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


angie007

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4 hours ago, TL1802 said:

Hello all - I wanted to pop back in here and provide an update. I'm hoping that extra information and another viewpoint can be beneficial to some.

 

I think a lot of us are primed to point fingers at antidepressants, think they are poisons, and then connect everything that happens to us back to the antidepressant. I think forums like this where stories are shared and the bias of positive reinforcement (others coming on and saying "yes, this is exactly what happened to me") leads to this. I was definitely a victim of this mentality and narrow sightedness, to the point that I sent angry emails to my psychiatrist and fired her for "ruining my life and my body". We need to remember that correlation is not causation. We also need to realize that tens of millions of people are coming off of antidepressants at any give moment, and that with such a large group of people, there are naturally going to be illnesses that coincidentally pop up at the same time, unrelated to the discontinuation. 

 

I began suffering from paresthesias 3 months after discontinuation (an 8 week taper off of 10mg of Viibryd that I was on for 12 months). I had pinpricking, stinging, and itching sensations all over my body that lasted for over 2 years (they still appear from cold weather and stress). I had unexplained jitteriness and head tremors that lasted for over 1 year (they occasionally appear at night if I am suffering from significant insomnia). I would often wake up in the middle of the night with a swarm unbearable tingling all over the surface of my brain (this resolved after 2 years). I lost most sexual function which has only partially returned. My skin has been severely dry and I do not sweat from my arms or legs. I had frequent bouts of akathisia that were so severe that I wanted to rip my flesh off my body (this resolved after 1.5 years but I still get some restlessness). I also had severe brain fog for the first 6 months. I still have insomnia where I wake up after 4-5 hours and need to stay awake for another 1-2 hours before going back to sleep.

 

Very recently, after 2 years, some new symptoms began to appear: loss of hair on my legs, knee and ankle aches and stiffness, and tachycardia when standing up. All of this undeniably points to small fiber neuropathy, which was supposed to have been ruled out after multiple neuro exams and even a skin biopsy to count nerve fibers. My new neuromuscular specialist said that the biopsies are only 60% sensitive and that I am 100% clinically diagnosable. This lead us to order special antibody tests only available at 4 or 5 labs in the entire world (all common antibody tests had been coming in normal for the past 2 years). We got the results, and I surprise, had very elevated antibodies for TS-HDS and Plexin D1, both known to be most associated with small fiber neuropathy.

 

The kicker to the story is that the doctor and I went back to the start of my symptoms and discussed what was going on in detail. We uncovered that I had gone through a really rough case of the flu (not COVID as it was 2019) about 3 weeks before the start of my symptoms, and it's likely that this was EBV, colloquially know as Mono, which is known to cause immune dysregulation and progressive small fiber neuropathy.

 

Long story short, what I thought was protracted withdrawal this whole time likely had nothing to do with antidepressants.

I'm glad you were able to find a diagnosis that you are happy with.. 

 

In my case it was primarily due to protracted withdrawal and I am getting better.  Withdrawal I believe affects the C fibres of the nervous system that are spread across the body - skin, gut, nose, periphery etc.. and can cause sfn like symptoms. 

Chronic IBS since 1990

Former smoker (1992- Jun 2017)

Prescribed mirtazapine for sleep in Aug 2017 after IBS flare-up following Nicotine cessation.

Mirtazapine 7.5mg 8/17 to 5/18

Mirtazapine 3.75mg 5/18 to 1/19

Off Mirtazapine since 2/19.

Vit B, Vit D+K2 and Magnesium Glycinate as needed.

On Ayurvedic herbs for GI issues - Guduchi since Jul 2020, Indukantham since Oct 2020

On Ashwagandha 1g since Nov 2020

 

 

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I'm starting to feel something like this. This jittery and throbbing sensation throughout my arms and head. I feel fingertips throbbing. Anyone experienced this?

- Late 2011/Early 2012? - Started celexa 10mg.

- Sometime in 2012? - Due to doctors advice, jumped to 20mg. Not sure when but doctor suggested 40mg. Tried it for a bit, did not like it, felt flat and had low libido so doctor told me to go down to 30mg.

- Started skipping 1 day or 2 days sometimes due to forgetting and hated being on drugs, felt it was a hassle. It became routine to skip one day and only take it when I felt withdrawal symptoms kick in like dizziness. Always took one 20mg pill and broke the second pill in half.

- May 17 2022, finally talked to my doctor about tapering. Suggested I take 10 mg everyday. Tried taking only 10mg, started getting dizzy, took another half tablet, got horrible anxiety that night. Got scared, had to stop and reinstate back to 30mg that night.

- May 18 2022 discovered and joined survivingantidepressants.org (woozy head and impaired balance lasted 1 week)

- May 19 2022, began trying a reduction, (still skipping a day). Though had no scale so was inaccurately cutting my pills. No idea what dose I was taking, 25-27mg?

- May 25 2022, bought a mg scale and started to better measure my dose. Tried 10% reduction, 27mg. (still skipping a day)

- Ending of May was when I started having horrible anxiety

- June 1 2022, finally started 13.5mg dose 8:15am, and began taking my dose everyday now

- went to 13.7mg after a few weeks and still on it currently. Still taking my dose everyday. went up to 14 on 11/6

 

 

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17 minutes ago, Wanttofreemyself said:

I'm starting to feel something like this. This jittery and throbbing sensation throughout my arms and head. I feel fingertips throbbing. Anyone experienced this?

For me it’s been tingling, stinging, burning sensations mainly 

2013-2021 Lexapro 20mg

10-21 started lexapro tapering

3-22 lexapro free
5-22 started to get paresthesia all over body mainly in legs , numbness, tingling, stinging sensations 

6-22 neurologist started me on Lyrica 25mg twice a day to see if it helps with the paresthesia, got a nerve conduction test which was negative

6-22 neurologist suggested quitting lyrica as it isnt seem to be helping, and reinstating 5mg lexapro to see if it helps with the symptoms, thinking of starting lower at 2.5mg

6-13-22 stopped lyrica by doctor order (only took it 4 days )

6-14-22 reinstated 2.5mg lexapro

6-15-22 neurologist added 10mg amitriptyline to try and help with paresthesia sensory symptoms

6-22-22 updose to 5mg lexapro (bad reaction, paresthesia got worse, back to 2.5mg next day)

6-27-22 went to see a new internal doctor, per symptoms (lack of appetite that had been going on for almost a month, the paresthesia, and gi problems), told me to suspend everything i was taking and take new low dose combination drug (Adepsique) 5mg amitriptyline/ 1.5mg Diazepam / 1mg Perphenazine and 40mg Propranolol for daytime sinus tachycardia

 

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1 minute ago, Pepms said:

For me it’s been tingling, stinging, burning sensations mainly 

 

Sorry to hear that. Have you had depersonalization symptoms?

- Late 2011/Early 2012? - Started celexa 10mg.

- Sometime in 2012? - Due to doctors advice, jumped to 20mg. Not sure when but doctor suggested 40mg. Tried it for a bit, did not like it, felt flat and had low libido so doctor told me to go down to 30mg.

- Started skipping 1 day or 2 days sometimes due to forgetting and hated being on drugs, felt it was a hassle. It became routine to skip one day and only take it when I felt withdrawal symptoms kick in like dizziness. Always took one 20mg pill and broke the second pill in half.

- May 17 2022, finally talked to my doctor about tapering. Suggested I take 10 mg everyday. Tried taking only 10mg, started getting dizzy, took another half tablet, got horrible anxiety that night. Got scared, had to stop and reinstate back to 30mg that night.

- May 18 2022 discovered and joined survivingantidepressants.org (woozy head and impaired balance lasted 1 week)

- May 19 2022, began trying a reduction, (still skipping a day). Though had no scale so was inaccurately cutting my pills. No idea what dose I was taking, 25-27mg?

- May 25 2022, bought a mg scale and started to better measure my dose. Tried 10% reduction, 27mg. (still skipping a day)

- Ending of May was when I started having horrible anxiety

- June 1 2022, finally started 13.5mg dose 8:15am, and began taking my dose everyday now

- went to 13.7mg after a few weeks and still on it currently. Still taking my dose everyday. went up to 14 on 11/6

 

 

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7 minutes ago, Wanttofreemyself said:

 

Sorry to hear that. Have you had depersonalization symptoms?

No, haven’t had that 

2013-2021 Lexapro 20mg

10-21 started lexapro tapering

3-22 lexapro free
5-22 started to get paresthesia all over body mainly in legs , numbness, tingling, stinging sensations 

6-22 neurologist started me on Lyrica 25mg twice a day to see if it helps with the paresthesia, got a nerve conduction test which was negative

6-22 neurologist suggested quitting lyrica as it isnt seem to be helping, and reinstating 5mg lexapro to see if it helps with the symptoms, thinking of starting lower at 2.5mg

6-13-22 stopped lyrica by doctor order (only took it 4 days )

6-14-22 reinstated 2.5mg lexapro

6-15-22 neurologist added 10mg amitriptyline to try and help with paresthesia sensory symptoms

6-22-22 updose to 5mg lexapro (bad reaction, paresthesia got worse, back to 2.5mg next day)

6-27-22 went to see a new internal doctor, per symptoms (lack of appetite that had been going on for almost a month, the paresthesia, and gi problems), told me to suspend everything i was taking and take new low dose combination drug (Adepsique) 5mg amitriptyline/ 1.5mg Diazepam / 1mg Perphenazine and 40mg Propranolol for daytime sinus tachycardia

 

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9 minutes ago, Pepms said:

I have the same symptoms mainly in my legs and for me it's attributed to Pots Dysautonomia. I find compression socks 30-4o mmHg to be helpful in reducing some of the burning stinging pain. 

2001-2019 Effexor XR 150mg Cross to Zoloft 100mg.

2003-2004 CT Effexor XR 150

09/18/2020 Zoloft 100mg CT Switch Paxil 20mg /Valium 10mg

2020 Paxil 20mg /Valium 10mg/Gabapentin 900mg.

2021 Paxil 20mg /Valium 6mg /Gabapentin 600mg.

Currently:

04/14/2022 Paxil 20mg to 15mg 25% reduction/Valium 3mg/Gabapentin 900mg/Fludrocortisone .01mg 

Paxil: Tablet/Liquid Switch 10% Monthly Drops

5/16 Paxil Liquid 7.4ml/ Valium 3mg/ Gabapentin 900mg, 6/1 Paxil Liquid 6.66ml/ Valium 3mg/ Gabapentin 900mg 6/18 "Switch back to tablets" paxil 10mg+1.66ml/Valium 3mg/Gabapentin 900mg

SupplementsFish Oil, Melatonin 1.5mg, Luracidin.

"Slow  Steady Stable" 💚

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On 1/31/2018 at 10:32 AM, Junglechicken said:

 

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??

Hi! @JunglechickenI know it’s been a long time but having almost exact same symptoms, how are you? How much time did you have them for? Did they resolve ? Thanks !

2013-2021 Lexapro 20mg

10-21 started lexapro tapering

3-22 lexapro free
5-22 started to get paresthesia all over body mainly in legs , numbness, tingling, stinging sensations 

6-22 neurologist started me on Lyrica 25mg twice a day to see if it helps with the paresthesia, got a nerve conduction test which was negative

6-22 neurologist suggested quitting lyrica as it isnt seem to be helping, and reinstating 5mg lexapro to see if it helps with the symptoms, thinking of starting lower at 2.5mg

6-13-22 stopped lyrica by doctor order (only took it 4 days )

6-14-22 reinstated 2.5mg lexapro

6-15-22 neurologist added 10mg amitriptyline to try and help with paresthesia sensory symptoms

6-22-22 updose to 5mg lexapro (bad reaction, paresthesia got worse, back to 2.5mg next day)

6-27-22 went to see a new internal doctor, per symptoms (lack of appetite that had been going on for almost a month, the paresthesia, and gi problems), told me to suspend everything i was taking and take new low dose combination drug (Adepsique) 5mg amitriptyline/ 1.5mg Diazepam / 1mg Perphenazine and 40mg Propranolol for daytime sinus tachycardia

 

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14 hours ago, tsranga said:

I'm glad you were able to find a diagnosis that you are happy with.. 

 

In my case it was primarily due to protracted withdrawal and I am getting better.  Withdrawal I believe affects the C fibres of the nervous system that are spread across the body - skin, gut, nose, periphery etc.. and can cause sfn like symptoms. 

In how much time would you say yours got better ?

2013-2021 Lexapro 20mg

10-21 started lexapro tapering

3-22 lexapro free
5-22 started to get paresthesia all over body mainly in legs , numbness, tingling, stinging sensations 

6-22 neurologist started me on Lyrica 25mg twice a day to see if it helps with the paresthesia, got a nerve conduction test which was negative

6-22 neurologist suggested quitting lyrica as it isnt seem to be helping, and reinstating 5mg lexapro to see if it helps with the symptoms, thinking of starting lower at 2.5mg

6-13-22 stopped lyrica by doctor order (only took it 4 days )

6-14-22 reinstated 2.5mg lexapro

6-15-22 neurologist added 10mg amitriptyline to try and help with paresthesia sensory symptoms

6-22-22 updose to 5mg lexapro (bad reaction, paresthesia got worse, back to 2.5mg next day)

6-27-22 went to see a new internal doctor, per symptoms (lack of appetite that had been going on for almost a month, the paresthesia, and gi problems), told me to suspend everything i was taking and take new low dose combination drug (Adepsique) 5mg amitriptyline/ 1.5mg Diazepam / 1mg Perphenazine and 40mg Propranolol for daytime sinus tachycardia

 

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On 6/13/2022 at 8:05 AM, Pepms said:

In how much time would you say yours got better ?

It took about 3 years.. I still get it occasionally when the weather changes drastically but it's very mild.

Chronic IBS since 1990

Former smoker (1992- Jun 2017)

Prescribed mirtazapine for sleep in Aug 2017 after IBS flare-up following Nicotine cessation.

Mirtazapine 7.5mg 8/17 to 5/18

Mirtazapine 3.75mg 5/18 to 1/19

Off Mirtazapine since 2/19.

Vit B, Vit D+K2 and Magnesium Glycinate as needed.

On Ayurvedic herbs for GI issues - Guduchi since Jul 2020, Indukantham since Oct 2020

On Ashwagandha 1g since Nov 2020

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Is diminished skin sensation all over the body normal during WD or taking antidepressants?

Do these symptoms mimic neuropathy?  Could it be neuropathy?

05.2021 mirtazapine (first 15 mg, after 2 weeks 30 mg)

08.2021 citalopram (?mg)

10.2021 switching from citalopram to duloxetine (60 mg), mirtazapine 15 mg

04.2022 switching from duloxetine to vortioxetine 10 mg (4 weeks on 30 mg duloxetine), mirtazapine 7.5

06.2022 off mirtazapine

07.2022 off vortioxetine 5 mg (irregular taking - can be called CT)

07.2022 back to vortioxetine 10 mg and mirtazapine 7.5 mg

03.09.2022 reduce 10 mg vortioxetine to 5 mg

10.2022 off vortioxetine

11.2022 reduce mirtazapine to 3.75

12.2022 off mirtazapine (ALL MEDS OFF)

 

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  • 1 month later...

Has Anyone experienced full body numbness?

 

less sensation in skin, cant Feel my muscle at all, and even my deep touch is off completely 

June-July -21 Zyprexa 2.5-7.5 mg 

July -21 Mianserin 20 mg four days

July-Aug -21 Valium 30 mg a day, tapred, return of symptoms 

Aug-Oct -21 Oxazepam Tapred from 10 mg x 3 to zero

Dec-Jan -21/22 On and off mirtazapine 15 mg. Kindling reaction?

March 8.-19. - Zopiclone 7.5 mg to combat insomnia 

March 20 - 5 mg valium because of akathisia and panic 

April 3. - 5 mg x 2

 

 
 

 

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  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

merged similar topics

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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On 9/8/2022 at 5:44 AM, Sofa said:

Has Anyone experienced full body numbness?

 

less sensation in skin, cant Feel my muscle at all, and even my deep touch is off completely 

I experience this. its almost like my skin feels like plastic or rubber at times. 

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  • 4 weeks later...

My earliest memory of tingling and pins and needles in my legs is during SSRI withdrawal few years ago. When I described my symptoms to a psychiatrist, she said that paresthesia is described during SSRI withdrawal. I also started to suffer from really bizarre burning sensations after I was prescribed meds during withdrawal. I felt burning pain in my head (like deep within my brean, so bizarre) and if I remember correctly neck too. I believe prescribing those meds could have led to some kind of kindling reactions. When I was prescribed more meds the burning sensation in my head got even worse. Psychiatrist described how patients with mental health issues had described burning sensations in head probably thinking it was part of my mental health problems. What is even more bizarre is how all the other drugs increased the burning sensations except benzos and Valproate (I believe it is like antiseizure med too). I suffered from sudden cognitive problems back then that SSRI withdrawal triggered that went hand in hand with my bizarre brain on fire sensation. I struggled with mental fatigue for a long time after that. When I tried to think the burning sensation and headache got worse. 

 

The burning sensation and worst paresthesia resolved when I stopped other meds and started slow benzo taper and found ways to take care of myself. Relaxation, self care. I was left with a sensation like electricity goes through my legs up and down, like internal vibrations or tingling that I have had for years.  Also cognitive problems started to resolve after tapering off most of the meds. My mental fatigue went away too.

 

I have suffered from sexual dysfunction for years. It got even worse during SSRI taper. After it I have had difficulties to experience romantic feelings and I experience lack of sensation and numbness. 

 

1,5 months ago I had misluck and got a mild concussion when hitting my head on the edge of kitchen cabinet. I felt a bit off, experienced for example dizziness, headache and some weakness. A week later from that I started to experience pins and needles in my hands and feet. Usually I only have had different kind of tingling in my legs. I had even more misluck and got my first Covid immediately after it. I don't know what triggered the pins and needles - Covid that was on its way(that explained the weakness too) or concussion. I met doctor then who said it is most likely just neck issues triggered by concussion but I am a bit skeptical though.

 

One of my worst symptom of Covid was headache that has continued to this day. After Covid the pins and needles have got even worse and I have experienced sudden sharp eletric shock like pains too in my limbs too. I have also started to notice increased numbness on my skin. What is even more bizarre is how I have started to experience burning brain sensations again. It has been gone for years. It has almost has felt I have been sent back to most difficult period of withdrawal. Not every symptom is identical luckily but cognitive problems, mental fatigue, burning brain, headache and pins and needles feel really familiar. If this does not get easier I am going to see a doctor again.

 

Lately when  I was reading about Covid I found out about the possible connection of Covid and small fiber neuropathy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34766365/
Then I found the hypothesis of possible connection between PSSD and small fiber neuropathy from David Healys Rxisk website. https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-neuropathy-and-the-color-of-life/ 

 

I must say I would be really interested to get small fiber neuropathy tested.

 

2005-2009 Lexapro 10-20mg & Remeron 7,5mg: cold turkey

2010 tried Venlafaxine (month),

2011-2012 Seroquel 25mg (few months)

2014 6 days Cipro(antibiotics) adverse reaction

2011-2015 Lexapro 10-20mg (tapered off during 4 months) 

2015-2016 (all these drugs during 9 months during SSRI wd,did not tolerate most of them ) : tried Remeron, Temazepam. Reinstatement of Lexapro 3 months after stopping it: fail. Akathisia, insomnia. Zyprexa10mg, Sodium Valproate, Temazepam(20mg), Oxazepam 30-45 mgs. Switching meds: Seroquel 50-100mg, Oxazepam  30-45mg , Temazepam 20mg. Then back to Zyprexa 10mg, Temazepam20mg, doctor took me off Oxazepam fast. Then Zyprexa 20mg, Temazepam 20mg, melatonin10mg ( sometimes very rarely Valium 10 mg.) Zyprexa: cold turkey because 20 mg Zyprexa made akathisia intolerable after every dose. After it insomnia, 24/7 akathisia, adverse reactions to supplements.

2016 spring daily  Valium 15mg (for akathisia)>0mg (used for 4 months and during that time slowly tapered off), tried Betablockers (shortly), Temazepam 40 mg > 25 mg (tapered in 3 months)

2016 summer Temazepam 25 mg > 20 mg, melatonin 2,5 mg

2016 november Melatonin 0,5 mg, Temazepam 20 mg.  Started tapering again.

2022 july (microtapering) 3,0 mg Temazepam Supplements: Probiotics, magnesium oil occasionally, melatonin 0,5 mg

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2 years later still terribly physically disabled by neuropathy after short paroxetine use

bedridden

 

extreme burning like my body is one big abrasion where perfume is sprayed on, extreme chronic pain, muscle, bone pain everything.

Wheelchair.

 

0% healing

withdrawal.. what a joke

 

 

 

 

Fluoxetine 10mg 2 months 2019

Paroxetine 10mg 8 months 2020. tapered in 30 days, severe withdrawal symptoms when i tapered (30day-taper)

Paroxetine 10mg re-instatement for 2 months 2020, adverse reaction that crippled me completely.

DEC 2020 - Drug free

DEC 2021 - 1 year later doing terrible and still deteriorating

DEC 2022 - Fought for my life 2 years long only to end up worse than ever. Utterly disabled and torturous inhumane pain - intensity 20 on a scale of 10... 24/7 hell.

Lost my health, my job, my friends, my marriage and i can go on to the greed of pharmaceutical companies.

31 year old male, before this i was an athletic runner that ran 10km in 50minutes, now i can't barely walk or prepare food because my legs and body affected badly. Housebound.

 

improvements, only psychological symptoms improved. Physically worsening over the months. Especially my ability to walk, Now use wheelchair inside the house, on disability pay, household care. Body burns like hell, neuropathy from head to toe. I guess i won the sufferlottery. Please never re-instate. I don't know what exactly happened but it's definitely no withdrawal.

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

All most 6 years med free still have severe burning of skin plus burning feet hands and mouth with pins and needles I believe this is now permanent damage from antidepressants are there any recovery stories from this after 6 years plus free from meds could dp with some relief 

2001 to jan 2015 Effexor 150 mg 

jan 2015 15 mg mirtazapine 20 mg quetiapine 

feb 2015 quetiapine stopped 

feb 2015 30 mg of citalopram added 

feb 2015 mirtazapine increased to 30 mg 

july 2015 citalopram stopped 

sept 2015 200mg of pregabalin 

jan 2017 mirtazapine stopped

jan 2017 20 mg fluoxetine

march 2017 all meds stopped 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi there @Terry4949,

I just read up in this topic and actually did see some posts of recovery from this symptom, right on this page..

So be sure to read through the whole topic to see if you find posts of recovery before asking.

 

I'm so sorry.....it sounds awful and so long ongoing now.

Also there is another topic referenced in the first post in this one.

 

Keep your focus on finding those who have reported recovery......that might help keep your own hope alive.

 

Best.  L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

 

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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  • 3 months later...

Earlier this year I developed a large numb spot on my right hip and at times during movement I would get a sharp pain like a pinched nerve. That seems to have gone away but now I'm getting the sharp pain like a pinched nerve on movement in my right elbow and a little bit in my left elbow. Seems like a lot of people go through this and I never had this problem before I got off the Seroquel so for now I'm going to chalk it up too another withdrawal recovery symptom.  I also have what feels like nerve pain in my thighs and calves that comes and goes and last year I had that problem in my upper body which is now pretty well gone except for the elbows and has moved to my lower body. I will be talking to my primary care doctor about this next week. If you've had something that sounds similar to this let me know.

Current Psychiatric Medications

  1. Paxil 10mg daily (a.m.) 2017 - Present
  2. Carbamazepine IR  190 mg twice daily (380mg Daily) 2011 - Present (Currently Tapering)

Past Psychiatric Medications From 1994 to August 2021   Seroquel (in Recovery since August 2021 final dose 6.25mg), Depakote, Lithium, Risperidone, Xanax, Lamotrigene, Olanzapine, Lorazepam, Welbutrin, Trazodone, Oxazepam, Gabapentin, Abilify, Topiramate, Prazosin, Ambien (See Attached Spreadsheet And Seroquel Tapering And WIthdrawal Summary)

Current Non Psychiatric Medications Levothyroxine 88mcg (a.m.)-Vitamin D3 1000 IU (p.m.)-Fexofenadine 180 mg twice daily -Clonidine 0.1 mg (p.m.)-Azelastine Nasal Spray

Other - Fish Oil Twice Daily-Multi-Vitamin (a.m.)-Vitamin C 1000mg Daily (a.m.)-Saline Nasal Spray-Salsalate 750mg twice daily PRN, Diclofenac Gel on affected joint PRN-Magnesium Citrate 250mg twice daily, Betaine HCL & Digestine Enzymes With Meals

Quitting Seroquel_A Vacation In Hell_Redacted.pdf

Other Documents https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/26099-feralcatman-recovering-from-seroquel/?do=findComment&comment=633907

 

 

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1 hour ago, FeralCatman said:

Earlier this year I developed a large numb spot on my right hip and at times during movement I would get a sharp pain like a pinched nerve. That seems to have gone away but now I'm getting the sharp pain like a pinched nerve on movement in my right elbow and a little bit in my left elbow. Seems like a lot of people go through this and I never had this problem before I got off the Seroquel so for now I'm going to chalk it up too another withdrawal recovery symptom.  I also have what feels like nerve pain in my thighs and calves that comes and goes and last year I had that problem in my upper body which is now pretty well gone except for the elbows and has moved to my lower body. I will be talking to my primary care doctor about this next week. If you've had something that sounds similar to this let me know.

Here is a link to 'The Inner Compass Initiative' website for psychiatric Med withdrawal information.

 

https://withdrawal.theinnercompass.org/page/about-withdrawal-project

 

On this website they have a means to search symptoms sort of like the symptom checker on WebMD where you can look up pretty much any symptom and get a description. It turns out what I am experiencing is very common during withdrawal and can come on both early and late and withdrawal and short of finding an actual medical cause will come and go on its own so it may just suck for a while.

Current Psychiatric Medications

  1. Paxil 10mg daily (a.m.) 2017 - Present
  2. Carbamazepine IR  190 mg twice daily (380mg Daily) 2011 - Present (Currently Tapering)

Past Psychiatric Medications From 1994 to August 2021   Seroquel (in Recovery since August 2021 final dose 6.25mg), Depakote, Lithium, Risperidone, Xanax, Lamotrigene, Olanzapine, Lorazepam, Welbutrin, Trazodone, Oxazepam, Gabapentin, Abilify, Topiramate, Prazosin, Ambien (See Attached Spreadsheet And Seroquel Tapering And WIthdrawal Summary)

Current Non Psychiatric Medications Levothyroxine 88mcg (a.m.)-Vitamin D3 1000 IU (p.m.)-Fexofenadine 180 mg twice daily -Clonidine 0.1 mg (p.m.)-Azelastine Nasal Spray

Other - Fish Oil Twice Daily-Multi-Vitamin (a.m.)-Vitamin C 1000mg Daily (a.m.)-Saline Nasal Spray-Salsalate 750mg twice daily PRN, Diclofenac Gel on affected joint PRN-Magnesium Citrate 250mg twice daily, Betaine HCL & Digestine Enzymes With Meals

Quitting Seroquel_A Vacation In Hell_Redacted.pdf

Other Documents https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/26099-feralcatman-recovering-from-seroquel/?do=findComment&comment=633907

 

 

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Hi @FeralCatman  I've had symptoms somewhat like yours.  My left big toe has been numb since the beginning of my w/d.  It's better but not gone.  Throughout w/d I've experienced very painful nerve shocks and sensitive skin at the site of the pains.  I haven't had them for a number of months, but of course with a bunch of stress it could start up again.  I'm hoping though that with time these symptoms will fade further.  My best to you🕊️

Arbor

 

Zoloft: 1995 - 2015

Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on  December 15, 2018

Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019  (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019

Enalapril: 2010 - 2019

Lipitor: 2017 -2017

Metformin: 2000 - 2020

Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019

Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022

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@arbor That link I just posted talks about all these symptoms which have been gathered from people like us over time and says that all of these symptoms tend to wax and wane but eventually do leave. I have had quite a few things come and go already so I'm going to go get checked out to rule out anything else but I am pretty sure giving enough time this stuff will disappear as well.

Current Psychiatric Medications

  1. Paxil 10mg daily (a.m.) 2017 - Present
  2. Carbamazepine IR  190 mg twice daily (380mg Daily) 2011 - Present (Currently Tapering)

Past Psychiatric Medications From 1994 to August 2021   Seroquel (in Recovery since August 2021 final dose 6.25mg), Depakote, Lithium, Risperidone, Xanax, Lamotrigene, Olanzapine, Lorazepam, Welbutrin, Trazodone, Oxazepam, Gabapentin, Abilify, Topiramate, Prazosin, Ambien (See Attached Spreadsheet And Seroquel Tapering And WIthdrawal Summary)

Current Non Psychiatric Medications Levothyroxine 88mcg (a.m.)-Vitamin D3 1000 IU (p.m.)-Fexofenadine 180 mg twice daily -Clonidine 0.1 mg (p.m.)-Azelastine Nasal Spray

Other - Fish Oil Twice Daily-Multi-Vitamin (a.m.)-Vitamin C 1000mg Daily (a.m.)-Saline Nasal Spray-Salsalate 750mg twice daily PRN, Diclofenac Gel on affected joint PRN-Magnesium Citrate 250mg twice daily, Betaine HCL & Digestine Enzymes With Meals

Quitting Seroquel_A Vacation In Hell_Redacted.pdf

Other Documents https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/26099-feralcatman-recovering-from-seroquel/?do=findComment&comment=633907

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

I just posted the following information in relation to this topic on my thread. It turns out that the nerve pains were related to the whey protein powder that I had been using.

 

 

Current Psychiatric Medications

  1. Paxil 10mg daily (a.m.) 2017 - Present
  2. Carbamazepine IR  190 mg twice daily (380mg Daily) 2011 - Present (Currently Tapering)

Past Psychiatric Medications From 1994 to August 2021   Seroquel (in Recovery since August 2021 final dose 6.25mg), Depakote, Lithium, Risperidone, Xanax, Lamotrigene, Olanzapine, Lorazepam, Welbutrin, Trazodone, Oxazepam, Gabapentin, Abilify, Topiramate, Prazosin, Ambien (See Attached Spreadsheet And Seroquel Tapering And WIthdrawal Summary)

Current Non Psychiatric Medications Levothyroxine 88mcg (a.m.)-Vitamin D3 1000 IU (p.m.)-Fexofenadine 180 mg twice daily -Clonidine 0.1 mg (p.m.)-Azelastine Nasal Spray

Other - Fish Oil Twice Daily-Multi-Vitamin (a.m.)-Vitamin C 1000mg Daily (a.m.)-Saline Nasal Spray-Salsalate 750mg twice daily PRN, Diclofenac Gel on affected joint PRN-Magnesium Citrate 250mg twice daily, Betaine HCL & Digestine Enzymes With Meals

Quitting Seroquel_A Vacation In Hell_Redacted.pdf

Other Documents https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/26099-feralcatman-recovering-from-seroquel/?do=findComment&comment=633907

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 9/7/2022 at 8:44 PM, Sofa said:

Has Anyone experienced full body numbness?

 

less sensation in skin, cant Feel my muscle at all, and even my deep touch is off completely 

Hi do you still have this? I have exactly what your describing.

Citalopram 10mg sep14-nov14,

cit 20mg nov14-jan15,

cit 40mg jan15 -jan22,

tapered cit 40mg-0mg in 10 days.

mirtazapine 15mg then 30mg jan22-Mar22,

tapered in 1 week.

citalopram 20mg apr22- may22( had a reaction this time, hives everywhere),

no taper cold turkey 

sertraline 50mg then 100mg may22-nov22, tapered in 2 weeks.

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On 10/20/2022 at 5:31 AM, ardyes said:

I experience this. its almost like my skin feels like plastic or rubber at times. 

Do you still have this? 

 

Citalopram 10mg sep14-nov14,

cit 20mg nov14-jan15,

cit 40mg jan15 -jan22,

tapered cit 40mg-0mg in 10 days.

mirtazapine 15mg then 30mg jan22-Mar22,

tapered in 1 week.

citalopram 20mg apr22- may22( had a reaction this time, hives everywhere),

no taper cold turkey 

sertraline 50mg then 100mg may22-nov22, tapered in 2 weeks.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I have had pins and needles sensations of and on since going of med 2 years ago  I notice that they seem to be related to my sleep cycle. If I sleep more than 7 hours or too late in the morning. I have gut issues and histamine reactions so I wonder if it is related to this. Cold showers seem to help quite a bit. I have been doing cold showers for about 2 years and really alleviated my anxiety. I was wondering if anyone j

here has similar experiences and have any other tips? Thxs

 

 

2006-2007 Lexapro (not sure of dose) in 2006

2007 Stopped abruptly. Developed serious wd symptom.Went back after two weeks and  tapered successfully over 3 months

November 2013  started 10 mg of Celexa for hormonal symptoms

early 2014 cutdown Celexa to 5 mg.Attempted to get off it November 2014 and had  

Anxiety increased  every time I used  an OTC or had stress.

April-May Cortisol spike problems 

July 2016 Started taking liquid Celexa 7.5 mg

June 2021 I finished my taper en

Severe anxiety and insomnia

June 2022 symptoms omproved

July 2023 gut issues and sleep issues contnue

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37 minutes ago, gn11 said:

I have had pins and needles sensations of and on since going of med 2 years ago  I notice that they seem to be related to my sleep cycle. If I sleep more than 7 hours or too late in the morning. I have gut issues and histamine reactions so I wonder if it is related to this. Cold showers seem to help quite a bit. I have been doing cold showers for about 2 years and really alleviated my anxiety. I was wondering if anyone j

here has similar experiences and have any other tips? Thxs

 

 

Hi, that's very interesting as I also have numbness in my body but also histamine reactions and gut problems. My thought was that maybe because of the gut and histamine problems my body is not digesting food well so im lacking in vitamins and minerals which is then causing the numbness and muscle spasms. 

Citalopram 10mg sep14-nov14,

cit 20mg nov14-jan15,

cit 40mg jan15 -jan22,

tapered cit 40mg-0mg in 10 days.

mirtazapine 15mg then 30mg jan22-Mar22,

tapered in 1 week.

citalopram 20mg apr22- may22( had a reaction this time, hives everywhere),

no taper cold turkey 

sertraline 50mg then 100mg may22-nov22, tapered in 2 weeks.

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10 minutes ago, Tigz91 said:

Hi, that's very interesting as I also have numbness in my body but also histamine reactions and gut problems. My thought was that maybe because of the gut and histamine problems my body is not digesting food well so im lacking in vitamins and minerals which is then causing the numbness and muscle spasms. 

Possibly but in my case it appears to be gut dysregulation SIBO. I'm sure caused by wd. I have been tested multiple times for viramins and only B12 was low. I am doing a very short gut reset and trying to get back on eating more normally. My sleep still a problem and I have anxiety at different points. What are you doing for your issues?

2006-2007 Lexapro (not sure of dose) in 2006

2007 Stopped abruptly. Developed serious wd symptom.Went back after two weeks and  tapered successfully over 3 months

November 2013  started 10 mg of Celexa for hormonal symptoms

early 2014 cutdown Celexa to 5 mg.Attempted to get off it November 2014 and had  

Anxiety increased  every time I used  an OTC or had stress.

April-May Cortisol spike problems 

July 2016 Started taking liquid Celexa 7.5 mg

June 2021 I finished my taper en

Severe anxiety and insomnia

June 2022 symptoms omproved

July 2023 gut issues and sleep issues contnue

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Just now, gn11 said:

Possibly but in my case it appears to be gut dysregulation SIBO. I'm sure caused by wd. I have been tested multiple times for viramins and only B12 was low. I am doing a very short gut reset and trying to get back on eating more normally. My sleep still a problem and I have anxiety at different points. What are you doing for your issues?

At the moment I'm still trying to find and identify my problem but I have also thought about sibo. Did you get tested for it? Because that's my next thing I plan on doing. I have gastritis and duodenitis both confirmed during an endoscopy. Can I ask what you do for gut reset?

Citalopram 10mg sep14-nov14,

cit 20mg nov14-jan15,

cit 40mg jan15 -jan22,

tapered cit 40mg-0mg in 10 days.

mirtazapine 15mg then 30mg jan22-Mar22,

tapered in 1 week.

citalopram 20mg apr22- may22( had a reaction this time, hives everywhere),

no taper cold turkey 

sertraline 50mg then 100mg may22-nov22, tapered in 2 weeks.

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Yes it has been a long journey for me. I tested positive for SIBOC. My methane gas was high. This (if the test was correct) indicates a problem with some organism prebacteria being out of control. I have constipation and it appears that I have silent reflux. I had a very bad case if GERD after eating too ma y crackers a few weeks ago. 

I am following Dr. RUSCIO Proticol. I consulted with them after much struggle. I am doing a 2 day Elemental Diet and will go back to Low FODMAP diet.I hope to be able to include more foods in my diet after that. I have tried many things over the last couple of years fir gut and nervous system.

 

2006-2007 Lexapro (not sure of dose) in 2006

2007 Stopped abruptly. Developed serious wd symptom.Went back after two weeks and  tapered successfully over 3 months

November 2013  started 10 mg of Celexa for hormonal symptoms

early 2014 cutdown Celexa to 5 mg.Attempted to get off it November 2014 and had  

Anxiety increased  every time I used  an OTC or had stress.

April-May Cortisol spike problems 

July 2016 Started taking liquid Celexa 7.5 mg

June 2021 I finished my taper en

Severe anxiety and insomnia

June 2022 symptoms omproved

July 2023 gut issues and sleep issues contnue

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  • 3 weeks later...

Is the burning skin akathisia? I don’t have the need to pace my skin/brain is just burning and I feel like I have a lot of energy. 

2010- Celexa 20 mg

2012-lexapro 20mg 

2015- lexapro 30mg

October 2016- tried a too fast taper of lexapro and completely crashed. I reinstated 10mg after 3 months and it worked.

December 2016- started to wean off lexapro with liquid and got off in April of 2018 

got pregnant in June of 2018 and remained off lexapro no withdrawal symptoms.

february 2019- right after I gave birth I started having withdrawal symptoms 

March 2019- reinstated 10mg lexapro, it made me very sick

May 2019- did a successful Prozac bridge and immediately felt better.

currently stabilized on 20mg Prozac 

 

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  • Administrator

No, burning skin is a paresthesia, it is not akathisia.

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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  • 6 months later...

My burning sensation is mostly eyes, head and neck.

As I heal from my more serious symptoms this has become an increasing source of distress. It is funny what you don't notice when severe and then notice during recovery.

December 2021 - Metoclopramide started. Akathisia symptoms start; Metoclopramide gets changed to PRN.

March 2022 - Akathisia diagnosed; Metoclopramide stopped; Propranolol 10mg x twice a day. Biperiden PRN (0.5mg to 1mg).

April 2022 - Tandospirone 30mg (10mg 3x day), Quetiapine 25mg (only taken once, immediate adr). Mirtazapine 7.5mg. . Discontinued Propranolol.

May 2022 - Mirtazapine upped to 15mg. Tandospirone cut to 2x 10mg. Low dose Depakote for the month; 100 to 200 to 100 to 0. Mirtazapine cut back to 11.75mg (3/4 of a 15mg pill).
June 2022 - Mirtazapine updose to 15mg. Tandospirone, Biperiden discontinued. Klonopin started PRN (0.5mg). 
September 2022 - Akathisia slowly starts improving, WD/ADR normal sets in in mid September. Hold for 4 months.
March 2023 - Off mirtazapine; no Klonopin for 5 months either! Started quercetin (250mg x 2) to soften the histamine rebound.

May 2023 - Stopped quercetin and changed from magnesium carbonate to oxide - reacted badly. Reverted back to carbonate. 
June 2023 - Added fish oil.
Current regimen: CALM Magnesium (Carbonate into Citrate) 175mg x2; Vitamin E 268mg x2; Fish oil (100mg Omega3; EPA 30mg; DHA 37mg)x2
Intro thread: 
https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/27095-portuguesesea-metoclopramide-akathisia-and-mirtazapine/

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

 i have burn nerve 
is it normal to increase day after day? it is started frpm month 
it is increase to hole body and face 
it is like biting 
any one face that
 


Ativan 0.5 mg 9-11 2023
Clonazepam 0.5 11-12 2023

Taperring to 0.25 

Prozac 20 mg for3.5 weeks   stop ct 16/12/2023

Zeprex 10 mg fortwo weeks 
Abilify 10 mg for10 days 
Abilify 5 mg for 5 days 
Sop 13/12 .2023

 

 

 

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On 9/7/2022 at 3:44 PM, Sofa said:

Has Anyone experienced full body numbness?

 

less sensation in skin, cant Feel my muscle at all, and even my deep touch is off completely 

I actually suffered from this.  I'm getting sensation back. But now it is painful

Sertaline- tried 50 mg beginning of June 2023. Caused hyperreflexia.  So stopped after one dose. Tried several smaller doses that month.  Had burning and twitching so just stopped. 

Lexapro

June of 2023' 2.5 mg for two weeks 

July of 2023 5 mg for two weeks

July of 2023 7.5 mg for 2 weeks

August to mid September 10 mg

Mid September reduced to 7.5

October to October 15 reduced to 5

October 15 to October 30 reduced to 2.5 

October 30-off

 

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