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Brain Games for Cognitive Rehabilitation and Distraction


Barbarannamated

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i am saddened too to think of doing permanent damage - i am hoping that new research and results that are coming out about neuroplasticity will help us to maybe over ride that damage. Everything that happens to us effects our brains - every memory has a chemical component to it that probably has an effect when it is recalled. Anxiety does the same. So, we can never go back to premedication state, but maybe we can change and sculpt so it is OK after all

 

Peggy,

 

Yes, absolutely. There are many ways to influence neurogenesis. I believe one of the main ones is "use it or lose it". The amount of research, reading and interacting we are all doing to find answers is USING IT. I was always an avid reader, but this material challenges my brain and mind in a way that I wouldnt be involved in had I not started into pharmapsychiatry and then realized what was happening. I learn new information from all of you every day. This experience has shaped my life in an unexpected way.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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i am saddened too to think of doing permanent damage - i am hoping that new research and results that are coming out about neuroplasticity will help us to maybe over ride that damage. Everything that happens to us effects our brains - every memory has a chemical component to it that probably has an effect when it is recalled. Anxiety does the same. So, we can never go back to premedication state, but maybe we can change and sculpt so it is OK after all

 

Peggy,

 

Yes, absolutely. There are many ways to influence neurogenesis. I believe one of the main ones is "use it or lose it". The amount of research, reading and interacting we are all doing to find answers is USING IT. I was always an avid reader, but this material challenges my brain and mind in a way that I wouldnt be involved in had I not started into pharmapsychiatry and then realized what was happening. I learn new information from all of you every day. This experience has shaped my life in an unexpected way.

 

Hokay.. I may open a thread on this topic, but this is as good a place for now.. anyone have a recommend for brain memory games. They can seriously help, big time.. but I'm not sure which to order.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Agreed! Keeping engaged is key. I am a teacher for home schoolers so am constantly engaged mentally, researching ideas, creatively engaged constantly which I believe is keeping me going as a 60year old. Hopefully this activity will keep me from falling prey to antidepressant withdrawal brain dysfunction! I am guessing there is no viable proof that these drugs permanently disable our brains, no more or the same as everything that happens in life. Crap I did LSD as a teenager and was told that that did permanent brain damage. Maybe it did! Who knows? We can't worry about that now. We just have to live as well as we can til the end of our days! (-:

Took 11 months to kick Benzo? On Paxil for ten years 20mg? Got down to 7.5mg easily but hit a wall.Tried to lower it but kept hitting walls and updosing until..Now liquid Paxil4/3/2013 Took over 6 months to reach 7.2mg =3.6mL5/3/13 7.0 mg = 3.5 mL8/13. 3 mL or 6.6 mg7/5/2014 took a year to get to 6.1 but am stable there and still going.<p>12/2014 now at 6.05mL The good news, no or almost no withdrawal symptoms.

Have MS now so every little drop is difficult with symptoms. Not fun!

Stopped withdrawing at 6mg.

Got too hard with MS and is taking way too long...years, over 10. I may not be here that long and didn't want to spend my entire life in withdrawal so gave up at 6mg. Got a compound pharmacy to make the exact amount.

I have to squelch the feeling that "they" won! Really sucks but oh well, I have my life back.

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Gary Small, MD, is a major proponent of brain training in aging. I'll try to find his info.

http://drgarysmall.com/

 

http://www.today.ucla.edu/portal/ut/081015_gary-small-ibrain.aspx

 

http://playwithyourmind.com/contact/ (unrelated)

 

Im a member of UCLA Institute on Aging aka Semel Institute. Interesting work.

 

I also believe that personal interaction/mental/emotional stimulation is critical. There's something about energy fields..

 

The brain is amazingly adaptable in a short period of time.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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There is a website about brain plasticity...and what to do to keep the mind moving.

 

Anything that is challenging. Scrabble, Sudoko, Reading, Math, Yoga improves blood flow to the brain, as does Gingko.

 

Your going to laugh, but Words With Friends on Facebook, keeps my mind working :D

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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There is a website about brain plasticity...and what to do to keep the mind moving.

 

Anything that is challenging. Scrabble, Sudoko, Reading, Math, Yoga improves blood flow to the brain, as does Gingko.

 

Your going to laugh, but Words With Friends on Facebook, keeps my mind working :D

 

Hi Nikki and thanks.. there are brain games that target specific types of cognitive activities and they are really Bonza Good. I used one set, but the samples were so simple they bored me to tears even though they helped.. I was about to order the probably over priced ones that are recommended on Public Broadcasting, but then I found out they only go for 40 hours or so.. not sure if one just repeats them at that point.. who knows, maybe they are the best choice, but my guess is there are others.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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I have been using some game aps forming words with six letters. That is cool. And of course, researching things for school on the Internet, books, etc.

Took 11 months to kick Benzo? On Paxil for ten years 20mg? Got down to 7.5mg easily but hit a wall.Tried to lower it but kept hitting walls and updosing until..Now liquid Paxil4/3/2013 Took over 6 months to reach 7.2mg =3.6mL5/3/13 7.0 mg = 3.5 mL8/13. 3 mL or 6.6 mg7/5/2014 took a year to get to 6.1 but am stable there and still going.<p>12/2014 now at 6.05mL The good news, no or almost no withdrawal symptoms.

Have MS now so every little drop is difficult with symptoms. Not fun!

Stopped withdrawing at 6mg.

Got too hard with MS and is taking way too long...years, over 10. I may not be here that long and didn't want to spend my entire life in withdrawal so gave up at 6mg. Got a compound pharmacy to make the exact amount.

I have to squelch the feeling that "they" won! Really sucks but oh well, I have my life back.

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I have been using some game aps forming words with six letters. That is cool. And of course, researching things for school on the Internet, books, etc.

 

Link please?? :o

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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One ap is called Jumbline 2, the other is called Word Warp. They are aps I downloaded from the I tunes store using my IPad.

Took 11 months to kick Benzo? On Paxil for ten years 20mg? Got down to 7.5mg easily but hit a wall.Tried to lower it but kept hitting walls and updosing until..Now liquid Paxil4/3/2013 Took over 6 months to reach 7.2mg =3.6mL5/3/13 7.0 mg = 3.5 mL8/13. 3 mL or 6.6 mg7/5/2014 took a year to get to 6.1 but am stable there and still going.<p>12/2014 now at 6.05mL The good news, no or almost no withdrawal symptoms.

Have MS now so every little drop is difficult with symptoms. Not fun!

Stopped withdrawing at 6mg.

Got too hard with MS and is taking way too long...years, over 10. I may not be here that long and didn't want to spend my entire life in withdrawal so gave up at 6mg. Got a compound pharmacy to make the exact amount.

I have to squelch the feeling that "they" won! Really sucks but oh well, I have my life back.

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Schuyler....

 

The Public Broadcasting Show is the one I was referring to. That was how I found there link.

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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Oh, PS, must confess I shelled out the bucks and bought some Posit Science brain training software. Like it so far. The Doidges book is good for getting ideas about what kinds of things actually force your brain to change and train. It has to be stuff you aren't already doing. It's kind of like exercising muscles. You can maintain them by doing what you already do, but if you want them to grow you have to challenge them beyond their current capacity.

 

(the Doidges book is The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidges, a great read on the subject of neuroplasticity, well written, accessible without talking down, and written in a storytelling style that makes it fun to read.)

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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I played with Posit Science a bit. It was kind of fun but didn't hold my interest. I'm no good with games.

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 just did a scan on this thread and the subject of neuroplasticity. I read the Brain That Changes Itself with my book club a couple of years ago. Two words: Amazing. Encouraging.

 

Brain Games: I can reacommend Lumosity - an online site of brain games that is fun, challenging and extremely helpful. You challenge yourself with these games but can also see how you do comparartively to peers. I stopped in January 2011 when my overall brain profile had reached a high percentile. One reason I stopped is I found it rather addictive... :rolleyes: still, better time than watching TV or other inactive passtimes. Then, when I really needed it, I didn't use it because my brain was malfunctioning and I was afraid to. I was automatically renewed and did not realize it. The company has very kindly extended my subscription and recently I wrote that I was going through withdrawal form anti-depressants and could they accommodate my inactivity longer. I am to advise them when I feel I am able to get back on and they will see what they can do. Impressive company in this day and age, I'd say. So I am a subscriber on sort of a temporary hold basis.

 

I Googled and found this review... http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2400859,00.asp

 

I think this is money well spent!

I think! Too much!

Jan. 2009 150 mg. Venlafaxine

2012

5 June 112.5 mg. Venflx

25 June 75 mg. Venflx

8 July Fluox 5ML (0 Venflx)[/b]

10 July aprox. 20 mg Fluoxetine liquid, trouble measuring between 4 - 5 ml, 0 Venflx.

15 July Fluox 5 ML + Vnflx. 10 - 6 grains

24 July Fluox 5ML + 37.5 mg Venflx.

10 Aug Fluox 4.5 ML

13 Aug.Fluox 18 mg liquid; 18 Aug. Fluox 17 mg; 25 Aug. Fluox 16 mg;

2 Sept Fluox 15 mg; 10 Sept Fluox 14 mg; 17 Sept. Fluox 13.6 mg; 29 Sept. Fluox 13 mg.

7 Oct. Fluox 12 mg; 14 Oct. Fluox 11 mg; 21 Oct; Fluox 10 mg; 23 Oct. 9mg; 26 Oct. 8 mg.

21 Nov. 5 mg; 3 Nov. ZERO

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Brain Games: I can reacommend Lumosity - an online site of brain games that is fun, challenging and extremely helpful. You challenge yourself with these games but can also see how you do comparartively to peers. I stopped in January 2011 when my overall brain profile had reached a high percentile.

 

I Googled and found this review... http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2400859,00.asp

 

I think this is money well spent!

 

Thanks, amg. Luminosity games really helped me, but I was not engaged by them, lost interest quickly.. There are some that have been advertised on PBS, they are more expensive than Luminosity and go for something like 40 hrs. I think they are the same as the Posit games Alto mentioned above. Any other recommendations before I shell out 300 clams for them?

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Same with me, about Lumosity. Lost interest.

 

Suggest Sudoku or ping pong or free online games rather than shelling out the clams.

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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Tapering:

 

I am wondering if tapering Fluoxetine by 1 mg per week is considered acceptable?

Although I have had an occasional day of extreme fatigue, I feel like I am doing much better; less is best for me it seems.

 

My thinking is that I should keep trying this weekly adjustment of 1 mg unless I have a very negative response.

 

Any opinions on this would be welcome.

I think! Too much!

Jan. 2009 150 mg. Venlafaxine

2012

5 June 112.5 mg. Venflx

25 June 75 mg. Venflx

8 July Fluox 5ML (0 Venflx)[/b]

10 July aprox. 20 mg Fluoxetine liquid, trouble measuring between 4 - 5 ml, 0 Venflx.

15 July Fluox 5 ML + Vnflx. 10 - 6 grains

24 July Fluox 5ML + 37.5 mg Venflx.

10 Aug Fluox 4.5 ML

13 Aug.Fluox 18 mg liquid; 18 Aug. Fluox 17 mg; 25 Aug. Fluox 16 mg;

2 Sept Fluox 15 mg; 10 Sept Fluox 14 mg; 17 Sept. Fluox 13.6 mg; 29 Sept. Fluox 13 mg.

7 Oct. Fluox 12 mg; 14 Oct. Fluox 11 mg; 21 Oct; Fluox 10 mg; 23 Oct. 9mg; 26 Oct. 8 mg.

21 Nov. 5 mg; 3 Nov. ZERO

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One ap is called Jumbline 2, the other is called Word Warp. They are aps I downloaded from the I tunes store using my IPad.

 

 

I played with Posit Science a bit. It was kind of fun but didn't hold my interest. I'm no good with games.

 

Same with me, about Lumosity. Lost interest.

 

Suggest Sudoku or ping pong or free online games rather than shelling out the clams.

 

Thanks lp and Alto.. I will look into the freebies first. And you are right Alto, Posit could suffer the same fate as Luminosity with me. Wonder if Posit has a refund offer if one is not satisfied. I'll definitely check that out if I decide to look into that software further.

 

Other recommends anyone?? :) Games really do help, take it from a skeptic.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Tapering:

 

I am wondering if tapering Fluoxetine by 1 mg per week is considered acceptable?

Although I have had an occasional day of extreme fatigue, I feel like I am doing much better; less is best for me it seems.

 

My thinking is that I should keep trying this weekly adjustment of 1 mg unless I have a very negative response.

 

Any opinions on this would be welcome.

 

HI amj.. maybe repost this to your intro thread? It helps keep all your important info together. That's for questions specific to your taper, and more people read posts there. :)

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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back to the games...

i play words with friends - i usually have about 15 games going at a time - if anyones to play pm me ur user name and i will add you - i am just an average player but i think it really helps.

 

I have also got the free suduko ap on my iphone - i play a few of those a day too - usually when i am watching TV in the ad breaks

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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How does one start to play WWF? I thought some friends played it thru Facebook and I wont do apps on Facebook. I assume there's a separate method..?

 

Thanks.

B

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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barb, it is an ap on your iphone (i think androids have it too) - you can down load a free version (has ads on it) or pay 1.99 for the ad free version (which is what i did).. you can play with facebook friends, but you don't have to

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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What is WWF. I'm open to finding out how to Scrabble with someone (love that game), but I've never played games through Facebook.

 

Barb, what is WWF? Maybe World Wildlife Federation? :)

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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WWF = Words with Friends. I just made that up. Sorry!

It IS World Wildlife Federation, too ;)

 

I just downloaded it. Thanks!

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Moved the very interesting discussion about games for brains here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2837-games-and-such-to-stimulate-your-brain/

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 knew I'd 'misplaced' the brain thread somewhere! Posted Image

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Thanks for moving the games, I want to get back to talking about slow tapers.I am concerned, but get it that this withdrawal can take a long time. Years at this rate! .5 mg every month or so. That means it will take about 10months more or less to get down 1mg. I am at 7.2 mg. It took months to get here from7.5 mg. I wish I could go faster but I can't! Really sucks but at least I am withdrawing. I guess we will be pen pals for a long time at these rates!

Took 11 months to kick Benzo? On Paxil for ten years 20mg? Got down to 7.5mg easily but hit a wall.Tried to lower it but kept hitting walls and updosing until..Now liquid Paxil4/3/2013 Took over 6 months to reach 7.2mg =3.6mL5/3/13 7.0 mg = 3.5 mL8/13. 3 mL or 6.6 mg7/5/2014 took a year to get to 6.1 but am stable there and still going.<p>12/2014 now at 6.05mL The good news, no or almost no withdrawal symptoms.

Have MS now so every little drop is difficult with symptoms. Not fun!

Stopped withdrawing at 6mg.

Got too hard with MS and is taking way too long...years, over 10. I may not be here that long and didn't want to spend my entire life in withdrawal so gave up at 6mg. Got a compound pharmacy to make the exact amount.

I have to squelch the feeling that "they" won! Really sucks but oh well, I have my life back.

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I tried Lumosity too and was not engaged by their games, but I played Who Has the Biggest Brain on ipod/Facebook for a long time, and also one called Brain Buddies.

 

Thanks for the Doidges book recommendation!

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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This seems quite good - https://www.superbetter.com

 

It's a "game" designed to help improve your "resilience" by giving you different tasks to do - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

 

Here's a TED video of the creator

I really recommend you watch it, it's excellent and I think it relates to us in withdrawal.

2003-2011: Paroxetine,Citalopram,Effexor; Aug/Sept 2011: Effexor to Mirtazapine; Oct 2011: C/T Mirtazapine back to Effexor; Nov/Dec 2011: Fast Tapered Effexor - w/d hell; Feb 2012: Reinstated Effexor 37.5mg; June 2012: Dropped to 35.6mg; Jan 2016: Propranolol 2.5mg per day for general anxiety; Feb 2016: Finasteride 0.25mg per week to slow hair loss; 18th May - 8th June 2019: Started Vyvanse 7.5mg and increased by 7.5mg weekly to 30mg (lowest “therapeutic” dose for adults).; 21st June 2019 - 12th July: Cross tapered from venlafaxine brand Rodomel to Efexor (1/4 > 1/2 > 3/4 weekly before ditching Rodomel); 13th July 2019: Cut Vyvanse dose to 15mg; 15th July 2019: Akathisia returned after years of being free; 16th July 2019: Went back up to Vyvanse 30mg

Supplements: Omega-3, Vitamin D, Zinc, Phosphatidylserine 

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  • 5 months later...
  • 5 months later...

Just started Mind Games free version. Downloaded on Android. Some are much note challenging than others. Not certain how long it will hold my interest but like that it shows progress.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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I'm thinking of trying Luminosity to see if it will help get my brain working faster again. My brain feels sluggish and dumb, which is so far from what it was pre-depression and drugs.

Tapering Zoloft, Dec 2014

Started Lamictal

Re-started Zoloft mid-Oct 2014, 25-50mg

Stopped Zoloft end of Sept 2014

Started Zoloft July 2014, 50mg

Stopped Prozac from 3mg May 2014

Stopped Effexor Dec '13 Started 10mg Prozac

Reinstated Effexor 15mg on Nov 2013

Stopped from 21mg on Oct 2013
Effexor 112.5mg, since Dec 2012

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Feeling pretty crappy today I remembered seeing this topic. I did a few of the games from 'the happy neuron' at the AARP site ahd was really surprised. I did well on the memory ones but the math one floored me. A total blank. Now my brain hurts. Something different to do while I am waiting to get well........

What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878

 

July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site.

 

Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.

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Contrary to popular opinion, PlayStation type games are very good for the brain and neuroplasticity. I've been meaning to buy one but it's been too low on my 'to do' list when it comes to my budget.

 

I have been wanting to since i saw a TED talk on YouTube on the subject

 

bb

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  • 8 months later...

I would like to ask everyone what kind of computer games you have used to occupy or distract yourselfs.

I have played thousands of games of Bejeweled. During acute withdrawal every turn of my head gave me brain zaps or I got very dizzy. Some time just moving my eyes triggered these things and I could even look at my phone even. By playing this matching game it made me focus on only my phone screen. I felt it also made my brain work if even on a basic level trying to match three colored jewels. I didn't usually want to think about much during withdrawl so picking up my phone and playing this game; it kept many a bad thought away. The game isn't to flashy and the sound isn't to overwhelming.

I have also recently started playing Lumosity. This program is a little more challenging at times and sometimes frustrating. There are multiple tasks to complete and typically not in a set pattern. Bejeweled is always the same game every time. I personally think it is over rated. It does make your brain work though.

1993 diagnosed with GAD (general anxiety disorder)

Started Xanax (XR) 3-5 yrs??

Switched to Effexor 15 yrs??

Stopped Effexor / Started Xanax as needed never abused

Two weeks cold turkey taper with SSRI bridge

Reinstated SSRI July 2012 for 5 weeks.

Discontinuation Syndrome Bad!!!!!

Drug Free and Struggling!!!

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Oh gosh, this post is right up my alley.

I used to be very smart and interested in a lot of things computer related. Now I cannot seem to get interested in anything and because of WD I cannot sit still to read or watch even the simplest of TV.

 

 

Endless games of 2 suit Spider solitaire for months. Now I have Jumbline 2 (jumble words game). 'Find Differences' and Tetris. Blendoku. (All are android). Getting lots better at jumble words. First few days after I started using it behind my forehead burned really bad but I couldn't quit. Has stopped now.

 

Seems to be all I can do at home, distraction. Can't just sit here, can't do crafts. Some days I am really bummed at what my life is like. But I am not sitting in the corner drooling on myself. And I have been able to some easy computer fixing when I am asked to. I guess we have to do what we have to do. Rest of the time I hang out here.

What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878

 

July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site.

 

Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.

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