Oyster: Wish I had found this site earlier

[Oyster]

Referred to psychiatrist approximately 4 years ago due to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  Have experienced depression all of my life and have been taking SSRIs for a long time, now late 60’s.  My psychiatrist said that the CFS was the single symptom of depression, furthermore he diagnosed me as being bipolar II.  He prescribed various anti-psychotic and anti-depressants all of which had unwelcome side effects.  The most recent anti-psychotic has been abilify and sertraline has been my most recent SSRI.  The only instance of a manic episode in the last 4 years was when I was taking an SNRI.
Experienced very unwelcome side effects from abilify, the worst being impulsiveness and anxiety so decided to taper.  Did some research regarding tapering protocol but probably have tapered too fast.  Gradual reduction of both over a one month period. Yes, I have read since that I should only have tapered one at a time and I should have tapered a lot more slowly.  
Have informed my psychiatrist regarding my decision to taper abilify and he indicated that I should stop taking sertraline.  He wanted me to start taking lithium or other anti-psychotics similar to abilify,  I have agreed to try another anti-psychotic if I experience manic symptoms.
The only withdrawal side effects that i have noticed have been; a mild headache for a few days, restless leg syndrome (RLS) only at night and, disturbed sleep.  I have supplemented with GABA and L-Theanine at night. The RLS is gradually diminishing in severity.  My GP prescribed Alepam to address anxiety issues but I have only used very sparingly.  
Wish I had found this site sooner, but I have completed tapering both and the RLS is diminishing.
I will continue to consult with my psychiatrist and have started sessions with a psychologist to address anxiety issues.

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Oyster.  I'm glad your RLS is diminishing.

 

I hope you don't have any further withdrawal symptoms.  You should be aware, however, the sometimes they can be delayed and that mania is a recognized withdrawal symptom (see number 23 in the following link).  Many times psychiatrists, who don't believe that withdrawal exists, mistake what is actually withdrawal for what they call "return of the underlying condition" and start you back on the drug merry-go-round with, for example, more antipsychotics.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF)

 

Regarding lithium, you might want to take a look at Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker, pp.182-85.  The long-term outcomes of taking this drug are not good.  It's good to be informed about what you're putting into your body.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

[Oyster]

Thanks for replying @Gridley I am already taking magnesium and fish oil – just neglected mentioning it in my introduction.  There is no way that i will willingly accept Lithium.  Thanks for the links, very helpful.

[Oyster]

RLS gradually reducing - have been taking Tyrosine which seems to be helping.

[Oyster]

 I am taking l-Tyrosine because Abilify was a dopamine agonist.  RLS seemed about the same last night, somewhat frustrating.   I have been doing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction which really seems to be helping.  I have also signed up for various U3A courses.

[Oyster]

 I don't know if it the L-tyrosine that is helping or whether it is just my brain returning to normal.  Found this -- and other resources before trying  L-tyrosine. It is now 10 days since I stopped taking any abilify after a, possibly too fast, taper of only 30 days and I am feeling much better.  Really finding the MBSR helpful.  Have also signed up for Yoga and Tai-Chi/Quigong classes.  Have also enrolled to use Moodscope which is very motivating.

[Oyster]

Now 12 days since my last (micro) dose of abilify. Read that salt can cause RLS so cutting out processed foods as much as possible.

[Oyster]

I must google RLS and inflammation. I am trying everything at the moment to address RLS (tonic water, soap in a sock in my bed etc) without a great deal of relief. I also have akathisia. I had the akathisia before coming off abilify to some extent but it seems worse now. The RLS has bothered me since I started my abilify taper. RLS is reported to be a dopamine dis-regulation but not a great deal is known. I have been providing my body with precursors 5-HTP for serotonin and L-Tyrosine for dopamine, in the hope that my body can work it out and synthesize what it needs. Apart from being patient.  Any ideas regarding non-drug treatment of RLS akathisia very welcome.