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


angie007

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9 hours ago, JanCarol said:

There are people on the Facebook group who claim to have gotten MRI results that show encephalopathy (damage).  But they are not acknowledging the neuroplasticity side of the thing.

If you have a problem and do nothing, there is a chance that you will heal.

 

If you have a problem and address that problem - with yoga, tai chi, walking, meditation, pet therapy - there is a much better chance you will heal.

 

Thank you for your interesting readings!!

 

Actually I wanted to make some specific exams to show the people surrounding me that my pain is real. For example, my uncle is a doctor and he is very kind, but when I talk about him this problem and the worsening brought by the antibiotic he says that it is mainly caused by my anxious nature and that they won't find anything ever. 

 

THIS IS NOT ANXIETY. 

 

I know how I am when I am anxious: I breathe strange, my heart pumps fast, my blood pressure drops. If I accumulate stress I can't sleep and I wake in the middle of the night. This is me not the pins and needles. 

But never had something like paraesthesia. 

November 2014 - September 2015: Zoloft 50 mg, Trilafon 4mg, clonazepam 1mg
October 2015 - September 2016: Effexor 75 mg
September 2016 - January 2017: Effexor 150 mg
Stopped Effexor in March 2017 after tapering under medical supervision
The doctor I've now found is an expert in withdrawal from ADs
Persistent withdrawal syndrome since July 2017: Prozac 10 mg, clonazepam 0.5 mg, to cope with it.
December 2017 -  withdrawing from Prozac, 10 mg every 2 days
Drug free since January (?) 2018
 
Symptoms: pins and needles, burning skin sensations, PSSD, OCD, mood swings (a lot), malaise (a lot), muscle spasms, voice in my conscience. 

Doing not so bad, but I want to be the person I was. 
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  • Moderator Emeritus

I complained of parasthesia to my GP, years before my taper.

 

I used to wear arch supports in karate - a bare foot sport - to prevent my whole left leg from going numb, because stance - just standing - did it.

 

My GP tried to tell me that it was my posture or a pinched nerve, or I was fat, or had diabetes or something.  She tested me for diabetes (negative) and sent me packing.

 

After I came off the statin, it was better.  When I quit lithium, it got better still.

I still get it - especially on the massage table - 1 hour is a long time to lay still, and my back locks up and my leg - always the left one - goes numb.


But it no longer impedes my functioning.

I doubt you can prove anything to a doctor.

Parathesia seems to be more about the nerves than it does the brain.  Just my guess, after years of experiencing it.

"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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Anyone else get pins and needles in their hands  when they lie down at night and get knumb hands 😥 also get it when I’m on my phone lying down 

Fluoxetine 20mg January 2011-October 2017

The straight swap to citalapram 20mg October 2017

lorazepam 1mg October 2017

quatiapan 25mg June 2017 for sleep

straight swap from citalapram to venlafaxine December 5 at 37.5mg then upped to 75mg a week later

Stopped quetiapine may 28 2018 and changed to zopiclone 

Started venlafaxine December 5 at 37.5mg and upped dosage reaching 150mg

Reduced venlafaxine over a one month period and stopped around June 15 2018

also stoped the lorazepam June 15 2018

started 20mg fluoxetine 7th August 2018

witg 1mg lorazepam every morning and at around 1-2pm

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  • 2 weeks later...

I havent had this symptom in a while,  but I’m getting the tingling sensations again after at least a year with none. My legs fall asleep easily when I sit cross legged when I meditate. The last couple days one of my toes has been numb. It used to happen to this toe on occasion before and wpuld usually only happen after waking before going away,  but in this case it hasn’t let up, and has been most of the day. So either it’s something related to my Paxil use (I’ve been off now 2.5 yrs) or its that I compressed a nerve by the way I’m sitting. I’ve also had an uptick in anxiety the last few days, so it could be that. Anxiety has been my predominant wd symptom his past couple years. I hope the tingling is nothing.

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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To add to my above post, I went back and re-read some of the earlier posts in this thread, and I found something quite coincidental with another user who had numbness after starting and stopping vitamin D3. 

So this past week I started taking a vitamin D3 supplement and that's when A) my anxiety cranked back up B ) I've also gotten little brain zaps, and electrical like jolts in my leg and C) the numby toes.   

 

Anyone else have these kinds of reactions after D3?  And how long before it subsided?  I swear, no more supplements for me. 

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 think it's a good call, no more supplements. It's especially true for those having a sensitized nerve sxs by these drugs.

I had reaction to d3 one dose during taper, a very severe reaction to tiny dose of magnesium after taper, almost as if I reinstated ssri.

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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10 minutes ago, LexAnger said:

I think it's a good call, no more supplements. It's especially true for those having a sensitized nerve sxs by these drugs.

I had reaction to d3 one dose during taper, a very severe reaction to tiny dose of magnesium after taper, almost as if I reinstated ssri.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm about 2.5 years off Paxil. I am just perplexed my body is still reacting this way to supplements.  I think I've taken for granted that I was starting to feel somewhat normal again for a bit.

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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Congratulations to be 2.5 yrs free from the poison Paxil! What a huge achievement !!

i read even in 3-4 yrs off, ppl can be still sensitive to other drugs and supplements. 

 

Even if if its not the D3, it's good to stop it unless you are severely deficient.

 

again! So happy for you to get life back!!

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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9 hours ago, LexAnger said:

Congratulations to be 2.5 yrs free from the poison Paxil! What a huge achievement !!

i read even in 3-4 yrs off, ppl can be still sensitive to other drugs and supplements. 

 

Even if if its not the D3, it's good to stop it unless you are severely deficient.

 

again! So happy for you to get life back!!

Thank you, and for your being off as well.   Magnesium seemed OK all this time, but right now, I'll stop everything. I also just saw that my omega 3 fish oil expired 3 months ago, so maybe it could be that.  I was taking Magnesium, Omega 3 and the new pill, the D3.  So I think any one, or all of the above contributed to the sudden renewal of old symptoms.  

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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Good to know magnesium doesn't trigger any bad reaction!

 

ppl say make one change at a time so you know which is causing what. You may try to stop the d3 first see how it goes. If all are well, you can still continue the other two for benefit.

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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How does everyone’s pins and needles present? Do you lean on something, and then your arm or hand starts getting pins and needles? I cross my legs sometimes and it happens so easily. Even doing stretching in yoga - like maybe touching bending over to toe my toes will invoke pins and needles. Sometimes laying in bed my hand will go numb. 

 

Is this this the same for everyone? 

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Not for me unfortunately. It comes by itself everyday on my head, face, body very deep and painful not like the external pressure caused numbness. It's a much severe and persistent condition

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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Just want to share something with everyone--an experience I just had.

 

I have had super, ultra hypersensitive skin on my arms, hands, and fingers for four months now. Touching anything that isn't completely smooth makes me insane. Wearing clothes hurts terribly. The air even hurts my skin. In desperation, I surfed the Net to find some way to cope with it and found a site on how to desensitize nerves in the skin. It suggested several techniques. One was softly rubbing the skin with a cotton ball for 10 minutes which I tried. Just a warning to everyone--DON'T DO IT! If you're having skin hypersensitivity issues like mine, these desensitization techniques will make the condition a lot worse.

 

About an hour after using the technique yesterday, my skin became even more hypersensitive. Today it's even worse. I'm 10 steps backwards right now. Time is the best healer.

 

Callie

Lexapro: 2004-2010; Effexor XR 225 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017

Abilify 5 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017; Buspirone 60 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Trazadone 100 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Xanax: as needed; Fast taper

 

 

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On ‎21‎/‎11‎/‎2017 at 4:57 AM, grandmaD said:

Itching, yes.  Another sensation like someone stinging me with stinging nettles lasted for weeks at a time, but okay at present.

 

Heard others have similar issues.  Burning, yes another one. 

 

Pin pricking yes.  Lexapro has what she calls "needling" sensation in her head.

 

Feeling cold, yes and aching muscles (right arm is worse ) and legs are excruciating painful with shooting pains in feet.

 

All part of w/d sorry to say.

 

Have to wait for nervous system to heal.

 

I've started experiencing stinging sensations and leg pains (both legs).  My knees ache, muscles in legs ache and pain in feet.

 

Thought it was hormonal, now I'm thinking its WD??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

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

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On ‎25‎/‎01‎/‎2018 at 5:21 PM, IrishMonkey92 said:

How does everyone’s pins and needles present? Do you lean on something, and then your arm or hand starts getting pins and needles? I cross my legs sometimes and it happens so easily. Even doing stretching in yoga - like maybe touching bending over to toe my toes will invoke pins and needles. Sometimes laying in bed my hand will go numb. 

 

Is this this the same for everyone? 

 

Yes, I've been experiencing this.

 

If I lie on my arms (they are under my pillow) for too long in bed, they go really numb, and that slows my heartrate......its alarming when it happens and gave me a panic attack once.

 

Yes, I easily develop pins and needles if my legs are crossed for too long, as well as numbness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

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

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Earlier in WD, I would have a numb toe when I work up in the morning but it would go away after getting up and walking around a bit. But now, 2 years later, after not really having this issue (except sporadically) it has returned, only now it stays with me all day. (it becomes less noticeable at times, but it's there if I think about it).  Also, I think my other foot is starting to tingle a little bit too.  So this has been happening for about a week straight.  It seems after I had a dental visit 2 weeks ago (2 cavities filled, was there for 3 hours),  my anxiety really spiked in the days following that, then that's when this started up again.


I'm a bit paranoid about it being something else, and hoping it's just another WD that will pass in a few weeks time.  What makes me think it is WD is that my anxiety has lifted a bit, and it seems now that symptom is replaced by this sensation.   Any one have the pins and needles that stick around like mine have?

 

 

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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On 1/26/2018 at 4:21 AM, IrishMonkey92 said:

How does everyone’s pins and needles present? Do you lean on something, and then your arm or hand starts getting pins and needles? I cross my legs sometimes and it happens so easily. Even doing stretching in yoga - like maybe touching bending over to toe my toes will invoke pins and needles. Sometimes laying in bed my hand will go numb. 

 

Is this this the same for everyone? 

Lying in bed in one spot too long causes the kind of "pins and needles" we are all used to where your arm or hand or leg "goes to sleep" as we would call it.  Sitting on the toilet too long causes my legs to get pins and needles or "go to sleep".

 

The "tingling' sensation I have had right thru w/d is still the same, mostly in my legs.  Sometimes it can be mild, moderate or high and other times excruciating high and painful.  It is worse at night when I am still and trying to sleep and apart from anxiety and palpitations which cause insomnia, this leg tingling (which also causes aching and pain) prevents sleep.

 

I always blamed this on lower back injuries, affecting my legs, but I have seen it in w/d, so I'm not sure.  I just hope it will go away when I finally get off this poison. 

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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10 hours ago, Toulouse said:

Earlier in WD, I would have a numb toe when I work up in the morning but it would go away after getting up and walking around a bit. But now, 2 years later, after not really having this issue (except sporadically) it has returned, only now it stays with me all day. (it becomes less noticeable at times, but it's there if I think about it).  Also, I think my other foot is starting to tingle a little bit too.  So this has been happening for about a week straight.  It seems after I had a dental visit 2 weeks ago (2 cavities filled, was there for 3 hours),  my anxiety really spiked in the days following that, then that's when this started up again.


I'm a bit paranoid about it being something else, and hoping it's just another WD that will pass in a few weeks time.  What makes me think it is WD is that my anxiety has lifted a bit, and it seems now that symptom is replaced by this sensation.   Any one have the pins and needles that stick around like mine have?

 

 

So, do you think this issue is connected to anxiety?

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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6 hours ago, grandmaD said:

Lying in bed in one spot too long causes the kind of "pins and needles" we are all used to where your arm or hand or leg "goes to sleep" as we would call it.  Sitting on the toilet too long causes my legs to get pins and needles or "go to sleep".

 

The "tingling' sensation I have had right thru w/d is still the same, mostly in my legs.  Sometimes it can be mild, moderate or high and other times excruciating high and painful.  It is worse at night when I am still and trying to sleep and apart from anxiety and palpitations which cause insomnia, this leg tingling (which also causes aching and pain) prevents sleep.

 

I always blamed this on lower back injuries, affecting my legs, but I have seen it in w/d, so I'm not sure.  I just hope it will go away when I finally get off this poison. 

Is your assessment that this is normal or due to withdrawal? 

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I think it’s wd. I’m not sure though. Trying to compare to other people here which is why I posted.

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 hours ago, Toulouse said:

I think it’s wd. I’m not sure though. Trying to compare to other people here which is why I posted.

Do you experience what I experience? It’s just someone said no, this whole thread is about feeling the pins and needles and numbness regardless without doing anything. 

 

To my recollection, I never got pins and needles this easily during my life. 

 

If someone could chime in on whether their experience is similar to mine, that would be great. 

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Hey guys, I have the all over numbness and pins and needles type feeling that comes and goes and has been with me awhile and then I also get the "regular" pins and needles feeling more easily too (from crossing legs, or leaning on something etc). I definitely attribute both to WD and some kind of nervous system dysregulation. I never ever had any issues like this before. I'm in my 28th month of WD. There is healing happening still though. I seem to have days where everything is clicking so to speak and my skin feels normal. 

Celexa 10 mg ( approx 5 years), reduced to 5mg (approx 10 years). Prescribed for anxiety and panic. Started tapering July 2015-2.5 mg for a month, then 2.5 every other day. Kept tapering until October when I took my last crumb.  Almost 4 years drug free and WD symptoms are evolving constantly. Some improved, some new. 

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I’ve changed meds from fluoxetine to citalapram and now on venlafaxine all within the last 3 months and I get it in my hands at night pins and needles and knumb hands... it’s pretty scary not knowing why... I never had it while on my fluoxetine for years ... not sure if withdrawal or not ???? 

I did not wean off any of these just straight swap so has been a rough ride..

Fluoxetine 20mg January 2011-October 2017

The straight swap to citalapram 20mg October 2017

lorazepam 1mg October 2017

quatiapan 25mg June 2017 for sleep

straight swap from citalapram to venlafaxine December 5 at 37.5mg then upped to 75mg a week later

Stopped quetiapine may 28 2018 and changed to zopiclone 

Started venlafaxine December 5 at 37.5mg and upped dosage reaching 150mg

Reduced venlafaxine over a one month period and stopped around June 15 2018

also stoped the lorazepam June 15 2018

started 20mg fluoxetine 7th August 2018

witg 1mg lorazepam every morning and at around 1-2pm

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15 hours ago, Mimi11 said:

I have the pins and needles type feeling that comes and goes and has been with me awhile and then I also get the "regular" pins and needles feeling

 

This is how mine is, too. I can feel a difference between the regular pins and needles of a foot falling asleep, for example, and the neurological skin surface type pins and needles. Thanks to grandmaD, I have started calling the latter "stinging nettles"--best description. It's not only pin prickly; it stings like heck. This paresthesia has been my constant predominant symptom. Besides the stinging nettles, I experience burning pain. The skin on my arms, hands, and fingers is so hypersensitive that touch is very weird and painful.  When I touch anything or when clothes rub against my skin, the sensation is one hundredfold and just keeps on and on and on. It also makes my whole body feel like electricity is running through it at times. Also, at times throughout the day, my arms feel just like blocks of ice, like they are frozen to the bone. Last of all, sometimes it feels as if my skin is peeling off.

 

I can't find any relief for any of it now. Earlier on when I only had stinging nettles, stabbing pains, skin sparking, and itching; medicated lotions and icing my arms helped symptoms temporarily. The stabbing, sparking, and itching went away eventually. I also tried arm sleeves. Those didn't help at all and were actually extremely painful. I also told of my experience (see page 5 this topic) with the cotton ball. Desensitization, therefore, doesn't work.

 

I was polypoisoned for 14 years and then rapidly tapered. I took my last venlafaxine xr capsule 10 months ago today after an extremely swift taper (<2 months for this med, abrupt cessation for the other meds) with the help (or lack thereof really) of my doctor. I've been in torturous hell ever since with no windows. I contend daily with many other symptoms, too.

 

Praying for all of you that you heal quickly,

 

Callie

 

Lexapro: 2004-2010; Effexor XR 225 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017

Abilify 5 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017; Buspirone 60 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Trazadone 100 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Xanax: as needed; Fast taper

 

 

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5 hours ago, Callie said:

 

This is how mine is, too. I can feel a difference between the regular pins and needles of a foot falling asleep, for example, and the neurological skin surface type pins and needles. Thanks to grandmaD, I have started calling the latter "stinging nettles"--best description. It's not only pin prickly; it stings like heck. This paresthesia has been my constant predominant symptom. Besides the stinging nettles, I experience burning pain. The skin on my arms, hands, and fingers is so hypersensitive that touch is very weird and painful.  When I touch anything or when clothes rub against my skin, the sensation is one hundredfold and just keeps on and on and on. It also makes my whole body feel like electricity is running through it at times. Also, at times throughout the day, my arms feel just like blocks of ice, like they are frozen to the bone. Last of all, sometimes it feels as if my skin is peeling off.

 

I can't find any relief for any of it now. Earlier on when I only had stinging nettles, stabbing pains, skin sparking, and itching; medicated lotions and icing my arms helped symptoms temporarily. The stabbing, sparking, and itching went away eventually. I also tried arm sleeves. Those didn't help at all and were actually extremely painful. I also told of my experience (see page 5 this topic) with the cotton ball. Desensitization, therefore, doesn't work.

 

I was polypoisoned for 14 years and then rapidly tapered. I took my last venlafaxine xr capsule 10 months ago today after an extremely swift taper (<2 months for this med, abrupt cessation for the other meds) with the help (or lack thereof really) of my doctor. I've been in torturous hell ever since with no windows. I contend daily with many other symptoms, too.

 

Praying for all of you that you heal quickly,

 

Callie

 

 

Have experienced the "stinging nettle" sensation on my legs recently.

 

Scared the hell out of me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

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

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Callie, I feel the same with clothing. It's like my skin is hypersensitive to the material touching my skin. Yet, the irony is I also have reduced sensation pretty much all over my body. You would think that the two couldn't co-exist, but they do. I used to dread putting on pants every day. It's gotten a bit better, but still very much a predominant symptom for me too. Do you also have digestive issues? I'm starting to wonder if there's a pattern that when my stomach and digestion are off, the skin sensations are worse. I've had a few days where my skin has felt quite normal. And on those days, I'm in the best mood!! It feels wonderful to feel normal in my own skin...literally. But there's only been a few of that days in the past year. 

Celexa 10 mg ( approx 5 years), reduced to 5mg (approx 10 years). Prescribed for anxiety and panic. Started tapering July 2015-2.5 mg for a month, then 2.5 every other day. Kept tapering until October when I took my last crumb.  Almost 4 years drug free and WD symptoms are evolving constantly. Some improved, some new. 

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Mimi11:

 

Yes, my digestive issue is chronic constipation. I've started taking probiotics so hoping they will help. I think my digestive issue is unrelated to my skin issue, but maybe there is a pattern with your digestive issues and skin hypersensitivity. Good to know you've had some relief though. I hope for you that the next period of relief you experience will be permanent.

 

I had messaged someone on SA who had skin hypersensitivity to see his outcome. He told me that eventually it faded away. That's a hope to hold on to.

 

Thank you, Mimi11, and take care,

 

Callie

Lexapro: 2004-2010; Effexor XR 225 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017

Abilify 5 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017; Buspirone 60 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Trazadone 100 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Xanax: as needed; Fast taper

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hello!  I am new here and not sure if this thread is being followed at the moment.  But I have had much of what many have said above in terms of pins and needles,  paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy, tingly and/or an almost electric undercurrent in my body or muscles both while on the Zoloft/sertraline (for only 2.5 months) and after.  I have been off of the drug for almost 9 months now and still have these symptoms quite frequently.  They come and go in severity, but I'm not sure I have noticed them being completely gone yet, though at times they seem almost gone.  But they do come back in a matter of days.  

 

I realize it is probably the window/wave type progress, but at times it seems like it will never completely go away.  Even if some symptoms go or dissipate in a window, I often still have others (for example I still brain fog badly at times and not so bad other times, and my left ear tinnitus is still here after coming off the drug and as of 2 months ago I also have a high pitch sound in both ears/head at time, especially at night in bed and when wake up - hope this goes away one day too).

 

At any rate, I apologize, I'm digressing...

 

But yes, I most definitely have all these nerve issues and muscle issues that run a very wide range of sensation from mild pins and needles (face, hands, arms, legs) to actual painful neuropathy (mostly hands, arms, shoulders) to weird jingly vibrational feeling of some kind of "current" in my body/muscles, as well as, at times an internal tension, almost like my body is trying to compress itself.  I'm not sure how to describe it all.

 

Regardless, I still exercise as much as I am able to just try to stay positive about being ONE DAY CLOSER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF HEALING AND RECOVERY.  But I admit, I am blown away that after only 2.5 months, I am still having so many symptoms (my doctor still thinks it's not really possible, but I do have another doctor that isn't' surprised at all and would have weaned me off A LOT slower, however, my side effects on the drug were so big, I probably wouldn't have been a good patient about slowly weaning, not knowing any better at the time  ;) ).  Also, I realize my symptoms may not be nearly as severe as some people's and though I know what I'm experiencing is not normal, ha, it could be worse. I also do take fish oil and magnesium and try to eat as well as possible and stay on some kind of sleep schedule, since sleep is still a bit of a crap shoot (but much better than it was).

 

Thanks to anyone who has any input as to the ongoing improvement of these symptoms and best wishes to all who are still on their journey to the other side. :D

SSRI HISTORY:  I am currently 49 years old (2017)

  • 1992-1998 20 mg Prozac CT
  • 2001-2002 10 mg Prozac CT
  • 2017 April 27  -  25 mg Zoloft/sertraline
  • 2017 May 15  -  15-20 mg Zoloft
  • 2017 May 26  -  12.5 mg Zoloft
  • 2017 June 30  -  6.25 mg Zoloft
  • 2017 July 10  -  Stop Zoloft completely
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  • 4 weeks later...

This is fascinating and scary at the same time. I tapered off fluoxetine for several months and eventually came off at the end of december, last year. At the start of feb I got worsening random pains and areas of numbness on my left side, I thought I was having a heart attack! I understand what you mean by that the sensations cycle through, but are they one sided or how is it for you guys?

 

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Severe neuropathy anyone?

I personally experience muscle pains from withdrawal (Quetiapine), and for me acupuncture does help for that. That would be my suggestion. 

On a combination of antidepressants, antipsychotics and ADHD meds since I was 16, my 21st birthday is September 19 (2017) 
Meds that did not work for me and that I took in the past:
citalopram, venlafaxine, risperidon, abipiprazole, methylphenidate IR/concerta/telekinet


As of July I'm on 25 mg Quetiapine (IR) 
I currently take 125 mg Quetiapine as of March 29 2018 (Highest dose: 300 XR, 100 mg IR. A total of 400 mg)

I also take fluoxetine 40 mg and dexamfetamine 10 mg 3 times a day. I'm not tapering anything besides Quetiapine


I've never had psychosis to begin with, and I'm experiencing lots of side effects because of the AP, which made me decide to quit. I'm slowly feeling a bit more like myself again.
 

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

Dr. David Healy suggests the sensation of burning in withdrawal might be related to sodium channels (one way cells communicate). Potassium counters sodium; for this reason, potassium supplements are used to calm the heart in situations of arrhythmia and sodium should be avoided.

 

If you have symptoms of burning, you might try potassium supplementation (and reduce sodium intake, such as in salt). In the US, potassium supplements are commonly available as 99mg, don't take more than this each day, you can overdose potassium.

 

Please post in this topic to report what effect this has on your symptoms of burning.

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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Thanks Alto for the information!

My blood test results show normal level of potassium, should I still take patasium supplement for the parethesia?

 

lex

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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  • Altostrata changed the title to Paresthesia: Pins & Needles, Numbness, Tingling, Burning Sensations aka Neuropathy
  • 2 weeks later...

Does anybody have muscles loss or atrophy that can be correlated to the burning the skin.   

Short Term Case: 7 pill of 10 mg of Modafinil in a 3 month span, but last 3 I took back to back causing severe withdrawals, lasting 3 weeks. Than 2 pills lexapro to help withdrawal lead to more withdrawal.  I have most symptoms Pssd, emotional loss, cognitive issues, nerve damage in legs.  Also 2 benzodiazepines.  Not much to damage me long term...

 

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Hello, Webhead21:

 

Are you experiencing rapid weight loss? If so, are you sure it's your muscles?

 

The reason I ask is that I was experiencing severe weight loss and mistook it for muscle loss. For me, it's not that at all. I'm still working on trying to figure it out.

 

Callie

Lexapro: 2004-2010; Effexor XR 225 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017

Abilify 5 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017; Buspirone 60 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Trazadone 100 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Xanax: as needed; Fast taper

 

 

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13 hours ago, Callie said:

Hello, Webhead21:

 

Are you experiencing rapid weight loss? If so, are you sure it's your muscles?

 

The reason I ask is that I was experiencing severe weight loss and mistook it for muscle loss. For me, it's not that at all. I'm still working on trying to figure it out.

 

Callie

I gained weight. You can see the muscles becoming smaller.  Also, the feeling of my legs are softer to the touch, and I can’t preform as I once did.  My legs are basically incapable of creating muscle.  I’ve experienced pain all the time in my beginning withdrawals, but not so much tho I experience vibrations.  My arms are also affected, just not like my legs.  Basically, my whole body muscles system is affected.  I’ve been at this for a long time now.

Short Term Case: 7 pill of 10 mg of Modafinil in a 3 month span, but last 3 I took back to back causing severe withdrawals, lasting 3 weeks. Than 2 pills lexapro to help withdrawal lead to more withdrawal.  I have most symptoms Pssd, emotional loss, cognitive issues, nerve damage in legs.  Also 2 benzodiazepines.  Not much to damage me long term...

 

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Hello, Webhead21:

 

Thanks for responding. I see now that our symptoms are dissimilar. I've lost body fat. So in addition to AD WD, I have something else afflicting me.

 

Anyway, I read about others on SA that experienced muscle loss. Try searching "muscle loss" on this site. Use quotes. I hope you can find some helpful information but feel really bad that I can't be of more help to you in that regard. I have burning skin, too, so perhaps we can conclude that muscle loss and burning skin are not necessarily related here. Have you tried potassium as was suggested above by someone else? So far, it's made no difference in my situation; but I'll give it more time.

 

Webhead21, I'll be thinking of you and hoping that you find answers and heal quickly.

 

Callie

Lexapro: 2004-2010; Effexor XR 225 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017

Abilify 5 mg.: May 2010 - April 2017; Buspirone 60 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Trazadone 100 mg.: 2004 - April 2017; Xanax: as needed; Fast taper

 

 

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