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angie007: Severe fatigue / tiredness / lethargy / lethargic


angie007

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Wow glad the antibiotics did the trick! Sometimes medicine is very important im not against it all. And Im totally with you ill never take a doctor's word for it, ill do my own research.

 

Hey Lexy I haven't been checked for Lyme. If my strength doesn't get better im the next few months than I may aswell check for it. Is it a simple blood test? For me Im almost 100% its WD. Ive read about people being bed ridden for extensive periods of time but it doesn't hurt to check I guess.

 

For me I don't have the knee pain or aches I just have complete body weakness

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lexy posted 03 October 2015 - 10:48 PM

 

Has anyone been told to check for lyme? I've had several people including ones here that believe I my case maybe Lyme disease. They feel I've been tapering slowly for such a long time that I should be better by now. Some symptoms have subsided except for fatigue and joint pains especially knee pain.. Has your body aches and fatigue subsided as you got to lower doses?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

It would be good to check for Lyme.

 

But your symptoms could very well be from withdrawal.

 

Many people suffer difficult withdrawal even during the slowest of tapers.

 

I've seen cases on here where Effexor and other SSRI withdrawal gives fibromyalgia symptoms, lasting for a long while even after discontinuation.

 

I've never had any muscle or joint pain from SSRI WD. But it is very common in others going through SSRI WD.

Hell hath no fury as an SSRI scorned.....

 

Prozac:   20 mg 1996 – May 2003 CT to 0 mg; by Aug 03 CRASH then protracted WD 3 yrs

Zoloft:    2004 few weeks;, CT to 0 mg

Effexor:  2005 few months CT to 0 mg; bad withdrawal. 

Lexapro:  10 mg from 2009 – 2011; cut dose in half to:

Lexapro:    5 mg from 2011 – Feb. 2014; CT to 0 mg; 2 months of fatigue, followed by:
Aug - Oct 2014 Lexapro WD Insomnia Wave; sleeping very good from Nov 2014 - Nov 2015; broken sleep pattern Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

Dec 2014 - present: Brutal Lexapro WD ear ringing/head ringing/head pressure lasting for 14 months now.

 

24 months SSRI-free  

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I agree, it doesn't hurt to check but it would be one heck of a coincidence to have lyme at the same time of experiencing all the WD symptoms. I know one story of hope and motivation that I look too is GIAK. She was bed ridden for a few years with weakness fatigue. But she also was exposed to 40 different meds at the highest dose. She is truly remarkable.

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Just an update to this thread , for some reason my fatigue/Strength has improved about 50% over the last two weeks. I am really glad! it feels good to be able to leave the house without worrying if I am going to fall down 

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Great to hear! Did you happen to have leg weakness? That is my big problem. My thighs are so weak and painfull which is causing knee pain.

Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg.

1/01/15 - .75 mg.

1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues...

2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me!

3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad!

4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 

4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. 

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Oh boy did I ever have leg weakness!! I had trouble standing up for longer than 10 minutes. Walking my dog wasnt even an option Cause I was afraid I wouldn't make it back home and this was like a month ago! I didn't get the pain but I literally had no strength in my legs. Bending my knees wasnt easy. I think I have about 50% of my strength in my legs now.

 

Honestly my symptoms are constantly changing Its so weird! Some things are continuing to get better but really really slowly and other are completely gone.

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Well my weakness is back today lol.It was way better for 3 weeks or so. Waves and Windows i guess

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Just a report on my weakness/fatigue. The weakness has let up again but my stomach symptoms have ramped up a bit. It seems like when one thing is repairing something else goes down

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Ditto

Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds

Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg.

Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg

May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg

Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45

Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg

Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg

Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89

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I have the same type of weakness where it comes and goes but it is always there somewhat. Tomorrow I am trying acupuncture to see if it will at least help the leg stiffness and pain / weakness. I'll let u know how it goes.

Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg.

1/01/15 - .75 mg.

1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues...

2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me!

3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad!

4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 

4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. 

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Thanks DLB sounds good

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Yes please let us know if it helps. Ive been thinking of trying acupuncture too.

Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds

Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg.

Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg

May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg

Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45

Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg

Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg

Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89

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Well, I did the acupuncture and have a cold too. After doing it I felt really bad and tired and a fever. Probably because I'm sick though but it made it worse. Took 2 hour nap then took my daughter out for Halloween and felt better and legs Do seem better but I have a few more sessions to go.

Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg.

1/01/15 - .75 mg.

1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues...

2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me!

3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad!

4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 

4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. 

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Ya I think it may be tough to get a read on it while dealing with the flu. Keep us posted

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Just an update from me on fatigue. Ive continued to stay at about 50% my normal strength so I guess thats a good sign. I can make it out the house daily and do a few things. I do have the Jello feeling in my legs but its not as strong

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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  • 1 month later...

Does anyone ever wonder whether their fatigue is really due to an undiagnosed illness and not WD? I've been dealing with awful fatigue for years now (despite my ultra slow taper) but when in a wave it just becomes overwhelming. It takes all the energy I have to get something to eat and shower. Other than that I just lie in bed all day. Even if I get 8-9 hours sleep, I wake up, not refreshed, and two hours later I'm exhausted again. It's making me so depressed. Or is it the depression that causes the fatigue?  I don't even know anymore. I just want to feel ok again.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Ditto for me.

Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds

Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg.

Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg

May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg

Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45

Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg

Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg

Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89

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hi ladybug,

 

I sent you a message in regards to your post about underlying reasons for fatigue.  Check your inbox, the little envelope icon in the top right of the page.

 

PoetJester

Court committed to take Prozac, Paxci, and Respiradol from 8/95 to 3/96.   developed severe akithisia and brain damage.  Was unable to speak and walking in circles 15 hours a day.  Went in for 5 sessions of ECT during a 10 day period in March of '96 and my forced medication was discontinued at that time.  My akithisia and brain damage cleared up within a few days of stopping the meds.

 

On Zoloft (200 mg) and Zyprexa (17.5 mg) March 1998- Feb 2014

In between was placed on Effexor 200 mg and Abilify for six months in 2004.  Developed mild akithisia which went away once I stopped the Abilify.  Developed severe GI issues in Dec 2001 and from that time on suffered from fatigue and hypersomnia where I would sleep between 12 and 20 hours a day and rarely ever left my apartment. 

 

Had tapered to 100 mg of Zoloft and 7.5 mg of Zyprexa at the time of going cold turkey Feb. 2014

Went 5 days without sleep at the beginning while vomiting all over my apt.  Had brain zaps for a number of weeks and also lightheadedness which both eventually went away.  However 2 1/2 yrs later I still struggle with insomnia, depression, and fatigue.

 

 

 

 

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hi ladybug,

 

I sent you a message in regards to your post about underlying reasons for fatigue.  Check your inbox, the little envelope icon in the top right of the page.

 

PoetJester

PJ - any chance you can share your insights on the underlying reasons for fatigue with the rest of us.....

 

This would be appreciated.

 

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Yes me too please

Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds

Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg.

Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg

May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg

Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45

Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg

Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg

Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89

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I was worried about an underlying issue aswell. But all my blood tests have been good. I never had any fatigue before WD . Well only when I was a teen and had Mono for 3 months..  I was pretty sure my fatigue was all WD related. Its really gotten better latley.Its slow though very slow. I cannot exercise or exert myself yet. I would be so happy if I could exercise by the summer. Its so much of my personality so I am hopeful. 

 

Ladybug I think even though you are tapering really slow it can still "floor" you physically. I think its okay to get a complete blood test to check thyroid and all that stuff but we cant under estimate how severe WD symptoms can be. Granted they improve and eventually leave but at their peak they can knock you on your a------!!   I hope it lifts for you soon !!

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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PJ, I saw your message I just haven't had the time for a proper reply. Sorry about that.

 

Well to update: I had to go into the office Monday and Tuesday, for the first time in over a month, and despite sleeping only 3 hours the first night and 5 the second I had much more energy. I have felt so much better the past few days so hopefully this recent long wave is finally abating. I even went out and was social for the first time since October.

 

The difference between barely being able to get out of bed one day and then working a full day and going out that night is so dramatic it always brings my mind back to worries of hypomania. I wish I could find some middle ground between "I hate myself and want to die" and "I feel good, let's go have fun!" No wonder so many are diagnosed as bipolar while getting off these poisons. Oh well, whatever the cause, better enjoy it while it lasts. 

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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This is the previous post on fatigue that I sent to Ladybug and then Junglechicken

I was curious to know, are there any success stories on this website when it comes to  dealing with issues of fatigue?

I was also just thinking to myself that since my wd in feb 2014, I no longer have sleep in my eyes when I wake in the mornings.  I used to wake with all sorts of crud in my eyes, now, nothing. Here's the post

 

Hi Junglechicken

This is the message I had sent to ladybug. Admittedly I don't have a whole lot of insights as to why the fatigue persists. I was alright for a few years on the pills from 1998-2001, I did notice a few changes: my stool changed in color and firmness and I had a horrible time when squatting for a period of time and then rising which would cause me to swoon and nearly black out every time. In dec 2001, I developed a bleeding stomach ulcer and haven't been the same ever since. I spent two years on my couch groaning with nausea and migraines all day everyday and all the while my cokehead downstairs neighbor would play his 300 watt top-of-the-line stereo full blast. He was an aspiring dj of techno music. He played the same thumping tune in a loop on his dual turntables so loudly that my windows would rattle in their frames and things on my tables would dance around all while I was laid up on my couch sick to my stomach. This went on for a year and a half so I can definitely relate to the feeling of living in hell.

Like for you, money issues always bring on my depression. I noticed that you went back on your meds and that it seemed to help you. I wouldn't mind hearing occasional updates concerning your progress. I am just at my wits end as to how to restore my health, how to gain back energy and better sleep. I have been suffering from such severe insomnia since feb. 2014 when I quit the meds CT that I now have huge grotesque bags under my eyes and am constantly operating in a brain fog. My exhaustion is so bad that at times I stumble into walls and sway when I walk and am constantly going outside with my fly undone. My crying and weeping spells are for the most part over after a year or more, so that's a plus. I hope your move goes well back to the UK, coincidently, and I know this may sound like crazy bat **** I am talking hear, but I sent the actress Kate Winslet, a 20 page letter asking for a patronage (I am a poet and have been trying to leave this suburb of my youth for 9 years now) along with 60 pages of my poetry hoping that she could take me on a working poet within her means and put me up somewhere in England in a flat. I have never been outside of the US, and haven't left Minnesota in 20 years or the town of Plymouth in 9 yrs and my spirits have gotten so low with the withdrawal insomnia and having to live forever in the town where I went to school that I thought I would throw up a hail mary to Mrs. Winslet just to give myself some hope. Anyways sorry to go on at length here, but I don't have any friends in the world and the hopes of connecting with folks from this website who can understand what it's like to have to live a ruined life, are about all I have. Here's the letter I sent ladybug. Write me back sometime if you would like.

Hi Ladybug,



I was just browsing through the section on fatigue and I read your recent post. I have been wondering the same lately, whether there is something else besides wd that leads to all this fatigue and exhaustion. Basically, that is all i think about these days. All I can seem to come up with, at least in my case, is possibly sleep apnea or else maybe depression(mine is partly from being forced to live in apt. that I have been asking to leave for 8 years now) or stomach issues (i have a bleeding ulcer) . I have a deviated septum from a severely broken nose as a teen and I also smoke about a pack a day and I also put on substantial weight on the pills which is what causes my apnea.



But even when I was on the pills I was sleeping all the time anywhere from 12-20 hours a day (read my intro for more details if you like) and when I would wake I would still be totally tired and lethargic all day. My mouth, which had been open all night and drooling all over my pillow would be about as dry and cracked as an old piece of leather. My uvula or whatever that thing is in the back of my throat, would be swollen to the size of a cherry tomato completely cutting off my airwave. Sometimes, i was in such a heavy sleep my mouth would relax so much that my saliva would go down my windpipe. I would wake up choking and violently wheezing and gasping for air. Many times i had to run to the sink to get a glass of water otherwise i would have suffocated and died.



I was on Zoloft and Zyprexa from 1998-2004 and again from 2006-2014 (I withdrew ct in Feb. 2014. went 6 days without sleep constantly vomiting). When I was on the pills for the second time from 2006-2014, I barely ever left my apt. Most weeks I wouldn't even see the apartment hallway until my mother would pick me up on Sundays to get groceries and cigarettes a few miles away. It was all i could do to drag myself to the couch after waking up (waking isn't quite the right word. It's more like coming to, because i would be totally wiped out only now my eyes would be open) , which was usually around 2 in the afternoon. I went to bed at sunrise. i would make some coffee, have a few smokes, eat some food while watching t.v. and then usually within 3 hrs of getting up I would fall asleep again for anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, one day even as much as 10 hrs. I was sleeping so much that I wasn't always sure if it was early morning or early evening when I came to.  I once slept through an incredibly loud apt fire alarm that had caused all the other residents of the building to leave the apt. complex.  People were amazed I could sleep through such noise. I used to keep my fridge stocked with either chocolate or sugary donuts or ice cream sandwiches just to give myself the urge to get out of bed when I awoke (i went from 160 to 230 lbs on the pills. I had cholesterol readings way over 400. I think 150 is normal). I never woke feeling refreshed and would have the hardest time pulling myself up from sleep. I would occasionally go for a midnight walk of about 3 or 4 miles. It made the coffee and cigarettes more enjoyable. Towards the end of my pill taking days, I tried to make myself go for one of these walks, one bitter cold Minnesota winter night, but I was so spiritually depressed and exhausted from being on the poison pills that when I left the apartment for the walk, I made it as far as the driveway and felt like I could just crawl up in a snowbank and go to sleep even though the temp was around 0 F. I didn't have the energy to go on anymore.



Since i got off the pills in feb 2014, i have more energy to do things. I go biking around 20 miles a day and take nightly walks of 4-6 miles (i lost 45 lbs. in the first three months after my wd) but whereas i used to sleep all the time, now i have terrible insomnia and have the hardest time getting adequate sleep. It's a weird trade-off. I am way more active, but i am still tired or fatigued all the time. However a lot of the sleep apnea symptoms went away, the drooling, dry mouth, and choking, but i still don't wake with any zest. I just don't sleep as deeply as i did on the sedatives or tranquilizers or whatever those pills were.



i went to a have a sleep study done in July of this year. i could barely sleep, so I  took a couple Ambien just to get 3 1/2 hrs of sleep. My apnea showed up on the results. It would have been through the roof if i had still been on the meds when I used to sleep in near coma-like conditions.  i was told back in 2000 by a couple buddies i was camping with in Canada, that i quit breathing for periods of time in my sleep only to choke and come to. This is about 2 years after i started taking the pills initially. I tried a cpap machine after the study, but my insomnia is so bad now after coming off the pills that it makes falling asleep with a mask around my head nearly impossible.



When i read your intro about the cartoon dreaming immediately upon closing your eyes, i was really surprised because i have it all the time now, too. Dreaming before i fall asleep, I don't really know how i would describe it to someone who doesn't suffer from it. It's pretty torturous to see these visions immediately after closing my eyes and then have to pull myself up out of a resting position because i know sleep would be impossible. They are often of the most deformed things. It's maddening to have such an active and unquiet brain. i have had to try the strangest things to try and get some sleep from putting couch cushions on the floor, to sleeping nearly sitting up, to sleeping on a mattress in my apt garage, to hauling couch cushions to a small park across the street and trying to sleep in the woods (i got a couple hours of sleep this way a couple times). I tried the magnesium sulfite bath a few days ago and it made me feel so entirely drained that when i tried to lay down afterwards my body felt heavy and sluggish and i knew if i fell asleep, i would die. I had to take a cab to the ER 7 miles away at midnight. The hospital staff did nothing for me, even though my blood pressure was spiking at 174/94 (when i used to be on the meds it was always around 118/95). They suggested i should go back on anti-depressants (Yeah, thanks.) and when i refused their offer, sent me home again.

I did manage to get a few hours of sleep on the couch later that night and did manage to get set up to have a stress test for my heart, an echocardiograph on the 4th. Between the pills, the apnea w/smoking and now the rampant insomnia i think my heart has been put through the ringer.



i am sorry i guess i am just sort of babbling to myself here. In closing, i don't really know what causes all this fatigue. Two years of insomnia has left me a bit foggy in the brain and not always coherent. It's 2 am here and i am always pretty worried about how i am going to find sleep tonight. i would love to talk to you sometime as someone who has had similar experiences to mine or even to talk about anything not med related. I could use a pen pal to give me something to do on these awful lonely nights where sleep is scarce and hard to find. Hopefully you don't find this message too weird and



Write back sometime if you like



Derek



Ps. If you like i can send you some of my poetry. I am a part-time stand-up comic and poet/humorist. I have sent some of it to a few other guys on this sight and they really like it.

Court committed to take Prozac, Paxci, and Respiradol from 8/95 to 3/96.   developed severe akithisia and brain damage.  Was unable to speak and walking in circles 15 hours a day.  Went in for 5 sessions of ECT during a 10 day period in March of '96 and my forced medication was discontinued at that time.  My akithisia and brain damage cleared up within a few days of stopping the meds.

 

On Zoloft (200 mg) and Zyprexa (17.5 mg) March 1998- Feb 2014

In between was placed on Effexor 200 mg and Abilify for six months in 2004.  Developed mild akithisia which went away once I stopped the Abilify.  Developed severe GI issues in Dec 2001 and from that time on suffered from fatigue and hypersomnia where I would sleep between 12 and 20 hours a day and rarely ever left my apartment. 

 

Had tapered to 100 mg of Zoloft and 7.5 mg of Zyprexa at the time of going cold turkey Feb. 2014

Went 5 days without sleep at the beginning while vomiting all over my apt.  Had brain zaps for a number of weeks and also lightheadedness which both eventually went away.  However 2 1/2 yrs later I still struggle with insomnia, depression, and fatigue.

 

 

 

 

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Thx PJ, will respond when I have time.

 

In the midst of complete chaos with our move back to the UK.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Has anyone found anything else to combat fatigue effects from medication , I do not drink caffeine or drink or take any sugar , so don't get any lift from them . My med has a high sedative effect and in lower doses it gets higher , some days I feel I can't wake up , I used to sleep well 8 hours no problems , but now I can sleep for 12 hours and still feel so tired , which is no good when you have to get up for work , I do not take any supplements at the moment . Just my med , don't want to start taking supplements unless I know that they really do show benefits

2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg 

jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine 

feb 2015 quetiapine stopped 

feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added 

feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg 

july 2015 citalopram stopped 

sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin 

jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped

jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine

march 2017 all meds stopped 

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  • 2 weeks later...

While on 20 mg of Paroxetine, I could sleep away entire weekends. Stuff turned me into a giant slug. I was a little better at 10 mg. I was much better at 5 mg.

 

When I got off six months ago, I was fine at first. Then the anxiety and insomnia hit. After a few months of getting four hours or less of sleep a night, I'm having a tough time during the day. If I have lunch, I can scarcely function for hours, afterward.

 

So, my daytime fatigue is caused by insomnia, which is caused by anxiety—as far as I can tell. It's the sort of symptom that wears me down enough to consider going back on some sort of anti-depressant; makes me fear that I'll never be normal again.

Began in 1998 at 20mg/day. Dropped from 20 to 10mg/day around 2006. Dropped from 10 to 5mg/day in June of 2014. Dropped from 5 to 0mg/day in June of 2015. Rough times, indeed.

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Hi all

Been reading all your threads I have severe fatigue 24/7 for the last 4 months. This kills me I will wake up In the morning and feel so run down. I'm taking Mirtazapine down to 5.5mg and roboxetine 6mg. This tiredness is controlling my life. Cant do much.

Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. 
I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. 
Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. 
 
 
 

 

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I have sleep apnea to and that's under control according to the data readings I hope they are accurate. I hope that this chronic fatigue is from AD. Doing soany blood test one came back high my CK levels, not sure if this can cause it but I don't think so doc no nothing. I understand how use guys feel. Hope use are ok. I wish this passes soon.

Hardy

Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. 
I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. 
Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. 
 
 
 

 

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Hey Hardy thanks alot. Its been one of the most persistent symptoms. Most of my symptoms come and go, especially the mental ones. But this weakness has been consistently bad. Its improved but is still very strong. I hope it passes soon for all of us this year. Ive read accounts of people bed ridden for 2 yrs and came back to normal

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Hi mort81

I can't read your signature from my phone I will have to log in a computer. So you still have severe fatigue? How long did yours last and when did it all start? I swear it takes your life then depression kicks in full force.

Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. 
I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. 
Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. 
 
 
 

 

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Without looking at my history I feel like it kicked in around 3 months being off. I had such severe gut pain and was on a liquid diet so I lost tons of weight. I also pushed myself to go to a physically demanding job. I crashed and burned out. Its been 17 months overall off AD and its still going on. To be honest even though its debilitating I feel like my other symptoms are worse. I started having the same gut pain again 2 weeks ago and that's way more uncomfortable. Also Akathisia and neuro anxiety feels much worse than the fatigue. Don't get me wrong though I hate the fatigue

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Hi mort81

 

Wow are u still suffering bad that scares me. So yr fatigue started when u were of. Mine started and I'm still on meds Mirtazapine 5.5mg and roboxetine 6mg. Did you do a slow taper?

 

Yeah the last time I felt good was at the dose of 5.5mg and then it all went bad when I hit 4.5mg. I stuck on that dose for 1 months didn't settle and was hell so went back to 5.5mg hoping to settle and have been holding for 5 months now and no result and of course developed severe chronic fatigue. This is where I really need help on what I do with my next move do I cut micro 5% even though I haven't settled. Really need someone's advice as I'm really stuck and in pain.

Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. 
I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. 
Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. 
 
 
 

 

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I had a superfast taper off a potent cipralex dose. 3 months total I believe.  The last 20 mg was tapered in one month. My Doctors really hurt me , than denied that my pain was from the AD. SO I stuck out the pain instead of re-instating.  I am sorry Dont let my experience scare you. , I think at some point soon its completely gonna lift. You have tapered really slow so I dont see you taking nearly as long. Your fatigue with a superslow taper I guess proves that these symptoms can hit no matter what.  I wish I could tell you what to do with your cuts , your very close to being off but obviously dont wanna suffer more. 5 month hold is pretty long at that dose but  I guess your body is saying to stay right now. Other than the fatigue is their any other heavy symptoms ?

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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So you have had the fatigue for 5-6 months ?

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Had this for 3 months now. I don't even know if it's from meds 100% you question everything done a few blood test seem ok. 1 test came back with high ck levels but I don't know much about it. Other symptoms is of cause bad depression and little anxiety. But I think if the tiredness can ease maybe the depression will ease. How bad was your tiredness were you able to work still did you use anything to help? Coffee helped a week or so then it stopped working up the

Dose but still not much help don't wanna over do it on coffee. I wanna try anything that can life me if u know any? MSM, d-ribose a few I heard of but not sure I guess I have nothing to loose.

Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. 
I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. 
Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. 
 
 
 

 

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Had this for 3 months now. I don't even know if it's from meds 100% you question everything done a few blood test seem ok. 1 test came back with high ck levels but I don't know much about it. Other symptoms is of cause bad depression and little anxiety. But I think if the tiredness can ease maybe the depression will ease. How bad was your tiredness were you able to work still did you use anything to help? Coffee helped a week or so then it stopped working up the

Dose but still not much help don't wanna over do it on coffee. I wanna try anything that can life me if u know any? MSM, d-ribose a few I heard of but not sure I guess I have nothing to loose.

Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. 
I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. 
Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. 
 
 
 

 

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