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☼ LilBit: polypharmacy nightmare


LilBit

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39 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Kevie, was this experience like the one described in this link? 

 

Exploding head syndrome or SSRI withdrawal?

 

I had quite a number of "exploding head syndrome" experiences - severe brain zaps - and it really rattled me to the core. Sometimes knowing that these experiences are felt by a lot of us going through this can normalize it and give you a bit of piece of mind. 

 

As Alto wisely stated, sleeplessness is a very, very common symptom for most people on this forum, but it does get better. 

Not quite EHS or any loud noise or sounds, but just a slight jolt, as if my brain buzzed a bit.  Still unsettling nonetheless.

 

Also below, here is the Diazepam taper I followed:

 

8/1-8/3 20mg, 8/4-8/6 15mg, 8/7-9/9 10mg, 8/10-8/12 5mg, 8/13-8/15 2mg, 8/16-8/18 1mg, 8/19-8/21 .5mg, 8/22-8/24 .25mg.

 

So essentially, I halved the dosage every 3 days.  Had I known what I know now I can see that is WAY too fast of a taper.

 

Also here is my journal from the pas 24 hours:

 

8/28
 
Slept maybe 4 hours last night, was very thirsty when I woke up in middle of night.    
 
10:30am   Feel itchy
11:00am   Depakote 1500mg
9:00pm    .6mg melatonin
9:30pm    25mg Quetiapine
 
8/29
 
Slept maybe 2 hours last night.  Thirsty, sweating. 
 
8:45 am 1500mg depakote
1:50 pm  feeling nauseous/stomachache

 

What would you guys recommend to see if I can improve my sleep tonight?

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

On 8/30/2018 at 10:40 AM, LilBit said:

What would you guys recommend to see if I can improve my sleep tonight?

 

Thanks for the additional information and your journal. 

 

Since you are still acclimating to stopping the Doxepin and the reduction of Quetiapine, I wouldn't add or change anything else for tonight.

 

This may help:

 

Guided Meditation Deep sleep | anxiety and insomnia relief | relaxation before bedtime video (20 minute)

 

And the body scan is always a good one to try before bedtime:

 

Body Scan Exercise, Jon Kabat-Zinn video (29 minutes)

 

Are you able to take an epsom salt bath? 

 

Let us know how you do tonight. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat

 

 

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I will try the epsom salt bath, I bought some earlier... that's the only thing I haven't tried yet.  Thanks for the tips!

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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8/29
 
Slept maybe 2 hours last night.  Thirsty, sweating.  140 lbs, bm and urine ok. 
 
8:45 am 1500mg depakote
1:50 pm  feeling nauseous/stomachache
9:10 pm  .9mg Melatonin 
9:15 pm  Epsom salt bath - 20 min
9:35 pm  25mg Quetiapine
 
8/30
 
4:00 am tingling/twitching on bottom of left foot- new
5:00 am felt like my blood pressure was high so checked it and both bp and heart rate were lower than normal - 109/70 and 60.
9:00 am same sensation but also in right eyebrow
 
Again no sleep last night, tossed and turned and eventually got out of bed.   :(  Also seems like melatonin is not working for me.  
 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
Unnecessary info
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Administrator

Please follow these tips to improve your sleep:

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

What is the sleep cycle?

 

Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

Melatonin is activated by darkness. You may need to turn off all lights at 9:30 to activate your own melatonin or the melatonin supplement. (I found TV to be okay as long as you're not too close to it and it isn't that bright.)

 

Do you feel more drowsy before you take quetiapine? Does it make any difference?

 

How often do you get queasy in the afternoon? See https://www.drugs.com/sfx/depakote-side-effects.html

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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Thanks Alto.  I feel like I have tried so much in terms of sleep hygiene and CBTi... Turning down the lights, no computers or phone or TV after sundown, getting sunlight and exercise during the day, winding down before bedtime, relaxing bath, going to bed and getting up at the same time, only staying in bed when sleepy.   

 

I will make a note tonight to see how I feel before and after I take the quetiapine.  In the past couple of weeks it seems I do not get drowsy at all either way.

 

It is usually more just no appetite than it is queasiness.  I suspect that the Depakote may be to blame for this one because when I was first going through withdrawals I would still get hungry and have an appetite, but I am not sure.

 

PS Thank you again for all of your help.  I watched your video on YouTube and it brought tears to my eyes, more people really need to be informed on the effects and dangers of antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines.  

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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One more question, and I apologize if I am becoming annoying or overly anxious (it’s just that I feel so sick from the sleep deprivation), is there anything else maybe I can try differently tonight that might improve my chances of getting at least 1-2 hours of sleep, or just same as I did yesterday and see what happens?  It almost seems as if I am having some sort of paradoxical reaction to the melatonin and it is making me more awake, but is that even possible at such a low dose ( .6mg)?  I am trying to imagine what I will be like tomorrow going on 3 nights of virtually no sleep 😳

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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8/30
 
11:00 am 1500mg Depakote
1:00 pm Pain in my chest
3:00 pm Dull pain left side lower back
8:00 pm feel drowsy but not “sleepy”
8:15 pm .3mg Melatonin 
8:30 pm epsom salt bath
9:00 pm 25mg Seroquel
9:15 pm feel maybe slightly less drowsy as earlier
9:30 pm went to bed since I was very tired
10:30 pm I think I might have been drifting off to sleep and then I heard the sound of a dog barking which woke me, then I started  to drift again and thought I heard my partner say something (I sleep with earplugs on) but he swore he didn’t.
2:00am got out of bed to use bathroom, drifted in and out of sleep but not sure if I actually fell back asleep after this. 
6:30 am got out of bed
 
8/31
 
If I had to guess I would say I got got about 2-3 hours of sleep last night but I feel more drowsy and tired than I did last night. 
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Administrator

You don't need to take the melatonin if it doesn't help. 0.9mg might be too high, even 0.25mg can be effective.

 

How have your symptoms changed since you decreased quetiapine to 25mg?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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The only new things I have noticed are the “tingling” sensation in my left foot and hearing things which only happened yesterday. I don’t know whether to attribute those to the drop in quetiapine or the lack of sleep, since I stopped the doxepin at the same time.

 

Today I feel very unwell, almost like I am half awake like I just had surgery and am coming off of anesthesia, except it’s not wearing off. 

 

At this point is there something else I can try to at least get a little bit of sleep?  I know the doxepin was probably a bad idea and there was mention of maybe reinstating the diazepam, I am just not sure how much longer I can hold it together on no sleep.  I guess I will nix the melatonin since I don’t seem to be getting any significant benefit.

 

Thanks again for your help, I am desperate and I know this is a complex situation with all of the drugs and changes invloved.  You are a kind soul to be devoting your time to helping people like us.

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Administrator

Kev, has there been any week since June that you have not changed your drugs? In other words, any period where you took the same drugs at the same dosage at the same times of day?

 

Drug changes themselves cause symptoms, including sleeplessness. We need to see what your baseline symptom pattern is without frequent drug changes. You've only been on your current mix since August 28. This may be difficult, but we need you to hold on.

 

Did you get this half-awake feeling before or after taking Depakote?

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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Alto, the half-awake feeling started after I stopped the doxepin (when I stopped getting sleep) so after the Depakote but well after.  I feel like it may be due to to a lack of sleep because I have never felt this way before.  It’s almost like every day since the sleeplessness happened I was getting to sleep with drugs, getting to REM sleep but not deep sleep so I’m slowly more and more sleep deprived each day. I didn't start changing drugs and dosages until I stopped the Abilify, but even then I was sleeping.  When I started and stopped the antidepressants is when the total inability to get sleepy started. But no, there were no consistent periods in June as far as the meds went.  I hope this answers your question.

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment
  • ChessieCat changed the title to LilBit: Polypharmacy nightmare

And I apologize, I have a tendency to ramble, especially when I am tired. 😊  

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment
  • Administrator

Which drugs enabled you to sleep?

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
13 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Which drugs enabled you to sleep?

 

Restoril was my “go to” medication for a long time because it was the only one that seemed to help me stay asleep.  After this nightmare started however, that’s when the shuffling started.  Restoril completely stopped working, so then it was Trazodone.  It seemed like a drug would work for a few days and then I would become tolerant to it.  Then it was Mirtazapine, Lunesta, then Ambien, then Seroquel... you get the idea.  Sometimes I question whether this is withdrawal or if the SSRIs actually permanently damaged something in my brain or nervous system.   A gentleman by the name of Ricard Saigian documented his suffering on YouTube where he had developed total insomnia after a course of Cipro treatment for a terrible UTI he had.  He passed away 15 months later.  I was convinced that this had happened to me and had this irrational fear that I would never reach deep sleep naturally again. 😧

 

I did get a little bit of sleep last night with just the Seroquel however, so I am trying to hang in there 🙂  

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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8/31
 
3:00 pm nausea
3:30 pm Depakote (forgot morning dose)
4:30 pm dull pain in right side of back/kidney area
5:30 pm tingling around eyes on face
9:40 25mg Quetiapine 
9:45 epsom salt bath & warm milk
10:20 went to bed but could not fall asleep so got up and read, breathing exercises
11:00 pm tried again, after a while fell asleep
 
9/1
 
2:10 am woke up, got up and then went back to bed
3:30 am woke and got up after not falling back asleep, went back to bed
4:00 am woke and stayed in bed, went back to sleep
5:00 am woke and I think I went back to sleep but not sure
6:00 alarm went off.  Stayed in bed for another 30 minutes and got up.
 
Based on this I would guess I got 2-3 hours of sleep. I remember dreaming at some points so I am pretty sure I slept.
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Administrator

We would expect gradual (but perhaps frustrating) improvement. It looks like this is happening.

 

What people don't understand is that the symptoms are not neurological damage but neurological upset that can get worse with more drugs. If you allow your system to calm down, you will do better. This means removing anything that might be upsetting it (such as too much of a drug) and maintaining a steady drug schedule so the nervous system can settle down to a base level.

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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9/1
 
1:00 pm Depakote 1500mg
9:45 pm 25 mg Seroquel
9:45 pm 25 mg magnesium glycinate 
10:00 pm warm milk
 
Last night was pretty much the same as the night before except that I tried something different, instead of the epsom salt bath I took magnesium glycinate.  I sat down around 10 because I wasn’t sleepy so grabbed a book and started reading.... I think I actually dozed off and woke around midnight, so I went to bed and then my pattern of sleeping/waking came back and it was hard for me to stay asleep. I would say I got about 2 hours of sleep again. Tonight I am going to try to do better at getting to bed if/when I start to feel sleepy and see what happens.
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Administrator

I'm worried about the Depakote and the abdominal upset it seems to cause.

 

You might want to turn off all lights at 10 p.m. and see how that affects your sleep. Are you also getting some natural light outside during the day? That's important to set up the timer for your body's melatonin release later.

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

I’ve wondered about that too and what other side effects it might be having.  Oh yes, I am definitely getting daylight and getting out during the day.  Thanks Alto I will try your suggestion.  At the moment what worries me is the snowball effect this lack of sleep seems to be having on me.  Today the brain fog is really heavy and I am having trouble focusing and thinking.

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment
 
9/2
 
9:00pm 25mg Seroquel, 25mg magnesium, lights out, relaxing and winding down
9:30pm warm epsom salt bath
10:00pm went to bed
10:30pm not sleepy so got up, read book
11:30pm started to get sleepy so went back to bed
 
I woke up a few times but I was able to get back to sleep, except when I woke up around 4:30 I got up because I could not.  I would say I got 3 to 3 1/2 hours of broken sleep this time so it seems a little better.  Today my head/body are tingling, I can’t think straight and I feel tired and way beyond sleep deprived.
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Administrator

Good to see you are doing a little better. Stabilization will be gradual.

 

Please include the earlier part of the day in your symptom notes.

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
1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

Good to see you are doing a little better. Stabilization will be gradual.

 

Please include the earlier part of the day in your symptom notes.

 

Thank you :) . I have been trying to post it but for some reason it keeps getting deleted.   Here's what I posted below:

 

 

Last night was pretty much the same as the night before except that I tried something different, instead of the epsom salt bath I took magnesium glycinate, 25mg.  I sat down around 10 because I wasn’t sleepy so grabbed a book and started reading.... I think I actually dozed off and woke around midnight, so I went to bed and then my pattern of sleeping/waking came back and it was hard for me to stay asleep. I would say I got about 2-3 hours of sleep again. Tonight I am going to try to do better at getting to bed if/when I start to feel sleepy and see what happens.
 
 
12:00pm  1500mg Depakote
1:00pm  noticing really heavy brain fog today and extremely tired.  Having trouble thinking or focusing.
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment

There were no other notable symptoms earlier that day, at least nothing new or different.

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment
  • Administrator

I need to know when you take your drugs, and what happens in the morning, too. You take Depakote in the morning, correct?

 

Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

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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Hi lilbit,

 I thought I'd stop by and see where you were at, I'm so sorry you are suffering in this way. You are very brave and amazing to be managing on so little sleep! How incredible the human spirit is! 

And thanks for reaching out to me. It really means a lot. 

I'm hoping so much you start to see some small improvement soon. I'm so sad we have to be dealing with this awful drug. I can't believe that these drugs are legal. It's just astounding. 

All love to you, I hope you can manage to log your symptoms so maybe Alto can help you to find a bit more stability.

Lilabella

11 July 2018 3.75mg zopiclone 14 days missed one dose at least doubled one dose 

22 July 2018 2 mg Valium one week ish

30/july/18 quetiapine 25

31/july/2018 quetiapine 100

1/August/2018 quetiapine 200

14/August/2018 quetiapine 100

14/ September /2018 Quetiapine 87.5mg

Not doing so well on this drop. 

many changes up and down as doctors didn't believe me when I said I needed to go slowly down. Withdrawal became impossible to function and I was hospitalised. 

Feb 2021- now  10 mg olanzapine 

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9/3
 
Kind of feel weird today, like I’m not extremely tired but I can’t think or focus… Then I started having a warm tingling sensation in my head and body.
 
11:00am  1500mg Depakote
3:00pm  tingling sensation in head, back of neck and body.  Feeling a little better cognitively, brain fog gone...maybe a window?
6:00 pm abdominal pain on left side
7:20 pm brain fog partially back, able to think but not as clearly as earier
9:00 pm increased heart palpitations 
9:45 pm 25mg Seroquel, 50mg magnesium 
10:00 pm warm epsom salt bath
 
I had a hard time sleeping last night, got maybe 1-2 hours.  I am starting to wonder if part of my problem is not the AC making the room too cold when it turns on and then too warm when off.  I am going to pay more attention to that tonight to see if that is having any effect on the quality of my sleep.  
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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Also I was going to mention, I have an upcoming appointment with my new pdoc on Thursday.  This will be my second appointment with her.  I realized I never mentioned to her that I stopped the doxepin.  Would it be wise for me to call and let her know/ask her about this before my appointment?  I also want to feel her out and see what her attitude is toward slow tapering, since other than her advising me to take melatonin the only two drugs I am on are the quetiapine and depakote.  What would you recommend?  I have a feeling she is going to want me to try something else for sleep since it hasn't really improved since the last time I saw her 2 weeks ago.

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Moderator Emeritus
11 hours ago, LilBit said:

What would you recommend?  I have a feeling she is going to want me to try something else for sleep since it hasn't really improved since the last time I saw her 2 weeks ago.

 

It may be time to consider a small reinstatement of diazepam. 

 

On 8/29/2018 at 8:40 PM, LilBit said:

Also below, here is the Diazepam taper I followed:

 

8/1-8/3 20mg, 8/4-8/6 15mg, 8/7-9/9 10mg, 8/10-8/12 5mg, 8/13-8/15 2mg, 8/16-8/18 1mg, 8/19-8/21 .5mg, 8/22-8/24 .25mg.

 

You've been off the diazepam for 12 days, which is within the 2 - 4 week benzo reinstatement window of opportunity. 

 

Do you remember what dose you were last on when you were able to sleep? 

 

This may be difficult to asses, as you were also prescribed Ambien, which was taken 8/3/18-8/10/18.

 

What do you think about adding in 2 mg of diazepam tonight and see how that helps? I would reinstate at a low dose, knowing you can always increase. 

 

Please let us know your thoughts. 

 

 

 

 

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9/4
 
10:30am  1500mg Depakote
2:30pm   diarrhea/stomach upset
7:30 pm fullness and twitching in right ear
9:10 pm tingling in head and side of face
9:15 pm 25mg Quetiapine 
9:15 pm 25mg Magnesium Glycinate 
 
 
General feeling of tiredness/weakness and malaise yesterday.  Still went walking and got sunlight.
 
I’m really not sure how I slept last night, I don’t remember sleeping but I definitely know I woke at least 3 or 4 times and am very tired today.  Today so far I just feel weak and tired like I have no energy, I have also lost a couple of pounds in the past 4 days.
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment
7 hours ago, Shep said:

 

It may be time to consider a small reinstatement of diazepam. 

 

 

You've been off the diazepam for 12 days, which is within the 2 - 4 week benzo reinstatement window of opportunity. 

 

Do you remember what dose you were last on when you were able to sleep? 

 

This may be difficult to asses, as you were also prescribed Ambien, which was taken 8/3/18-8/10/18.

 

What do you think about adding in 2 mg of diazepam tonight and see how that helps? I would reinstate at a low dose, knowing you can always increase. 

 

Please let us know your thoughts. 

 

 

The problem is that I started the diazepam after the total insomnia started on 7/8, and I still wasn't sleeping well even at higher doses like 10-15mg.  Like you mentioned I was also taking it with Ambien, some of the time I was on Trazodone as well.  I just know that this lack of sleep is really catching up with me now and I am starting to get worried, because some of it seems withdrawal related but some of it seems from lack of sleep for so long.  I know awful insomnia comes with withdrawal, but it's almost like even when I go to sleep my brain is not actually going into deep sleep, if that makes sense.  I feel like each day I am getting worse in that aspect. What do you think?

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
Link to comment
And just in case anyone was wondering, here are my current symptoms, in no particular order:
 
Acne/flaking skin on face - have always had oily skin in the past, now it is dry
Tinnitus started 7/8/18, seems to have gotten a bit worse since then
Anxiety/stress intolerance
Depression / crying spells started 8/14/18
TOTAL Insomnia started 7/8/18
Dehydration 6/14/18
Heart palpitations
Blurred vision mainly in right eye
Jittery vision started 8/13/18
Loss of appetite/stomachache/queasiness started 8/3/18
High blood pressure on 7/25 133/90 then 144/97 then back down to 125/80 the next day
Short term memory problems
Cognitive skills affected, can’t think or focus, brain fog
Fatigue, low energy
Shortness of breath on 8/3
Weird chemical smell on 7/19
Snowy vision syndrome noticed on 9/2
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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Thanks Alto, I will.  I think I am gonna try the diazepam tonight.  Can't hurt anything I suppose.

Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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  • Moderator Emeritus
18 hours ago, LilBit said:

The problem is that I started the diazepam after the total insomnia started on 7/8, and I still wasn't sleeping well even at higher doses like 10-15mg.  Like you mentioned I was also taking it with Ambien, some of the time I was on Trazodone as well. 

 

This is a chronological listing of your benzo use:

 

On 8/29/2018 at 8:11 AM, Shep said:

Temazepam 11/2016-11/7/2017

         Temazepam 11/21/17 - 7/20/18

         Klonopin        5/21 - 7/2/18

         Eszopiclone 7/21-7/30/18

         Lorazepam  7/25 - 7/20/18

         Ambien  8/3/18-8/10/18

         Diazepam   7/6/18 - 8/24/18

 

You've been on benzos in one form or another for close to 3 years. 

 

The total insomnia that started on 7/8 may be related to your Temazepam taper. From your signature, you tapered down to 7.5 over a week's time 7/6/18-7/13/18.

 

If I had to wager, I'd bet you're dealing with benzo withdrawal. The timeframe for when you stopped sleeping is right when you were getting to the low doses of the Temazepam. It's possible the diazepam didn't cover the withdrawal from the Temazepam. 

 

Also, you were dealing with Klonopin withdrawal by the 7/8 date, as you took Klonopin from 5/21 - 7/2, which is long enough to form a dependency if you were taking it several times a week. 

 

10 hours ago, LilBit said:

I think I am gonna try the diazepam tonight.

 

Please let us know how you do. 

 

Some information on reinstatements: 

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms 

 

Notes on Benzo Reinstatement from the Benzo Support site

 

As mentioned, the diazepam may not have covered the withdrawal from stopping the other benzos, so what dose to reinstate is going to be tricky. Please keep up with your drug and symptoms journal, as your symptoms will be your best guide. 

 

 

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4 hours ago, Shep said:

 

 

The total insomnia that started on 7/8 may be related to your Temazepam taper. From your signature, you tapered down to 7.5 over a week's time 7/6/18-7/13/18.

 

 

 

CRAP.  After looking back at my notes for that time I just realized I got the dates wrong on my Temazepam taper.  It should have actually been 7/13-7/19/18,  I have corrected this in my signature.  I am sorry.  I am very certain that the total insomnia started after I abruptly discontinued the Lexapro/Effexor/Paxil or when I was taking them, as the total insomnia was the reason I wanted to stop the Restoril, because it had no effect on me anymore.  I do remember that I started the process of stopping it a few days after I started not being able to sleep.

 

9/5
 
11:00am  1500mg Depakote 
5:30pm   diarrhea/stomach upset
9:30pm   25mg Quetiapine 
9:30pm   25mg magnesium glycinate 
10:00pm  2mg diazepam
 
I took the diazepam and did not sleep last night.  Tossed and turned and got up a few times.   Of all my symptoms, the complete inability to get sleepy/fall asleep is really starting to scare me because each day I feel slightly worse or more tired, and I can see that it is really affecting my health.
Drug FREE as of October 2021!
Diazepam (Valium) started 20mg daily - July 6 2018 - finished taper June 2021
Quetiapine (Seroquel) started 50mg Aug 15, 2018 - finished taper October 2021
Depakote tapered from 1500mg Oct 2 2018 - 0mg as of Dec 7, 2019
Doxepin 10mg Aug 24 2018 - Aug 27 2018
Ambien CR 6.25mg Aug 3 2018 - Aug 10 2018
Trazodone 50mg Nov 7 2017 - Nov 21 2017, 50-100mg  Jul 16 - July19 2018, 100mg Aug 1 - Aug 2 2018
Eszopiclone 3mg nightly Jul 21 - Jul 30 2018
Lorazepam (Ativan) 2mg as needed (nightly) Jul 25 - Jul 30 2018 . 1mg daily Jul 21 - Jul 24 2018 . 1mg every other day Jul 12 - Jul 20 2018.
Temazepam (Restoril) 22.5 mg Nov 2016 - Nov 7 2017, started back Nov 21 2017  tapered down to 7.5mg over a week’s time Jul 13 - Jul 19 2018 then took 30mg on July 20 2018
Mirtazapine 7.5mg July 21 - Jul 25 2018
Paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg 5 days 20mg 2 days  Jun 28 - Jul 4 2018,   Effexor 37.5mg Jun 22 - Jun 28 2018   Lexapro 10mg Jun 14 - Jun 16 2018
Lithium Carbide 900mg Nov 2017 - Jun 27 2018
Klonopin 0.5mg May 21 - Jul 2 2018
Aripiprazole  (Abilify) 5mg Dec 2017 - May 24 2018, 2.5mg May 25 - Jun 6 2018
Latuda 40mg Oct 12 - Oct 24 2017
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 150mg July 2017 - Oct 2017 tapered off by taking 50mg less every 3 days
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