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Migraine, headache, neck ache / pain and head pressure


squirrel

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I've had headaches a lot recently, but I don't get them in the morning. I get them when I'm stressed and tired, usually in the afternoon. My current headache started about an hour ago and sometimes I think not drinking enough water is part of it, or maybe just straining myself. I try not to take anything for the headache because it's not the head-splitting type.

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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Hi Guys,

I have gone to the doctor three times now due to fluid build up in my ears.

I believe this is due to a TMJ problem. The doctor said that if I am stressed it could explain

that I perhaps I clench my teeth at night and this causes me the terrible headaches and ear pain.

I will need to get a mouth guard and hopefully it will help.

Has anyone else had TMJ problems? I heard that ADs can cause these problems.

Rosie

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

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Hi Guys,

I have gone to the doctor three times now due to fluid build up in my ears.

I believe this is due to a TMJ problem. The doctor said that if I am stressed it could explain

that I perhaps I clench my teeth at night and this causes me the terrible headaches and ear pain.

I will need to get a mouth guard and hopefully it will help.

Has anyone else had TMJ problems? I heard that ADs can cause these problems.

Rosie

 

Rosie,

Bruxism/teeth grinding/TMJ is a documented side effect of SS/NRIs (theoretically, a type of movement disorder by disrupted dopamine). it stands to reason that any side effect can be exacerbation during withdrawal. Google bruxism + drug nameand you should hit medical literature.

 

Yes, a mouthguard should help. There is a thread about them -- available OTC.

 

It kills me to think of how many doctors are unaware of this side effect and Rx a benzo at night. I'm glad your doc suggested the nightguard.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Thanks Barb! Pretty much everything relates to the drugs!

So sad.....

Rosie

 

Ain't that the truth. I have come to the conclusion that most drugs only cure one symptom while causing multiple side effects in return. And many MD's do not acknowledge side effects. Honestly, I'd rather live with depression than be fat, manic, with chronic headaches and insommnia, tremors, tardive dyskinesia, TMJ, limited cognitive function and sexual dysfunction...all of which I experienced while on pmeds.

 

I was taking Lodine a powerful NSAID to treat headaches and ankle joint pain. It works well, however it could be causing my stomach to bleed and there is no way to know if that is happening. Seriously folks, Big Pharma needs to be regulated. I say if the side effects outweigh the cure than the drug should not get approved. Unfortunately, that is wishful thinking on my part.

Withdrew cold turkey from six medications: Celexa, Zyprexa, Depakote, Ativan, Ambien and Phentermine in 2002. It has been 10 years since I told polypharmacy to take a hike and have joined this forum to let others know that success is possible and to hopefully save people from experiencing the suffering that I did under psychiatric "care".

 

MY STORY

 

"TENSION is when we try to be who we think we should be, RELAXATION is when we are who we really are."

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I have always bruxed, but I think it's worse with the SSRI. A few weeks after I started on it I went to the dr with headaches, which I thought were caused by the SSRI. Dr looked it up and said headaches weren't a significant side effect (3% vs 2% on placebo or some very minimal difference like that) and put it down to my stiff neck causing tension headaches - though physical therapy didn't really solve the headaches. I'm inclined to think that there are better than even odds that the bruxism is causing the stiff neck and the headaches.

 

I'm getting a mouthguard next week, but the dentist says it won't stop me clenching, just give me something other than my teeth to destroy.

 

I'm hoping that once I'm off the SSRI it reduces somewhat, though with my history I don't expect it to ever stop. I will start tapering next week when I get my liquid lexapro, so I can't comment about it in withdrawal.

 

Bubbles

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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I have always bruxed, but I think it's worse with the SSRI. A few weeks after I started on it I went to the dr with headaches, which I thought were caused by the SSRI. Dr looked it up and said headaches weren't a significant side effect (3% vs 2% on placebo or some very minimal difference like that) and put it down to my stiff neck causing tension headaches - though physical therapy didn't really solve the headaches. I'm inclined to think that there are better than even odds that the bruxism is causing the stiff neck and the headaches.

 

I'm getting a mouthguard next week, but the dentist says it won't stop me clenching, just give me something other than my teeth to destroy.

 

I'm hoping that once I'm off the SSRI it reduces somewhat, though with my history I don't expect it to ever stop. I will start tapering next week when I get my liquid lexapro, so I can't comment about it in withdrawal.

 

Bubbles

 

Do you know what causes bruxism in your family (aside from meds)? I realize it's often written off as stress, but suspect there is a more defined cause. My sister bruxed long before I knew I did. We both have scoliosis and autoimmune diseases. I have a special disdain for symptoms being lumped into the psych diagnosis -- because 'psych patients are known to somaticize' GRRRR}}}}}

 

Agree with your dentist about the OTC mouthguards. Worth a try, but I've needed very customized ones. The last one I got is a small device that works with proprioception by restricting movement ('excursion'). This dentist has made a specialty of treating iatrogenic teeth/oral health problems, especially psych drugs that cause dry mouth.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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I have noticed myself clenching my jaw more than ever now. I'm wondering if a mouth guard will help.

Dec 2004 - Put on Zoloft after having a panic attack from the Birth Control Ortho Evra Patch (the doctors thought I was completely insane when I told them I think the Birth Control Patch is giving me anxiety/panic. Funny how they tell you NOW that Birth Control can indeed cause anxiety) Started at 25mg, increased to 50 mg and 100 mg in 2007. They made me too sleepy so decreased back to 50mg until 2009. Reduced to 25 mg in 2010.

Oct 2010 - Decided to come off Zoloft to try and have children. Didn't know anything about tapering because apparently, my doctor didn't know about it either. WDs included heart palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus etc. Decided to go back on Zoloft within 2 weeks of stopping.

January 2011 - Knowing a little more about tapering, I decided to stop taking taking Zoloft with my doctors help again. She told me to hurry and taper in 4 weeks because the tinnitus could become permanent. I thought this was too fast so I took another month to taper.

March 30, 2011 - Last Zoloft pill.

Had a little dizziness & sadness, but felt fine until Aug 2011 after a relative died.

Since then symptoms include brain shivers, migraine headaches on right side of head, warm/hot sensations on right side of head and ears, internal vibrations, tremor, muscle twitches, strange sensations in right side of head, anxiety, nervousness, sadness, disconnected, depersonalization, numbness on left side of body at times, neck pain, muscle/rib cage pains,  just don't feel like myself :(

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Hi Dani,

I am getting fitted for a mouth guard this week. My clenching got worse since on Pristiq to the point where I have constant fluid in my ears.

Rosie

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

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Hi Rosie,

Can you let us know what type of mouthguard you get and how you were fitted for it? Also, what kind of specialist ? I haven't had one made in a few years and would like to be aware of latest technology and understanding of bruxism. Thanks!

This is the last one I had made: www.NTI-TSS.com

(Nociceptive Trigeminal Input)

NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT!

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Barbara, I'm not aware of anyone else in my family bruxing but I have to say I haven't asked my siblings. Interestingly I also have an autoimmune disease (Hashimotos) and a mild scoliosis. My dentist fitted me for a custom mouthguard and I should get it early next week. Fingers crossed for it, but I only expect it to take the pressure off my teeth. I'm hoping that the drop in SSRI dose might reduce the bruxing.

 

Rosie - the constant fluid in your ears... One of mine always feels "blocked" and I have to relieve the pressure by moving my jaw to the side. Is that the kind of feeling you have?

 

Bubbles

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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Bubbles,

That 'fullness' or clogged feeling in the ears was very irritating to me also - often sounded like I was in a tunnel or echo chamber -

ENTs checked my ears a few times and found no fluid - I think it is an inflammation of Eustachian tube or structure adjacent to it that gives the clogged feeling -

BTW - chewing gum flares mine up immediately - just fyi

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Bubbles,

My ears definitely have fluid in them. It feels as though someone is pulling on them: it's the weirdest sensation. I feel pressure in my ears and I am very sensitive to sounds. My acupuncturist is treated me for this. Hopefully, I will find relief soon.

Rosie

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

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It sounds more like Barbara's experience than Rosie's. It seems to be caused by the bruxism. It's been there for a long while - 20 years? - but I've only connected it now. It bothers me, but not as much as the headaches, which do seem to have come on since the ssri.

 

Bubbles

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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Went to the dentist today and she confirmed that I definitely clench my teeth. She showed be a picture of my teeth that prove it. So, she fitted me for a mouth guard and I will get it next week. Will let you know what exactly it's called and what it is made of.

She recommended physiotherapy with a TMJ specialist as well as acupuncture, which I am already doing.

Rosie

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

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Hi everyone

 

For those of you experiencing headaches as part of withdrawal, did you also experience them as side effects?

 

Bubbles

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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Hi, bubbles: no, I don't remember hardly any headaches while I was on AD's. I just passed six months off AD's and the last month or six weeks I've had almost what I would imagine migraine headaches would feel like. It's like the top of my head is being squeezed in one of those machine shop devices where they put metal objects to hold and then ratchet up the squeeze. Pretty Scarey! I was trying a little bit of everything to help them; 2or3 ibuprofen at a time, magnesium(also a little at a time), and popped some homeopathic preps every hour or so. Nothing seemed to really help. The last few days I've dropped back to taking nothing and the headaches are definitely better.

 

Don't know what t tell you about relief. Nadia had a good suggestion. Just drink more water. I can add, avoid loud noises, bright lights, irritating events like tv watching for tv watching sakes, and weird smells. Hopefully, with time these will recede too.

I started withdrawing off remeron in August of 2009, with the help of a holistic physician.The reason for the withdrawal was a year or two of off and on nausea, deterioration in my thinking, and more depression. It took me a full year to work from 135 mg down to 45mg. At that point, more drops were causing more depression. Unfortuately, the nervousness that I was also feeling for the last year continued with the 45 mg. Thirty one days ago, I stopped the remeron. I am still feeling the nervousness every day and the last week, I am feeling what I think is depression but not sure. In bed in the morning, I'm already dreading another day feeling this way. I am intensely unsure of myself and find it very hard to do anything. I was a practicing veterinarian for 29 years until I found I could not practice anymore. First of all I couldn't think, or remember, and I had absolutely no confidence in anything I did. These were things I did with relative ease for twenty+ years. So, this feeling of no confidence has been during the time I was on the AD(the last 2 years) and today. I take no other medication other than my blood pressure meds. I tried supplements with my holistic dr. but they seemed to make the intense nervousness even more intense. Anyway, I truly feel stuck.

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I'm drinking lots of water, but I've been forgetting to do my physio pressure thing on my head. I did last night, and wore my new mouthguard (second night) and have woken up feeling better than I usually do in the morning. Fingers crossed the mouthguard is helping. I feel a lot more cheerful today. The headaches were a significant part of my decision to get off the drugs.

 

Bubbles

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi,

SInce going down to 20mg of Pristiq, I have had terrible headaches.

How long do they typically last?

Rosie

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

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  • 3 months later...
  • Administrator

Just wanted to note that I've found magnesium citrate to be effective for normal headaches. (It's more absorbable than magnesium oxide, and works faster.)

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've had almost daily headaches since coming off SSRI in Feb '12. My head both hurts and feels weird - like I'm going to faint and aren't quite all there. I didn't get them while I was taking the meds, so am assuming it's a withdrawal symptom. The only thing that I've found that helps is sleep.

01/2006 Put on Prozac for anxiety and panic attacks 08/2008 Came off Zoloft after tapering don't remember taper, lost weight, felt like had cold constantly, very panicky, pain everywhere (misdiagnosed fibromyalgia), head funny.05/2010 put back on Zoloft03/2012 came completely off Zoloft followed Dr standard taper- no appetite, lost weight (0.5 stone), flu-like feelings constantly, pain everywhere, head funny, nausea, very panicky, very strong emotions etc Lost 1 stone.04/2013 improving. actually put on some weight and hungry most of the time. Still burning pain joints, stomach upset, headache/feel faint and emotions very strong. Chest very painful too.01/2014 improving still. Gained weight!! Still hungry. Still headache/feel faint and strong emotions and chest/shoulder muscles painful. Periods irregular and very painful. Very tired. Joints burn only if eat refined sugars. Started eating fruits again.03/2014 2 years off. Now intolerances developed to nuts and soya. Permanently hungry, Emotions strong but started healing psychological reasons I was put on antidepressants with therapist. Shoulder pain bad, heady often, very tired.06/2014 flu-like symptoms returned, many intolerances, stomach painful, skin crawling feeling, muscles painful, very emotional. :-((

09/2016 over 4.5 years off, no real changes in symptoms, still much pain, headiness, heart weird, digestion bad, hormones unbalanced, nausea yet very hungry, tired, flu like symptoms etc etc.

<p>taking - vit C, probiotics and digestive enzymesI have Aspergers Syndrome.

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  • 3 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Yes, I've had a more or less continuous headache for the past two months. Before withdrawal, I never had headaches.

3 Years 150 mgs Effexor

2 month taper down to zero

3 terrible weeks at zero

Back up to 75 mgs

2 months at 75

6 or so months back to regular dose of 150 - was able to restabilize fine.

3 month taper back to zero

1 HORRENDOUS week at zero

2 days back up to 37.5

3 days back up to 75

One week at 150 - unable to stabilize.

Back down to 75 mgs

At 75 mgs (half original dose) and suffering withdrawal symptoms since October 2012.

 

"It is a radical cure for all pessimism to become ill, to remain ill for a good while, and then grow well for a still longer period." - Nietzsche

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My neck stiffness has come back with a vengeance in the last few weeks and I can't identify a trigger. Not withdrawal-related; started with Zoloft bruxism in 1993, permanently disabled due to pain in 2001. Estrogen (for ovarian failure, not menopause) had helped significantly for several months, but not now. Very restricted range of motion. Also having significant difficulty swallowing, which is new. Wondering if thyroid-related..?

 

Sorry if this is going off topic.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • 3 months later...

this is has gotten to be routine and I am achey but the neck pain & headaches are really disturbing, I try to ride it out because I dont want to be popping motrin everyday.

 

is this a symptom

2006-2012 50mgs zoloft
skipped doses every other day for a year and started having anxiety again in March 2012
back on at 50mgs Dec 2013
started taper from benzos April 2014 per Heather Ashton method (c/o from kpin to diazepam)
March 2015 started 1.25mg lorazepam
Tapered off Zoloft in May off in 4 weeks...5 weeks later crashing AGAIN. Dr wanted to start Gabapentin tried it 7 days
Symptoms :burning eyes, anxiety, pounding heart, dizzy, strange head feeling, internal shaking, Overall UNWELL
Taking lorazepam 1.25mg daily

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  • Moderator Emeritus

3 Years 150 mgs Effexor

2 month taper down to zero

3 terrible weeks at zero

Back up to 75 mgs

2 months at 75

6 or so months back to regular dose of 150 - was able to restabilize fine.

3 month taper back to zero

1 HORRENDOUS week at zero

2 days back up to 37.5

3 days back up to 75

One week at 150 - unable to stabilize.

Back down to 75 mgs

At 75 mgs (half original dose) and suffering withdrawal symptoms since October 2012.

 

"It is a radical cure for all pessimism to become ill, to remain ill for a good while, and then grow well for a still longer period." - Nietzsche

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Yes. I'm always achy. especially in the neck and back area. I also get dull headaches frequently. It definitely seems to be common symptoms.

 

Hang in there.

Started Fluoxetine Jan. 2010

Tried to go off of it in Sept. 2010

Weaned too fast and was back on it by Nov. 2010

Didn't work as good the second time around.

Started to wean again in Nov. 2011 and was off for good by April? 2012

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  • 3 weeks later...

My neck kills me in the afternoon everyday, along with headache...is this a symptom or just a bad neck?

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
merged from: whats with neck pain and headaches?

2006-2012 50mgs zoloft
skipped doses every other day for a year and started having anxiety again in March 2012
back on at 50mgs Dec 2013
started taper from benzos April 2014 per Heather Ashton method (c/o from kpin to diazepam)
March 2015 started 1.25mg lorazepam
Tapered off Zoloft in May off in 4 weeks...5 weeks later crashing AGAIN. Dr wanted to start Gabapentin tried it 7 days
Symptoms :burning eyes, anxiety, pounding heart, dizzy, strange head feeling, internal shaking, Overall UNWELL
Taking lorazepam 1.25mg daily

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On 16/03/2013 at 7:46 AM, 'laineyk' said:

My neck kills me in the afternoon everyday, along with headache...is this a symptom or just a bad neck?

 

I know!

 

I've dealt with aches and pains since withdrawal. A lot more in my neck and back muscles.

 

Sometimes I feel that achy feeling like when you're sick, but I don't get sick.

 

I'm not sure why this happens in withdrawal. Maybe someone will offer more insight.

 

Hang in there!

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
merged from: whats with neck pain and headaches?

Started Fluoxetine Jan. 2010

Tried to go off of it in Sept. 2010

Weaned too fast and was back on it by Nov. 2010

Didn't work as good the second time around.

Started to wean again in Nov. 2011 and was off for good by April? 2012

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  • 5 months later...

Last night I once again experienced a disturbing set of eye symptoms. Something akin to a tiny aurora borealis developed around the periphery of my vision, which I could "see" whether my eyes were open or closed: a bright, shimmering, zigzaggy light show. It gradually moved around my field of vision but mostly stayed around the edges. There was no headache pain per se, but there was a feeling of slight pressure or fullness. Earlier in the week I had a lot of bright pinpoint floaters.

 

Both the aura and the floaters have occured before, although last night was the first time in quite a while. It's very disconcerting. My vision is not affected, but there is obviously something happening in my brain...kinda scary.

 

I took an ibuprofen and after about 45 minutes the lights and pressure ceased.

 

Would this be a "silent migraine"? Or?

 

Sparrow

2009-2011: tapered off Trazodone, Namenda, Lamictal, Dextroamphetamine, Zyprexa; cold-turkeyed Pristiq; reduced Lexapro dose 50%.
On clonazepam since 2004, 0.5 - 1.0 mg daily PRN. Three failed (too rapid) partial tapers, 2010 - 2011.
Dec. 2011 - March 2013: Tapered off 0.5 mg clonazepam (Klonopin)

August 2013: Switched to liquid escitalopram (Lexapro) and began tapering from 10 mg.

January 2014: 4.5 mg escitalopram

March 2014: One year off benzos

May 2014: 3.0 mg escitalopram

June 2014: severe depression, updosed to 4.0 mg

Sept 1, 2014: 2.7 mg

Dec 7, 2014: Can't get below 2.5 mg without unbearable symptoms. Doing an extended hold (I hope)

March 2015: TWO YEARS POST-BENZO

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Sparrow,

 

This sounds similar to symptoms of Post Vitreous Detachment that I began experiencing several years ago. It's a relatively common, benign eye condition that occurs more frequently in very nearsighted people who've had surgery/LASIX. I have a lot of floaters now. Very annoying.

 

Just a thought.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • 2 months later...

I alternate ice and heat. Sometimes I just cry. I do not recommend crying, it does not help. And as magillrn said, lots and lots of water. 

Current:

Lorazapam2mg: 4/9/152mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness.  

Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. 

 

Discontinued:

Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0

Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/1450mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0

Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage 

Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes.

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Thanks Barb! Pretty much everything relates to the drugs! So sad.....Rosie

Ain't that the truth. I have come to the conclusion that most drugs only cure one symptom while causing multiple side effects in return. And many MD's do not acknowledge side effects. Honestly, I'd rather live with depression than be fat, manic, with chronic headaches and insommnia, tremors, tardive dyskinesia, TMJ, limited cognitive function and sexual dysfunction...all of which I experienced while on pmeds.I was taking Lodine a powerful NSAID to treat headaches and ankle joint pain. It works well, however it could be causing my stomach to bleed and there is no way to know if that is happening. Seriously folks, Big Pharma needs to be regulated. I say if the side effects outweigh the cure than the drug should not get approved. Unfortunately, that is wishful thinking on my part.
This is exactly hey I will resist the urge to get a pill to help with side effects. I won't trade one drug for another. All I hope is that the headaches eventually go away. I can take a lot of pain so I'm in this for the long haul.

"I'm not telling you it is going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it." --unknown.

 

Introduction Post: http://bit.ly/18TMCPT

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I posted that in Sept. Still having ongoing headaches.

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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Not me.

I started having headaches 9 months after I started tapering. I did cut my dose in half at the beginning due to increased anxiety and agoraphobia. Those were my side effexs.

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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Ps

I know they were side effex because the next day that I cut by 50% they disappeared.

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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there are truly, honest-to-goodness only a few select drugs for which the generic is in any way pharmacologically different from the brand name.  Those drugs are Dilantin, Warfarin, and Synthroid.  Any other drug there is absolutely NO difference in how the body metabolizes and uses the drug.  I would look at other variables.  generic vs. brand name is not it. 

"I'm not telling you it is going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it." --unknown.

 

Introduction Post: http://bit.ly/18TMCPT

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Yep. I get the achy neck and back and dull headaches very often.

Started Fluoxetine Jan. 2010

Tried to go off of it in Sept. 2010

Weaned too fast and was back on it by Nov. 2010

Didn't work as good the second time around.

Started to wean again in Nov. 2011 and was off for good by April? 2012

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