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

☼ LilBit: polypharmacy nightmare


LilBit

Recommended Posts

Well this is interesting... I called my pdoc today and let her know I would like a prescription for the Depakote DR 125mg so I can continue tapering off further.  Since she thinks I am still on 1000mg daily  (500mg twice daily) even though I am actually only taking 500mg, she insisted on sending a script for 250mg ER and me talking that twice daily before going to the 125mg (which makes sense).  I guess I should be thankful that she agrees with tapering, but I will have to wait until I see her again on the 18th before I can get the lower dose.  The trick after that is going to be explaining why I need to slow my taper, but at least I am getting the scripts I need.  

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

10/4

 

136.8 lbs

 

Starting to feel a bit more tired and weak, and I also feel like a slight burning sensation in my legs.  When I laid in bed last night/this morning it felt like I was jittery.  My eyes are becoming slightly bloodshot also.  There is definitely a change in my appearance with the cumulative sleep deprivation.

 

9:00am  bacon egg breakfast tacos w/ corn tortilla

9:30am  500mg Depakote, 400 IU vitamin D

12:30pm  shortness of breath, restlessness, tired, fatigue

4:00pm  chicken fajita with rice and beans, corn tortilla

5:25pm  heart flutter, right eyelid twitching

7:00pm  slight chest discomfort

8:00pm  2 beef enchiladas with chile con queso, rice and charro beans 

9:30pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg Diazepam

10:15pm  banana tea 

11:00pm went to bed

12:30am woke up

3:30am woke up, could not fall back asleep but relaxed

5:00am  woke up, dozed back off

6:00am  got up for the day

 

2 1/2 to 3 hours of sleep

 

Noticed this evening that I did not have the urge to go to the bathroom after drinking quite a bit of water.  Also I know I have been including my daily sleep notes but I just wonder how much of this sleep is actually quality, restorative deep sleep if any of it at all.  I guess it is a good thing the Depakote taper is being delayed as this will give us a chance to see how adding the Vitamin D affects me.

 

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

10/5

 

137.4 lbs

 

9:30am  500mg Depakote

9:45am  gluten free blueberry muffin with orange juice

10:00am  400IU vitamin D

11:00am  brain fog and fatigue

1:30pm  greek100 strawberry creme yogurt

3:30pm  philly cheesesteak omelette with gluten free english muffin and turkey bacon

7:20pm  chick fil a grilled chicken sandwich with gluten free bun and fruit cup

9:30pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg Diazepam

10:20pm banana tea

11:00pm went to bed

12:00am  woke up

3:50am  woke up

4:30am  woke up

6:00am woke up

 

Again the brain fog and eye twitching occurred pretty much all day.  Actually I am not even sure that I would describe it exactly as brain fog as it seems more like a decline in cognitive function.  Not sure if this is a rough patch because I’m noticing a steady decline in sleep quality as well as overall health.  Also this is going to sound strange but I have noticed a change in my gait, not sure if related to the fatigue or muscle weakness or something else.  I am hoping to see some improvement soon.

 

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

You didn't have the gut upset over the last couple of days? Or the palpitations? That is an improvement.

 

Since you're going to stay on 500mg Depakote for a while, how about reducing quetiapine? Will your doctor give you a prescription for the liquid?

 

You're only on 3 drugs now, that's progress, too!

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
14 hours ago, Altostrata said:

You didn't have the gut upset over the last couple of days? Or the palpitations? That is an improvement.

 

Since you're going to stay on 500mg Depakote for a while, how about reducing quetiapine? Will your doctor give you a prescription for the liquid?

 

You're only on 3 drugs now, that's progress, too!

 

Unfortunately I did have palpitations/arrhythmia this morning and an upset tummy yesterday.  I am open to reducing the quetiapine but she will not prescribe the liquid, I guess I still have some convincing to do.  The good thing is I have been stockpiling the 25mg tablets.  Should I do the 10% reduction since I have been on it since 8/15?

 

Yes, I am glad to reduce my drug burden... any progress is good!  My progression in symptoms is the only thing concerning me—this morning it was so hard to get out of bed, my body was achy all over and I felt like I had chills or fever.

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 don't understand your doctor's plan for the Depakote. You're taking two 250mg tablets now? Then what?

 

Why won't she prescribe liquid quetiapine?

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 am still taking Depakote ER 500mg in the mornings.  She thinks I am taking 500 in the am and 500 in the pm (1000mg daily--and I did this to ensure she would continue to prescribe me the 500mg until I was ready to taper), so as far as she knows she "tapered me down" to 250mg in the am and 250mg in the pm for a total of 500mg daily.  Her plan after this is to discuss switching me to the Depakote DR 125mg where I can start tapering down further (375mg daily, then 250, then 125 etc) and hopefully by then we will be on the same page.

 

We discussed at one time her prescribing the liquid quetiapine so I can taper very slowly, but she seemed resistant and mentioned something about going to a compounding pharmacy and so forth and that tapering that slowly shouldn't be necessary.  I probably have a 6 month supply of the 25mg tablets at this point since I started tapering a while back and still had an old script of 100mg tablets which I am splitting.  At least I can use those to taper in the meantime until we discuss tapering quetiapine further.  I really wish doctors had much more knowledge than they do regarding tapering, but I guess at least this one is sympathetic enough to where I can (for the most part) get the drugs that I need.

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

10/6

 

9:30am  500mg Depakote, 400IU vitamin D

10:30am  breakfast- lucky charms 

11:30am  jittery vision

1:30pm  snack - vanilla greek yogurt

2:30pm  lunch - grilled chicken nuggets and waffle fries

3:45pm  snack - vanilla soft serve ice cream DQ

6:00pm  stomach upset

7:00pm  dinner - chicken fajitas 

7:45pm  diarrhea

10:45 went to bed

11:00pm-11:30pm sleep

1:00am-1:30am sleep

2:00am-3:00am sleep

6:00am got up for the day

 

Could not fall back asleep rest of night, maybe dozed off a little, eventually got up at 6am

 

Very depressed and hopeless mood today.  Trying as hard as I can to stay positive and doing things to try to distract myself.  

 

10/7

 

9:30am  500mg depakote, 400 IU vitamin d

10:20am  palpitations

10:40am  breakfast - bowl of fruity pebbles cereal

10:55am  palpitations

3:15pm  lunch - salmon salad 

5:20pm  snack - 2 gluten free cookies

7:30pm  dinner - grilled chicken breast with brussels sprouts

9:30pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

9:40pm  vanilla greek yogurt

11:20pm  went to bed

1:30am-2:30am sleep

3:00am-4:20am sleep

5:20am-5:50am sleep

6:30am got up for the day

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

I found this thread started by another member, and it sounds like they were going through exactly what I am.  What concerns me is that there was no resolution to their issue.  My exhaustion level has intensified and taken a drastic turn for the worse over the past week, and I have not seen any significant improvement in it over the past 3 months since this started.  I am starting to notice a pattern here, that not only do I not get sleepy, but I seem to wake throughout the night whenever my brain is attempting to slip into deep sleep, almost like there is something keeping it awake.

 

Veryamazing's Experience with Sleep/Wake Problem

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

10/8

 

136.6 lbs

 

9:30am  500mg Depakote, 400 IU vitamin D

9:45am  breakfast - cereal

10:30am  jittery, palpitations

2:20pm  lunch - grilled chicken breast with carrots

2:50pm  snack - vanilla yogurt

3:45pm  palpitations

5:00pm  snack - peeled granny smith apple

5:45pm  snack - vanilla pudding

7:45pm  dinner - turkey burger wrapped in lettuce with pickles, tomatoes, egg

9:40pm. 25mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

11:00pm  bedtime

12:20am  woke up

1:40am  woke up

3:35am  woke up

4:40am  woke up

5:30am  woke up

6:00am  woke for the morning

 

10/9

 

136.6 lbs

 

9:40am  500mg depakote, 400 IU vitamin D

10:20am  breakfast - fruity pebbles

11:00am  palpitations

12:00pm  depression and anxiety throughout day

1:30pm  lunch - bacon avocado and cheese omelette with fruit cup

8:00pm dinner - sausage and rice

9:30pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:30pm  bedtime

12:50am  woke up

3:00am  woke up

4:30am  woke up

5:20am  woke up

6:00am  woke up

7:00am  got up for the day

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

10/10

 

136.4 lbs

 

9:30am  500mg depakote, 400 IU vitamin d

10:30am  breakfast - bowl of cereal

11:00am  palpitations

1:00pm  lunch - chopped pork sandwich with baked beans 

6:30pm  snack  strawberries and cream greek yogurt

7:30pm  chicken fajitas with corn tortillas

8:30pm  chest irritation/ cough

9:00pm  loose BM

9:30pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

11:00pm  bedtime

1:00am  woke up

4:30am  woke up

5:10am  woke up

6:00am  woke up

6:20am  woke up

7:10am got up for the day, got about 4 hours of sleep

 

10/11

 

136.4 lbs

 

9:45am  500mg depakote, 400 IU Vitamin d

10:40am  breakfast - sausage egg and cheese mcmuffin

11:00am  extremely tired, brain fog

3:00pm  extremely tired, brain fog, fatigue, panic

4:00pm  lunch - chicken fajita with rice and beans

8:30pm  dinner - tuna salad from subway

9:30pm  25mg quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

10:30pm  bedtime

12:40am  woke up

3:00am  woke up

6:00am  woke up

7:00am  got out of bed for the day, got about 4 1/2 hours of 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
Link to comment
On 10/9/2018 at 5:32 PM, LilBit said:

I found this thread started by another member, and it sounds like they were going through exactly what I am.  What concerns me is that there was no resolution to their issue.  My exhaustion level has intensified and taken a drastic turn for the worse over the past week, and I have not seen any significant improvement in it over the past 3 months since this started.  I am starting to notice a pattern here, that not only do I not get sleepy, but I seem to wake throughout the night whenever my brain is attempting to slip into deep sleep, almost like there is something keeping it awake.

 

Veryamazing's Experience with Sleep/Wake Problem

Hi Lilbit,  I just when through a house move and its been so exhausting, I relate I am waking up after 4 hours and hard to fall asleep and wake up again with cortisol rush, sorry you are going through this ... I have very little energy and live alone which also adds to my anxiety... hope it passes soon..

 

take care and sleep energy to you

lalala

2007-2016 citalopram 20mg -40mg

tappered and discontinued all of oct 2016 6 month taper  (wd symptom  insomnia and some ocd anxiety)

Nov.2016 -May 2017 cipralex 20mg

June-Sept 2017  xanax 0.25- 0.50mg   3 times a week

June 2017- Sept. 25.2017  Paxil  20mg - last week was 30mg bc of drug feeling reaction

Sept 27 - Oct 12 2017 Fluxatine 20mg

discontinuation Oct 13-18th 2017 withdrawal  from paxil and fluxatine

Reinstated Oct 19- 23 Fluxtine 10mg, Oct 24- 2 2017 Fluxatine 5mg,  Nov 2-19 2017   Fluxatine 10mg Dec-Jan 4 2018 Fluxatine 20mg, Reinstated Feb 18 2018  fluxatine 1mg, didnt work  June 6  Celexa  5mg than 10mg, June 3 Klonopin  .5 - 1mg,    june 11 oxazepam 5-10mg,   zopiclone in june  7.5mg  on and off,    June 24 reduced  to  5mg Celexa 

Nov. 20 2018 titration k  0.02mg reduction from 0.5- 0.380mg,  Nov.  25 2018  mourol 1 dose for cystitis

March started Brassmonkey method   0.30 k   current 0.28 kcelexa 5mgNov.2021 0.08 updose  0.09 feb. 2022 0.085k  march. 0.08 april 0.075k may0.070k june 0.065 june23  0.060

NOTE: using liquid Rivotril - 2 drops of (2.5mg) rivotril  with 20ml water 

 

 

Link to comment

10/12

 

8:30am  400 IU vitamin D

9:40am  500mg depakote 

10:00am  breakfast - bacon egg cheese breakfast tacos

12:30pm  palpitations (all afternoon)

3:00pm  lunch - grilled chicken sandwich

8:00pm  dinner - roasted turkey sandwich 

9:45pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

10:00pm  snack - banana

10:30pm  bedtime

2:00am  woke up

3:20am  woke up

5:00am  woke up

6:00am  woke up

6:30am  got up

 

10/13

 

Woke up feeling jittery. Irregular heart rhythm, blood pressure 121/86 ( slightly elevated).  Discomfort in chest.

 

9:30am  500mg depakote, 400 IU Vitamin d

10:00am  heavy brain fog and fatigue

10:15am  breakfast - very berry cherrios

1:30pm  lunch - grilled chicken sandwich 

7:00pm dinner - chicken strips with bbq sauce

7:40pm  brain fog, fatigue

8:00pm confusion

11:30pm bedtime (having sleep study)

11:30pm  25mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

6:45am  got up for day

 

Today I had a sleep study done.  Woke a few times throughout night and had trouble falling asleep.  First the pillow was uncomfortable, then the temp was, then the wires were, then I had to pee, then I felt blood pressure going up.

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

10/14

 

7:20am  breakfast -  bacon egg and cheese breakfast taco, fruit cup 

9:40am  500mg depakote, 400 IU vitamin D

12:10pm  heart palpitations

1:45pm  snack - granny smith apple

2:00pm  25mg magnesium taurate 

2:00pm  lunch - pot roast with green beans and rice

2:25pm  heart palpitations

3:00pm  palpitations, arrhythmia, chest discomfort, headache

7:30pm  grilled chicken sandwich

10:15pm  22.5mg quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

11:30pm  went to bed - took a long time to fall asleep, not sleepy at all or tired

5:00am  woke up

6:00am  woke up for morning

 

10/15

 

136.4 lbs

 

9:30am  breakfast - apple cinnamon cheerios

9:40am  500mg Depakote, 400 IU vitamin d

10:15am  BP 118/83

2:00pm  palpitations

5:00pm  palpitations

6:40pm  palpitations

7:30pm  dinner - ribs with bbq sauce and coleslaw with corn

8:00pm  slight brain fog

9:35pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

10:20pm  bedtime

1:00am  woke up

5:00am  woke up

5:45am  woke up

6:00am  got up for the day

 

Overall today was a good day mentally, no brain fog until the evening after dinner and was in a good mood.  Got to visit with coworkers which was nice and spend the day with a friend of mine.  The worst part was I spent a few hours at the ER for cardiac symptoms and didn’t get to have lunch. 😔 I am determined to get through this!

 

10/16

 

135 lbs

 

This morning when I dozed off I was experiencing hypnic jerks and flashing light when closing my eyes.

 

9:40am 500mg depakote, 400 IU vitamin D

11:00am  breakfast - bowl of cereal and blueberry muffin with OJ

2:30pm  lunch - grilled chicken salad

8:30pm  dinner -  chicken burrito bowl

9:40pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:30pm  bedtime

1:20am  woke up... took a while to fall back asleep

4:45am  woke up

6:00am woke up for the day

 

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

Alto, what do you think of my patterns and symptoms?  I had a few questions about recent happenings:  I have started to taper off of the Quetiapine by 10%.  I am using a digital scale accurate to .001 g and crushing the tablets and weighing using Brassmonkey’s active ingredient concentration (mgai) method, and filling gelcaps with the powder.  Is this a good way if I am not confident using a liquid suspension?

 

I have been taking 400 IU vitamin D for a couple of weeks now and seem to be ok on it as far as I can tell.  Do you think I would be ok with upping my dose and if so, how much?  I was thinking maybe to 600?

 

I noticed I am losing weight, although I am eating 3 full meals a day and snacks in between.  This concerns me because I have never had this issue before and it seems to have increased over the past couple of weeks.  I have an endoscopy scheduled for next Wednesday and am a bit anxious about that as well because of a possible reaction to the anesthesia.

 

Still having the issues sleeping, but have an appointment Friday with my neurologist to go over sleep study results.  I think they want me to come in for a second study to see if I may need a CPAP.  

 

I noticed this morning after going walking and jogging that when I would blink my eyes, I would see a flashing light.  This didn’t last too long but I have also noticed an increase in “floaters” over the past month.  Is this something I should be concerned about?

 

What do you (or anyone who happens to be reading) make of all of this?  Sorry for all of the questions but due to all of the issues I have been having and my multi-drug history, just want to make sure I do everything right.  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
Link to comment
On 10/13/2018 at 8:13 AM, lalala said:

Hi Lilbit,  I just when through a house move and its been so exhausting, I relate I am waking up after 4 hours and hard to fall asleep and wake up again with cortisol rush, sorry you are going through this ... I have very little energy and live alone which also adds to my anxiety... hope it passes soon..

 

take care and sleep energy to you

lalala

 

Thank you lalala....  Yes it definitely sounds like you can relate and I hope things improve for you as well.  I can imagine how scary it must be living alone and having to go through it.  Thank goodness for this site!!

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

10/17

 

135 lbs

 

9:30am  breakfast - bowl of cereal, blueberry muffin and OJ

9:40am  500mg depakote and 400 IU vitamin D

2:00pm  lunch - cobb salad

3:00pm  snack - banana flavored yogurt

7:30pm  dinner - grilled chicken breast with brussels sprouts

8:00pm  snack - mixed berry yogurt

9:00pm  snack - banana

9:30pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

11:30pm  bedtime

2:10am  woke up

3:30am  woke up

5:30am  woke up

6:30am  woke up

7:00am  got up for the day

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
16 hours ago, LilBit said:

 

Thank you lalala....  Yes it definitely sounds like you can relate and I hope things improve for you as well.  I can imagine how scary it must be living alone and having to go through it.  Thank goodness for this site!!

Yes I agree, I'm still waking up with anxiety  many times :(  I wanted to start taper but I can't seem to find the right time...

2007-2016 citalopram 20mg -40mg

tappered and discontinued all of oct 2016 6 month taper  (wd symptom  insomnia and some ocd anxiety)

Nov.2016 -May 2017 cipralex 20mg

June-Sept 2017  xanax 0.25- 0.50mg   3 times a week

June 2017- Sept. 25.2017  Paxil  20mg - last week was 30mg bc of drug feeling reaction

Sept 27 - Oct 12 2017 Fluxatine 20mg

discontinuation Oct 13-18th 2017 withdrawal  from paxil and fluxatine

Reinstated Oct 19- 23 Fluxtine 10mg, Oct 24- 2 2017 Fluxatine 5mg,  Nov 2-19 2017   Fluxatine 10mg Dec-Jan 4 2018 Fluxatine 20mg, Reinstated Feb 18 2018  fluxatine 1mg, didnt work  June 6  Celexa  5mg than 10mg, June 3 Klonopin  .5 - 1mg,    june 11 oxazepam 5-10mg,   zopiclone in june  7.5mg  on and off,    June 24 reduced  to  5mg Celexa 

Nov. 20 2018 titration k  0.02mg reduction from 0.5- 0.380mg,  Nov.  25 2018  mourol 1 dose for cystitis

March started Brassmonkey method   0.30 k   current 0.28 kcelexa 5mgNov.2021 0.08 updose  0.09 feb. 2022 0.085k  march. 0.08 april 0.075k may0.070k june 0.065 june23  0.060

NOTE: using liquid Rivotril - 2 drops of (2.5mg) rivotril  with 20ml water 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
On 10/17/2018 at 6:20 PM, LilBit said:

I have started to taper off of the Quetiapine by 10%.  I am using a digital scale accurate to .001 g and crushing the tablets and weighing using Brassmonkey’s active ingredient concentration (mgai) method, and filling gelcaps with the powder.  Is this a good way if I am not confident using a liquid suspension?

 

Yes, we have a lot of members using a scale to taper and having success. As long as your being consistent with your method, you'll be fine. Since you are struggling so much, you may want to try the Brassmonkey Slide:

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering

 

On 4/22/2018 at 3:07 PM, brassmonkey said:

The basic Brassmonkey Slide Method consists of four (4) weekly reductions of 2.5% in a row with an additional two (2) week hold.  This gives a total reduction of 10% ever six (6) weeks. 

 

So instead of getting slammed with a 10% reduction at once, you spread it out with weekly 2.5% reductions for 4 weeks and then hold for at least 2 weeks, depending on your symptoms. 

 

You can tweak the slide to find any type of taper rate. 

 

For a lot of members, the rate of the taper is more important to get right than whether or not you use a scale or do a liquid taper.

 

On 10/17/2018 at 6:20 PM, LilBit said:

I have been taking 400 IU vitamin D for a couple of weeks now and seem to be ok on it as far as I can tell.  Do you think I would be ok with upping my dose and if so, how much?  I was thinking maybe to 600?

 

Please see:

 

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol or calcitriol)

 

Please use the Search feature or Google "surviving antidepressants" + "what you are looking for". That way you can find the appropriate thread to research your supplements and not have to wait for a moderator. Since not all moderators are experts in supplements (I am definitely not), this is the fastest and most efficient way for you to get the information you need. 

 

Whether or not it is okay to increase vitamin D (or any other supplement) really depends on how you're feeling. The more you can get nutrients from food, the better, as a lot of people become very sensitive to supplements during withdrawal. 

 

On 10/17/2018 at 6:20 PM, LilBit said:

I noticed I am losing weight, although I am eating 3 full meals a day and snacks in between.  This concerns me because I have never had this issue before and it seems to have increased over the past couple of weeks.  I have an endoscopy scheduled for next Wednesday and am a bit anxious about that as well because of a possible reaction to the anesthesia.

 

Your weight loss hasn't been drastic. When you started listed your weight at the end of September you were at listing around 136 - 139. So your current weight at 135 isn't very drastic and I wouldn't be alarmed over it.  It's normal for weight to fluctuate a few pounds.  If it continues, you may want to take in some extra calories adding in butter, a glass or two of whole milk day, or other high calorie foods that can help put weight on you without ramping up symptoms (be careful of foods high in sugar or containing caffeine, etc.). This isn't a long-term diet plan, of course, but simply to keep you going through withdrawal. 

 

There's a thread where members discuss this issue here:

 

Weight gain, weight loss and appetite changes

 

As you can see, it's very common. I gained about 20 pounds and then lost it as I recovered and was able to start exercising again. And as you'll read in that thread, members also experience extreme weight loss as part of withdrawal. 

 

You may find this information useful before having the endoscopy:

 

Surgery and Anesthesia

 

On 10/17/2018 at 6:20 PM, LilBit said:

I noticed this morning after going walking and jogging that when I would blink my eyes, I would see a flashing light.  This didn’t last too long but I have also noticed an increase in “floaters” over the past month.  Is this something I should be concerned about?

 

 

Vision symptoms: floaters, snow, blurred/dimmed vision, twitching and pain

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator
On 9/29/2018 at 1:45 PM, LilBit said:

7:45am  10mg Alfuzosin ER - my urologist started me on this but my GP recommended I take it at night instead.  Due to side effects I am probably going to stop it.

 

Why were you taking the drug from the urologist? How long did you take it? What were the side effects?

 

On 10/2/2018 at 8:23 AM, LilBit said:

My results came back from my labs, and aside from elevated SGPT (probably from the drugs) and Vitamin D deficiency everything else came back ok, so looks like I will need to take a Vitamin D supplement.  Just wanted to provide an update, I felt super tired/ sleepy this morning when I got up.  

 

What did your doctor say about elevated SGPT?

 

Since it seems your sleep broke up when you reduced quetiapine to 22.5mg, I would go back to 25mg. You've had a lot of drug changes. It may be too early to start changing quetiapine or diazepam.

 

I am concerned about the palpitations. When did they start? Do you recall the combination of drugs you were on?

 

Since you reduced Depakote to 500mg, has the symptom pattern of the palpitations changed? How has it changed?

 

What do the palpitations feel like? Have you reported them to your doctor?

 

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:

 

Why were you taking the drug from the urologist? How long did you take it? What were the side effects?

 

 

What did your doctor say about elevated SGPT?

 

Since it seems your sleep broke up when you reduced quetiapine to 22.5mg, I would go back to 25mg. You've had a lot of drug changes. It may be too early to start changing quetiapine or diazepam.

 

I am concerned about the palpitations. When did they start? Do you recall the combination of drugs you were on?

 

Since you reduced Depakote to 500mg, has the symptom pattern of the palpitations changed? How has it changed?

 

What do the palpitations feel like? Have you reported them to your doctor?

 

 

 

Thanks for your follow up Alto!  I was taking the drug from the urologist because I suffer from urinary retention and he was concerned about it causing a UTI (not to mention it is very frustrating).  I only took it once and it caused a very bad headache, neck pain, and chest discomfort.  I am supposed to be following up with him the week after next.

 

My doc really had no comment about the elevated SGPT because apparently it has been that way for awhile and is most likely because of all of the drugs I was/am on.

 

The good news is that since I have been on 22.5mg Quetiapine for almost a week now, my sleep seems to have improved a bit.  The results came back from my sleep stidy and they actually found that I have sleep apnea and say will need a CPAP.  I am supposed to be following up with my neurologist/sleep doctor to discuss this. If so, I am hoping this helps with the broken up sleep.

 

As far as the palpitations are concerned, they started pretty much at the beginning of this ordeal, on 7/9.  They have just progessively been either increasing or becoming more noticeable.  They feel like a fluttering sensation in the middle of my chest or my heart will “skip” a beat and then thump.  The strange part though is that I took 25mg of magnesium taurate ONCE, on the 14th, and about an hour after I took it I noticed palpitations, arrhythmia, chest discomfort, and headache.  I had lots of palpitations the following day also but haven’t really noticed them since then. I have made my primary care doctor aware and even went to the ER where they did a chest xray, drew blood, checked all cardiac enzymes and did an EKG and they did not find anything.  I am seeing my cardiologist on Friday the 26th and hoping he will do a holter monitor so he can see what is going on.

 

The change in Depakote did not seem to have much of an effect on the cardiac symptoms at all from what I can tell, but I was more anxious and had crying spells for at least a few days after I reduced.  Now I am noticing I just have an overall general feeling of fatigue and malaise, and don’t particularly look healthy and am losing weight slowly.  While it has slightly fluctuated, I have lost 10% of my body weight in the past 3 months.

 

Hope you are doing well and thanks for your guidance as always.  I am trying to hang on through all of this!

 

 

 

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

Oct 18

 

136 lbs  Experiencing chest irritation and dry cough.

 

9:00am  breakfast - bowl of cereal, blueberry muffin and OJ

9:30am  500mg Depakote, 400 IU Vitamin D

3:00pm  lunch - chicken fajita pita with fries and water

7:00pm  dinner - grilled chicken parmigiana with zuppa proscato (Olive Garden) - 1000 cal

9:30pm 22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

10:20pm  bedtime

1:40am  woke up

3:10am  woke up

5:00am  woke up

5:30am  woke up

6:10am  woke up for the day, got about 5 1/2 hours of sleep

 

 

Oct 19

 

136 lbs 

 

Today I have been feeing tired and weak.  Also have been experiencing chest irritation and cough.

 

9:00am  breakfast - bowl of cereal with muffin and OJ

9:20am  500mg Depakote and 400 IU vitamin D

2:30pm lunch - grilled chicken sandwich with large fruit cup

5:30pm  snack - vanilla yogurt

6:30pm  pain in middle of back

8:00pm  dinner - chicken enchiladas with rice and beans 

9:45pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:30pm bedtime - had second part of sleep study so not sure how much sleep I got.

 

Oct 20

 

Water/fluid intake:  56oz

 

8:00am breakfast - bacon egg and cheese sandwich with OJ

9:45am  500mg depakote and 400 IU vitamin D

2:00pm  lunch - grilled chicken sandwich with lemonade

4:30pm  palpitations

5:00pm  chest irritation/cough

6:30pm  dinner - fish tacos with charro beans

9:00pm  vanilla yogurt

9:45pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

10:40pm  bedtime

1:30am  woke up

3:20am  woke up

4:45am  woke up

5:50am  woke up

6:40am  woke up for the day, got about 5 1/2 hours of 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
Link to comment

Oct 21

 

136.4 lbs, When I woke up this morning, I noticed neck pain and stiffness, especially when looking down or down and to the right.  Still having the chest irritation.

 

9:30am  500mg depakote, 600 IU vitamin D

9:30am  loose stool/diarrhea 

10:00am  breakfast - bowl of cereal and blueberry muffin

3:00pm  lunch - burger with gluten free bun and roasted veggies

7:00pm  palpitation

8:00pm  dinner - chicken breast with carrots, applesauce for dessert

9:40pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:30pm  bedtime

12:00am woke up

12:20am  woke up and had difficulty falling back asleep 

3:20am  woke up

6:00am  woke up

7:00am  woke up for the day, got about 3 1/2 hours of sleep

 

Oct 22

 

137.6 lbs  Did not sleep well last night, took a while to fall asleep and had dreams and nightmares.  Experiencing increased body and bone soreness and aches.  Insomnia seems to be getting worse.

 

 

9:40am  500mg depakote, 600 IU Vitamin D

10:00am  fatigue/tired/brain fog

10:20am  palpitations

10:30am  breakfast - bowl of cereal and 2 small blueberry muffins

1:40pm  boost nutritional drink

2:00pm  lunch- rotisserie chicken breast

3:30pm  diarrhea

4:30pm  diarrhea

4:50pm  nausea

6:30pm  snack - vanilla greek yogurt

9:20pm  diarrhea

9:30pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:40pm  diarrhea

11:00pm bedtime - had a hard time falling asleep 

2:00am  woke up and had difficulty falling back asleep

4:00am woke up

6:15am  woke up

6:30am  up for the day, got about 3 1/2 hours of sleep

 

I am thinking the diarrhea today is either from the increase in Vitamin D or the boost drink, but not sure because it started yesterday.

 

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

I am trying to figure out what is happening to me here.... it seemed like I was making a little progress, especially with sleep, and now I still feel like I am slowly dying.  I feel more and more weak and lethargic every day, am losing weight, my body aches all over and now I have this nausea and diarrhea.  I am trying to see where I went wrong and am really feeling overwhelmed at the moment...😔

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

I guess it must be the increase in Vitamin D... and I still have the weird chest irritation and cough.  Every day it is something new and I feel more and more sick.  This is so hard, I keep trying to tell myself it is going to be ok.

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

Oct 23

 

Body and bone soreness and aching increased.  Did not sleep well last night.  Still have coughing and irritation.

 

136.8 lbs

 

8:17am  nausea and diarrhea

9:30am  breakfast - cereal with blueberry muffins and OJ

9:35am  600 IU vitamin D and 500mg depakote

1:00pm  Alaskan salmon with broccoli and whole grain rice

1:30pm diarrhea

7:00pm  steak and green beans

9:40pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam

11:00pm  bedtime

12:10am, 2:00am, 3:30am  woke up

5:50am  woke up for the day, got about 5 hours sleep

 

Oct 24

 

136 lbs

 

7:30am  brain fog

7:40am  500mg Depakote 

**Did not take Vitamin D or eat breakfast because I was having an upper endoscopy

1:00pm  lunch - omelette with cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes and broccoli

4:30pm  snack - vanilla pudding (snack pack)

7:30pm  dinner - chicken noodle soup

9:00pm  snack - vanilla yogurt

9:30pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

11:30pm  bedtime

4:10am, 5:30am, 5:45am  woke up

6:30am  woke up for the day, about 5 hours of sleep

 

 

Oct 25

 

135.8 lbs   Since it seems like the diarrhea is gone I am going to wait one more day before reinstating the Vitamin D to see if it changes anything to know if it was that or the Boost drink.

 

9:30am  500mg Depakote

10:00am  brain fog all day

10:30am  breakfast - bowl of cereal and 2 blueberry muffins with OJ

2:30pm  lunch - grilled chicken sandwich with gluten free bun and french fries, lemonade

7:20pm  dinner - chicken enchiladas with refried beans and rice

9:45pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg Diazepam 

11:16pm  bedtime

12:55am, 2:25am, 4:30am woke up

6:00am  woke up for the day

6:30am  got up for the day, about 5 hours of sleep

 

Oct 26

 

136.5 lbs

 

8:00am  Breakfast - strawberry yogurt parfait and OJ

10:40am  500mg Depakote, 400IU vitamin D

1:30pm  lunch - roasted chicken with cucumber salad and coleslaw

5:15pm  snack - strawberry yogurt

7:20pm  dinner - smoked turkey sandwich with lemonade

9:45pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:50pm  bedtime

12:50am, 2:45am, 5:15am, 5:50am  woke up

6:00am woke up

6:30am  got out of bed, got about 5 hours of 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
Link to comment

Oct 27

 

137 lbs.

Loss of cognitive function / heavy brain fog most of today.  I notice I have been feeling like this for the past few days now.

 

9:30am  500mg Depakote, 400IU Vitamin D

10:00am  breakfast - 2 bacon egg and cheese tacos

1:30pm  very tired, fatigued 

3:15pm  meal - cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and pickles on white bun

6:00pm  tired, irritable, headache

8:30pm  dinner - chicken strips with barbecue sauce and lemonade

9:30pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:00pm  headache, feel pulse on top of head

11:15pm  bedtime

2:20am, 4:10am, 5:20, 6:00am woke up

7:00am  woke up for the day, got about 4 hours and 40 minutes of sleep

 

 

Oct 28

 

Woke up with a bit of a headache.  

 

 136.4 lbs   Looks like the Vitamin D may be to blame.  Have tried 2 different brands so will see how this goes.  This one is Healthy For Life brand, D3 in olive oil.  Did not have any brain fog today!  😊

 

9:30am  400IU vitamin D and 500mg Depakote

9:45am  stomach cramping/discomfort 

10:00am  breakfast - bowl of cereal and OJ

1:30pm  lunch - roast beef, rice, green beans, salad 

2:20pm  abdominal pain on left side

5:15pm  meal - fish sandwich with pink lemonade

7:30pm  dinner - turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with water

8:00pm  palpitations

9:45pm  22.5mg Quetiapine, 2mg diazepam 

10:00pm palpitations

10:40pm  bedtime, took almost 45 minutes to fall asleep

12:10am, 1:50am, 3:10am, 4:45am woke up

5:35am woke up for the day, got about 4 1/2 hours of 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
Link to comment

So I am wondering.... it seems that I am not tolerating the Vitamin D supplements too well, getting stomachaches, diarrhea, and increased insomnia.   Is there any alternative other than cod liver oil?  When I had labs done, my Vitamin D level was 16.7 mg/dl which is pretty low.

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

Liquid vitamin D3 drops in olive oil, bypass the gut, or you can chew a gel capsule.

 

How did the upper endoscopy go?

 

I am not seeing the point of the Depakote at all. That could be causing gut upset as well as brain fog. Did your doctor give you 2 250mg tablets to take every day?

 

It seems the 2mg diazepam at night is not very effective for sleep, what do you think @Shep?

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
24 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Liquid vitamin D3 drops in olive oil, bypass the gut, or you can chew a gel capsule.

 

How did the upper endoscopy go?

 

I am not seeing the point of the Depakote at all. That could be causing gut upset as well as brain fog. Did your doctor give you 2 250mg tablets to take every day?

 

It seems the 2mg diazepam at night is not very effective for sleep, what do you think @Shep?

 

That’s the strange part — what I am taking IS the D3 drops in olive oil, tried 2 different brands, and the same thing seems to happen.  I guess I am one of those like Alex who is suuuuuper sensitive...

 

I am still awaiting the results of the endoscopy.  These doctors here seem to have no sense of urgency, but maybe in this case that’s a good sign 🙂.  The procedure went well... I requested Propofol for sedation and they did not even bat an eye.  Multiple gastric polyps were found as well as inflammation of the gastric mucuosa (gastritis), so biopsies were taken to rule out anything malignant or things like celiac, etc.  

 

I don’t see the point of the Depakote either.  She did prescribe me the 250mg tablets.  What would you recommend?

 

If I am being honest, I did not really notice a difference when I reinstated the diazepam, but I could be mistaken.  So many changes that maybe I lost track.  Thanks ladies for helping me through my journey.

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

Was your doctor's plan to have you take 250mg plus 125mg Depakote ER tablets, to taper your dosage to 375mg?

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

Right now it is just 250 mg twice a day since she thinks I was taking 750mg per day (1 in am and 2 in pm).  We haven’t discussed the taper any further yet, although I was thinking 3 125mg per day for 375.  Do you think the 250 plus 125 would be better?  My next appointment with her is on Dec 4.

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

I am going easy with her because she has been pretty sympathetic in regards to tapering, but I am still sensing lots of resistance on her part (I think I am making progress though).  I would search for yet another psychiatrist but she is the primary one workibg with my short term disability unfortunately, already had to go through that once and it was a pretty big hassle.

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
  • Moderator Emeritus
5 hours ago, LilBit said:

So I am wondering.... it seems that I am not tolerating the Vitamin D supplements too well, getting stomachaches, diarrhea, and increased insomnia.   Is there any alternative other than cod liver oil?  When I had labs done, my Vitamin D level was 16.7 mg/dl which is pretty low.

 

You can get sublingual vitamin D3 tablets.

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
17 hours ago, Altostrata said:

It seems the 2mg diazepam at night is not very effective for sleep, what do you think @Shep?

 

17 hours ago, LilBit said:

If I am being honest, I did not really notice a difference when I reinstated the diazepam, but I could be mistaken.

 

I would be hesitant to make any changes to the diazepam. I think LilBit is correct that the diazepam has had little effect.

 

But I think this speaks volumes: 

 

On 10/20/2018 at 3:33 PM, LilBit said:

The good news is that since I have been on 22.5mg Quetiapine for almost a week now, my sleep seems to have improved a bit.

 

 

Sleep has improved to 5 - 5.5 hours a night for many nights since then and seems to be on a healing trend: 

 

On 10/21/2018 at 10:44 AM, LilBit said:

Oct 18

6:10am  woke up for the day, got about 5 1/2 hours of sleep

 

On 10/21/2018 at 10:44 AM, LilBit said:

Oct 20

6:40am  woke up for the day, got about 5 1/2 hours of sleep

 

On 10/27/2018 at 8:47 AM, LilBit said:

Oct 23

5:50am  woke up for the day, got about 5 hours sleep

 

On 10/27/2018 at 8:47 AM, LilBit said:

Oct 24

6:30am  woke up for the day, about 5 hours of sleep

 

On 10/27/2018 at 8:47 AM, LilBit said:

Oct 25

6:30am  got up for the day, about 5 hours of sleep

 

 

On 10/27/2018 at 8:47 AM, LilBit said:

Oct 26

6:30am  got out of bed, got about 5 hours of sleep

 

There have been some variances in between these dates which could be because of the vitamin D changes.

 

I would get settled into one vitamin D dose and HOLD. 

 

I think this is a real healing trend and after a hold (and that means no changes to supplements), I would continue slowly reducing the quetiapine. 

 

 

 

Link to comment

 

Oct 29

 

Did not sleep too well last night.  Suspecting it may be the Vitamin D.  Was not as sleepy and woke several times.

 

137 lbs

 

9:30am  500mg depakote, 400 IU vitamin D

10:30am  abdominal pain, stomachache

11:15am  bowl of cereal

12:10pm  palpitations

1:00pm  strawberry yogurt

2:00pm  brain fog 

3:30pm  grilled chicken with fried brussels sprouts 

4:00pm  increased brain fog

7:30pm  fish tacos in corn tortillas with corn and coleslaw 

8:50pm  brain fog lessened

10:00pm  stomachache/abdominal pain

11:15pm  bedtime, had difficulty falling askeep

1:00am, 2:30am, 4:30am woke up

6:00am woke up

6:30am got up for the day, got about 4 hours of 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
Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy