susu Posted December 21, 2012 Share Posted December 21, 2012 (edited) After being on all these meds I really need help. I suffer with horrible anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. I have been using phenegran for stomach. The pysc nurse gave me neurontin and I don't know what that will do to me in the state I am in. Tried to put me on zoloft and it was like I took 20 cups of coffee. I really can't stand being this sick and exhausted. I don't know where to turn. I did a salavia test and it showed I was low on serotonin so I started 5 Htp. Should I not take supplements for a while? My sleep is awful, what can I do about that? What can I safely take. What will help my nausea and anxiety? Thankyou for any help you can give me. I appreciate it!!!!! Edited December 22, 2012 by Karma Incorrectly merged posts on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
susu Posted December 22, 2012 Author Share Posted December 22, 2012 After 2mos or more of being off antidepressants which I went off too fast I wanted to know whether I should reinstate a weaker SSRI, like Citalopram in liquid form in a low dose. I got this suggestion from a D Healy article. Also the physc nurse I was seeing gave me neurontin for anxiety. Will this help or hurt? I'm trying to get back to some kind of functioning life instead of being housebound. Thx for your help! (Also, how long does this early morning anxiety last?) on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
susu Posted December 22, 2012 Author Share Posted December 22, 2012 Well, it's me again. I'm really thinking that I should get on a low dose of antidep. to help with this withdrawal. I just don't know if I can make it feeling this bad all the time. I don't drink, smoke,or drink coffee and eat limited sweets. Will being on a low dose of antidep. help to ease this pain some and then try to taper? Thx again! on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted December 22, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 22, 2012 Well, it's me again. I'm really thinking that I should get on a low dose of antidep. to help with this withdrawal. I just don't know if I can make it feeling this bad all the time. I don't drink, smoke,or drink coffee and eat limited sweets. Will being on a low dose of antidep. help to ease this pain some and then try to taper? Thx again!Hi susu, someone will be along soon to merge this thread with your first post. Only one per member! We can track your progress better that way. We help people get off ADs and do not usually give advice on substitution (reinstating another in it's place). Taking another AD rarely helps withdrawal from the first, especially when you have been off for a couple of months. Your system is neuro sensitized and needs time to regain stability. Edit 10:20 When did you discontinue Klonopin? How long were you on.. it was .5 mgs HS? Benzos also need tapering you may be in WD from that class of drugs as well. There is a sub forum for benzos here, but give a little more info first? As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment
Administrator Karma Posted December 22, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 22, 2012 (edited) I understand that you're feeling awfully sick right now, but we need to know more about your drug history in order to help. Were you on Lexapro, Zoloft, Viibryd, and Paxil all at the same time? If not, what was the last antidepressant you were on and how quickly were you taken off of it? There is a chance that reinstating the last drug(s) you took might help, but it's iffy. Some of your anguish may also be due to coming off of a benzodiazapine (Klonopin, Ativan) too quickly. Even small amounts of benzos can cause dependency and painful withdrawal. Supplements should be avoided for now. Because of all the drugs you were on and going off of them too quickly, your body has become oversensitive to lots of things, which may also be causing the nausea. We are not doctors, so I'm not sure what to tell you about the prescription drugs. Here's some good information on withdrawal symptoms, including some good tips on getting a night's sleep: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/604-important-topics-about-symptoms-including-sleep-problems/ Posted by Jemima Edited December 22, 2012 by Karma Incorrectly merged posts 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers Link to comment
Administrator Karma Posted December 22, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 22, 2012 (edited) This year antidepressant wise, I switched antidepressants every other months trying to find one that worked. The last 6mos I was on Paxil 20 and then briefly tried viibryd for less than a month. Due to instructions by pysch nurse she said to quit because of side effects. So it has been a couple of months without SSRi's and I've just learned about tapering a little to late. Also I discontinued my nightime klonipin of .5mg. So I am riding this out hoping I will begin to feel better. Thanks for any advice about help to sleep. Posted by Susu Edited December 22, 2012 by Karma Incorrectly merged posts 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers Link to comment
Administrator Karma Posted December 22, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 22, 2012 (edited) Hi Susu Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you have been having such a hard time. Many of us have experienced withdrawal related insomnia, myself included. Read the topic on sleep and other forums on symptoms and self care Also think about cutting out stimulants, caffeine and sugar Are you taking any supplements, fish oil, magnesium? Posted by Dalsaan Edited December 22, 2012 by Karma Incorrectly merged posts 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 22, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 22, 2012 Hello, Susu, welcome. I merged your most recent topic with your first topic. (Sorry for the earlier confusion, when your other topics were merged.) Each person has only one topic in the Intro forum. You can post in this topic to track your progress and ask questions about your particular situation. When you were on Paxil, how did you feel? Did you have withdrawal symptoms at that time, before you switched to Viibryd? Since you had that very bad reaction to Zoloft, it's hard to say whether reinstatement of any antidepressant will help. If you try the Neurontin, try a tiny fraction of the the dose to see how your hypersensitive nervous system reacts. (We haven't heard of any successes treating withdrawal syndrome with Neurontin.) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 22, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 22, 2012 When did you stop taking the Klonopin? It's a very strong medication and some of your symptoms may be due to stopping it too abruptly. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
susu Posted December 23, 2012 Author Share Posted December 23, 2012 Jemima thx for asking. I did withdraw from klonopin way too fast and may start back at half of .25 to see if this can get me functioning. I also had skin cancer removed from my face and this has been very stressful. Guess I will be in bandages for a while. I do take fish oil and magnesium. Trazodone 50mg and melatonin for sleep. This helps some. Morning anxiety is off the charts. I am trying to stay positive and believing in healing for me. Thank you for your help, it means so much to me! on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 23, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 23, 2012 Reinstating benzos is tricky. You might want to read through posts on our benzo forum and ask some questions before reinstating: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-tapering-discussion/ I wish I could be more helpful than that, but I didn't have to deal with benzo addiction, only antidepressant withdrawal, so I'm not all that knowledgable. I'm just guessing that reinstatement might help. Morning anxiety is caused by a too high level of cortisol, the flight-or-fight hormone that also regulates the sleep cycle. It is apparently triggered and regulated by natural light, and antidepressant withdrawal just plays havoc with this hormone, increasing light and sound sensitivity and probably amplifying other senses as well. I found it tremendously helpful to darken my bedroom as much as possible and wear a sleep mask. It helped to wake up and brace myself before removing the mask. My house lets in a lot of sunlight, so I even wore sunglasses inside the house up until one or two in the afternoon for a few weeks. (You most definitely should wear sunglasses outside during daylight hours). That helped quite a lot, and once I was able to sleep, other symptoms started to recede. I'm sorry to read of your skin cancer. That is a tremendous amount of physical and psychological stress in addition to withdrawal. Hang in there. Withdrawal from psychoactive drugs is a long, jerky process, but with patience and faith and gentle self-care, we can heal. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted December 23, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 23, 2012 Jemima thx for asking. I did withdraw from klonopin way too fast and may start back at half of .25 to see if this can get me functioning. I also had skin cancer removed from my face and this has been very stressful. Guess I will be in bandages for a while. I do take fish oil and magnesium. Trazodone 50mg and melatonin for sleep. This helps some. Morning anxiety is off the charts. I am trying to stay positive and believing in healing for me. Thank you for your help, it means so much to me! Hi susu, I've been tapering off a benzo for more than 2 years. How long ago did you take your last dose? How were your WD symptoms effected. How close to when you stopped the AD did you go off klonopin? As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment
susu Posted December 23, 2012 Author Share Posted December 23, 2012 Thx everyone for your concern and help! I did a 2 week taper on A/D and then started to wean off .5mg klonopin to .25 in just a few weeks which I realize was way too fast. I know I came off A/D too fast also. To make matters worse, I take .5mg of ativan during the day and used .5mg klonopin to sleep. After discontinuing the klonopin, I had terrible withdrawal pains that have gotten somewhat better. I have been in bed sick for the most part of 2 months from W/Ds. Is there a light at the end of this tunnel or what? Thx, you guys! on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted December 23, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 23, 2012 Jemima thx for asking. I did withdraw from klonopin way too fast and may start back at half of .25 to see if this can get me functioning. I also had skin cancer removed from my face and this has been very stressful. Guess I will be in bandages for a while. I do take fish oil and magnesium. Trazodone 50mg and melatonin for sleep. This helps some. Morning anxiety is off the charts. I am trying to stay positive and believing in healing for me. Thank you for your help, it means so much to me! Thx everyone for your concern and help! I did a 2 week taper on A/D and then started to wean off .5mg klonopin to .25 in just a few weeks which I realize was way too fast. I know I came off A/D too fast also. To make matters worse, I take .5mg of ativan during the day and used .5mg klonopin to sleep. After discontinuing the klonopin, I had terrible withdrawal pains that have gotten somewhat better. I have been in bed sick for the most part of 2 months from W/Ds. Is there a light at the end of this tunnel or what? Thx, you guys! Are you still considering going back on .25 mgs of K... how long ago did you go off this? I wonder if taking ativan BID would help... anyone? The half-life is 10-20 hrs. And to refresh our memories, when did you take the last AD? Wow.. no wonder you have been so sick. That's quite a drug cocktail you were on, and two benzos in the mix. I'm so sorry you did not get better advice, on starting up on this devils brew in the first place, as well as when you terminated. As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 23, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 23, 2012 Susu, please respond: .... When you were on Paxil, how did you feel? Did you have withdrawal symptoms at that time, before you switched to Viibryd? Since you had that very bad reaction to Zoloft, it's hard to say whether reinstatement of any antidepressant will help. If you try the Neurontin, try a tiny fraction of the the dose to see how your hypersensitive nervous system reacts. (We haven't heard of any successes treating withdrawal syndrome with Neurontin.) What is the timeline of your switch to Paxil and quitting Klonopin? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
susu Posted December 23, 2012 Author Share Posted December 23, 2012 I was fine on paxil I see that in hindsight, no motivation though. Tapered paxil while starting Viibryd and didn't stay on that but a few weeks. Nurse took me off Viibryd(side effects) and at same time I was tapering .5 klonopin to .25mg in about 3 weeks I still take .5 ativan during day and I will have to leave it at that for now. I am out of bed now compared to being in bed for 2mos.. But I stay home. I went to a wedding yesterday and thought I was going to die. I didn't, but don't won't to go through that again until I am in a more stable place. I am so unsure as to what my response will be in any given situation. Waking up anxious - picking out something to wear - anxious the thought of another night in bed - anxious. Yikes!!!!! It's all over the place My plan is to lay clothes out the night before and force myself to get up instead of focusing on early morning anxiety. I also live in an isoloated location so I don't have support from friends (they wouldn't even begin to understand). So the only support I get is from you guys online and I really appreciate it! on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 23, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 23, 2012 How did you taper Paxil? My guess is the "side effects" you had on Viibryd were Paxil withdrawal symptoms. You can have withdrawal from one antidepressant even though you're on another. It's quite common to mistake withdrawal syndrome from one drug for side effects from the second. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
susu Posted December 23, 2012 Author Share Posted December 23, 2012 More than likely still was withdrawing from paxill. Guess I will have to ride the course. I am here now in a fine mess of things. Sitting here with my bandaged nose and trying to remember to breathe and think happy thoughts while my body sits here screaming. I did sleep well last night using sleepytime tea and 2mg melatonin at 11 and at my 2 oclock awakening I took my traxodone50mg. I hope tonite will go as well. I am optimistically looking forward to better days and nights. on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 24, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 24, 2012 How did you withdraw from Paxil? What was the timetable of your Klonopin withdrawal? Did you quit both at the same time? These details are important to gauge whether a reinstatement of very low-dose Paxil, perhaps 2mg of the liquid form, might help. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
susu Posted December 24, 2012 Author Share Posted December 24, 2012 I quit both around the same time. I quit paxil with the usual 2 week taper the Dr, recommended. I quit klonopin in the same why over 2-3 weeks. since I take .5 ativan in the day, I was thinking of taking an extra .5mg ativan in evening. My last prescription was for ativan and it reads .5mg ativan BID. I only took 1 a day. Welcome to suggestions and thx for your time Hugs, susu I eventually want to crossover to Valium and attempt to taper from there. When I see the DR. next month, I will ask about the paxil otherwise I have no way to get liquid paxil, only have pills. on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 24, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 24, 2012 Yes, those tapers are too fast. You may be suffering from a combination of Paxil and benzo withdrawal syndrome. If you've been off Paxil a couple of months, there's a chance a low-dose reinstatement might help. Do this as soon as possible. You can get liquid Paxil with a prescription from the pharmacy. Or you can make your own, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/405-tips-for-tapering-off-paxil-paroxetine/ You may not need to switch to Valium to go off Klonopin. Switching carries its own risks for nervous system already sensitized by withdrawal. In any case, unless you're having severe adverse effects from the Klonopin, you probably won't want to taper off it right now and cause even more nervous system dysregulation. If I were you, I'd see if a little Paxil helps and stabilize on that for a few months at least before trying to taper off it. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted December 24, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 24, 2012 I quit both around the same time. I quit paxil with the usual 2 week taper the Dr, recommended. I quit klonopin in the same why over 2-3 weeks. since I take .5 ativan in the day, I was thinking of taking an extra .5mg ativan in evening. My last prescription was for ativan and it reads .5mg ativan BID. I only took 1 a day. Welcome to suggestions and thx for your time Hugs, susu I eventually want to crossover to Valium and attempt to taper from there. When I see the DR. next month, I will ask about the paxil otherwise I have no way to get liquid paxil, only have pills. How many weeks ago did you take the last regular dose of klonopin, as in when did your taper end and you were completely off? Has it been a full two months since you took the last tapered dose? As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 24, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 24, 2012 Since you're still taking the Ativan, it might be wise to follow the directions to take it twice a day and be careful to take the doses at the same times. Ativan is a very short-acting benzo and you may be suffering from inter-dose withdrawal symptoms. Ativan leaves a person's system rather quickly and can start them off into withdrawal if there's too much time between doses. You might even want to cut those .5 mg. tabs in half and take them as close to six hours apart as you can manage. If it were me, I'd try that before going back on Klonopin, which is twice as strong as Ativan and will be that much harder to taper off when the time comes. And please do get that liquid Paxil or make some ASAP. You've already been off of it about two months and the longer you delay, the less likely it will be to help. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
susu Posted December 24, 2012 Author Share Posted December 24, 2012 Thanks everyone, I will read how to make liquid paxil. The only other way I know is to is to cut a little bit off my 20mg tablet. My ativan is so small that when I half it most of it crumbles. I do feel better after I take my ativan. When I stabilize will my sleep get better? Will my morning anxiety get somewhat better too? Thank you so very very much and Merry Christmas!!!!! on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 24, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 24, 2012 Thanks everyone, I will read how to make liquid paxil. The only other way I know is to is to cut a little bit off my 20mg tablet. My ativan is so small that when I half it most of it crumbles. I do feel better after I take my ativan. When I stabilize will my sleep get better? Will my morning anxiety get somewhat better too? Thank you so very very much and Merry Christmas!!!!! Susu, for now just take the entire .5 mg. of Ativan twice a day, twelve hours apart, which is what BID means. Try that for at least two weeks. If that doesn't help, there may be a way to dissolve the Ativan so that you can take your doses at more frequent intervals. But for now, just try doing what it says on the prescription bottle. As to the Paxil, here are the instructions for making tablets or capsules into a liquid: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/ Reinstating psychiatric drugs is always a crapshoot. I wish I could promise you'll feel better, but all I can say is that you *probably* will feel better when you're stable on Paxil and Ativan. Reinstating the Paxil and taking the Ativan as directed are your best shot at feeling at least somewhat better soon. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
susu Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 Update, the perscription read 3 daily on .5mg ativan I never took that many. I think if I space 2 ativans out during the day that may help interdose withdrawals and will start to take 2 mg paxil. I will have to cut the 20mg in pieces. The liquid sounds too confusing for me. I just can't believe how hard it was to quite the nightime klonopin. Like I said I was using .5mg to .25 mg and I didn't know how potent klonopin was. Live and learn Also recovering from the skin cancer on my face has me pretty much "freaked out" It seems like everything hit at once. I feel like I've been in a war zone and look like it too. hahah Thanks again! susu on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2012 Susu, get a prescription for liquid Paxil from your doctor. Any doctor can write the prescription. Cutting up tablets for tiny decreases is too inexact. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
susu Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 I don't see the Dr. til a whole month. It is a free clinic and there is no way to be seen earlier. Is liquid paxil easier on the stomach. Is it ok to take medicine for nausea and stomach spasms? thx, susu on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 25, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 25, 2012 Update, the perscription read 3 daily on .5mg ativan I never took that many. So start tomorrow. Take THREE .5 mg. Ativan at 8 hour intervals. That should take care of any inter-dose withdrawal. That should definitely make you feel better. I think if I space 2 ativans out during the day that may help interdose withdrawals and will start to take 2 mg paxil. I will have to cut the 20mg in pieces. The liquid sounds too confusing for me. I just can't believe how hard it was to quite the nightime klonopin. Like I said I was using .5mg to .25 mg and I didn't know how potent klonopin was. Live and learn Klonopin is an extremely powerful drug, probably as addictive or more so than heroin. Also recovering from the skin cancer on my face has me pretty much "freaked out" It seems like everything hit at once. I feel like I've been in a war zone and look like it too. hahah Thanks again! susu Life seems to be a war zone for many of us. Hang in there. Your body and mind know how to heal themselves, and we're here to give you the best advice that we know of, which is often just getting out of the way of healing. Have patience. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2012 Susu, do you have any Paxil tablets left? If I were you, I'd phone the doctor or clinic as soon as they're open, say you're experiencing severe Paxil withdrawal, and ask them to give you a prescription for the liquid. If not that, the tablets. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
susu Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 Hey guys thanks for all your advice. Alto, I still have paxil tablets. I can for now cut them and use. I can't call for liquid paxil. The clinic doesn't work that way. Also, why is it that after I quit the antidepressants I have to take more benzodiazapines to compensate. Jemima - Is Klonopin that much stronger than other benzos? A great big hug and thanks to all! on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted December 25, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 25, 2012 Hi Susu - if you are needing to take more benzo's i would think it is because you have reduced your antidepressant too quickly and you are in withdrawal - anxiety is a major symptom of withdrawal and that is perhaps fuelling your intake of benzo's. The idea when reducing is that you go as slowly as your nervous system allows so that you avoid withdrawal symptoms all together. Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months laterBack on effexor for another 9 months.Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.Back on effexor - this time for 3 yearsReduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorterJan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years.... 4th March 2015 - 67.5mg; 31st March - 60mg; 24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg; 9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg; 1st Dec - 25.8mg; 28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2012 Susu, what I would do is hold on any changes to your benzo for now and try a little Paxil. If it works, you won't need additional benzos. What is your Paxil dosage? To make a liquid, you don't need to cut the tablet up, you mix it with water. How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules Are you on a cell phone? Are you able to read the links we give you? You need to do this. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
susu Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 Feeling somewhat better right now. I want to try to take two .5mg ativan and half them and take those 4 divided doses throughout the day. It would be at following times 8 a.m, 12 p.m, 4, and 8. Are the hours too close? I would like to do this before I start on 3 .5mg. If this doesn't help I will go to the 3 .5mg On paxil, the best I can do is cut and take around 2mg until I can see a Dr. I am very limited in that respect.. I didn't understand about making a solution. Do I use 10mg paxil, crush and then take 3 10ml syringe to get the right strength? When will I know if 2mg of paxil is helping me? A couple of weeks? Sorry I write so much, this is all new to me and I'm absolutely lost and I've gotten myself into a jam or a pickle, however the saying goes. susu also can I get pharmacist to get Ativan from another manufacturer so I can halve it better, sorry if I repeat myself. I'm a little forgetful right now. on SSRI's/benzo for 25 years plus, recently pull off them too suddenly by Pysc nurse last year was switched from lexapro, zoloft, viibryd,paxil. Got sick trying to go back on. My system is messed up and is hypersensitive. Nausea, anxiety Quit clonipin and take .5mg ativan.1xday So withdrew from klonopin and SSRI. Off SSRI for 2 mos. Take 50mg. trazodone for sleep along with melatonin 12/26 -liquid paxil 2mg. 12/29 1mg ativan “I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said Alice a little timidly; “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2012 Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2012 Susu, it's very important that you answer questions and read links. Please don't make me ask the same question over and over. What is your Paxil dosage? To make a liquid, you don't need to cut the tablet up, you mix it with water. How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules Are you on a cell phone? Are you able to read the links we give you? You need to do this. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 25, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 25, 2012 Jemima - Is Klonopin that much stronger than other benzos? 1 mg. Klonopin = 20 mg. Valium 1 mg. Ativan = 10 mg. Valium In other words, Klonopin is twenty times as strong as Valium and twice as strong as Ativan. I know you're in pain, but try to concentrate for five minutes or so and please, please answer Alto's questions so we can help you. We are not mind-readers and no two cases are alike, so we can't just dish out canned advice. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
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