btdt Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 The Truth About Psychiatric Drugs | AHRP ahrp.org/the-truth-about-psychiatric-drugs/ Aug 11, 2011 - We now know that SSRI antidepressants and the 'atypical' antipsychotics ... Antipsychotics undermine normal metabolic, cardiovascular,hormonal function, ... in 129 forensic patients who had referred to Dr. Lucire by lawyers. may be worth a read WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonstoneblue Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Yeah....Dr Lucire said ad drugs mixed with oral contraception, hormone pills etc are in her words "a ghastly mix". I'm glad I read that. I was on the pill when I was younger and an antidepressant, it was terrible, I was so mixed up mentally. 2001 - Prozac 20mg for a week weeks 2001- Venelaxafine 37.5 mg 2006 - Ciptralex 10mg I think 2008 - Mirtazipine (not sure of dose, was the lowest though). 2008 - Citalopram (standard dose) 2009 - Prozac 20mg until 29 Feb 2016 2016 - Setraline 25mg for 3 days (from March 3rd until March 5th). 2016 - 11th March Reinstated 5mg prozac. 26th May 2016 down to 4.5mg Prozac. 26June 2016 down to 4mg prozac. Back up to 5mg on 3rd July 2016. Supplements - B- Complex, Flaxseed oil, L-lysine 1000mg, Iron 20mg. Spirulina 500mg. Quest Synergist Magnesium 150mg, Salmon oil 1000mg twice a day, Evening Primrose oil 500mg. Cipralex 10mg 17th July 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonstoneblue Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Having my usual spotting before my monthly now (or it actually could be my monthly, I'm never sure these days). I've been swollen all over in the lead up to this monthly, I feel anxious and slightly wired today too, and well now I'm crying. I have a full week of work and I feel so frightened. I have to get through this week though I need the money, but right now all I want to do is hide away. 2001 - Prozac 20mg for a week weeks 2001- Venelaxafine 37.5 mg 2006 - Ciptralex 10mg I think 2008 - Mirtazipine (not sure of dose, was the lowest though). 2008 - Citalopram (standard dose) 2009 - Prozac 20mg until 29 Feb 2016 2016 - Setraline 25mg for 3 days (from March 3rd until March 5th). 2016 - 11th March Reinstated 5mg prozac. 26th May 2016 down to 4.5mg Prozac. 26June 2016 down to 4mg prozac. Back up to 5mg on 3rd July 2016. Supplements - B- Complex, Flaxseed oil, L-lysine 1000mg, Iron 20mg. Spirulina 500mg. Quest Synergist Magnesium 150mg, Salmon oil 1000mg twice a day, Evening Primrose oil 500mg. Cipralex 10mg 17th July 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farout Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Third heavy period in less than 5 weeks here. This last one prompted a minor wave for a couple of days before it started. March 2003 took two sartroline tablets after a traumatic incident and had a reaction so stopped. I am not sure now whether what I had for the next 18 months was WD after the reaction or the emotional fallout from the traumatic event. Some of it was very similar to WD in hindsight. February 2014 - Took five pristiq (50mg) tablets and three Ativan and had a severe reaction.Extreme withdrawal symptoms for three weeks compounded by visit to naturopath -One week later took 900mg St John's Wort x 3 daily for six weeks - more negative effects and suspected serotonin syndrome - before tapering over three weeks. Last tablet late May 2014.Waves and windows cycle of recovery with longer windows and manageable waves.May 2015 - already in a mild wave, following a usual pattern, I took clarithromicin and amoxicillin for two weeks for a sinus infection which I also seem to have had quite a reaction to. February 2016 - Feeling much better. I still have waves and windows but they are manageable. I'm largely enjoying life again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 Moonstoneblue - are you also on the pill/mini-pill? Ah, just saw what NJJ posted and you referred to, so this was what I was wondering. 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btdt Posted May 18, 2016 Share Posted May 18, 2016 Please be careful with the IUD some of them have hormones that are just as disruptive as the pill... not that I use it I am past that but I have young people in my life who have suffered. peace WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonstoneblue Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 Moonstoneblue - are you also on the pill/mini-pill? Ah, just saw what NJJ posted and you referred to, so this was what I was wondering. Hi jungle chicken No I'm not on any pill. I haven't taken the pill for over 8years lol. It just didn't suit me and I haven't had a serious relationship in over 8years, so there's been no need for it X 2001 - Prozac 20mg for a week weeks 2001- Venelaxafine 37.5 mg 2006 - Ciptralex 10mg I think 2008 - Mirtazipine (not sure of dose, was the lowest though). 2008 - Citalopram (standard dose) 2009 - Prozac 20mg until 29 Feb 2016 2016 - Setraline 25mg for 3 days (from March 3rd until March 5th). 2016 - 11th March Reinstated 5mg prozac. 26th May 2016 down to 4.5mg Prozac. 26June 2016 down to 4mg prozac. Back up to 5mg on 3rd July 2016. Supplements - B- Complex, Flaxseed oil, L-lysine 1000mg, Iron 20mg. Spirulina 500mg. Quest Synergist Magnesium 150mg, Salmon oil 1000mg twice a day, Evening Primrose oil 500mg. Cipralex 10mg 17th July 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonstoneblue Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 Hi again, I just wanted to ask if it's ok to take agnus castus while on 4mg of Prozac? My period really bloats me out and I get mood swings lol. I've bought some and forgot that it might interfere with the Prozac. I've tried evening primrose with no success. 2001 - Prozac 20mg for a week weeks 2001- Venelaxafine 37.5 mg 2006 - Ciptralex 10mg I think 2008 - Mirtazipine (not sure of dose, was the lowest though). 2008 - Citalopram (standard dose) 2009 - Prozac 20mg until 29 Feb 2016 2016 - Setraline 25mg for 3 days (from March 3rd until March 5th). 2016 - 11th March Reinstated 5mg prozac. 26th May 2016 down to 4.5mg Prozac. 26June 2016 down to 4mg prozac. Back up to 5mg on 3rd July 2016. Supplements - B- Complex, Flaxseed oil, L-lysine 1000mg, Iron 20mg. Spirulina 500mg. Quest Synergist Magnesium 150mg, Salmon oil 1000mg twice a day, Evening Primrose oil 500mg. Cipralex 10mg 17th July 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockSie Posted June 13, 2016 Share Posted June 13, 2016 Hi guys, what about the day of your ovulation? Do you feel any trouble then? Today I have a horrific day.. Crying spells, overwhelmed and overtaxed with emotions, doubting everything (my relationship, the withdrawal.. Almost everything!!). I take a look in my calendar and today it's day 14 of my menstrual cycle. Maybe that's the reason for all the mess today?! What do you think? Wish you all the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted June 14, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 14, 2016 I've been recording my monthly symptoms for a few years now, and I did notice a pattern of heightened sensitivity to life on day 14. It's become something I watch for now, alongside PMS. Oh joy!! 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg. 2011 Escitalopram 20mg. 2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS. Effexor 150mg. 2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants. Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms). 8 month hold. 2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent). 2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well. Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea. 2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabinhope Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 New to this particular thread. I've read through it all. I am in the beginning of tapering a whole list of drugs, please see my intro, beginning with Trazodone which I expected to be benign and less challenging than the others to come. And it hasn't been bad, but this past week as I approached the end of a notably shorter cycle I was stressed out, almost frantic, anxious, crying. Way more than I'm used to, profoundly different. Sunday brought the first day of the new cycle and it was as though something had taken me over....ridiculous emotionality, sobbing, very negative assumptions and thinking. And yesterday a migraine, still not myself. I feel better to have read this thread. I have always struggled with my endocrine system. Hashimoto's and worsening pms as I have entered perimenopause. This was what sent me to my gynecologist 4 years ago seeking help, and she changed my single antidepressant....and the landslide began. So I'm not sure if evening primrose or chasteberry or anything else could be added in. Bioidentical hormones, progesterone, made me an agitated mess. Birth control, also a wreck. So...strap in and ride it out? Anything to mitigate this? I've been through so much, as we all have, and just don't dig the thought that this could be the new norm. As my brain gets used to the changes during a taper could things even out? Thanks Hope 1995-2012 Paxil 20mg, Tegretol 200mg 2012 Gynecologist screwed me up massively by suggesting a quick and easy switch to Lexapro from Paxil. Eviscerated CNS. Ended up on... Paxil 40, Mirtazapine 15, Lithium 450, Trazodone 50, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 125 August 2014 Pax 20, Mirt 7.5, lith 450, traz 50, Pristiq 100, Klon .25, Lamic 125 April 2016–May 2019 Verrrrry slow, slow tapering of different ones here and there. Currently sitting on: Paxil 20, Lithium 225, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 50 Quote Never surprise the brain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aberdeen Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Day 14 is when I go from a normal person to a complete side show freak. I barely know where I am and what I was doing thanks to the DR, I instantly know for certain I made a critical judgement error in chosing my husband of 16 years, I become convinced my children will end up in prison or taken from me due to my complete fail as a mother, everything is stupid and scary, and life is too hard to even get up for. All within 5 minutes. I check the calandar and sure enough...day 14. I can be planting flowers one minute and the next sobbing and irrational and wishing I could go to bed and die. Two weeks later I come to, and try to make friends with everyone I alienated and figure out what I was about to do before the storm struck and carry on best I can until Day 14 is back. Im so over this! 2 Timothy 1-7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Effexor 75mg to 262.5mg 2005-2010 for post partum depression Started having poop out mid 2010, also switched generic brands, then crashed in Dec 2010 (anxiety/ "terror", intense DR, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, chills, insomnia, horrible intrusive thoughts, disorientation, ect)Rapid "tapered" from 262.5mg Effexor in 3 months Tried Celexa,Cipralex, then Paxil to deal with wd(this switching made things worse and added akathesia) Found online support and started tapering Paxil 7 months after quitting Effexor (at this point was having small windows). Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks Year 1 October 2011 to Nov 2012 20mg to 10mg Year 2 March 2013 to Feb 2014 10mg to 4mg Year 3 April 2014 to May 2015 4mg to 1.1mg Year 4 June 2015 1.1mg , dropping by 10% until .5mg, after then dropped by 0.1mg every 5 weeks until 0.1mg. Finished! Official last dose of 0.1mg on June 15/16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockSie Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 So sorry for you Aberdeen. This whole thing is absolutely unbelievable and crazy. I wish you all all the best. Be patient... Healing does happen!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonnegutjunky Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 Wow - I am so glad I found this thread - a week before my period (or whenever my estrogen is spiking,) I'm in peri - I just feel so horrible-I go into a wave - I feel foggy headed and confused! Any theories as to why hormones create worsening of withdrawal symptoms?? *Currently at 8.2-8.5 mg of my 10mg pill of Paxil (they actually weigh 12.5mg) january 2023 I began reducing my med again. I was a 9mg weight for years, I went to 8.9 in January, went to 8.6mg in February, and in March 2023 I went down to 8.5-8.2 mg ( my scale varies, so I stick within that .3 range because of that) *No other supplements or vitamins *Taper schedule in the pdf Blank.pdf https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5vShtJtwAOGA30OxIP87steLmMdFzD29F0fzAPD564 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted June 16, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 16, 2016 Hormones are signals from one gland to another. Your central nervous system is affected by hormones, including estrogen, progesterone & testosterone, because your glands are part of your central nervous system. Although we identify distinct body parts, glands, and organs, there are many interconnections. Probably lots of interconnections that nobody knows about yet. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to 0.0 mg Aug. 12; details here scallywag's IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonnegutjunky Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 Thank you scally that makes sense *Currently at 8.2-8.5 mg of my 10mg pill of Paxil (they actually weigh 12.5mg) january 2023 I began reducing my med again. I was a 9mg weight for years, I went to 8.9 in January, went to 8.6mg in February, and in March 2023 I went down to 8.5-8.2 mg ( my scale varies, so I stick within that .3 range because of that) *No other supplements or vitamins *Taper schedule in the pdf Blank.pdf https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5vShtJtwAOGA30OxIP87steLmMdFzD29F0fzAPD564 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btdt Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 Our hormones regulate neurotransmitters... this may be helpful http://www.baysideregenerativemedicine.com/hormonal-health/ please keep in mind they say neurotranmitters can be measured an idea Alto has shot down repeatedly as hooy... to get your $ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335177/ I have read some really good articles about this over the years and I am going to try to find you one... just ask Google.... This was interesting http://www.madregrande.org/healing/neurotransmitters.html kind of a cheat sheet on neurotransmitters if it is correct and it may be.. keep in mind they are talking about 4 neurotrasmitters last time I looked 108 had been identified it has been suggested that changing one changes many... the work has not be done yet... they know what a few do but not all. So grain of salt may need to be applied here. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susanne Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 Escitalopram / Lexopro interfered with my period. I didn't know this, I thought it was naturally irregular because I'm 32 and I don't have children.. But I've been tapering for almost 5 years and I began to wonder why my cycle was so irregular.It always starts a 5 or 6 days later than it's supposed to and I think I even skipped one period altogether. With my last period I was seven days over time. I also have some blood loss before actually starting my period for about a week.Last week I finally got my period. My obsessive thoughts were almost unbearable, they got worse the last day before. Was having mood swings and wanted to cry all day.In my first and second year of escitalopram I noticed that I was free of obsession for 3,5 weeks of the month. A few days before my period 'it' came back. I did link hormones and obsession together.I hope I can get off the drug (although I still have my obsessions :-( ) and I'm curious when my cycle will become regular again. All my life: Occasional panic attacks. 2003: Burnout 2004: intrusion (OCD'ish) / anxiety. Therapies: acupuncture, Chinese herbs, hypnotherapy --> symptoms were manageable (did return once in a while), depression lifted.2007 - Relapse, started with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Therapist recommended Fevarin (fluvoxamine) 150 mg. Recovery after 3 months and remained stable. Mild side effects.2009 - Tapered fluvoxamine. No withdrawal symptoms. 2010 - Relapse, same Pure O thought and anxiety. Started taking 100 mg of fluvoxamine but after 9 weeks no change in symptoms. Did not have any effect on Pure O thought. Switched to Lexapro (escitalopram) 20 mg. Drug started working within 3 weeks. Mild side effects. Slowly over the years tapered to 5 mg.2015: Lots of personal issues and setbacks, occasional panic attack. 2016: April started skipping doses; 5mg escitalopram every other day (in hindsight a bad idea)May: Major relapse, anxiety and intrusion returned. Depression. Increased from 2,5 mg 15 mg in two weeks. Side effects: neuro-emotionsJune: Escitalopram has no effect on the frequency of the intrusion...after 4 weeks my general doctor advised me to do a fast taper to 5mg. Withdrawal effects (2/3 weeks): neuro-emotions, lack of focus, crying spells, fatigue, muscle twitches in legs, cortisol spikes just before waking up July: Stable on 5 mg. Depression and intrusion lifted during holiday (lots of sunshine, long walks and relaxing) August: Drop down to 2,5 mg. Withdrawal effects (tinnitus, headagues) are noticeable, but still mild in comparison to the big drop earlier.22th August: stopped escitalopram completely. Cortisol spikes just before waking up, still OCD (only temporary improvements), WD-depression and WD-neuro emotions.Update 6 dec: no medication, any withdrawal symptoms not noticable. Taking supplements for intrusive thoughts and overall well being: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) omega 3 fish oils, zinc, vitamin d, magnesium l-threonate, ginko biloba Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marie123 Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 I am experiencing for the first time menstrual type cramping after my period ended a few days ago. I've never had this before. I am 57 and still menstruating, but I have skipped a couple cycles during the last year.Menopause I hope is right around the corner. Anyone have menstrual cramps after their period? I believe the Trazodone reinstatement, updosing, etc. is doing a number on my hormones. Anything natural I can take for mentrual cramping? This is awful. Marie 10/13--10/14 Ambien. Started tapering 1/14 Jumped 10/14. Done. 3/14 7.5 Remeron still taking this. 2/14 75 Trazodone - Tapered by dry cutting all the way down. 1/16 4 mg Trazodone - Jumped. Bad mistake. Got hit with late withdrawal 6 weeks later. Reinstated. 4/16 Reinstated 1 mg, updose to 2 mg Trazodone 2/19 .04 Trazodone. Walked off. Done. 10/3/19 Started 7.5 Mirtazapine taper cut to .073 gram weight, pill weighs .076 4/5/20 New Mirtazapine Taper - Compound Liquid 7.35 mg April '20, 7.25 mg May, 7.05 mg June, 6.99 mg June, 6.78 mg July, 6.57 mg Aug, Sept 6.35 mg, Sept 6.24 mg, Sept 6.21 mg, Oct 5.99 mg, Oct 5.90 mg, Oct 5.70 mg. 1/11/21 6.05 mg Messed up taper due to syringe change. Must remember the 1 ml syringe contains 1.5mg! 1/16/21 5.99 mg 2/21 5.75 mg, 3/21 5.6 mg, 4/7 5.45, 4/14 5.30, 5/12 5.15, 5/25/21 4.99 mg, 6/29 4.87 mg, 7/14/21 4.74 mg, 8/5 4.62 mg 8/17 4.5 mg, 8/30 4.38 mg,9/16 4.26 mg,10/9 4.14 mg, 10/23 4.05 mg, 11/6 3.96 mg,11/17 3.87mg.***Jan 22 Liquid was changed/couldn't tolerate***Changed back to pills. Feb 22/3.9 mg, 2/17/22 3.8 mg, 3/23 3.7 mg, 4/7 3.6 mg, 5/10 3.5mg,6/10/22 3.4 mg, 7/4 3.3 mg, 7/25 3.2 mg, 8/20/22 3.1 mg, 9/15 3 mg, 10/8/22 2.9 mg., 12/15 2.8 mg, 1/6/23 2.7 mg, 2/16/23 2.6 mg, 3/9 2.5 mg, 4/4 2.4 mg, 4/29/23 2.3 mg, 5/26 2.2 mg, 6/22/23 2.1 mg, 10/14 2 mg, 11/12 1.9 mg, 11/28 1.8 mg , 12/14/23 1.7, 12/31/23 1.6 mg, 1/20 1.5 mg, 2/6/24 1.4 mg, 2/12 updose 1.5 mg, 3/27/24 1.4 mg. Taking multi-vitamin, vit. D, cholestoff, psyllium husk, and fish oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonnegutjunky Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Our hormones regulate neurotransmitters... this may be helpful http://www.baysideregenerativemedicine.com/hormonal-health/ please keep in mind they say neurotranmitters can be measured an idea Alto has shot down repeatedly as hooy... to get your $ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335177/ I have read some really good articles about this over the years and I am going to try to find you one... just ask Google.... This was interesting http://www.madregrande.org/healing/neurotransmitters.html kind of a cheat sheet on neurotransmitters if it is correct and it may be.. keep in mind they are talking about 4 neurotrasmitters last time I looked 108 had been identified it has been suggested that changing one changes many... the work has not be done yet... they know what a few do but not all. So grain of salt may need to be applied here. Thanks so much for this! I still have waves but they only seem to come now during my cycle - this makes sense as to why - also I'm in perimenopause so my hormones are running amok - I really don't know what to do at this point - I don't think I want to do hrt, and especially during wd I worry it will make things worse - Anyone else have this issue? And tired something otc that helped? *Currently at 8.2-8.5 mg of my 10mg pill of Paxil (they actually weigh 12.5mg) january 2023 I began reducing my med again. I was a 9mg weight for years, I went to 8.9 in January, went to 8.6mg in February, and in March 2023 I went down to 8.5-8.2 mg ( my scale varies, so I stick within that .3 range because of that) *No other supplements or vitamins *Taper schedule in the pdf Blank.pdf https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5vShtJtwAOGA30OxIP87steLmMdFzD29F0fzAPD564 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btdt Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 http://www.histaminintoleranz.ch/de/histaminose_dao-abbaustoerung.html#daoblocker you will have to translate the above site to read this further down the page you will find other causes histamine is not working properly... could be caused by damage to the gut or low... DAO Hormonal disorders A more advisable out of balance hormones can cause or contribute to histamine problems. The biggest role is played here probably the estrogen (female sex hormone), which is not the absolute amount of estrogen, but the ratio of estrogen relative to certain other hormones (progesterone, testosterone) is crucial. Women are affected more often than men thereof. The disturbances in hormone levels include: Female Cycle (Menstruation) Hormonal birth control (contraceptives, birth control pills) Menopause (climacteric) puberty Estrogen dominance (or progesterone or testosterone deficiency) Hormones and hormone-like substances in natural foods (eg estrogen in hops and beer) Endocrine pollutants: Substances (unintended) of hormone-like effect in everyday products such as plastics, sun creams etc. (Possibly hormones as growth promoters in animal production?) Evidence of an association between histamine and hormones: From HIT are affected significantly more women than men and the disease often occurs with the onset of menopause on [ Jarisch 2004 ]. The intensity of histamine problems is the female cycle dependent (menstrual pain as histamine symptom) [ Jarisch 2004 ]. the symptoms of histamine-sensitive people may deteriorate (hormonal contraceptives) depending on individual hormone status or improve when taking the pill. During pregnancy, the DAO-level rises by approximately 300 times to the uterus and the embryo before histamine to protect. This has the result that during pregnancy allergies and other histamine problems usually temporarily disappear [Maintz et al. 2008 , Jarisch 2004 ]. Increasing the DAO-production at the beginning of pregnancy is regulated by estrogen [ Liang et al. 2010 ]. The complex interactions are understood not enough. A mechanism could be: For the breakdown of estrogen Vitamin B6 is needed. If too much excess estrogen must be dismantled, the diamine is (DAO) is no longer enough vitamin B6 for the breakdown of histamine available. Conversely, appears to influence the hormone balance and the histamine levels. Apart from the DAO are other places in histamine metabolism hormonal influences (eg can be stimulated to mediator release via estrogen receptors on the membrane of mast cells this). I am not the brainiak I wish I were... but for me B6 makes me so depressed I can't lift my head... P5P helps. B5 it is sometimes called. If this is in part a histamine issue... B1 helps me think and you can read about the conflicting reports I have found on B1 lowering or raising histamine. here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3503-histamine-food-intolerance/page-7 All I know is when I cannot think B1 helps me I came to it by accident comparing cereals... All Bran sticks has a lot of B1 All Bran round things doesn't... All bran was a staple for me in wd once I found it .. I did not leave home without it... I tried the round bits of All Bran it failed me.. back to sticks. Over time I stopped eating it.. as I thought it was just helping my digestion and that improved... it was not until I did he comparison for another person here at SA that I noticed the sticks had more B1... so I looked up B1 ... and bought some B1... I later learned B1 lowers histamine... important now as I am having allerigic type reactions to many things including drugs it is getting increasingly worse. Symptoms and Signs. Early symptoms are nonspecific: fatigue, irritability, poor memory, sleep disturbances, precordial pain, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. Dry beriberi refers to peripheral neurologic deficits due to thiamin deficiency. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabinhope Posted June 29, 2016 Share Posted June 29, 2016 Just started a new cycle Monday, exactly 2 weeks after the last one. During the two weeks between them I continued to have night sweat, breast tenderness, anxiety, severe emotionality....and I didn't have any clue to suspect another period so close on the heels of the last. I concluded it to be this Trazodone taper I'm trying to achieve. Because of the symptoms, I even reinstated from 25mg back to 37.5mg thinking it was a too fast taper. I do understand that withdrawal of these meds whacks out hormones. My questions are....if I'm going to be having these angry, irregular periods how on earth with I be able to discern which symptoms are hormonal and which are withdrawal? Is there anything I can do to support my hormones, help them regulate, while I do these tapers? I'll be at this for a loooooooong time as I'm on 7 drugs. AND I'm for sure perimenopausal anyway, 45 yrs old. I feel certain if I can support my hormones, help them be more steady, then stepping away from these drugs will be easier. Again, I understand this is all symbiotic, i.e.whatever change I made to a drug will affect hormones. But there's GOT to be a solution. I know in my heart there has got to be something to help this situation. Like I said, these past two weeks were murder...marked depression, crying, anxiety, distorted thinking, totally out of it cognitively. Not on my game at all and isolating. It's cruel. And while I did not experience any abatement in emotional symptoms at the onset of the period 2 weeks ago, I did, miraculously, two days ago with this new cycle. New person. The bleeding is HEAVY which I know indicates either low estrogen or high. I'm confused. I will be going back to my Chinese medicine doc for acupuncture and she wants to support with Chinese herbs, not sure which or if I'll agree as I'm reluctant to add anything to my system. There is also an Osteopath in town who specializes in hormones, but I have tried bioidentical before and the progesterone, in whatever form it was, made me agressive. As far as adaptogens, herbs, I know ashwaghanda could be good and/or Vitex. Oh, and I do live in a moldy environment. A functional medicine doc did confirm with some blood test that my system is inflamed and she attributed it to mold, before she knew that my house sits in the woods and is very wet. Anyone know anything about mold? Apparently, it can really disrupt the entire endocrine system on its own....drug withdrawal or not. Ugh. Input please!!!! 1995-2012 Paxil 20mg, Tegretol 200mg 2012 Gynecologist screwed me up massively by suggesting a quick and easy switch to Lexapro from Paxil. Eviscerated CNS. Ended up on... Paxil 40, Mirtazapine 15, Lithium 450, Trazodone 50, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 125 August 2014 Pax 20, Mirt 7.5, lith 450, traz 50, Pristiq 100, Klon .25, Lamic 125 April 2016–May 2019 Verrrrry slow, slow tapering of different ones here and there. Currently sitting on: Paxil 20, Lithium 225, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 50 Quote Never surprise the brain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edie Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Hi. I have also developed a horrific PMS in WD. I was wondering if it would be okay to take a small dose of chastetree berry extract? I get so weak during PMS that I can't get out of bed and have horrible pain in my stomach and back. Also I get suicidal thoughts and extreme anxiety. I have to do something about it, but as I understand taking DIM is not a good idea... 2008 -2013 Most of the time on 75 mg venlafaxine and 0,25 mg Klonopin, 2013 august-oct - weaning off venlafaxine2013 december- severe panick attacks, difficulties with breathing and swallowing, brain zaps, derealisation ect.back to 75 mg venlafaxine2014 dec - 60 mg venlafaxine, 2015 jan - 55 mg2015 feb - hospitalisation,extreme WD, switched to 10mg Prozac, weaning off Klonopin2015 march - added inositol, niacin, fish oil2015 april - free from klonopin, only on 10mg Prozac, may - oct 10mg - 6 mg prozac 2015 oct - WD, anxiety, panic attacks - back to 7 mg, Nov- back to 8 mg - added 1/4 of 1,5 mg bromazepam x 2 per day 2015. dec - adverse reaction to prozac, had to CT, only on 1mg klonopin - low grade fever, vertigo, painful urinating 2016. jan - back on venlafaxine 37,5 mg and 1 mg klonopin - , also taking vit c, Q 10, fish oil, magnesium oil, seabuckthorn oil, zinc gluconate, tumeric, april 2016 - back on 75 mg venlafaxine, oct 2016 18 mg venlafaxine 0,5 - 1 mg klonopin,Jan 9 - hospitalized due to severe depression January 12- discontinued venlafaxine, switched from 1 mg clonazepam to 7.5 mg diazepam 2 times a day, 15th January started 75 mg pregabalin, 19th jan - 5 mg diazepam in the morning 7.5 in the evening + 75 mg pegabalin, Jan 27 - 52,5 pregabalin - 6 mg venlafaxine - 5 mg diazepam morning - 10 mg diazepam evening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erer Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Hi. I have also developed a horrific PMS in WD. I was wondering if it would be okay to take a small dose of chastetree berry extract? I get so weak during PMS that I can't get out of bed and have horrible pain in my stomach and back. Also I get suicidal thoughts and extreme anxiety. I have to do something about it, but as I understand taking DIM is not a good idea... I definitely suggest it. I used to have such pains during the first day of menstruation that I had to have the ambulance come and give me a shot. When I started agnus castus years ago it made a real difference. I don't know if a small amount would help though, and I cannot tell if you can tolerate a large amount. I had been taking it for years before wd. The thing about it is also that it takes about 3 months before it kicks in. So you cannot really hope for a quick fix. The pills they sell in Estonia have a ridiculously small amount of the ingredient in it. They used to have larger pills, but then these suddenly disappeared. So I started ordering from iherb.com. That is the one I'm taking: http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Way-Vitex-Fruit-400-mg-100-Veggie-Caps/2053 2,5 years of slowly tapering down Cymbalta from 60 mg. Then tried going from 8,44 mg to 1 mg in 8 days. (April 1st 2015). That's when the real hell started. Reinstated. Didn't help. I was added Ativan (2 mg 2 times a day for relentless akathisia that started with jumping Cymbalta). For years had been taking Zopitin 7,5 mg and Stilnox 10 mg for I had not been able to sleep naturally since the 1st day I started Cymbalta). Used to take Xanax occasionally. All of the above were stopped cold turkey when I was hospitalized in the beginning of May 2015. Prior to that I have been on and off the whole spectrum of different AD-s for 15 years (since I was 17). My introduction. Tapering: Olanzapine (starting point 2,1 mg): Jan 2016 /---/ April 2018 0 mg. (From 2,1 mg to 0 mg in 1y 3mo). Diazepam (starting at 5 mg) : switching to liquid May 2018; 4,6 mg (June 2018) /---/ 0 mg (Feb 2020) (From 10 to 5 - nobody knows, from 5 to 0 in 1 y 10 mo) Valdoxan (starting at 25 mg): switching to liquid (Feb 2019) /---/ 0 mg (July 2020) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Difference between breakthrough blood and spotting anyone? 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnaTheCat Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 [rusty English warning] My period has moved on time ever since Xanax CR. I was taking this crap for about a month. My period stopped - it didn't come to happen on time, plus I got acne. I dropped Xanax to 0 after a month (doctor's approval) and by another month period came back, and it's now quite regular, yet it has moved from end of the month to few first days of the month. Anyway, it was a while since last time I got so happy about a period [/rusty English warning]. I don't want much with life. I want it leave me alone. Medical history: 2005 - 2006 – diagnosis: OCD. Meds: sertraline (Setaloft), from 30 mg to 120 mg. Side effects: insomnia, anorexia (psychic inabillity to eat), obesity; some sleep medication (don't remember the name), side effects: halucination. 2007 – sertraline withdrawal by myself. Reducing the dose slowly (120 mg – 90 mg – 60 mg – 30 mg – 0 mg). Felt great for about a year. 2008 – diazepam, taking ocasionally if needed. 2010 – paroxetine (Seroxat, then: Parogen) for OCD. From 20 mg to 40 mg. Side effects: none. Piracetamum (Memotropil), side effects: general weakness. Withdrawal of piracetamum: after two years (none withdrawal syndrome). 2016 – attempt to withdraw paroxetine. Severe depression after month and a half. Insomnia, nervousness, loss of weight. Suicide thoughts. Returning to paroxetine in march. From 10 mg to 20 mg. Side effects: sudden suicide thoughts, serotonine syndrome, panic attacks. Other meds: Clonazepam 0,5 mg for three days (benzodiazepam), side effects: none; Alprazolamum (Xanax): from 0,25 mg to 0,5 mg; side effects: obstruction, acne, period stoppage. Withdraw after a month, side effects: one-day lasting histeria; Trazodonum (Trittico CR): from 75 mg to 25 mg. Side effects: somnolance. 2016, June – dropping the dose of paroxetine from 40 mg to 30 mg. Side effects: mood swings. Withdrawing Trazodonum from 25 mg to 0 mg. Side effects: wide mood swings and fretfulness for about a week; too rapid, don't recommend. Went back to 25 mg of trazodone and 40 mg of paroxetine. 2016, July - dropped trazodone by 10 %, went back to 25 mg after two weeks (cause: depresion). 2016, October - 10% paroxetine drop, leaving trazodone at 25 mg. 2016, November - second 10% paroxetine drop. 2017, October - 25 mg of paroxetine, 25 mg of trazodone. Boredom. Tired. No hope, no joy. For now. Suplements: vitamins – C (600 mg), D3 (4500 IU), K2 (6400 IU), B15 (50 mg); hawaiian spirulina; fish collagen; fish oil (1 spoon); probiotic; magnesium (50 mg), selenium (200 mcg); flaxseed (1-2 spoons/day); minced milk thistle (1 spoon/day). Diet: mostly vegan, gluten-free due to doctor's advice. Drinks: water, green tea, cistus incantus. Books I recommend: Your Body Many Cries for Water by Fereydoon Batmanghelidj; Hidden Therapies by Jerzy Zięba; Deadly Medicine and Organized Denial by Peter C. Gøtzsche; The Microbiom Solution by Robynne Chutkan; Urban Shaman and Mastering Your Hidden Self by Serge Kahili King. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erer Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 Difference between breakthrough blood and spotting anyone? I never had spotting before and my period was like clockwork every 28 days. Since I started Olanzapine, Valdoxan and Valium I have spotting 2-3 days before my period and periods are not as regular. 2,5 years of slowly tapering down Cymbalta from 60 mg. Then tried going from 8,44 mg to 1 mg in 8 days. (April 1st 2015). That's when the real hell started. Reinstated. Didn't help. I was added Ativan (2 mg 2 times a day for relentless akathisia that started with jumping Cymbalta). For years had been taking Zopitin 7,5 mg and Stilnox 10 mg for I had not been able to sleep naturally since the 1st day I started Cymbalta). Used to take Xanax occasionally. All of the above were stopped cold turkey when I was hospitalized in the beginning of May 2015. Prior to that I have been on and off the whole spectrum of different AD-s for 15 years (since I was 17). My introduction. Tapering: Olanzapine (starting point 2,1 mg): Jan 2016 /---/ April 2018 0 mg. (From 2,1 mg to 0 mg in 1y 3mo). Diazepam (starting at 5 mg) : switching to liquid May 2018; 4,6 mg (June 2018) /---/ 0 mg (Feb 2020) (From 10 to 5 - nobody knows, from 5 to 0 in 1 y 10 mo) Valdoxan (starting at 25 mg): switching to liquid (Feb 2019) /---/ 0 mg (July 2020) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edie Posted October 20, 2016 Share Posted October 20, 2016 My period has changed a lot. Less blood and cycle is shorter. Spotting before and after menstruation. Horrible PMS. 2008 -2013 Most of the time on 75 mg venlafaxine and 0,25 mg Klonopin, 2013 august-oct - weaning off venlafaxine2013 december- severe panick attacks, difficulties with breathing and swallowing, brain zaps, derealisation ect.back to 75 mg venlafaxine2014 dec - 60 mg venlafaxine, 2015 jan - 55 mg2015 feb - hospitalisation,extreme WD, switched to 10mg Prozac, weaning off Klonopin2015 march - added inositol, niacin, fish oil2015 april - free from klonopin, only on 10mg Prozac, may - oct 10mg - 6 mg prozac 2015 oct - WD, anxiety, panic attacks - back to 7 mg, Nov- back to 8 mg - added 1/4 of 1,5 mg bromazepam x 2 per day 2015. dec - adverse reaction to prozac, had to CT, only on 1mg klonopin - low grade fever, vertigo, painful urinating 2016. jan - back on venlafaxine 37,5 mg and 1 mg klonopin - , also taking vit c, Q 10, fish oil, magnesium oil, seabuckthorn oil, zinc gluconate, tumeric, april 2016 - back on 75 mg venlafaxine, oct 2016 18 mg venlafaxine 0,5 - 1 mg klonopin,Jan 9 - hospitalized due to severe depression January 12- discontinued venlafaxine, switched from 1 mg clonazepam to 7.5 mg diazepam 2 times a day, 15th January started 75 mg pregabalin, 19th jan - 5 mg diazepam in the morning 7.5 in the evening + 75 mg pegabalin, Jan 27 - 52,5 pregabalin - 6 mg venlafaxine - 5 mg diazepam morning - 10 mg diazepam evening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I have started getting spotting during the week leading up to my period, but hardly anything to shout about. However, I don't get it afterwards. My periods are different every month as well (light vs heavy flow etc.,), but have been regular for the past 5 months around the 28 day mark, whereas before they were all over the place due to high stress and anxiety. As I am 42, I wonder if this is peri-menopause?? 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnaTheCat Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 Wow. I've just written that my period seems ok, right? Day after I noticed spotting. Damn. I don't want much with life. I want it leave me alone. Medical history: 2005 - 2006 – diagnosis: OCD. Meds: sertraline (Setaloft), from 30 mg to 120 mg. Side effects: insomnia, anorexia (psychic inabillity to eat), obesity; some sleep medication (don't remember the name), side effects: halucination. 2007 – sertraline withdrawal by myself. Reducing the dose slowly (120 mg – 90 mg – 60 mg – 30 mg – 0 mg). Felt great for about a year. 2008 – diazepam, taking ocasionally if needed. 2010 – paroxetine (Seroxat, then: Parogen) for OCD. From 20 mg to 40 mg. Side effects: none. Piracetamum (Memotropil), side effects: general weakness. Withdrawal of piracetamum: after two years (none withdrawal syndrome). 2016 – attempt to withdraw paroxetine. Severe depression after month and a half. Insomnia, nervousness, loss of weight. Suicide thoughts. Returning to paroxetine in march. From 10 mg to 20 mg. Side effects: sudden suicide thoughts, serotonine syndrome, panic attacks. Other meds: Clonazepam 0,5 mg for three days (benzodiazepam), side effects: none; Alprazolamum (Xanax): from 0,25 mg to 0,5 mg; side effects: obstruction, acne, period stoppage. Withdraw after a month, side effects: one-day lasting histeria; Trazodonum (Trittico CR): from 75 mg to 25 mg. Side effects: somnolance. 2016, June – dropping the dose of paroxetine from 40 mg to 30 mg. Side effects: mood swings. Withdrawing Trazodonum from 25 mg to 0 mg. Side effects: wide mood swings and fretfulness for about a week; too rapid, don't recommend. Went back to 25 mg of trazodone and 40 mg of paroxetine. 2016, July - dropped trazodone by 10 %, went back to 25 mg after two weeks (cause: depresion). 2016, October - 10% paroxetine drop, leaving trazodone at 25 mg. 2016, November - second 10% paroxetine drop. 2017, October - 25 mg of paroxetine, 25 mg of trazodone. Boredom. Tired. No hope, no joy. For now. Suplements: vitamins – C (600 mg), D3 (4500 IU), K2 (6400 IU), B15 (50 mg); hawaiian spirulina; fish collagen; fish oil (1 spoon); probiotic; magnesium (50 mg), selenium (200 mcg); flaxseed (1-2 spoons/day); minced milk thistle (1 spoon/day). Diet: mostly vegan, gluten-free due to doctor's advice. Drinks: water, green tea, cistus incantus. Books I recommend: Your Body Many Cries for Water by Fereydoon Batmanghelidj; Hidden Therapies by Jerzy Zięba; Deadly Medicine and Organized Denial by Peter C. Gøtzsche; The Microbiom Solution by Robynne Chutkan; Urban Shaman and Mastering Your Hidden Self by Serge Kahili King. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnaTheCat Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 10 mg of paroxetine dropped, I noticed more blood in my last period. It was also almost painless - I got by without painkillers, for the first time in years. Don't know if it's related to the drop, but made me pretty happy. I don't want much with life. I want it leave me alone. Medical history: 2005 - 2006 – diagnosis: OCD. Meds: sertraline (Setaloft), from 30 mg to 120 mg. Side effects: insomnia, anorexia (psychic inabillity to eat), obesity; some sleep medication (don't remember the name), side effects: halucination. 2007 – sertraline withdrawal by myself. Reducing the dose slowly (120 mg – 90 mg – 60 mg – 30 mg – 0 mg). Felt great for about a year. 2008 – diazepam, taking ocasionally if needed. 2010 – paroxetine (Seroxat, then: Parogen) for OCD. From 20 mg to 40 mg. Side effects: none. Piracetamum (Memotropil), side effects: general weakness. Withdrawal of piracetamum: after two years (none withdrawal syndrome). 2016 – attempt to withdraw paroxetine. Severe depression after month and a half. Insomnia, nervousness, loss of weight. Suicide thoughts. Returning to paroxetine in march. From 10 mg to 20 mg. Side effects: sudden suicide thoughts, serotonine syndrome, panic attacks. Other meds: Clonazepam 0,5 mg for three days (benzodiazepam), side effects: none; Alprazolamum (Xanax): from 0,25 mg to 0,5 mg; side effects: obstruction, acne, period stoppage. Withdraw after a month, side effects: one-day lasting histeria; Trazodonum (Trittico CR): from 75 mg to 25 mg. Side effects: somnolance. 2016, June – dropping the dose of paroxetine from 40 mg to 30 mg. Side effects: mood swings. Withdrawing Trazodonum from 25 mg to 0 mg. Side effects: wide mood swings and fretfulness for about a week; too rapid, don't recommend. Went back to 25 mg of trazodone and 40 mg of paroxetine. 2016, July - dropped trazodone by 10 %, went back to 25 mg after two weeks (cause: depresion). 2016, October - 10% paroxetine drop, leaving trazodone at 25 mg. 2016, November - second 10% paroxetine drop. 2017, October - 25 mg of paroxetine, 25 mg of trazodone. Boredom. Tired. No hope, no joy. For now. Suplements: vitamins – C (600 mg), D3 (4500 IU), K2 (6400 IU), B15 (50 mg); hawaiian spirulina; fish collagen; fish oil (1 spoon); probiotic; magnesium (50 mg), selenium (200 mcg); flaxseed (1-2 spoons/day); minced milk thistle (1 spoon/day). Diet: mostly vegan, gluten-free due to doctor's advice. Drinks: water, green tea, cistus incantus. Books I recommend: Your Body Many Cries for Water by Fereydoon Batmanghelidj; Hidden Therapies by Jerzy Zięba; Deadly Medicine and Organized Denial by Peter C. Gøtzsche; The Microbiom Solution by Robynne Chutkan; Urban Shaman and Mastering Your Hidden Self by Serge Kahili King. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted December 30, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 30, 2016 While this does not explain withdrawal, this video (which I saw on FB) has a great description of "normal" mood throughout your cycle: "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katch Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 Hi all. My hormones are going crazy. At the end of December my period triggered paralysing anxiety that ended me in psychiatric hospital. The whole cycle was very hormonal. Yesterday my period started again and the paralysing anxiety is back. Anybody has this experience? Will this settle at some stage? Im desperate now. May 2012 – 10mg Lexapro, 10mg Olanzapine, 75 mg Venlafaxine April 2015 – 20mg Lexapro, 200 mg Lithium, 75 Setraline May 2015 started weaning off - medication free at beginning of August 2015. Beginning of September 2015 reinstated to 20 mg of Lexapro after miscarriage. October – December 2015 – from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro – no problems. 25th December 2015 – from 10 to 5 mg Lexapro – some withdrawal – mainly physical, did not even realised it was withdrawal. 22nd March 2016 – stopped Lexapro completely and withdrawal hit after few days – mainly physical symptoms – fatigue, muscle and joint aches, digestive issues, feeling faint, weak and dizzy. Very mild anxiety. Mid April 2016 – reinstated 2.5 mg of Lexapro Mid July 2016 - switched to liquid Lexapro and increased the dose to 3mg after bad anxiety started. January 2017 - hospitalised after period triggered paralysing anxiety. Upped the dose to 10 mg. My hormones seem to be completely off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted January 30, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 30, 2017 Hi Katch Have you tried taking magnesium? SA's link: Magnesium * 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted February 7, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 7, 2017 I second Chessie's recommendation for magnesium. My most recent cycle, taking a lot of extra magnesium really helped me. 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katch Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 Thanks both. I'll try up my magnesium. I'm also trialing Lady's Mantle. I'll update later. So far I'm struggling big time - feels like my body is struggling to ovulate. I hate this so much! (Moan over) May 2012 – 10mg Lexapro, 10mg Olanzapine, 75 mg Venlafaxine April 2015 – 20mg Lexapro, 200 mg Lithium, 75 Setraline May 2015 started weaning off - medication free at beginning of August 2015. Beginning of September 2015 reinstated to 20 mg of Lexapro after miscarriage. October – December 2015 – from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro – no problems. 25th December 2015 – from 10 to 5 mg Lexapro – some withdrawal – mainly physical, did not even realised it was withdrawal. 22nd March 2016 – stopped Lexapro completely and withdrawal hit after few days – mainly physical symptoms – fatigue, muscle and joint aches, digestive issues, feeling faint, weak and dizzy. Very mild anxiety. Mid April 2016 – reinstated 2.5 mg of Lexapro Mid July 2016 - switched to liquid Lexapro and increased the dose to 3mg after bad anxiety started. January 2017 - hospitalised after period triggered paralysing anxiety. Upped the dose to 10 mg. My hormones seem to be completely off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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