Piret: hopeless

[Piret]

Hello!

My AD journey began in October 2018 when after stomach issues I was prescribed gut medicine which gave me the most intorelable anxiety. My GP put me on 50 mg fluoxetine, I took it for a week and ended up calling an ambulance because I was suicidal 24/7. At psych ER I was put on sertraline 100 mg. With 3 weeks anxiety disappeared and I continued this dosage for 9 months. I was not feeling well, nausea remained, on and off dizziness, fatigue. I could not wait to get off the drug. I followed my psych's tapering guide line and tapered off from sertraline with one month. For couple of weeks I was feeling fantastic but then the swaying motion started. It did not disturb my life much. After 4 months of swaying, the dizziness got so extreme that I was not able to cook or do the dishes nor walk my dog. Weakness was unbearbale til the point I could not move without holding on to the walls. I went to ER where they obviously declared that it was not withdrawal. Blood work was ok, so seemingly there was no reason as to why I could not stand up or move anymore.

Also made a trip to psych ER where they put me back on sertraline 100 mg. I started with 25 mg and now have taken 100 mg for 3 weeks. Dizziness has lessened but I still look to lean somewhere as I do not feel confident on my feet. I am barely able to be up for 10 hours, the more tired I am the more dizziness attacks me. Nausea is with me every day. Also when I started back on sertraline, I became restless. This feeling is in my stomach and also legs which I assume indicates to the fact that sertraline is not ok for me to take.
I want to taper so badly and get off of this crap but I am horrified that extreme weakness and dizziness will return. Plus I am sure I am still going through WD from the fast taper in August 2019.

 

I take high blood pressure meds for 8 years, thyroid meds (it has been removed). From supplements vitamin C, vitamin D, Omega 3 and magnesium/calcium/zinc. Migrane meds when needed. I am 40 years old.

 

I hope to get feedback as what in the world is going on with me, as I do not trust any doctors anymore.

Thank you!

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Piret.

 

I have brought your post to the attention of the other moderators.

[manymoretodays]

Hi Piret,

And welcome aboard.

On 3/3/2020 at 7:35 AM, Piret said:

My AD journey began in October 2018 when after stomach issues I was prescribed gut medicine which gave me the most intorelable anxiety.

 

What was the gut medicine?

 

And then it sounds like you had a known side effect from the fluoxetine as well, the suicidal feelings right after starting it.

How did your psychiatrist have you taper off the sertraline? 

And when did you go off of it completely?  Could you add the date to your signature?  Just go to AccountSettings/signature and add in a few more specifics.

BTW, thank you very much for making a start with your signature, Piret.

 

I'm seeing:

October 2018- August 2019 Sertraline 100 mg

January 2020-..... sertraline 100 mg

 

Just add in that you tapered and discontinued it, briefly, last August.  It is still a bit confusing to me, as it looks like you stayed on it, the way it is currently written.

And then, note when you restarted it in January, the date, dose, and subsequent increases, with present dose, and date started.  Thank you.

 

On 3/3/2020 at 7:35 AM, Piret said:

Also made a trip to psych ER where they put me back on sertraline 100 mg. I started with 25 mg and now have taken 100 mg for 3 weeks. Dizziness has lessened but I still look to lean somewhere as I do not feel confident on my feet. I am barely able to be up for 10 hours, the more tired I am the more dizziness attacks me. Nausea is with me every day. Also when I started back on sertraline, I became restless. This feeling is in my stomach and also legs which I assume indicates to the fact that sertraline is not ok for me to take.
I want to taper so badly and get off of this crap but I am horrified that extreme weakness and dizziness will return. Plus I am sure I am still going through WD from the fast taper in August 2019.

 

I take high blood pressure meds for 8 years, thyroid meds (it has been removed). From supplements vitamin C, vitamin D, Omega 3 and magnesium/calcium/zinc. Migrane meds when needed. I am 40 years old.

 

 

So, you feel a bit better, with some symptom improvement since you went back on the sertraline?

What are your blood pressure medications?  And your thyroid medication?  Migraine meds?

Please plug all your medications in here:  Drugs.com drug interactions

Then copy and paste right here, on your introduction page, or provide a link to the results.

 

It sounds like you may have done some reading around the site, or elsewhere, about WD(withdrawal) and WDsyndrome.  I will just give you a few links to some of the basic information that is here on site, as well.

*Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization

 

The only 2 supplements that we endorse for WD syndrome are:

BASIC SUPPLEMENT TOOLKIT

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

(with the magnesium, taking any calcium supplement, at the same time, cancels out the effect of the magnesium), take a look at the link.

 

Welcome again Piret.  This is your introduction page and you have now introduced yourself to the community.  Please post here with further information and any questions that might arise around your specific case.

If you could list the times of all your medications taken throughout the day, that will be helpful too.  Note the dosages too.  We are a site for help with tapering and WD primarily, so as far as the other medications go, you do need to work with your doctor on those, and following up on the conditions they are prescribed for.  Happy to help you though, as we can.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

moderator manymoretodays(mmt)

Edited March 8, 2020 by manymoretodays
additional links added

[Piret]

On 3/8/2020 at 7:39 PM, manymoretodays said:

Hi Piret,

And welcome aboard.

 

What was the gut medicine?

 

And then it sounds like you had a known side effect from the fluoxetine as well, the suicidal feelings right after starting it.

How did your psychiatrist have you taper off the sertraline? 

And when did you go off of it completely?  Could you add the date to your signature?  Just go to AccountSettings/signature and add in a few more specifics.

BTW, thank you very much for making a start with your signature, Piret.

 

I'm seeing:

October 2018- August 2019 Sertraline 100 mg

January 2020-..... sertraline 100 mg

 

Just add in that you tapered and discontinued it, briefly, last August.  It is still a bit confusing to me, as it looks like you stayed on it, the way it is currently written.

And then, note when you restarted it in January, the date, dose, and subsequent increases, with present dose, and date started.  Thank you.

 

 

So, you feel a bit better, with some symptom improvement since you went back on the sertraline?

What are your blood pressure medications?  And your thyroid medication?  Migraine meds?

Please plug all your medications in here:  Drugs.com drug interactions

Then copy and paste right here, on your introduction page, or provide a link to the results.

 

It sounds like you may have done some reading around the site, or elsewhere, about WD(withdrawal) and WDsyndrome.  I will just give you a few links to some of the basic information that is here on site, as well.

*Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization

 

The only 2 supplements that we endorse for WD syndrome are:

BASIC SUPPLEMENT TOOLKIT

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

(with the magnesium, taking any calcium supplement, at the same time, cancels out the effect of the magnesium), take a look at the link.

 

Welcome again Piret.  This is your introduction page and you have now introduced yourself to the community.  Please post here with further information and any questions that might arise around your specific case.

If you could list the times of all your medications taken throughout the day, that will be helpful too.  Note the dosages too.  We are a site for help with tapering and WD primarily, so as far as the other medications go, you do need to work with your doctor on those, and following up on the conditions they are prescribed for.  Happy to help you though, as we can.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

moderator manymoretodays(mmt)

 

 

Hello! Thank you so much @manymoretodays for replaying.

 

I added the link to my signature.

 

In August 2019 I tapered down from 100 mg within one month, dropped 25 mg every week. Unfortunately I learned about withdrawals way too late.

I have been to 3 different psychiatrists within the last month and they have given me 2 choices: to up sertraline to 150 mg so maybe I would stabilize as I am still dizzy and nausea comes and goes throughout the day. or 2nd choice: to crosstaper me to another AD.

 

I have no clue what to do as I cannot start the tapering before I have stabilized.

 

And I have no clue what is going on with me, is it WD or body getting used to sertraline again?

 

I take sertraline 100 mg at 7 pm

Thyroid med 30 minutes before the breakfast

BP med after breakfast

Ibuprofen and migrane med only when needed (few times a month)

Supplements mostly before going to sleep

 

[manymoretodays]

 

Hi Piret,

 

9 hours ago, Piret said:

I have been to 3 different psychiatrists within the last month and they have given me 2 choices: to up sertraline to 150 mg so maybe I would stabilize as I am still dizzy and nausea comes and goes throughout the day. or 2nd choice: to crosstaper me to another AD.

 

9 hours ago, Piret said:

And I have no clue what is going on with me, is it WD or body getting used to sertraline again?

 

Likely, it is some WD, or nervous system dysregulation, after you came off the sertraline in August.  What seems pretty odd, is that they've kept you on sertraline, even after it caused suicidal feelings, as well as, the nauseau and dizziness.  So if I were you, I wouldn't want to go up even higher on the dosage.  Nor would I want to crosstaper.

We do have a topic on:

Dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, rocking or swaying sensations

 

Any tests done, or specialists seen for these symptoms ^.  Since they started?

 

Thank you for doing the drug interactions Piret, and putting the link, in your signature.  I'll paste it here too, as 1 Major interaction and 5 Moderate interactions, is no laughing matter:

Drug Interaction Report

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 6 drugs:

• sertraline
• perindopril
• indapamide
• sumatriptan
• L Thyroxine Roche (levothyroxine)
• ibuprofen

Major (1)

Moderate (5)

Minor (0)

Food (3)

Therapeutic Duplication (0)

Interactions between your drugs

Major

sertraline SUMAtriptan

Applies to: sertraline, sumatriptan

Using sertraline together with SUMAtriptan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate

ibuprofen indapamide

Applies to: ibuprofen, indapamide

Before taking indapamide, tell your doctor if you also use ibuprofen. You may need dose adjustments or special tests in order to safely take both medications together. If you are receiving this combination drink plenty of water. Blood pressure and kidney function should be monitored as well. It is important that you tell your healthcare provider about all other medications that you are using including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using your medications without first talking to your doctor first.

 

Moderate

ibuprofen sertraline

Applies to: ibuprofen, sertraline

Using sertraline together with ibuprofen may increase the risk of bleeding. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly or have kidney or liver disease. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising, or have other signs and symptoms of bleeding such as dizziness; lightheadedness; red or black, tarry stools; coughing up or vomiting fresh or dried blood that looks like coffee grounds; severe headache; and weakness. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate

indapamide sertraline

Applies to: indapamide, sertraline

Treatment with sertraline may occasionally cause blood sodium levels to get too low, a condition known as hyponatremia, and using it with indapamide can increase that risk. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, headache, lethargy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, muscle spasm, weakness or unsteadiness, as these may be symptoms of hyponatremia. More severe cases may lead to hallucination, fainting, seizure, coma, and even death. Sertraline can also affect your blood pressure and heart rate. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring of your blood pressure and pulse to safely use both medications. You should avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or lying position while taking these medications, especially at the beginning of treatment or after an increase in dose. Call your doctor if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heart beat. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate

ibuprofen perindopril

Applies to: ibuprofen, perindopril

Talk to your doctor before using perindopril together with ibuprofen. Combining these medications may reduce the effects of perindopril in lowering blood pressure. In addition, these medications may affect your kidney function, especially when they are used together frequently or chronically. You are more likely to develop impaired kidney function during treatment with these medications if you are also using a diuretic ("water pill") or if you are elderly or have preexisting kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms that may suggest kidney damage such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased or decreased urination, sudden weight gain or weight loss, fluid retention, swelling, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, and irregular heart rhythm. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate

indapamide perindopril

Applies to: indapamide, perindopril

Although indapamide and perindopril are frequently combined together, their effects may be additive on lowering your blood pressure. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take both medications. Contact your doctor if you have a reduced heart rate, dizziness, fainting, or headaches. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

No other interactions were found between your selected drugs. This does not necessarily mean no other interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

levothyroxine food

Applies to: L Thyroxine Roche (levothyroxine)

The timing of meals relative to your levothyroxine dose can affect absorption of the medication. Therefore, levothyroxine should be taken on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals to avoid large fluctuations in blood levels, which may alter its effects. In addition, absorption of levothyroxine may be decreased by foods such as soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, and calcium fortified juices. These foods should be avoided within several hours of dosing if possible. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

When levothyroxine is given during continuous enteral nutrition (tube feedings) for more than 7 days, the tube feeding should be interrupted for at least one hour before and one hour after the dose of levothyroxine. You may need more frequent blood tests to monitor levothyroxine levels.

 

Moderate

sertraline food

Applies to: sertraline

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with sertraline. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of sertraline such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Moderate

perindopril food

Applies to: perindopril

It is recommended that if you are taking perindopril you should be advised to avoid moderately high or high potassium dietary intake. This can cause high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking perindopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

 

 

 

[manymoretodays]

Hi again,

How long have you been on the other 5 medications, Piret?

And if I were you, I would definitely bring your Drug Interaction report to the attention of your Prescriber(s).

I've got to wonder if some/many of your symptoms are related to drug interactions too.  And then WD thrown in, after the first attempt to get off the sertraline.  Wowzer!!!

9 hours ago, Piret said:

I have no clue what to do as I cannot start the tapering before I have stabilized.

 

I know you mentioned some improvement, at some point. 

How have your symptoms been since you've been back on the sertraline 100 mg?

 

And thank you so much for this too:

9 hours ago, Piret said:

I take sertraline 100 mg at 7 pm

Thyroid med 30 minutes before the breakfast

BP med after breakfast

Ibuprofen and migrane med only when needed (few times a month)

Supplements mostly before going to sleep

 

All from me, for now.  And thank you so much Piret, for gathering information.  I left you a few more questions, and again, want to bring this to the other moderators attention.

 

Best, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

[Piret]

Thank you @manymoretodays for the insight!

 

Yes, I was in ER when the dizziness got to the point where I was not able to stand up without the help. They did blood work, it came out ok, only thyroid showed problems so I upped my thyroid med's dose.

 

I have been on thyroid meds for 10 years, blood pressure meds for 10 years as well. For the past 2 years my BP was ok so I did not take medicine, it skyrocketed while in WD from sertraline in November 2019.

 

I am truly lost as what to do? Restlessness in my stomach is horrible and restless legs, it is not with me all the time, mostly before going to bed. I have never felt this sensation before until they put me back to sertraline. I took my first dose of 12,5 mg and woke up next day wanting to jump to the ceiling. The intensity of restlessness has mellowed compared to how it was 2 months ago but it still bothers me every day.

 

Being back on sertraline has subsided the symptoms maybe 20 percent. I am able to go on a 30 min walk with my dog when I wake up, cook for max 10 minutes and do the dishes. But dizziness is always there, it gets worse in the evening. I am barely able to be up for 10 hours.

 

I really hope someone has a clue what to do as I can't possibly trust any medical staff as thanx to them I am where I am at the moment. All these symptoms have left me deeply agoraphobic as well.

[manymoretodays]

Non-drug treatments for high blood pressure

You might like this ^.  It's got some members experiences with high BP's and non-drug coping ideas too.

[Altostrata]

Hello, Piret.

 

17 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

sertraline SUMAtriptan

Applies to: sertraline, sumatriptan

Using sertraline together with SUMAtriptan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

This is an important drug-drug interaction. Please read up on adverse effects of sumatriptan, such as on drugs.com

 

What times of day do you take each of your drugs, at what dosages? Are your symptoms better or worse at times throughout the day?

[rapunzel2]

Hello, fellow Estonian!

 

I suggest you go to Triin Eller, she is the smartest help in Estonia that is possible to get. https://www.tekabinet.ee. She will help you with your overall health, thyroid and bp etc, it may help your mental health, too. With natural solutions.
 

Drugs and withdrawal you have to figure out your own though, with the help of surviving antidepressants.

[manymoretodays]

Hey Piret, @Piret

On 3/12/2020 at 12:04 PM, Altostrata said:

Hello, Piret.

 

 

This is an important drug-drug interaction. Please read up on adverse effects of sumatriptan, such as on drugs.com

 

What times of day do you take each of your drugs, at what dosages? Are your symptoms better or worse at times throughout the day?

 

On 3/11/2020 at 8:52 AM, Piret said:

I take sertraline 100 mg at 7 pm

Thyroid med 30 minutes before the breakfast

BP med after breakfast

Ibuprofen and migrane med only when needed (few times a month)

Supplements mostly before going to sleep

 

Can you just add to the ^ a bit for us.  Simply note the times on the left, and then on the right note drug(s), by name and dosages, include your supplements as well.  And then also on the right, note symptoms as they occur throughout the day. 

Keep daily notes of drug schedule and symptoms to track patterns and progress

take a look at ^ link, and then post 24 hours, right here, on your introduction page

 

Thank you in advance.

How are you doing today?

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

 

[Piret]

@rapunzel2 Aitäh! ☺️

[Piret]

@Altostrata @manymoretodays hey guys, thank you so much for your replies!

As about sumatriptan, I take it maybe max twice a month. My migranes have always been connected to the periods. It is a 100 mg tablet, I take 1/4 of it when needed. Side effects have always been visible, even before ADs but unfortunately it is the only med what is able to take the migrane away.

 

Can I note the drug dosages and symptoms here or I should fill the spreadsheet and upload it later?

 

Nausea has been much better these past days, dizziness is around but also a bit better. Restlessness in my legs have gotten worse though ,it is nonstop now. I eliminated magnesium, Omega 3 and Omeprazole yesterday to see if those supplements and drugs may contribute to this new horror.

 

[manymoretodays]

Hey Piret!

6 hours ago, Piret said:

Can I note the drug dosages and symptoms here or I should fill the spreadsheet and upload it later?

 

I prefer if you just do it here.  Time on the left, drugs, supplements, by name and dose on the right.  Symptoms on the right as well.  And then just post in 24 hour increments.

 

6 hours ago, Piret said:

As about sumatriptan, I take it maybe max twice a month. My migranes have always been connected to the periods. It is a 100 mg tablet, I take 1/4 of it when needed. Side effects have always been visible, even before ADs but unfortunately it is the only med what is able to take the migrane away.

 

And okay, thanks for clarifying. 

 

When did you restart the sertraline, if you recall, in January.  That may be the one to focus on a more rapid taper down, at least to a lower dosage, with hopes of symptom improvement.  Let's see the notes as soon as you can post some though.

 

And okay, some symptom improvement, some not so far.

Good update Piret.  Thank you.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

 

[Piret]

Hey @manymoretodays!!!

Quick update. 

I went to another psychiatrist today, supposedly the best one in the country. 

He agreed that all my symptoms are from the sertraline withdrawal. 

He suggested for me to drop down on sertraline with 4 days and start Brintellix 5 mg and Elontril 150 mg. To get my symptomps under control and to feel better. 

 

I don't know what to do???? 

[Altostrata]

You have been taking 100mg sertraline since early February, correct? Please note when you went to 100mg in your signature.

 

On 3/16/2020 at 7:49 AM, Piret said:

Nausea has been much better these past days, dizziness is around but also a bit better. Restlessness in my legs have gotten worse though ,it is nonstop now. I eliminated magnesium, Omega 3 and Omeprazole yesterday to see if those supplements and drugs may contribute to this new horror.

 

^This is an improvement. I would not change anything; i would especially not make a dramatic drug switch. Elontril is bupropion, a drug that's commonly activating -- causes jumpiness and sleeplessness.

 

That psychiatrist does not understand psychiatric drug withdrawal. He thinks you need treatment for depression.

 

Stabilizing after a bout of withdrawal syndrome is a gradual process. You may see very small changes. Be patient, this is normal. I would not try to find a drug cocktail to instantly fix you.

 

How long were you taking omeprazole, at what dosage, and at what times of day? How does your stomach feel now that you've dropped it? This is a drug that often needs tapering.

 

What is this blood pressure drug you take in the morning, what dosage? How do you feel before and after you take it?

 

As we've requested before, please post 24 hours of notes at a time, including times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, your symptoms before and after you take each drug, and other symptoms throughout the day, in a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right.

 

Are you doing a lot of sitting? Lack of exercise can cause "restless legs" in the evening. You need to stretch and exercise your legs every day.

 

[manymoretodays]

19 hours ago, Piret said:

Hey @manymoretodays!!!

Quick update. 

I went to another psychiatrist today, supposedly the best one in the country. 

He agreed that all my symptoms are from the sertraline withdrawal. 

He suggested for me to drop down on sertraline with 4 days and start Brintellix 5 mg and Elontril 150 mg. To get my symptomps under control and to feel better. 

 

I don't know what to do???? 

 

Hi Piret,

I don't know, but best in the country might mean they really, really like the drugs/medications.........and yes, woah.......you might find yourself mired in drugs for a long time this way, and not neccessarily a whole lot better.

If it was me, I'd say no, thank you, to the best psychiatrist in the country.

When did you start up the sertraline in January?  You might get a lot of relief, with just a reduction in dosage now.  And a little time.

A rapid withdrawal and additional drugs/medications......I don't know, I'm not in favor of that.......if it was me, knowing what I know now........I'd avoid it.

 

See Alto's response above and please try and give us a 24 hour peek, at your drugs and symptoms......

The time of day, dosage, and severity of symptoms are essential information. Include:

 

- Time and dosage for all drugs taken throughout the day, psychiatric and non-psychiatric.

- Following each dose, note any symptoms. If you are having a reaction to the drug, it may take hours for a symptom to show up -- that's why we ask you to keep notes all day long.

- If you're not taking any drugs, your symptoms throughout the day.

- Your sleep pattern. Since so many drugs disturb sleep, if you find you're waking in the middle of the night, it could be from a drug you took earlier in the evening. If you're not taking any drugs, there may be ways you can improve your sleep.

And so forth. A diary, in chronological order, looking something like this:
 
6 a.m. Woke with anxiety
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Stomach is upset
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Feel a bit better
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Feeling dizzy
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke but got back to sleep

 

^ really isn't too hard, and it's free to do, and can yield such great information too.......for you, and then for us to base suggestions on.

 

Thank you for the update Piret.

 

And best,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt