Cheryl Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a while and into my 7th month. Still dealing with windows/waves and have just recently noticed changes in my face, as if I aged. I look sleepy and have bags under my eyes. This is quite recent, probably in the last month. I am sleeping well so I know that's not the issue. I am extremely stressed with job while dealing with WD symptoms. Can all this WD and stress cause us to age that quickly?? I cannot stand looking in the mirror anymore. It's as if I'm looking at a stranger. I have read about this happening with WD from benzos but have not seen it on our forum. I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 I took photos of my face from the start of WD to now and wow....what a change! Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Good or bad CTM? I have aged considerably since being on ADs, it's awful. Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted September 17, 2016 Author Share Posted September 17, 2016 Good or bad CTM? I have aged considerably since being on ADs, it's awful. Do you mean since withdrawal? I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Well the ADs that I affectively CT'd off caused WD....and thus ageing. Especially a nasty eczema outbreak all over my face and neck (triggered by stress), which has resulted in a whole load of wrinkles. Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Bad at first, much better over time. Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted September 17, 2016 Author Share Posted September 17, 2016 Thank you CTM...I have hope now that it will get better, along with everything else. I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 I looked terrible at first. At 34 my face was swollen and puffy and droopy eyelids and just...very very unlike myself. Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted September 18, 2016 Author Share Posted September 18, 2016 That's exactly it...swollen, puffy, droopy eyelids and bags under my eyes. How long does this last before it gets better? I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 Hmm not 100% sure but it was at least a year Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoMoreADs Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a while and into my 7th month. Still dealing with windows/waves and have just recently noticed changes in my face, as if I aged. I look sleepy and have bags under my eyes. This is quite recent, probably in the last month. I am sleeping well so I know that's not the issue. I am extremely stressed with job while dealing with WD symptoms. Can all this WD and stress cause us to age that quickly?? I cannot stand looking in the mirror anymore. It's as if I'm looking at a stranger. I have read about this happening with WD from benzos but have not seen it on our forum. If I had to guess I would think you are not sleeping as well as you think you are. How many total hours of sleep are you actually getting per night? Sleep deprivation can make your face look horrible until you catch up on sleep. I've experienced this myself so I can relate 1992-Feb. 2016- Took almost every antidepressant on the market. Cold turkeyed most of the medications I took. Stopped taking Paxil February 8 2016. I tapered the dose from 50 mg to 0 over the course of about 10 weeks On no medications as of Feb. 8, 2016 As of 10/23/16-Still unable to sleep more than 4 to 5 hours a night, sometimes less Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted September 19, 2016 Author Share Posted September 19, 2016 I am sleeping pretty good. I get between 6-7 hrs, usually sleep through the night. I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Same here, I slept well considering and still looked like cap. Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Crap **** Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoMoreADs Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I am sleeping pretty good. I get between 6-7 hrs, usually sleep through the night. Hmm according to studies, people who sleep 6 hours per night are as impaired the next day as someone who has a blood alcohol content that is over the legal limit so you can imagine what that can do to your face if it impairs your brain that much. There was a study that showed that people who sleep 6 hours per night for 10 or 12 days, are as impaired as someone who has been awake for 48 hours straight. 7 hours of sleep should be just fine, but I think those days where you are getting as little as 6 hours of sleep a night could be affecting your face. 1992-Feb. 2016- Took almost every antidepressant on the market. Cold turkeyed most of the medications I took. Stopped taking Paxil February 8 2016. I tapered the dose from 50 mg to 0 over the course of about 10 weeks On no medications as of Feb. 8, 2016 As of 10/23/16-Still unable to sleep more than 4 to 5 hours a night, sometimes less Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I was getting more.sleep than that at times but then if have insomnia and be awake for 2-3 hours a night. My face was bad for quite some time but started to improve as I began taking tissue.salts and getting further from the cold turkey.... Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reachingforthestars Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 My face is more droopy and I have developed redness around my nose. I have those red veins too like on 'drinkers nose' and this is due to WD since I didn't have this before WD and I have read that WD can enlarge veins and make hot flashes. So no wonder some people get eczema outbreaks. Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015 Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mg, Feb 30mg, March 25mg, April 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mg, July 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg, Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD. Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD. Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg, Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexAnger Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Yes, I look like a retarded with lifeless, swollen, droppy, face and eyes waking up in the morning when various symptoms are at peak, but in evening, especially after I get out of gym (walk, weights, sauna, swim) I usually look more like myself and sometimes as good as it supposed to be. So this shows the effect is temporary even in WD. I'm very sure once I'm recovered, the effect on looks will be gone too like every other symptoms. Drug free Sep. 23 2017 2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks. 2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg 2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain 2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain; 2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain 2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg, 2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on 2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks. 2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR 2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg 2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted September 24, 2016 Author Share Posted September 24, 2016 Thank you for responding everyone. It's bad enough that we have to deal with the other emotional/physical symptoms. I am praying that some of this will reverse/improve. I am trying to get more regular with my exercise again as long as I am without headache and have a window of energy. What are tissue.salts? I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachelE Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 I'm actually starting to look my age (43.) Have gone noticeably gray in a short period of time. On the positive side I have been losing weight, but a bunch of lines are showing on my face all the sudden and I'm losing muscle mass. This is no doubt due to stress and an inability to exercise as much as I should. What shocked me when I looked in the mirror this morning wasn't the lines in my face as much as the pained expression they seemed to record. Not a lot of laugh lines! I look forty-three now, and not a very happy forty-three either.... I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count. Right now, however I have been taking: Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks. Abilify 20 mg: I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.! Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics. I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better. October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg. Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl Posted October 13, 2016 Author Share Posted October 13, 2016 I'm actually starting to look my age (43.) Have gone noticeably gray in a short period of time. On the positive side I have been losing weight, but a bunch of lines are showing on my face all the sudden and I'm losing muscle mass. This is no doubt due to stress and an inability to exercise as much as I should. What shocked me when I looked in the mirror this morning wasn't the lines in my face as much as the pained expression they seemed to record. Not a lot of laugh lines! I look forty-three now, and not a very happy forty-three either.... I have lost muscle mass too Rachel. We lose it as we age, but a larger amount in what I consider a short period is not normal. I am grateful for this group...we all have so many withdrawal symptoms and it's so good to know that many of these are not just "in our head". I was on Lexapro 10mg, once a day for about 8 yrs combined with Abilify 2mg, once per day and Klonopin ,25-.50mg up to 4 times a day. Prior to that multiple trials of various SSRIs and low doses of unsuccessful various mood stabilizers in anticonvulsant category with the same dose of Klonopin for a total of over 16 yrs.[/font][/size]Withdrawal from Abilify around Aug. 2015 and slow taper of Lexapro began late Jan. 2016. As of January 2017 I am 11 months full withdrawal from Lexapro and was .25mg of Klonopin at night.(went to .25 klonopin at night only somewhere in October)<p>**Update with my Klonopin taper. I was on .25mg at night and .25mg in AM with varying doses of .125mg during day, maybe once or twice on as needed basis. Starting in early September 2016 reduction of .125mg day dose was decreased to only .25mg AM. Over 2-3 weeks was down to .125mg AM for about 3-4 weeks. As of sometime in October down to only .25mg at night. As of 1/7/17 I am updosed to an additional .25mg at night, for a total of .5mg. As of June 23, 2017 I am on a liquid tapered dose of klonopin. Current dose 4.1ml as of February 21, 2018** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nia101 Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 So after 5 months into wd i started getting bags i never had before. How does this go away? Even my face is so skinny. Ngill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostInMarshes Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 It mystifies me why I'm no longer photogenic, like I used to be until age 31 or so... around that time I was a few years into Zoloft, and also adding and trying all sorts of other SSRIs, then also trying to withdraw really fast... not to mention I had crises after crises and constant suffering, though also spiritual awakening. Since then I have not been able to get the effortless photogenicity back. Can anyone relate, kind of? Or any thoughts on why this could be? 2000: Paxil, low dose. 2001: Paxil, quickly tapered off. 2006: Zoloft, 25mg. 2007: Wellbutrin, low dose, discontinued after a week or a month. 2007-2009: Zoloft, increasing dose (up to 75mg). 2009-2011: Zoloft, failed withdrawal attempts (cold-turkey; fast tapering). 2009-2011: Trying out Cymbalta, Celexa, Prozac, Lexapro, Ambien, Ativan, and Xanax. 2012-2015: Zoloft, 100mg to 200mg. 2013: Trazadone for Zoloft-induced insomnia, 25mg to 50mg. 2015: Trileptal, dose?, withdrew; Bupropion, up to 200mg. 2016: Zoloft, 137mg, Bupropion, 150mg, Trazodone, 25mg. 05/21/16: Began Zoloft taper - 10% from 150mg - 137ish mg 06/23/16: Zoloft taper - 125mg 08/03/16: Bupropion XL taper - cut 150mg pill in crude half (mistake) 10/31: Zoloft successfully down to 100mg. Staying on 100mg for 2-3 months to let my brain rest. 11/09: Wellbutrin SR prescribed, 150mg once a day, for withdrawal. 12/11: Wellbutrin SR, twice daily - minus 18ishmg = 112.50mg 09/30/17: Off Wellbutrin SR successfully. Zoloft taper: 90ish mg (shaving it off). Trazodone: still at 50mg. June 2018: Zoloft: 80ish (shaving off). Trazodone: 6mg. End of 2018: Off Trazodone. 01/20: Zoloft: 70ish? 08/20: Still around 80 or 70. Tapering by only 15 shaves each month. 04/2021: 50mg! 11/2022: 40ish mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted May 24, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 24, 2019 @Stormstrong I've merged your topic with a similar one. 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy1069 Posted June 3, 2019 Share Posted June 3, 2019 Very much so here in recent months. Wrinkles around my eyes. When I look in the mirror I seem kinda pale. Lots of pimples (I never even had pimples when I was a teenager) I breakout in rashes and have skin burning. I never even knew I had eczema. Just awful. I’m only 32. Never thought I’d age this quickly (It’s been less than a year) Prozac (2007-2008), Zoloft (2009-2017) Paxil (2017-2018), Celexa (2018), Luvox (2018-Current) Average 50-200. Nothing as of January 2019 Lorazepam 2007-Current 2MG 3 times a day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecowisback Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 same here. since withdrawals hit i feel like i look 10 years older. i always looked young for my age but i've developed wrinkles and sagging skin so quickly and don't even recognise myself in the mirror some days. i hate having my photo taken normally but these last two years i can see how much i've aged when someone snaps me. Took prozac 40 mg for 20 years. January 2017 started cutting down prozac by 12.5% a week. End of February 2017 completely off prozac and withdrawals began. Currently taking Levothyroxine 75 mcg, Magnesium citrate 200mg,Sage leaf 50mg daily Amlodipine: October 2017 , discontinued 26 Feb 2019; Candesartan: 26 Feb 2019, 4mg. Discontinued magnesium citrate 200mg Apr 3rd 2019 Reinstated prozac: 14 Jan 2019, 1mg; 26 Jan, 1.5mg; 4 Feb, 2mg; 16 Feb, 2.5mg; 2 Mar, 3mg; 5 Mar, 2.5mg, 23 Mar, 3 mg; 6 Apr, 3.5mg, 14 Apr 4mg, 23 Apr 5mg, 10 Jul 8mg, 1 Dec 20mg, 1 Apr 2020 40mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historygal Posted June 30, 2019 Share Posted June 30, 2019 Hi guys. It's been nearly 5.6 years for me and one symptom that has remained and stayed with me throughout is dark circles under the eyes, not just a couple of black bags but serious dark circles that have caused me to have to put makeup and concealer under my eyes. I feel embarrassed by this symptom as it can be noticeable. I have looked online and it can be caused by a number of things like allergies, or iron deficieny or possibly fatigue. I still don't have deep sleep and only able to sleep for 7 hours tops. Any one else with this symptom or does anyone have any suggestions that might help (naturally) will this go when WD ends? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChasingRainbows Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 Are these physical changes members are experiencing during withdrawal or while actively on a drug and not tapering? 20 mg citalopram hydrobromide stopped on Friday 25th January 2019 💊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evgeniya Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Hi! I took citalopram for 3 weeks in August, and I haven't taken it for 3.5 months. I still have terrible symptoms. My sleep is not very good.I have swollen bags under my eyes, I look like a grandmother, I don't understand what they are? I think it's because I don't get enough sleep? or is it because of something else?thank you for your answer. August 19 2020-06 September 2020 cipramil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaceandlove Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 On 9/17/2016 at 1:24 PM, coldturkmama said: Bad at first, much better over time. did the dark circles go away for you? I have dark circles under my eyes all of sudden since withdrawal looks kinda swollen too & makes no sense I’m only in my 20’s April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 7 hours ago, peaceandlove said: did the dark circles go away for you? I have dark circles under my eyes all of sudden since withdrawal looks kinda swollen too & makes no sense I’m only in my 20’s my face before, during and after withdrawal is sooo different. I looked swollen and puffy. It will improve. I have photos somewhere if you want to inbox me I’ll see if I can find it lol 😂 ugh so embarrassing!! Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaceandlove Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 On 10/18/2022 at 3:25 AM, coldturkmama said: my face before, during and after withdrawal is sooo different. I looked swollen and puffy. It will improve. I have photos somewhere if you want to inbox me I’ll see if I can find it lol 😂 ugh so embarrassing!! ugh yes if you could please so I don’t feel so alone & confused about this lol. But I’m glad you’re feeling better now !! April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted October 23, 2022 Share Posted October 23, 2022 On 10/19/2022 at 2:57 PM, peaceandlove said: ugh yes if you could please so I don’t feel so alone & confused about this lol. But I’m glad you’re feeling better now !! I’m having a hard time trying to upload them somewhere private so I don’t blast my face all over the internet and it keeps telling me the files are too big etc I’ll keep trying to figure it out Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaceandlove Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 15 hours ago, coldturkmama said: I’m having a hard time trying to upload them somewhere private so I don’t blast my face all over the internet and it keeps telling me the files are too big etc I’ll keep trying to figure it out Ahw honestly it’s ok I believe you lol. Thank you for trying. Just you telling me it eventually went away was enough for me. & it does come & go for me so I guess that’s good 🙂 April 2022- Only 1 celxa pill 10mg had an adverse reaction & never took anymore again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldturkmama Posted October 24, 2022 Share Posted October 24, 2022 Yes! My face changed a lottttt. You’ll get there! Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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