Neka: Withdrawals

[Neka]

I used Zoloft for 5 days only and it did my body terrible. I didn’t know stopping the meds would cause withdrawals. I can’t get back on because I’m not even having attacks like that but what helps with the withdrawals. I have parathesia, brain fog, ears ringing. It sucks!

Edited May 13, 2021 by Gridley

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Did you feel bad when you were on the Zoloft, or after you got off, or both?  I'm sorry you are going through this discomfort.  

 

First of all, can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. This is extremely important. 

 

Considerations About Stability Stop Jumping Around

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I'm sorry that you had this much trouble after only being on it a short time.  Here is a post that talks about this: 

 

I Only Took it For a Short Time

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and mull it over, and we will take it from there. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and take heart.  We in this forum have been through this, and we understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through.  Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities.  It takes time, but healing can and will happen. 

[Gridley]

@Neka

 

Welcome from me, too.

 

What you are experiencing is not withdrawal but rather an adverse reaction to Zoloft, though the symptoms are very similar, and yours are typical.  An adverse reaction can occur after a few days' use, as was the case with you, or even one dose.  An adverse reaction means the drug is poison to your system. You were wise to stop the drug.

 

The damage is not permanent.  You will recover but it may take some time.  In the meantime, please take a look at the links getofflex provided on magnesium and omega-3.  These can be very calming to the system.  

[Neka]

On 5/13/2021 at 3:17 PM, Gridley said:

@Neka

 

Welcome from me, too.

 

What you are experiencing is not withdrawal but rather an adverse reaction to Zoloft, though the symptoms are very similar, and yours are typical.  An adverse reaction can occur after a few days' use, as was the case with you, or even one dose.  An adverse reaction means the drug is poison to your system. You were wise to stop the drug.

 

The damage is not permanent.  You will recover but it may take some time.  In the meantime, please take a look at the links getofflex provided on magnesium and omega-3.  These can be very calming to the system.  

I hope so! I’ve been taking the fish oil pills but now I’m starting to get these headaches. One min I’m feeling good the next I’m not. I’m just ready for this to be over with omg! 

[Neka]

On 5/13/2021 at 2:57 PM, getofflex said:

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Did you feel bad when you were on the Zoloft, or after you got off, or both?  I'm sorry you are going through this discomfort.  

 

First of all, can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. This is extremely important. 

 

Considerations About Stability Stop Jumping Around

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I'm sorry that you had this much trouble after only being on it a short time.  Here is a post that talks about this: 

 

I Only Took it For a Short Time

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and mull it over, and we will take it from there. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and take heart.  We in this forum have been through this, and we understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through.  Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities.  It takes time, but healing can and will happen. 

Well this is my first time on meds. I started the first week in April and only took it for 5 days and I abruptly stopped. After I stopped I started to get muscle aches then everything went in parathesia mode! Now I’m taking the fish oil pills but my head is hurting some kind of bad. I just wish all this was over with. 

[Gridley]

12 hours ago, Neka said:

I just wish all this was over with. 

I'm sorry you're feeling bad.  You're not alone.  It will get better.

[Neka]

On 5/13/2021 at 2:57 PM, getofflex said:

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  Did you feel bad when you were on the Zoloft, or after you got off, or both?  I'm sorry you are going through this discomfort.  

 

First of all, can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your drugs in a concise list (no symptoms), only drug names, specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. This is extremely important. 

 

Considerations About Stability Stop Jumping Around

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I'm sorry that you had this much trouble after only being on it a short time.  Here is a post that talks about this: 

 

I Only Took it For a Short Time

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and mull it over, and we will take it from there. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and take heart.  We in this forum have been through this, and we understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through.  Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities.  It takes time, but healing can and will happen. 

Well this is my first time on meds. I started the first week in April and only took it for 5 days and I abruptly stopped. After I stopped I started to get muscle aches then everything went in parathesia mode! Now I’m taking the fish oil pills but my head is hurting some kind of bad. I just wish all this was over with. 

[Neka]

Well do the parathesia ever go away! One min I’m fine then all of sudden I go numb again. This is so scary but I’m keeping the faith and hoping it get better with time! 5 days and this destroyed my everything.

[getofflex]

Hello, can you please give us your drug signature according to these instructions?  Thank you.

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

I believe the parathesia will eventually go away, but it takes time. Did you read my link above "I Only Took it For a Short Time" at the end of my previous post?  

[Neka]

On 5/21/2021 at 3:20 PM, getofflex said:

Hello, can you please give us your drug signature according to these instructions?  Thank you.

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

I believe the parathesia will eventually go away, but it takes time. Did you read my link above "I Only Took it For a Short Time" at the end of my previous post?  

I think I just updated in account settings thank you! 

[getofflex]

Sorry, but it's still not showing up.  Click on your name in the upper right corner of the screen, click on account settings, then click on signature on the left.  Type it in the box there, then save.  That should do it.  

 

Please rest assured that your symptoms will fade in time.  These drugs are very powerful, and they tend to destabilize the nervous system, especially when you have an adverse reaction to them such as you did.  Please see How Long is Withdrawal Going to Take

Edited May 25, 2021 by getofflex

[Neka]

Yes, and thank you! It’s crazy how the nervous system work one min I’m fine then all of sudden it’s like I’m questioning myself I’m I still breathing. I have learned from the support group that everything will be okay so I haven’t had any panic attacks but I’m still learning to cope with how bad my body reacted to this drug. This is a mess one min I’m good the next feel as if some is moving in my head and the fact the parathesia is very irritating. I’ll hang on in there! 

[Neka]

Is there any type of food I should focus on while healing from adverse reaction? Just trying to see if a set diet would help. It’s frustrating trying to get my body back right esp from the headaches. 

[getofflex]

Thank you, I see your drug sig now.  🙂 It sounds like the classic windows and waves pattern you are experiencing.  

 

17 hours ago, Neka said:

I’ll hang on in there! 

I'm glad to hear this.  👊  Keep up the good work! 

[Neka]

1 hour ago, getofflex said:

Thank you, I see your drug sig now.  🙂 It sounds like the classic windows and waves pattern you are experiencing.  

 

I'm glad to hear this.  👊  Keep up the good work! 

Is there any type of foods I should focus on to make sure I’m keeping my stability? I think I’ll be okay I had to CT done in March before taking the medicine due to me having anxiety attacks so when I went to the neurologist she said since I had 2 priors both came back clear I shouldn’t need another one. I’m guessing it’s the waves and windows also because one min seems as if some is moving in the back of head then sometimes seems as if it have move to the front. I’m glad I found this group because honestly people thought I was crazy telling them they way I felt. I’m a social drinker occasionally so it feels so weird trying to let this wave pass without damaging it any further. I look forward to reading people horror stories on how psych meds did damage. Thanks once again! 

[getofflex]

What I do it eat a balanced diet with mostly whole unprocessed foods.  I eat fresh meats and seafood, fresh fruits and veggies, and more whole grains.  It's bit more challenging now with my husband retired and my 18 year old home from college.  I do better when I don't eat significant amounts of sugar, and I eat 3 modest sized meals and maybe a snack each day.  Here is a thread about diet, and other things.  The diet links are towards the bottom: 

 

Topics About Diet, etc.

On 5/26/2021 at 9:02 AM, Neka said:

I’m a social drinker occasionally so it feels so weird trying to let this wave pass without damaging it any further.

Just FYI, alcohol affects the nervous system, and can cause problems for a lot of people in WD who have sensitized nervous systems.  

[Neka]

Today I feel terrible! I’m not sure what’s going on with my body tingling all over my body that comes and goes and chest hurts in the middle. I don’t want to overthink, but it’s so scary! I been off meds two months now and seems as if I can’t catch a break. I must go on, but it’s so so hard. I’m pretty sure if I go to ER they will tell me I’m fine. I’ll just be glad when all of this is over with! 

[BooBoo19]

Hi Neka

 

I have been off meds over 4 months and those symptoms you describe is exactly what I have had for 4 months.  Stay Strong I think it is all part of withdrawal, at least I hope so as I have never, ever experienced it before.

[siderale]

8 minutes ago, Neka said:

tingling all over my body that comes and goes and chest hurts in the middle

I can only relate with such weird sensations and symptoms. In my case, something that helps not increase the panic in this state/transform it into a full-blown panic attack due to overthinking, is breathing exercises, for example five-minute long cardiac coherence exercises. This particular video is my go-to video in case of panic attacks or shortness of breath. There must be many others like it. You just have to focus on the dot going up and down, inhaling and exhaling in rhythm. I hope you feel better soon.

[Neka]

11 minutes ago, BooBoo19 said:

Hi Neka

 

I have been off meds over 4 months and those symptoms you describe is exactly what I have had for 4 months.  Stay Strong I think it is all part of withdrawal, at least I hope so as I have never, ever experienced it before.

Thank you! It can be so aggravating at times! Praying and wishing for the best. I believe it is all part of withdrawal because it’s not hurting every day nor is it sharp. I just notice the sensations of the feeling sometimes when I move, but it don’t last long and the tingling comes and goes. I’lol be glad when I come off the roller coaster.

[Neka]

8 minutes ago, siderale said:

I can only relate with such weird sensations and symptoms. In my case, something that helps not increase the panic in this state/transform it into a full-blown panic attack due to overthinking, is breathing exercises, for example five-minute long cardiac coherence exercises. This particular video is my go-to video in case of panic attacks or shortness of breath. There must be many others like it. You just have to focus on the dot going up and down, inhaling and exhaling in rhythm. I hope you feel better soon.

Yes, and I thank you! I’m trying day by day not to overthink things especially with all the weird things that goes on. I mean my windows can be good then boom here come a nasty wave. I’m learning, but I’ll definitely look into your video. Thanks once again! 

[Neka]

I was trying to go and read a lot of people side affects on how psych meds did their body. Even though I’m still having them like muscle weakness, brain fog, and etc. I was trying to see have anybody experienced this that I’m having. I went to the ER the other day experiencing chest pains, but the thing is it feels as if something is traveling up my stomach logging in my chest and back causing me to have chest pain and the only way it stops I’ll have to make myself burp. They told me everything was fine with X-ray showing no blockage and that I should see gastroenterologist to see if it’s anything in there. On top of that I guess the nerves will push down on my nose and ears from that particular pressure making it all bad. I was just wondering had anyone else had that side affect or something similar to it. It’s driving me nuts!!! 

[Paxil3days]

1 hour ago, Neka said:

I was trying to go and read a lot of people side affects on how psych meds did their body. Even though I’m still having them like muscle weakness, brain fog, and etc. I was trying to see have anybody experienced this that I’m having. I went to the ER the other day experiencing chest pains, but the thing is it feels as if something is traveling up my stomach logging in my chest and back causing me to have chest pain and the only way it stops I’ll have to make myself burp. They told me everything was fine with X-ray showing no blockage and that I should see gastroenterologist to see if it’s anything in there. On top of that I guess the nerves will push down on my nose and ears from that particular pressure making it all bad. I was just wondering had anyone else had that side affect or something similar to it. It’s driving me nuts!!! 

@NekaI have have very similar symptoms with burping and the nose and ear pressure. I am also a adverse reaction member on here !! Smh hate these drugs!!

[Rusty1]

Weird you say that, I thought I was the only one who had these symptoms.  I had an EKG and it came back normal.  I would feel gassy and chest pain.  The pain would reduce if I could make myself burp.  The one thing the doctor did diagnose was acid reflux causing my esophagus to spasm.  I couldn't figure out what it was and felt like my heart would skip a beat.  Turned out I was having a significant spasm.  I still get minor spasms from time to time if I lay down after eating.  It was quite scary and would only make my symptoms worse.  Once I had calmed down my medical anxiety and had a reasonable explanation it helped.

My symptoms only occurred when my anxiety was intensely heightened.

 

Do you notice this happens if you are having more anxiety or just after eating/drinking anything in particular?

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Neka 

 

Please don't start new topics when you want to ask "what should I do?" questions. To answer them properly, we need to see your history, which is here in your Introductions topic. 

 

Please post those "what should I do?" questions here in your topic.

 

Have you read all the responses to your questions above?

 

Yes, people have odd symptoms such as you've described when they are experiencing withdrawal. You abruptly went off Zoloft 2 months ago. Have your symptoms gotten better, worse, or are they the same as they were in early May?

[Neka]

Today is one of those days. Everything so far has been going as well and I’m learning to accept my waves and windows. Today I’m experiencing a lot of numbness, pressure in my forehead and nose. I just wanted to let you all know I’m taking it day by day, but I know from all the success stories that I shall overcome.

[Erell]

Hello @Neka

 

I've merged the new topic you created with your Introduction thread.

We have only one introduction thread per member, this way it keeps all your story in one place.

Please update in this thread without creating a new one.

 

Take care ☺

[Neka]

1 hour ago, Erell said:

Hello @Neka

 

I've merged the new topic you created with your Introduction thread.

We have only one introduction thread per member, this way it keeps all your story in one place.

Please update in this thread without creating a new one.

 

Take care ☺

Thanks! I will.....

[Neka]

I’ve been on this road for almost 4 months some days are great some are terrible. Do some people have headaches where they just sit in the back of your head and on your nose? It affects my anxiety so bad I’m trying each and everyday, but when it’s over I’ll be surely glad.

[Greatful]

@Neka  Hi reading your thread, and I could tell you about all sorts of headaches and nose pressure.  I have had crazy brain sensations since day on.  Zapping, buzzing, really sore spots, vice grip between my temples, someone driving a peg through the top of my head, very tight skull, headaches on one side of head and face, electricity zinging around my brain. Brain feels like a bowling bowl rolling around your head.  This rotates around from one symptom to the next.  Dry sinuses, burning sinuses.  The weird stuff from W/D in never ending. 

 

I am sorry that you have to go through it all from a adverse reaction.   

You sound like you really have it all under control.

You are doing a super job rolling with the punches.

Keep posting and sharing your journey.

[Neka]

@Greatful thanks it’s been very challenging because these meds really messes up your brain like that some days are very scary, but I pray and continue on. I think reading other people success stories gives me hope so I try to go back and read as much as I can. 
You keep up the good work as well 😉

[getofflex]

@Neka I agree with Grateful, you are doing great, even though some days you feel badly.  Your patience and time is what will get you through this and to the other side.  I agree, reading other people's success stories gives a lot of hope!  

[Greatful]

@Neka  Hi, stopping by to see how you are doing.  It has been pretty quite over here.

[Neka]

@Greatful things are a lil better I can’t complain still having these migraines though. Went to take a mri and had a anxiety attack so before I can reschedule I have to see my pcp so I can get meds to relax. Glad you are doing well keep it up! 

[Greatful]

@Neka  What kind of meds?  I don't want to scare you but if they are talking about a benzo? This could affect your WD.  

Maybe you should tag a mod and see what they say. frogie is very good at dealing with benzo's.  Sorry if I am jumping to conclusions?🙄

9 hours ago, Neka said:

Went to take a mri

I hope everything is okay.❤️

It is good to see that you are doing a little better in the WD department.

Keep up the good work.

[Neka]

33 minutes ago, Greatful said:

@Neka  What kind of meds?  I don't want to scare you but if they are talking about a benzo? This could affect your WD.  

Maybe you should tag a mod and see what they say. frogie is very good at dealing with benzo's.  Sorry if I am jumping to conclusions?🙄

I hope everything is okay.❤️

It is good to see that you are doing a little better in the WD department.

Keep up the good work.

@Greatful I’m not sure I’ll see I think it’s just some they give to keep you calm just so you want be afraid of taking the mri. Trust and believe I’m not taking no more psych meds I just started back taking Tylenol. I hate to say it, but I was never a fan of meds and those meds have made me terrified of a lot that I put in my body. We will see once I go this week.