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☼ Leo1983: SSRI withdrawal


Leo1983

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Sup leo. Kinda in the same boat as you. Took  zoloft for half a year. Went cold turkey and now am emotionally blunted and ****. Took zoloft for ocd. Never was depressed. Now dont like amything and also just like you feel anxious around friends because i dont feel myself. I notice i slightly get better but it goes soo slow. When i start to feel like myself again WHAM i go into a bad period of a few weeks. I also am always questioning myself if i will get better. Will this ever end? The way i cope is I already gave up the fight of wanting to get better, and just live day by day and seeing what the future will bring. Do you also have loss of libido? I have like zero interest in the opposite sex, which i always had. 

Used zoloft for 5 months. Started with 25mg, upped to 50 and finished with 75mg. Tapered in one month time. Finished taper at 15/04/2018

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 9/26/2018 at 12:18 AM, Leo1983 said:

You say you would not be here. Are you now healed?

 

I'm still here because I am trying to assist other members.

 

No, I am not healed, I am tapering and recovering from 25 years of antidepressant use.  It's hasn't been and still is not plain sailing.  I'm having to deal with fluctuating moods, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, low motivation, low energy, lack of confidence, reduced ability to go out and also to socialise,  light and noise sensitivity, poor memory, poor sleep, reduced ability to read and focus, and do hobbies which I used to enjoy.  However, there are things which have improved over the last 3 years.  I now shower almost every day, clean my teeth and eat proper meals.  Even though I don't like doing it, I am managing to get to the shops for groceries whereas before I would make do with whatever was in the cupboard until I was forced to shop because I ran out of food.  I'm also managing to think a few days ahead, whereas before I could only think about the immediate things.  Thinking ahead to the next day was almost impossible.

 

In the last 4 years I've also learned and use many non drug coping techniques which I wish I had been taught before I ever took an antidepressant.  If I had used non drug coping techniques I probably wouldn't have had to resort to an antidepressant because my depression was caused by experiencing many major life stressors over a 10 year period and I had very little support.  However, I cannot change the past and have had to accept that it is what it is and do the best with the situation I am in.  Constantly thinking and worrying about my healing/recovery is not going to help me, it would probably tip me over the edge and I would give up.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Sadboy.

 

Yeh I'm the same mate.

 

I just think ffs 4 month is a joke. No my libido is crap. I think my brain is not connected lol.

 

It's awful on a daily basis. Just hope I survive it.

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.

 

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Why you tapering chess if the drugs helped? For me they made me worse. So I would not reinstate any. 

 

Was it 1 drug you tapered? 25yrs is a long time. I guess you don't work.

 

Wish you well. 

 

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.

 

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Hi. 

 

Well 4 months off 6 Month of Lexapro 20 mg. Drug made me poorly mentally in every way shape and form. 

 

Typical day for me now. 

 

Wake at 7am with anxiety and dreaded thoughts of a day of symptoms. I go to work and get out and about however each day I feel detached, anxious constantly, recently I feel it's taking my breath when chatting, memory is better but still not good. 

 

Dr offered me propanolol. I obviously said NO DRUGS thanks. Anxiety is biggest symptom. 

 

4 Month is a long time. I am worn with it. Work is the hardest part atm. 

 

Sometimes I think am I getting worse. 

 

Can anyone tell me what foods and drinks not to have. 

 

Hope your all healing.

 

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.

 

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in my case. I stopped eating food and drinks in high sugar since it made my symptoms worse after the sugar hi came off. 

 

 also, I'd stop taking anything with caffeine on it.  That amps up your nervous system. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed quoted post

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. 

 

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MOD NOTE:  Please see the following post regarding suggesting made in the linked article.

 

Here's a link were it gives you tip on help you out throughout the withdrawals. 

 

https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/therese-borchard-sanity-break/get-off-antidepressant-without-freaking-out/

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added mod note

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. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
39 minutes ago, manny03 said:

 

This article makes some suggestions which SA members have tried and experienced issues.

 

There are too many things which need mention and explanation for me to do this.  Please search SA's site for discussions about exercise, detox, any supplements or teas mentioned, epsom salt baths/magnesium, massage.

 

You can either use the site search function or use a search engine and add survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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31 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

This article makes some suggestions which SA members have tried and experienced issues.

 

There are too many things which need mention and explanation for me to do this.  Please search SA's site for discussions about exercise, detox, any supplements or teas mentioned, epsom salt baths/magnesium, massage.

 

You can either use the site search function or use a search engine and add survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.

 

 

Thanks for the clarification, and I'm glad that at least someone from the mods is responding to Lee, just trying to help out.

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. 

 

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It's a common theme Manny. I sometimes think am I too well for feedback. 

 

This is a rather lonely situation. 

 

Thanks for the advice. I don't want to reinstate because the drug made me depressed and suicidal. It was horrific. But so is this at times. 

 

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.

 

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Hi.

 

I'm in need of some help if possible. 

 

17 weeks off all meds.

 

Stopped Escitalopram 17 weeks ago. 3 month on 20mg then 8 weeks off. Then on 5mg for 3 month then off. Reason for stopping no benefit at all. 

 

I also quit alcohol 10 weeks ago after years of drinking like most people. 

 

I'm 17 weeks and feel daily anxiety, tiredness, flat mood, no good around people, confusion, head fog. 

 

It's a nightmare. I took 2 fish oils before bed last night not sure if that's anything to do with today but I feel really crappy today. 

 

Thank you.

 

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.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I've just gone back through your topic and you have been provided with all the information and answers which we can give you.

 

Just to reiterate:

  • You are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from having stopped your drug too quickly
  • It is going to take time for your brain to adjust back to homeostasis or factory settings
  • It is going to take time
  • Nobody knows how long it will take for you to recover
  • During recovery you will have periods when you feel improvement and periods when you feel worse, and this will repeat
  • We feel like we need to do something.  This is normal.
  • It is best to try and stay as calm and stress free as possible to give your brain the environment it needs to heal
  • Continuing to obsess about how long it is going to take is not helpful

 

In a nutshell:  yes, it is going to take time and no, we don't know how long it is going to take.

 

 

Please go back through your topic and check out the links which have already been provided.  There are non drug ways to help get you through the tough times.  It is up to you to investigate what they are, to try them and find out what works for you and to use them as needed.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Went to see my Gp today. OMG... she says it sounds like your symptoms are that of protracted withdrawal. She told me these meds cause a lot of issues for GPs.

 

I also spoke with a pharmacist today who said she agrees these DRUGS cause problems and even set off other mental health issues. 

 

She apologised for what I have been through. However she told me that I must endure the pain as there is nothing I can give you to help you. 

 

I was amazed. 

 

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.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
9 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Went to see my Gp today. OMG... she says it sounds like your symptoms are that of protracted withdrawal. She told me these meds cause a lot of issues for GPs.

 

I also spoke with a pharmacist today who said she agrees these DRUGS cause problems and even set off other mental health issues. 

 

She apologised for what I have been through. However she told me that I must endure the pain as there is nothing I can give you to help you. 

 

I was amazed. 

 

 

Wow Leo, 

 

A doctor n a pharmacist that know about withdrawals . That’s amazing!

 

Take care💚

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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9 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Went to see my Gp today. OMG... she says it sounds like your symptoms are that of protracted withdrawal. She told me these meds cause a lot of issues for GPs.

 

I also spoke with a pharmacist today who said she agrees these DRUGS cause problems and even set off other mental health issues. 

 

She apologised for what I have been through. However she told me that I must endure the pain as there is nothing I can give you to help you. 

 

I was amazed. 

 

At least they admit to it unlike my therapist and GP who tell me that withdrawals don't last that long. 

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. 

 

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17 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Went to see my Gp today. OMG... she says it sounds like your symptoms are that of protracted withdrawal. She told me these meds cause a lot of issues for GPs.

 

I also spoke with a pharmacist today who said she agrees these DRUGS cause problems and even set off other mental health issues. 

 

She apologised for what I have been through. However she told me that I must endure the pain as there is nothing I can give you to help you. 

 

I was amazed. 

 

Stick with those who get it and understand! I have still to find a Dr here who understands. It makes you feel hopeless and alone. 

 

Hang in there!

-Taking Deanxit - 1 tablet daily for 4-5 years (drug banned in many countries)

-Started tapering May 1, 2018

-Dr told me to go ct 1 week later

-Another Dr put me back on 1 week later (dizzy)

-Ended up in ER May 15, 2018 went to neurologist same day and he took me off Deanxit and put me on Depokine(Depokote) 5oo mg -Multiple withdrawal symptoms.

-Started tapering from Depokote 8 wks later - tapered slowly for 2 months

-Sept 20 stopped taking 64 mg Depokine on advice from 2 doctors seemed to be getting worse.

-many withdrawal symptoms continue no improvement.. 10 days off getting worse.

-given Lorazepam to sleep at night on Sept 21. Took 1/2 first 2 nights, then 1/4 the next, skipped 3 days, took 1/8, skipped a day, felt AWFUL the next day, trying to cut smaller from that day on... 1/8 or smaller...had a very bad day Oct. 8th...back to Dr. Trying to continue to taper........ afraid to just stop from very bad days!

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Hi.

 

5 Month off Cold Turkey Escitalopram. Suffering like mad daily. 

 

Daily symptoms.

 

Anxiety.

Confusion.

Derealisation.

Depression big style.

Pacing around. 

 

I have started using my ecig again is the a culprit?

 

I'm not getting worse but boy I'm not getting much better. I'm trying to stay away from Drs because I don't want more meds. Full bloods back today and all good. 

 

Is starting the drug going to help or hinder the work I have put in the past 5 months. It's a scary thing daily. 

 

Thanks

 

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.

 

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31 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi.

 

5 Month off Cold Turkey Escitalopram. Suffering like mad daily. 

 

Daily symptoms.

 

Anxiety.

Confusion.

Derealisation.

Depression big style.

Pacing around. 

 

I have started using my ecig again is the a culprit?

 

I'm not getting worse but boy I'm not getting much better. I'm trying to stay away from Drs because I don't want more meds. Full bloods back today and all good. 

 

Is starting the drug going to help or hinder the work I have put in the past 5 months. It's a scary thing daily. 

 

Thanks

 

Lee. 

Great that your blood came back normal. 

 

Who knows regarding the e-cig. Try to stop using it and see if there's an effect. 

 

About reinstating its up to you. Plus, you've gone passed the three month Mark for reinstatement. Who knows what could happen if you went back to it. 

 

In my case I have days that I'm doing well with nice three day windows then I get hit with a wave.

 

Here's my symptoms

Slight headache 

Abdominal cramps/constipation

Off balance 

Anxiety/feeling I need to run to the hills/can't stay still in one place. 

visual disturbances. 

 

Though, they have drastically calm down to how I was in late August. 

 

still have rashes/ spots coming out though from what I read in here with time it goes away.

 

I think drinking fortified orange juice with magnesium, drinking a lot of water, Eating at a set schedule, and working out have helped the reduction of symptoms.

 

Though, it's frustrating when they happen. My brother and uncle have done drugs or known people taking recreational drugs and I described my symptoms which were similar. They told me it might take a year or two for all the symptoms to go away. It wasnt what I wanted to hear though at least i know from close family members who've gone through this that I'm not alone.

 

In my case it's not worth going back and reinstate since I'm nearly back to normal - 70 -75% 

 

Though, it's up to you if the symptoms are unbearable just go by the advice given in this site so you won't rock your nervous system.

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. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 8/17/2018 at 10:40 PM, manymoretodays said:

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

Be aware that the dose that you would reinstate at, would be much less than the usual prescribed dosage.

 

If you do decide to reinstate you would start with a very tiny dose to see how you react, then if things were okay you could increase by a small amount if needed.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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On 10/2/2018 at 11:35 PM, Leo1983 said:

Hi.

 

Update. 4 month CT off escitalopram.

 

Anxiety remains strong most days. Nothing like before meds.

 

Brain fog/memory still not great.

 

Headaches during the day.

 

Lethergy daily.

 

Low mood.

 

Blunted emotions/ derealization.

 

Great eh after 16 weeks. I am better but still not back to me.

 

Hope this helps. Any advice great.

Curious... did your dizziness go away?

 

I have been dizzy and off-balance for 5 months all the time, diff days vary in intensity. I was hoping by now it would improve.

 

Glad you are feeling better! Hang in there!

-Taking Deanxit - 1 tablet daily for 4-5 years (drug banned in many countries)

-Started tapering May 1, 2018

-Dr told me to go ct 1 week later

-Another Dr put me back on 1 week later (dizzy)

-Ended up in ER May 15, 2018 went to neurologist same day and he took me off Deanxit and put me on Depokine(Depokote) 5oo mg -Multiple withdrawal symptoms.

-Started tapering from Depokote 8 wks later - tapered slowly for 2 months

-Sept 20 stopped taking 64 mg Depokine on advice from 2 doctors seemed to be getting worse.

-many withdrawal symptoms continue no improvement.. 10 days off getting worse.

-given Lorazepam to sleep at night on Sept 21. Took 1/2 first 2 nights, then 1/4 the next, skipped 3 days, took 1/8, skipped a day, felt AWFUL the next day, trying to cut smaller from that day on... 1/8 or smaller...had a very bad day Oct. 8th...back to Dr. Trying to continue to taper........ afraid to just stop from very bad days!

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Hi Cari 

 

God know. 4 Month solid of off balance it's awful. 

 

This whole thing is awful. I think it's the vestibular nerves that cause this. I'm sure they will heal. 

 

Keep in touch 

 

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.

 

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2 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi Cari 

 

God know. 4 Month solid of off balance it's awful. 

 

This whole thing is awful. I think it's the vestibular nerves that cause this. I'm sure they will heal. 

 

Keep in touch 

 

Lee

I really hope they do heal... I've had it!

 

And yes it's all awful! Hang in there!

 

Cari

-Taking Deanxit - 1 tablet daily for 4-5 years (drug banned in many countries)

-Started tapering May 1, 2018

-Dr told me to go ct 1 week later

-Another Dr put me back on 1 week later (dizzy)

-Ended up in ER May 15, 2018 went to neurologist same day and he took me off Deanxit and put me on Depokine(Depokote) 5oo mg -Multiple withdrawal symptoms.

-Started tapering from Depokote 8 wks later - tapered slowly for 2 months

-Sept 20 stopped taking 64 mg Depokine on advice from 2 doctors seemed to be getting worse.

-many withdrawal symptoms continue no improvement.. 10 days off getting worse.

-given Lorazepam to sleep at night on Sept 21. Took 1/2 first 2 nights, then 1/4 the next, skipped 3 days, took 1/8, skipped a day, felt AWFUL the next day, trying to cut smaller from that day on... 1/8 or smaller...had a very bad day Oct. 8th...back to Dr. Trying to continue to taper........ afraid to just stop from very bad days!

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Hi.

 

Do you work?

 

How bad is your dizziness/ balance? Out of 10. 

 

I think I confuse my dizziness for derealisation at times. 

 

Did you cold turkey? 

 

What and how long DRUGS were you taken?.

 

I was on Lexapro. It was evil from the minute I started taking it. 

 

I go to work it's hard.

 

I also cold turkey as the drug was awful.

 

Keep going. 

 

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.

 

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3 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi.

 

Do you work?

 

How bad is your dizziness/ balance? Out of 10. 

 

I think I confuse my dizziness for derealisation at times. 

 

Did you cold turkey? 

 

What and how long DRUGS were you taken?.

 

I was on Lexapro. It was evil from the minute I started taking it. 

 

I go to work it's hard.

 

I also cold turkey as the drug was awful.

 

Keep going. 

 

Lee

Today a 9/10....yes cold turkey... my idiot dr told me too.... I was on Deanxit... a banned drug in many countries, which I also didn't know and its for short term use. Took it 4-5 years!.. again, not told. Another Dr put me on Depokote, another evil drug for 4 months right after I cold turkied and ended up in the ER.... and now I am trying to wean from the tiniest piece of Lorazepam.... from only 1 month and my body is fighting it hard . The drs just kept giving me pills. And the wrong ones! Im so done and dont want more...... afraid I will have to reinstate.

 

I was a teacher for 7 years, I had to quit my job.... and this past month I stopped driving afraid from how dizzy I am. 

 

It's been hell and seems to have gotten worse. Sigh...

 

But still fighting! Trying to hang in there.... being home is rough I was active all day and social. Big change!

 

Hang in there! Sorry for the complaining... ha

 

Cari

-Taking Deanxit - 1 tablet daily for 4-5 years (drug banned in many countries)

-Started tapering May 1, 2018

-Dr told me to go ct 1 week later

-Another Dr put me back on 1 week later (dizzy)

-Ended up in ER May 15, 2018 went to neurologist same day and he took me off Deanxit and put me on Depokine(Depokote) 5oo mg -Multiple withdrawal symptoms.

-Started tapering from Depokote 8 wks later - tapered slowly for 2 months

-Sept 20 stopped taking 64 mg Depokine on advice from 2 doctors seemed to be getting worse.

-many withdrawal symptoms continue no improvement.. 10 days off getting worse.

-given Lorazepam to sleep at night on Sept 21. Took 1/2 first 2 nights, then 1/4 the next, skipped 3 days, took 1/8, skipped a day, felt AWFUL the next day, trying to cut smaller from that day on... 1/8 or smaller...had a very bad day Oct. 8th...back to Dr. Trying to continue to taper........ afraid to just stop from very bad days!

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1 hour ago, Cari said:

Today a 9/10....yes cold turkey... my idiot dr told me too.... I was on Deanxit... a banned drug in many countries, which I also didn't know and its for short term use. Took it 4-5 years!.. again, not told. Another Dr put me on Depokote, another evil drug for 4 months right after I cold turkied and ended up in the ER.... and now I am trying to wean from the tiniest piece of Lorazepam.... from only 1 month and my body is fighting it hard . The drs just kept giving me pills. And the wrong ones! Im so done and dont want more...... afraid I will have to reinstate.

 

I was a teacher for 7 years, I had to quit my job.... and this past month I stopped driving afraid from how dizzy I am. 

 

It's been hell and seems to have gotten worse. Sigh...

 

But still fighting! Trying to hang in there.... being home is rough I was active all day and social. Big change!

 

Hang in there! Sorry for the complaining... ha

 

Cari

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Seems my symptoms are like a walk in the park compared to yours. 

 

Hope you make it through this without resorting back to reinstatement. 

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. 

 

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8 hours ago, manny03 said:

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Seems my symptoms are like a walk in the park compared to yours. 

 

Hope you make it through this without resorting back to reinstatement. 

Thx manny! Hugs!

Sounds like no one is having a walk in the park though! Ha

-Taking Deanxit - 1 tablet daily for 4-5 years (drug banned in many countries)

-Started tapering May 1, 2018

-Dr told me to go ct 1 week later

-Another Dr put me back on 1 week later (dizzy)

-Ended up in ER May 15, 2018 went to neurologist same day and he took me off Deanxit and put me on Depokine(Depokote) 5oo mg -Multiple withdrawal symptoms.

-Started tapering from Depokote 8 wks later - tapered slowly for 2 months

-Sept 20 stopped taking 64 mg Depokine on advice from 2 doctors seemed to be getting worse.

-many withdrawal symptoms continue no improvement.. 10 days off getting worse.

-given Lorazepam to sleep at night on Sept 21. Took 1/2 first 2 nights, then 1/4 the next, skipped 3 days, took 1/8, skipped a day, felt AWFUL the next day, trying to cut smaller from that day on... 1/8 or smaller...had a very bad day Oct. 8th...back to Dr. Trying to continue to taper........ afraid to just stop from very bad days!

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5 Month off CT from Lexapro. 

 

I have noticed this past 3 weeks anxiety has gone up all day. sleep has reduced to 5 hrs guaranteed per night. Off balance and cog fog remain. 

 

Is there a reason I appear to be getting worse with certain things? Fear is a big 1 now as well about everything. 

 

I just wonder sometimes about going back on drug but what a waste of 5 Month. Then again I have wasted 2 years sticking 8 different meds down my neck that made things twice as bad. 

 

Also if I had an anxiety situation before meds and could not sleep due to stress does this mean I should be on a medication that works? I.e do I have an illness. Or is this just withdrawal. 

 

Sick as shite!

 

Any views would be great. 

 

Hope people are healing. 

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.

 

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Aeroman talks about phase 2 starting month 4 - 12 and that this was his worst months. 

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.

 

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40 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Aeroman talks about phase 2 starting month 4 - 12 and that this was his worst months. 

 

I've been reading his thread, and like he's mentioned only with time the symptoms will subside. 

 

I read your earlier post, and you mention about having a disease, do remember your GP checked you out and had good blood results. Plus, they acknowledged these symptoms were withdrawals.

 

Plus you mentioned using an e-cig. Did you stop using it to see if it helped. 

 

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. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
5 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

sleep has reduced to 5 hrs guaranteed per night

 

Getting 5 hours is still good.  Check out this topic for tips:  Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Have you tried magnesium?  I find it takes the edge of my anxiety.  There have been several times when I have stopped taking it and then restarted it and every time I have noticed a difference.

 

What non-drug coping techniques have you tried and/or are using?  It's important to learn and use them to help get through the tough times both now and later on in life:  Non-drug techniques to cope

 

It's also helpful to learn Acceptance / Acceptance and Mindfulness 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Spoke with a pharmacist again today. She told me antidepressants are given out way to easy and that they are causing misery.

 

We Sat and she worked out that when I was taking Mirtazapine for 2 weeks and CT it, that's when withdrawal began as I had balance issues, anxiety and dizziness. Then I went to Escitalopram and was medicating withdrawal hence why I got no better. Then I CT Escitalopram. Then went to shite! Here I am now 4 half month down the line. If only I knew. 

 

She also said today that Go's hand them out to often. Also that they are not happy pills and that they just numb people. She said the advertising is the issue. She said she could give me bithistine a antihistamine that helps balance. 

 

Another week at work with all these issues can't wait. 

 

Hope everyone is healing. 

 

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.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, Leo1983 said:

she worked out that when I was taking Mirtazapine for 2 weeks and CT it, that's when withdrawal began as I had balance issues, anxiety and dizziness.

 

Just prior to this you had stopped taking sertraline.  (And the year before that Prozac.)  Because of the change in drugs you cannot point the finger at mirtazapine.  The effects of going on and off psychiatric drugs is cumulative.

 

Changing drugs makes it impossible to work out what is causing an issues.  You can experience withdrawal from the first drug/s, start up and/or side effects from the new drug and/or bad reaction to the new drug.

 

It is better to focus on how to get through the current issues using non drug techniques which help you to stay calm and patient, than continuing to stress yourself and divert the brain's attention away from healing because it is trying to deal with the stress, by trying to find answers to what happened in the past.  Learning to accept can help.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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13 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Spoke with a pharmacist again today. She told me antidepressants are given out way to easy and that they are causing misery.

 

We Sat and she worked out that when I was taking Mirtazapine for 2 weeks and CT it, that's when withdrawal began as I had balance issues, anxiety and dizziness. Then I went to Escitalopram and was medicating withdrawal hence why I got no better. Then I CT Escitalopram. Then went to shite! Here I am now 4 half month down the line. If only I knew. 

 

She also said today that Go's hand them out to often. Also that they are not happy pills and that they just numb people. She said the advertising is the issue. She said she could give me bithistine a antihistamine that helps balance. 

 

Another week at work with all these issues can't wait. 

 

Hope everyone is healing. 

 

Lee

It's all poison!

-Taking Deanxit - 1 tablet daily for 4-5 years (drug banned in many countries)

-Started tapering May 1, 2018

-Dr told me to go ct 1 week later

-Another Dr put me back on 1 week later (dizzy)

-Ended up in ER May 15, 2018 went to neurologist same day and he took me off Deanxit and put me on Depokine(Depokote) 5oo mg -Multiple withdrawal symptoms.

-Started tapering from Depokote 8 wks later - tapered slowly for 2 months

-Sept 20 stopped taking 64 mg Depokine on advice from 2 doctors seemed to be getting worse.

-many withdrawal symptoms continue no improvement.. 10 days off getting worse.

-given Lorazepam to sleep at night on Sept 21. Took 1/2 first 2 nights, then 1/4 the next, skipped 3 days, took 1/8, skipped a day, felt AWFUL the next day, trying to cut smaller from that day on... 1/8 or smaller...had a very bad day Oct. 8th...back to Dr. Trying to continue to taper........ afraid to just stop from very bad days!

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  • Moderator Emeritus
6 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Mate. There are people dying on here. Don't know about you but I feel like someone has hijacked my mind. 

 

I would not worry about indigestion. I would happyily swallow a blow torch compared to some of the symptoms I have. 

 

I've been a member here for 3 years now and I have noticed other members saying the same type thing about the current symptom they have.  This is the worst symptom, I wish I had that symptom instead of this, I wouldn't complain if I had that instead of this.  The interesting thing is, when their symptoms change they start complaining the exact same way.

 

One way of looking at it is any symptom can be bad, or at the very least uncomfortable, frustrating and annoying and at the time you are going through that symptom it is usually going to feel the worst.

 

Instead of fighting again a symptom it is better to accept that you have it and acknowledge that it is a withdrawal symptom.  You don't have to make friends with it or like that you have it, just try to have a neutral acceptance about it.  Like saying oh, I know what that is, it's a withdrawal symptom.  Just a fact.  Trying to be non-emotional about it.  By jacking up against it you get angry and frustrated and this adds stress.  When you get stressed the brain goes into action to deal with the stress.  Even though the brain is an amazing thing, there is a limit to what it can do at one time.  Adding unnecessary stress is going to slow the healing process.

 

It is possible to learn how to better cope with symptoms.  However, nobody can do it for you.  It's up to you to try different things to see what works and to use them when necessary.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Hi.

 

I think everything has settled Down. I.e dizziness and derealisation. 

 

The main thing I have now is depression. I never had depression before meds. I had anxiety. When in say depression I mean just no interest in anything. Could sit all day with a smacked face. Lethargy is the other big thing.

 

Least I don't have 10 symptoms now. 

 

Oh I do still feel a touch anxious when out and around ppl. But I think that's the feeling knowing I'm not back to my normal self. 

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.

 

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  • Administrator

How is your sleep now, Leo?

 

Cold turkey is a high-risk way of coming off drugs. At least you have recently seen improvement.  No one can tell you how long you will have withdrawal syndrome or when you will recover from the effects of antidepressants, such as emotional anesthesia. Recovery will be very slow and frustrating, with lots of setbacks. You will need to be patient.

 

Please keep reminding yourself of this. Hang in there.

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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