David182: hello all

[David182]

Hi @Altostrata,

thank you for asking.

 

Earlier this year I was sleeping 5-6 hours or less a night. For the last little while (months) I’ve been able to sleep well for 8 hours. I’d say this last espisode of sleep issues began maybe a week ago? It just steadily grew worse.

 

There has been a lot of temperature fluctuations lately but I keep my bedroom cool year round. Computer, yeah, I supposed I have. It hadn’t been an issue before. I can fall asleep just fine but wake up early.

 

I’m going to use the liquid form of Zoloft to taper. It seems much easier to do and more consistent. I’m planing on staying at 50mg equivalent in liquid form to make sure my body settles with it before I begin a taper.

[David182]

2 minutes ago, MRothbard said:

So what's your workout routine like these days? Asking because i experience symptoms as you do when i over-exert myself.

 

Hi @MRothbard

 

I typically only walk at an easy pace for a half hour each night.

 

i did try playing drums last night for a short bit for more physical exertion as this sleep thing has been getting worse over the past week. I thought maybe it would help me sleep. It didn’t...

[Altostrata]

Hi, David. If I were you, I'd stay off the computer at night and see if that helps.

 

Since you're having a bit of a bump right now, I might convert gradually to the liquid using 25mg in tablet form plus 25mg in liquid. Zoloft comes in 25mg tablets. You'd have to ask your doctor to prescribe them.

 

Alternatively, you can split the 50mg tablet.

[David182]

8 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Hi, David. If I were you, I'd stay off the computer at night and see if that helps.

 

Since you're having a bit of a bump right now, I might convert gradually to the liquid using 25mg in tablet form plus 25mg in liquid. Zoloft comes in 25mg tablets. You'd have to ask your doctor to prescribe them.

 

Alternatively, you can split the 50mg tablet.

 

I’ll absolutely try that. 

Thank you for your time and help. I don’t take it for granted. 

[RachelSusan]

Hi David182,

 

I am sorry to read that you are going through a difficult time right now.

 

I want to wish you luck with your cross taper to liquid. I am so happy now that I am on the liquid. It's much easier to taper the smaller amounts using liquid.

 

RS

[David182]

1 hour ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi David182,

 

I am sorry to read that you are going through a difficult time right now.

 

I want to wish you luck with your cross taper to liquid. I am so happy now that I am on the liquid. It's much easier to taper the smaller amounts using liquid.

 

RS

 

RachelSusan, thank you so much.

 

I know that some things can be fixed, some things helped and others just must be endured but gosh, it helps and means so much to know others have walked a similar path/trail and offer their support. 

 

I’m praying for and wishing you well on your journey; so grateful for you and my other warriors here : )

 

Fighting the good fight and taking it one day at a time.

[David182]

Now it seems to have digressed, I’m having a hard time falling asleep as well as staying asleep. Ugh 😑 

 

I’m really at a loss as to why this is happening.

 

I wonder if my cortisol levels are hightened. Having heart palpitations (tightness, hard beating heart) lately and the insomnia aspect...idk.

 

i did significantly raise my vit C intake the week I was sick. I abruptly stopped the vit C supplements one I was well again. I just read about vit C lowering cortisol levels. Hmm, maybe there’s something there...

[DaveB]

Hey man, did you start the vitamin C again? How you doing now?

[ChessieCat]

Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

[RachelSusan]

Hi Dave,

Just thought I would say hi and sorry to hear about your distress.  That sucks. I hope you find relief soon. 

RS

[David182]

Thank you all so much for saying hey and offering support. It means a lot.  @DaveB @ChessieCat @RachelSusan

 

I’m getting through. I slept well the past two nights. Thursday night was the worst at 4 hours. I have to take one tablet of Dramamine (half dose for adult) to fall asleep. I realize I can effect me in negative ways but I’ve weighed the options and think it’s worth it. Taking vitamin C at night. I’m not sure if it helps or not.

 

My body is tired / worn out. I walked yesterday and mowed today but other than that just relxing. I missed out on some social time this weekend which isn’t good for mental health but that’s going to happen when feeling so crummy. 

 

Making a conscious effort to not feel sorry for myself and stay focused on the positive. There’s a lot I can’t do and much I miss from my life before all of this but there are things I can do, healing is happening, despite the setbacks, and full health will come for each of us.

 

I’m getting back into recording music which has been wonderful. Sometimes I just have to lie down but music makes me come alive and  when I do something related to it, it helps a lot.

 

My mind if tempted to think how much harder this might be at lower Zoloft doses as it does help with anxiety and depression but focusing on being in the present and taking it one thing at a time as much as I can.

[ChessieCat]

4 hours ago, David182 said:

I’ve heard promising things about essential oils, particularly CBD oil (I’ve heard good things from a few of my family members taking it orally for anxiety).

 

cannabis-marijuana-thc-and-cbd-or-hemp-oil

 

[David182]

10 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

cannabis-marijuana-thc-and-cbd-or-hemp-oil

 

 

 I haven’t used CBD oil orally. I tried it on my wrists but it didn’t seem to do anything. I have pretty good fortune with stress relief essential oil of which I use in my wrists.

 

Thank you for info.

[manymoretodays]

Here's what we've got on aromatherapy and essential oils, David182.

Aromatherapy and essential oils

I just searched in the box in the symptoms and self care section.  And then you can find stuff here too.......by just using your main browser and adding the term survivingantidepressants.org to the subject or topic you are looking for.

 

I mostly use the oils in the air, diffused.  Occasionally..... some on the skin mixed with coconut oil, or a small amount pure.  For insect bites or protection from insects in the summer.  All kinds of usages for them.

I'm a whole lot less sensitive, then I used to be to them.

 

I think CBD oil is in it's own class, with it's own topic.  That's interesting you tried it topically(on the skin).

 

Best, Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

[David182]

19 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Here's what we've got on aromatherapy and essential oils, David182.

Aromatherapy and essential oils

I just searched in the box in the symptoms and self care section.  And then you can find stuff here too.......by just using your main browser and adding the term survivingantidepressants.org to the subject or topic you are looking for.

 

I mostly use the oils in the air, diffused.  Occasionally..... some on the skin mixed with coconut oil, or a small amount pure.  For insect bites or protection from insects in the summer.  All kinds of usages for them.

I'm a whole lot less sensitive, then I used to be to them.

 

I think CBD oil is in it's own class, with it's own topic.  That's interesting you tried it topically(on the skin).

 

Best, Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

Thank you, manymoretodays. I was so spektical about essential oils and epsom salt baths, then I figured I might as well try them. I was definitely surprised to find they help as much as they do (particularly the epsom salt baths with lavender).

 

I’m glad to read your not as sentive as you once were : )

 

Best to you on your journey. Thanks again!

[David182]

Hey all, it’s been a while. I hope you all had a good / restful Thanksgiving break.

 

 

Not too much is going on here. I’m having some sleep issues here and there. Took Dramamine to help. It wasn’t an issue before but this time around I’m having withdrawals from it (I weened off: half dose, quarter dose, off).

 

Dealing with brain fog the past few days. Gosh, I hate brain fog. Other symptoms aren’t fun either but I hate this. I know it’s only temporary so I’m keeping calm about it.

 

I know I’ve brought it up before but I do worry about how to deal with some issues once I’m off Zoloft.

 

While I do want to be free of Zoloft one day, Zoloft has helped immensely with anxiety (which I believe I can over come with practice) and depression. I think exercise and extra socializing can help much. I’ve also learned techniques and gathered knowledge of supplements to help calm myself down. 

 

My biggest hangup is that Zoloft greatly helped my cloudy/foggy thinking. My brain was like a radio: picking up static with bits of information coming through but with Zoloft it is like I’m tuned into a full-strength station. Things are clear.

 

I’ve searched through the forums on this site concerning brain fog but haven’t found much other than mentioning fishoil (which I already take in appropriate amounts) and others talking about having it but finding no real solutions other than time passing.

 

I want to get a game plan together and be ready. Excercise helped before Zoloft with my cloudy thinking but I can’t exercise too much now and likely won’t (for a while) be able to exercise enough to help.

 

Cloudy thinking without Zoloft...any ideas for what maybe the issue, anyone? 

[ChessieCat]

36 minutes ago, David182 said:

My biggest hangup is that Zoloft greatly helped my cloudy/foggy thinking. My brain was like a radio: picking up static with bits of information coming through but with Zoloft it is like I’m tuned into a full-strength station. Things are clear.

 

If you started taking Zoloft for anxiety, then it may have been the anxiety which was causing the thinking difficulties.

 

From https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/AnxietySelfHelp.pdf

Brain hijacked:  Thoughts race which makes it hard to think clearly & rationally.  Feelings of being “unreal” or detached.

[David182]

38 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

If you started taking Zoloft for anxiety, then it may have been the anxiety which was causing the thinking difficulties.

 

From https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/AnxietySelfHelp.pdf

Brain hijacked:  Thoughts race which makes it hard to think clearly & rationally.  Feelings of being “unreal” or detached.

 

Thank you so very much!!!

[ChessieCat]

Have you heard of Claire Weekes.  She was a doctor who suffered from anxiety and learned and taught ways to cope.  There are YouTube videos.

 

Claire Weekes' Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

Male Voice of the above:  https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/music/FirstAidPanicM.mp3
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/AnxietySelfHelp.pdf

 

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/PanicSelfHelp.pdf

 

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/SocialAnxietySelfHelp.pdf

 

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Anxiety

 

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Panic

[David182]

@ChessieCat

 

I appreciate all of the resources you’ve hooked me up with. Thank you. I did buy her book Hope and Help for Your Nerves. It felt like she wrote the book for me, as weird as that sounds. 

 

I’m eager to read the above and implement the info. I need to practice as much as I can now as it’s going to be more difficult as I wean off of Zoloft. I am getting better about remembering: Face the Problem, Accept it, Float through and allow time to pass, anytime I have a case of anxiety.

[DaveB]

Hey David! How you doing my friend? Have you feeling pretty stable? 

[David182]

15 hours ago, DaveB said:

Hey David! How you doing my friend? Have you feeling pretty stable? 

DaveB!! Hey!!

 

Oh getting through, one day at a time. I’m not too bad. Symptoms vary but I do believe overall I’m improving. It seems I’m more sensitive than I used to be but things are decently tolerable, though certainly not ideal yet, lol

 

How have you been?  I was checking on your page for a while but seemed like you were gone for a bit (I clearly have been too). Yeah, sometimes there’s not much new going on but just floating on through and allowing time to pass. 👍🏻

[DaveB]

4 hours ago, David182 said:

DaveB!! Hey!!

 

Oh getting through, one day at a time. I’m not too bad. Symptoms vary but I do believe overall I’m improving. It seems I’m more sensitive than I used to be but things are decently tolerable, though certainly not ideal yet, lol

 

How have you been?  I was checking on your page for a while but seemed like you were gone for a bit (I clearly have been too). Yeah, sometimes there’s not much new going on but just floating on through and allowing time to pass. 👍🏻

 

Yeah I need to be better at that, just allowing time to pass. I have actually gotten pretty fed up with not feeling well so I have made some pretty significant drops on Paxil as I have never felt any benefit from it. Like you when I first got on Zoloft years ago, it helped me come out of a bad place, but since then I think these drugs have done me more harm than good for the most part. So I am struggling still, but on 10mgs of Paxil instead of this time last year when I was on 60, so that is good. I also started testosterone treatment in June due to having really low levels...I have been overall worse since then so I have got to think they are related, going to skip my shot this week and so if that helps.

 

Do you think you will start tapering anytime soon? What about exercising, have you been able to get back to that?

[David182]

@DaveB

I hear you with the frustration. Do you feel any different at the new dose? Better or worse?

 

I’m curious if the testosterone shots are effecting you that way. If they are causing the anxiety perhaps maybe the dose can be administered differently (i.g.) taking a half dose of your current dose then take the other half later in the week. Maybe it would be easier on your system that way?

 

I was dealing with brain fog this week & unfortunately missed my Zoloft yesterday morning. I took a half dose last night and resumed the normal schedule this morning. I’m very regimented in my  routine to try and keep accidents like this from happening & I’ve been successful but sometimes accidents still do occur...

 

I’m planing to start my taper once I stabilize from this week. The plan was to start a few months ago but something always comes up. I’m very close to starting though 👍🏻

 

Exercise is about the same with walking gently for a half hour everyday. I don’t dare miss a day no matter how I feel. Routine for stability.

[RachelSusan]

Hi David182,

 

I'm happy to read you are feeling a little better.  For me it was hard to learn to think in terms of months rather than weeks when looking for improvement.  Also with tapering, same thing, very hard to take it slow.  You seem to be doing a great job of self monitoring.  I am very pleased to see that you transitioned from hard pill to liquid the way you did.  You rock!!!!!   I know how you feel about exercise.  I just want to reassure you that you will be able to return to a more intense exercise as the months pass.  I am a great example of this.  I am still not going full on but I am doing more than I able to do a year ago at this time.

 

Both you and I will end up being one of the success stories.

 

RS

[David182]

1 hour ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi David182,

 

I'm happy to read you are feeling a little better.  For me it was hard to learn to think in terms of months rather than weeks when looking for improvement.  Also with tapering, same thing, very hard to take it slow.  You seem to be doing a great job of self monitoring.  I am very pleased to see that you transitioned from hard pill to liquid the way you did.  You rock!!!!!   I know how you feel about exercise.  I just want to reassure you that you will be able to return to a more intense exercise as the months pass.  I am a great example of this.  I am still not going full on but I am doing more than I able to do a year ago at this time.

 

Both you and I will end up being one of the success stories.

 

RS

 

Hi RS!

I just want to let you know, you are such a blessing. : )

 

Oh yeah, I was just telling a loved one how when something changes, the repercussions normally last at least a few weeks if not a month.

I've come to accept that, I don't like it but I accept it. I had that goof up with my Zoloft two days ago and now I'm getting hot sweats again. I don't like it but I know what's going on and this too shall pass.

 

Yes, we WILL be one of the success stories. I am encouraged and grateful you have healed so much and are well on your way to total healing.

 

It's good to hear from you!

 

--David

[RachelSusan]

12 minutes ago, David182 said:

 

It's good to hear from you! 

😀👍🏼

[DaveB]

12 hours ago, David182 said:

@DaveB

I hear you with the frustration. Do you feel any different at the new dose? Better or worse?

 

I’m curious if the testosterone shots are effecting you that way. If they are causing the anxiety perhaps maybe the dose can be administered differently (i.g.) taking a half dose of your current dose then take the other half later in the week. Maybe it would be easier on your system that way?

 

I was dealing with brain fog this week & unfortunately missed my Zoloft yesterday morning. I took a half dose last night and resumed the normal schedule this morning. I’m very regimented in my  routine to try and keep accidents like this from happening & I’ve been successful but sometimes accidents still do occur...

 

I’m planing to start my taper once I stabilize from this week. The plan was to start a few months ago but something always comes up. I’m very close to starting though 👍🏻

 

Exercise is about the same with walking gently for a half hour everyday. I don’t dare miss a day no matter how I feel. Routine for stability.

 

I feel about the same on 10mgs as I did at 40 which is what I was holding at for a long time. I think I am going to stop the testosterone shots, it is getting pretty clear they are adding to the anxiety. Hope I don’t get withdrawals from that.

 

Sounds like things are slowly improving for you, which is great and all we can ask for during this...right?

[DaveB]

On 12/2/2018 at 10:05 AM, David182 said:

 

Hi RS!

I just want to let you know, you are such a blessing. : )

 

Oh yeah, I was just telling a loved one how when something changes, the repercussions normally last at least a few weeks if not a month.

I've come to accept that, I don't like it but I accept it. I had that goof up with my Zoloft two days ago and now I'm getting hot sweats again. I don't like it but I know what's going on and this too shall pass.

 

Yes, we WILL be one of the success stories. I am encouraged and grateful you have healed so much and are well on your way to total healing.

 

It's good to hear from you!

 

--David

 

Havent heard from you in a while, how are you doing? Hopefully your absence means things are going well.

[RachelSusan]

Hi David,

Are you still on the liquid and still tapering?  I hope all is well with you.

RS

[David182]

Hey @DaveB and @RachelSusan!!

 

It has been a while. I’m glad to say I started tapering at the beginning of January and just started my next reduction a few days ago (I need to update my signature).

 

It does result in some weakness and tiredness and the third week is the toughest when it comes to side effects. There is also the feeling of just needing to eat more for a week or two but then everything calms down in the fourth week.

 

It’s really not too bad (not fun but not that bad) and overall I’m feel better with each reduction. It’s so encouraging. : )

 

How have each of you been?!!

[DaveB]

24 minutes ago, David182 said:

Hey @DaveB and @RachelSusan!!

 

It has been a while. I’m glad to say I started tapering at the beginning of January and just started my next reduction a few days ago (I need to update my signature).

 

It does result in some weakness and tiredness and the third week is the toughest when it comes to side effects. There is also the feeling of just needing to eat more for a week or two but then everything calms down in the fourth week.

 

It’s really not too bad (not fun but not that bad) and overall I’m feel better with each reduction. It’s so encouraging. : )

 

How have each of you been?!!

 

That is awesome! Have you been able to exercise again? I am not well, way too many large reductions last fall, coupled with messing with testosterone injections has left me in quite a mess.

[David182]

55 minutes ago, DaveB said:

 

That is awesome! Have you been able to exercise again? I am not well, way too many large reductions last fall, coupled with messing with testosterone injections has left me in quite a mess.

 

I’m very careful with excercise as I am still sensitive. That’s about the same situation there.

 

Oh and I also can be irritable when decreasing but I’m pretty good a keeping that internal. (I forgot to mention that side effect).

 

Oh no, I’m sorry to read that. Have you gotten a consistent regiment now? 

I feel for you. Time will heal but those setbacks are tough to say the least.

[DaveB]

10 hours ago, David182 said:

 

I’m very careful with excercise as I am still sensitive. That’s about the same situation there.

 

Oh and I also can be irritable when decreasing but I’m pretty good a keeping that internal. (I forgot to mention that side effect).

 

Oh no, I’m sorry to read that. Have you gotten a consistent regiment now? 

I feel for you. Time will heal but those setbacks are tough to say the least.

 

Yeah been pretty consistent now for about 2-3 months. Hoping to see some stabilizing soon.

[RachelSusan]

Dave182,

This is great news.  Your tapering symptoms sound very normal.  I am still tapering and very cautious because for me it can catch up after about three or four months.  Being cautious for me has paid off and I am slowly getting off the stuff.  I too am exercising, five days a week, but the routine is very modified.  A lot less than I used to do.  But for now it's all good.

RS

[David182]

2 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

Dave182,

This is great news.  Your tapering symptoms sound very normal.  I am still tapering and very cautious because for me it can catch up after about three or four months.  Being cautious for me has paid off and I am slowly getting off the stuff.  I too am exercising, five days a week, but the routine is very modified.  A lot less than I used to do.  But for now it's all good.

RS

 

Hi RS!

 

I’m glad your still on your way and doing well. It’s good to hear from you. Yeah, I miss being able to go full bore like I used to with exercising but I try to focus on what I can do and make the most of that. A grateful heart is a good shield/weapon in hard times. : )

 

May your journey continue to be steady!