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tezza: risperdal withdrawal


tezza

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Also, I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm certain I left my neurontin off for two nights around the 8th and ninth. Last night I almost left off the four meds I take every night. Those are Xanax, soma, remeron and neurontin. When I wasn't getting sleepy, I looked in my pill box and they were still there. I could have sworn I had taken it but obviously I had not. Should I just wait a little longer and see if I stabilize where I am? I hate to reinstate if I will stabilize eventually even if I have to stay at the current dosage of .375 for longer time. Please don't become impatient w me. I'm sorry to be so much trouble.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I already feel better than I did this morning. I guess I was having a bad window. Maybe I'm on the way to another good window. The ringing in my ears is gone again. I'm sorry I get freaked out so easily. I've had a little motivation also, since this morning. I have to make sure I'm more careful with my meds. I promise I've been trying but my brain seems to be operating only partially. I was so sure I'd taken my meds last night, that I looked in other nights to make sure I didn't take from the wrong night. I sure didn't want to take them twice last night. I'm keeping a journal but I thought maybe I just hadn't written it down. I finally concluded that I just thought I'd taken it when actually I hadn't. But I took it before it was a lot later especially w time change.

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Tezza, thank you for your kind words!

 

I wish for you lots and lots of progressively longer and better "good windows"!

 

The ringing in the ears... that is funny, I've woken up with strong ringing in one ear two days now. I even asked my boyfriend if he heard it, until I realized it just got louder when I put in earplugs. I've had this other days and at other times in my life. I heard it had to do with a hearing nerve cell being cut or dying. It is really uncomfortable, I'm glad it's gone for you now, and hope it stays that way!

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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  • Administrator

tezza, inconsistencies in your Risperdal dosage and other drugs could indeed be causing worsening of your symptoms.

 

I know it's hard, but try to be consistent with your regimen. Also, try to take each of your medications at the same time every day.

 

Please try not to ramp up your worrying when you have a bad patch. Always remember, "this, too, shall pass."

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Administrator

Hi Tezza

 

I'm sorry for the difficult patch you've been through lately {{{HUGS}}}. I agree with Alto, you need to keep your dosages consistent. I would stay at the current dose and ensure taking meds at a consistent time and see if you begin to feel better.

 

About the ringing in the ears ... I've had it consistently for 1 year and 9 months ... not that I'm counting :P . I think it is associated with the long-term xanax usage, but I don't know for sure. There are times when it is really intense and that is hard to take, but for the most part it is mild to moderate and I just deal with it. I'm hoping that once I'm off of all of the meds the ringing will stop.

 

So hang in there ... more {{{HUGS}}}

 

Love and light

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Alto,

 

Thank you for responding. I really am trying very hard to be consistent with meds. It's my memory issues that is getting me off track, that's the main reason I started keeping a journal. I really do appreciate your advice so much. I start to doubt myself when I get so anxious and it helps to know that I have your knowledge to give me guidance. You really are wonderful! I will stay at the current dose as you suggest. Thank you again for everything. I don't know how you manage but I do believe you will truly be blessed for all your kindness.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Karma,

 

Thank you so much for your kindness, also. You, too, are a remarkable lady! Everyone that I've talked to here is great. I will be trying even harder to be very consistent. It is just so discouraging to start to feel a little better and slide right back down another slope (as I'm sure you know).

 

I'm so sorry you are dealing with the ringing in the ears, too. Like you, I hope it ends when this is all over with. I was seriously contemplating reinstating a little but I will definitely take the advice given by Alto and you. It seems to take my brain so long to 'catch up' and then I start fearing that I've moved too fast. You are a wonderful person, too! I feel like I know you all even though we haven't met physically. Your support and warm words are a great help. Thanks again, Karma for your time and kindness. Lots of {{{HUGS}}} to you!

 

Love and light to you, too.

 

Tezza

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  • Administrator

Tezza

 

Thanks so much for you kind words - if I can provide any warmth or encouragement to you then that fills me with a since of purpose.

 

I just wanted to say that if you missed your neurontin that could cause you to feel bad again. We think that is what caused me to feel the first real withdrawal symptoms back in the fall. I actually get my husband to remind me to take my meds at certain times ... otherwise I forget sometimes, too.

 

{{{HUGS}}}

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey Tezza~

I just read on someone else's thread that you've been gone b/c you've been in a bad window - I'm sorry to hear that - I had hoped it was b/c you were feeling better

{{{Hugs}}}

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Barb,

 

Thank you for your kindness. I keep hoping that I will soon get past this. I'm just so very lonely and that's what I felt after my brother passed. For three wks while he was here, the phone rang constantly with relatives checking on his condition. Some relatives came to visit him, naturally so. As soon as he passed, no one called or came anymore. When I tried to keep in touch with them afterwards, they were too busy with their lives to talk to me. I live about an hour away from our hometown so I just feel forgotten. It was that loneliness that made me go to the pdoc. I'll regret that forever.

 

Thank you for caring enough to give me encouragement. Thank you so much for those hugs. I hope you are feeling better than you were the last time I heard from you. You are special to me because you've been here so much for me. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

 

{{{HUGS}}}

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Tezza ~

I understand loneliness and I've come to realize that most people in our busy overscheduled society have no comprehension of it aside from in the elderly where there is awareness and support system in place (not suggesting it is perfect or catches everyone)-

 

I've spent the last decade creating something to do everyday which most people can't wrap their minds around as they rush from one commitment to another -

It's alot of work trying to stay occupied without the usual avenues of career and kids/grandkids and those built-in networks -

I can't tolerate daytime TV and finding it hard to concentrate to read or watch movies -

I'm having my usual rough morning so forgive the down message -

Im so sorry that you're having a tough time and your support system has scattered -

I understand that it's not uncommon for people to self-admit to hospital to be with people - NOT an option for me needless to say -

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Barb,

 

I'm sorry for the rough times you go through, too. I try my best to stay busy also. It is hard, like you said, to find things to keep you occupied, especially lacking motivation.

 

Yes, television doesn't help a lot here, either. With so many channels that are available to us now, you'd think there'd be something of interest. I'm not much interested in anything that's on in the evening either.

 

But, again I want to thank you for being the wonderful person that you are. I've said this before, but I think it's worth repeating, this is a great group of people here. I truly hope things get much better for you real soon.

 

I went to the doc with my husband Monday. Guess what he prescribed for pain: Cymbalta! He explained that antidepressants are helpful with pain. He even said he'd been on one for years for pain. I warned my husband, he said if it doesn't help in a wk that he won't take It anymore. I feel like a mother hen trying to warn others of impending danger. But, I feel if I don't and then they have problems later that I didn't do my best. Oh well, enough of me on my soap box.

 

Love,

 

Teresa

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Tezza ~

Im cringing at the use of Cymbalta for your husband's pain - it can actually CAUSE the pain it is supposed to treat and it may not resolve - it is one of the dirtiest drugs with complex metabolism and drug interactions - InNeed has had a horrible time with Cymbalta and it can happen after 1 or a few doses similar to the paradoxical reactions in depressed patients -

 

Now your husband has 2 mother hens ;)

I don't mean to exacerbate your anxiety but sincerely hope your husband will reconsider - I dont know the nature of his pain but as a chronic pain patient myself - I know there are many better choices that will work immediately with less danger -

Ok now I will get off the soapbox *&%$

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Administrator

tezza, elsewhere I think you mentioned you're taking DHEA.

 

How long have you been taking it? How much are you taking? What have you been taking if for, and has it helped?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Alto,

 

I've been taking 50mg DHEA for about a month. I can't tell if it's helping or not. My last taper was January 23rd. I'm still not ready to taper again just yet. I can't help wondering if I tapered too large and too soon, previously. I'm wondering if I was just having a good window because as soon as I'd sleep half decent for a couple of nights I'd taper again. (I like to think all the supplements help. I usually can't tell they've been helping unless I stop taking. That is something I discovered with Fish Oil).

 

After the CT in mid September, I went back on the .5 for four weeks (two wks CT). I had a couple of decent night's sleep and tapered a little off the tablet around the first of Nov. As soon as I made that taper I started having WD again. But like I was saying, maybe those couple of good nights were only a window. That was before I found this forum and didn't know about windows.

 

The next taper was the one in Jan. I'm still at .375, but now on liquid so I'm getting a consistent dosage. I do think I'm getting better because I've had some good windows. The twitches are not as frequent, I'm sleeping better again (for about a week now, still not a normal sleep, but not the terrible insomnia). Currently the most disturbing symptoms are low mood (loneliness), tinnitus and no motivation. I do still have some twitching but it has subsided a lot from what it was.

 

If I stay at .375 long enough, shouldn't my brain eventually catch up? If I didn't know about good windows, I would be tapering again now, since sleep has improved.

 

I'm not sure how much of my low mood can be attributed to the original loneliness I felt after my brother passed. It could also be because of so many people I know that are dying. There's another funeral today. I mentioned in another topic about a friend that had just found out he had cancer in brain. Seems he only lived about a month after it was discovered. Sorry for TMI in reply to your question. (He wasn't a real close friend, I hope no one will think badly of me for not showing my respects).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Barb

 

Thank you your input and concern. Doc gave him 30mg for first wk and 60mg for second wk. I told my husband that it could be difficult for some to come off even after a wk. He still said he'd try for a wk to see if it would help and if not he would stop taking.

 

I don't think he understands because our daughter came off .5 Risperdal (down from 2mg) in Dec. with no problems. She later learned she became pregnant about the same time. She has since came off Soma, Xanax and Lorcet. No problem that I'm aware of. I'm praying it doesn't hit her later on. Her OB/GYN gave her Buspiron. She has been tapering Lamictal and is down from 200mg per day to 50mg per day. She takes 25mg twice daily, was 100mg twice daily.

 

I have anxiety from all directions. My 34 yr old son takes Paxil when he feels he needs It. He took it once for two months,left off CT and had flu like WDs. I've tried to warn him also. My family probably thinks I'm just nuts or paranoid. If they only knew...

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Tezza,

I'm so sorry to add to your anxiety. I can see how he would feel ok with a trial given that he's seen others DC without distress. I have a young friend who takes Prozac just for a short time each month for PMDD. I'm not sure how that's supposed to work, but she claims it does.

 

So glad your daughter was able to get off of those drugs without problems.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Barb

 

I don't think he understands because our daughter came off .5 Risperdal (down from 2mg) in Dec. with no problems. She later learned she became pregnant about the same time. She has since came off Soma, Xanax and Lorcet. No problem that I'm aware of. I'm praying it doesn't hit her later on. Her OB/GYN gave her Buspiron. She has been tapering Lamictal and is down from 200mg per day to 50mg per day. She takes 25mg twice daily, was 100mg twice daily.

 

Hi Teresa, I think age is a variable.. not meaning to say younger folks don't get hooked~! Yikes.. but when I look at the age of people on forums such as this, the 50+ crowd is over represented. And when I first came off Lyrica 3 years ago, I staggered caps and got off.. no apparent ill effects (I'm wondering if there was kindling however). This time around, not so much. I need to do the 10% taper. Also, when in my 20s I used to go on and off valium to sleep, now.. no way. Even as much as 10 years ago, I reduced from 2 mgs to .5 mgs of clonazepam in about 6 weeks, rebound insomnia and not understanding how fortunate I was kept me from trying to go off the last .5 mgs. Some 10 years later it was a whole different ball game.

 

Gosh.. it's hard to look at the above. Lotta crap, lotta years. I ended up on stuff because of fibro that it would have been far better to avoid.

 

Schuyler

 

PS.. Teresa, I was screwing up my dosing with Lyrica, which is structurally similar to neurontin. All !@# was breaking loose. On Tuesday last, I accidentally took an extra dose, and by yesterday morning, the tinnitus was so bad it seemed like a fire alarm was going off inside my head. The last couple of days of taking the med at the same time and correct dose have brought on a dramatic improvement as of today. I know you are having trouble remembering.. but for own sake, please give it a real effort. You will be rewarded!

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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"Lotta crap -lotta years"

Yup

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you Barb and Schuyler,

 

I totally agree with you about age being a real factor in WD. I came off citalopram just last year w no problems. But I'm sure I probably couldn't do that now after getting WDs started. It does seem to me that most people that have issues with DC are about the same age, with a few exceptions.

 

I do have trouble with memory and meds and supplements (of course not limited to). The journal helps with that as well as to let me know when or if I'm ready to taper. I've learned that I have to go much slower than I had been doing.

 

I always thought that once I started sleeping past 4ish that I was ready to taper. Hopefully, I'm at least getting closer to a taper because I'm sleeping some better these past few days.

 

Barb,

 

I talked to hubby on his lunch break and told him some of what In need had experienced. At first he said he would try for 14 days. Then after talking some more he said if It doesn't help after he takes the 30mg for a wk that he wasn't taking more. I told him that I hope it doesn't cause him problems with just that short time as it has others. I've warned him.

 

I thank God my daughter hasn't had any problems. She is 30 yrs old, so hopefully her age was beneficial.

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  • Administrator

I've been taking 50mg DHEA for about a month. I can't tell if it's helping or not.

Why are you taking DHEA, and why 50mg? That's quite a large dosage. Have you seen any side effects, such as facial hair?

 

The next taper was the one in Jan. I'm still at .375, but now on liquid so I'm getting a consistent dosage. I do think I'm getting better because I've had some good windows. The twitches are not as frequent, I'm sleeping better again (for about a week now, still not a normal sleep, but not the terrible insomnia). Currently the most disturbing symptoms are low mood (loneliness), tinnitus and no motivation. I do still have some twitching but it has subsided a lot from what it was.

 

If I stay at .375 long enough, shouldn't my brain eventually catch up? If I didn't know about good windows, I would be tapering again now, since sleep has improved.

Given all you've been through, it might take this long to stabilize on .375mg. Since you're improving, I'd stay there a bit longer and see if windows get even better. Then think of very, very carefully sneaking off .375mg so as not to rock the boat.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Alto,

 

I didn't know that was a large dosage of DHEA. It was just the one I happened to order. I had read that it could help with WDs so I figured I'd try it. I have seen facial hair but thought the Risperdal was doing it. Thank you for informing me. I will leave it off and see if I even miss it. Somehow I doubt I will. I did notice symptoms of WD more when I left off fish oil.

 

Thank you for advising me to stay at my current dosage of Risperdal. I do want to become more stable before I taper again. When I do feel that I can, I intend to do just as you said and try to sneak it away from my brain. Hopefully, that way I won't have a lot of discomfort. I am hoping for the best when I finally get past this last taper. As anxious as I am to be rid of it, I know it's going to take me longer than it does some others. I'd rather take longer than take risks.

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  • Administrator

Yes, the facial hair is a sign of too much DHEA.

 

Please taper off DHEA, too. It converts into testosterone and estrogen. Cut the tablet into quarters and reduce by a quarter of a tablet a week.

 

It's been a while since I looked into DHEA, but I believe the best advice I found was that any more than 5mg for women was too much. It interferes too much with normal hormones.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Administrator

Hey Tezza,

 

I just wanted to drop in and give you hugs Posted Image.

 

I agree with Alto that you need to stay the course a little longer. There is nothing wrong with going slowly, minimizing harm and ultimately arriving at the destination. Don't make any other changes while you are tapering off of DHEA and give yourself some time, a week or two, after completely the DHEA wean before you consider continuing your Risperdal taper.

 

Love and light,

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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Hi Karma,

 

I will definitely wait longer before I taper again. Thank you for advising and especially for the hugs and encouragement. I think I'm finally getting to the point of feeling stable at the current dose of Risperdal.

 

It seemed to take longer this time but my last taper was made in pill form. Hopefully, I will be able to sneak it away with the liquid more gradually and less symptomatic.

 

Today is the second consecutive day with no ringing! Thank God! I'm sleeping better and my appetite is better, too. I'm truly praying it's not just a wave or window. Thanks again, for your support.

 

Love and light,

 

Teresa

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Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic. It is known to cause movement disorders (twitches), so it's no surprise you're having this adverse reaction as your nervous system has been sensitized.

 

You're doing the right thing, going down gradually. Very happy to hear the depression is abating. It could well have been from the interaction of Risperdal with any number of your other drugs.

 

I hope you are no longer seeing that pdoc! In my opinion, he was irresponsible to put you on that drug cocktail with all your other CNS depressants.

 

That what really gets me! My GP (who is a second year resident) checks the PDR when he prescribes new medication for me. Why can't the psych?

History:

1995--Prozac--Quit CT by GP

1995--Effexor--Quit per my GP

1996--Amitriphene--Quit CT when changed GP

2005--Citalopram and BusPar. Prescribed when I decompensated in my GP's office. GP referred me to behavior health. Psychiatrist prescibed these drugs. Taken off citalopram in 2011 due to FDA warning. Quit Buspar during transition to viibryd.

Viibryd--2011 to present. Had a severe reaction in March 2012. Advised both GP and Psychiatrist I was trying to get off these drugs.

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My pdoc prescribed the same meds to at least two other pts besides me. He never saw anyone for more than five minutes and I believe he made the same diagnoses for them also. I was very angry w him at the beginning of WD. Then, after I voiced that to my husband a few times, he said, "There's no reason to be mad at the doctor". That's when I became angry at myself.

 

I think I started having more severe depression then, as well. 'Whatever' explains that depression is anger turned inward and I believe she's right about that.

 

I said in my first post (intro) that I'd try to make myself post more later. Actually, I will try to let you guys know more about me and my story.

 

When I was 10 yrs old, my mother had a nervous breakdown because my brother was drafted into Army. He had orders to go to Vietnam, on the frontline. His best friend had just came back home-in a body bag. My mother ended up at the state hospital in Milledgeville. (After a week or two at the local hospital. I suspect now, she was given some strong meds there.She got better but very sick later.)

 

She was put on strong meds again in State Hospital, as well as shock treatments. After a few months she got better. Afterwards, time and time again she'd get 'sick'. Then we'd learn she'd left off her meds. Back to hospital -more meds and ESTs. She started hating doctors. Duh! This was the 60's so we accepted that she was sick and had to be drugged forever.

 

My poor mother wanted so badly to get off that poison and now I understand. :-( Sometimes I feel so bad about the fact that she was forced meds. We thought she really needed them.

 

Well, life was hell for me from the time I was 10, or so I thought. So I quit school and three months after my 16th BD, I married and moved 100 miles from home. BIG mistake! I'd known this guy only five months. As soon as we'd been married a few hrs, the mental abuse started. (This is the same man I'm still with.)

 

I'll tell you guys more later, it's a long story. I don't want to bore you guys but I feel a need to, at least, get some of it out.

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Oh, Tezza... that must have been so hard to write.

I have to wrap my head around all that...

{{{HUGS}}}

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Barb,

Thank you for reading and for your hugs. Hugs to you, too.

 

I need to back up a bit and explain more.

 

My mother worried and prayed a lot while my brother was in Basic Training. He got a pass home before he was supposed to leave for Vietnam. I was just a child and had no worry at the time. My mother said as the plane (in Atlanta) lifted off the ground, she lifted her hands and said, " He's in you're hands now, God". As soon as she said that, she heard God say "He won't go to Vietnam". She told my daddy and me this when we were back in the car going home.

 

We stopped at an aunt's house on our way home and she told all there about her experience. When I was in my twenties, she told me that she started to doubt was what caused her to have the nervous breakdown. She began to doubt she'd heard the voice of God." (All of this before going to the local hospital under care care of GP).

 

By the time we got a call from my brother, she was out of it. He had to change planes in Cal. before going overseas. While he was waiting for the other plane, he was given new orders! He would be stationed in Salinas, California for the next two yrs. Wow, I didn't realize how miraculous that was until yrs later, when I was much older. The news got no reaction from my mother, at all.

 

I sorta realized something was not right but didn't realize fully what was happening. Then one day I was home alone w her and I realized something was bad wrong. She started asking me if God would be pleased with her if she hung the shirt she had on a hanger in a certain closet. I still have no idea who the shirt belonged to. It could've been my dad's or either of my brother's. I was stunned and told her yes. Then she asked if Kirby would be pleased w that. Again, I said yes.

 

I was terrified at this point. I'm sure she said a lot more but I don't remember all. I started trembling so badly and when she saw that, asked if I was cold. I wasn't, it was a warm, August day in GA. I nodded that I was cold. She went to a bag of clothes that had been stored away for yrs and brought a sweater that was size 6x. I was ten yrs old but I let her put it on me. The sleeves came up to my elbows and were extremely snug but I wore it. It was white with a border at the edges of a red stripe and a navy blue stripe.

 

I'm getting anxiety and shaking, I'll try to say more later. I need to busy myself for a while. Thanx to anyone that reads.

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Tezza,

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. That's an incredible experience for any person and especially a 10 year old child. It's understandable that it triggers intense anxiety for you. Does withdrawal seem to be bringing back these memories in a new or clearer way? My entire life is being dredged up for my review (not just the time on meds) and it feels strongly that I'm supposed to be seeing what I am now.

Your mother sounds like a very special and 'connected' woman. I've come to believe that the mind and life go much farther than what I used to consider.

I look forward to learning more whenever you are ready.

 

{{{HUGS}}}

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Barb,

Thank you so much for your reading, interest and warm encouragement. The WD does seem to bring back to memory so many things like this. Prior to the age of 10, I was a very happy and secure child. I will share more when I get this anxiety under control. I really feel a need to get at least the highpoints out. It really introduces my situation if I open up. Thanx again for reading.

 

{{{HUGS}}}

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I turned 11 in Oct while my mother was still hospitalized. The state hospital was ugly (when we were finally allowed to visit). It was drab, old and dirty. For the next five yrs of my life, I lived in dread of the words, "We gotta take Mama to the hospital again". I hated it so bad!

 

So as soon as I turned 16, I took what I thought was the easy way out. I quit school, an A student, in 11th grade. Then, of course, I married a 17 yr old dropout. But he worked every day, I can say that for him.

 

He didn't waste any time before the mental abuse started. He stayed mad at me all the time. We'd moved to his hometown, I knew no one other than the few relatives I'd met. I did really good to keep my sanity during the yr we lived there. His grandmother became my only friend. Thank God for her.

 

One year later he was transferred further south. Again, I knew no one except my Chihuahua. I'd had her since I was very small. She died about three wks after we moved there. I became somewhat depressed then. But it was different from the adolescent yrs when I stayed in my room writing a whole book of sad poems. Because, now I had the horrible mental abuse, which was becoming more verbal.

 

Love, Teresa

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