Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

☼ Leo1983: SSRI withdrawal


Leo1983

Recommended Posts

Last xmas i chose to work as i could not stand the idea of sitting at a xmas table with family or even been in the same room. 

 

This year 18 month later im at home having lunch and even a beer oops.. 

 

Am i cured? NO. Am i better? i must be...

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

Fantastic @Leo, enjoy! 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
3 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Last xmas i chose to work as i could not stand the idea of sitting at a xmas table with family or even been in the same room. 

 

This year 18 month later im at home having lunch and even a beer oops.. 

 

Am i cured? NO. Am i better? i must be...

 

wishing you best in this holiday and the coming year. 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Quick question if anyone can answer it...

 

Your in a stressful job and you take AD and end up with Adverse reactions and then wd etc etc etc. 

 

Your now in withdrawal however you still have to do that job to pay bills. Your symptoms are like nothing you had before i.e wd symptoms and we all know what they feel like. 

 

My question is..... Will that job stop you healing? I mean we all have to work and work is stressful. I do strongly think if i did not have the wd symptoms and all that goes with it i would be able to manage alot better at work and in my personal life. 

 

Thanks as always.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

@Leo1983, I'm not sure there's a definitive answer. It depends on whether you get some enjoyment from the job AS WELL as it being stressful, I think. And it depends on how much stress you are talking about. 

 

Also, most jobs have some stress. Life is tough at times. If you weren't working, for example, then stress would crop up elsewhere in your life. 

I personally don't think stress has to impede your recovery. As long as you are doing self care things to counterbalance the stress, you will continue healing. Plus, for me, work provides contact with the outside world and some respite from obsessing over WD. 

 

Be interested to hear others' views.... 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment

it would be interesting......

 

Im not sure what work is doing as i just always feel in withdrawal. At home and at work so i wont know until it all settles. 

 

 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
12 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

it would be interesting......

 

Im not sure what work is doing as i just always feel in withdrawal. At home and at work so i wont know until it all settles. 

 

 

Yep, me too. I'm on holiday at the moment, two weeks off, and in my mind the hols were going to be blissful.

Well in reality, they've been ok, but WD is still there, so......

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Leo, I did not work a job, although VERY busy at home during my wd.

I think it actually made things worse because my mind was on my symptoms full time.

Whenever I got occupied with a task that took concentration and got me out of the house I felt so much better. 

The whole time I was wishing I did have a job to take my mind off myself.

The symptoms can swallow you up if you can’t focus on something else.

Just for what it’s worth.

This is the best of my recollection.

20 mg Prozac 3-4 days per week from 1994 until May 2018.

Beginning May 15 I began to drop doses. 

I dropped 1 dose per week for the next 4 weeks.

It was not systematic at all. I don't have which days I took what.

so the week of May 13 I took 4 doses, which was pretty normal for me.

Then the week of May 20 I took 3 doses 20 mg.

The week of May 27 I took 3 doses 20 mg.

The 1st week in June l took 2 doses 20 mg.

The week of June 10, 2018 was my last dose 20 mg.

I had been on Prozac only for over 20 years.  No other medications.

 

Link to comment

So are you saying been at work and been busy is a good thing in wd?

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

Hey, Leo! 

 

I haven't worked ever since I began my withdrawal. I've noticed when I workout (run or do seven mile walks), do house chores or at the moment, build a Titanic model kit, my W/D symptoms go haywire. Sadly, I need to be dull as a rageddy doll so I won't have any symptoms. :(  However, I need to move on with my life, so I just roll through the punches knowing one day like Alto, even if means 10 plus years, I'll be ok. 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Hmmm thanks. 

 

i aint sitting with 10 year of this my friend. 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
2 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hmmm thanks. 

 

i aint sitting with 10 year of this my friend. 

 

Well if you find a solution, and it works, let me know. I'll do it. :) 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment
19 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

So are you saying been at work and been busy is a good thing in wd?

I am saying that it may be better than sitting at home focusing on your symptoms. 

Getting out and focusing on other things did help me.

I didn’t even have tv, games, or movies at home to distract myself from my suffering. 

(Looking back, I am glad, because research shows these to actually be damaging to the brain.)

 I also suffered from severe neuro loneliness which was greatly relieved by being around others.

But being at home alone really made things difficult.

 

This is the best of my recollection.

20 mg Prozac 3-4 days per week from 1994 until May 2018.

Beginning May 15 I began to drop doses. 

I dropped 1 dose per week for the next 4 weeks.

It was not systematic at all. I don't have which days I took what.

so the week of May 13 I took 4 doses, which was pretty normal for me.

Then the week of May 20 I took 3 doses 20 mg.

The week of May 27 I took 3 doses 20 mg.

The 1st week in June l took 2 doses 20 mg.

The week of June 10, 2018 was my last dose 20 mg.

I had been on Prozac only for over 20 years.  No other medications.

 

Link to comment

i 100% agree.

 

Thanks Tweet.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
11 minutes ago, Tweet said:

I am saying that it may be better than sitting at home focusing on your symptoms. 

Getting out and focusing on other things did help me.

I didn’t even have tv, games, or movies at home to distract myself from my suffering. 

(Looking back, I am glad, because research shows these to actually be damaging to the brain.)

 I also suffered from severe neuro loneliness which was greatly relieved by being around others.

But being at home alone really made things difficult.

 

I agree. Been out of the house. Been with people, walking in the wild fields and mountains (lucky to be near one) takes your mind of your symptoms and lessens their intensity. 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

There's some viewpoints about working while in withdrawal in this thread  if you want to check that out, too.  

 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

Link to comment

Hi

 

@Altostrata

 

im 19 month out and you can see i have had waves and windows recovery i guess.

 

is it normal at this far out to still be sinking into amlmost catotonic type depression, Anhedonia, fatigue and morning anxiety 

 

sorry its not positive.

 

Lee

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

How often does this happen, are there any triggers?

 

How have your symptoms changed in the last 6 months?

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.

Link to comment

This happens quite often... I suppose i have alot of withdrawal normal, were i feel i can manage. i feel hope and i push forward Then i drift back into the heavier sympyoms i mention. 

 

its very up and down. 

 

in the last 6 months i feel there has been some positive times and times of bad waves. in the last 2 month i dont feel i have progressed much. Im back to talking about wd all day and focusing on symptoms. 

 

I have been under work stress lately as they are telling me the information they have is 2 years to make a reasonable recovery and that i need to start and make some progress at work back into my normal duties. Also it has been xmas.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

@Leo1983

Im month 22 and I still struggle really bad with symptoms  (Akathisia, hopelessness, suicidal intrusive thoughts, si feelings, depression, dread, anxiety) its a very frustrating process but according to so many others who are walking this path or who have walked this path this is still very normal at this stage in the process and there isnt any magical number for this to be over either. So many people do not understand! Its a process and as freaking uncomfortable and scary as it is. I think i may finally be settling in? And realziing it takes time and one day it will all be a distant memory, just as others before me. Hang in there. We do heal!

13 months on 25 mg of sertraline.

Fast taper in march 2018, reinstated 12.5mg

Cold turkey sertraline april 17,2018

Zyprexa 5mg april 17,2018

Zyprexa taper to lamictal May 4-13 (life threatening rash)

Back on zyprexa 5mg for 10days & tapered over 5 weeks.

21 months off sertraline 

19 months off zyprexa

22 months into withdrawl 

Link to comment

Hmmm im starting to question things personally. Its not normal to just sit putting up with all this. 

 

I have kids a job and a life that one day will all end if this continues. Its a joke really 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

@Leo1983 i have a life and kids and a fiance as well. Not sure what other choice we have. 

I refuse to ever take the meds again. This isnt my first protracted withdrawal, first one lasted 3 years after 30days of ativan. Took zoloft for a year got off fine, 3 years later went back on for one year lowest dose possible ended up in hell. I speak to tons of people who have healed or are healing. It is extremely frustrating and scary. Especially when our brains tells us otherwise, but again what ither choice do we have? I have seem some improvements im not in the constant hell i was in it has to continue to get better. We can and will heal. Trust me im frustrated discouraged and scared too. But i have to keep pushing forward, taking a risk and becoming even worse by being even more kindled is not worth the risk. I have seen people get 100x worse after trying another med and thats not worth it for me

13 months on 25 mg of sertraline.

Fast taper in march 2018, reinstated 12.5mg

Cold turkey sertraline april 17,2018

Zyprexa 5mg april 17,2018

Zyprexa taper to lamictal May 4-13 (life threatening rash)

Back on zyprexa 5mg for 10days & tapered over 5 weeks.

21 months off sertraline 

19 months off zyprexa

22 months into withdrawl 

Link to comment

Hi Both

 

Hope you don’t mind me contributing here. I’m only 4 months CT from amitriptyline. I’m equally overwhelmed with the combination of depressive thoughts and awful anhedonia. I’m back at work, as going down hill rapidly while at home for six weeks. Trying to use the maxim to tolerate, float etc, but don’t think it works so well with the depression/anhedonia symptoms.

 

Hope you’re both seeing some alleviation.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment

19 month update from CT.

 

I dont post much now. 

 

I need some advice. Its a long time since i touched any meds!

 

I have kids, a job, a house etc etc and im aware they bring stress. 

 

However, i have read all the info here on the site and i know about the condition BUT im still not great and i dont think i have really had 1 day were i feel normal since my CT. Life has got easier however, i still have alot of cog fog, anxiety has never seemed to settle back down to baseline and at times feels like internal vibrating in my back, my zest for my old life still is long gone, i still wake up and never feel GOOD looking forward to my day..... You get the picture. 

 

YES im not as bad as acute wd was BUT i want to be able to wake up calm, enjoy my days off and have that nice feeling in the sun chilled and enjoy again. 

 

My question is am i looking at years of this? Do i have a condition? should i be better now? i wasnt on the drugs for years? im just at the stage were i think come on something has to be done here. 

 

Sorry 🤯

 

 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

Is there any views on my last post?

 

thanks.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
57 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Is there any views on my last post?

 

thanks.

Hi Leo

 

Just out of interest, how does your cog fog manifest? I also note you don’t mention the anhedonia thing (lack of pleasure) and depressive sensations. Isn’t that a good sign, despite other symptoms?

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Just popping in.

 

Im at 20 month CT now and i must say im not really that impressed how much i have healed. 

 

However i can function better and i have improved. 

 

Symptoms most days. 

- Anxiety on waking 

- Feel i need to wake up and do something. Cant sit still. As day goes on i can settle.

- That awful thick head feeling like your brains full of pressure. 

- Not always but somedays a huge feeling of almost catatonic depression/heavy fatigue depression. 

- poor stress management.

- Moody. 

 

Nothing has changed really. I have always drank tea and coffee, i enjoy a few drinks now and again. I take NOTHING drugs or meds or weed..

 

I admit i eat alot of crap but my appetite can regularly be poor. Gi issues mainly GERD.

 

Again it sounds bad but im alot better than i was in the start. 

 

I have had to change jobs because i just could not continue as a nurse. I have attempted to take time out. Not ideal but better than been sacked!.

 

My poor wife! shes been a star. 

 

Any advice welcome. 

 

 

 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

Hi

 

is there anyone with advice? i yave posted twice.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
26 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi

 

is there anyone with advice? i yave posted twice.

Hi L

 

I’m certainly not one of the moderators, but am also CT (six months now), and can relate to much of what you describe:

 

Anxiety on waking

Restlessness (inner,  not physical)

Awful thick head feeling. I’ve been describing a variation on this for months. Has a physical sensation, 24/7 but also blocks sleep, conversation, thinking, reading and enjoying etc. I’m assuming this is anxiety, adrenaline related, but no one confirmed this.

Depressive sensations-this is my A number one symptom. The most distressing and getting worse.

 

Am just about to try Magnesium and fish oil supplements, but low expectations.

 

S

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment

Hey Leo, 

 

I understand your frustration since I'm at the same place with you. I have noticed improvements from were I was more than a year ago, but sadly still need tread lightly since I do flare up when I push myself. for example, I used to run my 3k and do intense weight bodybuilding, but now I can't since I'll trigger harsh w/d symptoms. At the moment, it seems I could run a mile now once a week without a problem which is great. I couldn't do that a year ago, so I'll take that and go from there. 

 

My lingering symptoms

slight off balance

anxiety

slight urge to pee or poo

Muscle tension from my neck to head with the exact head symptoms you've described - especially when I hike or do more than one mile runs. 

 

At the moment, I'm doing small hobbies for example scale modeling to take my mind of my symptoms, because if I don't i quickly become too morose and begin to think I have some worse diseases. In the end, I'm like you, wanting this 'healing' to speed up and get back to my life especially doing bodybuilding and running 3ks. I'd recommend if you have any hobbies just do those to distract you. 

 

 

 

 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Hey Leo,

 

I'm 22 months off Lexapro and in a wave.

 

My worst symptoms have been GI/GERD issues and headaches.

 

I find my mood drops if I'm not working, so looking forward to having pressure again with deadlines.

 

As Manny03 says, being distracted is more positive than 100% focus on WD symptoms, as it can become an inward focused downward spiral, as I've found.

 

Hope you find a way forward 👍

 

TC,

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

Link to comment
22 minutes ago, manny03 said:

Hey Leo, 

 

I understand your frustration since I'm at the same place with you. I have noticed improvements from were I was more than a year ago, but sadly still need tread lightly since I do flare up when I push myself. for example, I used to run my 3k and do intense weight bodybuilding, but now I can't since I'll trigger harsh w/d symptoms. At the moment, it seems I could run a mile now once a week without a problem which is great. I couldn't do that a year ago, so I'll take that and go from there. 

 

My lingering symptoms

slight off balance

anxiety

slight urge to pee or poo

Muscle tension from my neck to head with the exact head symptoms you've described - especially when I hike or do more than one mile runs. 

 

At the moment, I'm doing small hobbies for example scale modeling to take my mind of my symptoms, because if I don't i quickly become too morose and begin to think I have some worse diseases. In the end, I'm like you, wanting this 'healing' to speed up and get back to my life especially doing bodybuilding and running 3ks. I'd recommend if you have any hobbies just do those to distract you. 

 

 

 

 

Hi

Unfortunately, I also have this thing which prevents you from drawing any pleasure from activities. This includes all the things so used to live and would be a great distraction.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment

 

@Junglechicken

 

Yes i notice this, when i am off work i feel i slip into low mood and feel alot worse. 

 

I am on holiday this week and feel poop. 

 

Why is this? surely one day we will be able to be off work and feel ok. I mean we cant work forever to keep distracted. 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Oh my word Leo. This is my exact sentiment. For me, weekends are such a struggle, as are holidays.  Working doesn’t off respite ‘just’  distraction. 

I must read through your thread, I see you’re a FT / CT lexapro like me although I dropped at 20 mgs!!!! Are you at 17 months now? I’ll have a read through. Hang on in there Leo. We can do this!

Take care K

Lexapro Fast Track/ Cold Turkey

Last dose end Dec 2018 

Tapered 1/2 a daily dose a week (20mg) for  14 weeks, last dose was a 20 mg pill!!  

 3.5 times slower than Psychiatrist recommended, I felt proud of myself!! Little did I know!!!!Got too scared to reinstate because I’d left it too long.

On ADs for 20 years (Prozac approx 10 years/ Pristiq approx 3 years/ Citalipram approx 2 years/. Lexapro a approx  5 years/. Last two years 40mgs Lexapro day.

Link to comment

Hey.

 

Yes when at home its difficult. However, when at work also difficult lol. Distraction does help!

 

I was on and off meds over 2 years and then Lexapro did this to me. I was on Lexapro about 6 month up to 20mg then down to 5mg. Stopped it and the rest was history..... 

 

Im almost 21 month off. I really thought it would be over now. 

 

Woh you have a big med history, i hope you are feeling sort of ok. 

 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

Link to comment

A lot of my recent posts have been about the perceived terror of being home alone. The worst case scenario was husband off to work and son to school. Would have to engineer situations to be out of the house. Seems that playing Macauley Culkin is not good for many of us. However, I found my depressive thoughts then overwhelmed me to such an extent that company was no longer my salvation. 

 

God bless.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy