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LaurenR - Tapering Zoloft and Seroquel


LaurenR

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There is so much great info on this site! I am so thankful to have stumbled upon it.

 

I am a 23 year old female diagnosed as a rapid-cycling bipolar/ADHD. I began Seroquel in June 2013 after a horrible depressive where I tried to take my life. I had been diagnosed as BP six years earlier when I was 15 (the same year my mom died) but didn't take the diagnosis seriously until I began studying psychology in college when I was 21. By October 2013 I quit drinking alcohol and I also stopped experiencing my severe mood swings for the most part. The seroquel would put me in such a fog, that my psychiatrist had to prescribe adderall to me so that I could wake up in the mornings. I started to experience horrible anxiety. My personality faded and I became nervous, shy, introverted. I can't even read in class anymore without having a panic attack -- something I used to love doing. I have succeeded in school and work in the past couple of years -- actually I just signed with a major literary agent in New York for my first book -- and things are going more amazing than they have ever been before. Except I never really feel happy, or awake, or like myself. Like I am always in a daze or in a fog. I have gained over 50 pounds in two years. It's all I think about. My eating schedule is completely ruined -- I have absolutely no appetite during the day, I have to force myself to drink my favorite smoothies so I get some nutrition, and then once I take my Seroquel at night I'll eat everything in site -- it literally turns me into a food zombie, who prefers chocolate. I have to religiously take vitamins because I constantly stressed about my eating schedule. I want my old self back, but with my new life. I have to lose this weight. I am getting stretch marks all over my body. It doesn't matter how much I exercise or eat healthy, the scale constantly goes up.

 

Luckily, I found an amazing holistic bipolar specialist out here in Arizona. Unfortunately, they don't have any openings for over a month. I am pretty sure the psychiatrist who put me in Seroquel was being bought out (notepads/pens that say Seroquel, suspicious business men bringing in coffee for the receptionists so he can chat with the doctor, etc.) and I don't feel comfortable going back to her and asking for advice (she was a ***** to be completely honest, and not an MD, but an NP). My insurance changed so I wouldn't be able to if I wanted. I need to get off the Seroquel (500 mg) and Zoloft (100 mg). I've read about the 10% tapering, but have decided it would work best with me to go down 50mg at a time -- which would still take me up to 10 months. It's easier breaking the pills, the math is easier, and it's consistent, which I what I think I will need. Should I not start to taper the Zoloft until I am done with the Seroquel? Also, I am REALLY worried about my anxiety while going off these drugs. But the zoloft was prescribed for my anxiety. Which it hasn't helped. What I really need is a small dose of xanax or klonopin, but my family doctor won't give it to me because of my BP. I am taking flaxseed oil and 5-HTP daily, so hopefully that'll help with mood swings. But the thing is -- I haven't had a severe manic episode in so long, that I am starting to wonder if I ever experienced one that wasn't induced by drugs or alcohol... I know the depression has been real my entire life... but I was always drunk or high when manic. Any advice is greatly appreciated. XX Lauren

Bipolar / Rapid-Cycling / ADHD

 

Lamictal January 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Wellbutrin August 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Seroquel (500 mg) July 2013 - Present 

Adderall (7 mg - 1/4 of a 30 mg instant - up to twice daily) September 2013 - Present

Zoloft (100 mg) November 2014 - Present

 

Trying to take an alternative, safe, holistic approach to my health. Graduate student studying nonfiction writing, psychology, and gender studies. 

 

XX Lauren

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Lauren , welcome to the site.   You'll find information here on pretty much anything connected to managing ssri's and getting off them safely.

There's also lots of friendly support and suggestions here.

 

Can you help us by doing a signature (the notes that appear under each person's post).   Because drugs for many physical conditions interact with ssri's ,please

include all meds you've been given.

What led to you being diagnose bipolar when you were 15?   Were you any meds for that?

 

There's a thread about wanting to taper 2 drugs at once , and it's recommended that you do one at a time , or use an alternating approach.

Going down 50% of the Lexapro dosage is just asking for trouble.  The whole point of going down slowly is to avoid nasty debilitating symptoms , which

may not appear for months after a big decrease.

 

Good to have you on board ,    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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  • Administrator

Welcome, LaurenR.

 

It sounds like you have adverse effects from both Seroquel and Adderal. When was the Zoloft added?

 

It sounds like the Adderal may be causing your anxiety.

 

Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this 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.

Link to comment

Hi Lauren , welcome to the site.   You'll find information here on pretty much anything connected to managing ssri's and getting off them safely.

There's also lots of friendly support and suggestions here.

 

Can you help us by doing a signature (the notes that appear under each person's post).   Because drugs for many physical conditions interact with ssri's ,please

include all meds you've been given.

What led to you being diagnose bipolar when you were 15?   Were you any meds for that?

 

There's a thread about wanting to taper 2 drugs at once , and it's recommended that you do one at a time , or use an alternating approach.

Going down 50% of the Lexapro dosage is just asking for trouble.  The whole point of going down slowly is to avoid nasty debilitating symptoms , which

may not appear for months after a big decrease.

 

Good to have you on board ,    Fresh

 

HI Fresh, thank you for the response. I don't plan to make any rash decisions until I have thoroughly researched everything. From my research, I've calculated that it would take about 10 months to get off the Seroquel, and once off of that I'll start to taper the Zoloft by 10%. I just want to make sure I am doing things in the right order -- Seroquel first, then Zoloft.

 

I have always been extremely sensitive. As a child, my feelings were hurt so easily and I would constantly feel ill, aches, unable to get out of bed. My mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer when I was 11 and I began to act out. By the time I was 15, I was running away, stealing, doing drugs, drinking, having sex, sneaking out -- I was a nightmare. My mom convinced my dad to take me to a psychiatrist and a psychologist, who declared I was "manic depressive" and ADHD. My father rejected the diagnosis ("mental illnesses are for the mentally weak") and my mother died a couple of months later. There wasn't enough of anything in anyone to deal with another illnesses. Until I was 21, things were constantly up and down. I would go through a horrible depressive episode every few months. I took drugs and drank myself in oblivion. My life had no stability. I was definitely manic several times, sometimes for hours, sometimes for days -- but the depression always took back over. After my worst depressive episode in the winter of 2012/2013 I decided to see my school psychologist. She put me on lamictal, and I became suicidal. Well I had been suicidal, but once I was on the lamictal I actually tried to kill myself. I went off the meds and stopped seeing her. Six months later, in June 2013 I had a mixed episode where I went crazy and tried to fight my boyfriend, told everyone he hit me, moved out, thought my dog was my dead mother watching over me, before my boyfriend (who still puts up with me to this day) drove me to the doctor's office and I started Seroquel. My life has changed so much -- and for the better in every way possible -- but I feel like I am addicted to this drug. I sleep 10-12 hours a day, I'm always in a fog. I want to be the old me. Like I said, I want to do this the right way. I don't want to lose my mind again, but I don't believe I need to be on heavy drugs for the rest of my life. There has to be a more holistic and effective approach. Thanks again for the help -- sorry for the tangents.

Bipolar / Rapid-Cycling / ADHD

 

Lamictal January 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Wellbutrin August 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Seroquel (500 mg) July 2013 - Present 

Adderall (7 mg - 1/4 of a 30 mg instant - up to twice daily) September 2013 - Present

Zoloft (100 mg) November 2014 - Present

 

Trying to take an alternative, safe, holistic approach to my health. Graduate student studying nonfiction writing, psychology, and gender studies. 

 

XX Lauren

Link to comment

Welcome, LaurenR.

 

It sounds like you have adverse effects from both Seroquel and Adderal. When was the Zoloft added?

 

It sounds like the Adderal may be causing your anxiety.

 

Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this topic.

 

I began the Seroquel in July 2013, and my psychiatrist added the Adderall in September 2013 because I couldn't get out of bed because of the Seroquel. My insurance changed and I stopped seeing my psychiatrist. My family doctor added the zoloft for anxiety. Sometimes a friend will give me a xanax, and a very, very low dose always seems to work -- but the doctor won't listen.

 

Without the adderall, I know that I wouldn't still have my job or be in school. The seroquel could keep me in bed for days. Eventually, once I am off the Seroquel, I do hope to eliminate the adderall. Thanks for the help.

Bipolar / Rapid-Cycling / ADHD

 

Lamictal January 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Wellbutrin August 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Seroquel (500 mg) July 2013 - Present 

Adderall (7 mg - 1/4 of a 30 mg instant - up to twice daily) September 2013 - Present

Zoloft (100 mg) November 2014 - Present

 

Trying to take an alternative, safe, holistic approach to my health. Graduate student studying nonfiction writing, psychology, and gender studies. 

 

XX Lauren

Link to comment

 

Welcome, LaurenR.

 

It sounds like you have adverse effects from both Seroquel and Adderal. When was the Zoloft added?

 

It sounds like the Adderal may be causing your anxiety.

 

Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this topic.

 

I began the Seroquel in July 2013, and my psychiatrist added the Adderall in September 2013 because I couldn't get out of bed because of the Seroquel. My insurance changed and I stopped seeing my psychiatrist. My family doctor added the zoloft for anxiety. Sometimes a friend will give me a xanax, and a very, very low dose always seems to work -- but the doctor won't listen.

 

Without the adderall, I know that I wouldn't still have my job or be in school. The seroquel could keep me in bed for days. Eventually, once I am off the Seroquel, I do hope to eliminate the adderall. Thanks for the help.

 

Adderall / Zoloft interactions:

 

Talk to your doctor before using sertraline together with amphetamine. Sertraline may increase the effects of amphetamine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Zoloft / Seroquel Interactions:

 

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

GENERALLY AVOID: There is some concern that quetiapine may have additive cardiovascular effects in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. In clinical trials, quetiapine was not associated with a persistent increase in QT intervals, and there was no statistically significant difference between quetiapine and placebo in the proportions of patients experiencing potentially important changes in ECG parameters including QT, QTc, and PR intervals. However, QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing use in cases of quetiapine overdose and in patients with risk factors such as underlying illness or concomitant use of drugs known to cause electrolyte imbalance or increase QT interval. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). 

 

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of quetiapine with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if concomitant use is required. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

Bipolar / Rapid-Cycling / ADHD

 

Lamictal January 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Wellbutrin August 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Seroquel (500 mg) July 2013 - Present 

Adderall (7 mg - 1/4 of a 30 mg instant - up to twice daily) September 2013 - Present

Zoloft (100 mg) November 2014 - Present

 

Trying to take an alternative, safe, holistic approach to my health. Graduate student studying nonfiction writing, psychology, and gender studies. 

 

XX Lauren

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Lauren, 

 

welcome from me too.

 

I'm sorry that rather than getting the help and support you needed to deal with losing your mom, you got a diagnosis and later drugs.  You needed emotional support and guidance to help you through such a difficult time.  Its a sad fact that this happens in our society all the time. Vulnerable people get drugged rather than helped to work through their difficulties.

 

Have you had any counseling to help you deal with the loss of your mom?

 

My life has changed so much -- and for the better in every way possible -- but I feel like I am addicted to this drug. I sleep 10-12 hours a day, I'm always in a fog. I want to be the old me. Like I said, I want to do this the right way. I don't want to lose my mind again, but I don't believe I need to be on heavy drugs for the rest of my life. There has to be a more holistic and effective approach.
 

 

I agree that you don't need to be on a cocktail of heavy drugs your whole life.  But the reality is, you are on them now and your body/nervous system has become adapted to them and you need to be very careful how you stop taking them, or you could become very sick and end up being put on even more drugs.  We see it here all the time.

 

You're on a very high dose of seroquel, its no wonder you can't get out of bed.  This seems to be causing the most problems and if it were me, this is the drug I would begin tapering first.  If you can get the dosage down, you may not experience the overwhelming brain fog and tiredness, and then you wont need the adderal.

 

We suggest reducing by no more than 10% of the current dose every 4 weeks, this reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms arising.  Please read through this which will explain why:

  

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?  (The general philosophy of gradual tapering)

 

Also see:

 

Tips for tapering off Seroquel

 

 

 

I'd highly recommend reading Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker.

 

Other resources you may find helpful are:

The Icarus Project    Beyond Meds   Bipolar or Waking Up

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...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Lauren ,    how are you doing?

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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Hey Lauren ,    how are you doing?

Thank you for asking. Things are going well! I didn't feel any effects what so ever when tapering from 500mg to 450 mg of Seroquel. After three weeks, I tapered down to 400mg and still haven't noticed any effects. Tomorrow I have a four hour consultation with a holistic bipolar specialist, who will be putting me on a homeopathic remedy to help with this transition. I am feeling very optimistic and excited for the future.  

Bipolar / Rapid-Cycling / ADHD

 

Lamictal January 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Wellbutrin August 2013 - No effects, taken off shortly after

Seroquel (500 mg) July 2013 - Present 

Adderall (7 mg - 1/4 of a 30 mg instant - up to twice daily) September 2013 - Present

Zoloft (100 mg) November 2014 - Present

 

Trying to take an alternative, safe, holistic approach to my health. Graduate student studying nonfiction writing, psychology, and gender studies. 

 

XX Lauren

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  • Administrator

Didn't it seem your "mood swings" were caused by drinking alcohol?

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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