David182: hello all

[David182]

Hey Dave, been making some good progress. Doing squats with just my body weight now and then. Seem to be handling physical exertion better. Hung out with friends yesterday, nice to feel good enough to go out on the weekends.

 

I’m not 100% but making progress for sure. Getting the ok from the neurologist has really helped by leaps and bounds in decreasing anxiety. 

 

I have been thinking about what to do for the future. I’m planning on staying at 50mg for a while to let my nervous system completely heal. Hopefully my PCP and I can get on the same page for the 10% reduction process.

 

i wish it wouldn’t take so long to get off of this stuff but I’m sure many others have and are saying the same. With the exception of everything that’s happened in the past year, Zoloft seems to work with me pretty well. There’s a bit of an emotional disconnect for sure but it doesn’t alter my personality like Effexor did (zombie-like).

 

The one thing I do miss is I can’t get that endorphin high like I used to with exercise. I can get it but not as much. It’s like Zoloft decreases the negative but takes a bit off of the top of good feelings too.

 

Plus the idea of not being physically dependent on a prescription drug is very appealing. 

 

How are you doing, Dave?

[DaveB]

17 hours ago, David182 said:

Hey Dave, been making some good progress. Doing squats with just my body weight now and then. Seem to be handling physical exertion better. Hung out with friends yesterday, nice to feel good enough to go out on the weekends.

 

I’m not 100% but making progress for sure. Getting the ok from the neurologist has really helped by leaps and bounds in decreasing anxiety. 

 

I have been thinking about what to do for the future. I’m planning on staying at 50mg for a while to let my nervous system completely heal. Hopefully my PCP and I can get on the same page for the 10% reduction process.

 

i wish it wouldn’t take so long to get off of this stuff but I’m sure many others have and are saying the same. With the exception of everything that’s happened in the past year, Zoloft seems to work with me pretty well. There’s a bit of an emotional disconnect for sure but it doesn’t alter my personality like Effexor did (zombie-like).

 

The one thing I do miss is I can’t get that endorphin high like I used to with exercise. I can get it but not as much. It’s like Zoloft decreases the negative but takes a bit off of the top of good feelings too.

 

Plus the idea of not being physically dependent on a prescription drug is very appealing. 

 

How are you doing, Dave?

 

I would say I am doing much like you...making progress! Certainly not 100% or even all that close, but so much better than I have been at times. I would say 50-60% feels about right. Always feeling some level of anxiety, but it hasn't reached a truly unbearable point for a few weeks now. I agree, it feels as I am starting to stabilize I feel a little more flat. Like my highs are not as high, but for sure neither are the lows. Small price to pay to be honest, hoping this is the start of lasting recovery for us both! As far as my taper, I would REALLY like to get off the Zyprexa and may taper that fairly soon (in a couple of months) but I am in no hurry to start a taper now that I know what playing with the doses of these drugs can do. 

[David182]

Yes!! I’m am so excited and encouraged to read of your progress 😃

That is excellent! 

 

I think you you have a good plan with the Zeprexa. It’s such a relief to get to a breather and think “ok, this is do-able, not the best but getting there. Do-able” 

 

I’ve been dealing with brain fog the past few days. Can be frustrating at times but I’m certainly better about going with the flow than I was a year ago. This too shall pass and it’s not nearly as bad as it has been before or compared to other side effects I’ve endured.

 

Onward and upward my friend!

[David182]

Started walking easily on the treadmill for 30 min this week. Seems to help with mood. Have had a some irritability, slight anxiety and depression issues the past few days. I’m not sure what the deal is there. I remember aeroman chronicaling that he suffered physical symptoms for about 4-6 months and then the mental/emotional (anxiety, depression) symptoms started in. 

 

Granted my grandmother passed away this week. I’m trying to help and be there for my parents and I think I’m doing well with that. I loved her and she will be missed but am happy for her (I can only imagine the awesomeness of Heaven). I do feel for my parents and there’s work to be done but we are getting there. 

 

I’ve been dealing with brain fog for the past couple of weeks. I’m not sure how much her passing is affecting me or how much this is a hormone / stabilizing thing.

 

Physically I’m doing better. I was able to carry some furniture (grandma’s house);  helped pitch the couch and move other things.

[DaveB]

17 hours ago, David182 said:

Started walking easily on the treadmill for 30 min this week. Seems to help with mood. Have had a some irritability, slight anxiety and depression issues the past few days. I’m not sure what the deal is there. I remember aeroman chronicaling that he suffered physical symptoms for about 4-6 months and then the mental/emotional (anxiety, depression) symptoms started in. 

 

Granted my grandmother passed away this week. I’m trying to help and be there for my parents and I think I’m doing well with that. I loved her and she will be missed but am happy for her (I can only imagine the awesomeness of Heaven). I do feel for my parents and there’s work to be done but we are getting there. 

 

I’ve been dealing with brain fog for the past couple of weeks. I’m not sure how much her passing is affecting me or how much this is a hormone / stabilizing thing.

 

Physically I’m doing better. I was able to carry some furniture (grandma’s house);  helped pitch the couch and move other things.

 

Sounds like improvement, however slow. Good you are just experiencing slight emotional symptoms, I am sure they will ease up soon. 

[DaveB]

How are you David? It has been a while, hope that is a good sign?

[David182]

Hi Dave, I’m sorry I haven’t checked back sooner. It’s been a busy week.

 

Been dealing with dizziness and feeling out of it today. Felt dizzy yesterday too. Was sick with a cold last week. Took 50mg Zinc for four days (Called my PCP and she doesn’t think that dose for that duration would cause any adverse side effects. Neither does Mom who is a nurse). 

 

Almost feels like I’m about to have a brain zap but never do. Mom said my aunt felt like that too last week when she was exhausted and sick (although I think she actually had brain zaps). 

 

I’ll have episodes of intense dizziness and nausea but then it subsides (only a few moments at a time). Dramamine kind of helps for the consistent dizziness. Might be anxiety, might be fluid in the middle ears. My PCP recommend essential oils and warm showers/steam). 

 

If it last longer than a week, I am to call her back. She was so nice and helpful. I’m so grateful for her. Not every or even many doctors would help their patient without a office visit.

 

I noticed my hands and feet feel tingly with pressure (carrying heavy objects).

I haven’t felt that in a awhile.

 

Visited my girlfriend this weekend (long distance relationship). Might be having some anxiety related to that since I had to leave and we still aren’t any closer to figuring out how to make our relationship work. We had a fun weekend despite my being under the weather.

 

I feel kind of depersonalized and more prone to anxiety than I have in a while. Idk, I was doing really well for a while (since day after neurologist appointment) until yesterday. 

 

How have ave you been Dave?

[David182]

I just thought if something. Missed four days of tart cherry juice and magnesium (taken at night) since I was away from home. Maybe the lack of magnesium is contributing to anxiety? hmm...

[ChessieCat]

7 minutes ago, David182 said:

Maybe the lack of magnesium is contributing to anxiety?

 

Quite possibly.  During my taper I have had several times when I have missed several days of magnesium (anxiety worsened) and then restarted it and my anxiety lessened.

[David182]

Thank you, ChessieCat.

I’m hopeful this will soon pass.

 

Even watching a tv show (mind distracted) I just had an episode of dread/anxiety. Physical symptoms: occasional but intense dizziness & nausea , light muscle cramps (calfs, toes) tingling with applied pressure (arms, legs).

[David182]

I also started walking for a half hour each night about a week or two ago. Walked on the treadmill for about 4-5 consecutive evenings and then didn’t walk for 4 days.

 

Maybe my CNS is just that sensitive right now that it can tell and result in big difference.

[DaveB]

14 hours ago, David182 said:

Hi Dave, I’m sorry I haven’t checked back sooner. It’s been a busy week.

 

Been dealing with dizziness and feeling out of it today. Felt dizzy yesterday too. Was sick with a cold last week. Took 50mg Zinc for four days (Called my PCP and she doesn’t think that dose for that duration would cause any adverse side effects. Neither does Mom who is a nurse). 

 

Almost feels like I’m about to have a brain zap but never do. Mom said my aunt felt like that too last week when she was exhausted and sick (although I think she actually had brain zaps). 

 

I’ll have episodes of intense dizziness and nausea but then it subsides (only a few moments at a time). Dramamine kind of helps for the consistent dizziness. Might be anxiety, might be fluid in the middle ears. My PCP recommend essential oils and warm showers/steam). 

 

If it last longer than a week, I am to call her back. She was so nice and helpful. I’m so grateful for her. Not every or even many doctors would help their patient without a office visit.

 

I noticed my hands and feet feel tingly with pressure (carrying heavy objects).

I haven’t felt that in a awhile.

 

Visited my girlfriend this weekend (long distance relationship). Might be having some anxiety related to that since I had to leave and we still aren’t any closer to figuring out how to make our relationship work. We had a fun weekend despite my being under the weather.

 

I feel kind of depersonalized and more prone to anxiety than I have in a while. Idk, I was doing really well for a while (since day after neurologist appointment) until yesterday. 

 

How have ave you been Dave?

 

Could be the magnesium, or maybe just a wave. Good to hear you had a decent stretch of doing much better. I am doing ok, some parts of everyday are really good, pretty much normal, then I kind of get slammed by a wave of anxiety. Not sure what is causing this up and down every few hours, but at least it isn't constant all day. 

[David182]

Man, that anxiety is awful I haven’t had it in  a while (here and there but not to this degree) but am relieved and glad your making progress. You are definitely healing, your getting there : )

 

Has everything else been pretty consistent? Supplements, exercise, diet, etc?? 

[DaveB]

23 minutes ago, David182 said:

Man, that anxiety is awful I haven’t had it in  a while (here and there but not to this degree) but am relieved and glad your making progress. You are definitely healing, your getting there : )

 

Has everything else been pretty consistent? Supplements, exercise, diet, etc?? 

 

It really is the worst, I feel I could handle anything if the anxiety would just give me a break! I have kept everything very consistent so it is weird it comes in spurts throughout the day. At some point I would think my body would get burned out of putting up false anxiety alarms all the time, but more than a year into this, it doesn't seem to be the case. 

[David182]

I’m praying for you.

I can’t help but believe you’re close. Of what I’ve read of other people’s experiences and the pattern that is developing for you,  I truly believe peace is coming soon, of course it feels like it’s not soon enough but it’s coming soon. 

[David182]

Dealing with depersonalization lately. Feels weird. I just don’t quite feel like myself. Anxiety isn’t unbearable but feels like it’s right at the edge. Dizziness and nausea are intermittent. Feeling hot even though it’s room temp. I’ll sleep deeply for the first part of the night but after about 5-6 hours I’m between awake & slightly stage one sleep. Brain fog still present. Emotionally sensitive. Visually and auditorially sensitive at times also.

 

Wierd setback. I was doing so well for about a month and then this hit. Not sure if I did it or it’s just the next step of healing. Hoping it’ll pass soon, not fun.

[DaveB]

15 minutes ago, David182 said:

Dealing with depersonalization lately. Feels weird. I just don’t quite feel like myself. Anxiety isn’t unbearable but feels like it’s right at the edge. Dizziness and nausea are intermittent. Feeling hot even though it’s room temp. I’ll sleep deeply for the first part of the night but after about 5-6 hours I’m between awake & slightly stage one sleep. Brain fog still present. Emotionally sensitive. Visually and auditorially sensitive at times also.

 

Wierd setback. I was doing so well for about a month and then this hit. Not sure if I did it or it’s just the next step of healing. Hoping it’ll pass soon, not fun.

 

It is the next step, you will go through setbacks, but your month of doing better shows you are headed in the right direction. Stay strong!

[David182]

Thank you Dave, it’s definitely comforting to get another perspective as it seems so easy to lose track of what’s going on when in the storm

[David182]

Did squats with body weight as well as calf lifts last night. Still have body tremors with certain movements / position and other symptoms are still present but the anxiety has lessened and dizziness isn’t as intense.  

I plan to walk on the treadmill tonight.

[DaveB]

17 hours ago, David182 said:

Did squats with body weight as well as calf lifts last night. Still have body tremors with certain movements / position and other symptoms are still present but the anxiety has lessened and dizziness isn’t as intense.  

I plan to walk on the treadmill tonight.

 

That is great you did some exercise and it didn't ramp up anxiety. For me I think exercise helps for anxiety in the short term (1-4 hours) makes more anxiety in the medium term (4-18 hours) but helps in the long run (18 hours+). Anyway that has kind of been what I have observed, but that is very strenuous exercise.  

[David182]

Dizziness is gone yesterday and today. I have been using hot compress at night on my sinuses.

 

Pushed a little on the treadmill yesterday (4.0 walk for ten minutes during half hour walk). Slightly low blood sugar (was time to eat anyway & missed breakfast).

 

Slight anxiety/revved up feeling today. Thought it was a very slight low blood sugar but it didn’t go away after eating. Nervous system revved up a bit. I’ll take it easy tonight and tomorrow with walking.

 

Thank you for that observation, Dave. That’s good insight. I think there’s definitely a correlation going on with anxiety and exercise tolerance (not enough or too much). As I heal, I know I’ll be able to handle more exercise but there is definitely more of a balance right now in this sensitive state.

[DaveB]

21 hours ago, David182 said:

Dizziness is gone yesterday and today. I have been using hot compress at night on my sinuses.

 

Pushed a little on the treadmill yesterday (4.0 walk for ten minutes during half hour walk). Slightly low blood sugar (was time to eat anyway & missed breakfast).

 

Slight anxiety/revved up feeling today. Thought it was a very slight low blood sugar but it didn’t go away after eating. Nervous system revved up a bit. I’ll take it easy tonight and tomorrow with walking.

 

Thank you for that observation, Dave. That’s good insight. I think there’s definitely a correlation going on with anxiety and exercise tolerance (not enough or too much). As I heal, I know I’ll be able to handle more exercise but there is definitely more of a balance right now in this sensitive state.

 

I agree, feels like my whole life is a balancing act to try not to ignite the anxiety monster. Exercise is hard because it makes me feel SO good for the few hours after, but probably ramps up the cortisol after that.  

[David182]

I’ll certainly be more cautious in the future. I’m still dealing with the repercussions of a slight 10 minute cardio “push”  : /

I’m willing to bet cortisol plays a big role in it.

 

Trying to stay positive as well. I need to remember how far I’ve come. I’m also not helpless, there are things I can still do but not 100% yet. Oh patience... you’re a mean mistress, lol

[David182]

I plan on continuing with easy walking to try and help my body heal/even out (I read walking & excercise can help balance out hormones and such). 

 

Plus my my mood is more susceptible to depression and anxiety these days. I don’t like it but it makes sense. Granted overyone will have their own route of healing but I have read about people having more physical symptoms then transitioning more into mental/emotional ones. Idk... trying to stay in peace. 

[DaveB]

1 hour ago, David182 said:

I’ll certainly be more cautious in the future. I’m still dealing with the repercussions of a slight 10 minute cardio “push”  : /

I’m willing to bet cortisol plays a big role in it.

 

Trying to stay positive as well. I need to remember how far I’ve come. I’m also not helpless, there are things I can still do but not 100% yet. Oh patience... you’re a mean mistress, lol

 

Yeah I am not sure what to do about my exercise. Seems it really does ramp up the anxiety after it helps a TON for a few hours. Try to stay positive, I know it is tough. I am in a bad wave now and it feels like I have made no progress and am back at square one. 

 

5 minutes ago, David182 said:

I plan on continuing with easy walking to try and help my body heal/even out (I read walking & excercise can help balance out hormones and such). 

 

Plus my my mood is more susceptible to depression and anxiety these days. I don’t like it but it makes sense. Granted overyone will have their own route of healing but I have read about people having more physical symptoms then transitioning more into mental/emotional ones. Idk... trying to stay in peace. 

 

Yeah for me I have very little physical symptoms, but the anxiety is relentless. Hopefully the gentle exercise will help you to keep the bad symptoms away but not make you more sensitive to other issues. Seems like you are doing ok, if not great so I am happy for that!

[David182]

One day, one hour, one minute at a time if need be.

 

May this wave be shorter than last time.

Praying for you.

 

Thank you. We will definitely get through this, brother. : )

[David182]

...and the sleep problems are back. (Blah)

at least it’s Saturday. Hopefully things can go back to normal by Monday. Waking up early the past 3 or 4 days. Need niquil to help me sleep despite using magnesium and tart cherry juice. Even then it’s about 5 hours or so before I wake up.

[David182]

Ok...wierd thing happened.

My current daily supplements/meds are as follows:

50mg Zoloft, probiotic, magnesium, vit-c, vit-d, fishoil.

 

I forgot to take them this morning, which hasn’t happened in a LONG time. I noticed my mood was better today, internal tremors were nonexistent today (to the best of my recollection) & I believe I was a bit stronger today. 

 

I know better than to quit cold turkey or drop dosage too soon/much but this is awfully interesting. Just thought I’d share.

[bhasski]

18 hours ago, David182 said:

 

I know better than to quit cold turkey or drop dosage too soon/much but this is awfully interesting. Just thought I’d share.

 

 

Yes .. dont quit cold turkey even if u felt better.

This has been the case with me and many .. I left CT, felt better  for a month of more and then BAM- still after 2 years. I didnt know about withdrawal for 4-5 months.. well I asked doctors and they denied and things went for 5 months - same old story.. now a cliche.

 

So please dont CT even if it looks like

better for a day.

[DaveB]

18 hours ago, David182 said:

Ok...wierd thing happened.

My current daily supplements/meds are as follows:

50mg Zoloft, probiotic, magnesium, vit-c, vit-d, fishoil.

 

I forgot to take them this morning, which hasn’t happened in a LONG time. I noticed my mood was better today, internal tremors were nonexistent today (to the best of my recollection) & I believe I was a bit stronger today. 

 

I know better than to quit cold turkey or drop dosage too soon/much but this is awfully interesting. Just thought I’d share.

I did the same thing on accident over Christmas. Took Klonopin instead of Paxil and I felt great...I have been suffering pretty bad ever since. 

[David182]

Thank you both for your replies. 

I absolutely am not going to ct.

i have been having some odd sensations lately (tremors seem to be coming back, some weakness).

 

Yeah, from everything i’ve read and experienced there often is a delay before the bad side effects start in. : /

 

One day at at a time as they say.

[DaveB]

On 3/29/2018 at 1:11 PM, David182 said:

Thank you both for your replies. 

I absolutely am not going to ct.

i have been having some odd sensations lately (tremors seem to be coming back, some weakness).

 

Yeah, from everything i’ve read and experienced there often is a delay before the bad side effects start in. : /

 

One day at at a time as they say.

 

How are you doing David, haven't heard from you in a bit.

[David182]

Hey Dave, 

thanks for asking. How are you?

 

I’m ok. My girlfriend of 4 years and I broke up last week. We didn’t want to but the long distance issue wasn’t being resolved. My first real heart break. Connecting with friends and trying to keep busy has helped but it’s pain that must be felt. It’s hard to tell what symptoms are from Zoloft and what’s just being heartbroken. 

 

I’ve only been sleeping about 5 hours per night for a week or two. Also have multiple family issues going on. Really wish I could go lift weights or run but I do what light exercise I can and that helps. Playing guitar and writing music has been therapeutic.

 

Been a rough couple of years for various reasons. The last few months haven’t been great either (lots of deaths: my grandmother, friends of friends and such).

It’s definitely been a test of faith.

I keep trying to find the good in life. I find my self praying often throughout the day, for change and/or peace and thanking God for the good things.

[David182]

Lately, occasional nausea, flu-like symptoms, sinus pressure...

 

Today, tingling feet (haven’t had that in a while), horrible brain fog this morning which I believe was due to a benedryl last night (I didn’t have that symptom before)

 

Today was rough but I think tomorrow should be better with not taking a benedryl tonight. I don’t take it regularly but wanted to see if it would help me sleep better last night. Still having sleep problems. Likely stress. Maybe some symptoms are presenting as a result of missing my Zoloft dose the other Monday.

 

How are you doing Dave?

[David182]

Clearer head today. Numbness in hands and feet at times. Shakiness, weakness and hot flash with physical exertion (haven’t felt that for a while)

 

It’s disheartening but I also know this is just a setback. I’m not as bad as I was months ago. I am making progress.

[DaveB]

18 minutes ago, David182 said:

Clearer head today. Numbness in hands and feet at times. Shakiness, weakness and hot flash with physical exertion (haven’t felt that for a while)

 

It’s disheartening but I also know this is just a setback. I’m not as bad as I was months ago. I am making progress.

 

I am sorry for your setback David. I know the feeling only too well. I have been doing pretty dang good the last few days, anxiety is always lingering, sometimes quite strong, but overall has been manageable. Today has been worse than the last few which is disheartening, but hopefully it is just a blip.