Ed589: Introduction

[Ed589]

I feel fortunate to have found SA and look forward to reading and sharing experiences with others in this shared boat. I have taken antidepressants for the majority of the last 40 years, quitting everything completely in 2008, it seems that less than a year later I was taking citalprolam again, then bupoprion, and the generic Xanax. The meds seemed to keep me motivated while working and during retirement.

 

The last few years it felt like the antidepressants were not working. Over the years I've been in an out of CBT, the last was in 2006-2008 when I withdrew from using all medication by tapering in that two year period. Just months later, a return of anxiety/anger/depression and consultation with a doctor resulted in my renewing my use of the antidepressants.

 

Thirteen years later and I'm off most of the medication (I still take .25mg of the generic Xanax in the morning and at night.) I have been talking with a psychiatrist but for medication evaluation and not talk therapy. About two years ago when the citalopram seemed to quit working I switched to sertraline which initially seemed better. In September 2021, I had a miserable month trying paxil and then tapering it out of my system. Recently we tried increasing the Wellbutrin from 150 to 300 mg, this started feeling as bad as the paxil so I stopped taking the extra 150mg.

 

Talking with my psychiatrist, he seemed to have run out of options. I suggested reinstating citalopram since it had been two years since it 'quit' working. The psychiatrist liked the idea and told me to go ahead and quit the all of the Wellbutrin and to begin Celexa. After analyzing where I was at I decided to quit all the Wellbutrin but to not start the Celexa. I see this as an opportunity to stay off the antidepressants and slowly taper out the Xanax. 

 

Since coming off the sertraline I've been experiencing many of the typical withdrawal symptoms most of the time. Every second or third day is 'good,' and I've been looking for resources that help me through the bumpy days. I've tried meditating before but this time it seems to have clicked and become a valuable resource. I see depression as a place, a black pond. My quest is for non-medication methods of staying away from the pond.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read my introduction. May we all be held in compassion.

[getofflex]

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a volunteer-run community of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.So to clarify, you switched from Sertraline to Buproprion in November 2021, and are now on the alprazolam and bupropion?  I'm somewhat confused by the drug history in your signature.  The last line says "2021 Stopped anitdpressants except Alprazolam .5mg/day Nov".  which implies you stopped the bupropion as well.  Approximately what day in November did you stop the bupropion? Thank you.  I'm glad you decided not to go back on the Celexa, and are wanting to get off the psych drug merry go round.  

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.   This explains why we get symptoms from going off of these medications, and why it's so important to taper so slowly and carefully, and be very cautious about changing our doses: 

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

Video on Recovery from Psych Drugs

 

What is Happening in Your Brain

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

I would suggest you stabilize in your withdrawal symptoms before starting your alprazolam taper.  Here is the forum for people who wish to taper off benzos: 

 

Benzo Tapering Forum

 

Tapering is best done extremely slowly, and we generally taper by 10% of the current dose no more than once every 4 weeks, so that the taper becomes exponentially smaller.

 

Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. 

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

Considerations About Stability - Stop Jumping Around

 

Here is a link with checklists of common WD symptoms: 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen Withdrawal Symptom Checklists

 

 

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'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. 

Edited December 10, 2021 by getofflex

[getofflex]

P.S.  Check out http://www.benzobuddies.org

[Ed589]

Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for asking for clarification. I don't know the exact dates. I need to write Express Scripts and request my medication history for exact dates. 

I would like to delete or have my introduction deleted along with my user name and start fresh. At this time I take .25 mg of alprazolam in the morning and at night. I'm off the bupoprion and sertraline and hope I am over most of the withdrawal. I listen to guided meditation 10-20 minutes a day, walk 3-4 miles a day, and try to keep busy. 

[Ed589]

I will check out http://www.benzobuddies.org. Thank you.

[getofflex]

We only delete accounts in extreme circumstances.  Please see:

 

If You Wish to Close or Delete Your Account

 

You are welcome to make any changes you like to your posts.  

 

If you would like to change your screen name, please contact Karma, and tell him several screen names you would like, in case one is taken.  Thank you.  

Edited December 11, 2021 by getofflex

[Ed589]

Okay, this is information overflow. I have no idea where to begin.