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

Meimeiquest: my introduction


Meimeiquest

Recommended Posts

  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey MeiMei - just catching up! 

 

Your "stuff" with Mensah, etc. is very confusing to me.  Just when I think I'm getting a handle on things, I realize I don't have a clue!

 

Still doing the "chronic fatigue" Thing?  I call it CFS to others, just because the truth is so difficult to explain.  I'm sure you feel the same.  Plus, when I talk to CFS/ME patients on FB, I find I have a lot in common with them, and it's supportive to talk to them.

 

In August you mentioned:  Kangen water

 

Actually, taking alkaline water can chelate the vitamins and minerals you are taking, and  "detox" you from nutrients as well as toxins.  It is my understanding that it is fine for short term detoxing, but that for long term use, just plain water (carbon filtered or spring water) is healthier.

 

Additionally, your digestive tract has acid in it for a reason:  to break down food.  I wonder about the alkaline water, and its propensity to deplete all of your minerals, including toxins.

 

People who have been on alkaline water for a long time can get quite run down.  You might want to look into this.

 

Later, you wrote:  

 

On the lithium front, my PCP sent me for a thyroid sonogram. Multiple nodules, having two fine needle biopsies tomorrow. But my calcium level is down to high normal and my lithium level is finally dropping and I am off high blood pressure medicine. 

 

 

Oh, how did that turn out?  It's awesome that you are off high blood pressure medicine - but then I was saddened to see that you had to submit to the metformin, which has a nasty little profile all its own.  It's weird that diabetes drugs cause cardio problems, and cardio drugs cause diabetes.  But heck, neuroleptics can cause both systems trouble, and more! 

 

So are you on any thyroid?  Did the nodules turn out to be nothing?  They never biopsied my thyroid until it was taken out.  They just diagnosed it as a large nodule and said it had to come out.  Though I confess to confusion, again - I thought it was a goiter - a hyperenlarged thyroid?  How is a nodule different?

 

Then, you rang all kinds of familiar bells when you said:  

 

"I just can't ...." Is something I have said a lot out loud and to myself in my long journey with fatigue. Because it is true. But I have started making myself finish the sentence with "and so I take responsibility for it not getting it done and its probable consequences of...." In many situations, the only thing you can say is "and so I take responsibility for grieving that loss properly." 

 

Yeah, that sounds like what the CFS people - and I - deal with on a daily basis.  But look at you!  You are holding down a job, a vegetable patch, children, a marriage - is it any wonder you are tired?  Having clear boundaries of "can" and "can't" would surely only help you in the long run!

<3  your lithium sister, Jan

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Replies 340
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Meimeiquest

    145

  • Altostrata

    41

  • mattinsmom

    27

  • Nikki

    12

Top Posters In This Topic

Hi JC,

 

Thanks belatedly! I hadn't thought of the Kangen water as dangerous, just useless, thanks for those thoughts. My husbsnd's friend there moved, so it is a good time to stop.

 

I guess the thyroid problem could be described as goiter on physical exam and nodules on echo. I didn't have cancer, my mom and a sister have the same thing, so it is what it is. My thyroid levels were normal at last total checkout. Obviously it would be better if I was off lithium, but we both know that is easier said than done.

 

I stopped the metformin when the GI symptoms came back and I read it may affect gut serotonin levels and the gut microbiome. I need to find another way. I don't actually have diabetes (yet) so I keep looking.

 

I woke up in a panic last week about quitting my job without another one. Which is rather extreme. So I am going to work "prn" three days/week until I get it sorted out. I am lucky to work for a desperate department!

 

My husband cut out from a coffee ad for the frig magnet: PUMPKIN (his nickname for me, maybe because it is a short and fat?) WILL BE BACK AUGUST 31! Under it I have written WHAT YEAR? That pretty much sums it up.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...

So it has been pretty much yadda, yadda, yadda. The plodding journey tryng to get off all these drugs. Then we travelled over Thanksgiving, supplements got messed up, developed IBS symptoms for first time in my life. Decided to have stool analysis as recommended by my pdoc who says there is always, always, always trouble in the gut if there is trouble in the brain.

 

Stool testing is DNA analysis of the organisms, plus a few other things. Biggest problem: Giardia. My daughter had giardia when we adopted her at ten months of age in China, no symptoms but found on routine stool sample. I developed it later (it took weeks for doc to get her Flagyl prescription set up.). Could not identify it in my stool, but I was "highly symptomatic." Symptoms stopped with Flagyl, then Came right back. Did a month of wormwood and black walnut treatment and everything was fine. This past Aug. I did a parasite cleanse recipe off the Internet as my doc kept bringing this up but I didn't want to pay for testing. So obviously none of the three treatments worked. In talking with the chiro who did the testing, she said she and her daughter both had parasites. I asked her what symptoms caused her to have her daughter tested and I can't remember them because I was in shock as she talked about symptoms that my daughter is having now that have been slowly escalating for years (she is 14 now). My husband doesn't think a chiro is right for this, I am seeing a functional medicine doctor Monday....we shall see.

 

The chiro thinks I almost have to be In the third stage of adrenal fatigue from the prolonged effects. I told her I didn't see how I could be as I am anything but sleeping all the time, always wake up jolted like so many of us. She said the cortisol pattern in patients with prolonged parasitic infections is different because the parasites are more active at night (can we all take a moment to acknowledge the ick factor here?). No matter how depleted the adrenals are, they are going to respond to the inflammation that causes. So the highest cortisol level of the 24-hour period is going to start sometime in the night and morning "jolts" are expected, And the receptors don't respond normally to cortisol because they have been over-exposed for years, like insulin resistance. So it doesn't look quite as expected. If you look at it that way, yep, I probably have it.

 

But I was sick before that, so I'm sure this is just another layer, not the end of trying to get to the bottom of things.

 

Other issues in the lovely specimen included "bad" strep, very low digestive enzymes, very low level of a key immune marker. Low level of candida. Chiro believes candida is usually a secondary infection that comes in after another problem has weakened the gut. Surprisingly, no anti-gliadin antibodies (I definitely have some intolerance to gluten). She says gluten is like sandpaper to the gut and if the gut is not healthy it increases inflammation, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have a sensitivity to it. Her recommendation is two months of liver and adrenal support before trying to go after the giardia, which should increase the chance of clearing it on the first (actually fourth) try.

 

Collecting papers for the functional medicine doc. I really don't understand much about thyroid issues. My TSH is normally 1.2 to 1.8. One was taken shortly after starting Zyprexa, which ended up being maybe six weeks before starting lithium (and feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and who knows what else.). I was about 4 months into a virtual CT off Cymbalta. It was only 0.5. That is officially normal but don't know what it might mean.

 

I have no idea if this chiro knows what she is talking about, just documenting the story.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

Link to comment
  • 4 months later...

Hi meimei. Are you able to take a nap during the day yet after your zyprexa taper?

I am not a medical professional. My comments and posts are based on personal experiences. Please consult appropriate medical professionals for advice. 

I was started on psych drugs back in the late 80's. You name it. I probably was on it. Tapered off final cocktail 2013-2019. For Hashimotos and high blood pressure I take Levothyroxine. Liothyronine. Spironolactone. Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan. B12 hydroxy. Fish oil w/D3. Bee pollen. Magnesium Glycinate.

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...

Hi Meimeiquest....just wondering if you are still taking inositol?

1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicine
Multiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008

June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it  Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate,  zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • 10 months later...
On 2013-12-22 at 8:52 PM, Meimeiquest said:

Hi Lauren,

 

I'm a Zyprexa survivor...it can be done! Why don't you write a full intro with signature in the intro and update forum, especially if you are on other meds. I've made a lot of mistakes along the way, but tapering Zyprexa first was, for me, the most serious of them. I'm assuming you read this thread on Zyprexa tapering?

 

 

Hello,

 

I hear you tapered off zyprexa succeessfully; I took took it last year for about 3 months and I used other drugs as well for a period over a year. Today i'm almost 4 months drug free but I still feel brain fog and restlessness as well as memory problems and cognitive issues as well.

How long have you been off the drug? Are you completely med free right now? 

Are you left with cognitive issues?

please share any experience you have about this drug because i'm really afraid zyprexa has done irreversible damage to me

 

Thanks in advance

Edited by scallywag
originally posted in Zyprexa tapering topic

2004-2007 paxil

2015- zoloft 3 months zyprexa 3 months lexapro 3 months xanax

Med free since Feb 28th 2017

Mostly experiencing PSSD

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...
On 4/5/2016 at 7:12 PM, Meimeiquest said:

Well, I stopped Zyprexa in 2012 and I consider myself completely recovered. But it was an 8 mo taper, not CT. If you are struggling I would really recommend reinstatement and a proper taper. 3 yrs before that a dr. tried me on 50% reductions and it was impossible.

Meimeiquest! 

 

Are you still around? I'd love to talk to you about your recovery. 

 

Thanks! 

Edited by scallywag
merged from another member's success story

Dec 2016 Risperidone 1 mg, Seroquel 25mg, Latuda 40mg 

Jan - Mar 2017 Paliperidone (invega) 6 -9mg, Zoloft, Mirtazapine, Proprananol, Ativan

Mar - Apr 2017 Aripiprazole (abilify) 10 mg

Apr 2017 - July 2017 Olanzapine (zyprexa) 5 mg tapered to 0mg

Oct 2017 - Present Effexor 37.5mg and Prozac 10mg 

Link to comment
On 4/5/2016 at 7:12 PM, Meimeiquest said:

Well, I stopped Zyprexa in 2012 and I consider myself completely recovered. But it was an 8 mo taper, not CT. If you are struggling I would really recommend reinstatement and a proper taper. 3 yrs before that a dr. tried me on 50% reductions and it was impossible.

Hi meimei 

just read your story 

im 6 months drug free but I still feel brain fog and tinnitus due to zyprexa xanax and lexapro 

did you experience those ?

do you think they will ever go away or are they signs of long term effects that will stay with me a long time ?

how do you feel today? 

Thank you in advance 

Edited by scallywag
merged from another member's success story

2004-2007 paxil

2015- zoloft 3 months zyprexa 3 months lexapro 3 months xanax

Med free since Feb 28th 2017

Mostly experiencing PSSD

Link to comment
  • 7 months later...

I feel a bit like a ghost coming back or something...I’ve just been busy and also lost my password.  But I’m still hanging in there.  I’m still taking some lithium, 300 mg, plus 5 mg of orotate.  I may always stay on a bit, I don’t know.  I just got to where I felt the drug wasn’t dangerous, and the drops so hard, and so many more important things, that I’m just hanging there.  I have been battling mold since at least 2016, and am currently staying with my sister in Colorado while some work is done on our house.  I was just so stuck physically I thought I might have mercury issues from my fillings, and ended up with a dr. near Indianapolis.  She’s pretty awesome, and is helping me slowly straighten out my health.  I just wanted to say high and let y’all know from yet another traveler that it is possible to get off a boatload of meds (I’m sure I could come off the rest of the lithium, it’s just not my priority right now).  My personal opinion at the moment is that getting to the root issues is really the key, but maybe that’s just for me.  I think of many of your u as old friends, please know that I am cheering you on!

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

Link to comment
  • 5 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

I was so happy to read you on my thread and now finding this update which I missed at the time!

 

Of course it's perfectly ok to stay on a low dose of something for as long as it takes and feels right (Rhiannon would always say that's a goal in itself).

 

I hope you have sorted the mould issue. It's so great to see you around you ghost :) Miss Rhi and Areyouthere...

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

Hi, Meimei. How are you doing now?

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

Hi Alto,  the short answer is that I’m plenty good enough, but not “carefree.”  I have come to the conclusion that I agree that I meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, mildly, but I’m much better off managing my overall vulnerability to life than taking meds. It is a lot of work...managing all the self-care.   I work full time, my youngest graduates this May, we’re all making it.  Any infection (I’ve had scabies and a tick-borne disease in the past 18 mos) makes my head spin, I over-respond to any drugs, sometimes I’m really sensitive to sound, but I’m fine. I just started micro-tapering lithium because my blood is dehydrated (hyperosmolality in medical speak) and my ADH is very low. It’s going to be a battle, and a long one, to the end like all the other drugs, but I can honestly say I’m a warrior at reducing meds at this point.  Thanks again for all you’ve given us!

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

Link to comment
  • 3 months later...

@Meimeiquest : I need to message u , can u please message me back !

Sept 28 : nov 10 amitriptyline 10 mg

no history of drugs in past 

 

symptoms 

mild grainy vision , visual snow 

tinnitus 

dizziness

floters 

difficult in focusin 

muscle pain

Link to comment

@meimeiquest : can u reply to me 

Sept 28 : nov 10 amitriptyline 10 mg

no history of drugs in past 

 

symptoms 

mild grainy vision , visual snow 

tinnitus 

dizziness

floters 

difficult in focusin 

muscle pain

Link to comment
  • ChessieCat changed the title to Meimeiquest: my introduction
  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Meimeiquest, 

 

How are you doing?💚

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

Link to comment
  • 1 year later...

My job is really slow right now, so thought I'd drop in with a quick update.  I am still taking low-dose lithium and supplements, but I feel like I'm continuing to heal and progress.  I still don't sleep well after 2-3 a m.  I'm more irritable than I'd like to be.  I have supplement misadventures once in awhile.  I'd love to get more done in a day, but I go all day.  

 

I had genetic testing somewhere along the way because my Dr said it was next step as my progress recovering from mold exposure seemed so slow and so tipped towards psych symptoms. I really take it with a grain of salt, but many homogeneous SNPs in metabolic syndrome/diabetes/cardiac realm, many in detox arena, in managing inflammation.  Then it culminates in 2 or 3 in the gene coding BDNF.  I had a homozygous SNP in the enzyme that breaks down the effect that neurotransmitters have inside the cell and one in a CLOCK gene which both predispose to depression, supposedly, the science is so young and epigenetics (how active a gene is) has so much impact.  But focusing on decreasing toxins and inflammation seems to help me the most (that was already pretty clear anyway).  I had a rough patch last summer after taking an antibiotic for symptoms after a tick bite, and over the Christmas holidays when I didn't eat well, but my mood is generally OK.  It's more ADHD-type symptoms that haunt me.  Courage to everyone during this trying time!

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

Link to comment
  • 5 months later...
  • Administrator

Hi, @Meimeiquest, how are you doing? Good to see you around the community.

 

You've done an amazing job aiding your recovery from mold exposure and tick disease and everything else. How much lithium are you taking now? When would you say you turned the corner on drug withdrawal syndrome?

 

Just reviewing your history. Your "serious mental health problems" starting at age 45 coincided with a switch from Prozac to Cymbalta, bipolar diagnosis followed. Hmmmmm?

 

Please update your signature.

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

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy