Kristine: not alone

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, Kristine said:

On December 6, 2017 at 6:53 PM, Kristine said:

 I can say the past week has been much better but insomnia, headaches, muscular body ache/pain, heightened senses, anxiety, depression, and irritability are daily companions   Prior to this (especially after I dropped 5mg of Dex on the 21st October 2017) my w/d symptoms were truly horrific.  The following is from an entry in my diary on the 4th November 2017 

List of ongoing daily withdrawal issues/symptoms

• Constant headache ranging from dull ache to migraine
• vertigo and dizziness, also happens when I'm in bed and move my head
• uncoordinated and clumsy - frequently bumping into doorways and dropping items (legs turned to jelly and I fell once
• uncontrolable body tremors. Unable to coordinate walking at times.
• feel like I walk in slow motion 
• unable to drive 
• difficulty concentrating - unable to formulate simple sentences without extreme mental effort, difficultly following simple written or verbal instructions. Memory issues.
• lack of appetite (I have lost 15kg over 10months) I had weight to loose due to seroquel weight gain.
• insomnia 
• fatigue 
• extreme muscular aches and pains. Increased sensitivity to pain.
• buzzing/jolting/flickering sensation in my brain and behind my eyes
• All senses heightened. Very sensitive to light, some smells make me feel nauseated (similar to morning sickness). Some sounds eg.ticking clock are unbearable
• relentless anxiety - pacing, restless, rocking, clenched jaw
• Hours of severe depression. Feeling that my family would be happier without me.  Ruminating negative thoughts.
• unable to regulate body temperature. Hot / Cold / excessive sweating/ shivers
• wierd fuzzy feeling under my skin

I'm so sorry to see your long list of symptoms.

 

I hope at least some of them subside soon.

 

I started thyroid medication last week. Broke my heart because I wanted off all medicine. 

 

Get my glasses in a week or so, then hopefully no headaches and I can talk to you more.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

On 19/12/2017 at 8:59 AM, Kristine said:

Last night I was restless, irritable and I snapped at my husband. As the night went on my muscles went into uncontrollable spasm. I felt contorted. This all lasted for about 1/2 hour. I was soaked in perspiration. My husband wanted to call the ambulance but I refused.  Today I can barely move from muscular pain and exhaustion.  Headache is bad. I am concerned that this is related to a major drug interaction between Fluoxetine and dexamphetamine.  These medications should never have been prescribed together.  I think it is nessessary to decrease the dexampetamine much more rapidly than 10%.  I guess my concern is serotonin syndrome. Today's morning dose, I took 2.5mg (half the usual). Not sure what to do with the afternoon dose. K.

 

The above post and previous quoted post are still major concerns of mine.  Currently trying to collect my thoughts about seratonin syndrome/toxicity...my muscular spasms/contortions/rigidity/sweats/tremors etc. are daily occurrences.  Nausea is almost every day...vomiting is not uncommon.  

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Kristine said:

The above post and previous quoted post are still major concerns of mine.  Currently trying to collect my thoughts about seratonin syndrome/toxicity...my muscular spasms/sweats/tremors etc. are daily occurrences.  Nausea is almost every day...vomiting is not uncommon.  

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this, bless your heart.

 

I hope you find some sort of relief soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

On 01/01/2018 at 10:47 AM, Kristine said:

Anyway, the other issue is my muscles seize up and I become momentarily contorted. This has been happening for about a month.

The above statement is ongoing and has been getting progressively worse in severity and duration.

[Frogie]

Just now, Kristine said:

The above statement is ongoing and has been getting progressively worse in severity and duration.

Again Kristine I'm so sorry you are going through all of this.

 

I don't know if you are religious, but you will be in my prayers.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

Thank you dear Frogie,  I'm going to have to make some tough decisions about this.  I'm sorry about your thyroid...I'll drop by your thread soon. K

[Kristine]

Here goes....after careful consideration and conversations with my husband I have made a 50% cut in my fluoxetine.  I have had to weigh up the risks of possible ongoing long term serotonin toxicity and this decision has not been made lightly.  Yes, I will have to suffer the consequences of w/d but I have suffered w/d for over two years now from 14 different psychotropic medications...this will be number 15.  I have made an appointment with my GP for next week...not that she will be able to do much. K 

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, Kristine said:

Thank you dear Frogie,  I'm going to have to make some tough decisions about this.  I'm sorry about your thyroid...I'll drop by your thread soon. K

Can you go off the dexamphatamine and feel better? You said you took a smaller dose. Then you would just have the clonazepam and fluoxetine to taper? I'm not a mod or a dr, so I don't know these things.

 

Don't worry about me, you take care of yourself.

 

Frogie xx

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, Kristine said:

Here goes....after careful consideration and conversations with my husband I have made a 50% cut in my fluoxetine.  I have had to weigh up the risks of possible long term serotonin toxicity and this decision has not been made lightly.  Yes, I will have to suffer the consequences of w/d but I have suffered w/d for over two years now from 14 different psychotropic medications...this will be number 15.  I have made an appointment with my GP for next week...not that she will be able to do much. K 

K~

 

I'm not a mod or a dr, like I said, but I made a 50% cut in my Lexapro, and it was literally a nightmare.

 

Please be careful.

 

I'm thinking of you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

1 minute ago, Frogie said:

I'm not a mod or a dr, like I said, but I made a 50% cut in my Lexapro, and it was literally a nightmare

I know Frogie...I've been there many times unfortunatly.  Serotonin syndrome is potentially life threatening so I am willing to take the risk. K

[Frogie]

1 minute ago, Kristine said:

I know Frogie...I've been there many times unfortunatly.  Serotonin syndrome is potentially life threatening so I am willing to take the risk. K

Talk to a mod and they will know exactly what to do. I know you can't go through seritonin syndrome.

 

Please take care of yourself.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

Major

fluoxetine  dextroamphetamine

Applies to: fluoxetine, dextroamphetamine

Talk to your doctor before using FLUoxetine together with dextroamphetamine. FLUoxetine may increase the effects of dextroamphetamine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

[Frogie]

Just now, Kristine said:

Major

fluoxetine  dextroamphetamine

Applies to: fluoxetine, dextroamphetamine

Talk to your doctor before using FLUoxetine together with dextroamphetamine. FLUoxetine may increase the effects of dextroamphetamine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Oh my! You better talk to your dr. I'm glad you have an appt.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[samanthaelizabeth]

Hi Everyone,  I don't understand how do you get your doctors to go along with your plan to go off of your meds?  Are they giving you your regular dose and you are tapering on your own?  Sorry just trying to be prepard.  Thanks!!

[Kristine]

Please note I am not having a panic response.  This has been an ongoing problem and I have informed myself the best I can.  I believe many symptoms where masked earlier on...particularly by the high dose of seroquel and clonazepam. K

[Frogie]

2 minutes ago, samanthaelizabeth said:

Hi Everyone,  I don't understand how do you get your doctors to go along with your plan to go off of your meds?  Are they giving you your regular dose and you are tapering on your own?  Sorry just trying to be prepard.  Thanks!!

I'm lucky and my dr is letting me taper the way I want. He writes the prescription for me. But I had a really long talk with him. Why I wanted to taper this way.

[Frogie]

3 minutes ago, Kristine said:

Please note I am not having a panic response.  This has been an ongoing problem and I have informed myself the best I can.  I believe many symptoms where masked earlier on...particularly by the high dose of seroquel and clonazepam. K

You are in my thoughts.

 

Keep me posted.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[Downbutnotout]

59 minutes ago, Kristine said:

The above statement is ongoing and has been getting progressively worse in severity and duration.

I am so sorry your going through this physical pain and anguish. 

[Kristine]

6 minutes ago, Downbutnotout said:

am so sorry your going through this physical pain and anguish.

Thank you for your thoughts D.  Hugs K xo

[Kristine]

25 minutes ago, Frogie said:

You are in my thoughts.

 

Keep me posted.

Thank you Frogie, will do. Hugs. K xo

[FarmGirlWorks]

1 hour ago, Kristine said:

The above statement is ongoing and has been getting progressively worse in severity and duration.

Wow, Kristine: that is major. So sorry you are going thru this and have to make a decision like that. You are in my thoughts.

[Frogie]

11 minutes ago, Kristine said:

Thank you Frogie, will do. Hugs. K xo

Hugs

 

Frogie xx

[Kristine]

2 minutes ago, FarmGirlWorks said:

Wow, Kristine: that is major. So sorry you are going thru this and have to make a decision like that. You are in my thoughts.

Thank you for you support FGW,  means a lot to me. Hugs. K xo

[RealMe]

1 hour ago, Kristine said:

Here goes....after careful consideration and conversations with my husband I have made a 50% cut in my fluoxetine.  I have had to weigh up the risks of possible ongoing long term serotonin toxicity and this decision has not been made lightly.  Yes, I will have to suffer the consequences of w/d but I have suffered w/d for over two years now from 14 different psychotropic medications...this will be number 15.  I have made an appointment with my GP for next week...not that she will be able to do much. K 

Praying for you, Kristine.  Why such a big taper?  Did you consider trying a smaller cut to see what happens?  I don't mean to act like I know anything, but I thought slow tapers were recommended to minimize wd effects. No?

[Kristine]

7 minutes ago, RealMe said:

Praying for you, Kristine.  Why such a big taper?  Did you consider trying a smaller cut to see what happens?  I don't mean to act like I know anything, but I thought slow tapers were recommended to minimize wd effects. No?

Thank you RM,  I've been weighing up my choices. This is not a knee jerk reaction.  My symptoms point to serotonin toxicity.  These symptoms are getting progressively worse.  If anyone were to see me, I look like I have Parkinson's. I'm not exaggerating. If it continues to get worse and I start to spike temperatures, the only option will be hospital.  The treatment will be high doses of IV diazepam or lorazepam and possibly a drug IV called Cyproheptadine that blocks serotonin production.  I am doing what I can to avoid this.  Love to you RM. K xo

[JustCallMeJane]

1 hour ago, Kristine said:

Here goes....after careful consideration and conversations with my husband I have made a 50% cut in my fluoxetine.  I have had to weigh up the risks of possible ongoing long term serotonin toxicity and this decision has not been made lightly.  Yes, I will have to suffer the consequences of w/d but I have suffered w/d for over two years now from 14 different psychotropic medications...this will be number 15.  I have made an appointment with my GP for next week...not that she will be able to do much. K 

 

Hi hun, sorry you are going through such hell. You and you alone can make this decision. It's your body and you are the only one that will have to deal with whatever consequences you may end up having. All we can do is hope and pray for your recovery and be here for you when you need support. Hugs 

[Kristine]

6 minutes ago, JustCallMeJane said:

Hi hun, sorry you are going through such hell. You and you alone can make this decision. It's your body and you are the only one that will have to deal with whatever consequences you may end up having. All we can do is hope and pray for your recovery and be here for you when you need support. Hugs 

Thank you for your support Lovely,  I'm trying to be as logical as possible.  It feels like the right decision. I know this isn't going to be easy...no matter what decision I make.  Hugs to you. K xo

[GentleSteps]

1 hour ago, Kristine said:

I know this isn't going to be easy...no matter what decision I make.

Dear Kristine ~ with great respect for your decision, which no sentient being should ever be placed in a position even to consider, sending you hugs and support.  GS

[Kristine]

5 minutes ago, GentleSteps said:

Dear Kristine ~ with great respect for your decision, which no sentient being should ever be placed in a position even to consider, sending you hugs and support.  GS

Thank you GS,  your support and hugs are greatly needed. K xo

[GentleSteps]

1 minute ago, Kristine said:

Thank you GS,  your support and hugs are greatly needed. K xo

You have them and I'll be thinking of you lots in the coming days.  

[RealMe]

1 hour ago, Kristine said:

Thank you RM,  I've been weighing up my choices. This is not a knee jerk reaction.  My symptoms point to serotonin toxicity.  These symptoms are getting progressively worse.  If anyone were to see me, I look like I have Parkinson's. I'm not exaggerating. If it continues to get worse and I start to spike temperatures, the only option will be hospital.  The treatment will be high doses of IV diazepam or lorazepam and possibly a drug IV called Cyproheptadine that blocks serotonin production.  I am doing what I can to avoid this.  Love to you RM. K xo

I am definitely on your team and hoping for your total healing, dear Kristine.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Rosetta]

Hi, Kristine,

 

 I'm concerned about your symptoms, too.  I hope that you find relief quickly from this course of action.  Will be thinking of you!

 

Rosetta

[Kristine]

1 hour ago, Rosetta said:

I'm concerned about your symptoms, too.  I hope that you find relief quickly from this course of action.  Will be thinking of you!

Thank you for your thoughts Rosetta, very much appreciated. Hugs. K xo

[JS11]

K. 

 

Just read of your dilemma my friend.  I'm am sorry you are having to deal with so much pain.  I send all good thoughts and support your way.  

 

Rob is leaving Friday?  Is your son or someone else going to be able to be with you too make sure you are okay?  I hope so.  Not the time for you to be alone.  

 

Wish there was something I could say besides how F*d this all is.  

Hoping for the best possible outcome my friend.

Much love your way,

JS

[Kristine]

6 minutes ago, JS11 said:

Just read of your dilemma my friend.  I'm am sorry you are having to deal with so much pain.  I send all good thoughts and support your way.  

 

Rob is leaving Friday?  Is your son or someone else going to be able to be with you too make sure you are okay?  I hope so.  Not the time for you to be alone.  

 

Wish there was something I could say besides how F*d this all is.  

Hoping for the best possible outcome my friend.

Much love your way,

JS

Thank you for your support JS, it means the world to me.  My son will be home and I can call on my sister in law who lives just around the corner.  Thankfully this temporary residence has a beautiful deli almost next door!  they have an amazing selection of freshly made salads ..my son is making the short walk everyday so his mother gets adequate nutritional intake. Nausea is bad along with vomiting (no I'm not pregnant!) ..lemonade icy poles are helping. Love to you. K xo

[Kristine]

...And the "professional" interaction data....I feel I have made the correct decision dropping the fluoxetine. I have put the symptoms I suffer from in bold. K 

Major

fluoxetine  dextroamphetamine

Applies to: fluoxetine, dextroamphetamine

GENERALLY AVOID: Several case reports suggest that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may potentiate the pharmacologic response to sympathomimetic agents. The exact mechanism of interaction is unclear. In one case report, a patient experienced jitteriness, racing thoughts, stomach cramps, dry eyes, palpitations, tremors, and restlessness following a single dose of phentermine ingested approximately a week after she had discontinued fluoxetine. Because of the long half-life of fluoxetine and its metabolite, an interaction with fluoxetine is possible. Similar toxic reactions have been reported when fluoxetine was used concomitantly with amphetamine or phenylpropanolamine. Additionally, some sympathomimetic agents such as amphetamines may possess serotonergic activity and should generally not be administered with serotonin reuptake inhibitors because of the additive risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. The interaction was suspected in a patient treated with dexamphetamine who developed symptoms consistent with the serotonin syndrome approximately 2 weeks after the addition of venlafaxine. The medications were discontinued and the patient was given cyproheptadine for suspected serotonin syndrome, whereupon symptoms promptly resolved. A second episode occurred when dexamphetamine was subsequently resumed and citalopram added. The patient improved following cessation of citalopram on his own, and residual symptoms were successfully treated with cyproheptadine.

MANAGEMENT: In general, amphetamines and other sympathomimetic appetite suppressants should not be combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Close monitoring for enhanced sympathomimetic effects and possible serotonin syndrome is recommended if these agents must be used together. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.