Lemanna: advise on severe anxiety from benzo and antidepressant withdrawal

[Lemanna]

Hi all I'm a newbie, was made to CT zopiclone 18 months ago  after being on it 12 years when my GP retired resulted in intrusive thoughts mainly thinking may have knocked people over while driving. After about 8 months Tried first citalopram then sertraline for about 6 months in total, been a total nightmare, made the thoughts lot worse don't want to trigger anyone so won't expand, also given me full blown OCD with compulsions, now literally have check everything before it goes in the bin. Did go though period of quite suicidal thoughts and crying every day, that has passed but still very low. Stupidly stayed on them too long  as people kept saying they will work. Literally have no life, husband ends up doing lot of cooking as don't feel like eating. Frightened to go out the house because I'll start getting awful thoughts. I was normally functioning person before going on these meds, now realise even though  life challenging before taking anti depressants was so much better than this'd I  did have some sort of life. I stopped them 9 weeks ago. Tried everything CBT, mindfulness, counselling nothing helps. The OCD crippling never had this before in my life, just terrified will be like the forever 

[Lemanna]

Just realised posted in wrong forum so might appear twice sorry !

 

(MOD NOTE:  Original post has been quoted here )

I was made to go CT from zopiclone after 12 years about 18 months ago resulted in intrusive thoughts, not good but did have some sort life if challenging. Stupidly tried citalopram then sertraline after about 8 months as thoughts weren't improving. Been an absolute nightmare, struggled on hoping they would help, the thoughts have expanded got lot worse, got crippling OCD with compulsions now. Went through a period of suicidal thoughts crying every day, has eased a bit, but feel really low, almost dead inside. Literally have no life, don't feel like eating, frightened to go out, I don't really have a life anymore. Tried everything CBT, mindful ness, counselling nothing helps. Never had anything like this in my life before any advice/help be gratefully received. I stopped them 9 weeks ago after weaning off over few weeks

 

 

Edited August 23, 2020 by ChessieCat
added mod note and link

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Lemanna.  I'm sorry you're feeling so bad.

 

You are experiencing withdrawal from the CT of Zopiclone.  The symptoms you describe are typical withdrawal symptoms--intrusive thoughts, anhedonia, agoraphobia, no appetite and the rest.  As time passes they will fade and you will heal, but unfortunately we can't tell you how long it will take.  Healing from psychiatric drug withdrawal can be a frustratingly slow process, but your brain is working very hard to regain stability.  So that you have a better idea of what you're experiencing, here is some information on withdrawal and the healing process.

 

Protracted Withdrawal or PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome ...

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

Apathy, anhedonia, emotional numbness, emotional anesthesia ...

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

The following link is entitled "Healing from Antidepressants" but is equally applicable to healing from Zopiclone.

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

How is your sleep?

 

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.

 

I'm sorry you haven't had any relief from CBT and the other things you've tried.  Take a look at the links in the following link to see which technique might be helpful to you in coping with this withdrawal.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

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

 

Edited August 23, 2020 by ChessieCat
removed whate space at bottom of post

[Lemanna]

Think it's withdrawal from anti depressants as well. As soon as I started the Sertraline felt dreadful heard you can have adverse reaction to them. I was fairly stable for about 8 months soon as started anti depressants got much worse. Never had suicidal thoughts or panic attacks before  them. It's not agrophobia, just fear may have hurt people pass in the street. It's felt completely different since taking them lot more intense. I was coping for 8 months apart from when I tried to drive before. Took while for symptoms to appear with zop and was gradual whereas hit straight away with anti depressants

[Gridley]

25 minutes ago, Lemanna said:

Think it's withdrawal from anti depressants as well.

Yes, it looks like you had an adverse reaction to the Sertraline on top of withdrawal from Zopiclone. We have a number of members that have had this reaction to antidepressants.   When you're hit straight away with symptoms, that points to adverse reaction.  The symptoms of an adverse reaction are very similar to the symptoms of protracted withdrawal.  

 

Adverse reactions to an antidepressant? How long for recovery ...

 

I'll add "immediate adr" (immediate adverse reaction) to your tags.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 23, 2020 by Gridley

[Lemanna]

Thanks are they symptoms you'd get from adverse reaction then as well.Just worried I'll be stuck in this loop forever.🇩🇿Did try a supplement NAC but made things worse. I'll read the info anyway.

[Gridley]

9 minutes ago, Lemanna said:

are they symptoms you'd get from adverse reaction then as well

Yes, there's a lot of overlap in symptoms between protracted withdrawal and adverse reaction.  

 

10 minutes ago, Lemanna said:

ust worried I'll be stuck in this loop forever.

You won't. It's just going to take some time.

 

[ChessieCat]

Lemann's first post in a different forum.  I'm not sure if the information is the same as the first post in this topic:

 

4 hours ago, Lemanna said:

Hi all I'm a newbie, was made to CT zopiclone 18 months ago  after being on it 12 years when my GP retired resulted in intrusive thoughts mainly thinking may have knocked people over while driving. After about 8 months Tried first citalopram then sertraline for about 6 months in total, been a total nightmare, made the thoughts lot worse don't want to trigger anyone so won't expand, also given me full blown OCD with compulsions, now literally have check everything before it goes in the bin. Did go though period of quite suicidal thoughts and crying every day, that has passed but still very low. Stupidly stayed on them too long  as people kept saying they will work. Literally have no life, husband ends up doing lot of cooking as don't feel like eating. Frightened to go out the house because I'll start getting awful thoughts. I was normally functioning person before going on these meds, now realise even though  life challenging before taking anti depressants was so much better than this'd I  did have some sort of life. I stopped them 9 weeks ago. Tried everything CBT, mindfulness, counselling nothing helps. The OCD crippling never had this before in my life, just terrified will be like the forever 

 

[Lemanna]

Sorry put it on wrong forum first. Wasn't sure about supplements are they best avoided. Tried NAC, 5 HTP an inositol and seemed rack up symptoms after few days. Eat oily fish like salmon every week anyway. So  is it best to avoid them as seem to be quite sensitive to them

[Gridley]

1 minute ago, Lemanna said:

Wasn't sure about supplements are they best avoided

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.

 

[Lemanna]

Is this acute withdrawal new symptoms?

 

I was made to go cold turkey off  zopiclone  19 months ago after 12 years by GP, took mixture of citalopram then sertraline try to help with severe mental symptoms, intrusive thought/OCD type symptoms cause by withdrawal. Had severe reaction to sertraline made everything lot worse started getting panic attacks. Struggled for 6 months on AD then weaned off about 9 weeks ago. Last couple weeks been slight shift, increased feeling that I might be permanently brain damaged, feel almost dead inside. Don't have suicidal thoughts as such  just almost like it's pointless me being here . Got no interest in eating, looking after the house, find it difficult to go out because of the nature of the thoughts. Sometimes think what's the point of getting up in the mornings. I used to love planning holidays, going out, but almost feel disconnected from the world as I can't plan to do anything . I haven't had any windows just bad all the time and some days just really bad. Just wondered if this emotionally flat feeling and increased feeling of hopelessness is part of acute withdrawal and will it pass?

 

Edited August 25, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[Gridley]

1 hour ago, Lemanna said:

if this emotionally flat feeling and increased feeling of hopelessness is part of acute withdrawal and will it pass?

Acute withdrawal occurs during the first several months after cessation of the drug., in your case zopiclone.  These recent symptoms  likely stem from your adverse reaction to the sertraline, the symptoms of which are very similar to those of protracted withdrawal.  The symptoms are common and typical and will pass over time.  

[Lemanna]

Sudden bad wave after 10 weeks off

 

Came off citalopram 10 weeks ago, felt awful whole time was on SSRI's but since coming off about last 10 days felt awful lot worse, really black thoughts, OCD lot worse almost like panic attacks at times, in tears lot of the time is this normal is just bad wave? Rang a bento helpline she thinks it's caused by the anti depressant rather than zopiclone as been off that 19 months. There is no way could ever go back on them as felt awful had adverse reaction, did taper over 6 weeks and was only on 5 mg dose

 

Edited August 27, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[ChessieCat]

You new post has been moved to your Introduction topic.  This keeps your history in once place.  Only 1 Introduction topic per member.

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Please have a read of this topic:

 

are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

[Lemanna]

I've just started taking Omega 3 and magnesium to try help with OCD from SSRI withdrawal. Just wondered what dosage is best to take? Magnesium tablets are 100mg said take 2 but played safe and taking one. Also how long  before you should notice if they are working. Had bad reaction to some other supplements so hoping these will be OK.

[Altostrata]

In response to your question, read this about magnesium.

 

[Lemanna]

Sleep problems new symptom?

 

Came off citalopram about 11 weeks ago had severe adverse reaction while on it. Sleep had been reasonably OK up to about 10 days ago. Bad mental symptoms  been my main problems. Now having trouble sleeping keep waking up and then wake up really early. Is this normal has anyone else had it start after few weeks off. Not helping my recovery.

 

Edited September 2, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[ChessieCat]

Sleep issues are very common here at SA.

 

tips-to-help-sleep-so-many-of-us-have-that-awful-withdrawal-insomnia

 

[Lemanna]

I'm about 11 weeks off citalopram with OCD type symptoms triggered since starting it, had adverse reaction while on it. Last few days felt lot worse, before felt awful but was consistent. Yesterday spent morning in tears, but managed to go see friends in the evening, did briefly feel normal of a few hours. But woke up this morning and the thoughts back with avengence again. Feel like someone just flicks a switch in my brain been in tears again as can't see this will ever end. Have been trying Omega 3 and low dose magnesium so wondering if this might triggered it. The zop withdrawal was very different, it was a slow simmer gradually got worse,  this has been lot unbearable right from the start.

[Hanna72]

@Lemanna

Sorry to hear that you are struggling. You are experiencing the classic windows and waves pattern. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of thoughts and emotions, topped with physical symptoms. 
I believe we will all heal, the thing is unfortunately it takes time. With that said you have 11 weeks off the drug, don’t forget how huge accomplishment that is. Be gentle to your mind and body, it is doing everything it can to heal.

One day at a time is what we have

All the best to you🙏
 

[Lemanna]

Previously just felt same all the time pretty rubbish but constant. Guess was expecting a "window"  is when you feel a lot  better but obviously not. Don't have much experience of AD, but does that type thing normally go on for a while and is it a sign you are healing. I have been advised SSRI"s trigger OCD symptoms never had them before, but have really gone overboard last few days is that the wave scenario. Finding it really hard to find timescale, benzo recovery normally classed anything for 6-24 months hoping AD won't be as long as was only on them 6 months very low dose.

[Altostrata]

@Lemanna, please add questions about your situation and updates about it in this topic, your Intro topic. It will save you having to recount your story over and over and the staff will be able to understand the context of your posts.

 

It seems to me you got withdrawal syndrome from quitting zopiclone in Jan 2019, then went on a succession of other drugs with various adverse reactions. When you initially tried citalopram in October 2019, how did you react to it, other than hair falling out?

 

After you went back to citalopram in February 2020, what was its effect?

 

What do you mean by "OCD with compulsions"? What are your new symptoms since coming off citalopram? Did you have withdrawal symptoms while you were tapering it?

 

Please add dosages of each drug to your signature.

[Lemanna]

Sorry find it bit confusing what to post where on here. First few days wasn't too bad but then intrusive thoughts got liot worse and developed depression, crying lot, mainly fearing may hurt people while driving. When GP switched to Sertraline started worrying might hurt people when passed them in street also ended up examining everything I put in bin in case anything in there could hurt people. Just escalated dramatically started getting panic attacks as well. Was told to stick with it to give them a chance but just got steadily worse felt more and more manic. Tried 10 mg cit dropped to 5 mg but was still as bad. Same with Sertraline started on 50mg  then dropped dose.Feels completely different to withdrawal from zopiclone the symptoms from that slowly got worse whereas this been instant. Sorry if I post in wrong place!

[Lemanna]

Sleep not been too bad. The symptoms were awful whole time been on AD about same since stopping. Think from what been reading had adverse reaction to them. GP keep telling me to swap probably didn't help

[Altostrata]

Some people simply do not get along with antidepressants. See Adverse reations to an antidepressant within a few doses -- how long for recovery?

 

It's good you're sleeping. How might your sleep be improved?

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration

 

Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

What is the sleep cycle?

 

Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

White noise devices for sleep

 

Have you tried fish oil and magnesium supplements? See
https://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/
https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

[Lemanna]

Sleep isn't the problem it's the mental symptoms. Have been trying magnesium & fish oil made symptoms worse so had to stop them. 

[Lemanna]

Anyone reinstated ?

Has anyone reinstated with what results? Was made to cold turkey zopiclone by GP had mild intrusive thoughts. Stupidly took citalopram for 6 months to help after being off zopiclone 8 months, gave me severe adverse reaction. Stopped it 11 weeks ago but ever since starting it  had had crippling OCD and anxiety. Got to stage really can't take it any more feel I can't go on. . Thinking of briefly reinstating zopiclone while doing a proper taper. Took 1 this morning and really calmed me down .I know this forum for AD, but just wondered if anyone had briefly reinstated their AD as the effects seem similar in some ways. Sorry if I've put this on wrong forum do find bit confusing where I'm meant to post.

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[Onmyway]

6 hours ago, Lemanna said:

Has anyone reinstated with what results? Was made to cold turkey zopiclone by GP had mild intrusive thoughts. Stupidly took citalopram for 6 months to help after being off zopiclone 8 months, gave me severe adverse reaction. Stopped it 11 weeks ago but ever since starting it  had had crippling OCD and anxiety. Got to stage really can't take it any more feel I can't go on. . Thinking of briefly reinstating zopiclone while doing a proper taper. Took 1 this morning and really calmed me down .I know this forum for AD, but just wondered if anyone had briefly reinstated their AD as the effects seem similar in some ways. Sorry if I've put this on wrong forum do find bit confusing where I'm meant to post.

Hi Lemanna, there are many people who reinstate and there is a thread on it - pls use the search button. At some point someone had even done a spreadsheet with the results of various people's reinstatement on the forums. 

 

I reinstated a month out and it helped but the received wisdom is that it's best done  as soon as possible and at a very very low dose I had jumped off of 5 mg (original dose 20mg) and reinstated 2.5 mg on my own. Advice here would probably have been to reinstate at 1mg rather than 2.5 but I didn't know any better.

 

Intense OCD like symptoms are quite common in WD. They get better. You can try specific OCD CBT therapy to manage symptoms. Usually ERP therapy helps as well.

 

 

[Lemanna]

Thanks I'll take a look only intending to do it for short time try cope with symptoms. Had OCD symptoms for 19 months  since stopping zopiclone haven't improved got lot worse on citalopram. Did try CBT but didn't help

[Lemanna]

OCD from taking SSRI's

 

I developed OCD type symptoms as a result of having adverse reaction to taking citalopram then sertraline. Have read elsewhere they can trigger this. Never had it before taking these meds. I took them to help with withdrawal from zopiclone. Just wondered if anyone else encountered this and how long before symptoms improved. Have stopped meds about 12 weeks ago, but still got quite bad symptoms. Was on them 6 months.

 

Edited September 11, 2020 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[ChessieCat]

There are many existing topics on SA.  We like to keep similar discussion in one place so it is easier for members to find.  Before creating a new topic please check to see if there is an existing topic.  I like to use a search engine and add survivingantidepressants.org to my search term.

 

Other members have developed OCD type symptoms when reducing or stopping their suddenly.

 

Please see this topic:

 

obsessive-compulsive-disorder-or-ocd-repetitive-intrusive-thoughts-compulsive-behaviors

[Teppo125]

9 hours ago, Lemanna said:

OCD from taking SSRI's

 

I developed OCD type symptoms as a result of having adverse reaction to taking citalopram then sertraline. Have read elsewhere they can trigger this. Never had it before taking these meds. I took them to help with withdrawal from zopiclone. Just wondered if anyone else encountered this and how long before symptoms improved. Have stopped meds about 12 weeks ago, but still got quite bad symptoms. Was on them 6 months.

 

Hi Lemanna

 

I’ve got also intrusive thoughts when I ct Escitalopram. Propably I’ve got them when I start the drug, I don’t remember.  It’s waxing and waiving, but it does get better. As time pass, they go away. It’s frustrating slow and it need time, a lot of time. When you go more far away from ct, You can look back and see progress. You can look 3 or 6 months back and see that it’s not so bad anymore. Healing is slow, very slow. 

[Lemanna]

Hi, 

 

 

How long before yours started improving? Had them bad since  starting citalopram about 11 months ago. Stopped it about 12 weeks ago. Did wean off  over 6 weeks. Just can't tolerate anti depressants. 

[Teppo125]

52 minutes ago, Lemanna said:

Hi, 

 

 

How long before yours started improving? Had them bad since  starting citalopram about 11 months ago. Stopped it about 12 weeks ago. Did wean off  over 6 weeks. Just can't tolerate anti depressants. 

I don’t exactly remember. When I ct I think that everything kept going worse and worse for 3 month mark. Then I saw some improvements in the evening and 6 month mark evenings were better. 8 month mark I saw my first window of normalcy, but it did’t last very long, maybe half an hour. Then bit by bit windows get longer. Still surviving, but days are easier to manage to evenings. The best thing is that you are not going insane, but I know that it feels like it. Your brain are trying to heal. 

[Lemanna]

Yes I do feel like I am going crazy it's definitely got to be the meds. Psychotherapist said there are other meds but as they've caused this don't want go down that route. Reassurin to know that they did eventually ease for you. Be 3 months next week so hoping might get bit of relief. Did the diazapam help at all. They wouldn't give me any.