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Paresthesia: pins & needles, numbness, tingling, burning sensations aka neuropathy


angie007

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I've had numbness, pins and needles/pain in my right heel for about 2 months.  It started suddenly for no reason.  Was quite bad for a while and the pain would occur when I walked or held my foot in various positions.  Its slowly getting better, there is only slight pain now and the numbness has decreased.

 

This went away after another month.  But strangely, one day last week, I took a step and suddenly got a sharp pain in the same area and for a few hours this symptom was back.  But this time it only lasted a couple of hours, its gone again now.

 

A slight numbness of the skin in this area has remained, so perhaps there has been some permanent damage, but the pain went away.

 

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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Sharing my recent experience:

 

About six weeks ago, I began experiencing worsening neurological symptoms, and my doctor thought it could be MS, Lyme, or a vitamin deficiency like B12 from my plant based diet.

 

I had been on 12mg Zoloft for about 2 years (with a few days of 25mg, 6mg, or skipped doses as a test thrown in there too). Before this happened, I tested myself on 6mg and 0 mg, thinking it was such a low dose, I'd be fine as the psychiatrists have told me that in the past. However, I experienced very bad muscle weakness and soreness in my legs and my arms, pins and needles in my feet and sometimes my hands, (interestingly enough I also had bad pins and needles in my right heel), balance issues when walking, inability to grasp small things like a pen--dropping things, inability to visually focus, inability to project my voice or put full articulate sentences together, one-sided migraine like headaches, with no medical history of neurological issues or migraines.

 

The worst occurred three weeks ago. I had crashing fatigue, my left arm went lead-like heavy and numb, left hand and fingers tingled, and my speaking was comprehensible but completely slurred. I thought I was having a stroke, but I have no risk factors.  I went to the hospital to be safe. Fortunately, all blood work, MRIs, neurological exams, and other tests have come back normal. I wish I didn't waste the medical professionals' time in the hospital for four days with this, but who knew it was related to SSRI withdrawal?

 

Within hours of going from 0mg Zoloft (they didn't give me any in the hospital because I told them I was "weaning off" the 12mg) to 25mg per my primary care physician, my speaking ability and voice improved 90%. The other symptoms took about a week to resolve but now all I have left is fatigue probably from whatever I went through neurologically.

 
 

Since 1990s: Various meds depression/anxiety. A little benefit from Effexor; Zoloft/Sertraline. Unsuccessful tapers

Feb 2015: Neurological crash / Hemiplegic Migraine after Sertraline taper slower than pdoc's suggestion 50-37-25-12-6-0mg.

Found SA. Reinstated 25mg Sertraline

July 2015:  Medical occurrence thought to be due to Sertraline. Told to D/C. Hypomania/anxiety resulted. Reinstated

Sept 2016: Increased to 37mg Sertraline due to depression/anxiety symptoms or more likely withdrawal symptoms

Dec 2016: Insurance company refused to fill 37mg (1 1/2 pills) Given 25mg.

2017: Started taper, got fearful of possible withdrawal effects, stopped.
May 2018: Still dealing with side effects. New pdoc. 25mg Lamictal added to 25mg Sertraline. 5 mg Melatonin added. Feeling better. Would still like to wean off Sertraline and then Lamictal, but holding for now. I have a very sensitive system with meds.

No other meds. Supplements: Multivitamin, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Fish oil.

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Great post Serenity!

I have been trying years to find relation between dose and the needling, still confused as it seemed occure so randomly. This left me wondering every day weather I'm too low or too high at the dose while handling the severe pain and discomfort from the needling.

 

So it seems to your case, it is a WD symptoms.

 

Thanks for sharing

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Great post Serenity!

I have been trying years to find relation between dose and the needling, still confused as it seemed occure so randomly. This left me wondering every day weather I'm too low or too high at the dose while handling the severe pain and discomfort from the needling.

 

So it seems to your case, it is a WD symptoms.

 

Thanks for sharing

LexAnger,

 

I am glad my post was helpful. :)  As you probably saw from my signature, I've been on meds on/off for 20 years and although I've had symptoms going off of them or switching, I never had anything like this happen. The closest I had to this was brain zaps when my psychiatrist weaned me off of Effexor about 6 or 7 years ago when I wasn't feeling depressed or anxious anymore.

 

I had been taking a Super B Complex the last 2 years, thinking it would help support my nervous system while weaning off of Zoloft. About six weeks ago, however, when I started to have the start of these neurological symptoms, I thought I was B12 deficient from my plant based diet, so I started taking quite a lot of sublingual B12. I also got a B12 shot because I truly thought I was deficient.

 

Perhaps the extra B12 just made things worse, and that's my fault. Perhaps those of us who have sensitive nervous systems from these SSRIs/SSNRIs could be sensitive to B vitamins supplements, too--just a thought. I have stopped taking both the super B complex and the sublingual B12, and have changed my diet.

 

It does still seem to be WD symptoms, perhaps made worse by overdoing the B12, as much as I tried to convince myself otherwise. Of all the symptoms people who have seen me are commenting on, it's my voice/speaking they've been commenting the most on. I could not believe how it came back after taking a Zoloft.

Since 1990s: Various meds depression/anxiety. A little benefit from Effexor; Zoloft/Sertraline. Unsuccessful tapers

Feb 2015: Neurological crash / Hemiplegic Migraine after Sertraline taper slower than pdoc's suggestion 50-37-25-12-6-0mg.

Found SA. Reinstated 25mg Sertraline

July 2015:  Medical occurrence thought to be due to Sertraline. Told to D/C. Hypomania/anxiety resulted. Reinstated

Sept 2016: Increased to 37mg Sertraline due to depression/anxiety symptoms or more likely withdrawal symptoms

Dec 2016: Insurance company refused to fill 37mg (1 1/2 pills) Given 25mg.

2017: Started taper, got fearful of possible withdrawal effects, stopped.
May 2018: Still dealing with side effects. New pdoc. 25mg Lamictal added to 25mg Sertraline. 5 mg Melatonin added. Feeling better. Would still like to wean off Sertraline and then Lamictal, but holding for now. I have a very sensitive system with meds.

No other meds. Supplements: Multivitamin, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Fish oil.

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Thanks again for sharing further your experience/ thoughts! They are valuable.

 

I found from reading here that most complains about deedling are from lexapro users, another guess almost made me to switch. I'm on a micro taper now cutting 1% every 3-4 weeks and this takes care of most other symptoms but the pain related- needling, jaw, face, head pain etc. you mentioned Vb possibilities another great insight! I had my Vb12 And Vb6 tested early last year and they are way too beyond the normal range. Doctors have no explanation how it possibly happened as I have not been taking them and they are not provided by most of food we eat. This might give us a clue.

 

So you feel more needling after the b12 shot?

How are you doing otherwise?

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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  • Moderator Emeritus
 Perhaps those of us who have sensitive nervous systems from these SSRIs/SSNRIs could be sensitive to B vitamins supplements, too--just a thought.

 

 

This is true, many people find they can't tolerate B vitamins in withdrawal.

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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Thanks again for sharing further your experience/ thoughts! They are valuable.

 

I found from reading here that most complains about deedling are from lexapro users, another guess almost made me to switch. I'm on a micro taper now cutting 1% every 3-4 weeks and this takes care of most other symptoms but the pain related- needling, jaw, face, head pain etc. you mentioned Vb possibilities another great insight! I had my Vb12 And Vb6 tested early last year and they are way too beyond the normal range. Doctors have no explanation how it possibly happened as I have not been taking them and they are not provided by most of food we eat. This might give us a clue.

 

So you feel more needling after the b12 shot?

How are you doing otherwise?

That was so strange that your levels were so high! Do your doctors think the high levels are related to the needling? I honestly don't remember if I felt more needling after the B12 shot, but I think my symptoms may have gotten worse when I was over-supplementing the B vitamins and B12 myself as well as the shot. I should never have started to supplement without my labs being checked first. Otherwise I am doing 95% better. I did read online that although B vitamins are water soluble, some of them can actually cause neurological symptoms if taken at too high a dose.

Since 1990s: Various meds depression/anxiety. A little benefit from Effexor; Zoloft/Sertraline. Unsuccessful tapers

Feb 2015: Neurological crash / Hemiplegic Migraine after Sertraline taper slower than pdoc's suggestion 50-37-25-12-6-0mg.

Found SA. Reinstated 25mg Sertraline

July 2015:  Medical occurrence thought to be due to Sertraline. Told to D/C. Hypomania/anxiety resulted. Reinstated

Sept 2016: Increased to 37mg Sertraline due to depression/anxiety symptoms or more likely withdrawal symptoms

Dec 2016: Insurance company refused to fill 37mg (1 1/2 pills) Given 25mg.

2017: Started taper, got fearful of possible withdrawal effects, stopped.
May 2018: Still dealing with side effects. New pdoc. 25mg Lamictal added to 25mg Sertraline. 5 mg Melatonin added. Feeling better. Would still like to wean off Sertraline and then Lamictal, but holding for now. I have a very sensitive system with meds.

No other meds. Supplements: Multivitamin, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Fish oil.

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 Perhaps those of us who have sensitive nervous systems from these SSRIs/SSNRIs could be sensitive to B vitamins supplements, too--just a thought.

 

 

This is true, many people find they can't tolerate B vitamins in withdrawal.

 

I had no idea. I was specifically taking them during withdrawal. I have since stopped.

Since 1990s: Various meds depression/anxiety. A little benefit from Effexor; Zoloft/Sertraline. Unsuccessful tapers

Feb 2015: Neurological crash / Hemiplegic Migraine after Sertraline taper slower than pdoc's suggestion 50-37-25-12-6-0mg.

Found SA. Reinstated 25mg Sertraline

July 2015:  Medical occurrence thought to be due to Sertraline. Told to D/C. Hypomania/anxiety resulted. Reinstated

Sept 2016: Increased to 37mg Sertraline due to depression/anxiety symptoms or more likely withdrawal symptoms

Dec 2016: Insurance company refused to fill 37mg (1 1/2 pills) Given 25mg.

2017: Started taper, got fearful of possible withdrawal effects, stopped.
May 2018: Still dealing with side effects. New pdoc. 25mg Lamictal added to 25mg Sertraline. 5 mg Melatonin added. Feeling better. Would still like to wean off Sertraline and then Lamictal, but holding for now. I have a very sensitive system with meds.

No other meds. Supplements: Multivitamin, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Fish oil.

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I requested the test for Vb myself as I wanted t know before I should start taking the Vb supplement.

All my doctors have no clue (if they dont denyyou hard) about the entire WD and symptoms it can cause so I did not even try to get their buying. SO they are not part of my battle with the meds except for my family doc who gives me prescription whenever I ask. 

 

I did another text on B12 end of last year, it came down to normal.

 

I dont know if it has anything to do with my liver function or my body utilizing the Vb for especially nerve related finctions.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

>except for my family doc who gives me prescription whenever I ask. 

 

No small plus..  My PC was dubious about all my requests, but figured there was no harm in fulfilling my requests, so he acquiesced.  When I finally got off the diazepam, he stood up, shook my hand, and said I was the only person in his practice who had gotten off.  Guess he did not want to tell me sooner for fear of derailing my effort.. so the doc does not need to believe, only support. 

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 was tapering off zoloft, not escitalopram, but I will say I had major audible sensory issues while tapering. Suddenly I was extremely sensitive to the tv volume, or radio volume, it had to be just so. And the dog across the street that always barks--I became much more sensitive to his barking. It eventually went away, but it was very annoying. Plus I could tell it wasn't anxiety related; it caused anxiety, but it was not because of anxiety. I could tell it was neurological.

Since 1990s: Various meds depression/anxiety. A little benefit from Effexor; Zoloft/Sertraline. Unsuccessful tapers

Feb 2015: Neurological crash / Hemiplegic Migraine after Sertraline taper slower than pdoc's suggestion 50-37-25-12-6-0mg.

Found SA. Reinstated 25mg Sertraline

July 2015:  Medical occurrence thought to be due to Sertraline. Told to D/C. Hypomania/anxiety resulted. Reinstated

Sept 2016: Increased to 37mg Sertraline due to depression/anxiety symptoms or more likely withdrawal symptoms

Dec 2016: Insurance company refused to fill 37mg (1 1/2 pills) Given 25mg.

2017: Started taper, got fearful of possible withdrawal effects, stopped.
May 2018: Still dealing with side effects. New pdoc. 25mg Lamictal added to 25mg Sertraline. 5 mg Melatonin added. Feeling better. Would still like to wean off Sertraline and then Lamictal, but holding for now. I have a very sensitive system with meds.

No other meds. Supplements: Multivitamin, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Fish oil.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I am beggining to accept that this is part of WD. The most difficult at present is that I cannot predict when I will be hit with paresthesia, or tinggling or pain...i have days without it, and suddenly I wake up with paresthesia in my hands, sometimes chest, back abd a bit on my face. Recently started to have some strange tinggling on my scalp...

Will it ever go away?

Last two days have been better...but I had these better days and was hit again with this sensation...

 

Vit B seems to make things worse. I tried B6 and multivitamin...

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

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  • 4 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Skyler says:  

 

 

so the doc does not need to believe, only support. 

Amen to that!  My pdoc smiles wistfully, and sees that I am not worse, but she really believes in neuroleptic drugs, even if she is a "minimalist" prescriber.

 

Serenity:

 

 

I had major audible sensory issues while tapering. Suddenly I was extremely sensitive to the tv volume, or radio volume, it had to be just so. And the dog across the street that always barks--I became much more sensitive to his barking. 

 

While they are not parasthesia, my brain zaps are almost always preceded by external noise.  It's like the noise hits my brain and it explodes in light and electricity.  But it seems to be connected to noise, even if it is - just a dog barking.

 

My parasthesia started with the statin drugs.  Numbness down my left leg.  It would happen in karate class - so an active stance, not a lazy one!  I couldn't stand in queues or at concerts or anything, my leg would go numb.  Like it went to sleep - but without the pins and needles that some people here describe, or the pins and needles when a limb that is asleep "wakes up."  Instead I can pound my heel like a horse, or do squats, or run in place, do star jumps (jumping jacks) and the numbness is still there - sometimes for hours.

 

Since I got off the statins, this is much better, but it is still present.  I'm writing here because I believe it was a combination of the statins and the lithium which set this dysregulation off in me.  Again, it gets better all the time, but I can be getting a massage, and the same thing - down the outside of the left leg will go numb, and there is NOTHING I can do, other than wait, for it to get better.  On the statins and lithium, this was a constant, daily problem.  I could not be on my feet for more than 3 minutes without complete numbness down my left leg (especially on the outside).  Now, it happens less than once a month.

 

Recently I have a new sensation which is like my feet are in a cold running stream.  It is winter here, but that doesn't mean much.  It's not a circulatory feeling like neuropathy, it just feels like my feet are cold and wet, or damp like I've been playing in the snow for hours, and they still haven't "thawed out," even though they are warm and dry.

 

I'm over halfway off the lithium, doing a snail's pace taper, because I'm terrified of "mania," as well as soul killing depression, and of damaging the relationships I've worked so hard to build in a new country. 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

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

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

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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hmmm...just read my post from april, I was wondering if it would ever go away...

 

today I have no paraesthesia, no numbness and other sensations...no headaches, no migraines either...

 

this is SO GOOD :)

- 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg

- 6.11.2020- 75mg

- 16.10.2020- 100mg

- 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg

- May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg

- 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg

- 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day

- 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan 

- Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine

- 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening

24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on  19.03.2020 😇

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That's awesome Ikam!  

 

I also wanted to add "dropping things" to my list, like my hands lose all strength and I drop tablets, pens, keys, silverware.  Fine motor coordination, as well as a numbness of ability / feeling.

 

Some of this is my hand injury, or from trying to carry things like I used to (with the hand injury) - but some of it I can see that one second I'm holding a thing, then I cannot feel, then drop the thing.  I hear it, rather than feel it drop.

 

Again, very minor, especially compared to what others have been through.  The dropping things, I do not see much improvement yet.  Maybe it's just aging (though I'm not arthritic, palsied, or psoriatic).

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

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

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

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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I've been feeling my hands fall alseep when I'm in bed. Depending on which side I am lying on.  I need to shake them to get them back to normal. Not sure if this is the same numbness people are talking about.

I've been weening off paxil and this started about 2 weeks ago - when I hit the 1mg mark.  I have been 0 mg for 10 days (Paxil free! And feeling OK except for my quick temper which I'm trying to stay ahead of).  

Been on Paxil 14 years. 40mg for the bulk of those.

20mg in 2014

10mg March of 2015 - then tapered to 5mg

Then to 2.5 to 1.5 - to 1mg, from Mar-August.

As of August 23 2015, I am flying without a net.  Paxil free!

WD symptoms since tapering mid- 2015:

Short temper, hostile. Brain zaps. Bruxism. Wild vivid dreams  Hives Food intolerance Lump in throat, . Joint pain. Knees, elbows.  Pain in feet. Numbness in hands. Shaking, like I'm cold. Trembling. Tremors, muscle twitches all over. Facial tics. Eye, lips. Head.  Floaters in my eyes. Severe Insomnia (between months 4-5)  then returned from March-October 2016. I'm sleeping better now. Dreams have returned to normal (month 7) High levels of anxiety when around large crowds or in large rooms. Intestinal spasms, heartburn.  Dizzy spells.  Panic/Anxiety Attacks suddenly developed months 8 out.  4 years out, 98% feeling back to normal.  (October 9 2019)

 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I get this usually in bed, feeling like I'm lying on one or both of my hands the wrong way and putting them to sleep. They go back to normal upon rising. Also one of my toes does this too but not as frequently. This started in the final week or two of my taper. I'm now 3 weeks off Paxil.

Been on Paxil 14 years. 40mg for the bulk of those.

20mg in 2014

10mg March of 2015 - then tapered to 5mg

Then to 2.5 to 1.5 - to 1mg, from Mar-August.

As of August 23 2015, I am flying without a net.  Paxil free!

WD symptoms since tapering mid- 2015:

Short temper, hostile. Brain zaps. Bruxism. Wild vivid dreams  Hives Food intolerance Lump in throat, . Joint pain. Knees, elbows.  Pain in feet. Numbness in hands. Shaking, like I'm cold. Trembling. Tremors, muscle twitches all over. Facial tics. Eye, lips. Head.  Floaters in my eyes. Severe Insomnia (between months 4-5)  then returned from March-October 2016. I'm sleeping better now. Dreams have returned to normal (month 7) High levels of anxiety when around large crowds or in large rooms. Intestinal spasms, heartburn.  Dizzy spells.  Panic/Anxiety Attacks suddenly developed months 8 out.  4 years out, 98% feeling back to normal.  (October 9 2019)

 

 

 

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Yes, if my arm is bent my pinkey and ring finger go completely numb. I never had this prior to wd. Happens to both hands.

Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg.

1/01/15 - .75 mg.

1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues...

2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me!

3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad!

4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 

4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. 

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Yes, if my arm is bent my pinkey and ring finger go completely numb. I never had this prior to wd. Happens to both hands.

strangely, its also largely my pinky and ring fingers too (on either hand).

Been on Paxil 14 years. 40mg for the bulk of those.

20mg in 2014

10mg March of 2015 - then tapered to 5mg

Then to 2.5 to 1.5 - to 1mg, from Mar-August.

As of August 23 2015, I am flying without a net.  Paxil free!

WD symptoms since tapering mid- 2015:

Short temper, hostile. Brain zaps. Bruxism. Wild vivid dreams  Hives Food intolerance Lump in throat, . Joint pain. Knees, elbows.  Pain in feet. Numbness in hands. Shaking, like I'm cold. Trembling. Tremors, muscle twitches all over. Facial tics. Eye, lips. Head.  Floaters in my eyes. Severe Insomnia (between months 4-5)  then returned from March-October 2016. I'm sleeping better now. Dreams have returned to normal (month 7) High levels of anxiety when around large crowds or in large rooms. Intestinal spasms, heartburn.  Dizzy spells.  Panic/Anxiety Attacks suddenly developed months 8 out.  4 years out, 98% feeling back to normal.  (October 9 2019)

 

 

 

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The radial and median nerves supply your hand . If its the little and ring finger that are affected in both hands the likeliest explanation is muscle tension is pinching the nerves in your neck . Could happen where no drugs involved but muscle tension is a problem for many in withdrawal.

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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Same for me ring and pinky both hands upon waking which isnt very often these days

Sertraline 100mg amytrip 60mg diazepam 4mg (and when needed) since late 90's.Reduced all meds over 6 wks (too short) last doses 13 wks ago.Still having withdrawals.I would have done it differently

5th august 2015 reinstated 5mg amytripiline.increased to 10mg amtrip 9th sept 2015.

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I'm currently 3 1/2 months off Paxil, and experienced tingling sensations in both hands and forearms. I'd say it happened within the first 1-3 weeks of stopping. It didn't happen all day but it was at random times. That went away completely for me as well. I think it lasted for 1-2 weeks off and on. Good luck, I hope it goes away soon for you.

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Thanks, I have noticed it's not as bad as a couple weeks ago. Maybe a separate topic, but the heels of my feet are sore too, like I've been standing all day. Have no idea what this is, but I'm blaming on WD as its my default suspect :/

Been on Paxil 14 years. 40mg for the bulk of those.

20mg in 2014

10mg March of 2015 - then tapered to 5mg

Then to 2.5 to 1.5 - to 1mg, from Mar-August.

As of August 23 2015, I am flying without a net.  Paxil free!

WD symptoms since tapering mid- 2015:

Short temper, hostile. Brain zaps. Bruxism. Wild vivid dreams  Hives Food intolerance Lump in throat, . Joint pain. Knees, elbows.  Pain in feet. Numbness in hands. Shaking, like I'm cold. Trembling. Tremors, muscle twitches all over. Facial tics. Eye, lips. Head.  Floaters in my eyes. Severe Insomnia (between months 4-5)  then returned from March-October 2016. I'm sleeping better now. Dreams have returned to normal (month 7) High levels of anxiety when around large crowds or in large rooms. Intestinal spasms, heartburn.  Dizzy spells.  Panic/Anxiety Attacks suddenly developed months 8 out.  4 years out, 98% feeling back to normal.  (October 9 2019)

 

 

 

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I'm currently 3 1/2 months off Paxil, and experienced tingling sensations in both hands and forearms. I'd say it happened within the first 1-3 weeks of stopping. It didn't happen all day but it was at random times. That went away completely for me as well. I think it lasted for 1-2 weeks off and on. Good luck, I hope it goes away soon for you.

Can I ask, how are you feeling being off Paxil so far?

 

 

Well, I've been up and down. To be quite honest, the first month after stopping was probably the best part. I dealt with dizziness, brain zaps and tingling sensations in my arms but mentally I was pretty stable and was feeling like my thoughts and mind were more clear within 5-10 days of stopping Paxil.

 

However, after the first month or so that's when more annoying symptoms started. I was getting random bouts of nausea, and I realized that my colon was a lot more active than previously and I was going to the bathroom sometimes 2-3 times a day. It wasn't painful or anything like that but I just noticed the increased frequency in which it was happening. That calmed down, and then I dealt with really bad headaches for about 2-3 weeks straight on almost a daily basis but sometimes it would be every 2 days or so. It would just throb really badly in random spots on my head and sometimes even my neck. Then out of nowhere, that disappeared completely. I still get headaches but they're a lot more spread out than they were before.

 

Then starting about 2-3 weeks into August, I got probably the most annoying and hard to deal with symptom yet and that's my appetite. Out of nowhere, my appetite just tanked. My hunger was still there 100%, but when I went to eat I had no desire for it, and didn't even enjoy it but my stomach was growling and everything. I was getting a weird sensation in my throat where I couldn't swallow. This was 100% mental by the way cause I have no throat/stomach problems. A few of the times I tried to power through and swallow food I actually gagged extremely easy and it led to multiple times throwing up. The peak of that was 2 weeks. As of today, I'd say it's about 75-80% better than it was. As of the day I stopped Paxil, I can no longer stomach as much food and eat a lot less. Drinking Ensure shakes saved me nutrionally all those days though lol.

 

The latest with my symptoms is dealing with minor headaches, nausea and weakness after eating meals. Almost never happens after breakfast or lunch, but usually dinner. Doesn't happen every night but it's really annoying. I'm definitely not saying you'll get any of these and I hope you don't, but from what I've read these are all tied to withdrawal. The best thing I've experienced is my mental state. Depression (which I've suffered from for many years), is still there but is a lot less prevalent than it was while on Paxil. I've noticed a little more anxiety than before, maybe tied to experiencing all these withdrawal symptoms but it's not severe. When I feel no withdrawals though, I have a better mood and better outlook on life which I'm happy for.

 

Good luck and hope your withdrawals are easy to manage.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Just an update. My hands still are numb when I wake up. Both feet have tingling or burning in the heel area. I'm six weeks off Paxil. going to see a Rheumatologist because I'm still getting flushing or hives still ( I think it's from anew food sensitivities). Maybe this is all WD but I'm just wanting answers I guess.

Been on Paxil 14 years. 40mg for the bulk of those.

20mg in 2014

10mg March of 2015 - then tapered to 5mg

Then to 2.5 to 1.5 - to 1mg, from Mar-August.

As of August 23 2015, I am flying without a net.  Paxil free!

WD symptoms since tapering mid- 2015:

Short temper, hostile. Brain zaps. Bruxism. Wild vivid dreams  Hives Food intolerance Lump in throat, . Joint pain. Knees, elbows.  Pain in feet. Numbness in hands. Shaking, like I'm cold. Trembling. Tremors, muscle twitches all over. Facial tics. Eye, lips. Head.  Floaters in my eyes. Severe Insomnia (between months 4-5)  then returned from March-October 2016. I'm sleeping better now. Dreams have returned to normal (month 7) High levels of anxiety when around large crowds or in large rooms. Intestinal spasms, heartburn.  Dizzy spells.  Panic/Anxiety Attacks suddenly developed months 8 out.  4 years out, 98% feeling back to normal.  (October 9 2019)

 

 

 

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We all do what feels right in terms of investigation or following up on symptoms. Sometimes it helps, even in just ruling things out. However, I'd encourage you not to invest too much in what a doctor, even a specialist, might say. Doctors know little to nothing about withdrawal and even mast cell or histamine intolerance is almost unknown. And for the most part, the main tool they have to offer is more drugs...which is very often, not helpful for someone in WD.

 

I've had periodic numbness/tingling/burning in my hands especially since a car accident and brain injury in 08. It got much better for awhile, then worse again at times through WD. I went back to the things that helped then, which was wearing wrist braces at night and sometimes using ice. I've had more severe pain in my back, which has been helped by diet, stretching, chiropractor, meditation, and a couple of supplements. Most of us find we are our own best physicians seeking outside help at times...but really, the expertise in my opinion, is primarily on this board.

 

I hope there's something that proves useful in your following through on your concerns.

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

Current Medications:

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

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

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

 

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

 

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We all do what feels right in terms of investigation or following up on symptoms. Sometimes it helps, even in just ruling things out. However, I'd encourage you not to invest too much in what a doctor, even a specialist, might say. Doctors know little to nothing about withdrawal and even mast cell or histamine intolerance is almost unknown. And for the most part, the main tool they have to offer is more drugs...which is very often, not helpful for someone in WD.

 

I've had periodic numbness/tingling/burning in my hands especially since a car accident and brain injury in 08. It got much better for awhile, then worse again at times through WD. I went back to the things that helped then, which was wearing wrist braces at night and sometimes using ice. I've had more severe pain in my back, which has been helped by diet, stretching, chiropractor, meditation, and a couple of supplements. Most of us find we are our own best physicians seeking outside help at times...but really, the expertise in my opinion, is primarily on this board.

 

I hope there's something that proves useful in your following through on your concerns.

Thank you Freespirit.  My appt is two weeks away. If I start to improve by diet and stretching, I will likely cancel.  Even if its a small improvement. If my symptoms grow worse, then I have that appt.  I know this has to be WD related, and I know they don't really have any knowledge regarding it.  I definitely don't want to get on any other pill.  I think I've just gotten frustrated with these strange health issues which began during my taper.  My symptoms collectively sound like histimine intolerance or gluten intolerance. (which I now understand people going through WD can become sensitive to foods or allergies they were fine with before).

Been on Paxil 14 years. 40mg for the bulk of those.

20mg in 2014

10mg March of 2015 - then tapered to 5mg

Then to 2.5 to 1.5 - to 1mg, from Mar-August.

As of August 23 2015, I am flying without a net.  Paxil free!

WD symptoms since tapering mid- 2015:

Short temper, hostile. Brain zaps. Bruxism. Wild vivid dreams  Hives Food intolerance Lump in throat, . Joint pain. Knees, elbows.  Pain in feet. Numbness in hands. Shaking, like I'm cold. Trembling. Tremors, muscle twitches all over. Facial tics. Eye, lips. Head.  Floaters in my eyes. Severe Insomnia (between months 4-5)  then returned from March-October 2016. I'm sleeping better now. Dreams have returned to normal (month 7) High levels of anxiety when around large crowds or in large rooms. Intestinal spasms, heartburn.  Dizzy spells.  Panic/Anxiety Attacks suddenly developed months 8 out.  4 years out, 98% feeling back to normal.  (October 9 2019)

 

 

 

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I got hit with my worst withdrawal symptoms beginning at seven months after stopping Lexapro.

 

From ten months off to thirteen months off, I would wake up with the left side of my body slightly numb, and my scalp numb.

 

It was not bad at all. It would go away once I got out of bed.

 

The numbness went away seven months ago and has never returned.

Hell hath no fury as an SSRI scorned.....

 

Prozac:   20 mg 1996 – May 2003 CT to 0 mg; by Aug 03 CRASH then protracted WD 3 yrs

Zoloft:    2004 few weeks;, CT to 0 mg

Effexor:  2005 few months CT to 0 mg; bad withdrawal. 

Lexapro:  10 mg from 2009 – 2011; cut dose in half to:

Lexapro:    5 mg from 2011 – Feb. 2014; CT to 0 mg; 2 months of fatigue, followed by:
Aug - Oct 2014 Lexapro WD Insomnia Wave; sleeping very good from Nov 2014 - Nov 2015; broken sleep pattern Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

Dec 2014 - present: Brutal Lexapro WD ear ringing/head ringing/head pressure lasting for 14 months now.

 

24 months SSRI-free  

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Anyone got the sever needling pain on head? My worst and most intolerable needling is always on head, face, neck and upper body. Often times it makes my heart shaking. The most recent needling took a new form even, like constant fireworks inside my head with painful and burning sparks.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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  • 2 months later...

Tapered off Zoloft in August. All symptoms went away. Problems started in November again...

 

Current symptoms: Sharp pin prick pain in neck (right side) along with burning, tingling, and tightness. It's like someone lit a fuse in my neck and it keeps going up and down. Feeling has started to spread down my right arm and to my hand. Popping sensation sometimes also. Haven't been able to get to sleep. A lot of restlessness (I have to get up and walk around instead of lying down).

 

MRI and Xray at doctor turned up negative. Trying to get into a specialist for nerve pain soon. 

After doing research it seems like it could possibly be Paresthesia. However, the only thing that makes me second guess this is that I remember hurting my neck while turning it and holding a heavy object. I felt a pop and a huge burning sensation. It went away but now has gotten progressively worse. This sensation happened 2 months ago. 

 

Again, doctors are currently perplexed. Can't work because of it. Hoping to see if anybody has recommendations for dealing with Paresthesia that worked for them to see if it makes a difference or to see if anybody else has similar symptoms or possible solutions. 

 

Saw some stuff about magnesium and Omega 3s. Just started today with them. Does that work for anyone? Is this permanent? 

 

 

2009 150mg Zoloft

2012 100mg Zoloft

2013 50 mg Zoloft

August 2015 to current: 0mg 

 

Tapered off of Zoloft brand name (sertraline) with doctor supervision. 

September Withdrawal symptoms: brains zaps, vertigo, shakes, fits of anger,

November: Pin pick pain in neck along with burning and tingling sensation. Popping sensation. Extremely painful. MRI and Xrays negative. Possible paresthesia? 

Can't lift anything without pain. Sensations have spread down arm. Can hardly write without pain now.

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Anyone got the sever needling pain on head? My worst and most intolerable needling is always on head, face, neck and upper body. Often times it makes my heart shaking. The most recent needling took a new form even, like constant fireworks inside my head with painful and burning sparks.

I get needling in my neck. Goes all the way down to my arm. I think it's paresthesia or some kind of nerve thing. A bit worried about it. Can't work currently and can barely sleep. 

2009 150mg Zoloft

2012 100mg Zoloft

2013 50 mg Zoloft

August 2015 to current: 0mg 

 

Tapered off of Zoloft brand name (sertraline) with doctor supervision. 

September Withdrawal symptoms: brains zaps, vertigo, shakes, fits of anger,

November: Pin pick pain in neck along with burning and tingling sensation. Popping sensation. Extremely painful. MRI and Xrays negative. Possible paresthesia? 

Can't lift anything without pain. Sensations have spread down arm. Can hardly write without pain now.

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Anyone got the sever needling pain on head? My worst and most intolerable needling is always on head, face, neck and upper body. Often times it makes my heart shaking. The most recent needling took a new form even, like constant fireworks inside my head with painful and burning sparks.

 

I get needling in my neck. Goes all the way down to my arm. I think it's paresthesia or some kind of nerve thing. A bit worried about it. Can't work currently and can barely sleep.

Hi roseprince, so sorry you got this horrible symptom! Did it start after you completely stopped or before that? did it have a daily pattern?

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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  • Administrator

RosePrincess, please see the discussion above in this topic.

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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  • 2 months later...

Hi,

 

The last week I've been having really strange sensory disturbances. My face and scalp is numb, as if a dentist has given me an anesthetic. Also when I eat it's like I can't feel my mouth. I also have that feeling like I'm falling, even while lying down. When I'm sitting it's like an invisible hand is pushing me down. Even though my symptoms are a result of a severe interaction with zoloft/bactrium/Zofran (anti nausea drug) not withdrawal related (although I've been thru a unsuccessful withdrawal ten years ago) it's hard to believe even after a year I'm still getting bizarre symptoms.

[*]At 15 years was put on 50mg of Zoloft for generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

[*]2006 Tried to withdrawal from 50mg . Doctor told me I would have no trouble. I tampered over about a month (50mg-0) which left me with severe and debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Doctors put my dose up to 75mg mistaking my withdrawal symptoms as a relapse. Stayed on Zoloft 75mg since 2006.

March 2015- adverse reaction between Zoloft (75mg) an antibiotic and anti nausea drug resulting in debilitating symptoms/recovery identical to withdrawal. Have not altered or changed dose since 2006.

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Yes I feel the same way after 3 years 8 months. As in incredulous that I am still symptomatic

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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I am not sure if mine is w/d.  I always put the tingling in legs/ankles/feet to sciatica as I did have 4 slipped/ruptured discs.  They have since healed and my back is a lot better except for backaches each taper that are improving as time goes by.

 

Is it painful for others also?  My legs/ankles/feet are also extremely painful at times and mostly ache and a burning sensation.  I read something yesterday that said to use heat and/or cold so i put a muscle cream with menthol on and it did give some relief for a short time.  Just enough to be able to get so sleep would be helpful.  Hubby is getting the cold gel you use for sunburn to try tonight.

 

I had forgotten, but remembered that last year I used wet socks at night - especially in the summer.

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

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