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Fightingawar: Withdrawals after having serotonin syndrome


Fightingawar

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Yes, withdrawal syndrome can last many months, despite what your doctors might say. Please look at a few of the topics in the Introductions forum to see what people are going through.

 

We would not go to the effort to suggest a reinstatement if withdrawal syndrome was trivial and over quickly.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Fightingawar

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  • Altostrata

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  • Audrey88

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  • manymoretodays

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Hi, I was on Lexapro for 10 years and I have been slowly withdrawling since last June. I stopped completely 3 months ago and since taking that last pill my withdrawl symptoms were really severe. I was feeling suicidal, very depressed, hopeless , severe anxiety, just not feeling safe in this world or in my own body, questioned reality, crying alot,  just very out of it mentally. But I recently changed my diet completely to a very healthy one and just started jogging today. I do feel alot better than a month ago, slowly it does get better. I really would recommend the Nautropathic doctor, She will ask you alot more important questions than a regular doctor. Maybe even acupuncture I heard can help. My visit was $109 but its cheaper after the first visit. I had no appetite for about two weeks , I could barely swallow food and I was nauseous, but the blending of drinks really helped alot. When my anxiety was the highest, I still forced myself to go out and do small things because I think if you let anxiety take over it will handicap you and make everything worse. I noticed that once you get out of the house and do small things you will feel alot prouder of yourself than if you would have done nothing. I think you did come off pretty fast so it might be a little while longer. I see therapist that has helped me with alot of my symptoms. Can you maybe see someone as well? I hope this helps , im here for you.

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Im having a really bad day, the thoughts and anxiety are so overwhelming. I feel paralyzed almost in fear I’m so scared I’m not going to get better and not having a doctor that understands makes me so much worse I want to talk to a specialist in this and there is none what do you do what direction do you take. I can’t find a doctor that will reinstate my meds because of the possible serotonin syndrome although I’m pretty certain I didn’t have it all they want to do is try and start me on a different antidepressant I have called all over the world even as far as London trying to understand this. I need to know that I will heal even though I was took off with no taper. I really have been thinking about starting another antidepressant but what if it makes me worse and worse then this would be so so very bad I don’t know how it would even be possible as I’m already non functional. I know that no one in here can tell me what will happen but I only have 2 choices to keep trying to go on and pray I heal or try a different antidepressant. Most people can reinstate there original medication but that’s not an option for me.

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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14 hours ago, Audrey88 said:

Hi, I was on Lexapro for 10 years and I have been slowly withdrawling since last June. I stopped completely 3 months ago and since taking that last pill my withdrawl symptoms were really severe. I was feeling suicidal, very depressed, hopeless , severe anxiety, just not feeling safe in this world or in my own body, questioned reality, crying alot,  just very out of it mentally. But I recently changed my diet completely to a very healthy one and just started jogging today. I do feel alot better than a month ago, slowly it does get better. I really would recommend the Nautropathic doctor, She will ask you alot more important questions than a regular doctor. Maybe even acupuncture I heard can help. My visit was $109 but its cheaper after the first visit. I had no appetite for about two weeks , I could barely swallow food and I was nauseous, but the blending of drinks really helped alot. When my anxiety was the highest, I still forced myself to go out and do small things because I think if you let anxiety take over it will handicap you and make everything worse. I noticed that once you get out of the house and do small things you will feel alot prouder of yourself than if you would have done nothing. I think you did come off pretty fast so it might be a little while longer. I see therapist that has helped me with alot of my symptoms. Can you maybe see someone as well? I hope this helps , im here for you.

@Audrey88 how did you get through the toughest days?? Did you have days were you couldn’t get out of bed or that your mind convinced you that your not going to heal? I have lost 40 pounds the nausea just goes on and on although I do feel like I have little more appetite in the evening mornings and lunch I literally have to make my self swallow. Thank you for being here for me I feel so alone even though I know I don’t suffer alone but I want to feel at least a little better just to give me that hope.

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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Hi, So for the toughest days I actually have a prescription for Xanex and I would take just 1/4 of it just to take the edge off for the anxiety. Im not saying you should do this because Xanex can be very addicting itself. But maybe talk to your doctor about getting a low dose of it. I only took it when it was really really bad. Another thing that helps take the edge off is CBD oil, its like cannabis but without the THC in it. It is great for anxiety and depression feelings. I live in CA so its legal here, im not sure where you live. Again its just a suggestion, im not a doctor or anything. Another thing that helps again is just getting out of the house and getting a change of scenery, go visit a family member or fried and talk about how your feeling. Do you have a support system like this ? I remember how hard it was to swallow food down as well , I still have this problem sometimes thats why blended drinks are great. Watching videos on youtube helps alot, seeing other people going through the same thing makes you feel not so alone.  Inspirational videos are the best they give you a confidence boost. Getting some somelight helps depending on where you live. Vitamin D from the sun boosts your mood alot. Back to the eating I would just make sure what ever you do eat has alot of nutrients to help heal your brain faster. I hope this helps again. Trust me I still struggle through the day but I try and stay positive and strong.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

FAW I am sorry to see that you are still struggling. Alto is the absolute best at this, and knows more about withdrawal  than any doctor, in fact she teaches doctors and we even have psychiatrists who are members to learn from Alto how to treat their patients.  She has recommended a very very small dose of the same type of drug you are withdrawing from. Any other drug is not the same, you need the same drug or the same class of drug. A very small dose would be very unlikely to cause serotonin toxicity.  

 

On 5/10/2018 at 9:24 PM, Altostrata said:

If your liver is healthy, if I were you, I'd ask for amitryptyline, which is a tricyclic, rather than Trintellix, which is an expensive drug of another type.

 

Amitriptyline comes in a wider range of tablets, as well as a liquid, which makes it easier to titrate than Trintellix. 

 

You were on 125mg clomipramine, is that correct? I might try 5mg amitriptyline to reduce withdrawal symptoms. This is about a tenth of your clomipramine dosage, see the estimated drug equivalencies below.

 

This is the best advice you could get.  I don't know where in the world you are but can you see another doctor to get a prescription?  

I quit effexor and went into withdrawal a month after quitting. Reinstating just 1mg halted the withdrawal. It takes time to stabilise and there are ups and downs, windows and waves but they don't last.  

 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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On 5/19/2018 at 8:23 PM, Audrey88 said:

Hi, So for the toughest days I actually have a prescription for Xanex and I would take just 1/4 of it just to take the edge off for the anxiety. Im not saying you should do this because Xanex can be very addicting itself. But maybe talk to your doctor about getting a low dose of it. I only took it when it was really really bad. Another thing that helps take the edge off is CBD oil, its like cannabis but without the THC in it. It is great for anxiety and depression feelings. I live in CA so its legal here, im not sure where you live. Again its just a suggestion, im not a doctor or anything. Another thing that helps again is just getting out of the house and getting a change of scenery, go visit a family member or fried and talk about how your feeling. Do you have a support system like this ? I remember how hard it was to swallow food down as well , I still have this problem sometimes thats why blended drinks are great. Watching videos on youtube helps alot, seeing other people going through the same thing makes you feel not so alone.  Inspirational videos are the best they give you a confidence boost. Getting some somelight helps depending on where you live. Vitamin D from the sun boosts your mood alot. Back to the eating I would just make sure what ever you do eat has alot of nutrients to help heal your brain faster. I hope this helps again. Trust me I still struggle through the day but I try and stay positive and strong.

Audrey has made some excellent suggestions here but  we do not recommend drugs here at SA other  than the one that has been stopped.

We have a topic on CBD oil, some have found it makes symptoms worse,  withdrawal makes people very, very sensitive to drugs and some supplements. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/5030-cannabis-marijuana-thc-or-cbd-to-ease-withdrawal-symptoms/

 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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I’m waiting on another doctor to call me back now to see if they will prescribe at least the same class of antidepressant, I will keep you updated.

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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I also suggested imipramine so we will see

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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I’m really starting to get freaked out by everybody telling me this is not Withdrawals something else has to be going on they say. Can someone please give me some reassurance that what I’m experiencing is withdrawals. Can you really have them so severe that you can’t do anything barely even eat for three months can you really be that sick? Is there someone in here that’s been that sick?

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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  • Administrator

If by "everyone" you mean the medical establishment, the reason this site exists is because very few doctors know anything about withdrawal.

 

Don't expect your doctors to agree you have withdrawal syndrome -- though you clearly went cold turkey and they should know better.

 

Perhaps a better argument to use would be you feel you still need an antidepressant and you want to try a little amitriptyline or imipramine.

 

Any doctor can prescribe these drugs, it doesn't have to be a psychiatrist or someone at the hospital.

 

If it's absolutely impossible to get one of those tricyclics, I might try 0.5mg Prozac. (You'll probably have to ask for 5mg Prozac as a starting dose.)

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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@Altostrata have you seen people this severe 3 months out from being off. I can barely eat or get out the bed I hurt so bad and my anxiety is crazy high. So you have seen this, this far out? By the way thank you for helping me through this I’m still waiting on the doctor to call me about getting put back on the meds I have been crying all day I just want to go outside and play with my kids so bad. 

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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  • Administrator

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Yes, it is that bad.  I’m at 15 months out and severely debilitated.  I’ve had to hire a nanny to help me care for the kids.  In the beginning I had some weird brain sensations, insomnia, terror of being alone, intense crying spells, and a host of other things, but physically I realize I was in a lot better shape.  I am much worse now physically.

 

Are you unable to eat because of your anxiety or your physical symptoms?

 

I highly suggest that you try to reinstate at a microdose.  It can save you from a world of suffering.

 

And yes, this is all WD.  I have never in my life cried for 5-6 hours straight.  And I mean sobbing on the floor, crying as if someone told me all my family members had died.  These physical symptoms and mental ones are over the top!  Have I had anxiety and depression before? Absolutely, but nothing that rendered me incapable of living my life.  If you have never felt this way physically or mentally - rest assured, this is all WD.

 

I am so sorry that you’re in so much pain.  I hope you can get it to a manageable level.  If you wait too long, there is a possibility for it to get worse.  Lots or people have been helped by reinstatement.  Hold on to that.

Mid 2014 - June 2016 (~ 2.5 yrs): sertraline 75mg. Under advice of my Pysch NP, weaned off in 1 month

Sept 2017 - Feb 2017 (6 months): Latuda (dose 20mg up to 80mg). Under advice of Psych NP, weaned off in 6 weeks (Jan - mid Feb). Tirtated down 20mg every 2 weeks.

Nov 2017 - Feb 2017 (3 months): lamictal 100mg. Abruptly taken off. This was the "wean": 100mg, 50mg, then off

Feb 2017: sertraline 150mg for 1 week to bring me out of a severe suicidal depression. Abruptly stopped due to serotonin syndrome. Tried to reinstate 50mg a week later, but the serotonin syndrome symptoms came back. Not possible to reinstate sertraline.

March 2017: remeron 7.5mg. Took one dose that knocked me out for two days. Refused to take it again

February 2017 - March 2017: Ativan 1mg. Took 5 pills total spread out over the course of 3 weeks. No longer taking it.

6/16/18 - 6/26: celexa 1.25mg

6/27/18 - 6/29: celexa 2.5mg, 6/29 had burning and agitation within 30min of dose

6/30/18 - present: celexa 1.25mg

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If you see someone who is similar to mine and you remember will you tag me in it, I just want someone to talk to that has a similar experience as mine I have talked to a lot of people but most people I have talked to are definitely still in withdrawals but was not as severe as I am 3 months out.

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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2 minutes ago, TryingToHoldOn said:

Yes, it is that bad.  I’m at 15 months out and severely debilitated.  I’ve had to hire a nanny to help me care for the kids.  In the beginning I had some weird brain sensations, insomnia, terror of being alone, intense crying spells, and a host of other things, but physically I realize I was in a lot better shape.  I am much worse now physically.

 

Are you unable to eat because of your anxiety or your physical symptoms?

 

I highly suggest that you try to reinstate at a microdose.  It can save you from a world of suffering.

 

And yes, this is all WD.  I have never in my life cried for 5-6 hours straight.  And I mean sobbing on the floor, crying as if someone told me all my family members had died.  These physical symptoms and mental ones are over the top!  Have I had anxiety and depression before? Absolutely, but nothing that rendered me incapable of living my life.  If you have never felt this way physically or mentally - rest assured, this is all WD.

 

I am so sorry that you’re in so much pain.  I hope you can get it to a manageable level.  If you wait too long, there is a possibility for it to get worse.  Lots or people have been helped by reinstatement.  Hold on to that.

I am definitely trying to reinstate something just waiting on the doctor to call me back I just hope it’s not to late to do that, I’m at 11 weeks. I’m sorry I know we talked but did you taper off or cold turkey and what medication? You don’t feel any better at all? I’m sick physically as far as I have no appetite what so ever but I think the nauseous is a little both physical and mental, I have lost 40 pounds. That and my body aching are my two worst physical symptoms but the anxiety is the worst of the worst.

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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8 minutes ago, Fightingawar said:

If you see someone who is similar to mine and you remember will you tag me in it, I just want someone to talk to that has a similar experience as mine I have talked to a lot of people but most people I have talked to are definitely still in withdrawals but was not as severe as I am 3 months out.

This is a common misconception. Everyone thinks they are the most severe, but I do agree that there are different levels of hell.  Some can work, others can’t. Some are bedridden, some can go to the gym every day.  Some have only mental symptoms, others physical and some have both.  Read some threads.  There are quite a few individuals who are just as severe you and I would include myself.  

Mid 2014 - June 2016 (~ 2.5 yrs): sertraline 75mg. Under advice of my Pysch NP, weaned off in 1 month

Sept 2017 - Feb 2017 (6 months): Latuda (dose 20mg up to 80mg). Under advice of Psych NP, weaned off in 6 weeks (Jan - mid Feb). Tirtated down 20mg every 2 weeks.

Nov 2017 - Feb 2017 (3 months): lamictal 100mg. Abruptly taken off. This was the "wean": 100mg, 50mg, then off

Feb 2017: sertraline 150mg for 1 week to bring me out of a severe suicidal depression. Abruptly stopped due to serotonin syndrome. Tried to reinstate 50mg a week later, but the serotonin syndrome symptoms came back. Not possible to reinstate sertraline.

March 2017: remeron 7.5mg. Took one dose that knocked me out for two days. Refused to take it again

February 2017 - March 2017: Ativan 1mg. Took 5 pills total spread out over the course of 3 weeks. No longer taking it.

6/16/18 - 6/26: celexa 1.25mg

6/27/18 - 6/29: celexa 2.5mg, 6/29 had burning and agitation within 30min of dose

6/30/18 - present: celexa 1.25mg

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6 minutes ago, Fightingawar said:

I am definitely trying to reinstate something just waiting on the doctor to call me back I just hope it’s not to late to do that, I’m at 11 weeks. I’m sorry I know we talked but did you taper off or cold turkey and what medication? You don’t feel any better at all? I’m sick physically as far as I have no appetite what so ever but I think the nauseous is a little both physical and mental, I have lost 40 pounds. That and my body aching are my two worst physical symptoms but the anxiety is the worst of the worst.

I was pretty much cold turkeyed off of 3 medications and then incurred a very severe case of serotonin syndrome.  I literally thought I was going to die from the reaction.

 

Mat 8 months I saw vast improvements then it went downhill again and has been extremely severe.  You can check out my thread, but I started out with well over 50 symptoms.  It has been horrendous.

 

Just hang tight as you have the opportunity to reinstate and it could make a world of a difference for you and I hope it does.

 

If you want to look at severe cases check out:

 

Kristine

Callie

Jeanny44

Terry4949

 

There are a lot more, but I suggest you stick with success stories.  Look up RachelSusan, she cold turkeyed and was able to reinstate.  Her quality of life is significantly better.

Mid 2014 - June 2016 (~ 2.5 yrs): sertraline 75mg. Under advice of my Pysch NP, weaned off in 1 month

Sept 2017 - Feb 2017 (6 months): Latuda (dose 20mg up to 80mg). Under advice of Psych NP, weaned off in 6 weeks (Jan - mid Feb). Tirtated down 20mg every 2 weeks.

Nov 2017 - Feb 2017 (3 months): lamictal 100mg. Abruptly taken off. This was the "wean": 100mg, 50mg, then off

Feb 2017: sertraline 150mg for 1 week to bring me out of a severe suicidal depression. Abruptly stopped due to serotonin syndrome. Tried to reinstate 50mg a week later, but the serotonin syndrome symptoms came back. Not possible to reinstate sertraline.

March 2017: remeron 7.5mg. Took one dose that knocked me out for two days. Refused to take it again

February 2017 - March 2017: Ativan 1mg. Took 5 pills total spread out over the course of 3 weeks. No longer taking it.

6/16/18 - 6/26: celexa 1.25mg

6/27/18 - 6/29: celexa 2.5mg, 6/29 had burning and agitation within 30min of dose

6/30/18 - present: celexa 1.25mg

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So my questions are this

1. I ct off my medication clomprimine 3 months ago, what is to late to reinstate?

2. How do I know if my reinstatement is successful?

3. I understand withdrawals can last for years but what is the time frame for the acute severe part? 

4. Can reinstatement makes me worse?

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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@TryingToHoldOn thank you for making me realize that I’m not alone, sometimes I’m so sick that I think how could anybody be any worse then this, and there are and I hate it so bad for them because I understand. So what is your plan? Are you taking anything now? Can reinstatement make me worse? I’m just scared that if I have to take a different medication that it’s going to make me worse instead of better then I would be devastated. And then I get mad and think I have made it this far why not keep trying but then I see stories like yours and that scares me. So it’s so hard to know the right answer. After you were diagnosed with serotonin syndrome were you able to take any antidepressants again?

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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  • Moderator

Hi Fightingawar-- This topic is abut time frames for different parts of the WD process, your questions 1,2 and 4 deal with the specifics of reinstatement and are covered in a number of threads on that subject.  So it would be best if you looked there for those answers.

 

As for the "severe acute part", that's going to be any of a number of situations that have destabilized the body.  Each of those situations have been addressed separately above. Depending on what has destabilized things the acute symptoms could last from a few weeks to several years.  Some people will have a wave of acute symptoms that lasts only a short time, while some, quite notably those who have CTed can suffer acute symptoms for a very long time indeed.  It's impossible to put an exact number on any one individual.

 

Brassmonkey

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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Ok so I finally got a doctor to prescribe me at least in the same class of medications a Tricyclic antidepressant called nortriptyline I’m supposed to start it tonight @Altostrata what is your suggestion on dosage I think the lowest is 10 mg. Do you think that’s to much? How will I know if I have a reverse reaction to it as far as how can I tell if it’s withdrawals or the med? Everyone please say a prayer that this works for me please 🙏🏻

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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I was very, very sick, too, at months 7-9, and then it started to get better.  Good luck with your reinstatement, FAW. - Rosetta

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

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  • Administrator

I would try 1mg to start, to see how it affects you. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

To take a small amount, see

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

Tips for tapering off nortriptyline

 

Nortriptyline also comes in a liquid. Your doctor can save you some work by prescribing the liquid. You might phone pharmacies in your area to see who might carry it.

 

It surely would be helpful if you could put the dosages of the drugs you've been on in your signature, as requested multiple times. Please do what you can to make the mods' job easier. Read our responses carefully and answer all questions.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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I’m sorry I thought I had already did that, okay I just fixed it sorry @Altostrata

Also after I start the 1mg to stay at that dose or go up until I feel any better or how does that work?

Thank you @Rosetta I’m praying it works I can’t keep going like this with 5 kids depending on me.

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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  • Administrator

We need to see how 1mg affects you. It will take about a week for it to get to steady-state in your bloodstream, the effect should get stronger during that time.

 

If 1mg is enough, it still may take some weeks or months for your nervous system to settle down. You probably will continue to have waves and windows, but symptoms won't be as intense.

 

If it seems you need a higher dose, it will be easy to very carefully increase it by using the liquid.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Im not sure if I post this question on my thread or where I post it but do any of you ladies have withdrawal symptoms worse when you are on your period?

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

Link to comment
23 minutes ago, Fightingawar said:

Im not sure if I post this question on my thread or where I post it but do any of you ladies have withdrawal symptoms worse when you are on your period?

Oh, yes!  I do, and many others say they do, too.  Ibuprophen can help.  I take only one at a time.  I try to spread them out by a few hours just in case I have a reaction.  

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

Link to comment

Isn’t there a page where there are doctors that are recommended? @Altostrata

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Fighting,

 

To help Alto and the rest of us, please update your signature with recent changes:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/12364-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

More about reinstating and what to expect:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/7562-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms/

 

Recommended doctors.....:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14971-recommended-doctors-therapists-and-clinics/

 

If you use your search engine with the subject you have questions about and then type in survivingantidepressants.org before or after you can find some of your answers...... or existing topics on your own.  I'll also leave you the link to our symptoms and self care section.  Start at the top and read some of the "pinned topics" and try some of the self care.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/

 

I take it that Dr. Grace Jackson did not work out?

It might be good to work on a support system at home for additional help that might be required with your kids and/or job and household right now.   Therapists can be great too if you can find the right one.  Just for the outlet........to talk about some of your challenges now and new beliefs around prescribing doctors and psychiatrists(if applicable).  And to perhaps help you practice new coping skills and shifting perceptions.

You can continue to gain support and give support to others in similar circumstances here.  I used to just stay signed in to feel the Universal Support.......:rolleyes:B)in my early days here.......I'd explore and gained a lot of strength that way.  Then I interacted a bit more.......took me awhile to learn the ropes and come back cognitively enough........  I'm kind of off a bit now again....... due to grief....... but doing okay.  So......I understand your difficulties somewhat.

 

I so wish there were quick fixes for W/D........often that is not the case though. 

 

Love, peace, Universal Good Fortune, healing and into recovery mode, and growth........this all is/can be a wonderful growth experience.

As well as hugs.

mmt

 

Edited by manymoretodays
spacing

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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12 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

To help Alto and the rest of us, please update your signature with recent changes:

I just updated my signature yesterday, I don’t really have any changes but I did add the doses.

I really want to reinstate this medication and pray it helps me even though it’s not the same med and I’m almost 3 months out but I am terrified to put it in my mouth how do I get past this I know it’s the only thing that might help but I am so so scared it will make me worse but 1mg wouldn’t do that or could it? I just want to be okay I know I can’t keep living like I am because I’m not functioning barely but I’m so scared of everything now like petrified. I’m scared I’m going to take it and have a anxiety attack and then I’m going to think it’s a reverse reaction but I know I have to do it. The whole serotonin syndrome thing has me messed up as well because now I’m scared I’ll get that too or again or whatever since nobody knows if I had it. I hope everyone else is doing okay today I just needed to vent a little trying to let go of some of this nervous energy. And no I couldn’t ever find her (Grace Jackson) but I think she might be in Arizona. @manymoretodays How long were you in withdrawals and did you taper off?

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

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  • Administrator

If you're afraid of it, take a teeny tiny amount, such as 0.25mg.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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That’s probably exactly what I’m going to do, I’m supposed to pick it up today I feel like I’m picking up poison. If I start that low should I still wait so many days before I up it? 

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

Link to comment

And is there any kind of percentage that says how often it will help me being 3 months out? I mean is there still a good chance or is it slim?

Ativan- Currently taking 3.17 mg 6x a day for 4 years currently doing a liquid taper 

Anafranil- 125 mg was on for 2 years, 2016-March 2018 off only in 2 weeks my last dose was March 6 

Metoprolol-50mg twice daily for 2008-now

Prilosec-40mg once daily 2013-now

Singular-10mg once daily 2013-now

Magnesium-300mg 6 months 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Nope, no promises. My guess chances are good.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

FAW,

 

Oh okay......you didn't follow any of Alto's instructions yet.  If I were you.........I sure would.  "Probably" isn't really going to help much.......if you stay in that mode all day.   I don't know of any doctors that know this stuff like Alto does.   You have an excellent chance of improvement.  If I were you I'd do the 1.0 mg and note it in your signature. 

On 5/22/2018 at 5:00 PM, Altostrata said:

We need to see how 1mg affects you. It will take about a week for it to get to steady-state in your bloodstream, the effect should get stronger during that time.

You can do the 0.25 mg if you want.  You are kind of expected to make your own decisions too here from time to time.  This ^ might help with the ? below:

53 minutes ago, Fightingawar said:

That’s probably exactly what I’m going to do, I’m supposed to pick it up today I feel like I’m picking up poison. If I start that low should I still wait so many days before I up it? 

 

Use this format for recording daily symptoms and medications/drugs WITH dosages and times.  Otherwise we have no clue in which to further advise you.

Keep Notes on Paper

This ^ is the daily log of symptoms and medications(names and dosages) and times....... that we ask that you post here on your introduction/journal page.  Include your Ativan, metoprolol, as well as the new tricyclic A/D that you "probably" will reinstate.

 

Update your signature as well, this is the section below your posts.

Doing both of these things will help Alto and us all very much.  Thank you.

 

I was on withdrawals and re-medication for most of my, as I like to call......."psychiatric patient career".  So.......it's a bit like apples and oranges.  30 years..........28 medications, sometimes 2 or more......the more....... being not psychoactive medications.

I tapered my last medication and am glad I did so.  Hard to say how long I was in W/D.  My acute phase........before I could function without a ton of helping people, well not a ton .......but a few that helped with more practical matters.........I'd say a year.  Again.......I did 30 years of medications though.  Just no benzo's, like your Ativan ever.    Knowing more about what was going on, most of which I learned here........helped me a lot.  Even though there is no one in my circle, here at home or "on the ground" that understands it like I do.......even though I can't give you a concise statement.  Hopefully you get the idea. 

 

I'm in a good place with my healing and in recovery today.  I am.  Life can still throw me sometimes.......this........med free now........to me is worth it........very much so.

Okay......I am over and out to become one with nature now(yardwork B)).

mmt

 

Edited by manymoretodays
white space, details

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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