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HealthHopeHappiness: sertraline withdrawal - will the side effects ever go?


HealthHopeHappiness

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Woke up this morning to this news article on BBC about antidepressant use and felt so angry about the lies within it… 

 

Coming off anti-depressants may not cause relapse - study https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58735841

 

It states that Sertraline and Mirtazapine are some of the ‘easier’ medications to withdraw from. I beg to differ. What a load of nonsense! 😡 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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13 hours ago, HealthHopeHappiness said:

Woke up this morning to this news article on BBC about antidepressant use and felt so angry about the lies within it… 

 

Coming off anti-depressants may not cause relapse - study https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58735841

 

It states that Sertraline and Mirtazapine are some of the ‘easier’ medications to withdraw from. I beg to differ. What a load of nonsense! 😡 

Yea, easy to withdraw… I took the lowest dose of sertraline for 3.5 weeks, tapered for 4.5 weeks going down about 5 mg per week, I have been bedridden/housebound with severe symptoms for 11 months and counting… so yea that easy to withdraw … just a few years of suffering… stupid article 

Aug. 16-17, 2020, cipralex: went CRAZY! Recovered in 24hrs

Aug.28,2020; 3.5 weeks 25mg sertraline/4.5 weeks taper

Oct. 25: Last dose (4mg)

Symptoms while on zoloft

DPDR/out of my body/soul despair/feeling dead; tinnitus/no appetite; fear, anxiety/panics

4 months OFF: soul despair, anxiety/fear, brain disconnection/ DPDR, brain feels swollen-numb/crazy/bedridden barely functioning, tinnitus, eye lid twitches; face spasms. Feeling slightly better after 10pm.

- sleep & appetite are fine

9 months OFF: hell, no windows, same symptoms as above  (only eye and face twitches have stopped) plus intense arm/shoulder pain and visual issues. Tinnitus replaced by head buzzing. 

10 months-1 year: all above plus Insomnia (out of nowhere), depression, no peace of mind (mental Akathisia); 2.5mg melatonin

14months off: sleep resumed. All rest symptoms remain. Bedridden vegetable all day. DP is relentless. 

1.5 years off: still severely disabled, not much changed except some improvement in vision.

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29 minutes ago, JesusSavemefromWD said:

Yea, easy to withdraw… I took the lowest dose of sertraline for 3.5 weeks, tapered for 4.5 weeks going down about 5 mg per week, I have been bedridden/housebound with severe symptoms for 11 months and counting… so yea that easy to withdraw … just a few years of suffering… stupid article 

I am so sorry to hear of your suffering @JesusSavemefromWD. We sound quite similar in terms of our story. I am just over 10 months on from my last dose of 50mg Sertraline, I took it for 7 weeks and a couple of other SSRIs for a few weeks before that. They have totally destroyed my mind & body. 
 

How has this week been for you? 💞

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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45 minutes ago, HealthHopeHappiness said:

I am so sorry to hear of your suffering @JesusSavemefromWD. We sound quite similar in terms of our story. I am just over 10 months on from my last dose of 50mg Sertraline, I took it for 7 weeks and a couple of other SSRIs for a few weeks before that. They have totally destroyed my mind & body. 
 

How has this week been for you? 💞

Thank you for asking. Just hanging in life for my two young boys. My symptoms are mainly mental, severe DP, intense fear and mental Akathisia, it is a true nightmare with only minor improvements over the last 11 months. The fear is so debilitating that I can’t do anything. Unfortunately there are a few members here experiencing severe fear terror after sertraline use. I am glad ur not experiencing this constant fear and I pray for ur full recovery. 

Aug. 16-17, 2020, cipralex: went CRAZY! Recovered in 24hrs

Aug.28,2020; 3.5 weeks 25mg sertraline/4.5 weeks taper

Oct. 25: Last dose (4mg)

Symptoms while on zoloft

DPDR/out of my body/soul despair/feeling dead; tinnitus/no appetite; fear, anxiety/panics

4 months OFF: soul despair, anxiety/fear, brain disconnection/ DPDR, brain feels swollen-numb/crazy/bedridden barely functioning, tinnitus, eye lid twitches; face spasms. Feeling slightly better after 10pm.

- sleep & appetite are fine

9 months OFF: hell, no windows, same symptoms as above  (only eye and face twitches have stopped) plus intense arm/shoulder pain and visual issues. Tinnitus replaced by head buzzing. 

10 months-1 year: all above plus Insomnia (out of nowhere), depression, no peace of mind (mental Akathisia); 2.5mg melatonin

14months off: sleep resumed. All rest symptoms remain. Bedridden vegetable all day. DP is relentless. 

1.5 years off: still severely disabled, not much changed except some improvement in vision.

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Just to update, I have had a real uptick in my symptoms. I am waking in the middle of the night, and not the usual night wake ups for my daughter, these are more cortisol surges and severe, crippling anxiety which results in sweating. Last night my body was twitching and I felt so unbelievably restless, I was convinced I was dying. Told myself in the middle of the night I would phone the GP first thing, that there is something amiss. But then I went to work and my mind focused on other things, the symptoms were still very much there but I had the ability to ‘park’ the crippling worry and analysis of what they mean. I feel I am getting worse, not better. I am fast approaching the 1 year mark and I can’t believe how awful I still feel. My muscles are so weak, walking feels so stiff and awkward, RLS is back, slurred & slow speech, akathisia, intrusive & repetitive thoughts about dying & leaving my daughter behind. It’s horrible. 😔

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Please can someone help me. My physical symptoms have worsened significantly. I have large muscle spasms (not painful) again in the left side of my neck and throat which are visible, this had settled. I almost choked on my lunch at work, the food got stuck halfway down, it was terrifying. I am struggling to walk properly and lift my left foot and leg, it takes so much effort and my calf and foot muscles are aching. The restlessness has returned in my legs. My left hand is constantly clenched in a fist. I was having a conversation with a colleague in work today and started slurring as I said something. What is happening? Why am I not getting any better? It is taking me everything in my power not to phone my GP or go up to A&E, I am so worried this is not just WD. Should I try low dose Clonazepam to settle the muscle symptoms or is this just opening a can of worms? 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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@HealthHopeHappiness I’m so sorry this is still happening to you. I know it’s been a long time and you’re definitely justified in thinking you should see more improvements than this, but I really think your surgery caused a major setback. I’ve read on here about people taking an antibiotic or even just one dose of a pain pill and having a year long setback. I know that sounds a little morose, but if you’re looking for reassurance that this is still withdrawal related, there seems to be plenty of evidence here that symptoms can be made worse even by short term medication, anesthesia, etc… I don’t have any advice on the clonazepam, but until you start seeing more obvious improvements, you might have to look at the small windows, no matter how tiny they are. If you were slurring your speech with your colleague, were you still slurring when talking to your family later that night, or were things more normal? Do you get any relief from the hand cramping, even short lived? When I was having severe back and hip pain, I went many months without relief, so I won’t even ask about the leg pain. Some pain just doesn’t subside even momentarily. 

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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On 10/8/2021 at 3:35 PM, SandCastle said:

@HealthHopeHappiness I’m so sorry this is still happening to you. I know it’s been a long time and you’re definitely justified in thinking you should see more improvements than this, but I really think your surgery caused a major setback. I’ve read on here about people taking an antibiotic or even just one dose of a pain pill and having a year long setback. I know that sounds a little morose, but if you’re looking for reassurance that this is still withdrawal related, there seems to be plenty of evidence here that symptoms can be made worse even by short term medication, anesthesia, etc… I don’t have any advice on the clonazepam, but until you start seeing more obvious improvements, you might have to look at the small windows, no matter how tiny they are. If you were slurring your speech with your colleague, were you still slurring when talking to your family later that night, or were things more normal? Do you get any relief from the hand cramping, even short lived? When I was having severe back and hip pain, I went many months without relief, so I won’t even ask about the leg pain. Some pain just doesn’t subside even momentarily. 

Hi @SandCastlethanks for taking the time to reply. Especially when the tone of my posts is always so negative! Before WD I was a really positive person. 
 

Re the slurring, it isn’t constant. It only happens at certain times, e.g. when I’m answering the phone in work, sometimes when I’m having an important conversation with a colleague or sometimes when I’m reading my daughter’s bedtime story. It definitely is worse when I become aware of it, like anything else. If I pause and take a deep breath, it helps. I don’t get any relief from the hand clenching at the moment, not even when I’m sleeping. So I often wake up with pins & needles in my hand from it being clenched so tight. The only time I got relief from it over the last 6 months since it started was when I went in for my surgery, in fact I got relief from everything! No muscle pain, etc. I think it was because I was given gapapentin. 
 

I think you’re right about the surgery and anaesthesia. I knew there was a high risk of it setting me back. I just really need to work on acceptance and not panicking about every symptom, I know I am giving the symptoms too much power over me. 
 

I’ll pop over to your thread, would love to hear how you’re doing. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Just reached the point of desperation and went to see the GP. Don’t know what I was hoping for. Reassurance really. Got a young doctor who seemed shocked when I explained my symptoms - it was written all over his face that he didn’t believe these were down to SSRIs. I just needed him to check me over and tell me I wasn’t dying, I guess. It actually panicked me more as he noted I had an intention tremor and muscle stiffness on my left side. Wish I hadn’t gone as it’s just made me feel more anxious. I am operating at anxiety level 10/10, it is coursing through my body. I don’t know what to do anymore. 😢

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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@HealthHopeHappiness I’m sorry you ended up with an anxious doctor. I went through something similar with my daughter’s pediatrician when the experienced one moved locations and we ended up with a young doctor. She overthought and was indecisive and I was always nervous just bringing her in for a checkup until I decided to go with someone who had more experience. You really do need someone who has seen it all when you’re looking for reassurance! I also understand how you feel about acceptance. Working on total acceptance can be really difficult because who can accept that these awful symptoms are going to consume their life/plans/family dynamics for an unknown amount of time, especially when you fear it’s worse than you think. When I was experiencing the worst of it, after constantly seeing doctors and specialists, I just hit a point where I told myself I’m not going to do anything about it for a specific amount of time, maybe a month or “after my birthday/Christmas”, whatever it was at the time. Meaning I wouldn’t talk about it with people, I wouldn’t analyze new or worse symptoms, I wouldn’t google/investigate (this was a big one!), and I wouldn’t plan a doctor’s appointment until that time period was up. I would just live my life the way I did before all this started (to the best of my physical ability). Since you’re trying to work on acceptance, I would give this a shot the best you can, even for a short amount of time. The chance to worry again will always be there a month from now.

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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On 10/14/2021 at 5:00 PM, SandCastle said:

@HealthHopeHappiness I’m sorry you ended up with an anxious doctor. I went through something similar with my daughter’s pediatrician when the experienced one moved locations and we ended up with a young doctor. She overthought and was indecisive and I was always nervous just bringing her in for a checkup until I decided to go with someone who had more experience. You really do need someone who has seen it all when you’re looking for reassurance! I also understand how you feel about acceptance. Working on total acceptance can be really difficult because who can accept that these awful symptoms are going to consume their life/plans/family dynamics for an unknown amount of time, especially when you fear it’s worse than you think. When I was experiencing the worst of it, after constantly seeing doctors and specialists, I just hit a point where I told myself I’m not going to do anything about it for a specific amount of time, maybe a month or “after my birthday/Christmas”, whatever it was at the time. Meaning I wouldn’t talk about it with people, I wouldn’t analyze new or worse symptoms, I wouldn’t google/investigate (this was a big one!), and I wouldn’t plan a doctor’s appointment until that time period was up. I would just live my life the way I did before all this started (to the best of my physical ability). Since you’re trying to work on acceptance, I would give this a shot the best you can, even for a short amount of time. The chance to worry again will always be there a month from now.

You are very sensible @SandCastle. This is really helpful advice and I will take it on board. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Have horrible buzzing/vibrating sensation in my left hand in the muscle below my thumb. It’s driving me mad. Anyone else had this? The muscle symptoms by far still the worst for me. Have had small windows where I am more accepting of the symptoms and my reaction is calmer than normal, so that’s something. 
 

Neck tension, twitching, issues with speaking and eating still remain. If I fully relax my face, I have involuntary facial movements which are horrifying. The side of my nose and mouth get pulled up the way. I hope this eases. 
 

Still managing to go to work and care for my daughter, it’s not easy but I’m doing it. 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Hi @HealthHopeHappiness I do think the facial muscular thing is a form of TD. I had this in my cheek and thumb, where the muscles just pulled on their own, although I don’t think it was enough to be obvious to anyone else. I’m not going through this now thankfully (unfortunately it was a symptom that returned at some point in the summer after being gone for months) so I think it will eventually go away for you too. But as I’ve learned, you just never know how long that will take. I don’t really care that drug companies try to act like low-dose drugs or Zoloft/Sertraline are too “gentle” to cause TD. It’s obvious they can cause it!

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I’m sorry you are having so many troubles with your muscles.  I continue to believe that with enough time we can heal from TD or dystonia.  You might want to get your eyes checked.  Some people need bifocals and yet another pair of glasses for using a tabletop computer.  I notice that TD is worse after I read or type out messages on my iPad (like right now).  Getting new glasses helped some.  It not like magic, but I think it did help.
 

Rosetta

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

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On 11/9/2021 at 2:09 AM, Rosetta said:

I’m sorry you are having so many troubles with your muscles.  I continue to believe that with enough time we can heal from TD or dystonia.  You might want to get your eyes checked.  Some people need bifocals and yet another pair of glasses for using a tabletop computer.  I notice that TD is worse after I read or type out messages on my iPad (like right now).  Getting new glasses helped some.  It not like magic, but I think it did help.
 

Rosetta

Thank you, Rosetta. The fact that you take the time to reply even though it can trigger uncomfortable symptoms for you really is testimony to how kind you are. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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On 10/27/2021 at 4:05 PM, SandCastle said:

Hi @HealthHopeHappiness I do think the facial muscular thing is a form of TD. I had this in my cheek and thumb, where the muscles just pulled on their own, although I don’t think it was enough to be obvious to anyone else. I’m not going through this now thankfully (unfortunately it was a symptom that returned at some point in the summer after being gone for months) so I think it will eventually go away for you too. But as I’ve learned, you just never know how long that will take. I don’t really care that drug companies try to act like low-dose drugs or Zoloft/Sertraline are too “gentle” to cause TD. It’s obvious they can cause it!

Thanks, @SandCastle. I agree, it most definitely is TD. I’m so glad yours has settled now. I appreciate you responding & hope you have seen some windows over the last few weeks. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Tomorrow (18th Nov) marks one year since I took my last Sertraline pill. I don’t even really know what to say. I can’t quite believe I am still finding myself feeling as bad as I do, especially physically. My muscle symptoms remain the worst part of this process for me and, as a result, I have grown increasingly fearful of my own body. I hate being alone, I struggle to be present with my daughter and husband as my mind takes me to the worst case scenario at every opportunity - an intense fear of not being here for them. What I find so unfair is I was given SSRI medications after miscarrying a very longed for sibling for my daughter, by myself during COVID, as I was left feeling anxious. In hindsight, I didn’t need medication, I just needed the doctor to listen. I experienced previous pregnancy losses before my daughter and went through IVF to have her, she is so loved and so very wanted, and yet this last year has robbed me of being able to be fully present with her. It feels very cruel. 
 

I hold onto hope that I will come out the other side of this one day. That I will be able to look at my daughter and not feel overwhelmed with fear of losing her or of her losing me. That I will not worry that my legs are going to collapse underneath me when she asks me to chase her. That I will not feel that sinking feeling when I wake in the morning when I realise I am still facing this nightmare. 
 

I listened to a podcast last week where a woman spoke about choosing peace. It resonated with me. When everything feels unpredictable and out of control, the one thing I can try and control is how I react to my experiences. Some days this feels insurmountable, but sometimes I get a glimmer of peace and acceptance, and it feels pretty wonderful. ☮️ 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Awful day today. Terrible muscle pain and fatigue, almost flu like. Twitching muscles all over and also muscle shakes/tremors in my groin, thigh & calves which are very scary. I also had terrible TD flare up in my face - my nose, lip and chin muscles pulling and twitching uncontrollably. Almost like I am grimacing without any control over doing so. If I relax my face and just allow the movements to happen the movements stop & settle on their own. 
 

I’m not sure whether many people ever see my posts as I don’t get many responses but if anyone can relate or offer any similar experiences it would really help. 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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You are going through the same thing that I did, and I relate very well to your experience, HHH.  I’m so sorry you have to have these thoughts and feelings.  It is unfair, I agree.  Please know that the intrusive thoughts about leaving your daughter will become less frequent and less intense as will the TD symptoms.  I have many pages in my thread where I talk about being afraid to leave my daughter here without me, about having anhedonia that prevented me from enjoying my time with her, and being lost in my terrible thoughts. Waking up feeling that I am living in a horror movie was very common. I am now able to be present and to enjoy my time with her.  You will also slowly recover.  
 

Taking clonazapam is not a good idea at all.  Please don’t go down that road.  You don’t have pain from the muscle issues, right?  Even if you did, it would have to be very bad to risk i

using clonazapam.  Addictive and not good for a healing brain unless a person is all ready addicted.  (Then, it’s necessary.) 

The intrusive thoughts are really hard to push away, I know.  Having muscles issues means that you are reminded over and over of this situation even when you might have been thinking of something else.  It’s really tough.  My muscle issues continue to improve!  Our brains are amazing.  The intrusive thought continue to fad, as well.  Yours will, too.

 

Finding things to do with your daughter that distract both of you is key.  There are a lot of great shows on Netflix and Prime for kids that are educational.  Try Tumbleleaf and Puffin Rock.  They are calm and quiet.  Little Einsteins and Leapfrog shows are good, too, but are a little louder.  I hope you can get these in Glasgow.  BBC has a show called Alphablocks.  I used it to teach my daughter phonics.  She loved it.  Babies would love it, too.  BBC has Numberblocks, too.


When I was very sick, I read to my daughter a lot.  I couldn’t chase her, but I found things I could do while sitting.  There are many books that are interactive allowing the child to touch them and feel different textures.  They were a good way for me to connect with my daughter.  Every night as we went to bed, I read to her.  We both looked forward to it.  It became ritual for me.  I found rituals very comforting when I was very sick.  Taking the same walk day after day, reading the same group of children’s books at night, as well as other repetitive activities, helped me feel calmer and reassured.  It does the same for children, and now, my daughter remembers some of those activities because we did them over and over again.  We had a connection even when I was very ill.  I cherish those memories, and I have forgotten a lot of the misery I felt at that time.

 

The one year point is discouraging because we are used to healing a lot from any injury over the course of one year.  This recovery process does not go quickly.  What you have to celebrate at one year is that you survived!  I mean that.  That is an accomplishment.  It’s very hard to go through this, but you have done it, and now you know you can do it.  You are still here with your daughter.  You are going to be here tomorrow and the next day!  
 

Just keep going, Rosetta

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

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  • Mentor

Sorry to hear you’re still suffering HHH. I looked for and found no answers to my spasms which were with me for a year or so. I still get the odd leg twitch for a minute or two in the night (at 3 years) but my facial palsy, hand clawing and voice loss is a thing of the distant past. It’s horrid and slow but it will go. 
 

No medical professional could explain it and I found no magic supplements. Just patience and self kindness. 

50 mg Sertraline Nov 2016 to Dec 2016

100 mg Sertraline Jan - March 2017

50 mg Sertraline April - June 2017

25 mg Sertraline July 2017 - Sept 2018

12.5 mg Sertraline Oct 2018

0 mg Nov 1 2018

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On 11/21/2021 at 4:19 PM, Rosetta said:

You are going through the same thing that I did, and I relate very well to your experience, HHH.  I’m so sorry you have to have these thoughts and feelings.  It is unfair, I agree.  Please know that the intrusive thoughts about leaving your daughter will become less frequent and less intense as will the TD symptoms.  I have many pages in my thread where I talk about being afraid to leave my daughter here without me, about having anhedonia that prevented me from enjoying my time with her, and being lost in my terrible thoughts. Waking up feeling that I am living in a horror movie was very common. I am now able to be present and to enjoy my time with her.  You will also slowly recover.  
 

Taking clonazapam is not a good idea at all.  Please don’t go down that road.  You don’t have pain from the muscle issues, right?  Even if you did, it would have to be very bad to risk i

using clonazapam.  Addictive and not good for a healing brain unless a person is all ready addicted.  (Then, it’s necessary.) 

The intrusive thoughts are really hard to push away, I know.  Having muscles issues means that you are reminded over and over of this situation even when you might have been thinking of something else.  It’s really tough.  My muscle issues continue to improve!  Our brains are amazing.  The intrusive thought continue to fad, as well.  Yours will, too.

 

Finding things to do with your daughter that distract both of you is key.  There are a lot of great shows on Netflix and Prime for kids that are educational.  Try Tumbleleaf and Puffin Rock.  They are calm and quiet.  Little Einsteins and Leapfrog shows are good, too, but are a little louder.  I hope you can get these in Glasgow.  BBC has a show called Alphablocks.  I used it to teach my daughter phonics.  She loved it.  Babies would love it, too.  BBC has Numberblocks, too.


When I was very sick, I read to my daughter a lot.  I couldn’t chase her, but I found things I could do while sitting.  There are many books that are interactive allowing the child to touch them and feel different textures.  They were a good way for me to connect with my daughter.  Every night as we went to bed, I read to her.  We both looked forward to it.  It became ritual for me.  I found rituals very comforting when I was very sick.  Taking the same walk day after day, reading the same group of children’s books at night, as well as other repetitive activities, helped me feel calmer and reassured.  It does the same for children, and now, my daughter remembers some of those activities because we did them over and over again.  We had a connection even when I was very ill.  I cherish those memories, and I have forgotten a lot of the misery I felt at that time.

 

The one year point is discouraging because we are used to healing a lot from any injury over the course of one year.  This recovery process does not go quickly.  What you have to celebrate at one year is that you survived!  I mean that.  That is an accomplishment.  It’s very hard to go through this, but you have done it, and now you know you can do it.  You are still here with your daughter.  You are going to be here tomorrow and the next day!  
 

Just keep going, Rosetta

@Rosetta, I read this reply during a really dark time last week and it was so comforting and reassuring. Thank you. Your tips for parenting are very sensible and I know you are right that maintaining connection, whatever that may look like, is the most important thing rather than what we are doing together. 
 

I know things are hard for you too, and the fact you took the time to send a thoughtful reply is so greatly appreciated. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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On 11/21/2021 at 6:43 PM, DaBro said:

Sorry to hear you’re still suffering HHH. I looked for and found no answers to my spasms which were with me for a year or so. I still get the odd leg twitch for a minute or two in the night (at 3 years) but my facial palsy, hand clawing and voice loss is a thing of the distant past. It’s horrid and slow but it will go. 
 

No medical professional could explain it and I found no magic supplements. Just patience and self kindness. 

Great to hear from you @DaBro. A friendly ‘face’ from the start of this horrible journey. It gives me hope that your symptoms have lessened. I need to stop buying into mine so much as it makes everything so much worse. 
 

Hope you are going from strength to strength. You’re doing great. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Ever since WD started I have had this very strange issue where I can’t walk without shoes or slippers on. It feels like I can’t feel my feet properly on the floor without them and like I will fall over. I have tried many times to ‘override’ this sensation and force myself to walk barefoot or in socks but I can’t do it, it’s too difficult. Today we went to visit my in-laws and I took my shoes off at the front door and didn’t have slippers with me and it took so much effort to get myself to their living room. I haven’t mentioned this feeling to my husband as I know he won’t get it! I’ve mentioned before that my gait is generally off, which remains the case, but it is more stable with shoes on. Can anyone relate?! 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Anyone have any bother with excessive hand wrinkling in water? As soon as my left hand immerses in water, even for 30 seconds, it turns really wrinkly. I know this sounds crazy to say! But it is so noticeable. A quick google search (not ideal, I know) did mention wrinkles are linked to the nervous system and it sending a message to narrow blood vessels. Could this really be a WD effect?! 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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@HealthHopeHappiness I read this just after driving to work and looked at my hands, and they do have that water-wrinkled look! It is cold out, but that is still strange. I’ll have to pay more attention now!

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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6 hours ago, SandCastle said:

@HealthHopeHappiness I read this just after driving to work and looked at my hands, and they do have that water-wrinkled look! It is cold out, but that is still strange. I’ll have to pay more attention now!

Oh really! It’s so bizarre. Mine also go wrinkled when cold, this never ever happened before. Maybe it’s a bit of Raynauds or something?! Who knows! X 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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I’m in a terrible wave. I didn’t realise how ‘well’ I was doing with my symptoms up until now - although they were still very prominent, they were not like they are right now. I am twitching everywhere, all the time. I am having difficulty eating and walking, coordinating any sort of movements. I have that awful chemical panic that makes me sweat and not able to think straight. I am fighting a constant urge to go and find help somewhere for some reassurance. I am almost 13 months out. Why the sudden change? 😔 

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
58 minutes ago, HealthHopeHappiness said:

I am almost 13 months out. Why the sudden change?

 

When this happens it is important to be a detective and to look for non-withdrawal things that might have caused or contributed to this.

 

Things to consider:

 

alcohol, sickness / injury, starting or stopping medication/supplements, vaccination, additional stress (job loss or change, financial issues, relationship issues, moving, holiday), loss of close relative / friend / pet, consuming new foods (MSG, which is a neurotoxin, artificial sweetners, new spices)

 

The Covid situation started early last year and things are becoming more normal but not going back to what they were pre-Covid.  Our world has been changed by what has happened and there is a lot of uncertainty that we didn't have before.

 

Even though we think we have been coping okay, I suspect that there are people for whom the stress builds up very gradually over time and that it can then rear its ugly head and they can't work out what has caused it.

 

I was watching a video yesterday and they had statistics of the increase in the number of people experiencing depression in American.  I think pre-Covid was 17% and post-Covid was 40%.  I cannot remember when the stats were taken.

* 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

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@HealthHopeHappiness How long have you been experiencing worse symptoms? I got the booster shot and I do think that’s been causing some problems for me. I’ve also noticed that my first sign I was getting a cold used to be a sore throat and now it’s muscle twitching, cramps and other withdrawal symptoms THEN the sore throat comes. I also had symptoms ramp up in July, around the 14 to 15 month mark, and I have no idea what to attribute that to. It slowly faded over time, but now I’m getting another wave of different symptoms, and I’m hoping it’s due to having several viruses in a row but who knows. I agree with the list that ChessieCat posted and I think sometimes we don’t even realize what foods we’re eating that it could be or that we’re actually under stress since there’s not some big stressful event that we can name. I really hope you pull through this wave soon.

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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Thank you to both of you for your replies. I have had a very sore throat on and off for a couple of weeks. I could feel an uptick in my symptoms gradually but the full wave started a few days ago. My daughter also has been unwell over the last few weeks and on Friday when I finished work she started being sick and had a gastro bug. Work has been extremely stressful, and my diet has been poor too (lots of toast instead of meals as I’m so tired after work). I also had a flu vaccine a couple of weeks ago. So I guess it could be any one of these things. Waves don’t get any less terrifying, do they?! 
 

@SandCastlehave you had any improvements recently? I hope so. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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Hi @HealthHopeHappiness I haven’t had more improvements. I still have a variety of symptoms every day, but I will get short windows throughout the day, maybe two hours at a time, where I have no issues, so maybe I can consider that an improvement. My biggest problem right now is the revival of older symptoms. I’m lucky to have far less twitching and muscle cramps than I had a few months ago, and some days I don’t have them at all. But I have a return of pelvic pain and pressure, back and hip pain, joint pain, loose joints, speech problems (not being able to get out the words that I’m thinking, if that make sense) frequent urination (not every day luckily because that is so inconvenient) and waking up in a state of panic. I hate when symptoms that have been gone for a while reappear because it makes me feel like I’m starting over. One thing I’m happy about is I haven’t had acid reflux in weeks even though I haven’t changed my diet. That is absolutely uncomfortable when I’m going through it. Also, it’s been a while since I’ve had nightmares, so that’s a plus. I am going through the same thing as you with viruses, and I think the combination of cold weather and having little ones at home makes that inevitable all winter. We are constantly getting sore throats, coughs, colds and that is definitely contributing.

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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So I’ve tested positive for COVID tonight on a lateral flow test. My WD symptoms are absolutely the worst they’ve ever been. Perhaps an explanation? How on Earth am I going to manage the anxiety that comes with this. 🙈

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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On 12/13/2021 at 7:18 PM, SandCastle said:

Hi @HealthHopeHappiness I haven’t had more improvements. I still have a variety of symptoms every day, but I will get short windows throughout the day, maybe two hours at a time, where I have no issues, so maybe I can consider that an improvement. My biggest problem right now is the revival of older symptoms. I’m lucky to have far less twitching and muscle cramps than I had a few months ago, and some days I don’t have them at all. But I have a return of pelvic pain and pressure, back and hip pain, joint pain, loose joints, speech problems (not being able to get out the words that I’m thinking, if that make sense) frequent urination (not every day luckily because that is so inconvenient) and waking up in a state of panic. I hate when symptoms that have been gone for a while reappear because it makes me feel like I’m starting over. One thing I’m happy about is I haven’t had acid reflux in weeks even though I haven’t changed my diet. That is absolutely uncomfortable when I’m going through it. Also, it’s been a while since I’ve had nightmares, so that’s a plus. I am going through the same thing as you with viruses, and I think the combination of cold weather and having little ones at home makes that inevitable all winter. We are constantly getting sore throats, coughs, colds and that is definitely contributing.

Hi @SandCastleim so sorry you’re still going through this rollercoaster. Although there are positives in there, like the lessening of twitching and cramps, it must be so hard dealing with the return of old symptoms you thought had gone. I really hope the acid reflux is gone for good. Do you find anything helps your joint pain? Does movement make it better or worse? 
I can relate to the speech difficulties, as you know I’ve had on/off slurring but I also find it hard to remember words/names and even when reading my daughter her bedtime story it can take my brain some time to register what the word on the page says. I hope you are managing good quality sleep, I’m pleased you are not having nightmares. Hang in there, hoping for better days ahead for you. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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17 hours ago, HealthHopeHappiness said:

So I’ve tested positive for COVID tonight on a lateral flow test. My WD symptoms are absolutely the worst they’ve ever been. Perhaps an explanation? How on Earth am I going to manage the anxiety that comes with this. 🙈

Oh no, so sorry to hear this!! Yes, I think that this is definitely causing the ramp-up in symptoms. I have noticed the more unique to your body that a virus is, the worse the symptoms of withdrawal are. I once caught hand foot and mouth from my daughter and I guess I’m one of the few adults that didn’t get this out of the way as a kid (it was still pretty minor) and had the worst withdrawal symptom revival I’ve probably ever had. I hope this is all short-lived for you!

400mg SAM-e from ~Feb 10, 2018 to somewhere around July, 2018
25 mg Sertraline from January 2020 to mid April 2020

Cold turkey mid April 2020

Re-instated 25 mg Sertraline from early May 2020 for next three weeks then cold turkey again.

Currently on no meds or supplements.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

6 hours ago, HealthHopeHappiness said:

Hi Chessie, I was having a read through your thread and saw you had issues with leg muscle tightness and lifting your feet when walking. I just wondered if this resolved for you and how long it took? This remains one of my worst symptoms. Hope you are having better days now. 

 

I did a search in my topic and found this post March 2018:

 

On 3/10/2018 at 11:26 AM, ChessieCat said:

My legs muscles don't seem to be tightening as much as they were and it seems like I am starting to be able to lift my feet more when I walk.

 

* 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

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Hi @SandCastleand anyone else who reads this. Just an update that my PCR result was negative, despite multiple lateral flows being faint positive. I do, however, have a bad bout of tonsillitis which I have been trying to ride out for the last 3 weeks or so but I might need to contact GP as I still have white spots at the back of my throat. Have been trying to avoid antibiotics. I would say I have had some windows, where physical symptoms remain the same but my reaction to them, at times, is more calm. I read a thread on the ‘change the channel’ approach and have been trying to use this whenever I can feel my thoughts spiralling. I’ve been trying to bring myself back to the here and now as much as I can. 
 

Leg/foot weakness and twitching still ongoing, as is awkward gait and stiff walking movements. TD facial twitching still happening at rest. New symptom is my jaw clamping shut when I’m drifting off to sleep, not sure what this is about. Left hand still clenched and thumb muscles vibrating/twitching. 
 

I have read through my thread again to reassure myself that I have been here before, this isn’t new and it is WD related. Who knows, if I’m lucky enough to be writing an update next Christmas, maybe some of these symptoms will have eased. Need to keep hoping. 💕

Mid-August 2020 - started 15mg Mirtazapine, increased to 30mg 2 weeks later. Late-September 2020 - switched to 20mg Paroxetine as Mirtazapine exacerbated RLS. October 2020 - stopped Paroxetine because of worsening RLS, muscle twitching and general restlessness.

Mid-October 2020 - Switched to 50mg Sertraline. Restlessness, muscle twitching and other symptoms even worse. Stopped taking it on 18 November following advice from GP - took every other day for a week before stopping completely. Mid-November 2020 - GP prescribed Propranolol to take as and when required for anxiety. Have only taken a few times as it makes me very light headed. January 2020 - currently taking magnesium citrate powder in evenings to help with RLS. Also taking high strength omega-3 fish oil. 
 

 

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