TryingToHoldOn: Sertraline - protracted WD 6 months after last dose?

[TryingToHoldOn]

17 hours ago, Littlegrandma said:

Oh T

im sorry for you too. It’s unbearable. My 2 and 5 yr old grandkids are here now. I can’t enjoy them and I love them to pieces. Trying to have an “Easter” egg hunt and I lasted 10 min. I couldn’t even bear to sit at the dinner table. 

 

Today I was trying to have a conversation on the phone with insurance and a doctor. I couldn’t form words. I just cried. My brain doesn’t work at all. You can probably tell by my elementary writing. I actually was thinking of going inpatient. But I changed my mind. I’m just desperate for someone to make it all better. I’m so scared. I’m only half way off my lexapro and 5% down on lunesta with ativan waiting in the wings. I really don’t have much faith right now that it will get better. I’m usually more positive, but symptoms are getting worse. I’m so scared. How did we get in this mess?  I had a little anxiety and insomnia. I knew better than to take these effin pills. 

 

I cry every day. 

 

Loading the dishwasher, laundry, even showering is so hard some days. My husband has cooked most of the meals for almost a year. I want my simple life back. This is truly hell. 

 

I think of you often T, as I know our symptoms are similar. Every time I see you post, I pray it’s going to be with good news. You’re young and the poison is completely out of your system. You are healing. Please try not to take another med. I understand the want to try that, but it’s too iffy and could lead to more harm. I stupidly let the hospital put me on ativan as I was so desperate with akathasia at the time. Probably added years to my recovery time. 

 

Ill be praying for a good update for you soon.  I’m sorry you’re suffering now. But hang on. Your window is coming. 

 

Love and hugs lg

Lg,

 

i sent you a pm.

 

love to you, too

xoxo

[LexAnger]

Thank you so much t for your empathy! It's indeed hell to go through and I can't believe how it turned out after so much endurance for so long.truly heartbreaking.

 

Pls pm me if you'd like to talk sometime.

 

Hope you have some break today.

 

Hugs,

Lex

[TryingToHoldOn]

On 5/22/2018 at 10:46 AM, LexAnger said:

Thank you so much t for your empathy! It's indeed hell to go through and I can't believe how it turned out after so much endurance for so long.truly heartbreaking.

 

Pls pm me if you'd like to talk sometime.

 

Hope you have some break today.

 

Hugs,

Lex

Lex,

 

I know.  You can pm me as well.  If there is a delay in response it’s because I am not doing well.  Gosh, this whole scenario is a nightmare.  Are you feeling any better now?

xo

[TryingToHoldOn]

Does anyone else experience high levels of agitation, but particularly in the face?

 

There is so much pressure, numbness, tingling, burning, and tightness in my face that it makes me want to scream and rip my head off.  Coupled with that is a very heavy pressure and burning in my forehead/brow area that threatens to completely shut down my brain.  

 

If you had symptoms like this when did they become less intense for you?

 

I see lots of people turning a small corner around 14 months, but i continue to get physically and mentally worse.  8 months off was heaven compared to the hell i’m in now.  Is this the one of the ‘bad’ waves time period?

[Survivor1]

Hi TTHO,

 

I am not in your situation, so cannot speak to the horrors you are going through, but wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts.  I truly hope you turn the corner soon, you have been so brave.

 

I see that you were going to hire a nanny.  Is that making things a bit better for you?  I hope so.  Take good care of yourself, as best you can.  Best wishes.

[TryingToHoldOn]

@Survivor1

 

Thank you for your thoughtful message and well wishes.

 

The nanny has started.  I never thought I would be so disabled that I couldn’t care for my children.  I consider myself lucky that to have found someone trustworthy.  I pray that this a very temporary situation.

 

Take care S.  I’m sorry that you are struggling enough to find yourself in this site.  I pray for you to get your life back soon. Xxx

[Rosetta]

I'm happy you have the nanny.  I hope that will bring down the stress level and give you the space you need to heal.  

Peace, Rosetta

[TryingToHoldOn]

Can someone please tell me how to find Shep’s thread? @Shep

 

For some reason I can search everyone’s thread, but Shep’s is an enigma.  A link would be much appreciated.

 

Thank you!

[Littlegrandma]

I recently had trouble finding it also. 

 

Google surviving antidepressants 

introductions and updates

sheps journey

 

xx

[Shep]

Here you go:

 

Shep's Journey

 

 

[TryingToHoldOn]

Thank you @Shep @Littlegrandma

[Littlegrandma]

Yep 🌷

😘

[bgoggles1]

Hey there! How r u doing??? 

[Fightingawar]

@bgoggles1 did you go off your med cold turkey? How long are you off?

[Rosetta]

Thinking of you, TTHO

[TryingToHoldOn]

Moderators - I need some advance please.

 

I attempted a reinstatement of celexa on 6/23/18 @ 1.25mg and remained in that for 11 days.  I did not have any immediate adverse reactions.  I then bumped up my dose to 2.5mg on 6/27. The first two days of that dose I didn’t have any type of reaction and actually felt a little better.  Last night (6/29) I started burning and getting severely agitated about 30min after I took my dose.  This lasted the entire night and all day today.  Is this considered an adverse reaction?

 

Question:

Should I take my dose tonight?

if not, is it safe to just stop?

 

As a recap, I was on 1.25mg for 11days

2.5mg for 3 days

 

My next dosing should be tonight at 7:15pm

 

I am taking everything in tablet form.

 

Thank you

[SkyBlue]

6 hours ago, TryingToHoldOn said:

 

I attempted a reinstatement of celexa on 6/23/18 @ 1.25mg and remained in that for 11 days.  I did not have any immediate adverse reactions.  I then bumped up my dose to 2.5mg on 6/27. The first two days of that dose I didn’t have any type of reaction and actually felt a little better.  Last night (6/29) I started burning and getting severely agitated about 30min after I took my dose.  This lasted the entire night and all day today.  Is this considered an adverse reaction?

 

Question:

Should I take my dose tonight?

if not, is it safe to just stop?

 

Hi Trying, I don't see Celexa in your signature. The answers to your questions would depend on when you last took it (how long had you been off before reinstating)? Also I would be concerned about your serotonin syndrome experiences.

 

It does sound like you had an adverse reaction, especially if that's not your typical withdrawal pattern and esp since it took place 30 min after taking it. 

Please reread the info on reinstatement. 

Edited July 1, 2018 by SkyBlue
clarification

[TryingToHoldOn]

@SkyBlue @Altostrata @Shep

 

Can someone please ease tell me how to get to my signature so I can update it?

 

I have been off all medications since March 2017.  I attempted to introduce  celexa:

6/23/18 - 6/25/18 @1.25mg

6/26 - 6/29 @ 2.5mg, 6/29 had burning and agitation within 30 min of taking it

6/30 @ 1.25mg with no adverse reaction and planning to hold st that dose until further instructed.

 

If I choose to stop the reinstatement do I need to taper off or is it advisable to stay at 1.25mg?

 

thank you

 

 

 

[Rosetta]

Try this link 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/settings/signature/

 

I think you can go back to 1.25, but let's see what the Mods who understsnd reinstatement think.  I hope this reinstatement works for you!!!

[Altostrata]

1 hour ago, TryingToHoldOn said:

6/30 @ 1.25mg with no adverse reaction and planning to hold st that dose until further instructed.

 

For at least a week, please stay at this dose, taken at the same time each day, and keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. 1.25mg could be enough.

 

Let us know how you're doing.

 

[TryingToHoldOn]

@Altostrata

 

Thank you

 

Also, I made an error, I began 1.25mg of celexa 6/16 - 6/26 before I upped to 2.5mg.

 

i will update my signature.

 

I had an mri that was clear, but I feel as though my brain is literally shutting down on me.  Do you think this could be a symptom of latuda WD as well?  I have no plans of reinstating that, but am concerned with this significant brain damaged feeling.  It renders me nonfunctional.  

 

Thank you

[Altostrata]

Many people here feel they have brain damage from adverse drug effects and withdrawal. If nothing shows on an MRI, you do not have brain damage.

 

Withdrawal syndrome can be quite severe. Please do what you can to educate your doctors about it.

[TryingToHoldOn]

@Altostrata

 

Will I still be able to heal on a low dose of celexa (1.25mg)?

 

My husband said that I seemed more functional the first 11 days on 1.25mg.  The concerning thing is I seem to get more frequent crying spells almost every day and several times a day.  However, they are shorter in duration and less intense, as i’ve had uncontrollable sobbing spells that would last for hours.  It was gut wrenching sobbing that ripped the soul out of my body.

 

Would you consider the increase of crying frequency an adverse reaction or more of a windows and waves pattern adjusting to the medication?  Everything thing else is pretty much the same at this point.

 

Thank you

[Altostrata]

Of course you'll be able to heal. You may have symptoms in waves and windows for a while. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

You will be able to taper off by tiny amounts later.

[Deathstroke51432]

On 7/2/2018 at 4:23 AM, Altostrata said:

Many people here feel they have brain damage from adverse drug effects and withdrawal. If nothing shows on an MRI, you do not have brain damage.

 

Withdrawal syndrome can be quite severe. Please do what you can to educate your doctors about it.

Yes i agree... i  have withdrawn from Risperidone and the 90 days were hellish... each day, i was suicidal... i wanted pain and suffering to end and the only way i had was to end myself... but i didn't give up ... so plz hold on and everything wil be Alright.... 

[TryingToHoldOn]

@altostrata

 

7/2/18

7:15pm - 1.25mg celexa

8:30pm - burning, flushing, tightness in forehead

10pm - sleep, no sleep - insomnia has gotten worse

12am - feverish, agitation, increase internal vibrations, burning in my hands (this is new)

1am - incredible pain in the back of my head, lower right side

 

7/13/18

8am - dizziness, intense forehead pressure, burning in hands, burning back, agitation, inability to think clearly

12pm - pain coming back at the lower right area in back of head, burning feeling in chest & face

 

i am concerned that I may be having an adverse reaction to the celexa.  Is it adviseable to continue?  If not, do I need to taper off or can I just stop?

 

Thank you

[TryingToHoldOn]

26 minutes ago, TryingToHoldOn said:

@altostrata

 

7/2/18

7:15pm - 1.25mg celexa

8:30pm - burning, flushing, tightness in forehead

10pm - sleep, no sleep - insomnia has gotten worse

12am - feverish, agitation, increase internal vibrations, burning in my hands (this is new)

1am - incredible pain in the back of my head, lower right side

 

7/13/18

8am - dizziness, intense forehead pressure, burning in hands, burning back, agitation, inability to think clearly

12pm - pain coming back at the lower right area in back of head, burning feeling in chest & face

 

i am concerned that I may be having an adverse reaction to the celexa.  Is it adviseable to continue?  If not, do I need to taper off or can I just stop?

 

Thank you

Or maybe it’s a wave.  I don’t want to do anything rash, but I am very concerned about having an adverse reaction.  I am very scared and need someone to help me make the best possible informed decision.  I am at a very delicate state and often times feels like there is only one option out of this, but I need to hang on for my 2 Kids and husband.  

 

Please God, guide me to do the right thing.  I don’t want to die.  More than anything I want to recover so I can raise my children and have a life with my husband.  Please have Mercy on all of us.

[Rosetta]

Trying, I'm here for a bit.  You aren't alone.  Hold on.  You can do it.  Can you do a breathing exercise?

[TryingToHoldOn]

Any moderator please.

 

If I feel i’m Having an adverse reaction can I just stop it do I need to taper off?

 

Thank you

 

 

[wantrelief]

Bump

[TryingToHoldOn]

7/3/18

8am - dizziness, intense forehead pressure, burning in hands, burning back, agitation, inability to think clearly

 

12pm - pain coming back at the lower right area in back of head, burning feeling in chest & face

 

7:15pm - 1.25 mg celexa

 

8:20pm - hands tingly, burning

 

10pm - sleep off and on, dreams

 

7/4/18

10am - anxiety, SI, crying

 

11:30am - paced around the house

 

11:45am - 30min walk, calmed me down

 

12:30 - omega 3, vit D, probiotic

 

1pm - head cleared for about 15 min, husband said I looked better

 

2pm - head pressure back, burning face & brain, crying, brain feelings like it’s shutting down, clogged ears

 

3pm - window, went to pool with kids

 

5pm - dinner out, window continues, ate steak & asparagus

 

6:45pm - Kids bath

7:15pm - celexa 1.25mg

 

8:45pm - window continued, drove to park to watch fireworks

 

10pm - yawning, actually feeling a little tired

 

10:30pm - bed, no sleep, alert and wide awake

 

7/5/18

4am - drifted off to sleep, lots of dreams

 

6am - woke

 

8am - anxiety, cortisol surges, dizziness, head and vision seem off

 

9am - Kids to camp

 

9:30am - 30min walk

 

10:15am - tried to run an errand at Walmart, panic, DP/DR, headpressure, had to leave store

10:30am - laid down in bed, anxiety, panic, body feels like it’s been poisoned

 

11:30am - omega 3, vit D, probiotic

 

1:30pm - restless, unloaded dishwasher

 

2pm - ate a chicken sandwich, sipping

‘Calm’ magnesium drink

 

2:30pm - back of head throbbing, feel need to move, uncomfortable in my own skin, verge of tears, face tight & burning.

[Rosetta]

Hi,Trying.  That's so nice that you had a window, and you were able to go see the fireworks with your kids.  Maybe your updose is going to be a good thing.  I hope so!!

[Waiting12]

Hi Trying. Hang in there. We’re all in this together. I’m having a doozy of a month as well. Are you having any new symptoms since your small reinstatement? Ex. Pacing/restlessness, back of your head burning.... or were these present before as well. 

 

I noticed (still do to a lesser degree) that I would have peak times for symptoms. Mine is about 1pm-5pm is when everything would ramp up. It helped me to focus just to get through those few hours and more than likely the late evening would be easier to deal with. Take it hour by hour & practice your self care. You’ll get through this.

[TryingToHoldOn]

7/5/18 - continued

 

3:50pm - nanny called in sick, able to pick up kids from camp

 

4:45pm - head pressure, tight face, throbbing head - tolerable

 

6:45pm - dinner, tortellini w/ pesto, Brussels sprouts, & water

 

7:15pm - celexa 1.25mg

 

8:45pm - yawning, feeling tired

 

10pm - bed, no sleep, wide awake & wired

 

7/6/18

 

1am- internal vibrations, poisoned feeling, head pressure, burning, weakness in hands - lasted about an hour

 

2am - sleep (according to Fitbit), lots of dreaming

 

6am - wake, anxiety, slight headpressure

 

8am - shower

 

8:30am - omega 3, vit D, probiotic

 

9:45am - 30min walk, head symptoms lessen

 

10:30am - sausage & toast

 

10:45am - internal vibrations, forehead pressure, pressure in back of head - tolerable

 

11:45am - Caesar salad with flank steak & water

 

12:30pm - poisoned body feeling, headpressure, tightness & burning in chest (anxiety)?

 

2pm - sipping ‘Calm’ magnesium drink

 

4pm - nanny sick, able to pick up kids

 

5pm - window, head & vision clear, rest of symptoms very tolerable/minimal

 

5:45pm - yawning, feel tired

 

6:45pm - dinner, salmon & asparagus

 

7:15pm - celexa 1.25mg

 

**Today was very tolerable.  Throughout the day I had a feeling if my body being poisoned that usually leaves me bedridden and normally lasts all day or at least several hours.  Today I got that feeling intermittently and was able to push through instead of being bedridden.  Brain damaged feeling improved by at least 50-65%.  All other symptoms were moderate to tolerable.

 

 

 

 

[TryingToHoldOn]

On 7/5/2018 at 3:32 PM, Rosetta said:

Hi,Trying.  That's so nice that you had a window, and you were able to go see the fireworks with your kids.  Maybe your updose is going to be a good thing.  I hope so!!

Thank you, Rosetta.  It was truly a gift to be able to spend time with my family.  I am praying that this low dose helps. It *seems* to be going in the right direction the last couple of days. 

[TryingToHoldOn]

11 hours ago, Waiting12 said:

Hi Trying. Hang in there. We’re all in this together. I’m having a doozy of a month as well. Are you having any new symptoms since your small reinstatement? Ex. Pacing/restlessness, back of your head burning.... or were these present before as well. 

 

I noticed (still do to a lesser degree) that I would have peak times for symptoms. Mine is about 1pm-5pm is when everything would ramp up. It helped me to focus just to get through those few hours and more than likely the late evening would be easier to deal with. Take it hour by hour & practice your self care. You’ll get through this.

All the symptoms are the same.  The one thing that concerned me in the beginning was the symptoms would ramp up within a 30min to a few hours of taking my dose. It was/is really hard to differentiate if it’s an adverse reaction or just my normal pattern of symptoms fluctuating.  The low dose has really taken the edge off of my brain damaged/brain shutdown feeling.  That was quite distressing and rendered me nonfunctional.  I saw a neurologist and failed my cognitive assessment test.  I am much more functional now and the irrational fear of doing things (I.e. laundry, dishes, bills, getting up, showering) has lifted and I am also able to complete simple tasks (cognitive improvement).

 

i read your update and it sounds like you are headed in the right direction.  I hope you see a lot more healing in the next few months.  You’re doing great!