EternalOptimist Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Here are some anxiety symptoms and the reasons we experience them: Anxiety Symptom Cause Numbness in the extremities – One Sided numbness hyperventilation, diversion of blood flow, improper breathing Memory problems survival mode, dissociation Concentration problems survival mode, dissociation Racing heart stress hormones Chest pain racing heart, tight muscles, rapid breathing, fear, muscle fatigue Black spots in vision hyperventilation, increased blood pressure Blurred vision hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils Emotional detachment survival mode, dissociation Trembling, shaking, teeth chattering tensed muscles, muscle fatigue from tension Sweating cooling the body in preparation for exertion Blushing increased blood pressure, fear Tight chest hyperventilation, muscle tension Head Pressure increased blood pressure, muscle spasms Headache increased blood pressure, muscle tension, clenched jaw Neck pain muscle tension Back pain. muscle tension Muscle cramping muscle tension, muscle fatigue Face pain muscle tension, clenched jaw Extreme Fatigue hyperventilation, diversion of blood flow, constant tension Stomach pain shut down digestion Nausea shut down digestion, stress hormones Dry mouth shut down digestion Diarrhea stress hormones, irritation of digestive tract Problems with blood sugar Decreased insulin production Cholesterol problems Changes in metabolism Metabolic problems Changes in metabolism Other pain tensed muscles, stress hormones, digestion changes Other illness. immune system suppression 1989-2004 low doze Xanax nightly. 2004 w/d in hospital c/t with 3 other meds, (trazadone, phenobarbital, risperdal) Tapered off those meds in 7 months. 2010- bad anxiety so tried Valium and klonopin, back to hospital, came home on nothing, got much better. 12-23-2013- hospital for anxiety, depression,insomnia...used low dose lamictal 12 days with mitrazapine. Came home on 15 mg mitrazapine, down to c. 10 mg mitrazapine in c. 3weeks, 7.5 mg in 32 days.. Tapered off mitrazapine March 6, 2014. Took .75 mg April 20 and 1.05 mg April 21st. Ended taper March 6, 2014. Take supplements tho not all daily: fish oil, Vit. C., Vit. D, cal/mag, little multi, mag at night, Been taking homeopathic remedy since June, 2014 via a Homeopathic M.D. (Trained in psychiatry). 1-12, 2018 put on 60 mg cymbalta; 150 lyrica for anxiety and 50 mg trazadone. Tapered of trazadone after 3 months on it and tapered off of lyrica in about 9 months. As of March, 2019, only on 60 mg cymbalta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Hey guys, I thought I'd start a dedicated topic for this to get everyone's feedback. I hope to circulate this page to doctors and psychologists in Australia so that they may learn about some of the dangers of psychotropic drugs and also provide the link to their patients to help them ensure they're doing everything they can to beat their sadness. I'd welcome folks to do the same in their own countries if they wish. The page is at http://moodmaster.net/ You should be easily able to view it on mobile devices too since I've made the design responsive to smaller screens. All feedback is welcome. Did I miss anything? Is anything that I've said incorrect? Thanks a lot and hope everyone is doing well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoast Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Hi Frantic, I have to run to class this morning but I skimmed what you prepared. I think it is great. You could expand it into an ebook after you get more feedback and sell it on Amazon. There was a typo though--religeous instead of religious. 2009: Cancer hospital said I had adjustment disorder because I thought they were doing it wrong. Their headshrinker prescribed Effexor, and my life set on a new course. I didn't know what was ahead, like a passenger on Disneyland's Matterhorn, smiling and waving as it climbs...clink, clink, clink. 2010: Post surgical accidental Effexor discontinuation by nurses, masked by intravenous Dilaudid. (The car is balanced at the top of the track.) I get home, pop a Vicodin, and ... Whooosh...down, down, down, down, down...goes the trajectory of my life, up goes my mood and tendency to think everything is a good idea.2012: After the bipolar jig was up, now a walking bag of unrelated symptoms, I went crazy on Daytrana (the Ritalin skin patch by Noven), because ADHD was a perfect fit for a bag of unrelated symptoms. I was prescribed Effexor for the nervousness of it, and things got neurological. An EEG showed enough activity to warrant an epilepsy diagnosis rather than non-epileptic ("psychogenic") seizures. 2013-2014: Quit everything and got worse. I probably went through DAWS: dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome. I drank to not feel, but I felt a lot: dread, fear, regret, grief: an utter sense of total loss of everything worth breathing about, for almost two years. I was not suicidal but I wanted to be dead, at least dead to the experience of my own brain and body. 2015: I began to recover after adding virgin coconut oil and organic grass-fed fed butter to a cup of instant coffee in the morning. I did it hoping for mental acuity and better memory. After ten days of that, I was much better, mood-wise. Approximately neutral. And, I experienced drowsiness. I could sleep. Not exactly happy, I did 30 days on Wellbutrin, because it had done me no harm in the past. I don't have the DAWS mood or state of mind. It never feel like doing anything if it means standing up. In fact, I don't especially like moving. I'm a brain with a beanbag body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Thank you so much for the feedback, just fixed the typo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveandLight Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Yes..this is fantastic..I got sad reading it though..thinking what could have been and only if I hadn't taken this cr!p. but brilliant and much needed advice. 2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare! On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect. Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan. Nightmare that could have been avoided! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Don't worry, I'm right there with you If only we had known before right? ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted March 8, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 8, 2015 NICE! I've added it to my toolkit! "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Great site! My only suggestion is you might want to mention symptoms of sleep apnea since so many people end up on antidepressants when it turned out they had this condition. But otherwise, you did a great job. Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010 Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006 Finished taper on June 10, 2010 Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016 Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 8, 2015 Share Posted March 8, 2015 Thank you so much guys. compsports: Can you please tell me a bit more about how sleep apnea relates to anxiety? Is it a possible symptom of anxiety? Why would doctors prescribe antidepressants for those with sleep apnea? Apologies, I don't know a lot about this particular one Really appreciate your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoast Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Just guessing here, but sleep apnea people probably have poor sleep overall and are fatigued. So instead of investigating medical causes, doctors assume the fatigue is depression. Let's wait til someone who actually knows something replies, though 2009: Cancer hospital said I had adjustment disorder because I thought they were doing it wrong. Their headshrinker prescribed Effexor, and my life set on a new course. I didn't know what was ahead, like a passenger on Disneyland's Matterhorn, smiling and waving as it climbs...clink, clink, clink. 2010: Post surgical accidental Effexor discontinuation by nurses, masked by intravenous Dilaudid. (The car is balanced at the top of the track.) I get home, pop a Vicodin, and ... Whooosh...down, down, down, down, down...goes the trajectory of my life, up goes my mood and tendency to think everything is a good idea.2012: After the bipolar jig was up, now a walking bag of unrelated symptoms, I went crazy on Daytrana (the Ritalin skin patch by Noven), because ADHD was a perfect fit for a bag of unrelated symptoms. I was prescribed Effexor for the nervousness of it, and things got neurological. An EEG showed enough activity to warrant an epilepsy diagnosis rather than non-epileptic ("psychogenic") seizures. 2013-2014: Quit everything and got worse. I probably went through DAWS: dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome. I drank to not feel, but I felt a lot: dread, fear, regret, grief: an utter sense of total loss of everything worth breathing about, for almost two years. I was not suicidal but I wanted to be dead, at least dead to the experience of my own brain and body. 2015: I began to recover after adding virgin coconut oil and organic grass-fed fed butter to a cup of instant coffee in the morning. I did it hoping for mental acuity and better memory. After ten days of that, I was much better, mood-wise. Approximately neutral. And, I experienced drowsiness. I could sleep. Not exactly happy, I did 30 days on Wellbutrin, because it had done me no harm in the past. I don't have the DAWS mood or state of mind. It never feel like doing anything if it means standing up. In fact, I don't especially like moving. I'm a brain with a beanbag body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Thank you so much guys. compsports: Can you please tell me a bit more about how sleep apnea relates to anxiety? Is it a possible symptom of anxiety? Why would doctors prescribe antidepressants for those with sleep apnea? Apologies, I don't know a lot about this particular one Really appreciate your help! No apologies necessary as I great appreciate you wanting to know about sleep apnea. Regarding sleep apnea and anxiety, this exert explains it the best: http://www.sleepdynamictherapy.com/?cat=32 I think anxiety is already present in the majority of SDB cases, because it is an anxiety-producing experience to breath abnormally all night long. That is, anxiety and breathing are intimately connected, so most SDB patients are more or less conditioned to be more nervous in general by having spent the night not breathing well The article is mostly about what type of pap therapy works best for anxious patients but I feel the above exert nails it regarding sleep breathing disorders and anxiety. Someone who has sleep apnea is going to feel extremely depressed due to not getting good quality restorative sleep and as a result, the symptoms will look like what is in the DSM checklist for depression. Psychiatrist won't bother looking at the underlying causes and will just prescribe antidepressants. Frankly, I think it should be mandatory for all mental health professionals to screen patients for sleep disorders and make referrals to sleep doctors when indicated. But I know I am living in fantasyland. Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010 Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006 Finished taper on June 10, 2010 Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016 Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Just guessing here, but sleep apnea people probably have poor sleep overall and are fatigued. So instead of investigating medical causes, doctors assume the fatigue is depression. Let's wait til someone who actually knows something replies, though Particularly with psychiatrists as it doesn't seem to be standard procedure for them to look at sleep disorders. Primary care doctors might investigate further. I would like to think that is the case. Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010 Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006 Finished taper on June 10, 2010 Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016 Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Very interesting information guys, thank you. Perhaps I should update the "problems sleeping" anxiety symptom to "problems sleeping (particularly if you suffer from sleep apnea)" or similar? I added two more videos about the dangers of psychotropic drugs. There's so much evidence out there, I can't believe I never researched it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveandLight Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Frantic this is great. Today I'm going to talk to my local MP about the prescription of antidepressants, their dangers, incorrect advice on tapering and..actually I cannot remember now..but I know i will need a lot more evidence than just my own personal history. 2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare! On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect. Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan. Nightmare that could have been avoided! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Frantic this is great. Today I'm going to talk to my local MP about the prescription of antidepressants, their dangers, incorrect advice on tapering and..actually I cannot remember now..but I know i will need a lot more evidence than just my own personal history. That's awesome, good for you!! I'd be honored if you referred your doctor to my site. I'm pretty certain they have NO IDEA what the dangers of these drugs (or many of the others they prescribe) are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliG Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Hey Frantic, How's it going? I just wanted to say hi, and I think you're doing an awesome job with your website. To join in the conversation about sleep apnea, it's a big cause of depression, and it goes largely undiagnosed. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Hey Ali, really hope you're doing well I'll definitely be adding a note about sleep apnea on my site. Sleep deprivation in any shape or form would most definitely lead to anxiety and depression I imagine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveandLight Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 No, no I'm not speaking to my doctor,.i was more or less ignored when I tried to. I'm going to speak to a local member of parliament. 2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare! On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect. Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan. Nightmare that could have been avoided! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Oh my bad, I think I may have read MD ... oops! I've added some notes regarding sleep apnea (but with the UK spelling, hehe) get adequate sleepIt is critical that you are sleeping well (particularly for anxiety). Sometimes sleeping can be a challenge when one is faced with anxiety or depression and as such, I recommend practising Meditation and/or Yoga Nidra before bed (see below for more information). In some cases, an underlying problem such as sleep apnoea may be present which prevents you from having a proper night's sleep. This ultimately may present itself as anxiety or depression due to sleep deprivation. You learn something new every day, I had no idea about the sleep apnea problem. I've started to work on raising more awareness of mental disorders at work too and these are the exact sorts of things that NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT! Even things such as the fact that GAD can start without a trigger or that physical symptoms often replace themselves with others. There are some amazing resources out there, but none seem to explain these things, it's like they are written by someone who has never actually suffered through anxiety and depression. I'm hoping this is where my site is different because I have actually lived most of what I've mentioned there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveandLight Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Yeah thyroid, food intolerances..I was never ever tested for anything like this.. 2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare! On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect. Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan. Nightmare that could have been avoided! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Oh yes, thyroid is another one I've heard of too. I wonder where I should put that on my site, perhaps near the vitamin d tests Edit: Added! optimise your vitamin levels (particularly vitamins B and D) and get your thyroid checkedI suggest visiting your physician or general practitioner and getting a full blood test done. Vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems have been linked to depression and anxiety so it's important to have them optimised and checked respectively. Of course, the natural way to get your Vitamin D and also a nice mental boost is to spend a good amount of time getting sunlight every day (if possible). I suggest planning your holidays for the winter and going somewhere warm to minimise the time you are exposed to the gloomy weather which can be a factor in depression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pieuw Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Nice work, frantic! I should really put zal this into practice. started on 10mg Sipralexa (Lexapro) in january 2010 for general anxiety disorder/panic attacks (possibly burn-out from studying).stayed on it for 4,5 years. started to reduce Lexapro with this "schedule" (and ignored doctor's advice to quit in 14 days):- 10mg to 5mg on 16/07/2014 (no WD symptoms)- after 8 weeks: 5mg to 2,5mg on 12/09/2014 (1st week: heavy sweating at night; mood swings (angry), brainfog/derealization) - after 7 weeks: 2,5mg to 2mg on 03/11/2014 (1st week: heavy sweating at night; from 2nd week on: mild brain zaps, eye floaters, mood swings)- after 14 weeks: 2mg to 1,5mg on 14/02/2015 (1st week: heavy sweating at night; from 2nd week on: shaking, trembling, severe anxiety attacks, loss of appetite, insomnia, very depressive feelings; from 3rd week on: shaking and trembling reduced, sometimes a "window" but anxiety always returns, very dark thoughts) - updosed to 2mg on 07/03/2014 supplements: Metarelax (magnesium + Vit B ); Omega 3-fish oil; Sedinal drops in case of extreme anxiety; acupuncture + CBT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Nice work, frantic! I should really put zal this into practice. Same here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frantic Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 P.S.: Are you folks aware of a similar resource out there right now? I'm aware of a few sites with some information but they don't seem to be written by people who have actually suffered the illnesses or had experience with the medication. I'm hoping that moodmaster brings something new to the table and covers all ground. Hi Frantic, I have to run to class this morning but I skimmed what you prepared. I think it is great. You could expand it into an ebook after you get more feedback and sell it on Amazon. There was a typo though--religeous instead of religious. I forgot to address the point about selling this on Amazon. To be honest, this is exactly what I want to avoid. I may take donations at some point to cover the hosting costs, but I want this information to be as readily available as possible. For example, the Linden Method based on my research is actually very good (I cover most of what he does on moodmaster with some slight differences), but I had never heard of it and its price tag makes it something people hesitate before buying. I want every single person on the planet to know about this site and read it, whether they have an anxiety disorder / depression or not, because I truly feel that the information would benefit anyone! It certainly would have benefited me if I had known about it, and my doctor (and many MANY others) certainly could learn a thing or two as well! Hope that makes sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grandmaD Posted December 18, 2016 Share Posted December 18, 2016 I am sorry, I didn't think to do a search first, so if there are any good links, I would appreciate it! O2Bhappy asked this question of me and I have been asking it of myself for quite a long time now: How can the body cope with daily anxiety that lasts for years and years? 1995-2007 20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain. Years of up and down doses 2008 Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!) 2009 20mg Aropax. Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!) 2010 10mg. 10% taper. Lasted 4 months. Crashed again 2011 5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!) 2012 2.5% taper. 6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable) 2013 5% taper. Big mistake. 5.5mg – 4.6mg (even worserer) 2014 2.5% taper. 4.9mg – 4.5mg; 2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg 2016 2.5% taper. 3.9mg Feb 3.8 Mar 3.7 May 3.6 Jul 3.5 2017 2.5% taper. Jan 3.4; Mar 3.35; Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9; 2018 2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3 2019 Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockingchaircat Posted January 1, 2017 Share Posted January 1, 2017 Here's a video I just encountered that promised to help with my Anxiety. It's Called: "Weightless" by Macaroni Union. If it's a placebo, it's a darned effective one. My just watching it, made my blood pressure drop for the first time in days. Apparently it was specifically designed to lower one's heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cortisol levels. Give it a shot. And be sure to share any other videos in this thread that have worked for you. 1)Zoloft- 6/99 to 8/04 2)Escitalopram- 8/04 to 8/10 3)Citalopram 8/10 to 4/14 (C/T), 4)Paxil a week or so, 5)Wellbutrin a week or so, 6)Reinstated Citalopram- 9/14 to 7/15 Before Taper- Celexa/20 mg....Taper Start- 04/21/15- 15mg....05/26/15- 10 mg...06/22/15- 5 mg...07/18/15- 0mg. http://tinyurl.com/qjfoqe9 Ativan/Lorazepam use/taper 10/14 to 2/15- http://tinyurl.com/ljebp84 Baclofen- Intermittent use of from 2008 till 2014. Some use of Promethazine. Some use of Zofran. Clobetasol Propionate- for Lichen Planus. Some Flexeril use. Ativan- GABA,A receptor Agonist., Baclofen- GABA,B receptor Agonist., Celexa/Lexapro- Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor Agonist., Zofran- Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Agonist..Promethazine- Histamine H1-Receptor Antagonist. Flexeril- Serotonin 5HT2a Antagonist. My self imposed Amino Acid Therapy: Tyrosine 500mg 1xday, Theanine 200 mg 1xday, & Taurine 500 mg 2x day. (All neurotransitter pre-cursors)- seems to have helped me immensely. And of course- eating healthy, including Black Beans for the oligosaccharides for gut health. The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of trick learned while mastering the Art of Living. - Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dez Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Not sure how to properly post videos, but here is one that might help people sleep at night: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hvOgpzRJxJg He also had others for depression and the like, very soothing voice. - 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg (no issues, did well)- Mid 2012 Switched to Celexa 20mg (no issues with switch)- 6/16 Stopped Celexa (always took med once every other day, tapered to once every three days for about a week and a half, took one a week for one week, no problems)- 10/20/16 Started Celexa 20mg (next day had panic attacks, stopped after three days, kept having panic attacks and anxiety rest of the month)- 10/28/16 Started Paxil 20mg (took for almost a week, had suicidal thoughts/severe derealization, tapered off to one every other day for a few days)- 12/8/16 Buspirone 5mg twice daily (felt drowsy but kept anxiety under wraps, still taking it)- 12/27/16 Venlafaxine XR 37.5mg (took two days, migraine first day, headache all day second day, third day had severe depression/outbursts of crying, couldn't stop most of the day, bad invasive thoughts, never took third dose because of it)- 1/7/17 taper Buspirone 20% (miscalculation but doing well), gradually slivered off tablet throughout month to almost half each pill - 2/3/17 taper Buspirone 2.5mg twice daily (did fine, listened to body), gradually slivered off tablet throughout month * Aromatherapy 100% oils in diffuser every night * * Morning stretching routine every day * Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheri755 Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 Here's a video I just encountered that promised to help with my Anxiety. It's Called: "Weightless" by Macaroni Union. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcAVejslrU If it's a placebo, it's a darned effective one. My just watching it, made my blood pressure drop for the first time in days. Apparently it was specifically designed to lower one's heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cortisol levels. Give it a shot. And be sure to share any other videos in this thread that have worked for you. Very, very tranquil! 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 (edited) I know that there is a lot of information on the SA site, but thought this [100 Symptoms of Anxiety/Stress] would be an additional useful resource for anyone questioning what's wrong with them: Allergy problems, increase in allergies (number, sensitivity, reactions, lengthier reactions) Back pain, stiffness, tension, pressure, soreness, spasms, immobility in the back or back muscles Blanching (looking pale, loss of color in the face or skin) Blushing, turning red, flushed face, flushed skin, blushing, red face or skin Body aches, parts of or your entire body feels sore and achy, feels like your body and muscles are bruised Body jolts, body zaps, electric jolt feeling in body, intense body tremor or “body shake” Body temperature increase or decrease, change in body temperature Burning skin, itchy, “crawly,” prickly or other skin sensations, skin sensitivity, numbness on the skin Burning skin sensation on the face, neck, ears, scalp, or shoulders Buzzing sensation in the feet, toes, hands, fingers, arms, legs Chest pain, chest tightness Choking Chronic Fatigue, exhaustion, super tired, worn out Clumsiness, feeling clumsy, co-ordination problems with the limbs or body Cold chills, feeling cold Craving sugar, sweets, chocolate, usual craving for sugar and sweets Difficulty speaking, moving mouth, talking, co-ordination problems with the mouth or tongue Dizziness, feeling lightheaded Dizzy, feeling dizzy Electric shock feeling, body zaps Excess of energy, you feel you can’t relax Falling sensation, feel like your are falling or dropping even though you aren't Feel like you are going to pass out or faint Feeling cold or chilled Feel wrong, different, foreign, odd, or strange Flu-like symptoms, general malaise, feel ill, like you are coming down with a flu Flushed face, red face, flushed skin Frequent urination Head Zaps Heart palpitations, racing heart Hyperactivity, excess energy, nervous energy Increased or decreased sex drive Infection - increased infections, persistent infection Mouth or throat clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking Muscles that vibrate, jitter, tremor, or shake when used Muscle twitching Nausea Nausea vomiting Neck, back, shoulder pain, tightness/stiffness Night sweats, waking up in a sweat, profusely sweating at night No energy, feeling lethargic, tired Numbness Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling Numbness and tingling, and other skin sensations on hands, feet, face, head, or any other places on the body Persistent muscle tension, stiffness Pounding heart, heart feels like it is beating too hard Pulsing or throbbing muscles. Pulsing or throbbing sensation. Rib or rib cage tightness, pressure, or feeling like a tight band around the rib cage Sexual Dysfunction, sexual uninterest Shooting pains, stabbing pains, and odd pressures in the neck, head, or face Shooting pains in the face Shooting pains in the scalp or head Skipped heart beats Sore or tight scalp or back of the neck Startle easily Sweating, uncontrollable profuse sweating The floor feels like it is moving either down or up for no reason Tightness in the ribs or rib cage area, may also feel like a tight band around the ribs or rib cage area. Tingling sensations, anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, legs, arms, head, mouth, chest, groin area Throat or mouth clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking TMJ Trembling, shaking, tremors Twitching Unsteadiness, dizziness, feeling dizzy or lightheaded Urgency to urinate, frequent urination, sudden urge to go to the washroom (similar to urinary tract or prostate infection symptoms) Warm spells Weak - feel weak, weakness, low energy, light, soft, like you may faint Weak legs, arms, or muscles Weight loss, weight gain Chest (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the chest area) Chest tremors, trembling in the chest, chest feels like it is vibrating Chest pain or discomfort Concern about the heart Feel like you have to force yourself to breath Find it hard to breath, feeling smothered, shortness of breath Frequent yawning to try and catch your breath Heart Palpitations – beating hard or too fast, rapid heartbeat Heart - Irregular heart rhythms, flutters or ‘skipped’ beats, tickle in the chest that makes you cough Pounding heart, heart feels like it is beating too hard Rib or rib cage tightness, pressure, or feeling like a tight band around the rib cage Emotions (see mood) (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with emotions, mood, and feelings) Fears (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with fear) A heightened fear of what people think of you Afraid of being trapped in a place with no exits Constant feeling of being overwhelmed. Fear of being in public Fear of dying Fear of losing control Fear of impending doom Fear of making mistakes or making a fool of yourself to others Fear of passing out Fear that you are losing your mind Fears about irrational things, objects, circumstances, or situations Fears of going crazy, of dying, of impending doom, of normal things, unusual feelings and emotions, unusually frightening thoughts or feelings Heightened self awareness, or self-consciousness Need to find nearest washrooms before you can feel comfortable Need to seat near exits Head (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the head) Brain fog Burning, itchy, tight scalp Dizziness Dizzy Dizziness or light-headedness Frequent headaches, migraine headaches Feeling like there is a tight band around your head, pressure, tightness Head, neck or shoulder pain, tightness/stiffness Head zaps, head tremors Giddiness Numbness Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling Shooting pains, stabbing pains, and odd pressures in the neck, head, or face Shooting pains in the face Shooting pains in the scalp or head When you close your eyes you feel like are beginning to, or will, float upwards Sore jaw that feels like a tooth ache TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) - clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth Hearing/Ear(s) (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with hearing) Feel like there is something stuck in your ear, that your ear canal it plugged or blocked, that there is a pebble in your ear that you can't get out Low rumbling sounds Reduced hearing, frequent or intermittent reduced hearing or deafness in one or both ears Ringing in the ears, noises in the ears, noises in the head Pulsing in the ears, throbbing sound in the ear(s) Tickle or itch in your ear that you can't seem to get at Mind (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the mind and thinking) Afraid of everything Altered state of reality, consciousness, or universe feeling Brain Fog Deja Vu, a feeling like you've done or experienced something before Depersonalization Derealization Desensitization Difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss Difficulty thinking, speaking, forming thoughts, following conversations Disorientation Fear of going crazy Fear of losing control Fear of impending doom Feelings of unreality Frequent feeling of being overwhelmed, or that there is just too much to handle or do Having difficulty concentrating Nightmares, bad dreams Obsession about sensations or getting better Repetitive thinking or incessant ‘mind chatter’ Short-term learning impairment, have a hard time learning new information Short-term memory impairment, can't remember what I did a few days, hours, or moments ago Spaced out feelings, feeling spaced out "Stuck" thoughts; thoughts, mental images, concepts, songs, or melodies that "stick" in your mind and replay over and over again. Trapped in your mind feeling Underlying anxiety, apprehension, or fear You often feel you are carrying the world on your shoulders Mood / Emotions (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with mood, emotions, and feelings) Always feeling angry and lack of patience Depersonalization Depression Dramatic mood swings (emotional flipping) Emotionally blunted, flat, or numb Emotional "flipping" (dramatic mood swings) Emotions feel wrong Everything is scary, frightening Feeling down in the dumps Feeling like things are unreal or dreamlike Frequently being on edge or 'grouchy' Feel like crying for no apparent reason Have no feelings about things you used to Not feeling like yourself, detached from loved ones, emotionally numb Underlying anxiety, apprehension, or fear You feel like you are under pressure all the time Mouth/Stomach (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the mouth and stomach) A ‘tinny’, ‘metallic’ or ‘ammonia’, or unusual smell or taste Aerophagia (swallowing too much air, stomach distention, belching) Burning mouth, feeling like the inside of your mouth is burning, or tingling, or like pins and needles, or all of these together or at different times Burning tongue, feeling like your tongue is burning, or tingling, or like pins and needles, or all of these, or all of these together or at different times Choking Constant craving for sugar or sweets Constipation Diarrhea Difficulty swallowing Difficulty talking, pronouncing certain letters or sounds, mouth feels like it isn't moving right, slurred speech Dry mouth Feeling like you can’t swallow properly or that something will get caught in your throat Feeling like your tongue is swollen IBS Lack of appetite or taste Lump in the throat, tight throat, something stuck in your throat Mouth muscles twitching/jumping Mouth or throat clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking Nausea Nausea vomiting Nausea or abdominal stress Numbness Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling Stomach upset, gas, belching, bloating Teeth grinding The thought of eating makes you nauseous Tight throat, lump in throat Throat or mouth clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking TMJ Tongue symptoms - Tingly, “stretched,” numb, frozen, itchy, “crawly,” burning, twitching, “jumpy,” aching, sore, or swollen tongue (when it isn’t). Urgency to urinate, frequent urination, sudden urge to go to the washroom Vomiting Skin (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the skin) Burning skin sensations, skin sensitivity Numbness Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling Skin problems, infections, rashes Sleep (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with sleep) Difficulty falling or staying asleep Frequent bad, bizarre, or crazy dreams Hearing sounds in your head that jolt you awake Insomnia, or waking up ill in the middle of the night Jolting awake Waking up in a panic attack You feel worse in the mornings Sight (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with sight) Distorted, foggy, or blurred vision Dry, watery or itchy eyes Eye tricks, seeing things our of the corner of your eye that isn’t there, stars, flashes Eyes sensitive to light Spots in the vision Flashing lights when eyes are closed Your depth perception feels wrong Touch (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with touch) Burning skin sensations, skin sensitivity Feeling cold or chilled Numbness Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling Pain Tingling, pins and needles feelings Other anxiety symptoms are described as: Being like a hypochondriac, muscle twinges, worry all the time, tingles, gagging, tightness in the chest, tongue twitches, shaky, breath lump, heart beat problems, head tingles, itchy tingling in arms and legs, and so many more. In addition to these anxiety symptoms, you may also find yourself worrying compulsively about: • Having a heart attack • Having a serious undetected illness • Dying prematurely • Going insane or losing your mind • Suddenly snapping • Losing it • Uncontrollably harming yourself or someone you love • Losing control of your thoughts and actions • Being embarrassed or making a fool out of yourself • Losing control • Fainting in public • Not breathing properly • Losing control of reality • Choking or suffocating • Being alone These are some of the more common anxiety symptoms. This list isn't exhaustive. Reference and further information here http://www.anxietyce...-symptoms.shtml Edited March 2, 2019 by Altostrata added clarification 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...
Junglechicken Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Reference and further information here http://www.anxietyce...-symptoms.shtml 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...
Scorpio Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Hi junglechicken ‘thank you for the link, very helpful as I’m having a hard time with the anxiety today especially nasty. 2006 After sudden death of mother put on 20mg of citaloprom for depression. 2014 Drug stopped working after two weeks of panic attacks felt fine. Aug 2014. Doctor put me on lyrica for rash on face, diarrhoea, sleeplessness,muscle cramp, bruising. Initial dose too strong, halved dose. Stopped taking it 22/10/14 2014 severe anxiety after several ssri's attempted, seem to have developed severe sensitivity to any drug, but giving severe reactions put on cipralex drop form.started on 2 drops and had to increase by 1 drop every 3 days. Eventually got to 12 drops and had to stop as side effects every step of the way dreadful. Psychiatrist kept telling me to stick with it and my body would get used to it. Eventually down to 8 drops. Bad reactions throughout the time I was on it Have been on this until may 2017. Stopped over two weeks. Felt fine for 5 weeks after initial dizziness, nightmares, nausea, insomnia. Given diazepam by gp and told to take them when anxiety bad. Have only taken them very rarely as they frighten me. Last two weeks severe anxiety returned and feeling hopeless 11July 2017. Cipralex 2mg. Anxiety, nausea still severe 13 July 2017 Cipralex 1mg due to advice of too high dosage by kind person on thus site. so dropped from 2mg to 1mg and feelings of anxiety still at severe. As well as nausea, headaches, fatigue. 15 July still feeling extremely anxious verging on panic. Nausea, feelings of fainting, fatigue. Lots of head pains 3 August. Three weeks into trying to stabilise on one drop of cipralex. Still have waking from 4am. Sporadic upset stomach. Nausea. High anxiety. Throbbing/burning in nether regions seems to have eased for time being but stabbing/burning in calves of legs. Tinnitus. Occasional half to whole better days but mainly still struggling. Fatigue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 2 hours ago, Scorpio said: Hi junglechicken ‘thank you for the link, very helpful as I’m having a hard time with the anxiety today especially nasty. Glad you've found it useful Scorpio. I thought in light of Andy's update, I would put the link there for people to access. 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...
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted January 8, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 8, 2018 I thought that list looked familiar. I used to belong to that site, before learning that my symptoms were being caused by withdrawal and recovery from antidepressants. The list if very helpful, because any of those symptoms can also be caused by antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, both starting on them, and going off them. Anything which upsets the normal balanced functioning of our brain and nervous system can cause those effects. Whether that's stress (physical, emotional, mental), long term dysfunctional beliefs and thinking patterns, exposure to toxic substances or situations or as in our case, exposure, withdrawal and recovery from psyche meds. But please be aware that their treatment suggestions and counseling services are not going to fix withdrawal. We might have the same list of symptoms, but the cause of them for us is different. Although if the reason you started on antidepressants in the first place was for anxiety, then their treatment options and suggestions might help with the original issue, if it hasn't already been fixed. But yes, that list is great and I've experienced most of them on and off over the last several years while I've been recovering from 13 years of anti-depressant use and stopping them too fast. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 4 hours ago, Petunia said: I thought that list looked familiar. I used to belong to that site, before learning that my symptoms were being caused by withdrawal and recovery from antidepressants. The list if very helpful, because any of those symptoms can also be caused by antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, both starting on them, and going off them. Anything which upsets the normal balanced functioning of our brain and nervous system can cause those effects. Whether that's stress (physical, emotional, mental), long term dysfunctional beliefs and thinking patterns, exposure to toxic substances or situations or as in our case, exposure, withdrawal and recovery from psyche meds. But please be aware that their treatment suggestions and counseling services are not going to fix withdrawal. We might have the same list of symptoms, but the cause of them for us is different. Although if the reason you started on antidepressants in the first place was for anxiety, then their treatment options and suggestions might help with the original issue, if it hasn't already been fixed. But yes, that list is great and I've experienced most of them on and off over the last several years while I've been recovering from 13 years of anti-depressant use and stopping them too fast. I have experienced many of the symptoms too Petu. My biggest symptom at the moment is gut related - IBS. Anyway, for those new to WD or just puzzled as to why they don't feel right (but know they suffer from anxiety), its a useful reference point. 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...
Nevertoolate Posted December 30, 2018 Share Posted December 30, 2018 (edited) [A simple technique for headache, racing thoughts or anxiety] This is a very simple method I've found works for me. I hope it works for you too. Simply sit or lay down, close your eyes and massage 💆 your forehead firmly between the eyes in an anti clockwise direction. Continue as long as it takes. Edited March 2, 2019 by Altostrata added clarification Lexapro 10MG Almost continually for 25 odd years Reduced to 5MG beginning July 2018- end August 2018 August 2018 til now off completely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted December 30, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 30, 2018 On 11/14/2013 at 10:36 PM, GiaK said: Many of us who have withdrawn from either benzodiazepines or SSRI antidepressants, both, have to deal with heart palpitations and other often quite distressing heart symptoms as an iatrogenic injury that accompanies withdrawal syndrome. I noticed early on that for my trauma and psychiatric drug withdrawal induced tachycardia that yoga really helped minimize its horrors. It’s not a cure all but it sure as heck helps one get through when things are rough as well as perhaps creating a foundation for long-term healing. Tachycardia is when the heart beats like crazy. I’ve also had palpitations with a normal heart rate that can also be quite overwhelming. Both of those are common among folks coming off these drugs. I never had them before I went on the drugs and that too is the usual scenario with most people coming off of the meds. These symptoms are induced by global autonomic dysfunction that the drugs themselves cause. This autonomic dysfunction can also cause heart pain and all sorts of other chaotic and painful body sensation. The following report is not on exactly the same thing but it’s not all that far off and yoga’s applications are many and diverse. I’m making the assumption, based on my experience, that yoga helps me for much the same reason as those with atrial fibrillation are helped. I’m sharing this here today because I’m quite sure many with psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes might be helped too. I imagine those with anxiety disorders as well could respond quite well to calming yoga postures. Below the excerpted article are a few postures that help my heart calm. Yoga has helped my entire recovery process, from the time I was bedridden. So it’s helped rebuild my atrophied muscles and given me fitness while also sustaining me in numerous other ways affecting the whole body/mind/spirit. From Medical News Today: My favorite yoga position to help minimize the rapid heart beats is legs against the wall: You don’t need to have your butt up against the wall like that for it go be effective. Feel free to make any adjustments your body finds necessary. Absolute form isn’t terribly important when it comes to finding some relief from the tachycardia or palpitations. Lay with your hand on your belly and your heart and pay attention to your breath for a while. Alternately put your arms above your head like in the picture and breathe. I’ve done this for ten or even twenty minutes sometimes. It’s deeply restorative. Update: (a friend and yoga teacher just gave me this tip for additional modification if needed) If folks can’t get their legs up the wall because their hamstrings are tight, they will have a similar effect by putting their lower legs on the seat of a chair. You can put a blanket underneath your heels if the chair is too hard. On some days doing this can alter the course of the day for the better. It’s really quite wonderful when it works that way. Other times it might just make something really intolerable become somewhat tolerable. Some of these symptoms are very stubborn. Doing these exercises at bedtime is helpful too. I also find that doing twists on the ground, really gently can be helpful after doing legs against the wall. After you twist to one side follow by twisting to the other. ________________________________________________________________________—– Also I do this: __________________________________ And roll from side to side and up and down too. There you have it — a mini yoga session to help calm the heart and it works for garden variety anxiety too. This little combination of postures is also helpful in minimizing some of the pain of withdrawal. If you want to experiment with more advanced methods that seem to help with the autonomic dysregulation I later found that back bends are wonderful. Yoga back bends: feels yummy on the autonomic nervous system. The fact is all of yoga helps with these issues. I am profoundly grateful to have discovered this fact. Below I’m posting some of the yoga posts that include very easy videos that I started out with as I got out of bed. Look for RESTORATIVE yoga videos when you first start. These are deeply healing to the nervous system and those of us with withdrawal syndrome need to heal our autonomic nervous systems. Here are some links that can get people started if they’re still ill or if they’re just beginning a yoga practice: Yoga: changing the brains stressful habits Yoga back bends: feels yummy on the autonomic nervous system these sequences have also been very healing…belly breathing is also really really good for the calming of the nervous system: Yoga postures, breathing and waking-up Belly breathing and a bit of yoga …pick and choose what feels appropriate for you…at bedtime I mostly do legs against the wall. The above can get you started with baby steps. Don’t feel beholden to do all of any of these videos. Pick and choose from what your body likes and wants. Here is a longer but very gentle routine as well…again, remember only do that which your body likes. Your yoga for today original post http://wp.me/p5nnb-a3f * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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