Lorinewmi: My 8 week battle with discontinuation syndrome

[Lorinewmi]

I'm not really sure what to do about the hormonal stuff- I don't want to stop birth control and to be honest, I can't. @scallywag you mentioned skipping the placebo helps? How so? I'm finding my anxiety is better during the placebo week. 

[Lorinewmi]

Is it normal to be having sleep problems after 4 months off my meds? I thought I was getting better, I thought I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Now all of a sudden this happens. I don't get it. Is this normal?

[ChessieCat]

It's not unusual.  Many members here have the same problem.  Here are a couple of links:

 

Sleep Hypnosis, Guided Meditations, Calming Videos

[Lorinewmi]

You guys, this is just terrible. Sleep problems are just awful and my anxiety has hit the roof. If my mind is not stimulated or distracted I have a huge pit in my stomach that won't go away. It's like I'm having a permanent panic attack. The worst part about it- it's for no reason. No reason at all. I am happy and doing well, I don't have much stress in my life right now and my life is great! The only thing that helps is Xanax and I do not want to get addicted to another drug. I've taken it 4 nights in a row and I just can't do it. 

 

Why is this happening? When will it go away? Does anyone have insight or advice? This is just awful!!!!!!!!! 

 

Just when I was getting better I am suddenly worse than EVER!

[Lorinewmi]

 

...he diagnosed withdrawal immediately and gave me an emergency supply of diazepam to help.  24 hrs later and I am feeling a lot better.

 

Did you take the diazepam?  Its not a good idea to use a benzo to relieve the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal.  If you take it irregularly, it can cause rebound anxiety, leading to further destabilization.  If you take it regularly, dependance may occur and then it will also need to be tapered.

 

I've been dealing with awful anxiety and unable to sleep for about a week. This happened out of nowhere! I have a prescription to xanax which is the only thing that's helped. My anxiety is horrible and through the roof! I've only taken xanax 4-5 times, do you think that's why my anxiety is so bad? It's worse than ever. Should I not take xanax when I can't sleep and just deal with it? What do you guys think of GABA?I tried it last night and I'm AWFUL today. Any help would be much appreciated! 

[ChessieCat]

Hi lorinewmi,

 

I've moved your post in Joy's topic into your own Intro/Update topic.  It will keep your history together.

 

I am unable to answer your question.  I'll check in later and see if someone responds.

[ChessieCat]

I've asked the other mods for their thoughts on your last two posts.

[Petunia]

Hi Lorinewmi,
 
I'm sorry you're having a wave of bad symptoms at the moment, it sounds like you are experiencing the typical pattern of recovery from coming off antidepressants too fast... Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization
 
My response to your question about benzo use would be the same one I gave to Joy back in 2014. They are not helpful when trying to recover from antidepressant withdrawal. They may temporarily suppress some of the symptoms, especially the anxiety and insomnia. But in a nervous system sensitized by withdrawal, they can very quickly turn paradoxical, making symptoms much worse.
 
This happened to me, I got caught in the benzo trap while trying to manage symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal. But this was before I understood what was wrong with me. 
 
You may find better alternatives here:   Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia
 
If I were you, I would read back through your topic from the beginning, especially this post

 

SG gave you some information about reinstatement, which would have been something I would have tried, knowing what I know now. Its still an option even now, but at 5 months off, there is less of a chance of it working, but still possible. Do consider it.

 

Let us know if you want to try and we can help you decide what dose to start with. Please read through the reinstatement topic, it explains the process and what to expect.

 

You would still become drug free eventually, but in a way where you remain functional in your life through the process. Of course, there is no guarantee it will work at this stage, but if it were me, I would try it. I'm still recovering from my too fast taper off lexapro in 2010. I spent 3 years trying to manage symptoms with various other drugs and supplements, getting worse all the time. It wasn't until I found this site and learned how to help myself that I really started to get better. But even so, its still taking a long time. I wish I had found this information sooner and had been able to reinstate and taper properly.

 

Unpleasant symptoms while recovering from withdrawal syndrome can last a long time, coming in waves after temporary periods of feeling better, This can disrupt your life for months and in some cases even years.

 

Here is the link to our symptoms and self care section, you may find some useful ideas to help manage symptoms as you recover.  Especially read the topics pinned at the top.

 

I'm sorry you're having to go through this, I wish there was an easy cure for withdrawal syndrome... for all of us having to endure this difficult recovery process.

[Lorinewmi]

Thanks so much Petunia! Reinstatement is not an option for me as I am going to try and get pregnant soon and I don't want any of these drugs in my system. What are your thoughts on the supplement GABA? I am just finding that my anxiety is so awful. I just want it to go away. It's mainly affecting my sleep. I also take Vyvanse so that could also be causing these issues. Do you recommend I stop the Vyvanse until symptoms subside?

[herewego]

Hi Lorinewmi,

I noticed you are taking a B complex - many going thru withdrawal find this vitamin causes anxiety & insomnia because of sensitized CNS. People not going thru w/d are more likely to find vitamin B helpful. It is also possible the multivitamin may be interfering with your sensitive CNS. Also you could try buying a time released vitamin C and taking it at night to stop early morning cortisol spikes if you find you are waking early with anxiety. Some here also find taking magnesium glycinate (easier on the tummy then other magnesium) calming - or Epson salts baths before bed (also magnesium in Epsom). They suggest here you try one new supplement at a time to make sure you do not have a bad reaction & write down your symptoms when you take them to see if there is a pattern to figure out what is helpful and what is not. The fish oil is good - you may want to add vitamin E as this helps with absorbing the fish oil. Also if you are having trouble falling asleep and are finding your sleep cycle is getting out of wack a small amount of melatonin is helpful for many to fall asleep, and re-set when your body should go to sleep though it does not help with early morning awakenings. Health food stores often sell melatonin in large amounts when the body only makes far less to go sleep and taking too much melatonin can cause the opposite effect. If you can find melatonin in 1 mg pills and then use a pill cutter to cut them in quarters that is closer to the amount the body naturally makes. I could only find 2 mg pills so I cut them into 1/8's. Here they recommend you take it at nightfall. I take mine about an hour before I want to sleep and that seems to work. I only take it for 3 - 5 days when I am going thru a patch of insomnia to re-set my cycle as I have read the effect can wear off if you take it every night. Best of luck to you.

[Lorinewmi]

Thanks Herewego! That was really helpful! 

[Lorinewmi]

I also tried magnesium w/ calcium and it made my anxiety worse. Maybe I was taking the wrong kind? How long does this anxiety stuff last? I just want it to go away.

[Nicki1722]

I can't take any supplements. They all give me anxiety! I find the anxiety is best with nothing but my Effexor and synthroid. It took me a long time to figure it out.

[Lorinewmi]

I'm sick with a sinus infection and was prescribed antibiotics. I'm scared to take them because I know they bring on withdrawal symptoms. Any recommendations? I've been feeling really good lately and I don't want a setback. I was prescribed augmentin for 10 days. WOOF. Any ideas is much appreciated. 

[scallywag]

Have you tried nasal irrigation, e.g. a neti pot, with saltwater? Some people get good results with multiple sessions of nasal irrigation over several days. If you're interested, "Dr. Google" on "neti pot" would likely yield helpful information.

[Lorinewmi]

Does that mean I should not take the antibiotics?

[coldturkmama]

As someone who did a cold turkey and has been in protracted withdrawal for 3 yrs, I'd say try the reinstatement.

[scallywag]

My suggestion of nasal irrigation was a suggestion that might address both your reluctance to take the antibiotic and the sinus infection. You could try saline nasal irrigation for a few days, if there's no improvement then start the antibiotics.

[Lorinewmi]

I think I am experiencing a bad, long ass, wave. I wasn't sure what it was...I thought it was my allergies but now I think it's a wave. I'm back to being dizzy like how I felt when I first went off celexa...sometimes lightheaded where I feel like my head is disconnected from my body. It's been happening for about 3 weeks now. I seriously thought I had a sinus infection or an inner ear thing. I've been completely off anti depressants for 10 months, is it possible I'm having a wave? I've been off for so long and I was feeling really good for a while. Let me know if there is a possibility you can still have windows and waves even after 10 months off. 

 

I really hope I feel better soon- this totally sucks! 

[ChessieCat]

Yes, waves can still happen.  Another mod has said that they can get less intense, don't last as long and there are bigger gaps between them as time goes on.

 

Have you seen these:

 

Brain Remodelling
 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

[Happy2Heal]

I think I am experiencing a bad, long ass, wave. I wasn't sure what it was...I thought it was my allergies but now I think it's a wave. I'm back to being dizzy like how I felt when I first went off celexa...sometimes lightheaded where I feel like my head is disconnected from my body. It's been happening for about 3 weeks now. I seriously thought I had a sinus infection or an inner ear thing. I've been completely off anti depressants for 10 months, is it possible I'm having a wave? I've been off for so long and I was feeling really good for a while. Let me know if there is a possibility you can still have windows and waves even after 10 months off. 

 

I really hope I feel better soon- this totally sucks! 

 

 

Hi I was just reading thru your thread, I am sorry you are in a wave now

Can I ask, when did your insomnia improve, assuming it did (you said you've been feeling really good for a while so I'm guessing that means you can sleep now)

I am going thru severe insomnia and could just use some hope that it will improve sometime soon

 

I hope your dizziness ends soon. have there been any added stresses in your life lately? that could be a factor, also if it's that time of the month, that's a hard time for some women during WD

[Lorinewmi]

Catnapt: Yes my insomnia did improve with the help of my therapist. What helps the most is being positive. Saying to yourself: "I am going to get a good night sleep" "I am going to sleep tonight" "What's the worst thing that will happen if I don't get a good night sleep?" "I'll be okay"

 

What also helps is that I get in bed and I don't look at my phone at all and I just have the TV on softly and watch stupid reality TV or something to get my mind off not being able to fall asleep. I was told that bright lights don't help with falling asleep but I personally need to have the TV on before I go to sleep. I did program my phone to go on "night shift" at 10PM every day. This is where the screen automatically gets darker so it's not as bright. I was told to not watch TV before bed but I do anyways. 

 

If you're having trouble falling asleep- put yourself to bed with no lights or distractions. If you can't fall asleep in 15 minutes, move to the couch and read a book until you get sleepy. Keep doing the 15 minute increments until you fall asleep. I was told your bed is for sleep only and nothing else. I also recommend downloading a couple of sleep apps to listen before bed. I like sleep well and there's a ton in the app store. Maybe it was all in my head but they DID help me. I also started drinking decaf or halfcaf (depending on the day) coffee as well. 

 

Honestly, most of it was in my head and I was giving myself SO much anxiety that I would start to shake with frustration and fear. It's all in your head, you are going to fall asleep.

 

Let me know if this helps! 

[Lorinewmi]

So frustrating that 10 months later a wave can happen. I don't think there is anything else that could make me feel dizzy and it just feels too familiar. I haven't been stressed but I just had an issue with my birth control where the manufacturer changed and it was giving me terrible side effects. I gained 10lbs and felt terrible about myself. I just realized it last week and went off immediately which then caused me to get my period. UGH I'm a mess. Maybe that was the trigger? IDK this is so annoying, I just want it to go away. I just want to feel normal again! 

 

I really have come a long way and overcome so many obstacles but this is just an annoying set back. It's also a reminder of when I went through and the frustrations that come with it. This has been going on for about 3-ish weeks which is a long time for a wave. I hope it goes away!

[KarenB]

Hmm, there are definite connections between periods/hormones, birth control hormones, and w/d.  It sounds reasonable that it did trigger a wave. 

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2011-hormone-pills-birth-control-causing-relapse/

 

It will settle down again, given time.  Ugh though - having to deal with your period at the same time as a wave - not fair! 

[Happy2Heal]

Catnapt: Yes my insomnia did improve with the help of my therapist. What helps the most is being positive. Saying to yourself: "I am going to get a good night sleep" "I am going to sleep tonight" "What's the worst thing that will happen if I don't get a good night sleep?" "I'll be okay"

 

What also helps is that I get in bed and I don't look at my phone at all and I just have the TV on softly and watch stupid reality TV or something to get my mind off not being able to fall asleep. I was told that bright lights don't help with falling asleep but I personally need to have the TV on before I go to sleep. I did program my phone to go on "night shift" at 10PM every day. This is where the screen automatically gets darker so it's not as bright. I was told to not watch TV before bed but I do anyways. 

 

If you're having trouble falling asleep- put yourself to bed with no lights or distractions. If you can't fall asleep in 15 minutes, move to the couch and read a book until you get sleepy. Keep doing the 15 minute increments until you fall asleep. I was told your bed is for sleep only and nothing else. I also recommend downloading a couple of sleep apps to listen before bed. I like sleep well and there's a ton in the app store. Maybe it was all in my head but they DID help me. I also started drinking decaf or halfcaf (depending on the day) coffee as well. 

 

Honestly, most of it was in my head and I was giving myself SO much anxiety that I would start to shake with frustration and fear. It's all in your head, you are going to fall asleep.

 

Let me know if this helps! 

 

 

HI I am just seeing this now

Oh I have no trouble getting to sleep the FIRST time but I only sleep for 60 to 90 mins and then I"m awake. :/

 

oh, I too need to fall asleep in front of the TV I know its not ideal and I am working on learning to sleep without it

 

I guess what bothers me the most is those long quiet hours after 3 am I feel so alone (and I am in fact alone) my thoughts go to dark places then and I have trouble distracting myself so I have to put the tv back on (I have read all the books in the house and lately have trouble seeing so reading will have to be saved for when my vision is better)

 

good idea about being positive about it!! and also to think about what is the worst that will happen if i dont sleep

 

I will have to do these things

 

thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it

 

may come back and write more later, it's past the time that i usually shut down the PC, usually i'm off by 7 pm

 

I do have this thing flux or some thing that dims the monitor but i still like to be off it early

[Lorinewmi]

Just keep saying to yourself "I am going to get a good night sleep" "I am going to fall asleep" "I am going to sleep tonight" "I will be okay"

 

It totally sucks and the feeling of being along doesn't help. I also like to cook- something that helps me fall asleep is thinking about what meal I'm going to cook and how I am going to cook it...what spices I will use etc. Idk why but it helps me drift off and eases my anxiety. 

 

Let me know if any of this helps! 

[Lorinewmi]

KarenB- it's not fair! I seriously hate all drugs- even cold meds. I didn't even get a flu shot this year because I was scared it would affect my w/d. This particular birth control I was on was horrible! I'm so glad I'm off of it! Thanks so much for the link- I'm reading through it now.