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Dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, rocking or swaying sensations


squirrel

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  • Administrator

ajn, you may be hypersensitive to light. Have you tried reducing light, wearing sunglasses, etc.? We have a number of topics on this.

 

Reducing stimulation from light may reduce the dizziness reaction.

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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Alto,

I believe you are right. I have so may eye issues since all this, its very scary and frustrating. And mt ears also are a mess. I have been to ENT many times, everytime they find nothing. But does it ever go away or is this for life???

Everything was ok. And then it wasn't.

 

Med History

11/2009- 50 mg Zoloft (1st ad ever) in combo w/.50 xanax for 2 weeks then use xanax as needed (1st benzo ever)

9 days on Zoloft, I was awake for 9 days straight C/T Zoloft

11/2009- trazadone to sleep for 2 weeks c/t Trazadone

12/2009 start 10 mg Lexapro w/ Xanax as needed

5/2010-3 week taper off lexapro

9/2010? back to Lexapro 10 mg after 5 or 6 weeks c/t leapro

12/2010-10mg paxil

5/2011-6 week paxil taper

8/2011 5mg lexapro

last lexapro pill January 7 2012

all this as per doc orders Thanks Doc!

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I just came across the thread entitled 'Drugs that damage your ears' and it discusses the connection of eyes/vision to the vestibular system (in addition to ears)-

I found it very enlightening -

It's in the Symptoms area -

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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NN...extreme dizziness happened to me from Lexapro WD. It didn't really happen with the other and it did effect my sense of balance. It was easy to fall over. It didn't last thru the entire wd process.

 

Someone else on the site just posted about dizziness and I think it was related to Lexapro also. My short term memory is shot, please forgive me for not remembering who it was.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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  • 1 month later...

A possible explanation for dizziness following SSRI discontinuation.

Smith PF, Darlington CL.

Source

 

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand. paul.smith@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Abstract

 

Dizziness is the most commonly reported symptom of abrupt discontinuation from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category of antidepressants. The reported dizziness is exacerbated by even slight head movement, and therefore is likely to be vestibular in origin. The SSRIs most implicated are those with short half-lives and which are most selective for serotonin (as opposed to noradrenaline), e.g. paroxetine and sertraline. Since the vestibular nucleus complex (VNC) has an abundance of serotonin receptors, the abrupt withdrawal from an SSRI is likely to have a substantial impact on the electrophysiological activity of neurons within it. Here we suggest that the abrupt withdrawal from an SSRI is likely to cause a sudden decrease in serotonin in the VNC, which will disrupt the function of VNC neurons bilaterally, causing dizziness without vertigo.

Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice)

Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since.

No other medication taken.

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  • Administrator

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...

Hi everybody, 

 

I´ve been getting these dizzy spells recently in my WD and my nerves seems to be in an uproar.

 

A couple of kind words and some tips would be much appreciated.

 

 

Started Sertralin the spring of -13 and got up to 150 mgs (which was a mistake by my GP)

Decided to taper it form 150 mgs in sep -13 by reducing the dosage by 12.5 mgs every other week.

Got off Sertraline in Feb -14 and started noticing withdrawal after about 15 days off the meds.

Still experiencing withdrawal after 2 years and 5 months off the medicine.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Pzen,

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms have become worse lately, I also get dizzy sometimes, but haven't found anything which helps it apart from waiting, it eventually passes.  If you would like to update your own introduction and update thread, and ask for support there, here is the link to it:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6148-pzen-my-withdrawal-story-so-far/

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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  • 2 months later...

Hi All!

 

I am still trying to find my way around here, so I haven't posted much.  I think I have the search function and Google function figured out, but am shocked that there aren't more threads discussing the topics in my header!  It seemed on PP there were pages of threads discussing this!  I have found maybe 2-3 threads here.  I am starting to wonder if it's just me.

 

Dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness are by FAR my worst w/d symptom.  Honestly, it wasn't for that, I'd be pretty good to go other than the occasional anxiety attack.  I am eight months off Lexapro.  This has actually been an issue for me on and off since I got pregnant with my daughter, and was three months off basically a CT of Paxil.  I attributed it to the pregnancy.  Then, I had her, and my symptoms got WORSE!  They hung around until I started Lexapro.  While in the beginning months of Lexapro, I had my first ever experience with vertigo.  It has kind of been with me ever since on and off.  When I started weaning, it definitely picked up, and off the Lexapro, it hasn't been very fun.

 

My daughter is SEVEN, by the way.  That is a looooong time to be dealing with this.  And, I'd really like it to go away.  Like NOW.  RIGHT NOW.  I had a complete ENT workup after she was born, along with an MRI, and nothing was found.  I haven't really done any other testing since then, because I figure hey, it's been seven years.  If it was something serious, I probably wouldn't be typing this by now.  I have a 12 year history of SSRI use on and off... I am wondering if the long term use could have caused this as well.

 

Any other sufferers out there?  Why are your symptoms and experiences? 

 

Any out there who have had this issue, even for a long time, and have had it get better?

 

To all of you past PPers, feel free to skip or not reply!  I know you have all heard it before! ;)  Still just looking for some answers and relief...

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi iquit,

 

I know lots of people suffer this but it is probably more often talked about in their individual threads. If you use google to search Surviving Antidepressants and Vertigo you will pick them up.   I had this when I CT'd at one point but not while tapering so I'm not much use to you.

 

Dalsaan

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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Since the search did not give any results i thought i'll make a thread about fainting. Often people who have anxiety disorder or are on SSRI's or going through withdrawal feel like fainting but how many of us  have actually lost consciousness, why has that happened and what to do to prevent it from happening?

 

This is not a symptom that i personally have but while i was on full dose of Seroxat (paroxetine) and remeron, i had one episode when fainted and woke up on the floor, needless to point out it was a horrible thing to experience.

 

 

2011 Developed anxiety and panic disorder, started out of a blue.

2011 Seroxat and Remeron (for insomnia) In 2012 tappered Remeron in 3 month without much complications.

2013 March started Seroxat withdrawal from 33mg's

I tapper 5-10% (from the dose i am at) every 3-4 weeks. Current dose 4,38 mg's have not reduced in 4 month (trying to stabilize).

My update thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7750-mrdenton-constant-flu-for-2-month-could-use-an-opinion-seroxat-taper/

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Hey iquit, Im in withdrawal from Lexapro 10mg (I basically went c/t because I listened to my doctor) and I have the same dizziness and vertigo feelings! Do you really notice this while driving? Are you having depersonalization also? Do you notice the waves, windows pattern?

 

I completely understand your plight and I dont know what to do about it either. Im really trying to be patience and wait for my brain to reset itself naturally. I don't know how long its going to take :unsure:

 

Dave

Ritalin (forgot the dosages), 95'-00'
Adderall 10mg for ADD, 00'- Jan 10'
Lexapro 10mg, August 10' - March 14'
Lexapro 15mg, March 14' - Sept 14'
Prozac 10mg, Sept 14' - October, 24th 14'
No meds since October 24th, 14'

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Hi Dave! Yes, driving is uncomfortable to say the least. So is shopping... when I have to move my head from side to side and focus on a lot of different things, like while grocery shopping.

 

Waves and Windows... I really don't know. It is always with me. Sometimes worse than others though. So, waves, yes. Windows though, I'm waiting for those!

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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I went to a dizziness specialist this year (very expensive visit ) And he did a full round of tests... I didnt show any nystagmus in any test.  It is not BPPV, no Menieres, not labyrinthis, no phobic vertigo and also not vestibular migraine.

 

I have been suffering for a long time like you. Lately I realize that it is somehow related to eating. I wouldnt even describe it as dizziness. it is more like a feeling of faintness and low blood sugar.

 

Very often it gets better when I drink coke.

 

So as I know right now that no vertigo doctor can help me, I have to change my diet.

This will be the last thing I will try.

Cold turkeyed Paxil in May 2012  :ph34r:

 

Finally recovered / see success story :)

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Hi Dave! Yes, driving is uncomfortable to say the least. So is shopping... when I have to move my head from side to side and focus on a lot of different things, like while grocery shopping.

 

Waves and Windows... I really don't know. It is always with me. Sometimes worse than others though. So, waves, yes. Windows though, I'm waiting for those!

Same with me.

 

This was one of the reasons I thought that it HAD to be BPPV but it wasnt. He did the Epley maneuver with me many times and it didnt help.

 

You could however try the Epley at home and look if it helps you

Cold turkeyed Paxil in May 2012  :ph34r:

 

Finally recovered / see success story :)

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I went to a dizziness specialist this year (very expensive visit ) And he did a full round of tests... I didnt show any nystagmus in any test.  It is not BPPV, no Menieres, not labyrinthis, no phobic vertigo and also not vestibular migraine.

 

I have been suffering for a long time like you. Lately I realize that it is somehow related to eating. I wouldnt even describe it as dizziness. it is more like a feeling of faintness and low blood sugar.

 

Very often it gets better when I drink coke.

 

So as I know right now that no vertigo doctor can help me, I have to change my diet.

This will be the last thing I will try.

I've had this exact issue in WD. I'd go through waves ( sometimes would last months) where I FEEL like I have very low sugars and get shakey and dizzy and lightheaded and have to eat something sugary right away. And I've eaten a fairly good diet all through WD. Have had sugars tested a tonne of times and always fine. I found a tonne of people with this issue in WD, through my searches.

13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft

2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years

Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft

 

 

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Similar topics merged

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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  • 2 weeks later...

imac, I am starting to feel that way too.  Like my blood sugars or blood pressure is low.  Nada.  It does make me feel better to know though that you don't always feel this way anymore.  I am DETERMINED to keep seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in this, even though some days that light feels just like a pin prick showing through.

 

I am going to try going gluten free for a few weeks and see if this helps at all.  I looked up symptoms of gluten intolerance and have almost every darned symptom.  The only one I didn't have was an autoimmune disorder.  Who knows though, maybe I have that too. :P  Out of ten symptoms, I had nine.  We will see.

 

DizzyGirl, have you tried diet changes at all?

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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I do agree with this, vertigo / dizziness is the worst WD symptom. While I don't stumble while walking or standing, it gives the feeling of being close to fall flat on the floor at any moment. It's distressing and sometimes the anxienty it brings starts to keep me from thinking straight or even cause me to stammer or miss some words when talking.

 

Is there an specific supplement for this? I hear magnesium helps the mood, but I'm looking for something to make me feel more "grounded".

 

The best I can tell you so far is that windows get broader but I don't know when waves fully end.

Name LostInTheWoods evokes both the feeling of getting stranded, forsaken and alone in an alien, hostile environment and the chance to experience awareness, tranquility and self-discovery during the experience. Just call me Lost in the posts.

 

February 2012. After a crisis, a crippling anxiety that culminated in a panic attack. Started 20 mg Paxil and Clonazepam.

Clonazepam left quickly in the 2nd attempt.

About about a year on 20 mg, begin tapering.

June 2014, after several weeks on 5 mg and trying to dose down, went CT.

May 2015.Anxiety came back again, went to psychiatrist back. Fluoxetine was tried and left because of bad reaction, returned to paroxetine. Start tapering in mid 2016.

December 2016. After like 2 months of going 2,5 mg, stopped paroxetine.

Truth to be told, descended into a downward spiral of caffeine, alcohol and masturbation.

January  26, 2017. Wave with some tinnitus that was fixed by a visit to the ENT.

April 21, 2017. Acid reflux at night was a stressor that triggered another wave.Vices have been put into check and only a drink or two a week remain.

By May 7 stabilized with a little anxiety left and some pains.

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I have felt like this fir about 7 yrs also. Things aren't really spinning it just my head gets very lightheaded, heavy and feels like I got off a spinning ride and the spinning gas stopped but ur head doesn't feel right. I feel like thus all day and it's so depressing. I don't know if it's because I had 2 strokes in my late 30s about 5 yrs ago and they happened in my cerebellum which is where ur balance mechanism I believe. It also really amps up my anxiety feeling like this. The thoughts constantly come to my brain of how am I going to do this all day feeling like this. So my days always start crappy because of these thoughts. Please help if anyone has found something that will help. I am just over 10 months off after a 10 month taper from lexapro 10 mgs.

I started ssris around 2000 sorry I cant remember exactly everything and when but i will try

Paxil from about 2000-2004 from 10 mg right up to 40 mg felt like it wasnt working

THen I have been on Celexa from 2004-2007, then well butrin and abilify was thrown in somewhere up until 2010

tried to c/t off celexa a few times could do it..

went on Cymbalta from about 2010-2012 then had gastric bypass surgery so i wasnt absorbing it very well

2012-2014 went back to celexa then slowing between july 2013 and april 2014 weaned about 1 mg a month

last dose taken was April 2014 And havent really felt that bad at all.. until recently 9 months out and wanted to start college i think this sent me into a wave...i suffered 2 strokes in the small part of my brain in around 2010 but they arent exactly sure when by the time we found them. I had c/t off my meds at that time and was given a triple dose of birth control pill to take for a few months ( so we think that could have caused them)..

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  • 2 weeks later...

Does anyone ever get a split second of dizziness even when just sitting down and doing nothing? I've had this episode a few times randomly over the past couple of years and now recently it's happened probably 5 times in the last couple of weeks. I'll just be sitting there and watching tv or on my laptop or phone and all of a sudden it's like I'm in a moving car for about 2-3 seconds and then it passes. But while it's happening, it's as if the room is quickly spinning and I almost feel like I'll fall over ( like a vertigo). It's quite scary when it happens because I've done nothing to provoke it and am not up and moving around. Has anyone ever felt this while sitting still???? Am not sure if I should be getting this checked out ( although it's happened a few times in the last couole of years while sitting infront of a computer at work and nothing came of it. anyone?

13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft

2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years

Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft

 

 

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

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Actually, stupid unexplainable dizzyness/woozyheadedness/blurryvision is part of what started me on this stupid AD journey. my story is all explained in my signature, but i will say my woozyness has been aggravated again by this whole tapering/withdrawal thing. Yeah im still dealing with it... but at least it has never gone back to as bad as it was. So i can kinda relate to having some fun unexplainable woozyness where no test is conclusive! yay!

(November 26 2013) Had a reaction to taking CBD oil and had a panic attack that started this whole thing.

(November 9 2014) 8.6 months on Mirtazapine, started tapering down random amounts.

(January 17 2015) *STOPPED TAKING MIRTAZAPINE* after an unstable 2 month taper.

(February 5 2015) *REINSTATED at 3.9 MG OF MIRTAZAPINE* after nearly 3 weeks of a very unstable windows and waves pattern

(February 5 2015 ) Felt better right away after reinstating, am more stable than i was at 0mg, but am still not as stable as i was PRE-TAPER.

(April 19 2015) After waiting around 2 months from Feb 5 and i started to feel ok enough, i reduced from 3.9 mg to 3.5 mg. then continued to reduce by about .4 mg every 2 or so weeks.

The reductions were going quite smoothly and i wasn't feeling too bad in general... until...

(July 13 2015) Shortly after reducing from 1.9 mg to 1.6 mg i hit a wall and my mood started to become noticeably worse in general

(August 4) after not really improving much i reduced from 1.6 mg to 1.5 mg, and i have been holding ever since.

I feel bad in general these days despite holding, and feel im not too much better than i was during January 17 to February 5 after jumping off at 4 MG.

I am questioning if taking the drug is actually making me worse, i dunno.

 

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YESSSSSS imac!  I get this!!!  You explained it perfectly too.  I got it A LOT while tapering.  In fact, I think these are my body's version of a brain zap.  I have never gotten the traditional "zap" like some explain, but rather a momentary jolt of vertigo/lightheadedness.  They scare the carp out of me, because I always wonder if it's like a precursor to passing out.  I have never passed out, but I imagine that is what it would maybe feel like right before?  I don't know.  Have you ever had traditional brain zaps?  And if not, do you think these maybe could be it?  Not sure if you still would have zaps this far out though?

 

Lost, you explained it so well too... I can't tell you how many times I have been just standing there, and it's like the earth tilts.  And, I think whoa... I'm going down!  I never do though, just feels like it.

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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YESSSSSS imac!  I get this!!!  You explained it perfectly too.  I got it A LOT while tapering.  In fact, I think these are my body's version of a brain zap.  I have never gotten the traditional "zap" like some explain, but rather a momentary jolt of vertigo/lightheadedness.  They scare the carp out of me, because I always wonder if it's like a precursor to passing out.  I have never passed out, but I imagine that is what it would maybe feel like right before?  I don't know.  Have you ever had traditional brain zaps?  And if not, do you think these maybe could be it?  Not sure if you still would have zaps this far out though?

 

Lost, you explained it so well too... I can't tell you how many times I have been just standing there, and it's like the earth tilts.  And, I think whoa... I'm going down!  I never do though, just feels like it.

Ew. This is the kind of dizziness you get too? It's rare for me but lately with the return of this kind of head wave for me, I've been getting episodes of this. Even half of it happening. Feeling like my balance and sight and brain are unstable ( hard to explain) but not quite having the room spinning deal. Yes, I had SEVERE brain zaps for almost 2 years after I stopped taking omega 3's around 18 months off ( for sone reason they never bothered me) Omegas completely warded off my brain zaps. Funnily I woke up one morning with tones of brain zaps again last week. It's been at least 6-8 months since I've had any. Iquit, yes, I've actually been telling someone that it almost feels like this sitting dizzy episode I get is a new kind of brain zap. It almost feels like a slow motion kind. Like my zaps have morphed / mutated into a new version. I am also getting the types of brain zaps when I move my eyes. It almost feels like sometimes when I move my eyes, they stutter. Have you ever touched your tongue to a battery? That's EXACTLY how my brain zaps have always felt. I think these dizzy things feel like I'm going to pass out or fall over though. The zaps never made me feel that way. They just feel like a quick pause. If that makes sense.

13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft

2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years

Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft

 

 

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

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I've had the sudden dizzy/lightheaded feelings at times, when sitting down and standing/walking, usually lasting a few seconds.  I've also had days where I've felt dizzy and light headed for hours, usually corresponding with an increase in other symptoms.

 

When I used to travel and would get jetlag, one of my symptoms used to be a sensation that the ground was moving under my feet, like being on a boat.  I've seen the term 'boaty' on a benzo board and was thinking this might be what this sensation is called.

 

I haven't had this boaty kind of dizziness in withdrawal, but I wonder if anyone else here would describe their sensations like being on a moving boat.

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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On benzo buddies. It's a great thread. They call it floaty boat. I've certainly felt this too. Like being on a boat and the ground swaying. I like to also describe it like when you are in a car and it's not moving but the lets say another car beside you moves and you get that Wierd feeling like you're moving. It's kind of a floaty boat feeling too.

13 years of Ssri's - celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft

2 fast tapers and 2 cold turkeys over the years

Psych med free since September 4th 2011 - fast tapered then CT'd 12.5 mg of Zoloft

 

 

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

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That's a key signal to me that I have dropped to much - the floaty boat feeling.  I can really relate to that term because I do get motion sickness and I have described this as motion sickness on dry land - complete with nausea

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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Floaty boat... That's what I have EVERY day. Great way to describe it!

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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  • 4 weeks later...

Had to taper and quit Pristiq in 2.5 weeks because I just found out I'm pregnant. Its been a week and it's been rough. My mood has improved and is more stable, thank goodness. Earlier this week I honestly thought I was going to die. My worse symptoms are dizziness (vertigo), night sweats, poor sleep, and Horrible GERD issues. Trying to do yoga and exercise to keep myself balanced.

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Congratulations on the pregnancy, Vanessa!  Yes, that all sounds familiar!  Hang in there!!!

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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dizziness was one of my worst symptoms during my time of w/d. It seemed like it lasted forever. People thought I was going crazy. I thought I had some neurological diease like MS. The dizziness caused major social anxiety and lead to panic attacks. Dizziness was my worst symptom as well. I know how you feel. It suckssss! Hang in there. Take some magnesium to control the nerves. Drink a lot of water.

trintellix 1 mg and rexulti .5mg

 

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YES antidepressantsNoMore!!! I could have written your post. How long did it last for you?

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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YES antidepressantsNoMore!!! I could have written your post. How long did it last for you?

 

The dizziness lasted a while, probably 14 months because I stopped a/d cold turkey. I had a lot of weird neurological symptoms. I still have those damn eye floaters but that's about it, no more dizziness.

 

I went to my general physician and talked about w/d and these symptoms I was experiencing, especially the dizziness and the doctor looked at me like I was crazy. I kept going and annoying the doctors because I had so many weird physical symptoms related to w/d and they finally brought in a neurological specialist who examined my optic nerve, which is affected by those who suffer from MS, and is often the first thing to go wrong. It was fine.

 

Both doctors ordered me to take a drug test and thought I was high on pot and being paranoid! I was so angry about it but let it go.

 

YES, w/d cause these symptoms. They can be VERY serious. Hang in there. Try any method or technique which helps you relax as long as it is healthy.

trintellix 1 mg and rexulti .5mg

 

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Thank you for the reply!  I have actually had a friend with MS tell me I should get tested for MS because of my symptoms.  I think I have had the dizziness on and off for so many years because I basically CT Paxil twice, and then started Lexapro and was on that for years.  I had a VERY slow taper off the Lexapro, but now with nothing in my system, I think my brain is just trying to adjust to the 12 years it had some sort of SSRI in it.

 

I have terrible eye floaters too.  Luckily my SIL is an optometrist and she said it's nothing to worry about.  And, I know EXACTLY what you mean about doctors looking at you like you are nuts.  My doctor referred me to a balance center, but I am hesitant to go.  If this is WD related, I just need to wait it out.

Started Paxil 10 mg., in 2002 for pre-wedding jitters.  Yes, you read that right, but I have always been an anxious person.

Paxil on and off until 2006, when I became pregnant with my second child.  Quick wean, almost CT.  Had severe PP anxiety after she was born, and was put on 10 mg Lexapro.  I now recognize that this was actually Paxil w/d.

Started weaning off Lexapro in 2011.  10 mg to 5 mg, and held there for about a year.  Experienced protracted w/d in 2012, and began to take it nice and slow from there.

 

Last dose of Lexapo: 5/18/2014

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While wd from seroxat last year I had a few fainting spells.I actually broke my nose.It was horrible. Before I fainted my arms chest and face would flush bright red and I would get a pounding headache until I passed out. THIS IS one of the bizarre symptoms I have had.I ended up doing this in a restaurant and an ambulance was called Tests were done for carcanoid syndrome but thankfully they were all negative. JUST wd.Oh the joys .

Been taking paroxatine for approx 15 years.Tried a few times yo stop but failed. Am currently on 3.5mg liquid

Jan 2016 been slow tapering paroxatine and i am currently at 2.9 mg and last drop was 5 weeks ago.

Started to feel awful about 3 weeks ago with brain ???? , shakes, blurred vision and dizzyness. ..

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Thank you for the reply!  I have actually had a friend with MS tell me I should get tested for MS because of my symptoms.  I think I have had the dizziness on and off for so many years because I basically CT Paxil twice, and then started Lexapro and was on that for years.  I had a VERY slow taper off the Lexapro, but now with nothing in my system, I think my brain is just trying to adjust to the 12 years it had some sort of SSRI in it.

 

I have terrible eye floaters too.  Luckily my SIL is an optometrist and she said it's nothing to worry about.  And, I know EXACTLY what you mean about doctors looking at you like you are nuts.  My doctor referred me to a balance center, but I am hesitant to go.  If this is WD related, I just need to wait it out.

 

Yeah the eye floaters are a symptom of w/d. I had an eye test done during w/d because I was freaking out so bad that something was wrong with my vision/brain. 

 

My w/d were CT too. I stopped other A/D CT and never had any w/d close to this. However, when I stopped prestiq (SNRI) CT, the w/d were as follows:

 

Brain zaps, followed by extreme anxiety (panic), than tiredness so bad lasting for a year where I couldn't even function, eye floaters, vision changes, insomnia, dizziness, lightheadness, rebound "depression", anger, no self-esteem whatsoever, personality changes /social anxiety and fear. I don't even know how some of you even functioned during w/d. I could barely function for a 2-3 year period of my life. I was a basket case for a while and I hate to admit that especially since I am starting to feel better now.

 

I'll never touch A/D ever again.

trintellix 1 mg and rexulti .5mg

 

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