Popular Post PristiqMystique Posted June 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted June 15, 2021 Hey guys, My past medications: these were most recent, from the age of 15 onward: - Pristiq - 100 mg - Abilify - 15 mg - Fluoxetine - 20 mg - L-methyl folate (supplement) - Adderrall XR (in morning) - forget dosage - Adderrall , 2 throughout day - forget dosage When I was 10, I was dealing with a lot of anxiety due to an unstable home life at my Mom’s. I was diagnosed with anxiety and began taking Fluoxetine after an initial meeting with a psychologist followed by a psychiatrist. At age 15, I attempted suicide and was admitted to a teen unit at a local hospital. There, I was placed on many of the medications that would later be incredibly difficult to discontinue. By age 20, I had erectile dysfunction, weighed ≈285 pounds at 6’, couldn’t concentrate on anything, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, had severely limited vision in both eyes, slept 12 hours per night, had a constant feeling of emptiness, and had an overall feeling of not being present in my life (just kind of floating around). On March 12th, 2020 (yes, at the beginning of the pandemic), I stopped everything Cold Turkey. It probably wasn’t the smartest move, but I’m so glad I did it. I went through about 4 months of what I can only describe as hell. Vomiting, diarrhea, alternating between sleeping for 12 hours and 3 hours per night, and a rollercoaster of emotions I’d never felt before. I’m currently 185 pounds, diabetes free, updated my license yesterday to remove my vision restriction (my vision corrected), have a pretty good running/ weightlifting habit / Nutrition approach going, I just finished 2 years at a local Community College with a 3.2 overall GPA in a transfer program to a B.S. in Chemistry, and life is fantastic. Everything works well, I’m feeling real, genuine emotions for the first time in my life, and I’m thrilled to be alive. The only drawback from this whole discontinuation process is that I now can’t stay in bed for more than 6-7 hours. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, getting the vision restriction from my license removed yesterday prompted me to speak about my story (I guess you could call it a personal milestone). I’m still navigating the whole relationship, being human, and experiencing emotions part of everything but I can say that for once in my life, I’m very happy. Feel free to ask me anything. Thanks everyone, Connor 14 Started on Psychoactive Medications at the age of 10, in 2009.Discontinued medications at age 20 (last official day taking anything was March 12th, 2020).Past medications: from 2015->2020. Adderall XR - 40 mg. Adderrall 2x throughout day - 20 mg (40 total). Abilify - 20 mg. Pristiq - 100 mg. Fluoxetine - 25 mg. L-Methyl Folate Supplement (Deplin) - 15 mg 6’ 285->180 pounds. August ‘19->Current Runner (Daily 30->60+ minute Run for Mental Health bennies) Working on B.S. in Chemistry with Minor in Biology (intended graduation in Spring ‘23) Recreational Lifter (3-4x/ week. Mostly Pull-ups, OHP, and Bench.) Percussionist (mainly kit, various bands, school bands, Jazz Band, Church productions, etc.) since age 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted June 23, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 23, 2021 Hi PristiqueMystique, And oh my, thank you for coming round to share your success to date. Congrats and hugs. You are healing for sure! And what a story. 💜 Apologies for the delay in getting you approved and posted. Staff has been busy, and new posters abundant. So it looks like about 1 year and a couple of months off all your psychoactive drugs. Lot's of questions, sure. How did you approach your tapering and then symptoms of WD(withdrawal)? What did you taper first and how? What kind of symptoms occurred along the way? Might be helpful to note dates and if resolved now? Also helpful, and especially if you come around some more to share, and support others........would be to have you do a signature. I'll give you the link that instructs how to do that. Brief is good, and just the dates, drugs, doses, in the signature. You'll see mine below this post. Probably easiest to do from a PC. How to List Drug History in Signature And welcome aboard. Great to have you. Love, peace, healing, and continued growth, moderator manymoretodays or mmt 1 Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Cocopuffz17 Posted June 24, 2021 Mentor Share Posted June 24, 2021 Amazing to read. I am glad you are getting such improvements in your health getting off all the different meds. Well done I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 2008 to 2019 - 20 mg Paroxetine Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful. 2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PristiqMystique Posted June 24, 2021 Author Share Posted June 24, 2021 Hey guys, to elaborate a little more, my psychiatrist did wean me off the fluoxetine and Abilify over 10-12 weeks each, respectively. The Pristiq was next on the agenda, however, the pandemic began and I could only meet with him over Zoom. I decided to take matters into my own hands and stop the Pristiq cold Turkey, under the assumption that I would have to deal with withdrawal regardless and that I would get it out of the way. My withdrawal symptoms included (past tense) mood swings (crazy ups and downs), intense periods of anxiety, crying and hyperventilating at the drop of a hat, pain from bright lights, random decreases and increases in appetite, and an excessive amount of energy. My withdrawal symptoms include (still going) insomnia (not terrible, I sleep 6-7 hours per night and on a good night I sleep 8 hours. However, I suffered from hypersomnia due to my medications so this is a lot different), misophonia (loud noises seem to make my heart pound and in a crowded room, it feels like the noises are surrounding me), increased health anxiety (which isn’t helped by the insomnia since I feel that it isn’t exactly healthy), and I’m full of nervous energy a good portion of the time. My concentration is great, motivation is great, energy levels are really good, appetite is normal, cognitive abilities are great, health is great, and I finally have self confidence. The medications seemed to curb my general anxiety but honestly, I think going off them cured me of my social anxiety and any form of depression. I’m happy to answer any more questions, Connor 4 Started on Psychoactive Medications at the age of 10, in 2009.Discontinued medications at age 20 (last official day taking anything was March 12th, 2020).Past medications: from 2015->2020. Adderall XR - 40 mg. Adderrall 2x throughout day - 20 mg (40 total). Abilify - 20 mg. Pristiq - 100 mg. Fluoxetine - 25 mg. L-Methyl Folate Supplement (Deplin) - 15 mg 6’ 285->180 pounds. August ‘19->Current Runner (Daily 30->60+ minute Run for Mental Health bennies) Working on B.S. in Chemistry with Minor in Biology (intended graduation in Spring ‘23) Recreational Lifter (3-4x/ week. Mostly Pull-ups, OHP, and Bench.) Percussionist (mainly kit, various bands, school bands, Jazz Band, Church productions, etc.) since age 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutfael Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 Your story is inspiring and bold at the same time.. I want to ask you how you managed to stop all the medicines at once. Is there no danger? I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Greatful Posted June 28, 2021 Mentor Share Posted June 28, 2021 @PristiqMystiqueCongratulations. Thanks for letting us see it can be done. Your experience has eased some of the worry that WD will take years, and it still can, but you have reminded me that we are all different and our recoveries will very, some people do have shorter recoveries. Thank you https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24894-greatful-is-this-withdrawal-or-to-many-med-changes-at-once/ 1995? Prozac, tried several Paxil, Serzone, St John's Wart back to Prozac and Trazodone ct:d Traz Lexapro. Tried to stop Crash in 2015 Kindled Hospitalized, Vybrid, Seroquel, Effexor, Abilify Pristiq, Wellbutrin-- 2016 ended back on Prozac and Lamictal 200mg 5/2020 thru 12/2020 taper from 20mg Prozac down to 3mg. Crashed 12/13/2020 Zoloft 50mg 1/29ct 1/29/2021 Seroquel 50mg ct 2/12/2021 Wellbutrin 75mg. Became hypo manic 2/1 6ct Trazodone 50mg 4/25 25mg 2/5/ 2021 Lamictal 150mg. 2/24 100mg 4/9 75mg 4/21 37.5 2/16/2021 Seroquel 50xr 3/3 100mg 3/17 150mg side effects ct 4/3 2021 Lexapro 5mg 4/14 7.5mg 4/30 10mg 5/10 7.5mg 2021/ 5/16 5mg Lexapro 37.5 Lamictal 25mg trazadone, xanax .0625mg 3x a day Lexapro Taper> Sept/01/2021 4.90mg> Sept/25 4.75mg> Oct/19 4.69mg > Nov/14 4.2mg Jan/30/2022-- Split dosing 2x a day All liquid 4.2mg (2.20mg at 8am & 2mg at 4pm) 2/17 4mg> 2/24 3.8mg slow taper to Aug/12/2022 2.04mg 2023> 2mg, 1.90mg, 1.80mg, 1.70mg, 1.5mg, 1.4mg, 1.3mg 1.2mg, 1.1mg, 1mg, 0.9mg, 0.8mg, 0.7mg 0.65mg, 0.6mg, 0.55mg, 0.5mg, 0.45mg, 0.4mg, 0.35mg, 0.3mg, 0.25,mg, back to once a day dosing 0 .1mg, 0.07mg , 0.05mg 4/1/2024 0 Lamictal taper 4/17/ 2022 25mg, 9/9/ 22 -20mg, 9/25/22- 15mg , 10/20/22- 0 Trazodone..2023.>down to 14mg, 7mg, 6mg July 2023 0 Xanax 0.0625 3 x a day, 2023> 0.042 3x a day Supplements Magnesium glycinate, Omega 3, D3, vitamin c , zinc, NAC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariel Posted May 8, 2022 Share Posted May 8, 2022 Hi @PristiqMystique Thanks so much for sharing your story. It helps so much to read. Congratulations on all your hard work turning things around and saving your own life! I wish you all the best. A. 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PristiqMystique Posted August 13, 2022 Author Share Posted August 13, 2022 (edited) Question: 2+ years post-SSRI/Mood Stabilizer / SNRI discontinuation Hey guys! On March 12th of 2020, I took my final dose of Fluoxetine after tapering off Pristiq and Adderall. I’ve been medication free since then and life is going really well. I’ve experienced a world of difference in feeling genuine emotions, reduced brain fog, improved concentration, motivation, happiness, etc. (even feeling true sadness at times has been nice). I’m finishing up undergrad currently and I’m applying to Inorganic Chem PhD programs. My physical health has also improved a great deal, if you’re interested, my profile contains the rest of my story. However, I’m looking for others who’ve been off these medications for a bit. Since discontinuing everything, I struggle to sleep the way I did. When I was on the medication, I suffered from hypersomnia (excessive tiredness, lethargy, ~11-12 hours in bed daily). However, I now have the opposite problem. Without the aid of melatonin/earplugs, I struggle to sleep more than about 6 hours on average (some nights more/ some worse). If anyone has had anything similar that improved with time, I’d love to hear it! Best, Connor Edited August 13, 2022 by ChessieCat added topic title before merging with intro topic Started on Psychoactive Medications at the age of 10, in 2009.Discontinued medications at age 20 (last official day taking anything was March 12th, 2020).Past medications: from 2015->2020. Adderall XR - 40 mg. Adderrall 2x throughout day - 20 mg (40 total). Abilify - 20 mg. Pristiq - 100 mg. Fluoxetine - 25 mg. L-Methyl Folate Supplement (Deplin) - 15 mg 6’ 285->180 pounds. August ‘19->Current Runner (Daily 30->60+ minute Run for Mental Health bennies) Working on B.S. in Chemistry with Minor in Biology (intended graduation in Spring ‘23) Recreational Lifter (3-4x/ week. Mostly Pull-ups, OHP, and Bench.) Percussionist (mainly kit, various bands, school bands, Jazz Band, Church productions, etc.) since age 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted August 13, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 13, 2022 Six hours a night is not too bad. Q: Do you use phone/computer during the evening? If you do then you might try either not using them after a certain time or you could try wearing gaming/blue light glasses. Also try to have a calm and regular bedtime routine which can help your brain learn that it is time to slow down and sleep. Q: What time of day do you exercise, practice music etc? See above: playing computer games, watching fast paced movies, physical activities too late in the day can cause the body to be overstimulated. If you take vitamins, Vitamin D is a daytime vitamin and best taken in the morning. B vitamins, especially B6, can be activating. Here is Alto's favourite sleep topics: TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime What is the sleep cycle? Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia Sleep and withdrawal Path to Better Sleep FREE online for everyone from the US Veterans Administration Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful * 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted August 13, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 13, 2022 Q: Did you drink alcohol? * 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted September 19, 2022 Mentor Share Posted September 19, 2022 On 8/12/2022 at 8:24 PM, PristiqMystique said: If anyone has had anything similar that improved with time, I’d love to hear it! yes for me, good sleep was the last thing to return I am now 5 yrs off all psych meds and my sleep gradually improved over the past few years. without reading back thru my thread I would guess it was around the 3rd yr off that I was back to more or less normal sleep. but I was just so happy to be able to sleep at all or for more than 90 mins that I've been pretty satisfied with my sleep for a long time. I guess it's a matter of perspective, I know how much worse it could be I imagine your sleep will continue to improve as well I am still seeing other improvements, even this far out. I thought that I was 100% healed but I find some minor things still getting better, I have better stress tolerance. I feel more "in" my body most of the time, more comfortable with myself. I don't know if that's recovery from WD or just improvements because I'm no longer medicated and numb, honestly. I guess it's best to just say that my life keeps getting better I hope you see improvements too 1 PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela9985 Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 Hi Connor, congratulations! I am in the middle of tapering, just wonder did you have derealization? Like kinda foggy in the head? Thank you so much! 2021/2 - 2021/5: Xanax 1mg, zopiclone 3.75mg; 2021/5 - 2021/8: Xanax 1mg, zopiclone 3.75mg, venlafaxine 225mg; 2021/8 - 2021/11: Clonazapem 2mg, venlafaxine 225mg, rexulti 2mg, mirtazapine 30mg, zopiclone 3.75mg; 2021/11 - 2021/12: Clonazapem 2mg, venlafaxine 225mg, rexulti 2mg Crashed, mirtazapine WD(didn't know at that time) 2022/1 - 2022/3: Clonazapem 2mg, venlafaxine 225mg, bupropion 300mg; 2022/4 - 2022/5:Clonazapem 1mg, venlafaxine 187.5mg, trazodone 100mg 2022/5 - 2022/8/15: Clonazepam 0.5mg(wean off), trazodone 100mg, lexapro 20mg(cross taper), rexulti 3mg Crashed, suspect to be benzo WD 2022/8/16 - 2022/9/7: Clonazepam 0.5mg, venlafaxine 150mg(side effect this time), rexulti 3mg, trazodone 100mg, seroquel 25mg; 2022/9/8 - 2022/10/1: Clonazepam 1mg, trintellix 20mg(cross taper), rexulti 3mg, trazodone 50mg, seroquel 25mg; 2022/10/2 - 2022/11/8: Clonazepam 1mg, trintellix 10mg, trazodone 25mg Crashed since 10/9 2022/11/9 - 2022/11/15: Clonazepam 1mg, trintellix 5mg; 2022/11/16 - 2022/12/2: Clonazepam 1mg, trintellix 5mg, dayvigo 5mg; 2022/12/3 - 2022/12/21: Clonazapem 1mg, trintellix 5mg, dayvigo 2.5mg Fly back to China from Canada, 13hrs jet lag triggered severe wave til today. 2022/12/22 - 2023/3/21: Clonazepam 1mg, trintellix 5mg, dayvigo 5mg 2023/3/21 - now: Clonazepam 1mg, trintellix 10mg, dayvigo 5mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now