Reflex: Help in a real muddle

[KarenB]

When to jump off is different for everybody.  It involves paying attention to symptoms, your emotional state, outside stressors in your life - many things.  We have this thread which may help.  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/11051-when-to-end-the-taper-and-jump-to-zero/

[Reflex]

Really going through a stressful time .

 

Unsure of where I will be working in Sept. I've worked there for nine years and awaiting my fate due to cuts in education funding. Summer holidays from school now and in limbo not knowing resolution.

Awaiting a hip operation and daughter going off to uni in sept hopefully so I've decided to stick at .57ml for a while until all this has been dealt with.

 

Not sure if what I am experiencing is down to stress or withdrawal . Last cut was over a month ago.

 

Feeling dizzy, sick , lethargic, hay fever headaches, tearful.

[KarenB]

That's a lot of things you have going on all at once.  Stress does tend to make w/d symptoms worse, unfortunately.  It does sound like a good time to have an extended hold.  Let things settle down again. 

 

I hope you get some resolution soon.

 

Karen

[DaddyCee]

I agree that a longer than usual hold is very well to be considered as the stressors of life affects all of us even those that haven't been on these kinds of meds.

 

You will bounce back stronger and more able to cope very soon I am sure of that.

 

Namaste,

 

DC.

[Junglechicken]

Hi Reflex,

 

Stress most definitely exacerbates WD symptoms. This was something that I experienced badly after our move back to the UK in Feb.

 

Agree with DC and KarenB that holding your current dose is the best way to go.

 

I also recently read that stress makes hay fever symptoms a lot worse which isn't great as the pollen count has been very high this spring/summer.

 

Your other symptoms: dizzy, sick, lethargy, tearful are all typical reactions to stress and a sign of your increased anxious state.

 

Best,

JC

[Reflex]

Hi everyone

I had a meltdown earlier today following an occupational health appointment , when it was suggested I had counseling to deal with stress but also went to my Gp for some chemical help. We all know what that is.

 

Just hit home all the stress I'm under and what I'm dealing with . Also how easy it would be to updose.

 

But then I become anxious about changing anything to do with my medication.

 

I'm not sure whether it would work, what to updose to and by how much?

 

It would be such a waste of all the suffering I've been through.

 

It makes me question my self, my abilities and my strength. That there is something wrong with me that I keep encountering stress in my life to this extent.

Maybe I am one of those people who needs to have medication to cope with life?

 

Currently on .57 ml. I know this is only preventing withdrawal not effecting my emotions in any way. If I updosed what should I increase too? What would have an impact but not make me a zombie again?

[Junglechicken]

Putting this question to the floor.... Alto et al.,

 

Would it not benefit Reflex to see a psych doc who could assess her past/present situation (mental state) and medication etc., ???

 

I know they (p-docs) don't always understand WD, but this still may be worth doing.  They may also be able to suggest a constructive path to recovery.

 

Reflex is going through a lot right now (hip op, job uncertainty and daughter soon heading to uni), so I think she needs to be given some direction on what to do.

 

Thanks for hearing me out.

[KarenB]

I still think that holding steady for a good while is the way to go - it's only been a week or so since your last reduction.  You can get good stabilisation in a hold.  It also sounds as if external stresses are making things more difficult for you, so once those pass that will make a difference too.  

 

In w/d, we are very unlikely to get a useful plan from a psych doctor.  They simply don't have the breadth of understanding to give helpful advice, or advice that extends beyond drugs.  So, choosing whether to see a doctor or find one's own way boils down to a personal decision about what direction we ultimately wants to head in.   

 

I can understand your meltdown today - the suggestions given to you went completely in the face of what you have worked so hard to achieve.  (Another reason to avoid further contact with those who prescribe drugs). 

 

So here are some other options for you.  Hold for a good long while.  Choose a couple of self-care techniques which can help you deal with the extra stress.  Carry a water bottle with some magnesium dissolved in it - sip during the day.  Write out some affirmations to peek at when you are at work.  Listen to a short guided meditation before you get up, and another before you go to sleep.  Have you had a look through the Self-Care thread recently?

 

Really look for and start to believe in your inner strength.  Give it a chance to shine, somewhere, somehow, each day.  Because it's there, ready to use.  And with it, you can get past this difficult stage of your life - without getting further tangled in drugs.  Connect with people who build you up and affirm your strength.  Avoid people who infer you might not be able to manage. 

 

It's hard - we all know that - but you can do it.

Karen

x

[Reflex]

Thanks Karen for your practical suggestions

 

When in meltdown yesterday I just couldn't think straight.

 

I tend to react or overreact by changing something immediately for relief but it doesn't work.

 

I need to remember to just breath and wait. Give myself time to consider and adjust.

 

Today a councillor has contacted me and I have an appointment for Thur.

 

I've been reading your blog. You are so perceptive and such a good writer.

Thank you for understanding.

Reflex

[nz11]

Hi Reflex,

 

I agree with Karen maybe do a long hold at this dose.

Were you stable at the previous dose? It could be wdl from prior drops may be catching up with you.

Some people like Brass are waiting 6 weeks between drops.

 

Anyway you have done a great taper to get down to 0.57.

 

I think it would be a very dangerous thing to consult a pdoc.

[Reflex]

Hi all

Just returned from a lovely holiday in one of my favorite places in Spain.

 

Anxiety was really vamped up during both journeys and felt really travel sick but things settled down whilst away and really chilled. I took it steady and didn't overdo things with regards to alcohol, desserts, sweet things, salty foods.

Drank plenty of water, stayed in the shade as I know ADs effect my skin and I'm more likely to burn.

 

Whilst away saw some lovely sunsets and sunrises, hence my profile pick. Finally worked out how to load a picture to my profile.

 

I was shown this quote whilst away and thought it was appropriate to share

 

No matter how dark the night, somehow the sun rises once again and all shadows are chased away ~ David Matthew .

I hope that one day the shadows of ADs will be chased away and replaced by a beautiful sunrise.

[Junglechicken]

Well done Reflex, you're headed in the right direction especially with that quote.

 

Happy to hear you enjoyed your vacation but looked after yourself too.

 

There is no doubt that in our situation (WD), travel is stressful. I have found this has affected me each and every time, even short haul trips take their tole, and then there is the adjustment to a new environment and all that that brings.

[Reflex]

Well an update from me. You could write this

Life has turned 360 degrees since I last was on here.

I've continued to take .57 ml of Prozac, if only to prevent withdrawal.

I returned from holiday to find my kitchen flooded and ruined by mould.

Battle with the insurance company.

10 days later went into hospital for my left hip replacement. The combination of annesetic, Prozac, morphine, coedine and paracetamol quite a combination. Stayed in hospital for 5 days as it appeared I had low blood pressure and a high temperature. I think this was due to the combination.

Nurses could not understand my taking of such a low dose of Prozac.

 

Left hospital unable to go home because of the state of my kitchen, so insurance company have put me up in a hotel.

 

Heard from my employer to contact my Union as I am likely to be made redundant.

 

My daughter leaves for university a week today.

 

I've found myself crying each day over different thoughts I've had regarding work, my family relationship, my daughter.

Yet I don't think this is withdrawal rather a natural reaction to an incredibly difficult time.

 

Does anyone have experience of the drug cocktail I'm on including the annesetic and Prozac?

 

I want to know what to expect? It is more than a week since I had the operation so I would have thought the impact on the Prozac would have happened.

 

Oh but still determined not to increase the amount of Prozac I take and still adamant to continue to taper in the future when I've sorted my life out.

I know there are loads of people worse off than me.

[scallywag]

Reflex -- Wow -- that's a lot of turmoil in a short time.

 

You underwent major surgery and general anesthesia.  It takes much more than a week for your body and CNS (central nervous system) to recover from that. Please be patient and gentle with yourself.
 
You can check for drug interactions here: Drugs-dot-com Drugs Interactions Checker. Add the anesthetic medication if you know it.

[Reflex]

Hi scaly wag

I think I'm doing quite well considering all I'm facing.

 

Do you think I'm heading for catastrophe with regards to my central nervous system?

Just want to know what to expect.

Any idea what could happen?

I'm taking good care of myself can do little else than rest as not very mobile.

I appreciate your reply

[scallywag]

I don't think this is catastrophic. Unfortunately it's very difficult and maybe impossible to predict what symptoms you'll experience as you recover and when it will happen.  From the little I know about joint replacement (hips and knees) both rest and movement are important during healing & recovery from surgery.

 

Please keep your Prozac dose consistent until you're back close to your presurgery level of wellness and withdrawal symptoms.  It might be helpful to keep notes about when you take the medications (all not just the prozac) and what symptoms you experience and when. One of the main benefits of this is that you may start to see patterns -- including a trend of improvement. Sometimes improvement is so gradual that we don't notice it. Your notes will also be useful if you have any questions for us.  We will ask you about your symptom pattern and when you take the different meds.

[Reflex]

Well an update from me .

Im5 week post surgery for a hip operation.

I have stop the codeine as I was worried about the impact it was having on the Prozac and on my emotional wellbeing.

Been through five weeks of a roller coaster of emotions with 3 major life changes.

 

The question I have is it possible to experience withdrawal from codeine after only three weeks of taking it or is it my CNS adjusting 5 weeks after surgery.

 

I have felt minor withdrawal effects to include, anxiety, stomach upset and toilet issues, chills as apposed to sweating and heat flashes, loss of appetite.

It's not like the withdrawal I experienced after coming off of citalapram .

I have kept my Prozac constant at 0.57 ml for the last 3 months.

How long do you think it will take for my CNS to stabilize following surgery?

Advice really welcome.

Thanks

reflex

[scallywag]

Yes it's possible to have withdrawal symptoms after brief exposure to codeine, one of the weaker opiates. This is true for any one let alone someone who is taking another/other medication(s) that act on the CNS.

 

As for how long it will take for your CNS to recover, there are too many individual factors to give you anything but a wildly incorrect answer.

[Reflex]

What do others take for anti sickness?

5 weeks after surgery, one and a half weeks after stopping pain relief - codeine feel really sick?

Not eating properly , just don't fancy anything.

 

If this is withdrawal from codeine it's a different to withdrawal from citalapram.

 

What do I do help please?

[AliG]

Reflex.  It's hard to know exactly what is causing your symptoms. It might be a reaction to the anesthetic / withdrawal from the codeine or a wave which can be brought on during times of stress or just part of the pattern of W/D.  However, codeine is a drug too and therefore it's highly probable that it has had an effect and therefore withdrawal symptoms can ensue. Also, the effect of the anesthetic can't be underestimated, in my opinion. Either way, it's a huge stress on your central nervous system.

 

These links might help :

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3441-surgery-and-anesthesia/

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1039-painkillers-in-withdrawal-aspirin-ibuprofen-paracetamol-acetaminophen-naproxen-codeine/

 

Some find ginger to be a natural antidote for nausea.

 

It would be best to hold for a while until your symptoms settle. Your nervous system has had an extra assault with the surgery and most likely needs some time to calm itself.  Please treat yourself very gently for a good while.

Ali

[Reflex]

Thanks for you message and advice AliG

Just phoned my doctor hoping to make an appointment with an understanding doctor who has supported me through this slow taper over the last two years to find she no longer works at the practice.

 

I've made an appointment to see an alternative doctor to get something for the nausea but don't think I will go into my fears about codeine withdrawal/ AD wave. Without knowing her I can't determine how open she will be to discussions like this.

 

I feel like a support mechanism has been pulled out from beneath me. So glad that I have this website to express my worries on.

[Reflex]

Following on from my doctors appointment with a locum I was advised to take piriton at night as a means of stimulating my appetite.

 

Any advice whether I should take this antihistimine?

[AliG]

Reflex. I'm confused as to why your doctor would prescribe this medication. It is usually given for allergy/ hayfever.

 

Antihistamines can be problematic, also. It might be helpful to have a read through this topic:

 

https://www.google.com.au/?gws_rd=ssl#safe=active&q=surviving+antidepressants+antihistamines

 

Personally. I wouldn't throw any other medications into the mix. In my opinion it only complicates matters further and puts you at risk for even more side effects.

[Reflex]

I too was confused by the doctors suggestion and I've decided not to take the piriton but try to eat small amounts of what ever i fancy throughout the day.

I wonder if I'm getting myself into a state by worrying about something that may not happen. It's true that I have been through a lot but if I was going to get any worse wouldn't it have happened by now.

Just need to relax, not worry and stabilize without any additional medication .

Fingers cross that I can do this.

[Reflex]

Feel very sick and anxious on waking.

Dry retching

I can't even eat a mars bar

I contemplated increasing my Prozac today to 1ml just for some relief but stopped myself.

When will this end?

Really don't know what to do

These symptoms are different to what I have experienced before and I keep telling myself that they are not as bad.

I have a further 6 weeks of work because of the hip operation just didn't imagine that I would feel like this.

I just spend my time worrying that this is withdrawal, side effect of the Prozac , aftermath of the pain killers and operation and thus then fuels my anxiety.

Please help someone

[Reflex]

Should I up dose ?

Would up dosing relieve theses symptoms? Would it do any good? Been at .6ml now for a month. .57 for three months prior to that.

 

Six weeks post op feel worse than when I had the operation.

 

Three weeks since I stopped pain killers.

 

Is this withdrawal from the pain killers?

 

Upset central nervous system or a wave from the Prozac?

[ChessieCat]

I have asked the other mods for their suggestions.  Please do not updose until someone responds.

[scallywag]

Six weeks after major surgery is enough time for significant structural recovery (walking again, pain reducing) but a short time for your CNS (central nervous system) to recover from the surgery, the anesthesia, the opiate.  Although surgery is life-saving and function-restoring, it is an assault/injury to your body.

 

It's hard to know what the source of your current symptoms is -- there are several likely suspects. I wish I had an answer for you about the cause and, more importantly, about "how much longer?".

[doggiemama]

Reflex I know how hard this is for you at the moment all I can say is try to stay calm. When we start to worry we feed our fears and I find from myself I end up working myself up to full on anxiety . So my friend try calming your fears with music looking at beautiful pics or I always have lavinder oil that I smell , it seems to calm me . GOD BLESS

[Reflex]

Thanks scalawag and doggie mania for your replies and being there.

I feel very alone at the moment facing this .

I don't know what to expect.

But you are right the worry just feeds the anxiety and makes it worse.

Going to go to bed with some meditation music and lavender.

The one thing which would normally soothe me magnesium bath salts in a hot bath I can't have as unable to sit in a bath for 12 weeks post operation.

 

Going to have a protein shake to take with my dose of Prozac in the morning.

 

And pray that things improve.

Thanks again

Reflex

[Altostrata]

Hello, Reflex.

 

Do you actually vomit or is it dry retching? Does this happen at a certain time each day?

 

How did you determine you would not take Piriton?

 

Yes, this sounds like aftereffects of your surgery, but if you're vomiting, you may be vomiting out your Prozac.

[Reflex]

Hi Alto

No I don't actually vomit just dry retching.

Usually in the morning on getting out of bed, following taking my Prozac dose, then it passes for a little while and comes back later . Probably around food times but because I feel sick I'm not eating properly.

Decided against taking the piriton as I wasn't sure of the effect it would have on the Prozac.

Do you think it's just a case of riding it out?

[Reflex]

Just woke and felt sick on moving to the bathroom.

It's not my imagination.

Should I reinstate codeine?

Can you get liquid codeine?

Did I need to taper off of this as well after only three weeks use?

[Reflex]

Update 7 weeks post op surgery for a replacement hip, tapering Prozac, two major life events causing stress = crazy time

 

The last two weeks have been scary. I have felt unwell with what I now realise is a wave of the effects of the anaesthetic, Prozac and pain killers combination.

I truly believed that something was seriously wrong with me.

Symptoms

Dry retching

Upset stomach

Complete loss of appetite

Metallic taste

Difficulty remaining asleep.

Anxiety on waking at 5am

Flat emotion

Sinus head pain

Tired

two visits to the doctor and blood tests.

 

Blood tests came back fine.

I have been taking omeprazole for the stomach issues seems to be helping. I have something to eat as soon as I wake.

Trying to eat tiny portions regularly but appetite is still not back.

 

Trying to get out in the fresh air each day.

 

Succumbed and took two sleeping tablets last night to try and get some sleep managed six hours a record for me since the operation. But feel very groggy today. Will dose thinking that I have been asleep for hours when in fact it's only twenty mins and then wake up with a shock.

 

Throughout I have maintained my .57ml of Prozac. I've been on this dose since May as I anticipated some difficulty with life events including uncertainty over job,daughter going to university and surgery.

 

I am starting to doubt whether I will ever get off of this drug. Certainly can't rock the boat now so will put off tapering again until the new year.

 

Two years ago I started this journey switching to Prozac and stabilising. Never thought I would be in the position I am now back then.

I wonder where I will be in two years time?

[Reflex]

Ive been back to the doctors today. She has suggested I go up to 2.5 ml of Prozac in response to all ive been through in the lady few months.

I'm really scared. I need yo do something. Would anyone recommend going to 1. Ml? Please help I'm desperate

[DaddyCee]

Hi Reflex.

 

Sorry to hear you are having a blip at the moment. What are your symptoms since you posted on the 22nd Oct?  have there been any additional ones or have there been ones that have resolved?

 

I'd say try and hang on in there rather than updose. It does sound temporary to me.

 

Namaste, DC.