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☼ manny03: withdrawal from Trintellix / Brintellix / vortioxetine


manny03

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6 minutes ago, Carmie said:

Hi manny, 

 

I’m so sorry you’re struggling so much. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your sister’s dog too, that’s very sad. It’s heartbreaking when animals die, I can’t even watch a movie where an animal dies without bawling. I know what it’s like to be totally numb too though, like you’re feeling, anhedonia really makes you so numb. 

 

You said you feel like you have the flu, I woke up with a sore throat the last couple of days, but it never eventuated into anything. I was even coughing a tiny bit. It happens occasionally with me n I think I should start swallowing the coconut oil to kill it, but then it doesn’t end up being a virus. 

 

I have CFS, which is also a CNS illness n in the past, before I knew what was wrong with me, I always pushed myself n would get sore throats all the time. I thought it was strange that I didn’t end up with a cold. Once I found out about my illness I stopped pushing myself, and now I very rarely get swollen glands. 

 

The moral of the story is same with withdrawals , don’t overdo our activity or we will pay for it. 

 

Take care, sending hugs🤗

 

 

I haven't worked out or run for the last three weeks. Plus, I've been walking five miles.  Seems my lack of activity, the losses I've had, getting sick with flu and constantly ruminating have triggered my symptoms. To be frank I'm scared of them,especially the gi, and now these flu like symptoms though what brings me solace they match Dr. Glennmullen's withdrawal list. 

 

Thanks for the hugs. I truly need them.  

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
3 minutes ago, manny03 said:

I haven't worked out or run for the last three weeks. Plus, I've been walking five miles.  Seems my lack of activity, the losses I've had, getting sick with flu and constantly ruminating have triggered my symptoms. To be frank I'm scared of them,especially the gi, and now these flu like symptoms though what brings me solace they match Dr. Glennmullen's withdrawal list. 

 

Thanks for the hugs. I truly need them.  

 

I’m so sorry you’re feeling so stressed manny, 

 

Do u have any hobbies that you can use as a distraction?  You may not feel like doing them, but it’s best to distract yourself. I am really sick n stuck in bed, mainly due to my illness, but I continue to find things to distract myself. 

 

If we don’t distract ourselves our ruminations can take over, as you know, which isn’t good. If we keep stressing ourselves with negative thoughts it will hinder our healing. 

 

Sending you more hugs, and please remember, we will all heal in the end🤗 

 

 

 

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

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2 minutes ago, Carmie said:

 

I’m so sorry you’re feeling so stressed manny, 

 

Do u have any hobbies that you can use as a distraction?  You may not feel like doing them, but it’s best to distract yourself. I am really sick n stuck in bed, mainly due to my illness, but I continue to find things to distract myself. 

 

If we don’t distract ourselves our ruminations can take over, as you know, which isn’t good. If we keep stressing ourselves with negative thoughts it will hinder our healing. 

 

Sending you more hugs, and please remember, we will all heal in the end🤗 

 

 

 

Watch movies at home is the only thing I'm able to do since I'm financially strapped. 

 

I sure hope we get there, Carmie. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

The flu like symptoms are fading away, though still have the headachy like sensation, and drained body feeling. 

 

I had diarrhea last night, that went way also to regular bowel movements. 

 

Had trouble sleeping during the night fearing I would have G.I. symptoms at night. I was able to sleep for three to four hours. 

I've noticed I'm not burping that much anymore, though have knott like sensation my throat, also there's a change of appetite were I can't each that much. My Health Anxiety quickly goes to the dreaded C word, though I had my blood work, breath tests and ultrasounds done, and nothing was found. 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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1 hour ago, manny03 said:

Update

 

The flu like symptoms are fading away, though still have the headachy like sensation, and drained body feeling. 

 

I had diarrhea last night, that went way also to regular bowel movements. 

 

Had trouble sleeping during the night fearing I would have G.I. symptoms at night. I was able to sleep for three to four hours. 

I've noticed I'm not burping that much anymore, though have knott like sensation my throat, also there's a change of appetite were I can't each that much. My Health Anxiety quickly goes to the dreaded C word, though I had my blood work, breath tests and ultrasounds done, and nothing was found. 

 

 

 

Hey Manny03,

 

im struggling with GI issues too.....

 

Jozzef reminded me about apple cider vinegar (ACV), have you tried this before every meal?

 

These are the worst GI symptoms I have had in a long time.

 

Thats great news your tests came back negative - very re-assuring. If you saw one, what did the GI doc suggest was causing your symptoms?

 

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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1 minute ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Hey Manny03,

 

im struggling with GI issues too.....

 

Jozzef reminded me about apple cider vinegar (ACV), have you tried this before every meal?

 

These are the worst GI symptoms I have had in a long time.

 

Thats great news your tests came back negative - very re-assuring. If you saw one, what did the GI doc suggest was causing your symptoms?

 

JC

i never saw a gi specialist, these tests were done either in the ER or done by my primary since the referral to a specialist would take too long. 

 

so my gp ordered breath test for h pylori. That was negative. 

 

i went to the ER do to the abdominal cramping. They did a full blood work up and nothing was found. Then they did an ultrasound were they checked my liver, gall bladder, kidneys, and pancreas and they didn't find anything, instead complemented how well maintained they looked. I laughed though rolled my eyes in the same time when they didn't find anything organic. My doc, psychologist, and er doc say its my anxiety causing these symptoms. They dont acknowledge that it could be my withdrwals. The only thing left to do is endoscopy or a colonoscopy. I'm not going through that after several negative test results. seems i just need to roll with the punches. 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Well...I'm having the case of the sweats now. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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23 hours ago, manny03 said:

i never saw a gi specialist, these tests were done either in the ER or done by my primary since the referral to a specialist would take too long. 

 

so my gp ordered breath test for h pylori. That was negative. 

 

i went to the ER do to the abdominal cramping. They did a full blood work up and nothing was found. Then they did an ultrasound were they checked my liver, gall bladder, kidneys, and pancreas and they didn't find anything, instead complemented how well maintained they looked. I laughed though rolled my eyes in the same time when they didn't find anything organic. My doc, psychologist, and er doc say its my anxiety causing these symptoms. They dont acknowledge that it could be my withdrwals. The only thing left to do is endoscopy or a colonoscopy. I'm not going through that after several negative test results. seems i just need to roll with the punches. 

 

 

I've had similar feedback from my primary, psychiatrist (3 yrs ago now) and also naturopath and therapist.

 

"Rolling with the punches" takes considerable self-control as we have to steer our mind away from the catastrophic thinking route.  I haven't mastered this at all yet.

 

I recently started working, and when I found out I got the job, had terrible gut issues and diarrhea.  IBS started up with pains on my left side.

 

Now just over a month into my new job, I have burning and pain on my right side as well as IBS.

 

It's good that you have peace of mind that your organs are as they should be.

 

As it is, I'm not sure my primary would even refer me for colonoscopy/endescopy given my health record (anxiety/depression).

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Just now, Junglechicken said:

 

I've had similar feedback from my primary, psychiatrist (3 yrs ago now) and also naturopath and therapist.

 

"Rolling with the punches" takes considerable self-control as we have to steer our mind away from the catastrophic thinking route.  I haven't mastered this at all yet.

 

I recently started working, and when I found out I got the job, had terrible gut issues and diarrhea.  IBS started up with pains on my left side.

 

Now just over a month into my new job, I have burning and pain on my right side as well as IBS.

 

It's good that you have peace of mind that your organs are as they should be.

 

As it is, I'm not sure my primary would even refer me for colonoscopy/endescopy given my health record (anxiety/depression).

 

Same in my case regarding the referrals since she's done x amount of tests over the last five years and not finding anything, and blaming it on my disorder. 

 

Funny thing regarding this latest flare up is that it began to occur after I quit the place I was going to work after one day. It seems my body didn't take it to well, and these symptoms came up. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment
3 minutes ago, manny03 said:

 

Same in my case regarding the referrals since she's done x amount of tests over the last five years and not finding anything, and blaming it on my disorder. 

 

Funny thing regarding this latest flare up is that it began to occur after I quit the place I was going to work after one day. It seems my body didn't take it to well, and these symptoms came up. 

 

Any change to the "safe" routine we have created for ourselves to survive WD etc., will trigger a reaction from our body / CNS.

 

After 3 yrs of not having to work, I experienced the same severe symptoms.

 

It's such a shock to the body to have to deviate from what's its become accustomed to in order to maintain "homeostasis" whilst trying to tolerate WD.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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21 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

 

Any change to the "safe" routine we have created for ourselves to survive WD etc., will trigger a reaction from our body / CNS.

 

After 3 yrs of not having to work, I experienced the same severe symptoms.

 

It's such a shock to the body to have to deviate from what's its become accustomed to in order to maintain "homeostasis" whilst trying to tolerate WD.

 

That's what I've attempting to do, find work so my CNS is able to quickly adapt and not freak out when something happens, though as what I experienced, that was a royal fail. Though, I blame the circumstances since if nothing bad had occurred at the place I was working, I highly doubt I would be having these symptoms. Sadly, life chose otherwise.  At the beginning of the year, I was already willing to come off the medication, I never knew the hell I was about to go through due to them. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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3 hours ago, manny03 said:

 

That's what I've attempting to do, find work so my CNS is able to quickly adapt and not freak out when something happens, though as what I experienced, that was a royal fail. Though, I blame the circumstances since if nothing bad had occurred at the place I was working, I highly doubt I would be having these symptoms. Sadly, life chose otherwise.  At the beginning of the year, I was already willing to come off the medication, I never knew the hell I was about to go through due to them. 

 

What happened at your workplace?

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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4 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

 

What happened at your workplace?

I had applied and was hired to stamp and scan packages. An easy job so it wouldn't rock my body/CNS due to the withdrawls. Though, I go there the first day. They take me to the warehouse, and was going to the station were they were going to teach me the job, when in the last second they pull me out, and told me since I'm a young guy, I'm going to be cutting up pallets, and putting packages on rails. I was rushed back and forth the warehouse. I was so tired at the end of the shift. Plus, the supervisors didn't even teach me how properly cut these large boxes and how to properly put these boxes on the rails. To make it worse, they didn't give us our lunch break. That's why I decided, screw that, and I quit. I was pissed off that some supervisors my age didn't have a clue on how to do their job. Let's say after this its when all these symptoms came crashing on me. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Over the last three days, I've been regaining my sleep before the latest wave. Though, I won't give numbers so I won't jix it. 

 

Most of the symptoms are occurring during the day. 

 

Now its more IBS like aches and cramps, constipation, diarrhea, sometimes mucus (TMI). 

 

Then, I get nervous, anxious, and need to walk away from people to calm myself. 

 

Have slight case of the shakes/tremors when I feel a bit too anxious or I'm around people. 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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@Happy2Heal 

 

Quote

 

yes I can surely see how it would feel this way!!

 

The time we spend recovering can be used however we wish it to be. We'll still have the symptoms putting limits on what we can do, yes, that's true. 

however, we have the choice about if we are going to dwell on regrets and worries about the future, or if we are going to use the pain of those regrets to make changes so that we don't end up in a situation like this again.

 

it can be a time for personal growth. It seems like you're using it that way.

Growth is never easy, but it's a good kind of difficult, because we're going to see the results of our hard work.

it will pay off in the end.

 

it's good to be gentle with yourself during this process, and it's perfectly ok to have the occasional "pity party" and it's perfectly ok to be angry about the situation you've found yourself in-

we've all gone thru those same feelings.

we just try not to get stuck in the self pity or anger because it's not productive.

 

you are making the effort to learn from this and to grown and that's great! I hope that you are feeling good about that.

 

it may not seem like much against the strength of your symptoms but believe me, your symptoms are going to fade in time, but what you learn in this process will be with you for ever after. I think we all find out how strong we truly are.

and that's a kind of silver lining to this terrible experience that no one would wish on their worst enemy.

 

 Here's to a New Year full of promise and healing, strength and happy moments to cherish. I had a couple of bad years but thru it all there were still many good things that happened. You will have those too. 

 

 

 

 

I didn't want to hijack Leo's thread. Though, I just read this and gave some solace for this hellish withdrawals that I've being going through. I went through three months of constant headaches and lightheartedness, vertigo, off-balance, akathesia, that stopped for a few days for acid reflux, then switch back and forth. Now, it's just odd GI symptoms - nausea, abdominal cramps, burning abdomonal sensations, IBS like symptoms, anxiety, irritability, anger, shyness, tremors. I just hope with time this goes away. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
deitalised font

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Well my GI symptoms are there, but not as bothersome as the last several weeks, so I could say its an improvement. Right now, I feel ache/tension sensation on the upper to mid right side of abdomen while I eat, though I know there's no esophagus or stomach in that area, just my liver, gallbladder pancreas, and right kidney. Ultrasound was done and nothing was wrong. I had the same tension/ache like sensation on top of my throat in mid July...days after my final dose of my medication, and never experienced this before or during taking the medication. So, yay...withdrawls. I hope with the new year, it wanes and goes away. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Update

 

I don't know if this is an improvement of symptoms though here I go. 

 

The burping has lessen. 

Still have odd sensations on my throat after eating. 

I still have sensation when I eat on my abdomen, though what's cropped up now it seems its pushing my bowels to have movements and use the loo. 

 

These G.I. symptoms have lessened in severity over the past few days. 

 

Though, what helps to relieve my mind is that I haven't showered or shaved in four days which kinda shows the earmarks of W/D Depression. 

 

The crying spells have also lessened, though they still occur. 

 

Also, I had a small hive crop up on my abdomen. Last time I had an episode it was in October. Used some benadryl, and it quickly calmed down. These odd symptoms shows I'm still in withdrawals. 

 

Now it seems I'm coming down with a cold now. Since I have a sore throat and the sniffles. 

 

I'm a member in Anti-Anxiety group and they've told me that I have gastritis, Fatty liver disease, Ulcers, gallbladder issues, or pancreatitis. Every time I tell them that I C/T and it could be withdrawals it just rolls of their back and continue to scare the crap out of me. Even after I tell them of the blood and urine work, Breath Tests, and ultrasounds. 

 

  

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Update, 

 

Just came across a website were they state the withdrawal symptoms of Trintellix and mention nausea and vomiting being one of them. On the comments section, many people who've withdrawn speak about having similar symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach and abdominal cramping. Almost the same symptoms as I'm having the moment. I'm relieved that I'm not the only whose gone through this with Trintellix since its the newest drug in the block. Though, still its horrible. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, manny03 said:

I'm a member in Anti-Anxiety group and they've told me that I have gastritis, Fatty liver disease, Ulcers, gallbladder issues, or pancreatitis. Every time I tell them that I C/T and it could be withdrawals it just rolls of their back and continue to scare the crap out of me. Even after I tell them of the blood and urine work, Breath Tests, and ultrasounds. 

 

 

Unfortunately, people tend to only provide help and suggestions based on what they know and have experienced. Often their mind will remain closed to other possibilities. It is probably better to not mention too many of your physical symptoms to that group, as they may misunderstand or misdiagnose it, and it sounds like this is scaring you.

 

These drugs seem to have effects well outside of the brain, i.e. metabolism, gut, some even note hair loss; so I can imagine these gut issues are an impact of withdrawal or at the very least are being made much worse by withdrawal. I have suffered with gut issues in the past, and usually the best option is to stick with a gentle and non-inflammatory type diet until it passes. I know you have had all kinds of tests, but did you have a comprehensive stool test? (Sorry if I missed that). This is one thing that functional medicine practitioners encourage that I think is worthwhile. However, given you are still in the midst of SSRI withdrawal, it might be better to wait this out.

PLEASE NOTE:  I am not a medical professional.  I can only provide information and make suggestions.

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7 minutes ago, eymen23 said:

 

Unfortunately, people tend to only provide help and suggestions based on what they know and have experienced. Often their mind will remain closed to other possibilities. It is probably better to not mention too many of your physical symptoms to that group, as they may misunderstand or misdiagnose it, and it sounds like this is scaring you.

 

These drugs seem to have effects well outside of the brain, i.e. metabolism, gut, some even note hair loss; so I can imagine these gut issues are an impact of withdrawal or at the very least are being made much worse by withdrawal. I have suffered with gut issues in the past, and usually the best option is to stick with a gentle and non-inflammatory type diet until it passes. I know you have had all kinds of tests, but did you have a comprehensive stool test? (Sorry if I missed that). This is one thing that functional medicine practitioners encourage that I think is worthwhile. However, given you are still in the midst of SSRI withdrawal, it might be better to wait this out.

 

I haven't done a stool test. Though, they did do a breath test to see if there was H. Plyori in my stomach and that came out negative. 

 

Regarding the other website, I'm going to try and keep it to myself since they're just making my situation worse than it should be.

 

As far as I know, I only had IBS/GERD issues though were calmed down to non-existent before taking my antidepressant. Once I entered SSRI Poop out my anxiety symptoms including (G.I symptoms) began to slowly crop up.

 

These G.I. issues that I'm experiencing at the moment,  (nausea, feeling odd sensations when eating) began to occur once I entered withdrawal from my SSRI. Didn't have it before it. That's what I force myself to think before going into that dark place. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
4 minutes ago, manny03 said:

 

I haven't done a stool test. Though, they did do a breath test to see if there was H. Plyori in my stomach and that came out negative. 

 

Regarding the other website, I'm going to try and keep it to myself since they're just making my situation worse than it should be.

 

As far as I know, I only had IBS/GERD issues though were calmed down to non-existent before taking my antidepressant. Once I entered, SSRI Poop out my anxiety issues began to slowly crop up.

 

These G.I. issues that I'm experiencing at the moment,  (nausea, feeling odd sensations when eating) began to occur once I entered withdrawal from my SSRI. Didn't have it before it. That's what I force myself to think before going into that dark place. 

 

 

The comprehensive stool tests provided by functional (alternative) medicine practitioners can be very helpful. They give a much more balanced view of what's going in your gut i.e. levels of 'good' bacteria, levels of 'bad' bacteria, digestive ability, levels of inflammation etc. The ones conventional doctors have had me to in the past have been pretty hopeless, finding nothing of any help (in fact nothing at all!).

 

If you didn't have it before and it started after your stopped the drug, I would suspect it is very unlikely to be a new condition flaring up or anything more serious than withdrawal (not to say withdrawal is no problem). That being said, a gentle non-inflammatory diet would probably suit best.

PLEASE NOTE:  I am not a medical professional.  I can only provide information and make suggestions.

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1 minute ago, eymen23 said:

 

 

The comprehensive stool tests provided by functional (alternative) medicine practitioners can be very helpful. They give a much more balanced view of what's going in your gut i.e. levels of 'good' bacteria, levels of 'bad' bacteria, digestive ability, levels of inflammation etc. The ones conventional doctors have had me to in the past have been pretty hopeless, finding nothing of any help (in fact nothing at all!).

 

If you didn't have it before and it started after your stopped the drug, I would suspect it is very unlikely to be a new condition flaring up or anything more serious than withdrawal. That being said, a gentle non-inflammatory diet would probably suit best.

 

At the moment, I'm taking Probiotics to help my digestion. 

 

I agree. I've cut most dairy or anything with a ton of gluten to ease my stomach. 

 

All these symptoms began to occur after I had no choice but to quit my place of work. I had G.I symptoms, but not as bad as it got after I left. Though, now they're calming down. 

 

I have Dr. Glenmullen's list on hand to remind me its just withdrawal since I have other symptoms besides G.I. 

glenmullen_symptoms_AS Appendix 1.pdf

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Update

 

Even though I have these symptoms it seems the withdrawal has been intense since it feels like its being years, though, I'm barely going to enter six months into my withdrawals. From the recent studies that have been posted here, I'm in the median since some it takes a year or more for the symptoms to go away. I'll do my best to weather through this. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Link to comment

Update

 

Besides my G.I. symptoms, ever since I entered SSRI Poop Out and now Withdrawal I've been having body temperature issues. At the moment, it seems I'm falling for a cold since I'm having the sniffles at the moment. It doesn't help a few weeks back I had the flu. This withdrawal is kicking my butt. I fear the medication truly messed up my immune system. 

 

Now seems I'm hyper-sensitive to temperature changes since I feel cold, though my mom checked me and feels I'm at regular temperature. . Right now in SoCal, were having a cold streak during the evenings, so that's somewhat comforting. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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I came across this article on Psychology Today that speaks about what PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) does to the body, and it answers on why I'm being getting sick lately. Seems while nervous is trying to amend itself, my fight or flight switch is stuck on 'on' hence the tremors, anxiety like attacks which runs down the immune system, which leaves me vulnerable to illnesses as the Flu or the cold. 

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/some-assembly-required/201505/detoxing-after-detox-the-perils-post-acute-withdrawal

 

Like I mentioned before I never used to suffer from this until I began to take this antidepressant. I feel introducing chemicals to my body, totally screwed it up. At the moment, I want to throw my medications at that horrible Dr. who gave them to me. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
8 hours ago, manny03 said:

I want to throw my medications at that horrible Dr. who gave them to me. 

 

I think a lot of members would prefer to force the doctor to take them for several months and then not give them any more.

 

8 hours ago, manny03 said:

I feel introducing chemicals to my body, totally screwed it up.

 

When we take a psychiatric drug, we are adding chemical/s to the brain.  The brain then has to change to adapt to getting the chemical/s.  It might have to change something to do with A and then once that change has been made it affects B so another change has to be made and so on down the line.  It is a chain reaction, a domino effect.  That's why it's possible to experience such a vast array of withdrawal symptoms, and they can change, and be of different intensity.

 

The same thing happens when we take the drug away.  These explain it really well:

 

On 8/31/2011 at 5:28 AM, Rhiannon said:

When we stop taking the drug, we have a brain that has designed itself so that it works in the presence of the drug; now it can't work properly without the drug because it's designed itself so that the drug is part of its chemistry and structure. It's like a plant that has grown on a trellis; you can't just yank out the trellis and expect the plant to be okay. When the drug is removed, the remodeling process has to take place in reverse. SO--it's not a matter of just getting the drug out of your system and moving on. If it were that simple, none of us would be here. It's a matter of, as I describe it, having to grow a new brain. I believe this growing-a-new-brain happens throughout the taper process if the taper is slow enough. (If it's too fast, then there's not a lot of time for actually rebalancing things, and basically the brain is just pedaling fast trying to keep us alive.) It also continues to happen, probably for longer than the symptoms actually last, throughout the time of recovery after we are completely off the drug, which is why recovery takes so long.

 

AND

 

On 12/4/2015 at 2:41 AM, apace41 said:

Basically- you have a building where the MAJOR steel structures are trying to be rebuilt at different times - ALL while people are coming and going in the building and attempting to work.

It would be like if the World Trade Center Towers hadn't completely fallen - but had crumbled inside in different places.. Imagine if you were trying to rebuild the tower - WHILE people were coming and going and trying to work in the building!  You'd have to set up a temporary elevator - but when you needed to fix part of that area, you'd have to tear down that elevator and set up a temporary elevator somewhere else. And so on. You'd have to build, work around, then tear down, then build again, then work around, then build... ALL while people are coming and going, ALL while the furniture is being replaced, ALL while the walls are getting repainted... ALL while life is going on INSIDE the building. No doubt it would be chaotic. That is EXACTLY what is happening with windows and waves.  The windows are where the body has "got it right" for a day or so - but then the building shifts and the brain works on something else - and it's chaos again while another temporary pathway is set up to reroute function until repairs are made.  

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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11 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

I think a lot of members would prefer to force the doctor to take them for several months and then not give them any more.

 

 

When we take a psychiatric drug, we are adding chemical/s to the brain.  The brain then has to change to adapt to getting the chemical/s.  It might have to change something to do with A and then once that change has been made it affects B so another change has to be made and so on down the line.  It is a chain reaction, a domino effect.  That's why it's possible to experience such a vast array of withdrawal symptoms, and they can change, and be of different intensity.

 

The same thing happens when we take the drug away.  These explain it really well:

 

 

AND

 

 

 

@ChessieCat I was been charitable with throwing the pills at the MD :D Though, I agree, my actual desire is for them to experience what we're going through, so they stop lying to us about 'oh it last two days' or 'oh its just anxiety' Take this instead. 

 

I agree from the symptoms that I've experienced in Poop out and now Withdrawal, they've been scary, and the maddening thing that most psychologist, psychiatrist and MD's don't recognize this and chalk to anxiety or falling into a depressive relapse. 

 

I'm hoping for better days between these hellish ones, and that my immune system doesn't get more run down due to this. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

These pesky GI symptoms. I'm back at waking up at 2am, having an abdominal cramp and then passing a bowel movement. Though,the weird thing is that I also feel certain fullness on my throat while I pass a movement (TMI). Then, also have a case of the burps again. These symptoms were calming down when it seems something flared it up again. Either it was eating some Ritz with cheese or the most plausible answer is that my CNS is being ultra sensitive and i threw it for spin when I had a temper tantrum, I was shouting, slamming my arms in the table, and screaming expletives at the American administration for their stupidity (I'm a political junkie) or a mixture of both since I've read during withdrawal the GI track has issues processing food unlike before the medication was introduced into the body, or lastly like Chessie Cat suggested...I had a small window since for the last three days I was sleeping through all the night , aches and throat fullness had gone away  before I passed a movement, this now is my brain is doing another correction to my gi track.   

 

at first I quickly went to that dark place, though I forced myself to realize and remember with the research I've done, what's been posted in this site and on my thread...if the symptoms began to occur after the medication was discontinued its just a crazy withdrawal symptom, not some crazy cancer, though being a health anxiety suffer it doesn't help either. 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Something just happened that made it clear that my GI symptoms are possibly withdrawals...I had to move my car since the street cleaners are coming in today. I wasn't having any symptoms. Though, as soon I turned on my car and it began to vibrate, it brought up my weird ache abdominal symptoms. Then, as soon I parked and I shut it off, it went away. That was totally random, though it shows how sensitive my nerves are at the moment. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

I also post in the nomorepanic page, and I'm trying to help someone who thinks they have Pancreatic Cancer. I told them my story, and when gave them a list of the GI symptoms I have and the others which resolved themselves, I realized, my gosh. There's being improvements. Though, knowing how intense withdrawal can be, I was not able to see how far I've come from. 

 

These are the symptoms that I'm having at the moment. 

Weird aches or sensations that shifts from upper right abdominal area, then shifts to the left, or all around my abdomen. 
Have weird lump sensation on my throat
Jolt awake, then feel something on my stomach (either burning or just an ache) - though this symptoms has been calming down. 
When I eat, I feel odd weird sensations like I'm conscious of the movements my stomach muscles/bowels are doing while I'm digesting the food I'm eating at the moment, which after I finish eating makes me go and use the loo.
(weird thing...normal like stools). 

These following symptoms resolved themselves. 

I had lost appetite, though I'm slowly regain it back. 
I had nausea, though it resolved itself. 
I had constant burping/belching it almost resolved itself.
I had burning sensation in the pit of my stomach. That resolved itself. 
I had bloating and that resolved itself. 
Also, I'm gaining more hours of sleep. 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Seems the Depression has lifted for the moment. 

 

I'm gaining hours of sleep which is a plus. 

 

Still have the chills in the early morning and late evenings. 

 

G.I. symptoms continue to shift, now they're mostly on the left side of my abdomen with some moments going to the right. In addition, usually occur when I'm eating or about to have a bowel movement. Though, they're not as intense as before. Though, sadly they're still there. 

 

Though, the tremors have become more prevalent. My head is the only body part that has a case of the tremors every other day now. 

 

Then, there are other moments that I hit myself. Punch my throat and abdomen to stop my nervous system from being stupid. I know I shouldn't be doing this since its going to make the withdrawals worse. 

 

In the end, these symptoms except hitting myself are withdrawals and I know I will ok one day again, its just this process is frustrating. 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Just to give a heads up to symptoms.

 

G.I Symptoms (mentioned on the previous posts)  

 

Chills - Sensitive to temperature changes

 

Off Balance

 

Depression. - Haven't showered for four days and shaved for an entire week. 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Update

 

Well today was the first time I was able to laugh, though noticed it triggered my G.I. symptoms. I was having aches on my upper right abdominal area which later moved through out my G.I. track that caused me to quickly use the loo and had a diarrhea episode. In the mornings, my G.I. episodes usually occur when I begin to drink and eat, its like if G.I. system forgot how it should work since I have the aches at first, then they go away. The funny thing, yesterday I had a hearty lunch and didn't have any symptoms until I called attention to it when it occurred. It went to the extent I was so hungry that I could eat a cow and its calf.  I've been having a hard time accepting this is withdrawal, though this laughing/emotional trigger pattern occurred from late August to late October with my brain/head area symptoms. I couldn't laugh, be angry or anything since I would get sharp headaches, feel sudden brain fog setting in, or have jolting episodes with my head. Thankfully most of my head/brain symptoms have waned down except the tremors that occur every second day. Like most have mentioned here, after the brain, the G.I. system has the most Serotonin, and now that it's not receiving any Serotonin from my medication, its going haywire. 

 

It might bore for some, though I'll keep updating this for anyone later on who find themselves in a similar situation with their pesky symptoms. I hope with my experience, anyone reading this will have a peace of mind in knowing its just another harsh symptom. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Manny,

 

I’m glad you post here. The amount of information across the different intro topics here is incredible. I would have landed myself in seriously hot water if it weren’t for this site (I probably would be on a lot more medication). 

 

It sounds like your some of symptoms are starting to fade? I know stomach troubles are annoying and can be very debilitating but I’ve got faith you will heal! 

PLEASE NOTE:  I am not a medical professional.  I can only provide information and make suggestions.

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On 1/14/2019 at 8:24 AM, eymen23 said:

Hi Manny,

 

I’m glad you post here. The amount of information across the different intro topics here is incredible. I would have landed myself in seriously hot water if it weren’t for this site (I probably would be on a lot more medication). 

 

It sounds like your some of symptoms are starting to fade? I know stomach troubles are annoying and can be very debilitating but I’ve got faith you will heal! 

 

I agree with you. The week I began to post on S.A. I was about to reinstate for a third time when I found of this site, and stopped myself of making even greater mistake. Even though, the journey has been hellish, I've slowly gaining some ground. 

 

My case is somewhat different since I began to have 'tame' withdrawal symptoms when my medication slowly began to poop on me in June of 2017 (headaches, tamed version of my G.I. symptoms, lethargy, muscle weakness, aggression, tremors, anxiety). In April/May 2018 is when my med finally gave out the ghost and all these symptoms crashed on me, I was screaming at the my father, and almost hit my mother.

 

I didn't know of SSRI Tolerance or SSRI Poop Out until I came to this site, and read some of the symptoms that's when I realized the medication stopped working. My Psychiatrist didn't warn me of this. This excessive stress lead to my shingles outbreak in June of 2018. Then, from there I had no choice but C/T the medication, and the withdrawals got worse. My psychiatrist brushed me off and blamed these symptoms on the antivirals I took for my shingles out break instead of antidepressant withdrawals. . Then, he told me to reinstate at whatever dose I wanted to. That's when I told him to fly a kite since he was just giving the medication like candy. It's been one living hell since. 

 

Now, in January of 2019, I see a lot of improvement, though still have off balance, weak strength, odd body temperatures, my G.I symptoms, tremors, weird pimples that continue to break out, and W/D depression since I haven't shaven for a week, and barely shower once a week too. So, at the moment, I'm at rough wave though, I had a three two month window, so I've seen improvements. I just want my next window to get here ASAP! :) Though, when the symptoms occur, I think back of how aggressive I was getting, and the harm I could had done to my mom.  So, these pains are worth it knowing that my mom is going to be ok in the end. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed blasphemy

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

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

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

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

 

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

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

That’s awful Manny. I’m glad you didn’t end up increasing doses and/or switching medications, you could have ended up going for years with more and more problems building up. 

 

I know the anger you feel for the psychiatrist. I had an appointment last week where I told the psychiatrist a calm and honest review of my time on Escitalopram, explaining I’ve felt lots of anxiety in my stomach and I’ve had crying spells. He said that as I’ve not had panic attacks (I very rarely have these anyway) the medication is partially effective and he recommends I up it to the maximum dose!  

 

It sounds to me like you’re doing well (for a cold turkey withdrawal), even though I bet it feels like hell at times. 

 

Keep strong and I hope you get more healing! 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:  I am not a medical professional.  I can only provide information and make suggestions.

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