Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

Histamine food intolerance


GiaK

Recommended Posts

  • Moderator Emeritus

Found this in another topic:

 

On 10/12/2013 at 9:24 AM, GiaK said:

just a note of caution...people with histamine intolerance can have problems tolerating probiotics...and I'm finding there are a lot of us with histamine issues...

 

I haven't been able to find a single strain I tolerate...

 

before I discovered the histamine intolerance I did a lot of probiotics...may have been in part why my withdrawal lasted so long...who knows...but I do think they actually made the histamine issue worse...that said, they did heal my gut in some (at the very least) superficial (but very noticeable) ways...(severe IBS disappeared etc)...so it's hard to know if they helped more or hindered more in the end...

 

I hope to be able to reintroduce them some day...it's clear that they'd be helpful if I could tolerate them...

 

when I had dozens of symptoms it was hard to know what made me worse...and in retrospect I was taking a lot of stuff that was exacerbating the histamine issues...it's taken years to tease all that out

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *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

hey...since I got notified of the above quote I thought I'd let you know that I still don't tolerate probiotics much but I've found that if I just eat food that contains them once in a while I do okay. I do a small 8 oz cup of goats milk yogurt occasionally...(my body kinda knows when...if I eat it more than ONCE however I run into problems.) ... then I also drink Kavita (a probiotic beverage in the cooler section of health oriented grocery stores) I drink half and then another half about a week later and that is okay too....

 

the only strain of probiotic pill I tolerate is plantarum and I get the one made by swanson vitamins...L-Plantarum...I can take that several times a week without a problem.

 

that's all I do for the time being...maybe someday I'll be able to add more...don't know. I don't have to be nearly as crazy careful with food anymore but I still don't eat in restaurants...(except for the food bars like the ones in whole foods where all the ingredients are listed)

Everything Matters: Beyond Meds 

https://beyondmeds.com/

withdrawn from a cocktail of 6 psychiatric drugs that included every class of psych drug.
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I wasn't sure where to put this question, but since it's related to Histamine Intolerance, I thought I'd try here. I have a hip injury which does not seem to be healing and the specialist feels an MRI needs to be done. There's a question as to whether I have Avascular Necrosis of the femur or torn labrum. Labral tears apparently need the contrast dye to be fully seen. But because of the HI, I'd prefer to stay away from the dye. The dye that is used is a histamine liberator and can potentially cause anaphylaxis. Has anyone with HI had an MRI with contrast dye?

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Hi guys, I’ve been doing some research into histamine since I believe it plays a very key role in the withdrawal process--at least from the medications that I’m on. I will summarise what I’ve found below as well as the potential impact it could have on managing the withdrawal from antipsychotics such as Zyprexa/Seroquel. I searched this forum but couldn’t find any good overview or discussion, so hoping this can help people.

 

  • Many of the popular antipsychotics such as Olanzapine/Zyprexa and Seroquel/Quetiapine have a very powerful antihistamine effect: only a very small amount of these medications are required to block the H1 Histamine receptor. Zyprexa, for example, has a Ki(nM) of 0.65–4.9 according to Wikipedia, which is incredibly low (the lower the Ki(nM), the smaller the amount of a medication is needed to block a certain receptor).
     
  • Therefore, withdrawing from histamine-blocking medications (Zyprexa/Seroquel) is associated with increased histamine (as the blocking effect is reduced, histamine levels become elevated).
     
  • Certain groups of people might have even had a histamine intolerance and/or high histamine before going on psych-drugs (and both histamine intolerance and high histamine--also related to under-methylation--have been linked to psychosis and other psychiatric disorders), so coming off histamine-blocking medications can also exacerbate this pre-existing imbalance, on top of the effect described in the point above.
     
  • Histamine is a neuromodulator of the adrenals, so elevated histamine can make the adrenals release a lot more adrenaline, instigate ‘fight or flight’ mode in the body and cause severe anxiety. There is also a strong link between histamine and sleep; having high histamine can cause insomnia. Interestingly, histamine levels naturally peak around 3am/4am, which is when many people experience cortisol spikes and unwanted adrenal activity. Sound familiar? All of these symptoms are very common in the withdrawal process, as we unfortunately know.
     
  • When withdrawing from histamine-blocking medications, you can take steps to bring down histamine levels to help manage the adverse effects mentioned above. I’ve found anecdotal success stories online from the world of integrative medicine; Alice Lee (MD) says: “If you ever want to successfully reduce a medication that blocks histamine receptors, you will need to know how to lower histamine levels.”
     
  • Lowering histamine levels can be done through a combination of diet and supplementation:
    • 1) Follow a low-histamine diet (google it for more info!)
    • 2) Through supplementation - taking a histamine digester that ‘chews up the histamine in food’ - Alice Lee recommends Histazyme (by Dr. Amy Myers, MD), but I’ve also seen Daosin 50 and other brands which all contain the same ingredient, Daimine Oxidase
      3) Supplementation - natural histamine blockers like Allqlear by Integrative Therapeutics, Histaplex A-B by Biotics Research, or Opsin II by DesBio.  
      • Avoid xenobiotics for antihistamine support, such as Benadryl, because the body will react with an inflammatory response to a xenobiotic.
         
  • I know that this kind of integrative approach is generally a dirty word on this forum, but for me it makes too much sense to ignore. Most of this advice comes from Alice Lee, who is a “holistic psychiatrist” who actually went through the withdrawal process herself, and reports impressive success stories weaning her clients off all kinds of medication (APs, ADs), just check the testimonials on her website
     
  • TL;DR: I’m going to try a low histamine diet (being more careful around the time when I make a cut to my medication), as well as adding some of the anti-histamine supplements and histamine digesters. I will still be tapering using the 10% method.

 

If anyone else has research or real experience in this area, I would be very curious to hear it. I think it is a very under-recognised factor and understanding more could potentially make for a smoother withdrawal. I'm also conscious that it's only one piece in the puzzle, and there are other receptors to tackle too. But for insomniac, Zyprexa-dependent folks like myself, it could be really key.


More reading and links to the success stories can be found here:

 

http://www.holisticpsychiatrist.com/viewpoint/2018/6/7/understanding-histamines-connection-to-mental-health

and http://www.holisticpsychiatrist.com/medication-withdrawal/

 

https://beyondmeds.com/2014/07/13/histamine-psych-drugs/ and https://beyondmeds.com/2013/01/07/histamine-intolerance/

 

 from around 33 mins

 

https://www.mthfrsupport.com.au/dao-deficiency-and-histamine-the-unlikely-connection/

31st May - 11th Aug '18: Olanzapine 2.5mg, Seroquel 50mg

12th Aug - 18th Aug '18: Olanzapine 2.4mg, Seroquel 50mg

18th Aug - present '18: Olanzapine 2.3mg, Seroquel 50mg

22 Sept '18: Olanzapine 2.2mg, Seroquel 50mg

01 Oct '18: Olanzapine 2.1mg, Seroquel 50mg

09 Oct '18: Olanzapine 2.0mg, Seroquel 50mg

28 Oct '18: Olanzapine 1.8mg, Seroquel 50mg

09 Nov'18: Olanzapine 1.6mg, Seroquel 50mg

1 Dec '18: Olanzapine 1.5mg, Seroquel 50mg

27 Dec '18: Olanzapine 1.4mg, Seroquel 50mg

02 Feb '19: Olanzapine 1.3mg, Seroquel 50mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting... I suspected histamine may play some role in SSRI withdrawl. AM going to talk to my doc this week about it./

Also found an article here too which explains in detail.

 

http://alisonvickery.com.au/the-anti-depressant-brain-fog-and-histamine-intolerance-connection/

 

Paroxatine - 2004-2006

Effexor XR 75mg 2006 - 2016 (Discontinued Feb 2016) - Withdrawal for 6 months.

Effexor XR 75mg Re-instated June 2017 (Discontinued Dec 2017)

Effexor XR 2-3 mg Re-instated March 10 2018 - 1 day (Didn't work)

Effexor XR 2mg Reinstated (Again) May 11 2018. 6 Beads

July 2018 - 0.0mg of Effexor. Zilch

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

I don't believe anti-histaminic activity has any bearing on withdrawal. This used to be called anti-cholinergic and applied to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). It was thought withdrawal syndrome was due to "cholinergic rebound" and since "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (SSRIs) were not anti-cholinergic (except for paroxetine, as it turned out), they would incur no withdrawal syndrome.

 

This assumption was proved wrong as SSRIs have a withdrawal syndrome just like the TCAs and very much like benzodiazepines -- all very different drugs. Withdrawal syndrome is dependent on widespread dysregulation of neurohormonal systems, not just activity at the serotonin or histamine receptors.

 

(Activity at histamine or cholinergic receptors tends to make people sleepy or groggy.)

 

The histamine or cholinergic systems are simply other neurohormonal systems that can get dysregulated by psychiatric drugs. It's a myth that only specific systems are affected.

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
Share on other sites

Hi, I just wanted to say I'm a Zyprexa survivor, and while I have never tried the anti-histamine diet (or the other things you mention), as you said a lot of APs have a very high histamine receptor binding affinity (so low Ki (nM) ) and that would be because they were, I believe, actually derived from the Anti-Histamines, which are sold as allergy and insomnia drugs. Now, I'm an allergy sufferer and during my childhood I did a lot of anti-histamines, and that's how, I believe, I was made to be dependent on APs.

1 year risperidone, 1 year olanzapine (10 mg). attempted first withdrawal cold turkey, failed. 2 more years olanzapine, switched to abilify which was very disruptive so attempted quitting cold turkey, failed. then 4 years amisulpride at 150 mg and about 3 zoloft at 150 mg. attempted withdrawal from both in 3 weeks, failed. reinstated zoloft and bridged to olanzapine (10 mg), successfully withdrew it over 10 months. tried withdrawing zoloft over 12 months, failed. bridged to prozac, at 40 mg,  now at 12 mg.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 6 months later...
On 3/27/2018 at 7:27 PM, GiaK said:

hey...since I got notified of the above quote I thought I'd let you know that I still don't tolerate probiotics much but I've found that if I just eat food that contains them once in a while I do okay. I do a small 8 oz cup of goats milk yogurt occasionally...(my body kinda knows when...if I eat it more than ONCE however I run into problems.) ... then I also drink Kavita (a probiotic beverage in the cooler section of health oriented grocery stores) I drink half and then another half about a week later and that is okay too....

 

the only strain of probiotic pill I tolerate is plantarum and I get the one made by swanson vitamins...L-Plantarum...I can take that several times a week without a problem.

 

that's all I do for the time being...maybe someday I'll be able to add more...don't know. I don't have to be nearly as crazy careful with food anymore but I still don't eat in restaurants...(except for the food bars like the ones in whole foods where all the ingredients are listed)

Hi Gia. Do you have a post somewhere where you offer advice on where to start with an antihistamine diet? I think this may be a big part of my problems. Gurgle

 

. Seroxat 2001 ish to 2002 ish

. Citalopram 20- 5mg 2002- 2016 

  Citalopram 5mg for 5 weeks 10mg for 5 weeks from May 2017

.Sertraline 12.5 to 25 to 37.5 to 50mg from Aug 17 to Nov 17 

.Sertraline attempted taper from 50mg April 18 to September 18 from 50mg to 12.5mg. 

. Sertraline cold turkey from 12.5mg 1st October 18

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have collection of everything I've ever written on histamine intolerance at this link

https://wp.me/p5nnb-8Lf

 

I generally avoid giving advice cuz only you can hear your body and what it needs and that's what we really need to learn how to do anyway. I don't even use a histamine intolerance framework anymore although it was very helpful for a long time.

Everything Matters: Beyond Meds 

https://beyondmeds.com/

withdrawn from a cocktail of 6 psychiatric drugs that included every class of psych drug.
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • Administrator

Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;6(Suppl 2):3-7.

Atypical antipsychotics: sleep, sedation, and efficacy.

Miller DD1.

 

Abstract at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16001094 Full text https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC487011/

 

Patients with schizophrenia often suffer from sleep disturbances such as excessive sleeping and insomnia. Common medications for schizophrenia can have a sedative effect on patients. Not all antipsychotic medications have the same sedative effect, which is related to dosage and affinity for histamine H1 receptors. Studies have shown that, compared with conventional antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and ziprasidone generally cause less sedation yet are as effective in controlling psychosis and agitation. Sedation can be troublesome to patients who are trying to become re-integrated into society and interfere with their treatment regimen. Both persistent sedation and chronic insomnia can be managed by the physician.

 

From the paper:
 

Quote


....

Studies have indicated that sedation may also be related to the affinity of the medication for the histamine H1 receptors. The antipsychotics vary in their ability to block these receptors.4,7 A study by Richelson and Souder7 of the binding profiles of antipsychotic medications found that olanzapine has the highest affinity for the histamine H1 receptors, followed by clozapine (Figure 1). This may explain why olanzapine has a relatively large sedative effect even though it is a high-potency medication. Of the antipsychotics studied, haloperidol had the lowest affinity for the histamine H1 receptors. Quetiapine and risperidone had the lowest affinity of the atypical antipsychotics.

....

Although both dosage and affinity for histamine H1 receptors play a part in the sedative effect of a medication, what ultimately determines sedative effect is the amount of the drug reaching the histamine H1 receptors in the central nervous system. For example, quetiapine, which has little affinity for the histamine H1 receptors, is a less potent antipsychotic medication and requires many more milligrams to be effective than do higher-potency medications such as risperidone and ziprasidone. Because of this, quetiapine has a greater sedative effect on patients in clinical use than do risperidone and ziprasidone.

 

When analyzing the relative effects of several medications, it is useful to choose studies that used a second medication and a placebo as controls. For example, the sedative properties of risperidone and other atypical antipsychotics can be seen by comparing their effects with those of haloperidol in clinical trials (Figure 2).

....

Sedation used to be considered necessary for the efficacy of antipsychotic medications in controlling the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as psychosis, but, with the atypical agents, psychosis and acute agitation can be controlled without sedation. A review by Marder et al. of 2 North American trials of risperidone found that it was as effective as haloperidol at reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Two-mg/day and 6- to 16-mg/day doses of risperidone were compared with a 20-mg/day dose of haloperidol. The 2-mg/day dose of risperidone had approximately the same effect on positive symptoms of schizophrenia as the 20-mg/day dose of haloperidol (Figure 3). The severity of positive symptoms improved similarly in the 2-mg/day risperidone-treated group and the haloperidol-treated group, according to the changes in scores on the positive symptoms factor of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Neither haloperidol nor risperidone has a high affinity for H1 receptors, but risperidone is effective at lower doses, which may make a difference in its sedative effect on patients.

....

CONCLUSION

Sleep disturbances and sedation are common in patients with schizophrenia. There are differences in the actual sleep process between patients with schizophrenia and individuals with no psychiatric disorders. Many antipsychotic medications cause sedation, but not all medications have the same sedative effect. Sedation is related to the amount of medication reaching the central nervous system, which is determined by dosage and the drug's affinity for histamine H1 receptors. Atypical antipsychotics often cause less sedation than do conventional antipsychotics while providing similar or greater reduction in symptoms. Sedation can cause problems for patients and is often unnecessary, as both psychosis and agitation can be managed without sedation. If persistent sedation is a problem, there are steps that physicians can take to minimize the sedative effect of antipsychotic medication. Chronic insomnia can also be treated by the physician.

....

 

 

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
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 3/4/2019 at 2:42 PM, Altostrata said:

For example, quetiapine, which has little affinity for the histamine H1 receptors, is a less potent antipsychotic medication and requires many more milligrams to be effective than do higher-potency medications such as risperidone and ziprasidone.

A neuropsychiatrist told me that 100mg of quetiapine "is not a therapeutic dosage" of quetiapine for my "bipolar affective disorder", that I should take 300mg of quetiapine because 300mg "is a therapeutic dosage". When I took 300mg I fell asleep the entire day. And with 100mg I'm drowsy since I wake up from bed till 2pm, along with other adverse effects.

In 2008 I was 16 years old. 2008 - 2010 paxil, clonazepam & semisodium valproate. 2013 - 2017 many psych meds with cold switches and CT's prescribed by psychiatrists.

Nov/30/17 started quetiapine IR tablets 100mg 0-0-1. Dec/1/17 started pristiq 50mg tablets 1-0-0. Jan/14/18 started 1.5mg melatonin 0-0-1

Tramadol: 2 year well done (slow and gradual) taper: from Mar/12/18 to Feb/11/20 

Pristiq taper: Jun/15/20 Converted from pristiq 50mg to efexor xr 75mg for 57 days (felt good).  Aug/11/20 weaned to efexor 37.5mg and stayed there for 2 months with 26 days (felt good). Nov/6/20  CT 0mg of efexor xr (felt good). Total time in tapering pristiq 50mg by converting to efexor xr 75mg: 4 months with 22 days: Jun/15/20 to Nov/6/20. (felt good)

Efexor 0mg and quetiapine 100mg (Nov/6/20 to Dic/11/20) (felt good being without effexor and taking 100mg quetiapine)

Dic/11/20 quetiapine 75mg, so 75mg from Dic/11/20 to Jan/4/21  25 days. Jan/5/21 quetiapine 50mg (1 day in 50mg).

Jan/6/21 1st CT of quetiapine. Mar/1/21 CT melatonin. Felt terrible so Mar/25/21 reinstated 100mg quetiapine. 

100mg quetiapine 19 days (Mar/25/21 - Apr/13/21) Felt good while in quetiapine 100mg. 75mg quetiapine 55 days (Apr/14/21 - Jun/8/21) the 55th day (Jun/8/21)  felt hellish so CT'd quetiapine for a 2nd time on Jun/9/21. 

Jun/9/21 - Nov/16/21 1st days insomnia, anxiety, took cbd and felt very good many days (healed insomnia & anxiety), CT'd ginkgo which made me felt terrible so reinstated ginkgo. Started intolerable back pain (spasm) so tried other herbs along with cbd, then started derealization, panic, indecisiveness, nostalgia & others. Stopped taking cbd & herbs, reinstated quetiapine 75mg Nov/17/21, immediately after taking it, had severe heart palpitations, so Nov/18/21 back to cbd (no quetiapine). Nov/20/21 reinstated 75mg quetiapine (stopped cbd & herbs), severely couldn't breathe for 5 seconds after taking quetiapine 75mg so reduced to 50 mg on Nov/28/21 had new and worse and very severe adverse effects, got indecisive if CT or keep taking quetiapine because I was terrified of CT, but since the new severe adverse effects were very severe I CT, and because of indecisiveness and panic to CT, I reinstated again, then CT'd and reinstated many times, last time I was taking quetiapine it was 25mg and had severe TD, hellish anhedonia, suicidal, intrusive thoughts of imagining myself running into a wall and crashing into it and I was feeling the pain as if I was doing it in real life, involuntary thoughts of punching my face or head and shashing it against the wall and some times I did punch my face, and when I didn't, I also felt the pain just by imagining it, so definitive CT on Jul/15/22. 

Free from quetiapine and psych meds since Jul/15/22.

MY BEST ADVICE: FOLLOW SA'S GUIDELINES, DON'T CT BECAUSE IT IS HORRIFIC AND BE PATIENT TO WAIT A LONG TIME TO DO VERY SLOW AND GRADUAL TAPERS IN ORDER TO GET OFF OF YOUR MEDICATIONS, IT IS WORTH IT. THE ONLY MOMENTS WHERE IS RIGHT TO CT IS AFTER YOUR 1ST CT THAT YOU DID BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE OR IMPATIENCE, IF YOU REINSTATE AND FEEL SEVERE ADVERSE EFFECTS LIKE TD, ANHEDONIA, FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DROWNING, OR THE ONE'S I HAD, IT IS BEST TO CT IN MY EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE WHEN I REINSTATED I GOT MUCH WORSE THAN WHEN I WAS IN THE PREVIOUS CT. I'm not a doctor.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

@GiaK and Others:

 

Thank you so much for starting and contributing to this thread. The information here about histamine and mast cell issues have really helped me, personally, understand my own drug side effect, withdrawal, and tapering journey.

 

I have two questions for folks:

 - It's the middle of a damp, hot, pollen- and mold-infested summer up here in the Midwestern US (thank you, climate change). My WD/dysautonomic symptoms are worsening as the season goes on (food is a component, but not everything - my ears and sinuses plug up when I walk outside among greenery). I find myself actually looking forward to colder weather. Has anyone's symptom's cleared a bit/improved come late-fall or winter (I suppose it would depend on triggers and location)?

 

- Does anyone have thoughts on when it's safe for an extra-sensitive individual to move back into a house that's had some work done? We're in the middle of replacing our windows (professionals are doing this - and are not living at the house while it's going on) and other house improvements. Painting will be involved; some by us. If I participate (I did the dining room earlier in the spring when I was better), I plan on wearing a filtered mask - but I'm wondering if people have any thoughts on how long to wait post-painting + cleaning (fancy HEPA vac, non-toxic cleaning products, mopping-mopping-mopping) before moving back in? And how do you folks manage keeping a low-allergen house when cleaning can aggravate symptoms?

 

Thanks, all.

Full Story: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21026-northstar-postpartum-year-hell-~20-meds-on-and-off-brain-feels-like-a-limp-rag/
Adolescence: Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin (unsure of doseages) for OCD dx
Mid- to Late-20s: Prozac (40mg) and Xanax PRN (took maybe 10x/yr); went off with no issues when pregnant
After birth of kiddo in 2018: Waded through a difficult year of 20+ med trials of various combinations (while taking 1,000-2000 vitamin D/day, multivitamin, fish oil, 400-800 mcg folic acid, probiotics, and sometimes evening primrose oil throughout much of this time)

June 2020 Update: 0.1 mg Klonopin day; 0.355 mg Klonopin night (tapered from March > June 0.384 > 0.37 > 0.355); 130mg Gabapentin night (tapered Fall-Winter 2019/2020 at 10% previous dose); 5-10 mg propranolol PRN for POTS; 5-15mL Children's Benadryl for MCAS PRN; 1.5 mg melatonin/night + 125 mg magnesium glycinate day + 350mg magnesium composite supp night + 500mg quercetin 2x/day + 1,000-2,000 mg vitamin C/day + 700mg PEA/day + 15mg zinc/day + Vitamin B6 at night PRN (helps w/ restlessness) + occasional 1/2 dose of multivitamin
March 2023 Update: 0.1 mg Klonopin/day (HOLD); 0.2 mg Klonopin/night (HOLD); 100mg Gabapentin/night (HOLD); 1.5mg LDN/night; 0.5mg ketotifen/night + 0.3mg PRN; 3-5mg melatonin/night; 500mg vitamin C 2-4x/day; 25mg vitamin B6/night; 1/2 dose of multivitamin/day; 250mg magnesium/day; 250-500mg calcium/day; 3,000-6,000 mg vitamin D3 (various forms) throughout the day; evening primrose oil 1x/day; black cumin seed oil PRN; occasionally: probiotics, saccharomyces boulardii, digestive enzymes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not sure how to answer your questions about the house. I personally have avoided doing that sort of stuff in our house for years now.

 

I get worse every winter...but that's me. I don't find this sort of comparison helpful ... we are truly all different and I've found that it's best to simply move forward one step at a time and witness my own journey. I learn more from doing that then comparing my experience with others who may be radically different than myself.... at this point anyway. It seems we all do the compare and contrast while we're finding our footing and that too seems like how we learn in the earlier stages. That said, it's easy to pick up fears and concerns that truly don't belong to us so I've largely cut it out.

 

may the new season bring you happiness and joy and lots of healing! 

Everything Matters: Beyond Meds 

https://beyondmeds.com/

withdrawn from a cocktail of 6 psychiatric drugs that included every class of psych drug.
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator

Northstar, as someone with chemical sensitivitis unrelated to WD, if you must paint, pls use non-VOC paint for everything. Chemical sensitivities for me are related to formaldehyde but not sure what yours are. It *might* be useful to get allergy testing done. It's a simple procedure on your skin (pollen, dog/cat, dustmites etc) though not sure about food allergies. A constantly running air filter might help as well but choose carefully the kind - you need HEPA at least (there are even better ones than HEPA) + carbon filter (for the chemicals).  These will be expensive - as in upwards of 200-300 quid. 

 

If you have that much mucus constantly in the house I'd worry about dustmite allergies or mold. Both are tough to deal with.

I used to wear an N95 mask when I went outside when the season was bad but my allergies were much more manageable - contained in a certain time period - than what you seem to experience. I am also sensitive to new furniture (formaldehyde) or fake wood flooring or new carpets. These sensitivities have been a nightmare for a long time for me. But I have managed to control my environment rather than take pills as most allergy pills don't work well for me and they don't work for chemical sensitivities anyway. Another tip that was very helpful for pollen allergies was to wash your hair when you come from outside as your hair holds lots of pollen. Or put a scarf on (like an old Russian lady). 

 

This sounds like an awful journey. Wishing you some respite soon. Good luck!

"Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig 

 

I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. 

 

In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. 

 

Aug  2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg,  xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn 

Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used)

Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up)

September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0

Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd

March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week

Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering)

citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg,  7/27/19 -1.5 mg,  8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg

 

Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate

Link to comment
Share on other sites

58 minutes ago, Onmyway said:

Northstar, as someone with chemical sensitivitis unrelated to WD, if you must paint, pls use non-VOC paint for everything. Chemical sensitivities for me are related to formaldehyde but not sure what yours are. It *might* be useful to get allergy testing done. It's a simple procedure on your skin (pollen, dog/cat, dustmites etc) though not sure about food allergies. A constantly running air filter might help as well but choose carefully the kind - you need HEPA at least (there are even better ones than HEPA) + carbon filter (for the chemicals).  These will be expensive - as in upwards of 200-300 quid. 

 

If you have that much mucus constantly in the house I'd worry about dustmite allergies or mold. Both are tough to deal with.

I used to wear an N95 mask when I went outside when the season was bad but my allergies were much more manageable - contained in a certain time period - than what you seem to experience. I am also sensitive to new furniture (formaldehyde) or fake wood flooring or new carpets. These sensitivities have been a nightmare for a long time for me. But I have managed to control my environment rather than take pills as most allergy pills don't work well for me and they don't work for chemical sensitivities anyway. Another tip that was very helpful for pollen allergies was to wash your hair when you come from outside as your hair holds lots of pollen. Or put a scarf on (like an old Russian lady). 

 

This sounds like an awful journey. Wishing you some respite soon. Good luck!

 

Thank you so much, @Onmyway. Sensitivities are so tough, especially when your system is already overflowing w/ inflammation (the late, great Histamine Chef calls this the 'inflammation bucket'); I'm trying to attack this from all angles - food, cleaning products, household and outdoor allergens, etc. But I'm struggling. It sounds like you've built quite an arsenal of strategies! Thank you so much for the suggestions. I've become highly reactive to everything in the last couple weeks and couple/few months in general - not sure if it's the meds, the new house, stress; likely all three. We've been using non-VOC (or ultra-low-VOC paint) - or we did for the one room we've painted. And we'll do the same for any varnish (whether I do it or not; if I do, I'll have to wear that heavy-duty mask). I had the skin prick test done ages ago and was positive for tree pollen and one other thing (I think it was dust). They can do foods (they just did that for my son, who's allergic to peanuts and eggs, poor guy), but I'm not sure how helpful the test is if you have a 'sensitivity' or other inflammation (as I do), but I am no expert. Perhaps it's worth revisiting. We have 2 HEPA air cleaners, a HEPA vac, use special pillow covers, and I'm trying to clean regularly but it's really tough when you're in this state. And sometimes it makes symptoms worse. Last month, I tried using Clorox wipes (which I swore I'd never do, but it's supposed to help w/ lead dust - the reason behind the window replacement), and my hands started to peel and I was nauseous for days (later read it's recommended you avoid skin contact - c'mon Clorox). So it's soap, water, and vinegar - strictly no cleaning chemicals. I am really hoping the window replacements and other work being done will help - it's an old house. I've an appointment with someone who specializes in mast cell issues, but I might go back and see an allergist for a new skin prick test.

 

Thanks, again. Wasn't sure if this was the best place for this, but I just wanted some feedback on how sensitive folks have reduced their environmental allergens and how much it matters. I'm working on the food, and have just started using saline-only nasal spray, which has helped in the past.

 

Cheers to you.

Full Story: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21026-northstar-postpartum-year-hell-~20-meds-on-and-off-brain-feels-like-a-limp-rag/
Adolescence: Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin (unsure of doseages) for OCD dx
Mid- to Late-20s: Prozac (40mg) and Xanax PRN (took maybe 10x/yr); went off with no issues when pregnant
After birth of kiddo in 2018: Waded through a difficult year of 20+ med trials of various combinations (while taking 1,000-2000 vitamin D/day, multivitamin, fish oil, 400-800 mcg folic acid, probiotics, and sometimes evening primrose oil throughout much of this time)

June 2020 Update: 0.1 mg Klonopin day; 0.355 mg Klonopin night (tapered from March > June 0.384 > 0.37 > 0.355); 130mg Gabapentin night (tapered Fall-Winter 2019/2020 at 10% previous dose); 5-10 mg propranolol PRN for POTS; 5-15mL Children's Benadryl for MCAS PRN; 1.5 mg melatonin/night + 125 mg magnesium glycinate day + 350mg magnesium composite supp night + 500mg quercetin 2x/day + 1,000-2,000 mg vitamin C/day + 700mg PEA/day + 15mg zinc/day + Vitamin B6 at night PRN (helps w/ restlessness) + occasional 1/2 dose of multivitamin
March 2023 Update: 0.1 mg Klonopin/day (HOLD); 0.2 mg Klonopin/night (HOLD); 100mg Gabapentin/night (HOLD); 1.5mg LDN/night; 0.5mg ketotifen/night + 0.3mg PRN; 3-5mg melatonin/night; 500mg vitamin C 2-4x/day; 25mg vitamin B6/night; 1/2 dose of multivitamin/day; 250mg magnesium/day; 250-500mg calcium/day; 3,000-6,000 mg vitamin D3 (various forms) throughout the day; evening primrose oil 1x/day; black cumin seed oil PRN; occasionally: probiotics, saccharomyces boulardii, digestive enzymes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, GiaK said:

I'm not sure how to answer your questions about the house. I personally have avoided doing that sort of stuff in our house for years now.

 

I get worse every winter...but that's me. I don't find this sort of comparison helpful ... we are truly all different and I've found that it's best to simply move forward one step at a time and witness my own journey. I learn more from doing that then comparing my experience with others who may be radically different than myself.... at this point anyway. It seems we all do the compare and contrast while we're finding our footing and that too seems like how we learn in the earlier stages. That said, it's easy to pick up fears and concerns that truly don't belong to us so I've largely cut it out.

 

may the new season bring you happiness and joy and lots of healing! 

 

Thank you so much, @GiaK. Your words about comparison and not "picking up fears and concerns that truly don't belong to us" is brilliant (put that on a T-shirt!). I need to do a better job of that. It's tough when your own body is a moving target, as you know, and you're in the first stages of this and everything is so heightened - it's just reaction-panic-react, symptom-panic-react right now. I'm not sure where that line is between seeking advice and following my own lead, but I hope I can find it.

 

All best to you.

Full Story: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21026-northstar-postpartum-year-hell-~20-meds-on-and-off-brain-feels-like-a-limp-rag/
Adolescence: Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin (unsure of doseages) for OCD dx
Mid- to Late-20s: Prozac (40mg) and Xanax PRN (took maybe 10x/yr); went off with no issues when pregnant
After birth of kiddo in 2018: Waded through a difficult year of 20+ med trials of various combinations (while taking 1,000-2000 vitamin D/day, multivitamin, fish oil, 400-800 mcg folic acid, probiotics, and sometimes evening primrose oil throughout much of this time)

June 2020 Update: 0.1 mg Klonopin day; 0.355 mg Klonopin night (tapered from March > June 0.384 > 0.37 > 0.355); 130mg Gabapentin night (tapered Fall-Winter 2019/2020 at 10% previous dose); 5-10 mg propranolol PRN for POTS; 5-15mL Children's Benadryl for MCAS PRN; 1.5 mg melatonin/night + 125 mg magnesium glycinate day + 350mg magnesium composite supp night + 500mg quercetin 2x/day + 1,000-2,000 mg vitamin C/day + 700mg PEA/day + 15mg zinc/day + Vitamin B6 at night PRN (helps w/ restlessness) + occasional 1/2 dose of multivitamin
March 2023 Update: 0.1 mg Klonopin/day (HOLD); 0.2 mg Klonopin/night (HOLD); 100mg Gabapentin/night (HOLD); 1.5mg LDN/night; 0.5mg ketotifen/night + 0.3mg PRN; 3-5mg melatonin/night; 500mg vitamin C 2-4x/day; 25mg vitamin B6/night; 1/2 dose of multivitamin/day; 250mg magnesium/day; 250-500mg calcium/day; 3,000-6,000 mg vitamin D3 (various forms) throughout the day; evening primrose oil 1x/day; black cumin seed oil PRN; occasionally: probiotics, saccharomyces boulardii, digestive enzymes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...

recurring histamine sensitivity:  can it get better after finishing WD?

 

I developed histamine sensitivity when I went into  withdrawal after having eye surgery almost 4 years ago. I have been in a slow withdrawal from Celexa for about 3 years after many missteps. I have been in a low histamine diet for about 3 years  but lately I have had a recurrence of symptoms (maybe eating out too ofeten!) It is hard to know why. I am wondering whether anyone has been successful in eliminating or substantially reducing HI after being completely of ADs. I am now at .72 mg of Celexa and hope to be done this year.? Can anyone share how they proceeded as they got close to the finish line. I am wondering if my sensitivity could also be due to getting this close to 0.

 

I am familiar with dietetic approaches DAO and cautions about some strands of probiotics. Anything else that has worked?  txs

Edited by manymoretodays
added title, merged to existing topic

2006-2007 Lexapro (not sure of dose) in 2006

2007 Stopped abruptly. Developed serious wd symptom.Went back after two weeks and  tapered successfully over 3 months

November 2013  started 10 mg of Celexa for hormonal symptoms

early 2014 cutdown Celexa to 5 mg.Attempted to get off it November 2014 and had  

Anxiety increased  every time I used  an OTC or had stress.

April-May Cortisol spike problems 

July 2016 Started taking liquid Celexa 7.5 mg

June 2021 I finished my taper en

Severe anxiety and insomnia

June 2022 symptoms omproved

July 2023 gut issues and sleep issues contnue

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi gn11,

Have you seen this topic:  Histamine food intolerances

It might be helpful.

I'm just starting to study up on this as well, for myself.  I am just proceeding now, well after hitting the finish line. 

I think that GiaK may have been successful, and possibly Alto as well.  Take a look at that topic though, you'll see posts by both, and I think you might find some of the answers you are seeking.

I just know that we each really do have to learn........ to listen to our bodies, and attend to the ever changing needs post drugs/medications. 

Best,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

editing in to add:  I don't really have any symptoms of Histamine overload/intolerance right now, that keep me from living a pretty good, functional life.  I feel very fortunate in that regard.

 

Edited by manymoretodays
merged with histamine topic, January 31st

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

Hi gn11,

 

Yes, you can get better as time passes and as you recover. 

I have been through a harsh journey in terms of WD although I had received ADs only a couple of months. Now I am over 2 years off drugs. 

Last year I dealt with histamine intolerance. I used to avoid almost all foods that are high in histamine. I remember having severe anxiety attacks after eating just small amounts of yogurt... 

But for almost 6 months I do not have any sensitivity about histamine. But I must say that I have gastric disease, so I take famotidine regularly, which is Histamine2 receptor antagonist. But in those days I mean last year I also took the medicine. There is no change in the medicine schedule that I receive. 

6 months treatment of prozac in 1996 (do not remember any withdrawal symptom)

May 2017- July 2017 Mirtazapine 7,5 mg. Quit cold turkey (as told by the doctor)

May 2017- August 2017 Tianeptine 12,5 mg 3x1. Quit cold turkey because of adverse reactions

October 2017- Suicidal. Had to start Mirtazapine

17 December 2017 LAST DOSE   

 

NO DRUG AFTER 17 DECEMBER 2017.

IN THE 3. YEAR OF WD I WAS THINKING I HAD RECOVERED 75%. BUT IN THE 4. YEAR AFTER A DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY EVERYHING HAS CHANGED. 

     

BELIEVE OR NOT, I AM EXPERIENCING A SECOND WD, WHICH IS INDUCED BY A SURGERY. DATE OF SURGERY WAS 10 DECEMBER 2021. 

 

                                    

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the answer. I have been working on my histamine sensitivity for a while and know quite about diet, causes etc. However as I am getting close to my final drop (I'm at .72 mg of Celexa) I've been wondering if I'd get better or go away all together. Something I know is  that my sensitivity makes my sinus problems worse which in turn make my tinnitus worse for a while after I eat. In addition, post-menopausal women suffer from histamine sensitivity more of often than other groups due to higher estrogen in relation to progesterone. I was hoping that the end of my withdrawal could bring some end to these symptoms and improve my ability to eat things that I ate before .

2006-2007 Lexapro (not sure of dose) in 2006

2007 Stopped abruptly. Developed serious wd symptom.Went back after two weeks and  tapered successfully over 3 months

November 2013  started 10 mg of Celexa for hormonal symptoms

early 2014 cutdown Celexa to 5 mg.Attempted to get off it November 2014 and had  

Anxiety increased  every time I used  an OTC or had stress.

April-May Cortisol spike problems 

July 2016 Started taking liquid Celexa 7.5 mg

June 2021 I finished my taper en

Severe anxiety and insomnia

June 2022 symptoms omproved

July 2023 gut issues and sleep issues contnue

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just want to share what worked for me, although it may seem a little extreme to many.

 

I had histamine intolerance for several years - horrific G.I. symptoms and seasonal allergies so bad my eyes would swell and gum up so that they couldn’t be opened. At first the symptoms could be reduced by taking Zyrtec daily. Then it moved up to 2 Zyrtec, sometimes more. Eventually no amount of antihistamines could help... almost every time I ate I would get red in the face and struggle to breathe. Even a cup of tea or piece of fruit would have this effect.

Finally cut out gluten altogether - I mean 100%, not just ‘mostly’. I’d tried reducing intake previously but saw no difference. Things started improving a lot for me after about 2mths. Keep in mind it might not be gluten that is doing the damage for you, but finding the main culprit(s) and eliminating that was enough to allow my gut to heal to the point I could have a meal without feeling like I was dying.

 

I was traveling a lot for work at that time (still do), so was regularly exposed to cross-contaminated foods which would make me sick again for several days. I decided at that point to try something more drastic - having seen some documentaries and done a lot of online reading I decided to try helminthic therapy. For those unfamiliar, this is where a person inoculates themselves with certain types of parasites, I.e. deliberately giving yourself an infection with a small controlled number of parasites. There is a lot more to the theory but basically these guys, which have adapted to living in the human gut, release immunomodulatory proteins which reduce inflammation.

 

About a year after my first 2 innoculations with Necator americanus (common name human hookworm) I intentionally ate a bowl of Singaporean rice pasta made with non-gluten free soy sauce... and nothing happened. It is more than 3 years since first starting with hookworms and my digestion has never been better, and seasonal allergies are non-existent. I don’t even avoid gluten anymore. The only things I still have to avoid are most types of preservatives; includes wine and cider which contain sulphites.


I never would have thought it at the time, but now I am actually grateful for the histamine intolerance. It forced me to learn so much about health, nutrition and to listen to my body, and now I have an infinitely healthier lifestyle which might never have happened otherwise.

Edited by manymoretodays
spacing for readability

2016-2019: moclobemide 300mg

2019: 2 failed tapers, 1 failed CT

late 2019: CT switch from moclo to bupropion

(due to drug unavailability)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anyone have this as well? It sucks knowing that fermented kraut, kimchi, kombucha, etc are so good for your gut and health/healing but can't use them now because they cause sxs flares. When I take some I get extremely agitated above and beyond normal for a day or two after... to the point it's too much to take. It really flares sxs for me at this point when it didn't previously as much. Histamine? I'm not sure, but if anyone has had similar issues please let me know.

Edited by manymoretodays
merged with histamine topic

Took Accutane in 2007 at age 19 and a severe reaction to it threw me into Psychiatry's dirty hands. Suffered through a number of c/t's, rapid tapers, drug switches, reinstatements before finally figuring out what was happening to me in 2012 after checking out of psych hospital with a prescription for Ativan and Prozac. (Went in because was unknowingly in Xanax c/t wd and dying at the time from it).

 

May 2016 - Last dose of Valium after 2 year long taper from 15mg

June 2017- Last dose of the corticosteroid Hydrocortisone after taper

July 2019- Last dose of Prozac after 2 year long taper from 30mg

 

Was on Accutane, Lexapro, Celexa, Xanax, Ativan, Prozac, Hydrocorisone, Valium, and thyroid meds when none of them were needed. Still recovering to this day and hope to be healed in the coming months, but taking it one day at a time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

@AlaskanGlacier@gn11

 

Merged similar topics, adding a few links to more information:

 

Histamine Intolerance, GAPS and Low Carb, 2013, Judy Tsafrir, M.D.

The UK's Histamine Intolerance Awareness site

Edited by manymoretodays
@'s added

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

  • 2 weeks later...

I think I am back onto this bandwagon, lol!

 

Going to work with my naturopath to find out what's going on with my gut.

 

No doubt, some expensive tests to be done involving samples.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Jungle!

And bummer!

All I really know is that I do really well, as long as I get my daily spinach, blueberry, cranberry juice, and greek yogurt blender concoction in.  Seriously.

I throw in some protein powder too.

I just switched from bone broth powder to whey protein, which seems to be going okay so far.

 

I haven't really had to go further than that.  Minimal symptoms for me I think.  Along the lines of sometimes more sneezing, dry and itchy skin, especially in the winter months that I have to attend to with good lotion(s).

 

I'm still sleuthing on what to avoid, as far as histamine goes though.

 

And had a blood test done last July that showed normal Histamine with a experimental blood assay.  I was right in the middle of the range.  Although.........I don't know anything about the accuracy of that test.

 

Good luck to you!

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

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

5 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi Jungle!

And bummer!

All I really know is that I do really well, as long as I get my daily spinach, blueberry, cranberry juice, and greek yogurt blender concoction in.  Seriously.

I throw in some protein powder too.

I just switched from bone broth powder to whey protein, which seems to be going okay so far.

 

I haven't really had to go further than that.  Minimal symptoms for me I think.  Along the lines of sometimes more sneezing, dry and itchy skin, especially in the winter months that I have to attend to with good lotion(s).

 

I'm still sleuthing on what to avoid, as far as histamine goes though.

 

And had a blood test done last July that showed normal Histamine with a experimental blood assay.  I was right in the middle of the range.  Although.........I don't know anything about the accuracy of that test.

 

Good luck to you!

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Thanks MMT, lol!

 

I'm laughing at how absurd this has all become.  

 

Wow, you can get bone broth powder?!? I wonder if we can get that in the UK?

 

Anyway, no doubt I'll be back on this thread updating you guys.

 

Onwards, and happier gutwards 🤪

 

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus
1 minute ago, Junglechicken said:

Wow, you can get bone broth powder?!? I wonder if we can get that in the UK?

 

Yes.  It's become one of those latest rages I think. 

A bit expensive but I just did 1/2 of the recommended, which helped stretch it out for a whole month.

 

And yes, onwards!  (?Hail the Queen, and what about those Princes?)......lol, I shall get over to your introduction soon.  Good to see you back around.

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

8 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

 

Yes.  It's become one of those latest rages I think. 

A bit expensive but I just did 1/2 of the recommended, which helped stretch it out for a whole month.

 

And yes, onwards!  (?Hail the Queen, and what about those Princes?)......lol, I shall get over to your introduction soon.  Good to see you back around.

 

Well, I was on a winning streak for a while in the minimal WD symptom department, and then it all went south after the holidays (boo hoo!).

 

It would be weird to say "its great to be back!", but hey, here I am, lol!

 

P.S Yes, just checked, we can get bone broth powder here, and yes, it is very expensive.

 

 

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Something has set me off sneezing.  Haven't stopped since yesterday.

 

As its not allergy season yet, don't think I have a cold either, so I think its food-related: histamine intolerance.

 

No doubt all will be revealed once I finally get to see my ND.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 8/1/2016 at 2:57 PM, Katch said:

Hello all, this is very interesting thread. I have just came across this on Dr. Mercola website - it was a comment from one of the readers: 

 

One way that bacteria in the gut can cause anxiety and depression is by releasing large amounts of histamine. The body then must use up B6 to make DAO, the enzyme that degrades histamine in the gut and extracellular space in the body(not within cells). When there is a lot of histamine, all or nearly all of the B6 may be used, leaving little or none for making serotonin, since B6 is essential for making serotonin and this makes the person feel depressed. Another route for getting rid of histamine is adrenaline, so the body also releases adrenaline, making the person feel anxious. If the person has the capability of making DAO, but doesn't have enough B6 then the answer is to take enough B6 to make enough DAO to get rid of all that excess histamine. This is what has happened to my son, and taking P5P, the activated form of B6, was like a miracle for him. (100mg of regular B6 didn't do much for my son, so if you try this make sure you take enough.) If you don't remember your dreams, that may be a sign that you need more B6. If you take B6 and get extremely vivid dreams, then back off.

 

Has anyone tried B6? Any ideas/comments?

Kat

 

Great explanation of what is going on - a chain reaction in our bodies!

 

Still waiting to hear from my NP.

 

Awful blocked sinus headache, and unwell feeling.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/28/2020 at 2:25 PM, AlaskanGlacier said:

Anyone have this as well? It sucks knowing that fermented kraut, kimchi, kombucha, etc are so good for your gut and health/healing but can't use them now because they cause sxs flares. When I take some I get extremely agitated above and beyond normal for a day or two after... to the point it's too much to take. It really flares sxs for me at this point when it didn't previously as much. Histamine? I'm not sure, but if anyone has had similar issues please let me know.

 

Classic paradoxical situation which is what WD is all about.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/25/2016 at 11:16 AM, btdt said:

copies from the mensteral cycle thread.. I just put it here in case it can help somebody

 

http://www.histaminintoleranz.ch/de/histaminose_dao-abbaustoerung.html#daoblocker

 

you will have to translate the above site to read this further down the page you will find other causes histamine is not working properly... could be caused by damage to the gut or low... DAO 

 

 

Hormonal disorders

A more advisable out of balance hormones can cause or contribute to histamine problems. The biggest role is played here probably the estrogen (female sex hormone), which is not the absolute amount of estrogen, but the ratio of estrogen relative to certain other hormones (progesterone, testosterone) is crucial. Women are affected more often than men thereof.

The disturbances in hormone levels include:

  • Female Cycle (Menstruation)
  • Hormonal birth control (contraceptives, birth control pills)
  • Menopause (climacteric)
  • puberty
  • Estrogen dominance (or progesterone or testosterone deficiency)
  • Hormones and hormone-like substances in natural foods (eg estrogen in hops and beer)
  • Endocrine pollutants: Substances (unintended) of hormone-like effect in everyday products such as plastics, sun creams etc.
  • (Possibly hormones as growth promoters in animal production?)

Evidence of an association between histamine and hormones: 
From HIT are affected significantly more women than men and the disease often occurs with the onset of menopause on [ Jarisch 2004 ]. 
The intensity of histamine problems is the female cycle dependent (menstrual pain as histamine symptom) [ Jarisch 2004 ]. 
the symptoms of histamine-sensitive people may deteriorate (hormonal contraceptives) depending on individual hormone status or improve when taking the pill. 
During pregnancy, the DAO-level rises by approximately 300 times to the uterus and the embryo before histamine to protect. This has the result that during pregnancy allergies and other histamine problems usually temporarily disappear [Maintz et al. 2008 , Jarisch 2004 ]. Increasing the DAO-production at the beginning of pregnancy is regulated by estrogen [ Liang et al. 2010 ].

The complex interactions are understood not enough. A mechanism could be: For the breakdown of estrogen Vitamin B6 is needed. If too much excess estrogen must be dismantled, the diamine is (DAO) is no longer enough vitamin B6 for the breakdown of histamine available. Conversely, appears to influence the hormone balance and the histamine levels. Apart from the DAO are other places in histamine metabolism hormonal influences (eg can be stimulated to mediator release via estrogen receptors on the membrane of mast cells this).

 

I am not the brainiak I wish I were... but for me B6 makes me so depressed I can't lift my head... P5P helps.  B5 it is sometimes called. 

If this is in part a histamine issue... B1 helps me think and you can read about the conflicting reports I have found on B1 lowering or raising histamine.  

All I know is when I cannot think B1 helps me I came to it by accident comparing cereals... All Bran sticks has a lot of B1 All Bran round things doesn't... All bran was a staple for me in wd once I found it .. I did not leave home without it... I tried the round bits of All Bran it failed me.. back to sticks.  Over time I stopped eating it.. as I thought it was just helping my digestion and that improved... it was not until I did he comparison for another person here at SA that I noticed the sticks had more B1... so I looked up B1 ... and bought some B1... I later learned B1 lowers histamine... important now as I am having allerigic type reactions to many things including drugs it is getting increasingly worse.

Symptoms and Signs. Early symptoms are nonspecific: fatigue, irritability, poor memory, sleep disturbances, precordial pain, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. Dry beriberi refers to peripheral neurologic deficits due to thiamin deficiency.

These drugs change our guts we may well have lack of B1

 

I think this is what has happened to me.

 

Since having the coil fitted, my gut function slowed right down, and then beginning of Jan 2020; BAM! My gut issues started.

 

Initially IBS type symptoms, chills, headaches, anxiety and depression (see my signature).

 

Latterly, sneezing, itchy and watering eyes, after eating certain foods, palps, awful reflux that won't go away, including having goop/mucus in my throat.

 

Looks like hallmark histhamine intolerance to me.

 

I reckon that damn coil triggered the hormone imbalance, which in turn clashed with WD and what do you get?

 

Nasty gut issues and multiple food intolerances.

 

 

 

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I am reacting to every food I put in my mouth. EVERYTHING but water. I am losing tons of weight and do not know what to do. Any guidance?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

cmm1180. I had this too. It was horrendous. Stomach pain, psychological pain, all over body aches, non epileptic seizures, coughing up copious amounts of phlegm just from eating for months. I lost 2 stone within a few weeks. Try to stay away from high histamine foods (tomatoes, citrus, sausages ... See lists online but don't go ocd on focusing on that). I got some vitamin shakes from the chemist for a time (suggested to me by someone else) which helped a bit. I know on this site they don't recommend taking medication but I was told to take promethazine , 25 mg 4 times a day during peak of withdrawal. It took a couple of months but I think it helped to stabilise my histamine system- don't think it would have happened without the antihistamine.i am now down to 3/4 of a promethazine. I am gluten free too , from before withdrawal and that isa massive trigger for severe issues. I am now also practically dairy free and extremely limited on added sugar. I tried to log which foods would trigger but it made no sense as it seemed to be everything but you have to eat. I wish you well. It will get better. 

 

. Seroxat 2001 ish to 2002 ish

. Citalopram 20- 5mg 2002- 2016 

  Citalopram 5mg for 5 weeks 10mg for 5 weeks from May 2017

.Sertraline 12.5 to 25 to 37.5 to 50mg from Aug 17 to Nov 17 

.Sertraline attempted taper from 50mg April 18 to September 18 from 50mg to 12.5mg. 

. Sertraline cold turkey from 12.5mg 1st October 18

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Okay this is beyond me....everything I put in my body makes me dizzy, feels like my head is rocking internally, heart rate rises, feels like my internal temperature is higher (like I have a fever), lips burning. I am struggling to get 200 to 300 calories a day in. Is this a true intolerance or is this anxiety driven. Seems like I have gastroparesis as well because it takes 3 or more hours for this to settle down after I eat anything and my stomach gurgles with every bite I put in my mouth. I cannot take any vitamin drinks or electrolyte drinks as they make me beyond dizzy and even worse symptoms. Anyone ever have anything like this? I don't know what to eat from day to day as it seems that things that seem to be okay one day are triggering the next day. Please help if you can. 

@Altostrata

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy