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☼ Frances72's mum: Severe antidepressant withdrawals 9 months after stopping meds!

Frances72

By Frances72
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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Frances has written a success story for mum here.

 

Hello.

I'm supporting my mum 63 who has been experiencing some severe withdrawal symptoms these past 6 weeks. I suspected possible withdrawal but I did not know for sure until 2 weeks ago after reading work by Dr Peter Breggin. Mum was on Zoloft 14 years and Lexapro 4 years over a 20 year period. After a 6 month reduction (which mum did on her own) my mum has been completely off meds now 9+ months. Mum seemed to be doing ok, although looking back I can now see withdrawal symptoms, up until 6 weeks ago when she really hit rock bottom and I had to go pick her up. Mum's been living with me for 6 weeks. Some days are good but some are bad and bad days are awful. Mum is very thin from the anxiety she experiences on her bad days. I am keeping a diary. I'm so happy to have found this group. I'm tired though and going to bed. I look forward to reading your stories and learning more tomorrow. 

I am DESPERATE to know how much longer mum's withdrawal symptoms will go for? We are eating a mostly organic whole food diet with a GAPS focus. We do use 5 ml whisky in 30 ml water during desperate times.... Its been 10 months since the last med was taken. Mum sleeps thank fully and experiences some very good days among the bad ones. 

 

Frances 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added link

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Brandy Newbie

Brandy

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Welcome, Frances,

 

I'm so sorry your mother is going through this. She is very fortunate to have such a caring and resourceful daughter.

 

There is no way to give an exact timeline for anyone, much as we would like to. But the fact that she has at least some good days, and that she is able to sleep, are very good indications that she will have a less severe or lengthy recovery than some of  us.

 

A little more information would be helpful. Good that you're keeping a diary! Keep doing that. But could you describe her symptoms more specifically, and as much as possible write a chronology of what symptoms appeared when. Also what doses she was taking of those meds?

 

Another thing - please also list any other medications and/or supplements she takes now or has taken in recent years, with doses and dates (as best she and you can recall).

 

The mods will give you a link to the page that describes how to create a "signature" that will appear at the bottom of each of your posts, and which will contain a summary of that chronology of medication history and any other pertinent information. That will help people give the best and most appropriate advice and suggestions.

 

Again, welcome - to you and to your mum.

I was "TryingToGetWell" (aka TTGW) on paxilprogress. I also was one of the original members here on Surviving Antidepressants

 

I had horrific and protracted withdrawal from paxil, but now am back to enjoying life with enthusiasm to the max, some residual physical symptoms continued but largely improve. The horror, severe derealization, anhedonia, akathisia, and so much more, are long over.

 

My signature is a temporary scribble from year 2013. I'll rewrite it when I can.

 

If you want to read it, click on http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/209-brandy-anyone/?p=110343

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mammaP Newbie

mammaP

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Hi Frances, welcome to SA. I am sorry to hear that your mum is suffering from withdrawal. It is not uncommon for some people to experience withdrawal several months after stopping AD's. It is so sad that she thought she was tapering slowly then this happens. No-one knows how long withdrawal is going to last as it is different for everyone, some people are over it quickly and sadly for others it can be years. It is promising that Mum has some good days, this is what we call the windows and waves pattern of recovery.  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-recovery/
 
You might both benefit from reading about what causes the symptoms of withdrawal. Understanding what is happening makes it easier to cope with. 
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/603-what-is-withdrawal-syndrome/
 
Does she take anything at all? Supplements or over the counter, prescription drugs for any reason? If you can fill out your your signature for us as Brandy suggested it would be really helpful. Here is how to do that. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/
 
Many of us find that fish oil and magnesium help with withdrawal symptoms. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/ 
 
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Huge tears of relief that you are real!!! And I've finally found people that understand!! Thank you so much Brandy and mammaP

 

XOX

 

I will create a signature 

 

Frances

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Fresh Newbie

Fresh

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Hi Frances , welcome to SA.    Yes , we are real  (I'm in Sydney)  and we all have an understanding of what you and your mum are going through.

 

Protracted withdrawal syndrome has patterns , but is a very individual thing.    No-one can say how long it will last , but it can help to note if overall things are

improving, or if they are continuing to deteriorate.    At some point it does turn around.

 

My experience is that I stopped Cymbalta in July 3013 after a too-fast taper.  The most disabling symptoms didn't manifest until 7 months later(Feb. 2014) and continued at an intense level until May 2014. ( At that point I started another antidepressant as a way of stopping the withdrawal , and it worked.) 

I think this is long - some people are getting better after a few months.    But the thing is you just don't know.

 

I'm not wanting to frighten you , but your mum has a very serious condition.  

 

You'll get loads of information and support on this site.   If you'd like to consult with our Australian specialist in ssri's , Dr Yolande Lucire , her details are in my signature.   She's happy to have people from here contact her.

 

Good to have you here , and sorry about the whole situation.

 

Fresh

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Hi everyone, 

 

Its been 13 months since mums last meds lexapro (nothing since, except 2 panadiene for bad head ache). Mum is now living with dad mostly after having lived with my family and I  4 months over christmas holidays. 

Mums now experiencing windows and waves that are lasting near 3 weeks. The last window mum was better that ever before. So happy and full of life, enjoying everything, movies, sleep, babysitting Nina, being social, especially nourishing food and dinner parties!!!! Then a wave started several days ago, a complete shock really. 

 

I am wondering could waves be mild akathisia? Lots of similarities.... very milk akathisia is said to go undiagnosed most of the time. Mum is only 49 kg. When in a wave she cannot really eat much, she feels cold & anxious and goes often to the toilet. we focus on gelatine, soup and kefir. 

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Petunia Newbie

Petunia

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Hi Frances,

I moved your post in the windows and waves topic to your introduction thread here because it was an update on your mum's progress and related to your situation specifically. Please use this thread to track progress, write about symptoms, ask questions and communicate with the community, add to it whenever you want.

 

Its good that your mum is having some significant windows now.

 

To answer your question, waves are usually periods with an increase or a return of symptoms and this can include akathisia. Sometimes waves can bring new symptoms as recovery progresses.

 

Petunia.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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bluebalu86 Newbie

bluebalu86

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I think the fact that your mom is having windows is a sign that she is slowly recovering.

I suffer from depression, anxiety, pure-o ocd, and panic attacks since 2004. Been on multiple different psychiatric drugs since 2006. Never had a significant WD problem before, only brain zaps for a month and then I'd be fine...............Been on Cipralex (escitalopram) 15 mg and Fluanxol (flupentixol) 1 mg since Sep 2014. Stopped taking the Cipralex after a fast 20-day taper.Took the last 5 mg Cipralex on Feb 5th, 2015. Then took Seroxat (paroxetine) 10 mg for a week, and stopped it too. Severe WD started suddenly on Feb 16th. RI 5 mg Cipralex on Feb 18th, 2015. RI worked and was relatively stable for a while................April 7 - decreased Fluanxol from 1 mg to 0.5 mg and took it at this dose for a week. - BIG MISTAKE; April 13 - WD starts creeping in; April 14 - RI full dose of Fluanxol 1 mg => severe muscle twitching and jerking when trying to relax and fall asleep, overwhelming sense of doom, dread, terror, and horror, insomnia, hoping to stabilize.
Tried doing a 10% cut off Fluanxol in the end of May for a few days, but quickly updosed to full dose because the twitching returned.
Experiencing waves and windows in the following months.
Unsuccessful brief taper attempt of Fluanxol by 5% on November 1st. Symptoms hit the next day. Too scared to continue tapering, reinstate full dose.
Severe crash in November after stupidly trying a barbiturate on November 9th. Grave mistake. Sense of unshakable inescapable internal torture, like my soul is in hell being tortured, terror/horror/dread/doom (probably akathisia?) that gets especially bad when trying to relax and fall asleep, muscles twitch, jerk and move on their own, shaking, insomnia, can't eat, confusion, disorientation, brain not working normally. Never felt so bad in my entire life. Never experiment with other meds while in WD! Praying to God I stabilize and get back to my baseline.
December - things getting even worse.

January - unbearable suffering

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Thank you Fresh, Petunia and BlueB!  :)

 

I've clicked on "follow this topic" :) Still learning! 

 

Just spoke with mum, the is feeling **** again. We can remind her about the previous 3 awesome weeks but it doesn't help her feel better now. She can't eat but can force down cups of gelatine and some kefir. She had soup last night as she felt better for an hour. 

 

I've got to keep reading. 

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Fresh Newbie

Fresh

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Hi Frances , I used Sustagen in hot milk when i couldn't eat.  Or Ensure.  She must keep eating even though she doesn't feel like it.

 

She may find essential oils help her mood and symptoms , particularly frankincence.  

Dr Anne Blake tracy recommends them , and says that oils on the bottom of the feet show up in the saliva within 2 minutes.

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

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Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

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Posted

Hello, Frances, can your mum take fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

These can be helpful to support healing.

 

Magnesium itself is calming, sipping a little in cold water might help your mum through rough spots.
 

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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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Mums doing ok. Hopefully this wave is not as bad as the last one. Mum is taking a wild fish oil and uses magnesium oil before bed. I'll suggest she use the mag oil when needed through the day. She is using the frankincense oil too. She is eating a bit more. 

 

Thank you xx

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Hello everyone!

 

I just wanted to update on my mum, who is now age 64 or 65 hhmmm. 

 

In April 2016 it will be 2 years since mum's last medication. Mum was on SSLR's most of 20 years. She reduced meds on her own, over a 7 month period. She didn't do it as recommended and she was suicidal, very sick loosing lots of weight and unable to eat 2/3 of the time many months. We focused on earthing and a whole foods diet (with a GAPS focus first 6 weeks). My mum rarely drank alcohol, so we were able to successfully use 5ml good whiskey in 50 mls water to ease out of panic attacks and suicidal feelings. The most whiskey consumed in a day was 3x5ml doses. 

 

During all this time, my mum was always able to sleep. I think this was due to her environment & earthing, diet and complete avoidance of food additives and caffeine etc and regular consumption of gelatine and home made full fat kefir. 

 

My mum is doing so well. She had a very rough patch last Aug through to Oct deciding to go back on her meds after moving back into a living situation that was not nourishing enough, so my husband and I had mum come back to live with us. We have a holiday home in the country, its beautiful in a rustic natural earthy way with lots of kangaroos and gardens to weed. It was amazing, mum decided to stay there on her own a day at a time and now 4+ months later mum has completely surprised EVERYONE at how independent and recovered she is! 

 

Mum is doing very well. She will still get flat days and can feel lonely sometimes but its ok. She is connected, spending lots of time socialising with close people/family and looks great! Still slim but not unhealthy and scrawny like she had became. While her appetite is still up and down, she can always eat. 

 

Thanks again for existing. I was so desperate last summer when mum was at her all time worst (many months after her last med!) and it was three things that greatly helped in our success, an old friend and psychotherapist who put me on to the work of Dr Breggins and who has been counciling my mum every week or two and this on line community. 

 

Don't give up! There is light! I have been so happy to have my mum back. She was so disconnected before. Diet and environment and support are essential to healing. Dr Breggins book "Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal" is excellent! Wishing you all the very best in your recoveries XXXX

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

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That is such good news about your mum, Frances.

 

Is she still taking antidepressants?

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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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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No, her very last medication was almost 2 years ago. Mum's been doing pretty well for the past 7 months now, but really noticeable in the last two months after recovering from a very busy (too busy) Christmas time. 

 

Mum takes no medications for anything. Except once in a blue moon she needs mild pain relief from a sinus head ache.

 

For about a year, she had to keep moving, so our country house was perfect with its never ending gardening and cleaning :) very therapeutic and peaceful here and that has made all the difference. We have no WiFi and mum's been under strict orders to keep mobile use to a minimum and avoid carrying it around with her. Had to throw that in because I think radiation, especially from WiFi can prevent regeneration in some people (maybe most people!), even cause harm.  

Thanks Altostrata. I know how desperate we can get to hear some good news. My mum's doing fantastic and continues to see a empathic psychotherapist familiar with Peter Breggins work fortnightly. 

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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I really need to get a photo of her and post it. I'm sure she wouldn't mind! :) 

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

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Very happy to hear your mum is doing better. I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol

☼

to the title of your Intro topic, to show she's recovering.

Please continue to let us know how she's doing. I hope you will add her story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 2 years later...
JustwantmyShaneback Newbie

JustwantmyShaneback

Posted
Posted

I thought to share a little more about Grounding and Earthing Mats as I recently purchased the mats and an Orgone Geo Cleanse wall plug in to support Shane’s tapering. I have to say how amazed we are as these have only been used since last Thursday 15/06/18. I am already seeing a miraculous change in Shane despite still slowly tapering... please look into it if you are as desperate as I was. xo

March 2014 Effexor XR 75mg (occasionally in between Apo-Venlafaxine XR not suited)

2015 Effexor XR 75mg, March 2016 Dr prescribed three days of unknown AD. March 2016 back to Effexor XR increased to 150mg. September 2016 - 2018  Enaflax XR SR 150mg. 20th March 2018 Apo-Venlafaxine XR for 11 days due to Enaflax XR SR unavailable.31st March 2018 Enaflax XR SR. 31st March 2018 to date ( confused and wanting a separation, I am gutted, I have lost my soul ) 18/04/18 commenced self tapering, 30 hours, 19/04/18 32 hours last dose, 20/04/18 33 hours last dose, 21/04/18 34 hours last dose, 22/04/18 9.30pm dose, 23/04/18 11.30pm dose, 24/04/18 11pm dose, 25/04/18 5am dose, 26/04/18 7am dose, 27/04/18 11am dose, 28/04/18 11pm dose ( recreational D out drinking with boys 29/04/18 1pm dose, 30/04/18 12pm dose, 01/05/18 7am dose, 02/05/18 skipped, 03/05/18 11.30pm dose, 04/05/18 skipped , 05/04/18 6pm dose, 06/04/18 7pm dose 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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JustwantmyShaneback hello! Grounding and earthing, so very important for healing! Good on you XX

 

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to ☼ Frances72: Severe antidepressant withdrawals 9 months after stopping meds!
Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Posted
9 hours ago, JustwantmyShaneback said:

I thought to share a little more about Grounding and Earthing Mats as I recently purchased the mats and an Orgone Geo Cleanse wall plug in to support Shane’s tapering. I have to say how amazed we are as these have only been used since last Thursday 15/06/18. I am already seeing a miraculous change in Shane despite still slowly tapering... please look into it if you are as desperate as I was. xo

 

Hello, I feel for you and your partner so much. It sound like Shane is tampering too quickly? And drinking with the boys could be dangerous. I supported my mother several years ago after 20 years on SSLR's etc. The best help by far was Dr Breggin's book, "Psychotropic Drug Withdrawal" A guide for the patient and their supporting network. If you haven'y tread this book, please read it and then pass it on to someone else that needs it. There's so many men and women on these meds. All the best x

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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Frances72 Newbie

Frances72

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Posted

PS, not sure if you've read my recent post about my mother. A total success story! She has been doing exceptionally well for over a year. She is so happy and active with dancing, patchwork and grand children. At age 66 mum is happier than ever before! You Shane will be too!

 

* January 2015 I'm supporting my mum age 63 through withdrawal. She has moved in with me and my family, cannot be alone or look after herself. Suicidal episodes, exhausted but unable to sit still, severe anxiety on an off, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues, fear and gloom, very thin.

*1996 (?) Zoloft (minimum dose) for 15 years, minus 2 to 3 separate years that were attempted unsuccessful WDrawal.

*2010 Lexapro minimum dose for the past 4 years.

*Reduced Lexapro Oct 2013 (minimum dose) by skipping days over a 7 month period. Last med taken end of April 2014, 9 months ago. NO other meds. Initial diet was GAPS eased into a mostly Weston A Price Foundation diet. Supplement with wild fish oil, coconut oil, St Mary's thistle, 5 ml whisky/30 ml water (in emergencies), kefir, gelatine drinks and probiotics.

Aug 3 2015 update. Doing much better, still thin and poor appetite. Discovered decay in an old root canal filling. Removal in one week. Root canals are dangerous as they support pathogenic bacteria some of which are attracted to the brain. 

UPDATE May 2016 Mum's been living on her own in our country home since August 2015! This is huge considering its a big old house on a bush property with no close neighbours. Mum is doing very well, enjoying food and friends. She is now making plans to buy a home back in her own home community near her friends and family. Mum continues to pay attention to eating good wholesome foods and connecting with loved ones. Mum continues fortnightly psychotherapy with a private female therapist who doesn't support drug use. 

 

 

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JustwantmyShaneback Newbie

JustwantmyShaneback

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Posted

I have read up your post Frances and so happy for your mum’s success with your support. I have watched numerous  talks by Dr Breggin as he is a brilliant man. Shane did go out on one occasion back when he 1st commenced tapering by skipping days... not good. He isn’t one who would go out drinking with the boys as that isn’t him. I would say it was a e he might have been especially not having any feelings for me at that point in time, 

 

Shane reinstated 150mg and commenced tapering at 10% on 13/05/18. We are now on a second taper and strangely enough he has been extremely kind and calm. It is as if I have part of my old Shane back. It has been most noticeable since last Saturday 16/06/18 to the point that we even spoke and acknowledged this whilst in bed on Tuesday night. Shane is no longer hostile or nasty. In fact less irritable and once again so loving even towards our furbaby Louis. He has been verbally communicating very nicely and politely with me however still ignoring responding to text messages and has no idea why when I ask. I am guessing it might have something to do with the brain... he lets me snuggle on the couch lying on his lap, though he has since a weird habit of keeping both hands on his head and biting his nails to the point past halfway of his nail bed and spitting the nail in the air, disgusting. He lets me hold his hand to sleep though pillow wall still there for him to hug. He initiated intimacy once last week, my apologies for being too informative but just so people interested might have a clearer understanding or similar experience to share. I am noticing more comfortable hugs hello and goodbye lasting that little longer with no awkwardness. Last week and this week being the first time of no mention about wanting to move out because of feeling awkward as he isn’t wanting to be here. Even better, little signs of empathy returning... last Sunday Shane looked at my finger for the first time since my 2nd degree burn, asking if it is still hurting? Asked if I have had my MRI as my baby sister just had neurosurgery? Asked for me to convey hello to my baby sister when Imwas on the opine to her on Monday. My god, I was gobsmacked because the last was “I don’t want anything to do with your family” on the day we learned about Lydia’s brain tumour. I am still taking each day at a time as I am aware to expect a wild roller coaster ride. It is just so assuring to see a little glimpse of my man again eventhough it is still so early into tapering. I do believe greatly the Earthing Mats and Geo Cleanse being a positive  effect. Have you seen this in your mum’s eyes Frances? Softer less angry eyes if you understand what I mean? xo

March 2014 Effexor XR 75mg (occasionally in between Apo-Venlafaxine XR not suited)

2015 Effexor XR 75mg, March 2016 Dr prescribed three days of unknown AD. March 2016 back to Effexor XR increased to 150mg. September 2016 - 2018  Enaflax XR SR 150mg. 20th March 2018 Apo-Venlafaxine XR for 11 days due to Enaflax XR SR unavailable.31st March 2018 Enaflax XR SR. 31st March 2018 to date ( confused and wanting a separation, I am gutted, I have lost my soul ) 18/04/18 commenced self tapering, 30 hours, 19/04/18 32 hours last dose, 20/04/18 33 hours last dose, 21/04/18 34 hours last dose, 22/04/18 9.30pm dose, 23/04/18 11.30pm dose, 24/04/18 11pm dose, 25/04/18 5am dose, 26/04/18 7am dose, 27/04/18 11am dose, 28/04/18 11pm dose ( recreational D out drinking with boys 29/04/18 1pm dose, 30/04/18 12pm dose, 01/05/18 7am dose, 02/05/18 skipped, 03/05/18 11.30pm dose, 04/05/18 skipped , 05/04/18 6pm dose, 06/04/18 7pm dose 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • 4 months later...
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ChessieCat Grand Master

ChessieCat

Posted
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I've moved your post to this topic:  scdgapspaleo-diets

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Altostrata changed the title to ☼ Frances72's mum: Severe antidepressant withdrawals 9 months after stopping meds!
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Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

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Frances has written a success story for mum here.

 

As is our custom, I'm locking this topic now. Please congratulate Frances and mum in the Success Story topic.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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