Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

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


squirrel

Recommended Posts

I have blue light blockers. Will that work? They aren’t yellow but are supposed to block out blue light.

 

Nothing’s spinning, so I don’t think it’s vertigo.

 

I also have head pressure.

May 2019 started lexapro 2.5 mg; 2020 went to every other day; 2021 beginning of Mar, tried to stop but had insomnia; Mar 30, 2021 reinstated 1.25 ev other day, WD symptoms, not enough

April 19, 2021 started liquid, .85 mg/day; May 1, 2021 .8 mg/day; May 6, 2021 .75 mg/day; June 6, 2021 .7 mg/day, June 20, 2021 .65mg/day, June 30, 2021 .6mg/day, Jul 24 .55 mg/day, Oct 17 .5 mg/day, Dec 5- .45 mg/day; Jan 26, 2022- 4mg/day; April 18- .375 lex; April 24- .35 lex; April 29- .3 lex; Jun 12- .25 mg lex; Jun 28- .2 mg lex; Sept- .15 mg, Nov .1

June ‘23- PPPD started 🙁, Jun- .09, Jul- .08, Oct- .07, Dec- .06, Jan ‘24- .05!

Taking Magnesium, whole foods iron, & natural supplements as needed for sleep

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@AmitV Is your CoQ10, vit B, mag helping any yet?

May 2019 started lexapro 2.5 mg; 2020 went to every other day; 2021 beginning of Mar, tried to stop but had insomnia; Mar 30, 2021 reinstated 1.25 ev other day, WD symptoms, not enough

April 19, 2021 started liquid, .85 mg/day; May 1, 2021 .8 mg/day; May 6, 2021 .75 mg/day; June 6, 2021 .7 mg/day, June 20, 2021 .65mg/day, June 30, 2021 .6mg/day, Jul 24 .55 mg/day, Oct 17 .5 mg/day, Dec 5- .45 mg/day; Jan 26, 2022- 4mg/day; April 18- .375 lex; April 24- .35 lex; April 29- .3 lex; Jun 12- .25 mg lex; Jun 28- .2 mg lex; Sept- .15 mg, Nov .1

June ‘23- PPPD started 🙁, Jun- .09, Jul- .08, Oct- .07, Dec- .06, Jan ‘24- .05!

Taking Magnesium, whole foods iron, & natural supplements as needed for sleep

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Dee12h said:

I have blue light blockers. Will that work? They aren’t yellow but are supposed to block out blue light.

 

Nothing’s spinning, so I don’t think it’s vertigo.

 

I also have head pressure.


vertigo isn’t always spinning. I have otolith dysfunction vertigo, which means I sway, my balance is off and I feel strong feelings of tilt. I get an alien like feeling of walking on clouds.

 

 

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Dee12h said:

@AmitV Is your CoQ10, vit B, mag helping any yet?


Im not sure if they are or not. All these supplements are harmless though. I’m also doing vestibular rehab so overall things are improving but hard to say if it’s one or the other or both improving things.

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Dee12h said:

I have blue light blockers. Will that work? They aren’t yellow but are supposed to block out blue light.

 

Nothing’s spinning, so I don’t think it’s vertigo.

 

I also have head pressure.


Yep, those blue blight blockers are exactly what I use indoors for my visual issues. Does it feel better with those on?

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@AmitV do you have the names of the exercises you are doing or is there any YouTube videos of them to share. 

20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/December 5&6 10mg Paroxetine/ December 8&9 2022 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8 mg/23.07.28-4.73 mg/23.08.04-4.65 mg/21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47 mg/6.2.24-4.46 mg/19.2.24-4.44mg

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg magnesium bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/75mg DGL/ noon-2 x 1000 mg algae oil (500mg DHA/10mg EPA/620mg Omega 3)/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/8pm-.25 mg melatonin

I am not a medical professional just your peer. The suggestions I give are based on personal experience and/or the well documented experience of others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

@AmitV do you have the names of the exercises you are doing or is there any YouTube videos of them to share. 


If you want to PM me your email address. I’m happy to share the pdf of the exercises. If there’s any that provoke your dizziness more, the goal is to do them more of course at your own pace.

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@AmitV thanks. 

20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/December 5&6 10mg Paroxetine/ December 8&9 2022 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8 mg/23.07.28-4.73 mg/23.08.04-4.65 mg/21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47 mg/6.2.24-4.46 mg/19.2.24-4.44mg

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg magnesium bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/75mg DGL/ noon-2 x 1000 mg algae oil (500mg DHA/10mg EPA/620mg Omega 3)/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/8pm-.25 mg melatonin

I am not a medical professional just your peer. The suggestions I give are based on personal experience and/or the well documented experience of others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

The boat sensation hasn’t left me yet. I’ve been dealing with it since Feb 2022. I just deal with it. It’s more when I’m sitting and trying to sleep. When I’m moving around it’s a lot better than it use to be. I was kindled in Sept 2021

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Conner said:

The boat sensation hasn’t left me yet. I’ve been dealing with it since Feb 2022. I just deal with it. It’s more when I’m sitting and trying to sleep. When I’m moving around it’s a lot better than it use to be. I was kindled in Sept 2021


I’m dealing with quite the opposite of that. I’m firm and safe with my eyes closed and sitting or lying down. When I begin walking is where I begin to stumble and my head movements and eye movements don’t focus at the same time when I move my head. There’s a lag but it’s gotten better for sure.

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was diagnosed with PPPD from all this. I just hope this part heals. I’m a lot better but still feel like I’m sitting on a boat zoned out all the time 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Conner said:

I was diagnosed with PPPD from all this. I just hope this part heals. I’m a lot better but still feel like I’m sitting on a boat zoned out all the time 


I have a feeling that eventually that’s what’s going to happen to me. PPPD. I pray to god it doesn’t, but I just have a feeling that it might. So far it’s getting better, so fingers crossed.

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

People do recover from it. It can take years but it is possible 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, Conner said:

People do recover from it. It can take years but it is possible 


That’s great to hear.

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Administrator
On 6/1/2023 at 10:38 PM, Conner said:

When I’m moving around it’s a lot better than it use to be.

 

@Conner as you know, we expect very slow recovery. How has your symptom pattern changed over the last 6 months?

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

@Conner as you know, we expect very slow recovery. How has your symptom pattern changed over the last 6 months?

Connor, the problem with the PPPD diagnosis is, most practitioners don’t know how to diagnose dizziness and balance disorders. PPPD is a catch all for all the unexplained stuff. 
 

Yes you’ve had it for a while, but I wouldn’t call it pppd. I also believe the just way SSRI’s help vestibular migraines, some of us get them during withdrawals. For some of us it can be a long chronic non-painful migraine. 

 

understand that the treatment of vestibular migraine medication are all serotonin based meds (SSRI, TCA’s, Triptans). VM’s don’t always come with an aura. In case of a chronic one, you won’t have an aura.
 

If you haven’t been through a neurological diagnosis yet, This may shed some light on it. 
 

https://thedizzycook.com/vestibular-migraine-symptom-dictionary-an-interview-with-dr-cho-from-house-clinic/

 

Just my 2 cents on this subject.

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/3/2023 at 7:04 PM, AmitV said:

Connor, the problem with the PPPD diagnosis is, most practitioners don’t know how to diagnose dizziness and balance disorders. PPPD is a catch all for all the unexplained stuff. 
 

Yes you’ve had it for a while, but I wouldn’t call it pppd. I also believe the just way SSRI’s help vestibular migraines, some of us get them during withdrawals. For some of us it can be a long chronic non-painful migraine. 

 

understand that the treatment of vestibular migraine medication are all serotonin based meds (SSRI, TCA’s, Triptans). VM’s don’t always come with an aura. In case of a chronic one, you won’t have an aura.
 

If you haven’t been through a neurological diagnosis yet, This may shed some light on it. 
 

https://thedizzycook.com/vestibular-migraine-symptom-dictionary-an-interview-with-dr-cho-from-house-clinic/

 

Just my 2 cents on this subject.

I went through a lot of tests with my PT. It took her a while but she noted PPPD. I did exercises for 6 months with her. It got a lot better overtime but it still gets me mostly with the rocking and swaying when I lay down every night. I feel like I’m kinda floaty/spacey sometimes. It’s not as intense but when I have a very active day it gets worse. My Pt said to go live my normal life and do things even though you’re dizzy etc. It’ll recalibrate you overtime. I still have a long way to go bc I think it’s these meds that have disrupted a lot of things. I’m down to 8.6ML on my lexapeo. I went through a merry go round of meds hoping to “fix” things only to make it way worse. You could say I was kindled. That’s when I started having dizziness, lightheaded, floating, spacey, depersonalization. I have a laundry list I could send you and some have healed. I’m praying the PPPD does as I come off this lexapro. Check out my signature. 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had the depersonalization, anti gravity, floaty feelings too. They got better. 
 

right now I have a visual tilt in my vision. I see everything 5-10 degrees off flat. I don’t understand flat anymore. Just in the last 2-3 days sometimes it turns flat and sometimes it’s skewed. Same objects, same floor. So sometimes I’ll pulled to the right when I’m walking other times to the left. Brain is still readjusting.

 

Sadly the SSRI vertigo side effects is a sham. And the word “disequilibrium” is not even close to what it means. If you put these side effects into perspective, now you know how serious they are, yet how underrated they are with the wording. 
 

The inner ear issues probably exist for everyone to some degree, there’s always an imbalance between both inner ears and the brain constantly keeps calibrating with visual and proprioception compensation as normal changes are very slow. SSRI’s or their withdrawals can break that calibration. Either the brain has to learn all over again or it takes time to reattach to the existing map.

 

i feel it’s connecting to existing maps but I could be wrong, I will occasional get tinnitus for 10-15 seconds and as soon as I get tinnitus one of my movements immediately gets better or worse. I basically brace when I get tinnitus. Most times it’s a sudden improvement of one aspect, so it’s a reason to celebrate. 

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Administrator

PPPD is just a description of a dysautonomia symptom. We already know that dysautonomia symptoms are common in withdrawal syndrome.

 

If your symptom arises from withdrawal dysautonomia, it will slowly resolve like other withdrawal symptoms.

 

Even when no drugs are involved, dysautonomia is mysterious, it comes and goes, and nobody knows what to do about it. Generally, people are advised to be as physically active as possible, take care of themselves with healthy habits, etc. -- full circle back to our advice about coping with withdrawal syndrome.

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Altostrata This is good to know. I’ve been off balance/rocking swaying since Feb 2022. That was after a merry go round of antidepressants and 30 day days of a benzo. Didn’t have it before. It’s still there but a very slow heal. I’m down to 8.6ML 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/3/2023 at 10:24 AM, Altostrata said:

 

@Conner as you know, we expect very slow recovery. How has your symptom pattern changed over the last 6 months?

It’s getting better but very slowly. I’d say 5% better than 6 months ago. I still feel

like I’m rocking on a boat at night when I lay down. I’ve accepted it and it doesn’t scare me like it use to as much. I feel spacey and zoned out. It’s not as intense as it was a year ago but still with me. I just hope the boat feeling goes away! It’s lIke you’re floating. Guess it’s these meds! Im down to 8.6ML 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 4/17/2023 at 3:28 PM, AmitV said:


Yep, those blue blight blockers are exactly what I use indoors for my visual issues. Does it feel better with those on?

No

May 2019 started lexapro 2.5 mg; 2020 went to every other day; 2021 beginning of Mar, tried to stop but had insomnia; Mar 30, 2021 reinstated 1.25 ev other day, WD symptoms, not enough

April 19, 2021 started liquid, .85 mg/day; May 1, 2021 .8 mg/day; May 6, 2021 .75 mg/day; June 6, 2021 .7 mg/day, June 20, 2021 .65mg/day, June 30, 2021 .6mg/day, Jul 24 .55 mg/day, Oct 17 .5 mg/day, Dec 5- .45 mg/day; Jan 26, 2022- 4mg/day; April 18- .375 lex; April 24- .35 lex; April 29- .3 lex; Jun 12- .25 mg lex; Jun 28- .2 mg lex; Sept- .15 mg, Nov .1

June ‘23- PPPD started 🙁, Jun- .09, Jul- .08, Oct- .07, Dec- .06, Jan ‘24- .05!

Taking Magnesium, whole foods iron, & natural supplements as needed for sleep

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Has anybody recovered from months of constant disequilibrium, imbalance and dizziness? Needing some hope right now. Am going on 9months. It's not constant like it was from Dec to April but I increased my doses slightly so that may be the only reason. I have it about 50 percent of the month now. Need some hope that this means I will be ok eventually. I'm still on 4.75mg, it started when I went down to 3mg. If I stabilise will I be able to taper eventually without it becoming full blown again? I know these questions are impossible to answer... just hoping for some light. Thank you everyone I hope you are hanging in there. 

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, windchime said:

Has anybody recovered from months of constant disequilibrium, imbalance and dizziness? Needing some hope right now. Am going on 9months. It's not constant like it was from Dec to April but I increased my doses slightly so that may be the only reason. I have it about 50 percent of the month now. Need some hope that this means I will be ok eventually. I'm still on 4.75mg, it started when I went down to 3mg. If I stabilise will I be able to taper eventually without it becoming full blown again? I know these questions are impossible to answer... just hoping for some light. Thank you everyone I hope you are hanging in there. 


I’m not a mod, so I can only speak with my experience. Once you stabilize best to stay on it for some time before reconsidering, but I’ve heard many stories of this disequilibrium and dizziness disappearing. Hang in there. It should go away, the less you think about it, the sooner it’ll go away. Try and follow some meditation techniques, for some reason that helps recovery from this particular withdrawal effect, or any withdrawal effect for that matter. 50% of the month is great improvement. You should definitely feel hopeful. 

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@AmitV thank you for taking the time to respond to me when you are suffering yourself I appreciate it 🙏.

Yes I just have to focus on the improvement overall not the fear of the future, it's hard though. I hope you have some releif this week. 

 

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, windchime said:

@AmitV thank you for taking the time to respond to me when you are suffering yourself I appreciate it 🙏.

Yes I just have to focus on the improvement overall not the fear of the future, it's hard though. I hope you have some releif this week. 

 


You’re right, don’t think too far ahead. Think of being positive in the moment and know in your heart that you’ve made progress. 
 

I’m struggling with it too, I know the pain. 

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@windchime I noticed you were trying to taper 2 drugs at once. It is only recommended to do one at a time. The CNS can't handle too much instability. Possibly too you might have to taper in smaller increments. Maybe using the Brassmonkey slide. But first wait to stabilize some more. It might take longer than you previously waited. You got this.👍

20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/December 5&6 10mg Paroxetine/ December 8&9 2022 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8 mg/23.07.28-4.73 mg/23.08.04-4.65 mg/21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47 mg/6.2.24-4.46 mg/19.2.24-4.44mg

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg magnesium bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/75mg DGL/ noon-2 x 1000 mg algae oil (500mg DHA/10mg EPA/620mg Omega 3)/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/8pm-.25 mg melatonin

I am not a medical professional just your peer. The suggestions I give are based on personal experience and/or the well documented experience of others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you @LostInCanada you are right. I am going to try to completely stabilise for a few months and then slowly taper lithium using the brass monkey method if possible. The Lexapro is going to have to wait for a good long while. Did any of the supplements you have listed help your balance or diziness? I was wondering whether trialling a low dose of 5htp might help replace the missing serotonin (however I know it's not that straightforward). Thanks for taking the time to respond to me. 

 

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@windchime my suggestion is don't bother with the htp5. It actually is contraindicated with SSRIs. It also can be activating. I haven't found anything that helps dizziness except moving more slowly and staying hydrated. 👍

20 yr+ Paroxetine/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ August 24-29 2022 10mg Prozac/2022.11.28-2022.12.04- 5mg Paroxetine/December 5&6 10mg Paroxetine/ December 8&9 2022 10mg Prozac/ 2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01 5mg Paroxetine

TAPER 23.07.02-58mgpw/4.9mgai/ 23.07.21-4.8 mg/23.07.28-4.73 mg/23.08.04-4.65 mg/21.09.23-4.58 mg/27.10.23-4.56 mg/5.12.23-4.54 mg/2.1.24-4.52 mg/9.1.24-4.51 mg/17.1.24-4.49 mg/26.1.24-4.47 mg/6.2.24-4.46 mg/19.2.24-4.44mg

8am-probiotics/9am-paroxetine, 200mg magnesium bisglycinate/ 1000mg Vitamin D/75mg DGL/ noon-2 x 1000 mg algae oil (500mg DHA/10mg EPA/620mg Omega 3)/5pm-75 mg DGL/200mg calcium citrate/8pm-.25 mg melatonin

I am not a medical professional just your peer. The suggestions I give are based on personal experience and/or the well documented experience of others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

PPPD – Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness | RxISK

 

David Healy has written the above blog post suggesting low dose bethanecol or benztropine for 6 months or more may help to regrow 'fried nerve fibers' in the inner ear from SSRI use. He is not sure whether these drugs will work while still on the SSRI (if at all). His theory is that imbalance from SSRI may be related to other small-fiber neuropathy issues such as PSSD. 

 

I am pretty in despair at the moment. I'm back on 4.75mg Lexapro, I was on 5mg for years before briefly going to 7.5mg last year, and I am still dizzy and imbalanced 9 months since I started tapering. I have had some windows that last for between 1-4 weeks and then I get dizzy again for 1-4 weeks. I can't go to the office, can't live a normal life, struggle to go outside, I am essentially now disabled and I'm not even off the medication. I dread having to get up from bed and walk around the house. One year ago in August I ran a half-marathon. I cannot work out what has happened to me. 

 

It seems like even in the WD community, this level of disequilibrium is very rare??? Beginning to conclude my outlook for recover is very grim indeed. 

 

@squirrel, I know you don't post here anymore but I thought you might want to see these suggestions (unless perhaps you are the person in this blog post!) Squirrel, if you can tell me whether you have had ANY improvements, I would be grateful. 

 

@AmitV since you are off meds you could try these suggestions. 

 

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is it at all possible that my imbalance is not from the SSRI? 

 

PPPD began two weeks after my fast-taper to 3mg (never even got off the med). I had no prior history of ongoing dizziness. Edit: I had three days of dizziness four months prior to my taper while I had Covid. 

 

I ask only given:

1. The seeming extreme rareness of this severity of 24/7 life-altering disabling PPPD from WD (only myself and one other person (Squirrel) seeming to have it this badly for a long time - Squirrel obvious much longer than myself (yet)). 

2. Reinstatement has not fixed it (though has somewhat improved it, or this could just be time). 

3. Any other medication change seems to worsen it.

4. Monthly hormones seem to be involved with worsening (hence they diagnosed me with PPPD and vestibular migraine). 

 

I am not sure of the etiquette of tagging, but @Altostrata would value your opinion. 

 

I've had full vestib work-up at University where I work with no issues found. Waiting to see neuro-otologist in three weeks. 

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, windchime said:

Is it at all possible that my imbalance is not from the SSRI? 

 

PPPD began two weeks after my fast-taper to 3mg (never even got off the med). I had no prior history of ongoing dizziness. Edit: I had three days of dizziness four months prior to my taper while I had Covid. 

 

I ask only given:

1. The seeming extreme rareness of this severity of 24/7 life-altering disabling PPPD from WD (only myself and one other person (Squirrel) seeming to have it this badly for a long time - Squirrel obvious much longer than myself (yet)). 

2. Reinstatement has not fixed it (though has somewhat improved it, or this could just be time). 

3. Any other medication change seems to worsen it.

4. Monthly hormones seem to be involved with worsening (hence they diagnosed me with PPPD and vestibular migraine). 

 

I am not sure of the etiquette of tagging, but @Altostrata would value your opinion. 

 

I've had full vestib work-up at University where I work with no issues found. Waiting to see neuro-otologist in three weeks. 


i was also told neuro and ENT that I have pppd, but strangely the neurovestibular clinic was able to find a rare abnormality with vemp testing called isolated otolith dysfunction and yes I got it from SSRI. This dysfunction is usually caused only by 2 factors blast trauma or head injury. 
 

however, it is possible that SSRI withdrawal may have triggered a persistent vestibular migraine in your case. The prevalence of that has significantly increased in the past a few years after covid and covid vaccines. 
 

I’m unbalanced and dizzy too and was told after 3 months of rehab that I have pppd. 
 

Please do share what your neuro otologist suggests. 
 

in the mean time I recommend following steady coach on YouTube for pppd. Lots of people have fully recovered from it. 

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you @AmitV. I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. So awful and you barely took any Lexapro?! What is the prognosis for isolated otolith dysfunction? What did they tell you? 

 

If I have already had all the vestibular and audiology testing with the glasses and lights and electrodes (apparently everything was tested), and they said I have no physical damage, then I guess I probably don't have what you have. 

 

 

I already follow the steady coach, she is wonderful isn't she? There is also someone called Seeking Balance (joey remeni). I just don't know if their techniques will work if David Healy's assertions are correct that this damage is physical (small nerve fibre damage). I've already tried them for months and months. 

 

 

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, windchime said:

Thank you @AmitV. I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. So awful and you barely took any Lexapro?! What is the prognosis for isolated otolith dysfunction? What did they tell you? 

 

If I have already had all the vestibular and audiology testing with the glasses and lights and electrodes (apparently everything was tested), and they said I have no physical damage, then I guess I probably don't have what you have. 

 

 

I already follow the steady coach, she is wonderful isn't she? There is also someone called Seeking Balance (joey remeni). I just don't know if their techniques will work if David Healy's assertions are correct that this damage is physical (small nerve fibre damage). I've already tried them for months and months. 

 

 

@windchime I’m glad to hear all your testing came back fine. That is key to full recovery! I strongly believe you will fully recover with time and determination.


Unfortunately, the general prognosis is poor but there have been reports the brain can rebuild neurological pathways to the organ again, if the organ itself is not damaged with rehab so I’ve been doing rehab. There were some reports of people getting it from covid who eventually fully recovered with rehab.


VSS unfortunately has no treatments and is just unfortunately an additional layer of madness on top of it. Neuro said, she’s tried some treatments and they don’t really work.
 

yes the steady coach is pretty good. I’m trying as best as I can to improve, but the depression and social isolation due to both these conditions is immense. 

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@AmitV I have now read your whole personal thread 💔.

 

Would you consider Dr Healy's suggestion of trying benztropine or bethanacol, or do you feel it is not relevant to your type of damage? 

 

How does one speak to Dr Shipko?

 

I will respond again to the rest tomorrow morning.

2004-2010 Sertraline (15years old). 2010-2012 Poly-drugged with many AP's, SNRIs, PRN Benzo's. 

2012-2017 Lithium 1250mg, Lexapro 10mg. Titrated off Lithium over 2 years in 2016-17.

2018-2021 Lexapro 5mg. Valium PRN small doses. 2020 Recommenced low dose Lithium. Spironolactone. 

2022 - Lithium taper from 625mg to 62mg between May and December. 5mg Accutane May-December. 

2022 - Lexapro taper 7.5mg to 3mg over 10 weeks in September - November. 

2023 - Jan - 2 doses 5mg oral Compazine (immediate ADR). Three doses of 0.25 Klonipin - discontinued. 

2023 - Feb reinstated 6.5mg Lexapro and 325mg Lithium, 25mg Spironolactone then 37.5mg.

2023 - March - May: titrated to 4.5mg Lex at 5-10% and reduced to 250mg Lithium.

27th May: Increased Spiro to 100mg

Jun 23 - Reinstated 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium. July 22 - Reduced Spiro to 50mg. 03 Aug - Commenced 25mg P-5-P

Current meds 4.75mg Lex, 375mg Lithium, 50mg Spironolactone. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, P-5-P (B6).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, windchime said:

@AmitV I have now read your whole personal thread 💔.

 

Would you consider Dr Healy's suggestion of trying benztropine or bethanacol, or do you feel it is not relevant to your type of damage? 

 

How does one speak to Dr Shipko?

 

I will respond again to the rest tomorrow morning.


@windchime benztropine certainly not. It’s anticholinergic. I’ve come to realize that anticholinergic mechanisms cause me more harm than good. The effect my short term memory retention immediately along with the usual dry eye and vision related side effects and make my balance worse. Bethanocol is a cholinergic agonist, it’s worth a try, but I’ve already tried ginkgo Bilbao supplement which is a cholinergic system modulator. 
 

Cholinergic system regulates memory retention in hippocampus, which also regulates balance and spatial awareness.
 

eventually I stopped trying any supplements, as nothing actually did anything helpful per se. it’s not just the gaba/glutamate balance, withdrawls and SSRI’s effect everything downstream, cholinergic system, norepherine balance, dopaminergic systems. There really isn’t a drug that fixes it all. Which is why reinstating with the same drug sometimes works. If it doesn’t then it’s mostly a wait game. 
 

however I’d like to mention that I don’t believe you have a nerve issue. Because that would show up as an impairment during vestibular assessment.
 

Dr. Healy’s protocol definitely has some merit. Might be worth a try, if you’d like to.  


you can find Dr. Stuart Shipko here and write him an email. He called me back with a few hours when I wrote to him. Might be helpful to understand what’s going on. 

 

http://www.stuartshipko.com/

Jan 1-15 2023 - Ativan 2mg

Jan 1-12 2023 - Trintellix 10mg

Jan 14-16 2023 - Escitalopram 5mg

Jan 15-Jan 20 2023 - Ativan 1mg

Jan 21-30 2023 - Ativan 0.5mg Slow taper down - 5 days 0.5mg once a day. Then 0.5 mg every other day for 3 doses.

Jan 17- Feb 04 2023 - Escitalopram 10mg

Feb 05-14 2023 - 5mg for 5 days, then 2.5mg for 4 days. Feb 15 - Zero Mg Escitalopram

Mar 11, 2023 - Propranolol 20mg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy