Doctorsrcrap: can't cry and frustrated

[Doctorsrcrap]

Update on symptoms:

. Random heart palpatations 

. Tight chest and back

. Headaches 

. Minor brain zaps

. Occasional dizziness 

. Random anger attacks 

. Random panic 

. Feel upset 24/7

. Feel worn out easily 

 

This is 7 weeks at zero 

[Doctorsrcrap]

I never had problems with feeling frustrated about not being able to cry and get relief from my emotions until I switched to sertraline and that problem seems to have stayed ever since. 

Why did they happen and can I expect it to stop?

It's so annoying feeling upset all the time but it being stuck. I hate it. 

Can anyone eleborate.

Could it have been caused originally by sertraline and then made to continue by continuous drug changes?

[Doctorsrcrap]

Does your period being due make things worse??!! 

[Doctorsrcrap]

Hello?

[ChessieCat]

Anything that causes additional stress on the body can cause a worsening of withdrawal symptoms.

 

But it's not just stress on the body, it's also hormone fluctuations that the brain is having to cope with whilst also trying to regain homeostasis after reducing or stopping a psychiatric drug.

 

Other members have mentioned a worsening of symptoms at different times during their cycle.

 

  

16 hours ago, Doctorsrcrap said:

Hello?

 

There are many discussion topics about withdrawal symptoms on SA.  I suggest that before asking a question about a symptom that you do a search yourself.  Or you can just have a look through the headings of the topics in the Symptoms and Self Care forum.  I think in most cases you will be able to find an answer.  If not, then ask here in your topic.

 

Edited September 15, 2022 by ChessieCat

[Doctorsrcrap]

I find I can never find a straight answer to what im asking if i look through stuff and then end up more baffled. 

I'm trying to work out if symptoms I got when i started sertraline and havent seemed to have gone away are left over effects from it which will eventually stop. And was it made worae by switching drugs. It's all very confusing 

[ChessieCat]

When there is more than one variable then it can be difficult to know what causes any issue/s.  Part of recovering from psychiatric drug withdrawal is learning to accept.  One thing that can be hard is that you might never find the answer to a question that you are asking, because some questions are unanswerable.

 

When we continue to worry over it and try to find the answer it adds stress to our nervous system which slows the recovery process.

 

During my taper, whenever a symptom arose, I would think ah I wonder what that me be from; being a detective and thinking about it with some curiosity.  I would try to think of what things had happened in the time leading up to it and sometimes I would realise oh, that's right I haven't been sleeping very well or I'm a bit stressed because of "fill in the blank".  If I wasn't able to pin point a non WD issue that might have caused the symptom I would think to myself, well it could be withdrawal and that is understand and to be expected because I'm tapering off a psychiatric drug and my brain is making adjustments.  When I got to that point I would try to just accept it as a matter of fact and try to just "go with the flow" and cope as best as I could.

 

SA strongly encourages members to learn and use non drug coping techniques to get through any discomfort.

 

Acceptance

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

I found this very helpful:

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

And this:

  

On 8/31/2011 at 5:28 AM, Rhiannon said:

When we stop taking the drug, we have a brain that has designed itself so that it works in the presence of the drug; now it can't work properly without the drug because it's designed itself so that the drug is part of its chemistry and structure. It's like a plant that has grown on a trellis; you can't just yank out the trellis and expect the plant to be okay. When the drug is removed, the remodeling process has to take place in reverse. SO--it's not a matter of just getting the drug out of your system and moving on. If it were that simple, none of us would be here. It's a matter of, as I describe it, having to grow a new brain. I believe this growing-a-new-brain happens throughout the taper process if the taper is slow enough. (If it's too fast, then there's not a lot of time for actually rebalancing things, and basically the brain is just pedaling fast trying to keep us alive.) It also continues to happen, probably for longer than the symptoms actually last, throughout the time of recovery after we are completely off the drug, which is why recovery takes so long.

 

And this:

  

On 12/27/2015 at 6:37 AM, Altostrata said:

Basically- you have a building where the MAJOR steel structures are [...] to be rebuilt at different times - ALL while people are coming and going in the building and attempting to work.

It would be like if the World Trade Center Towers hadn't completely fallen - but had crumbled inside in different places.. Imagine if you were [...] to rebuild the tower - WHILE people were coming and going and [...] to work in the building!  You'd have to set up a temporary elevator - but when you needed to fix part of that area, you'd have to tear down that elevator and set up a temporary elevator somewhere else. And so on. You'd have to build, work around, then tear down, then build again, then work around, then build... ALL while people are coming and going, ALL while the furniture is being replaced, ALL while the walls are getting repainted... ALL while [...] is going on INSIDE the building. No doubt it would be chaotic. That is EXACTLY what is happening with windows and waves.  The windows are where the body has "got it right" for a day or so - but then the building shifts and the brain works on something else - and it's chaos again while another temporary pathway is set up to reroute function until repairs are made. 

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

Thank you.

I guess i was just trying to work out if all of its withdrawal or maybe some problems could have been an adverse reaction to a drug I took instead 

[Altostrata]

Yes, women often find their withdrawal symptoms will be worse at points in their menstrual cycles.

 

If you've had odd, fluctuating symptoms continuously since you went off venlafaxine, they're probably withdrawal symptoms.

 

How has your symptom pattern changed in the last 2 weeks?

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

My concern was I was trying to work out if sertraline originally could of made things worse. 

My original problem was never constant upset but unable to cry. Now that's a major issue. 

Other symptoms fluctuating around. 

[Altostrata]

We can't go back and examine what happened to figure it out. All we can do is deal with the symptoms you're feeling now. How are you?

[Doctorsrcrap]

Mainly irritable and cant sleep and have the most terrible headache I have ever had. It's like i headache ive never experienced. And as usual feel upset 

[Altostrata]

On 9/10/2022 at 1:21 AM, Doctorsrcrap said:

Update on symptoms:

. Random heart palpatations 

. Tight chest and back

. Headaches 

. Minor brain zaps

. Occasional dizziness 

. Random anger attacks 

. Random panic 

. Feel upset 24/7

. Feel worn out easily 

 

This is 7 weeks at zero 

 

How have these symptoms changed in the last week?

 

On 8/25/2022 at 1:11 PM, Altostrata said:

If they have gotten worse and you feel you need to do something to treat it, suggest you reinstate a low dose of venlafaxine, such as 5mg. This topic explains how to make a low dose Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

There are changes here and there some things disappear and then come back some are always there. 

I dont really want to reinstate after 8 weeks. 

[Altostrata]

Please let us know if there are dramatic changes in your symptom pattern. As explained before, you may see waves of symptoms and windows, with the waves very gradually getting shorter and less frequent. That is the typical arc of recovery.

[Doctorsrcrap]

I would say it's waves of different symptoms whilst others stay constant. All very odd

[ChessieCat]

I don't know if you have already been given these links, but they are worth repeating anyway.

 

I have found all 3 of them very helpful in understanding what is happening and why things change like they do:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

  

On 8/31/2011 at 5:28 AM, Rhiannon said:

When we stop taking the drug, we have a brain that has designed itself so that it works in the presence of the drug; now it can't work properly without the drug because it's designed itself so that the drug is part of its chemistry and structure. It's like a plant that has grown on a trellis; you can't just yank out the trellis and expect the plant to be okay. When the drug is removed, the remodeling process has to take place in reverse. SO--it's not a matter of just getting the drug out of your system and moving on. If it were that simple, none of us would be here. It's a matter of, as I describe it, having to grow a new brain. I believe this growing-a-new-brain happens throughout the taper process if the taper is slow enough. (If it's too fast, then there's not a lot of time for actually rebalancing things, and basically the brain is just pedaling fast trying to keep us alive.) It also continues to happen, probably for longer than the symptoms actually last, throughout the time of recovery after we are completely off the drug, which is why recovery takes so long.

 

AND

 

  

On 12/27/2015 at 6:37 AM, Altostrata said:

Basically- you have a building where the MAJOR steel structures are [...] to be rebuilt at different times - ALL while people are coming and going in the building and attempting to work.

It would be like if the World Trade Center Towers hadn't completely fallen - but had crumbled inside in different places.. Imagine if you were [...] to rebuild the tower - WHILE people were coming and going and [...] to work in the building!  You'd have to set up a temporary elevator - but when you needed to fix part of that area, you'd have to tear down that elevator and set up a temporary elevator somewhere else. And so on. You'd have to build, work around, then tear down, then build again, then work around, then build... ALL while people are coming and going, ALL while the furniture is being replaced, ALL while the walls are getting repainted... ALL while [...] is going on INSIDE the building. No doubt it would be chaotic. That is EXACTLY what is happening with windows and waves.  The windows are where the body has "got it right" for a day or so - but then the building shifts and the brain works on something else - and it's chaos again while another temporary pathway is set up to reroute function until repairs are made.

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostratacan catching a bug make mental symptoms worse? 

 

Is feeling upset a known adverse reaction to drugs? 

 

Thanks

[Altostrata]

People with physical illnesses often do not feel as though they were on top of the world. Of course, when you feel poorly, you might feel poorly.

[Doctorsrcrap]

9 weeks off

. Depressed and low mood 

. Want to cry 

. Irritable

. Tired

. Upset stomach 

 

Not that a plan to yet but when i do do you have to taper propranalol?

[Altostrata]

How often are you taking propranolol, what dosage? Please review adverse effects of propanolol.

[Doctorsrcrap]

I didn't know there were adverse effects of propanalol. 

I take 40mg twice a day

[Doctorsrcrap]

Week 10

Still feel upset and like i cant release it. Occasionally cry. 

Tired and fatigued 

Nauseas 

Waves of panic

Strange feeling in my foot

[Doctorsrcrap]

Week 10

Still feel upset and like i cant release it. Occasionally cry. 

Tired and fatigued 

Nauseas 

Waves of panic

Strange feeling in my foot

[Doctorsrcrap]

@Altostrata

Sorry is there a topic about propranalol because I cant find it

[ChessieCat]

10 hours ago, Doctorsrcrap said:

@Altostrata

Sorry is there a topic about propranalol because I cant find it

 

beta-blockers-propranolol-metopropol-atenolol-etc

 

It can be found by going to the Tapering Forum and search for propranolol.

 

I also found the following (which might be merged into one topic at a later time):

 

tapering-beta-blockers-or-alpha-blockers

 

tips-for-tapering-off-propranolol

 

 

Edited September 30, 2022 by ChessieCat
added extra topic links

[Doctorsrcrap]

Thank you. That answered my tapering question but still not sure on adverse effects of taking propranalol 

[ChessieCat]

Do a general internet search for term propranolol side effects.

[ChessieCat]

Please add the propranolol to your drug signature and include the starting date.

[Doctorsrcrap]

I dont think propranalol has ever been a problem thst im aware of. 

[Doctorsrcrap]

Feel like im getting more and more upset. I really hope this will all pass

[FindRest]

Many, if not all, of your troubling symptoms are seen with Venlafaxine withdrawal. Your rapid taper off it, coupled with the prior CT off at least 4 other antidepressants can all add up to the perfect storm you are in.  
 

I experienced every one of your symptoms during my Effexor CT, including the excruciating headaches and anger. My symptoms became worse as the weeks went on. Drs tried other AD’s to stabilize me, but they only made it worse. Eventually, I ended up reinstating a small dose of Effexor.

 

As recommended by others, you can either choose to ride out these symptoms and learn new coping skills to deal with them. If they become unbearable, reinstating a small amount may help. Please note that reinstating will not get you back to feeling the way you did prior to getting off it or any of the other ADs you were on. It just doesn’t work that way. 
 

During this time when you’re trying to figure out whether or not you want to reinstate, it’s important to track your symptoms every day, rating them on a scale of 1-10. It’s also important to read, read, and read the many topics on this site regarding coping with these symptoms. 

You’ll get through this. It will take much perseverance and time.

 

[Doctorsrcrap]

Thank you.

I have no interest in reinstating. I think ive come to terms with that. 

What i find frustrating is since sertraline icr had this need to cry but can't and it's never gone away but now I'm not on any I feel even more upset. I just dont know what's normal I guess

[Altostrata]

Antidepressants very commonly cause a reduction of emotional range, which can persist when you're off the drugs.

[Doctorsrcrap]

Persist but eventually stops? 

[Altostrata]

We see this emotional anesthesia very gradually goes away, like withdrawal syndrome.