anna7887: starting Zoloft taper soon

[bijay]

@anna7887   Yes, if you have been working with a moderator please tag them in a post or send them a direct message.

If there is any way you can relieve the pressure on yourself by taking a medical leave, reducing your work hours, postponing or downsizing the wedding, etc. it is worthwhile looking into those options.  Just having a Plan B ready just in case will help ease your mind.   You do not have to do any of these things, but please know that there is absolutely no shame in recognizing our limitations as we try to heal in the face of these powerful, damaging drugs.

 

It may be tempting to think you must DO something (like updose again) when symptoms seem so desperately overwhelming, although that may not be the best course of action for your overall health.  It may very well be that your body needs more time to adjust to withdrawal, the anesthetic from the endoscopy, the zofran, and the updose.   A moderator will hopefully help you navigate this based on their experience.

 

Peace and love to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[anna7887]

53 minutes ago, bijay said:

@anna7887   Yes, if you have been working with a moderator please tag them in a post or send them a direct message.

If there is any way you can relieve the pressure on yourself by taking a medical leave, reducing your work hours, postponing or downsizing the wedding, etc. it is worthwhile looking into those options.  Just having a Plan B ready just in case will help ease your mind.   You do not have to do any of these things, but please know that there is absolutely no shame in recognizing our limitations as we try to heal in the face of these powerful, damaging drugs.

 

It may be tempting to think you must DO something (like updose again) when symptoms seem so desperately overwhelming, although that may not be the best course of action for your overall health.  It may very well be that your body needs more time to adjust to withdrawal, the anesthetic from the endoscopy, the zofran, and the updose.   A moderator will hopefully help you navigate this based on their experience.

 

Peace and love to you.

 

 

 

 

Does anyone know how to tag mods?

[bijay]

You can tag someone by usiing the ambersand "@" followed by their forum name.  Then elect the name from the drop down list that appears.  The ambersand and name should now be highlighted in the posting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[anna7887]

Sorry does anyone know who the mod names are or how to find?

[RachelSusan]

Hi Anna,

 

I looked under "staff" which is a drop down under "browse".  It wasn't too clear to me who was doing what so I just sort of knocked around and came up with a few names for you. . I see that Scallywag and Carmie spoke to you early on but I am not sure if they are still around and if Carmie is a mod or not. Some names I came up with are Shep, ChessieCat, Manymoretodays, Brassmonkey, Gridley, JanCarol, Apace41, Arbor, and Composter. The titles were a little confusing so please don't be upset with me if my info is not 100% correct.  There is also Altostrata, the person that created and runs this site.

 

Again, I am sorry you are going through this. I have been where you currently are, it is very difficult. 

 

Warm wishes.

 

 

 

 

[anna7887]

Thank you so much! @Altostrata @ChessieCat @brassmonkey any advice? Do I updose or try to stay the course? Is anesthesia a known aggravator? Should I still be taking a homeopathy sleep aid? Just feel so weak, lost, and confused because I was doing so well before. Thank you!

[anna7887]

I’m having a really really tough time. I’m having these episodes of intense weakness to the point where I turn pale, become weak all over, can hardly see straight or walk. These started at work & I thought it could be due to stress but now I’m experiencing them at home too. I’ve had tons of bloodwork, ct scans, ultrasounds, etc and they can’t find anything wrong. I’ve measured my blood pressure during these episodes and it’s somewhat high, but at this point I’m usually in a fully blown panic. These episodes are giving me severe ptsd to even leave the house. I am only 34 years old and am supposed to get married in 6 weeks. Everything seemed to go haywire after I underwent a routine endoscopy. It started with nausea and the vertigo/ weakness started over a week ago (nauseas improved). I’m so desperate and scared of losing my livelihood that I’m considering updosing but I don’t want to cause more damage. Can anyone help? Could these be panic attacks? What should I do!🥲🥲🥲

[RachelSusan]

Hi Anna,

 

I don't know if it is alright for me to weigh in here, or if you are looking for a response from someone else. 

 

I know it's hard to concentrate when you are going through these symptoms, but you might want to up-date your signature so that someone else can see what you have been doing drug wise for the last year. I see you say August 2018 to present, but it doesn't show each and every taper. If a mod comes along they might not be able help without this information. Perhaps do it for at least the last 12 months? That includes all drugs as well vitamins and any other supplements, and the dates of each and every change. They can then review the information and might be able to offer more insight as what could possibly be going on.

 

I am also concerned about your blood pressure.  If you are at rest and it is very high and lasts for a long period of time you might want to share this information with your doctor. I am not in the medical field and I am not an expert, I am only offering up this information based on my own experiences. Disregard if it doesn't apply to you.

 

Once again, I am sorry you are suffering so.

 

xoxo

[brassmonkey]

Please update your signature so we can see your current situation.

[anna7887]

I am having such a terrible time. Unable to work more than a few days without practically collapsing, I’ve had to leave the office white as ghost, weak, dizzy etc three weeks in a row. I’m at risk of losing my job. I’ve been holding onto 5mg but feel physically disabled. My doc wants me to start 100mg of 5htp. I’m desperate and so scared. I’m supposed to get married in 4 weeks and if I lose my job we lose everything (house, possible wedding)… is there anything I can do to improve my symptoms!? 

[anna7887]

I’m officially on an FMLA from work. I am only 34 years old and scared I will never be able to return as I have a job in upper management and feel like it’s too much suddenly. I’ve never felt more depressed in my life. Not even when I was first prescribed zoloft. The depression set in right after the endoscopy. I am really scared. It’s difficult for me to even get changed, etc. I am absolutely exhausted. I am so desperate I am thinking of trying another SSRI. I do not want to throw my entire life away right now. Every bone in my body hurts. Please help. 

[300days]

anna, 

please keep us posted-- how are you doing?   what did you decide about adding in an SSRI? 

[anna7887]

It’s been an awful last few months. Ever since a stupid routine endoscopy I have developed severe automatic nerve dysfunction that forced me to resign from my job. I couldn’t work more than 2 days in a row without near fainting spells, exhaustion made me feel like I was going to collapse, anxiety, vertigo, weight loss etc.  My naturopath found out I have low ferritin of about 23, which I guess is iron deficiency without anemia since my hemoglobin is normal, but iron supplements aren’t helping much. Since I have to work to help pay our mortgage,  I was luckily able to find a remote job that starts next month, but they are requiring every employee be vaccinated. I received my first dose in April, and had a terrible reaction, severe insomnia, akathisia, anxiety, brain fog, etc my husband had to drive me to work for a week. It did eventually subside but it totally freaked me out. Now I don’t know what the hell to do. I am hanging by an absolute thread, I’m afraid the second dose will literally break me and cause me to become fully disabled😢

[300days]

anna, 

I am so sorry to hear this!   which vaccine did you get -- Pfizer or moderna?  you had your first one in April?  but never had the second one?   how long did it take to feel better after the first vaccine?  

you mentioned becoming very ill with lyme like symptoms in 2015 -- are they still ongoing?  do you have Lyme disease? 

praying for you 

 

[anna7887]

Thank you so much for replying so quickly. I’ve never had conclusive Lyme tests, but over the years docs believe, based on my symptoms I have some sort of tic borne illness. I have daily muscle pain, muscle twitches, fatigue, just feel toxic. I was managing fairly well, even with my taper up until the anxiety/ stress of getting the vaccine. I literally couldn’t eat or sleep for weeks leading up to it in fear it would make my Lyme symptoms worse. I finally got the Pfizer… and low and behold had a terrible reaction that took a good three weeks to subside. It was a deep restlessness I’ve never felt in my life. It was awful. I almost felt like I was going to seizure, so I decided at 33 I was going to wait for the second dose if at all. Fast forward to July and the Endosocpy, the anesthesia caused even worse symptoms than the vaccine. 3.5 months later and I made one final attempt to go back to work last week and couldn’t do it. I’m in management so it was very demanding job, but just sucks. So thankful I am able to find remote work but knowing I have to get the second vaccine already feeling so crummy is seriously freaking me out. 

[Ktven48]

So sorry about what you’re dealing with Anna. I can empathize with you about the vaccine.

 

I was so close to be off my Venlafaxine until I got the vaccine. Threw my whole system for a whack. It started to feel as if my body wasn’t even processing my meds anymore. I had been holding my dose for 9+ months so I know it wasn’t a taper issue. 
 

I unfortunately had to updose recently because of it.

 

I know someone else who had a panic attack after the vaccine. She got it listed as an allergy for her so I don’t think she’ll be required to have a second dose for her job. You can look into that? 

 

hang in there ❤️

[300days]

you know guys this is so weird --- I never put two and two together but I am on a Xanax taper and it was pretty rough anyway.  then had my first vaccine in mid august --- no immediate reaction like feeling flu-like but about a week later much more agitated, restless, etc then I got the 2nd one three weeks later on September 7th and since that one I have continued to be really anxious/agitated/ and Kt's comment just made me think something - it has felt to me as well as if my doses (of Xanax) just weren't doing anything - and my symptoms have become more acute.  I am not tapering my mirtazapine yet --- but overall since the vaccines I have felt worse than my normal bad -- I am wondering if they have had an effect on my CNS??

[anna7887]

@300daysit could definitely be part of the puzzle, the vaccine causes a whole host of immune reactions and an inflammatory response. I am certain my akethesia was from the vaccine. Having said all that I’m sure Covid is worse but doesn’t make this any easier.

[300days]

yes, prior to the vaccine I had bad withdrawal symptoms but I have had akathisia the last two months (since taking the vaccine) --- I wonder how long it will take to settle down if that is part of the puzzle.  like did you have pacing akathisia or more like highly internally agitated/anxious/terror/wanting to come out of your skin?

[street129]

@300days @anna7887 @Ktven48

me to had my first vaccine in august 10th i felt sooo horrible that i never went back for my second one. i had the  Pfizer. Feel better all, I'm In WD and my trazodone is not putting me to sleep, been holding for 10 months,  I  had eye surgery in late september I was put on antibiotics and steroid eye drops, not sure if my WD  a factor.

Any ideas guys. WD just came at the end of September, I had no warning. Jesus take the wheel.

[street129]

1 hour ago, Ktven48 said:

So sorry about what you’re dealing with Anna. I can empathize with you about the vaccine.

 

I was so close to be off my Venlafaxine until I got the vaccine. Threw my whole system for a whack. It started to feel as if my body wasn’t even processing my meds anymore. I had been holding my dose for 9+ months so I know it wasn’t a taper issue. 
 

I unfortunately had to updose recently because of it.

 

I know someone else who had a panic attack after the vaccine. She got it listed as an allergy for her so I don’t think she’ll be required to have a second dose for her job. You can look into that? 

 

hang in there ❤️

this sound like my situation,  I've been holding for 10 months had my 1st vaccine in early August and now for 2 weeks,  next thing I know without a clue, I'm in WD. Is this vaccine related, I have never went back.

[street129]

On 8/1/2021 at 11:30 AM, anna7887 said:

I’m having a really really tough time. I’m having these episodes of intense weakness to the point where I turn pale, become weak all over, can hardly see straight or walk. These started at work & I thought it could be due to stress but now I’m experiencing them at home too. I’ve had tons of bloodwork, ct scans, ultrasounds, etc and they can’t find anything wrong. I’ve measured my blood pressure during these episodes and it’s somewhat high, but at this point I’m usually in a fully blown panic. These episodes are giving me severe ptsd to even leave the house. I am only 34 years old and am supposed to get married in 6 weeks. Everything seemed to go haywire after I underwent a routine endoscopy. It started with nausea and the vertigo/ weakness started over a week ago (nauseas improved). I’m so desperate and scared of losing my livelihood that I’m considering updosing but I don’t want to cause more damage. Can anyone help? Could these be panic attacks? What should I do!🥲🥲🥲

your story sound similar to mines, had eye surgery, in late September,the next day I'm inWD, I been told on the site maybe from my steroid eye drops, but I have gotten worst, I'm 3 days without sleep I need to updose also.

[anna7887]

@300daysit was a mixture of both… I couldn’t sit still but wanted to crawl out of my skin. I never have felt such a deep sense of restlessness, it felt like I was going to start tremoring. It finally seemed to settle down after 3 weeks, but it was frightening. I’ve never had akathisia before this so I’m sure it was the vaccine. I would never want to convince someone not to get it but for whatever there is a group of people who are having terrible reactions months later, they’re all over Reddit. Probably less risk than Covid long hauler symptoms but nonetheless it happens. 

[Ktven48]

Yes I’m glad I have the safety against Covid but I really wonder what it did to my CNS. This whole situation is so sad. I just hope we can all heal soon from this 

 

[anna7887]

Just checking in. I’ve had some really good windows these last few weeks, but in a terrible wave again. The depression is the scariest, and something I’ve never experienced before I received anesthesia in July. It’s this deep state of sadness and feeling of impending doom.  I feel like I want to scream or cry but I can’t. I’ve been out of work for a month and have two more weeks before my full time remote job starts. I am so scared I am not going to handle the new job with all these symptoms. I am still so tempted to try other ssris out of desperation. It’s now been almost 5 months since the procedure which set me into acute withdrawal, leading me to quit my job. I absolutely need the income or we’ll lose our house. All my friends and family are begging me to get help and try another SSRI, but I’m so scared it will make things worse. I feel so hopeless. 

[anna7887]

I’m also having terrible adrenaline rushes at night especially if I exercise moderately. I went on a brisk walk with my dogs with a little bit of light jogging and I legitimately couldn’t sleep last night, felt like I had 10 cups coffee, I couldn’t slow my heart rate or calm down. 

[Believer]

Hi anna7887,

 

Im sorry you are going through this. I have been tapering Zoloft off/on for over 5 years. Taking it very slow. Increased life/work stress and possibly Pfizer vaccine really upset my system and I too had quit my job. So all that to say, “I get it”. I had all the symptoms that you did and I am still not at my withdrawal normal. I am slowly getting there though. Not so much in the Windows/waves pattern that I used to have, but I am slowly seeing seeing improvement. 
 

All I can suggest is try not to spiral with the negative, hopeless feelings. Time is the healing factor, I know it’s hard because it can take too long. You’re fortunate to have found a remote job. That’s great! Try not to freak out about it and relax the best you can.

 

I personally won’t be adding any new drugs, it’s clear to me that Zoloft is what is causing my issues so I will continue tapering as I can. And from what I’ve read here, many people regret trying a different/replacement drug. But you need to do what you think is right for you. I hope things settle for you soon, if you’ve seen any improvement at all, that’s a good sign.

 

Hang in there.

 

Blessings

 

 

[Cruizer]

Hi Anna7887,

Thanks for stopping by on my page. Just wanted to return the favour. 

It's extremely disheartening what is happening to us but there is not a lot we can do about it. Like Believer said, if we spiral ourselves into hopeless and negative thoughts it only makes it worse and never helps. 

With regards to your job, I still work full-time as well and am lucky my job is flexible in the way that I am a sales rep on the road so i work at my own pace. 

Getting in the right heads pace is important. Try to look at your work as a way of distraction for you. Something to keep you busy whilst you are recovering and is obviously essential for you to survive as you need the income. 

I decided to coach again next year for my football team. I do get some enjoyment from it and I look at it as a positive distraction rather than feeling like I am restricted. Hang in there.

[anna7887]

Thank you so much @Cruizerwill work on being more optimistic!

[anna7887]

I’m having such a terrible day. I woke up with such an intense depression it is debilitating. The sadness is so deep I can feel it in my chest. It is such a scary and disturbing feeling. I never had anything like this prior to my procedure in July. I feel so desperate and scared this will never pass. I am so tempted to try other ssris. I can’t imagine going back to work, my life is falling apart at 34. Also how does one truly know if this is withdrawal vs a Major depressive episode? I’ve been tapering for 4 years, I find it hard to believe my symptoms are so bad. @brassmonkey any input? I am considering a cross taper to Prozac, I feel like I can’t do this anymore. 

[Anna42]

@anna7887hi, we have a similar name and I am also on Zoloft, want to start tapering, i am very sorry you feel that way, you can talk to me for emotional support if you want! I even have some knowledge in some therapy skills that help me and other people sometimes. I wish i could help you in some tangible way, like aveliate your suffering, but that is impossible. Wishing you the very best

[ChessieCat]

40 minutes ago, anna7887 said:

Also how does one truly know if this is withdrawal vs a Major depressive episode?

 

Is it withdrawal or relapse?  Or something else?

How do I know it's withdrawal and not relapse?

 

41 minutes ago, anna7887 said:

@brassmonkey any input?

 

Brassmonkey is currently travelling and doesn't always have internet access.

[anna7887]

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether or not I should try a cross taper to Prozac? I am almost 4 months trying to stabilize on the dose after a severe reaction to propofol for an Endosocpy. I am hardly having any windows. My biggest symptom is severe debilitating depression (never in my life and throughout taper had this until endoscopy), and just feel exhausted/ on verge of collapse. My sleep is getting worse as well.  I am starting a new remote job next week, and I’m desperately trying to stabilize. @Altostrata

[Altostrata]

Hello, @anna7887. What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? How do you feel before and after taking Zoloft? 

 

What is your sleep pattern?

[anna7887]

Hi @Altostrata, I take it about 8pm. I’ve taken the zoloft in the evening for over 8 years as I felt my insomnia was worse when I used to take in AM for whatever reason. I can’t recognize any pattern of increased symptoms following the dose. Sometimes I feel like my muscle aches/ twitches are slightly worse but they always seem to be bad at night. My anxiety and depression seems to be worse in the morning. The depression feels extremely chemical, like a reaction to something. It’s also as if I’m releasing emotions I’ve trapped for years. The near fainting episodes are by far the worst symptom. I had one at the dmv two days ago, I became extremely weak, pale, almost didn’t make it back to my car. It seems excess stimulation bring them on. I’ve struggled with them a few years back during Lyme treatment, but they’ve always passed. Since I’m lower in my zoloft, my Lyme like symptoms seem to be getting worse. Makes me question the entire taper. 

[Altostrata]

Do you feel faint at any particular times of day?

 

At what point, if any, did you experience withdrawal symptoms while tapering Zoloft?