Ash03: Zyprexa, Remeron and Lamictal withdrawal help needed

[Ash03]

I I was given zyprexa, lamictal, and remeron for chronic insomnia roughly 2 years ago. I stayed on these drugs for 1 1/2 years and after building up a tolerance still wasn’t sleeping 1 to 2 nights per week.

 

My psychiatrust diagnosed me w GAD and severe insomnia. He gave me lamictal during the day as he said he wanted to keep me alert as I have a stressful, high profile job. It actually made me anxious. 

 

When the meds started becoming even less effective and I developed horrible side effects (which I believe were caused by zyprexa, extreme weight gain, high blood sugar, dysphasia, tremors, etc.), my psychiatrist told me to quit them cold turkey and that I wouldn’t experience any side effects.

 

He gave me klonopin which I’m now addicted to and doesn’t help me to sleep more than 2 hours if I sleep at all. I wish I had never listened to him.

 

Since stopping these drugs I only sleep 0-2 hours per night (confirmed by 2 sleep studies), my cortisol levels are 5 times higher than an average person, I have developed GERD and irritable bowel, and because of my complete and utter exhaustion have injured myself by falling down the stairs several times due to dizziness and the inability to focus. I have been working like this for 5 months and can no longer live this way. My quality of life is zero, I’m constantly exhausted and a bundle of nerves (even w klonopin and natural supplements).

 

I’ve tried meditation, CBT-I (has this been effective for anyone?), natural vitamins and supplements, have been to numerous doctors including sleep specialists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, neurologist, therapist, nutritionist and an acupuncturist. No one has been able to help me. If anything, I seem to be getting worse.

 

Could someone please offer some guidance? I don’t know where to turn. I can’t keep living, functioning and working on 0-2 hours sleep and with cortisol levels that are through the roof. Thanks so much for your help!

 

Edited December 5, 2018 by ChessieCat
added spacing

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Ash.

 

Many apologies for the delay in reviewing your topic. What drugs are you taking now, at what times of day and dosages?

 

To help us out, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature

 

[Ash03]

Hi Alostrata. 

 

Thanks for reaching out. I will provide you with a brief background and update my signature. I try to do the elliptical every day for 30 mins (which my doctor said should be my max due to sleep deprivation), walk my dog, meditate, can no longer do yoga at this point as standing for too long makes me dizzy and want to pass out. I take a multitude of vitamins prescribed by my nutritionist (Gaia adrenal support for my high cortisol, l theanine, drenamin, fish oil, l tryptophan, vitamin b complex, b12, vitamin d, zinc, magnesium glycinate, along with a few others). I visit an acupuncturist who said when he inserts his needles his clients almost immediately fall asleep. I don’t even feel relaxed from this. He told me he feels that my body is physically exhausted but I also have aggressive energy that won’t allow me to relax. I curently take CBD oil and 1.5mg of Klonopin at night for sleep. Klonopin is currently the only prescribed drug I am taking besides medicine for my GERD and IBS. Thank you!