did-antidepressant-reinstatement-work-for-you/ I need to start keeping a list - I know there have been quite a few reinstaters over the last few months for whom it has worked well - but I can never remember names when I need them. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right dose and then get settled again, but the people get there in the end. 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg. 2011 Escitalopram 20mg. 2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS. Effexor 150mg. 2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants. Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms). 8 month hold. 2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent). 2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well. Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea. 2023 December - Now on 5 micro-beads Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. Symptoms begin to increase. 2024 April - Updosed to 6 microbeads - immediate increase in symptoms for 4 days. Decreased to 5 microbeads. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 Thank you @KarenB! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted July 28, 2016 Author Share Posted July 28, 2016 Does anyone know if taking antihistamine's can make your systems worse? I know antibiotics can. I took a Zyrtec last night because my allergies were awful and I woke up this morning super dizzy. I haven't felt the dizziness in weeks...UGHHHHH My symptoms have been much better (knock on wood) it's been just about 3 months completely off Celexa and the dizziness has gotten much better (except for today) and the interrupting/interfering thoughts have also gotten better. They come and go but I'm able to block them out and they are much better than they were a month ago. I had a great 4 day window where I felt sooooo good- like actually back to myself again and then today I'm dizzy again. I've been super tired over the past couple of weeks- not sure if that's related? I'm starting to get back to my old ways and my anxiety (the main reason I went on antidepressants) is back- I consider this a GOOD thing. It makes me feel like maybe I'm starting to get better...maybe the end is near to this awful 3 month battle of withdrawal that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. One thing I noticed is that I'm definitely more emotional and cry over everything- even the cancer commercials on TV. I even cried when I saw Celine Dion perform on the today show...WTF. I don't really care- I'll take the crying over the crazy thoughts and dizziness any day! I started seeing a therapist which I think could help, although I only had 2 sessions so I'll keep you guys posted on that. I felt that I needed to talk to someone about how to deal with life off these meds. It's been a HUGE adjustment and I don't want this to interfere with my marriage or any relationship with my family and friends. To be honest, My biggest fear is having the interrupting/awful thoughts come back as bad as they were previously. I don't want them to come back and it scares me so much. The dizziness is just plain annoying and I know I can take a Bonine if it gets really bad. I'll take anything over the terrible thoughts. Overall: I'm feeling much better. I think I've turned the corner. I really hope I didn't just jinx myself but I'm writing this to give others hope. While I'm aware this is a long journey (and a marathon, not a sprint) I'm optimistic and hopeful that the better is here to stay mand the end is near. I'm extremely confident that taking fish oil has helped A TON- specifically the brand New Chapter. I couldn't recommend it more. I've also been taking 2000 mg Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, and a woman's multivitamin. I do not miss one day of taking my vitamins as it's been a huge help with my recovery. Let me know if you think the zyrtec brought on my dizziness- I'd rather be stuffy than dizzy. Thanks! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted July 28, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 28, 2016 Lori - antihistamines can definitely aggravate symptoms or initiate the onset of them. Some tricyclic antidepressants are related to antihistamines and act on histamine receptor/transporter cells in both the immune and nervous systems. We tend to think of body systems being separate entities -- nervous system, immune system, digestive, etc -- and forget or overlook how interconnected they are. 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
Lorinewmi Posted July 29, 2016 Author Share Posted July 29, 2016 Thanks scallywag! So weird bc I used to take them all the time when I was on meds and they never bothered me. I haven't taken Zyrtec in a while and then all of a sudden the dizziness came on. Clariton doesn't bother me at all. So strange! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
bintuae Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 I can relate 100%. Tho I took Paxil which is known to cause horrible WD. It did not end for me. Instead of lessening with time, it was increasing in intensity. I was so sensitive to stress that even simple tasks like washing dishes made me stressed as hell and thus exacerbated WD symptoms. I couldn't work and it was embarrassing as everyone was asking why I don't. I wasn't doing anything just waiting for the WD to end. I had no life. Eventually, after 3 mos of waiting, I got back on meds. 2009-2014= Paxil CR 12.5mg increased to 25 then 50mg. // Late 2014= reduced to 25mg then switched to regular Paxil 20mg. July 2015= 10mg // Aug 2015= 5mg // Sep 26, 2015= Paxil free // Oct 2015= minimal WD- glimpse of pre-Paxil self // Nov 2015= WD hit HARD. Increased anxiety, irritability, depression, extreme confusion, concentration problems, intolerance to stress. // Dec 2015= reinstated 5mg // Jan 2016= switched to Prozac 20mg every other day. // Feb 2016= Prozac 20mg every third day // Mar 2016= Prozac free // April 2016= WD symptoms started gradually (anger, anxiety, memory problems). Started taking Lamictal 25mg. Link to comment
Fox Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Hello Lori, how are you feeling now? Prozac 10 mg 03-15 to 10-15. Prozac 20 mg 10-15 to 12-15. Taper prozac 01-16 to 03-16. Last Prozac 03-14-16. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted August 16, 2016 Author Share Posted August 16, 2016 Hi Fox! MUCH better, thanks for asking. The dizziness is gone- it took about 4 days for it to go away and I'm not taking any antihistamines for the time being. I had a great weekend- one where I actually felt like myself again! I enjoyed it. The only thing that makes me nervous is that I know it's only temporary and I wish it wasn't. I wish I could hit a window that doesn't end and not deal with the waves and windows anymore. I'm hoping that over time, the windows get longer and longer until it's permanent. Seeing a therapist has helped and writing down my sometimes that occur also helps. How are you feeling? How is everyone in this thread feeling???? Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Lorinewmi Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Hi guys! So I've been feeling great over the last 5 days but still have terrible intrusive thoughts from time to time that are just awful. I'm thinking it might be from my birth control. The reason why is because I am on the placebo pill right now and feel great. I'm nervous my birth control is causing these terrible thoughts in addition to the withdrawal. I start a new pack tonight and I'm so nervous to start it. I don't want the thoughts to come back. I'm not sure if that's what's causing this or if I'm just in a great window right now. Either way- does anyone know if certain birth control can affect withdrawal or enhance the intrusive thoughts? I just don't want them to come back! I hate them so much! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted August 31, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 31, 2016 Lori - the endocrine system (thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries/testes) and the CNS (central nervous system) are tightly interconnected -- they send signals back and forth chemically (hormones and neurotransmitters). It's entirely possible that the reduction in estrogen and progesterone during the placebo week have an effect on your mood and other symptoms. Many women skip the placebo week. Something to ask your doctor about? 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
Lorinewmi Posted September 12, 2016 Author Share Posted September 12, 2016 Thanks so much @scallywag! Now all of a sudden I've been having a terrible time sleeping. It started last week. In the middle of the night, I'll wake up and then won't be able to fall asleep. I'll toss and turn all night long. Now- I get anxiety looking at my bed. I get anxiety at night thinking about going to sleep. I get anxiety thinking about not being able to fall asleep. It's terrible. I don't know if it's just a phase or if it's still the withdrawal but I can't deal with this. I've never had trouble sleeping in my entire life!!!!! I've been taking xanax at night which has been helping but then I wake up groggy and I just don't want to depend on it to sleep. I know it's addicting and that's the last thing I want or need. Does anyone have recommendations to help with sleep that is natural or that works? Any ideas to help would be so appreciated. Thanks guys! Was on 10 mg of citalopram for 4 years and 150 mg of wellbutrin for 4 years. Went off wellbutrin the beginning of Feb 2016 and felt fine. Went off citalopram end of April 2016. I tapered for 3 weeks. 1 week later I became dizzy, lightheaded, and rocking ever since. Anxiety is through the roof. Sleep problems began early September 2016. I just want this to go away. I've been miserable. How long does this last? Currently take 40mg Vyvanse only for work- Monday-Friday, fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin c, and b complex. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted September 12, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 12, 2016 Lori -- There are links about the most common withdrawal symptoms in the first post by Altostrata in this thread: Important topics about symptom including sleep problems. 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
Nicki1722 Posted September 12, 2016 Share Posted September 12, 2016 Hi guys! So I've been feeling great over the last 5 days but still have terrible intrusive thoughts from time to time that are just awful. I'm thinking it might be from my birth control. The reason why is because I am on the placebo pill right now and feel great. I'm nervous my birth control is causing these terrible thoughts in addition to the withdrawal. I start a new pack tonight and I'm so nervous to start it. I don't want the thoughts to come back. I'm not sure if that's what's causing this or if I'm just in a great window right now. Either way- does anyone know if certain birth control can affect withdrawal or enhance the intrusive thoughts? I just don't want them to come back! I hate them so much! I just recently noticed my anxiety was minimal whilst on my placebo week! Definitely hormonal interactions we are having I bet you. Quick rundown of med changes. Originally put on Effexor in High School. Probably 2002? Got up to 300mg. In 2009 was able to successfully taper off Effexor with no real problems. Went back on 4 months later after a very bad depressive episode. 2010 Started back on 37.5mg Effexor and did wonderfully. Until 2016. 2/9/16 Effexor 75mg 2/12/16 Effexor 112.5mg 3/3Effexor 75mg 3/12 effexor 37.5mg3/22/16 Lexapro 5mg 3/29/16 10mg lexapro4/10/16 started 50mg Zoloft 4/17/16 stopped Zoloft 4/30/16-5/5/16 Prozac 5/7/16 restarted 18.75mg (20 beads) Effexor. 6/6 to 6/13 attempted Prozac bridge again. 6/16 Effexor 12 beads 7/10 13 beads 7/19 20 beads 7/30 14 beads 10/17 started 1mg celexa in addition to 14 beads Effexor 10/18 2mg celexa 14 beads 10/20 5mg celexa, 14 beads 11/4 stopped Effexor, stopped celexa, started 50mg zoloft 2/2 dropped Zoloft 10% to 45mg 2/20 back to 50mg 3/3 75 mg Zoloft 3/23 reinstated effexor 37.5mg Zoloft to 50mg and tapering zoloft 4/5 75mg Effexor, no Zoloft 4/10 150mg Effexor Link to comment
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