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Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD)


spidey

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not to promote drugs but I wonder if anyone has tried a short course of abilfy for this...

This is an extremely bad idea. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic that is very strong and has serious and sometimes permanent side effects. Using it for a withdrawal symptom is like shooting a mosquito with a cannon and is typical of how many people get injured by mainstream medicine giving us drugs for our drugs.I hope no one gives this idea any serious consideration.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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not to promote drugs but I wonder if anyone has tried a short course of abilfy for this...

This is an extremely bad idea. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic that is very strong and has serious and sometimes permanent side effects. Using it for a withdrawal symptom is like shooting a mosquito with a cannon and is typical of how many people get injured by mainstream medicine giving us drugs for our drugs.I hope no one gives this idea any serious consideration.

 

Agreed. There seems no reason at all to suspect a short course would cure the problem. There is no reason to suspect a long course would cure the problem. If one suffers from a very serious medical condition then he or she is free to self-experiment if they can find a cooperative doctor. There are 1000 less dangerous drugs I would experiment upon myself before I took abilify...

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • 5 months later...

In response to ALEXIJCE,

 

acupuncture can help to elevate symptoms. I did have it done and it did help. However it flared up when I took a herbal supplement. I and also you will need to have it done on regular basis. I had it done once since the symptoms started and I am due again soon. I hope that helps.

DRUG HISTORY:

 

November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction).

January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey).

January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering.

October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg.

September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed.

September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised.

February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. :(

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  • 1 month later...
  • Administrator

J Sex Marital Ther. 2008;34(2):150-9. doi: 10.1080/00926230701636205.

Persistent genital arousal disorder in women: case reports of association with anti-depressant usage and withdrawal.
Leiblum SR1, Goldmeier D.

Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

Little is known with certitude about the triggers of persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) in women, although there appears to be certain common features of the disorder. Women complain of unbidden feelings of genital arousal that are qualitatively different from sexual arousal that is preceded by sexual desire/and or subjective arousal. The majority of women find PGAD distressing and report only brief relief with orgasm. In this article, we describe five women who believe they developed PGAD either after withdrawing from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants or while using them. We discuss these sexual symptoms in relation to what is already known about prolonged SSRI withdrawal syndromes and the possible etiologies of these conditions. While not a common cause of PGAD, it is possible that use of, and withdrawal from, pharmacological agents contributes to the development of PGAD.

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.

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  • 1 month later...

I wonder if drug labelling for AD'S will ever change to include PGAD as possible side effect, even if this is rare?

DRUG HISTORY:

 

November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction).

January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey).

January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering.

October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg.

September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed.

September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised.

February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. :(

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  • 4 months later...

J Sex Marital Ther. 2008;34(2):150-9. doi: 10.1080/00926230701636205.

 

Persistent genital arousal disorder in women: case reports of association with anti-depressant usage and withdrawal.

Leiblum SR1, Goldmeier D.

 

Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

 

Little is known with certitude about the triggers of persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) in women, although there appears to be certain common features of the disorder. Women complain of unbidden feelings of genital arousal that are qualitatively different from sexual arousal that is preceded by sexual desire/and or subjective arousal. The majority of women find PGAD distressing and report only brief relief with orgasm. In this article, we describe five women who believe they developed PGAD either after withdrawing from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants or while using them. We discuss these sexual symptoms in relation to what is already known about prolonged SSRI withdrawal syndromes and the possible etiologies of these conditions. While not a common cause of PGAD, it is possible that use of, and withdrawal from, pharmacological agents contributes to the development of PGAD.

" after withdrawing from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants or while using them."

I did not think there were any other symptoms and I certainly did not think this would be one of them. Yet here it is.  Just like Mamma I had no clue this was a symptom.  I had it when I was on zoloft and after I quit taking it.  There use to be a drug on the market called ornaide I am sorry I can't begin to recall how it was spelled it was an over the counter drug...for colds or something.  Some doctor along the way sorry don't recall which one told me to take this to relieve the pressure in and around my pelvic region and it did work... however they took that otc drug off the market. 

I tried pharma drugs too... urispas may be another wrong name but it was like that given by a specialist long long ago I can't recall if it worked or not. This was my first attempt to treat it.. I guess it did not work or I would not have tried the ornade. 

I had it again later on when I was on effexor it was very different with effexor and celexa together... 

I am going to have to give this more thought I had no clue this was a symptom of antidepressants.  

I am curious what to learn what a tarlov cyst looks like on a cat scan and I wonder if there are other terms to describe it.  I guess I have something else to research.  

One more thing I am curious about is restless leg yes I have had that but I have something different now in my one foot...I have foot pain that seems neurological to me I wonder about the wrestless leg and how these two symptoms relates... I will stop wondering now and do some research.  Just when you think you heard it all something else comes up. 

peace should be my focus maybe your too...just a reminder.

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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wiki

Common symptoms[edit]

Below are a list of commonly reported symptoms associated with Tarlov cysts:

Back pain, perineal pain, SciaticaCauda equina syndromedysuriaurinary incontinencecoccygodynia, sacral radiculopathyradicular painheadachesretrograde ejaculation,paresthesiahypesthesia, motor disorders in lower limbs and the genital, perineal, or lumbosacral areas, sacral or buttocks pain, vaginal or penile paraesthesia, sensory changes over buttocks, perineal area, and lower extremity;[6][8][13][15] difficulty walking; severe lower abdominal pain.

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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  • 2 months later...

I experienced symptoms of PGAD roughly 5 weeks into withdrawal from Sertraline that have yet to abate. I have since tried pregabalin and escitalopram to try and curb the symptoms to no avail.

 

My symptoms did alter somewhat but couldn't say they improved in any way, just different somehow.

 

I'm now withdrawing from escitalopram and my symptoms are as intense as ever. My GP has prescribed cymbalta having read that few have gained some benefit from taking it.

 

Has anyone had any relief with their symptoms or did they eventually pass?

 

I'm truly terrified to try another antidepressant considering it was antidepressants that caused my symptoms and having found no relief with escitalopram.

 

Will this ever end? If it doesn't I'll be sorely tempted to leave a wife a widower and 3 young children without their father which saddens me greatly. There are literally no words to explain the depths of despair I'm plowing daily.

 

I'm a shell of my former self and currently find no enjoyment in life anymore. I'm in a worse place for approaching the NHS for help with my anxiety condition and would have stayed well away if only I'd known what the repercussions were going to be.

 

Some guidance please?

December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist.

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Anyone?

December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist.

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  • Administrator

Doctors might throw various drugs at this condition but there doesn't seem to be anything that predictably works. You'll have to weigh the risk of further adverse drug reactions against the small possibility any particular drug is the key for you.

 

It's also possible the additional psychiatric drugs you've tried so far have added to your nervous system dysregulation and prolonged your recovery.

 

You might also put "PGAD" in the Search box at top and read other's experiences.

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.

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I experienced symptoms of PGAD roughly 5 weeks into withdrawal from Sertraline that have yet to abate. I have since tried pregabalin and escitalopram to try and curb the symptoms to no avail.

 

My symptoms did alter somewhat but couldn't say they improved in any way, just different somehow.

 

I'm now withdrawing from escitalopram and my symptoms are as intense as ever. My GP has prescribed cymbalta having read that few have gained some benefit from taking it.

 

Has anyone had any relief with their symptoms or did they eventually pass?

 

I'm truly terrified to try another antidepressant considering it was antidepressants that caused my symptoms and having found no relief with escitalopram.

 

Will this ever end? If it doesn't I'll be sorely tempted to leave a wife a widower and 3 young children without their father which saddens me greatly. There are literally no words to explain the depths of despair I'm plowing daily.

 

I'm a shell of my former self and currently find no enjoyment in life anymore. I'm in a worse place for approaching the NHS for help with my anxiety condition and would have stayed well away if only I'd known what the repercussions were going to be.

 

Some guidance please?

A lot of us have been in your situation I can't in all honesty say you should take a drug I refused to take... but I can't tell you not to either. I am a shell of my former self too but I cannot tolerate any more drugs...my body will not take it. 

There was a post on here today about doctors speaking out again ssri... at the very end of the article was a doc listed from across the pond maybe just maybe you could see him. 

It was worth a shot.  Bottom line if it worked and got you stable maybe it would be worth it... maybe but it is one of the drugs with a bad withdrawal story... the drug your trying to get off now why are you quitting?  No matter what anyone here says your the one who will pay the price or get the rewards I persoanally think there is a price to pay for all these drugs and I don't want to pay it anymore... but I have gone back on a med in the past to get out of a bad place... I did not know then the bad place was caused by withdrawal of a ssri to start with so of course more would work... if this is the case with you maybe you just need to go up in dose please read more.

Maybe your withdrawal program is overly fast maybe you need to go up in dose please see the Taper thread. 

I wish you peace.

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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I had this about a month ago. It was awful! I had no idea what was going on. I just felt physically aroused for no reason at all, my mind was on something completely different when it came on, and had the urge to relieve it as soon as possible. I was in the middle of a grocery store when it happened and literally had to go home. It was a hideous experience. It seemed to come and go and then it went all together.

 

I told my mom, and she told me that it happened to her when she went off Prozac.

 

When it comes to drugs to fix it, I would think CBT to be an option. This is a side effect of a drug or coming off of a drug, so why throw more drugs into the mix? Seems counterproductive. It may be annoying, but it is not life threatening, and I believe learning to reinterpret the sensation when it comes out of context would be a better choice than subjecting my body to more drugs.

2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor.....

5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses.

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I got this really bad not just down there but also my breasts. It was severe for close to two months, it has lessened greatly, barely even noticeable now.

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  • 4 weeks later...

there is a Doctor in San Diego California that specializes in pgad for men and women. I haven't seen him but have searched for answers about pgad cause I too suffer from pgad. My symptoms started a month ago and they weren't due to any medications. The clinic is called sdsm.. His name is Dr Goldstein. His name is the only one that appears when searching for solutions or help from other women suffering.

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Wow, I just found this forum, and it has been incredibly useful for me! Its really nice to know I'm not the only one dealing with this issue.

 

I actually just saw a Urologist for my issues with PGAD, and he said that he knows Dr. Goldstein very well, and that he does treat PGAD specifically, but that he also treats a variety of other issues. This being said, he does not focus entirely on Pelvic Pain Issues (My urologist said PGAD falls under that category). I've heard of this doctor named Jerome Weiss in San Francisco at the Pacific Center for Pelvic Pain, and I scheduled an appointment with him. Apparently he sees plenty of both women and men with PGAD, which surprised me, because as a male with PGAD I thought I was pretty much alone. My urologist actually recommended I see him over Dr. Goldstein, because Dr. Weiss is more focused in the right area.

 

I do have a question for anyone out there about treatment for PGAD symptoms. My urologist prescribed me Elavil (or Amitriptyline), because apparently it has helped people in the past. I've even seen a couple of posts on here about that drug helping. So here is my question:  Has anyone experienced symptoms getting worse before they get better when taking a drug that may help PGAD symptoms? I want to give Elavil a good try, but if it makes my symptoms worse initially, then does that mean it will just not work at all, period? My urologist wants me to give it a try for a month, but I don't want to be on it for a month if my PGAD is much worse the whole time

 

I know antidepressants can take up to 4 weeks to fully work, but is that true for alleviating PGAD symptoms? I tried Cymbalta already, and it made the symptoms so much worse that I couldn't take it for more than a few days. But I'm not sure if the "pain" relieving affects of Cymbalta would take longer to kick in than whatever aspect of the drug was making it worse. Please let me know if you guys have any personal experience, or advice in this situation.

2011-2013 40mg Celexa: worked well at first, but stopped working after a year or so

June 2013 Wellbutrin: didn't tolerate well

August 2013 Prozac: didn't tolerate well

February 2014 20mg Lexapro: felt no effect from it, quit it after a month and a half over the period of a couple of weeks

March-April 2014 8mg Zofran daily: took for nausea I was getting from Mono

Developed PGAD during April. I believe as a result from Zofran.

June-present .5mg Klonopin daily: to help with PGAD and anxiety

 

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Nobody knows sadly, it's pretty much suck it and see which is why I'm suffering with PGAD myself.

 

I'm opting to stay away from AD's altogether considering it's cessation of antidepressant (sertraline) which caused it.

 

I'm hoping that if I stay away from medication altogether I'll give my nervous system a chance to right itself naturally and hopefully the PGAD will improve with it.

 

I've tried an additional ssri, amitriptyline and pregabalin and it did nothing for me.

December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist.

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Itwillgetbetter, what in your opinion caused your PGAD symptoms?

December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist.

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That is pretty frustrating. I saw that some people said they benefited from Amitriptyline or other drugs, and I hope one of them meanders along this post so they can let me know if it got better from day one or if it got worse first before getting better. I think it was this anti nausea drug called Zofran that triggered my PGAD symptoms, as it does work on Serotonin precursor receptors. Its hard to say though. One day in March, randomly, I just developed horrible nausea among many other symptoms, and then later found out I had mono. And apparently the gut symptoms turned out to be IBS triggered by the mono. So it could be a few different things, or a combination of them that made me develop PGAD.

 

Did you ever try to go back on Sertraline to see if it would relieve the PGAD symptoms? I also had quickly tapered off Lexapro about a month and a half before, but I'm doubtful it was due to that, seeing as it was so much earlier. But I was just thinking, if it was the body's reaction to a lack of that drug, maybe reintroducing the drug would correct whatever imbalance there is.

2011-2013 40mg Celexa: worked well at first, but stopped working after a year or so

June 2013 Wellbutrin: didn't tolerate well

August 2013 Prozac: didn't tolerate well

February 2014 20mg Lexapro: felt no effect from it, quit it after a month and a half over the period of a couple of weeks

March-April 2014 8mg Zofran daily: took for nausea I was getting from Mono

Developed PGAD during April. I believe as a result from Zofran.

June-present .5mg Klonopin daily: to help with PGAD and anxiety

 

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Also, just a note, Broken. I have been taking a low dose of Klonopin (.25 mg twice daily), and has helped quite a bit with the anxiety I get about PGAD. I started taking it partially because some people report it helps with the physical sensations of PGAD, but mostly for my anxiety. I can't say for sure whether it really helps alleviate the physical sensation for me, but it can prevent me from getting too anxious, which makes my PGAD worse. I get really worried about how my future is going to turn out with PGAD, and all of these other issues I have, and Klonopin can help a lot in times of need. I don't recommend taking it daily like I do, but in certain times of high anxiety maybe it can help you calm down and not catastrophize about the future, if only for a short while. 

2011-2013 40mg Celexa: worked well at first, but stopped working after a year or so

June 2013 Wellbutrin: didn't tolerate well

August 2013 Prozac: didn't tolerate well

February 2014 20mg Lexapro: felt no effect from it, quit it after a month and a half over the period of a couple of weeks

March-April 2014 8mg Zofran daily: took for nausea I was getting from Mono

Developed PGAD during April. I believe as a result from Zofran.

June-present .5mg Klonopin daily: to help with PGAD and anxiety

 

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ItWillGetBetter,

SA is a forum for helping people taper off psychiatric medications and for withdrawal support. Apart from occasional reinstatement of a drug which someone is in withdrawal from, we don't advocate or give advice about taking drugs to relieve symptoms.

 

 I also had quickly tapered off Lexapro about a month and a half before, but I'm doubtful it was due to that, seeing as it was so much earlier. But I was just thinking, if it was the body's reaction to a lack of that drug, maybe reintroducing the drug would correct whatever imbalance there is.

 

Its quite possible that withdrawal from lexapro triggered the PGAD, sometimes withdrawal symptoms don't start for weeks or months.  When I tapered off Lexapro too fast in 2010, I actually felt quite well for about 2 months, then withdrawal symptoms started.

 

Please would you start a topic for yourself in introductions and we may be able to help.

 

Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature.  Putting a short version of your drug and tapering history in your signature helps people understand your context, it appears below each of your posts.  Here are instructions for how to do it:

 

http://survivinganti...your-signature/

 

If you have been taking Klonopin daily, and want to stop, you will need to taper off that too or you may experience withdrawal symptoms from that.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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Hi Petu,

 

Thanks for the guidance, I was unaware. I just started my own intro topic! So we'll see how it goes.

2011-2013 40mg Celexa: worked well at first, but stopped working after a year or so

June 2013 Wellbutrin: didn't tolerate well

August 2013 Prozac: didn't tolerate well

February 2014 20mg Lexapro: felt no effect from it, quit it after a month and a half over the period of a couple of weeks

March-April 2014 8mg Zofran daily: took for nausea I was getting from Mono

Developed PGAD during April. I believe as a result from Zofran.

June-present .5mg Klonopin daily: to help with PGAD and anxiety

 

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I found a long PGAD thread on a Pudendal Neuralgia support site.  Its specific to PGAD being caused by PN, but there may be some good ideas or further resources linked there:

 

http://www.pudendalh...php?f=48&t=1590

 

Its a very long thread, I only read through the first few pages.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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i have to report that after 9 months pgad free, i have started experiencing mild pgad symptoms, since mirtz. cut. it is not as bad as it was on zoloft, but i am hoping that it will go away once i am completly off mirtz. i feel burning and tingling. when i whent on mirtz. symptoms improved not completly gone. went on low dose of mirtz. because i was having pgad symptoms. then it went away now it has comeback mild since mirtz cut. can this happen on tryciclic antideppressants? or mirtz was just masking it? thank you.

DRUG HISTORY:

 

November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction).

January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey).

January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering.

October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg.

September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed.

September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised.

February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. :(

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Hopefull, mirtazapine is well-known for being sexually stimulating. I experienced this myself. Didn't we talk about this before.

 

there is a Doctor in San Diego California that specializes in pgad for men and women. I haven't seen him but have searched for answers about pgad cause I too suffer from pgad. My symptoms started a month ago and they weren't due to any medications. The clinic is called sdsm.. His name is Dr Goldstein. His name is the only one that appears when searching for solutions or help from other women suffering.

 

Here is Dr. Goldstein's Web site http://theinstituteforsexualmedicine.com/board/irwin-goldstein-md

 

Wow, I just found this forum, and it has been incredibly useful for me! Its really nice to know I'm not the only one dealing with this issue.

 

I actually just saw a Urologist for my issues with PGAD, and he said that he knows Dr. Goldstein very well, and that he does treat PGAD specifically, but that he also treats a variety of other issues. This being said, he does not focus entirely on Pelvic Pain Issues (My urologist said PGAD falls under that category). I've heard of this doctor named Jerome Weiss in San Francisco at the Pacific Center for Pelvic Pain, and I scheduled an appointment with him. Apparently he sees plenty of both women and men with PGAD, which surprised me, because as a male with PGAD I thought I was pretty much alone. My urologist actually recommended I see him over Dr. Goldstein, because Dr. Weiss is more focused in the right area.

 

....

Here is Dr. Weiss's Web site http://www.jmweissmd.com/

 

If anyone sees either of these doctors, or any that treat PGAD, please let us know of their opinions.

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.

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  • Mentor

I've been reluctant to talk about this subject because it makes me feel dirty and disgusting.......

 

Many people report sexual side effects while on antidepressants or after discontinuation. The most common complaint is lack of libido. Not so common is what I am currently experiencing which is known as "Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder." It has been linked to Restless Leg Syndrome. I had this whenever I would miss a dose of Effexor. My genital area would begin throbbing and pulsating and the only relief was round the clock stimulation. I would get maybe 30 minutes of relief followed by more "demands" for release. Now coming off of Cymbalta I feel this again. There is no known cure that I am aware of. I can't imagine living out the rest of my life in this state. Everyone that wishes their libido would return: be grateful it has decided to take that route as opposed to this one. This can be best described as Chinese water torture. Many people have killed themselves over it. If it doesn't go away or at least improve (and if I can never again take any med to silence it) I'm afraid I might be tempted myself. I think I'd prefer being paralyzed from the waist down.

 

Here is an article explaining:

 

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

I thankyou for discussing this.  I have only just read this, and so grateful mine has stopped.  I never linked antidepressant use with this, but now I link everything to AD use, and it is all starting to make sense.  I gave up AD four months ago, after a gradual taper over a few months.  Now my first minor stress, and I have tumbled.  The advice here has been great, now on 50mg Seroquol and two glasses of red a night.  That is my balance at present.   So I think I am doing well.  I can go to work every second day... so improving.  Anyhow for the last four weeks I have been very aroused and damn I am 55 years old!  If I was younger, I am sure it would all be horrific, and stronger urges.  But just to let you know, even though I was enjoying a bit of finger fun, it has now stopped. Just as suddenly as it began.  So do not lose hope, the body and brain are miraculous things, you will heal.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

 

not to promote drugs but I wonder if anyone has tried a short course of abilfy for this...

This is an extremely bad idea. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic that is very strong and has serious and sometimes permanent side effects. Using it for a withdrawal symptom is like shooting a mosquito with a cannon and is typical of how many people get injured by mainstream medicine giving us drugs for our drugs. I hope no one gives this idea any serious consideration.

 

totally agree.... following the practice of more drugs for more illnesses, suddenly made me think, when I was on too many of the damn things. I always refused lithium, then ended up on lithium which made me aggressive, so where did my brain go?  So glad to have it back, can cope with symptoms, as long as I eat just enough, sleep, just enough, and forgive myself, all my guilts.  I dont care if it takes years.  Dont take on any new drugs, not that I know yet, I am only just stable on two drugs..... but gosh compared to the amount I was on 2 years ago, I am a survivor.  Yeah, shooting a mosquito with a cannon.  Love the quote, so true.  And my favourite quote  "the only thing to fear is fear itself"  from a victim of black dog, Winston Churchill, luckily he was never on AD look how long he lived.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

Love the way a drug gives us symptoms, then suddenly there is a new name for it in psychiatry.... hoho rofl  PGAD.  Suddenly a side effect is a new disorder.  I think psychiatry is becoming a joke, and I hope more people can see it.  I just believe in ying and yang now.  You been sexually repressed for whoever long on AD, then when you give em up, its the opposite. Or vice versa, they make you sexual, you give up, then the withdrawal is the opposite.  They artificially make you happy, one day you get the big downer, the more drugs you take, the worse the cycle gets. Like been so constipated for years, my body has adjusted, give up, now I go to the toilet immediately after a meal (actually that symptom has nearly gone already), or finding I  sh+t myself... .   Even woke up one morning, nearly had wet the bed.  That doesn't seem to happen anymore.   Treat yourself kindly, feel no guilt, no shame, forgive yourself, it isnt your fault.  I have had to learn that.  Today I played all day on silly computer games, but damn, for the first time in years, can actually cook dinner, in some form, for my son.  I am lucky, I give myself permission to heal.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

Love the way a drug gives us symptoms, then suddenly there is a new name for it in psychiatry.... hoho rofl  PGAD.  Suddenly a side effect is a new disorder.  I think psychiatry is becoming a joke, and I hope more people can see it.  I just believe in ying and yang now.  You been sexually repressed for whoever long on AD, then when you give em up, its the opposite. Or vice versa, they make you sexual, you give up, then the withdrawal is the opposite.  They artificially make you happy, one day you get the big downer, the more drugs you take, the worse the cycle gets. Like been so constipated for years, my body has adjusted, give up, now I go to the toilet immediately after a meal (actually that symptom has nearly gone already), or finding I  sh+t myself... .   Even woke up one morning, nearly had wet the bed.  That doesn't seem to happen anymore.   Treat yourself kindly, feel no guilt, no shame, forgive yourself, it isnt your fault.  I have had to learn that.  Today I played all day on silly computer games, but damn, for the first time in years, can actually cook dinner, in some form, for my son.  I am lucky, I give myself permission to heal.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

Love the way a drug gives us symptoms, then suddenly there is a new name for it in psychiatry.... hoho rofl  PGAD.  Suddenly a side effect is a new disorder.  I think psychiatry is becoming a joke, and I hope more people can see it.  I just believe in ying and yang now.  You been sexually repressed for whoever long on AD, then when you give em up, its the opposite. Or vice versa, they make you sexual, you give up, then the withdrawal is the opposite.  They artificially make you happy, one day you get the big downer, the more drugs you take, the worse the cycle gets. Like been so constipated for years, my body has adjusted, give up, now I go to the toilet immediately after a meal (actually that symptom has nearly gone already), or finding I  sh+t myself... .   Even woke up one morning, nearly had wet the bed.  That doesn't seem to happen anymore.   Treat yourself kindly, feel no guilt, no shame, forgive yourself, it isnt your fault.  I have had to learn that.  Today I played all day on silly computer games, but damn, for the first time in years, can actually cook dinner, in some form, for my son.  I am lucky, I give myself permission to heal.

But better than that, I can actually enjoy silly computer games, havent played simple games and enjoyed them from before AD.  I used to love scrabble, cards, it all just vaporised, so enjoying it now.  Mahjong something on facebook, is great...  I played it all day.  I know yesterday I went to work, today I didn't, I feel no guilt, I am healing.  I am lucky I can do this, or perhaps it just takes a realisation WE HAVE TO DO THIS.  Pamper ourselves, doing simple things we enjoy.  I reckon tomorrow, I will get out of bed, just to play this silly facebook game.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

I've been reluctant to talk about this subject because it makes me feel dirty and disgusting.......

 

Many people report sexual side effects while on antidepressants or after discontinuation. The most common complaint is lack of libido. Not so common is what I am currently experiencing which is known as "Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder." It has been linked to Restless Leg Syndrome. I had this whenever I would miss a dose of Effexor. My genital area would begin throbbing and pulsating and the only relief was round the clock stimulation. I would get maybe 30 minutes of relief followed by more "demands" for release. Now coming off of Cymbalta I feel this again. There is no known cure that I am aware of. I can't imagine living out the rest of my life in this state. Everyone that wishes their libido would return: be grateful it has decided to take that route as opposed to this one. This can be best described as Chinese water torture. Many people have killed themselves over it. If it doesn't go away or at least improve (and if I can never again take any med to silence it) I'm afraid I might be tempted myself. I think I'd prefer being paralyzed from the waist down.

 

Here is an article explaining:

 

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

Hang in there spidey, treat yourself kindly.  Give up the drugs, when you can.  Take time and plan it.  I did not plan mine well enough.   Give yourself time to heal, you are young, with a long and fruitful life ahead of you.  My symptoms of this did not last long, I am lucky.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

 

J Sex Marital Ther. 2008;34(2):150-9. doi: 10.1080/00926230701636205.

 

Persistent genital arousal disorder in women: case reports of association with anti-depressant usage and withdrawal.

Leiblum SR1, Goldmeier D.

 

Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

 

Little is known with certitude about the triggers of persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) in women, although there appears to be certain common features of the disorder. Women complain of unbidden feelings of genital arousal that are qualitatively different from sexual arousal that is preceded by sexual desire/and or subjective arousal. The majority of women find PGAD distressing and report only brief relief with orgasm. In this article, we describe five women who believe they developed PGAD either after withdrawing from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants or while using them. We discuss these sexual symptoms in relation to what is already known about prolonged SSRI withdrawal syndromes and the possible etiologies of these conditions. While not a common cause of PGAD, it is possible that use of, and withdrawal from, pharmacological agents contributes to the development of PGAD.

" after withdrawing from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants or while using them."

I did not think there were any other symptoms and I certainly did not think this would be one of them. Yet here it is.  Just like Mamma I had no clue this was a symptom.  I had it when I was on zoloft and after I quit taking it.  There use to be a drug on the market called ornaide I am sorry I can't begin to recall how it was spelled it was an over the counter drug...for colds or something.  Some doctor along the way sorry don't recall which one told me to take this to relieve the pressure in and around my pelvic region and it did work... however they took that otc drug off the market. 

I tried pharma drugs too... urispas may be another wrong name but it was like that given by a specialist long long ago I can't recall if it worked or not. This was my first attempt to treat it.. I guess it did not work or I would not have tried the ornade. 

I had it again later on when I was on effexor it was very different with effexor and celexa together... 

I am going to have to give this more thought I had no clue this was a symptom of antidepressants.  

I am curious what to learn what a tarlov cyst looks like on a cat scan and I wonder if there are other terms to describe it.  I guess I have something else to research.  

One more thing I am curious about is restless leg yes I have had that but I have something different now in my one foot...I have foot pain that seems neurological to me I wonder about the wrestless leg and how these two symptoms relates... I will stop wondering now and do some research.  Just when you think you heard it all something else comes up. 

peace should be my focus maybe your too...just a reminder.

 

I was on uppers and downers and everything for three weeks in a ward.  I was there due to a severe psychotic reaction to valium.  That is all, but have to add more drugs, not just lay off the damn drugs......One reaction to that drug was restless legs. Yes I remember the restless legs, was horrific.  I KNOW IT WAS THE DRUGS. Was told, nah valium doesnt cause that,   later, running all the way to a hospital, was not the thing to do..well now they know valium can cause it, as does  whole heap of drugs,  no drugs are safe.. 

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

 

I've been reluctant to talk about this subject because it makes me feel dirty and disgusting.......

 

Many people report sexual side effects while on antidepressants or after discontinuation. The most common complaint is lack of libido. Not so common is what I am currently experiencing which is known as "Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder." It has been linked to Restless Leg Syndrome. I had this whenever I would miss a dose of Effexor. My genital area would begin throbbing and pulsating and the only relief was round the clock stimulation. I would get maybe 30 minutes of relief followed by more "demands" for release. Now coming off of Cymbalta I feel this again. There is no known cure that I am aware of. I can't imagine living out the rest of my life in this state. Everyone that wishes their libido would return: be grateful it has decided to take that route as opposed to this one. This can be best described as Chinese water torture. Many people have killed themselves over it. If it doesn't go away or at least improve (and if I can never again take any med to silence it) I'm afraid I might be tempted myself. I think I'd prefer being paralyzed from the waist down.

 

Here is an article explaining:

 

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

Hang in there spidey, treat yourself kindly.  Give up the drugs, when you can.  Take time and plan it.  I did not plan mine well enough.   Give yourself time to heal, you are young, with a long and fruitful life ahead of you.  My symptoms of this did not last long, I am lucky.

And yes, some of the thoughts are sick and horrible, glad I don't have them anymore.

 

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Mentor

 

I've been reluctant to talk about this subject because it makes me feel dirty and disgusting.......

 

Many people report sexual side effects while on antidepressants or after discontinuation. The most common complaint is lack of libido. Not so common is what I am currently experiencing which is known as "Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder." It has been linked to Restless Leg Syndrome. I had this whenever I would miss a dose of Effexor. My genital area would begin throbbing and pulsating and the only relief was round the clock stimulation. I would get maybe 30 minutes of relief followed by more "demands" for release. Now coming off of Cymbalta I feel this again. There is no known cure that I am aware of. I can't imagine living out the rest of my life in this state. Everyone that wishes their libido would return: be grateful it has decided to take that route as opposed to this one. This can be best described as Chinese water torture. Many people have killed themselves over it. If it doesn't go away or at least improve (and if I can never again take any med to silence it) I'm afraid I might be tempted myself. I think I'd prefer being paralyzed from the waist down.

 

Here is an article explaining:

 

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18224549

Hang in there spidey, treat yourself kindly.  Give up the drugs, when you can.  Take time and plan it.  I did not plan mine well enough.   Give yourself time to heal, you are young, with a long and fruitful life ahead of you.  My symptoms of this did not last long, I am lucky.

 

Well read that one, the abstract.  All I know is my sexual desires were of the normal kind, until antidepressant use, luckily didn't take them til I was about 35. I am so damn grateful for that. So I know what I was like before. Now I do grasp the connection.  AD are such evil drugs,  I know now I got my brain back.  So glad I was 35 before I took them, because I do recognise the real me returning.  

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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Itwillgetbetter, what in your opinion caused your PGAD symptoms?

My withdrawals set in four months after stopping,  But I have gone on  a very small amount of a previous med, and am stabilizing.  I am determined, as I know I had none of these problems before AD use.  I know I am not depressed, in a normal sense.  So all the thoughts and feelings are not real, I will wait for the wave to pass.  I will be patient. Yes I now know I went weird on AD.  Treat yourself kindly, feel no guilt, no shame, you are just recovering your brain.  It takes time.

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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It's interesting because I think I had some symptoms of PGAD before the meds together with restless leg syndrome but the symptoms completely disappeared after stopping the meds and finally I end up having PSSD, which has improved gradually over the past 3 years, while the earlier symptoms of PGAD and RLS are starting to appear. could this be a reverse of your condition?

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