Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Hi, I am new to the forum and just set up an account. I am totally intrigued by this phenomenon and also developed these symptoms of PGAD while taking Zoloft 100 mgs. I'm a 30 year old female who has suffered from vestibulodynia, which lasted for three years, and finally went into remission. I have a weak pelvic floor. Following the vestibulodynia remission, I started getting frequent utis (two of which were complicated ones) leaving my pelvic floor muscles even more weak. I am a life-long sufferer of OCD (was diagnosed when I was two years old) and have been through some emotional trauma/stress this past year, causing my OCD to flare from moderate to severe. I have weaned on and off many SSRI's, as well as Cymbalta (SNRI) within that year, while trying to find the best "fit" for me and my disorder. Currently I've been on Zoloft for about two months. It's so weird, bc I always said, I wish I could be a boy for a day. Well I take that back lol, because I know now what it's like to be a boy! I honestly am contemplating becoming a lesbian now, but not sure if I can fully swing that way. I have been following Hopefull on this forum, as I too developed similar or the same symptoms as her while taking Zoloft. The onset of my PGAD symptoms was sudden, however I believe I was developing it even earlier, but symptoms would not last that long. Do the symptoms always start mild, just extra aroused? And then lead to discomfort and/or pain that persists and doesn't leave? This forum is awesome and I love reading all of your posts.. Thank you so much. Link to comment
Hopefull Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Hi Ashbash Welcome to the forum. I hope my story has helped you and given you some hope. How long have you had PGAD symptoms? What are your symptoms? As you know I had bad reaction to Zolof and had PGAD symptoms for a while . I don't have it anymore. I had horrible burning, tingling, stinging ,feeling in my genital area. I had a feeling that I was on the verge of o. It was horrendous. I hated it. I became suicidal. Thank God it has gone. How are you coping with PGAD symptoms? I obsessed over my symptoms, until it finally went away. By the way I too have OCD and it is no fun. Things have been better lately. What other symptoms are you currently experiencing from Zoloft? Have you informed your doctor about it? Best wishes, Hopefull. DRUG HISTORY: November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction). January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey). January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering. October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg. September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed. September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised. February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. Link to comment
Broken Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 For me it came on quite suddenly, there where a few signs leading up to it manifesting but sadly I have been left with this disorder for going on 10 months now. It didn't start until I withdrew from Zoloft (Sertraline) and I had only taken it for 6 weeks. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Broken Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Ash I too have suffered from OCD from childhood. I would imagine that as you're experiencing these symptoms while taking Zoloft that you would be wise to withdraw from it very slowly and cautiously when and if you decide to do so. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Hi girls! Omg this forum is great.. This is the first time I've ever joined a forum so very new and exciting for me.. I want to add something else regarding my "pain syndrome" history. I noticed my onset of vestibulodynia (5 years ago) another pelvic pain syndrome caused by overactive nerves firing off spontaneoisly, a couple days after starting Prozac (Fluoxetine.) After seeing a vulvar pain specialist/gyno, she prescribed me nortryptiline (trycyclic antidepressant) in its liquid form, which I gradually increased before bedtime. My vestibulodynia went into remission about a year ago. The trycyclic antidepressants are known to calm overactive nerves down. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Maybe I got the vestibulodynia onset 4 years ago, I can't remember.. And lidicane ointment is good for vestibulodynia, which I still have in my medicine cabinet. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Okay and back to PGAD lol.. Hopefull, my noticeable onset occurred in a single day. When I get stressed I get extra aroused anyway, which I'm sure can be related to. I'm also before my period so my hormones are goin nuts. The other day, last week, I was sitting in my chair in my room watching tv and playin with my phone. I wasn't wearing underwear just pants that day. (All my undies were dirty that day lol.) I noticed I got excited and it was a stronger urge than normal, but I figured it was my hormones before my period affecting me. But after I "did the deed" like five mind later, I'd get excited again. So I "did the deed" again. I ended up "doing the deed" like all day long.. Like a horny ass dude! My symptoms were strong the past two days and seemed to subside on and off nearing towards the night time, although last night I had discomfort, which made it hard to fall asleep. But yeah, for me it started with heightened arousal even though I wasn't thinking of anything sexual at the time, and then led to persistent discomfort and pain in my lower belly right above the clitoris. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Broken.. I am planning on withdrawing right away. A very very slow wean, I'm very nervous to start the process though, but I'm doing it no question. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Hopefull, yes it feels like I'm about to have an "o." Like it's stuck in "pre-o" mode, but it's not pleasurable, it's annoying and frustrating. I too obsessed over my vestibulodynia until it completely went away, which was only last year. I want to make it clear for everyone that you cannot take an ssri and a trycyclic antidepressant together due to risk of getting seratonin syndrome. I think at the time of my vestibulodynia diagnosis, I was already taking a low dose of lexapro in the morning and the increasing nortriptyline (weaning up slowly) before bed. I think perhaps the lower dose of an ssri is okay with the trycyclics, but be sure to ask your doc first.. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 If anyone has any questions about vestibulodynia or vulvadynia, feel welcome to ask me, as it is also one of the chronic pelvic pain syndromes Hope everyone is feeling better and having a smooth day. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 And Broken, my onset became noticeably persistent during the wean up on Zoloft. I'm scared to wean down now in fear it will get worse. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 20, 2015 Administrator Share Posted May 20, 2015 Welcome, Ashbash. Are you taking nortryptiline and Zoloft? That's certainly not necessary. 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. See Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline) 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
Hopefull Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 Hi Ashbash, You should slowly wean off Zoloft, because of PGAD. I had onset of symptoms 1 hour after I took 3rd Zoloft tablet. I understand your concern in regards to PGAD symptoms getting worse as you lower the dose. Your symptoms may not get worse, it might get better. Keep your spirits high, you seem to be coping ok. I am sure that the PGAD symptoms will resolve in time. Cheers, Hopefull. DRUG HISTORY: November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction). January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey). January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering. October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg. September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed. September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised. February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted May 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 21, 2015 Hi Ashbash , welcome to the site. As I read you thread , it pops out to me that you wrote: "I noticed my onset of vestibulodynia. . . . a couple of days after starting Prozac". From the little reading I did about this condition , I'm wondering if you actually do have it , or have had PGAD related to ad's for the past 5 years. A doctor unfamiliar with PGAD may come up with a diagnosis to try and explain your symptoms , but may be wrong. Which condition do you think your symptoms fit? Good to have you on board , Fresh Btw , this symptom happens to men as well as women. 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 Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Hi Fresh.. Thanks for welcoming me.. It was in fact vestibulodynia (pain of the vestibule) due to overactive nerve endings. The vestibule is the entrance to the ******. PGAD, also overactive nerves, but it seems to be more about the most excitable part of our genitalia, the clitoris, causing sensations all over the genitals. Vestibulodynia is localized to the vestibule. I had provoked vestibulodynia, which means my vestibule hurt more to the touch. These pain syndromes fall under the broader category of vulvadynia. Pain can have many sensations, itchiness is a cousin of pain.. It's all overactive nerve endings. The nervous system goin haywire, or overactive. Link to comment
Broken Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Ash as Fresh mentioned it's not just females who suffer with PGAD. There have been a few men on this forum who also suffer with this condition following the use of or withdrawal from antidepressants, myself included. Would you consider switching to Prozac and weaning from that instead of weaning from Zoloft? I know you have used Prozac yourself in the past as have I. Due to it's half life I found it far easier withdrawing from Prozac than I did Zoloft. My experience withdrawing from Zoloft was truly horrendous and extremely difficult. Just a thought. It might even help to curb your PGAD symptoms before you start your taper. Then again I appreciate this is nothing more than guess work. Take care. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Aww man, my phone died and I had a good response all typed out for you, Broken.. Anyway, I'm really sorry for assuming we're all girls here. I have actually heard of the switch over to Prozac while weaning off some SSRI's. I actually just read about that the other day so the idea is new to me. I see my shrink today. I think when developing these pain syndromes, it's not really about the shrinks anymore. It's about finding a doctor who is familiar, who even specializes in the pain syndromes. And Alastrata, I was already on a low dose of lexapro for my ocd/anxiety before my gyno/vulvar pain specialist prescribed me nortryptiline (trycyclic antideppressant) in its liquid form to increase gradually before bedtime to help with my vestibulodynia. The trycyclics also have side effects, which is why she wanted me to do the slow wean up it. And so while they're not as effective for treating ocd and other anxiety disorders, they're known to calm overactive nerves down, which is I think what we're all experiencing. I'm no longer on nortryptiline and haven't been for years. It took me a while to discover the culprit could actually be my SSRI since taking an SSRI for my disorder has always trumped its side effects. It wasn't until the other day when I read all of your stories and joined the forum that led me to believe the SSRI's are affecting our bodies negatively. I think as we get older, our bodies and hormones change, leaving us to react differently to the once helpful SSRI. I'm 30 now and the SSRI's came out in the 80's. I was born in '84 and started taking Prozac (my first SSRI) when I was 8 years old. It helped me back then tremendously with little side effects. I told my dad yesterday I'm a guinea pig for SSRI's! And we are, unfortunately. But the forum is here, and we're all here to support each other and help each other by sharing our stories, and learning more about what appears to be, an epidemic. Broken, what about Zoloft in its liquid form for weaning? I read about that being more gradual and precise, thanks to Alastrata sending me a link about weaning.. Thanks Alastrata! I have a variety of health issues I had just developed over the past year not related to the SSRI's, including IBS, frequent utis, and now PGAD. Thanks for sharing your stories with me girls and boys.. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Broken, can I ask how old you are? Link to comment
Broken Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 If you want to try the liquid taper by all means do so. Whatever you feel is best for you at this moment in time Ash. I'm not really in a position to advise, considering A. I'm not qualified and B. I'm all f*cked up. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Broken how old are you ??? Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 And how do you know about the Zoloft to Prozac switch for weaning off? Did your shrink tell you? And is it safe? This question is for Broken, but anyone can share their knowledge regarding this, obviously and please.. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Nvd Broken, I just looked at your profile. You're only two years older than me. Have you been on SSRI's from childhood too, like me? And are you taking a trycyclic antideppressant for the discomfort/pain? You need to take them longterm, they work dude. I took nortryptiline for my other chronic pain syndrome and it went into remission, it went away.. Hopefull is another good example of someone who's chronic pain syndrome, the one we're all here to talk about (PGAD,) went away but I think it got gradually better first.. Totally correct me if I'm wrong about this Hopefull. So Broken, you're attitude, I want you to change it !!! Link to comment
Broken Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 I refused to take antidepressants, didn't concede until I was 25 and it was more for depression I was dealing with at the time rather than OCD. As far as switching to Prozac when weaning it's not something I have tried personally although I have taken it. I have read about it and that due to it's half life it can in theory be easier to taper from Prozac than any alternative antidepressant. As far as taking an antidepressant to help with my PGAD symptoms, it's a gamble and one which won't necessarily pay off. I think I'll be avoiding them from now on, historically they've caused more problems than they've resolved for myself. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted May 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 21, 2015 Thanks for the explanation Ashbash. The thread on switching to Prozac is here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1463-the-prozac-switch-or-bridging-with-prozac 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 Link to comment
Broken Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Broken how old are you ??? 32 years young, don't feel it. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Fresh.. Thanks so much for the link and np for the explanation. I'm blown away of how complicated all this is. I did not know Zoloft was such a hard core drug.. I'm familiar more with the pelvic pain syndromes than I am with the withdrawing and weaning off process of SSRI's. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Broken, do you feel younger or older than 32? I'm confused.. Link to comment
Broken Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Much much older Ash. December 2008 Prescribed 20mg citalopram (celexa) for depression and OCD.July 2013 stopped taking citalopram (celexa). November 2013 reinstated citalopram (celexa) following replapse at 20mg for 4 weeks, 40mg for 4 weeks and tapered off over 4 weeks as my condition had deteriorated. February 2014 started 20mg of fluoxetine (prozac). Didn't tolerate it and stopped 4 weeks later, experienced no withdrawal. May 2014 started 25mg of sertraline (zoloft), increased to 50mg after 1 week. Remained at 50mg for 4 weeks before increasing to 100mg at the request of my psychiatrist despite advising of suicidal ideation for an additional week before stopping. Advised to drop to 50mg for 3 days before withdrawing altogether. I did as advised and horrendous withdrawal ensued. 11th August 2014 commenced escitalopram (lexapro), weaned off end of October 2014. Commenced Clonazepam December 2014 0.5mg twice daily, switched to Diazepam 10mg twice daily with a view to tapering of the benzodiazepine altogether. Tapering schedule presently at a reduction of 1mg of Diazepam every 1-2 weeks depending upon side effects. So far experienced no severe physical side effects except worsening of PGAD symptoms upon reduction which does seem to improve within a few days of doing so. Presently taking no antidepressants however still experiencing mild agitation, severe depression and PGAD which is currently being treated by a physiotherapist. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Broken, me too man.. ???? Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 But I'm not wasting time and going on a trycyclic antidepressant, like nortryptiline again, or anafranil, or cymbalta.. I actually really like cymbalta. It's supposed to help with the overactive nerve situation, although it still works on seratonin and the other neurotransmitter. Anafranil is an older drug used for OCD as well. I have to look up if it helps with pain, bc it's a trycyclic. Also, has anyone ever heard of NAC? It's over the counter supplement used for overcoming addiction, alcoholism, and some compulsive behaviors. There is another neurotransmitter, glutamate, that research has proven OCD sufferers are lacking. I think NAC works on that neurotransmitter (glutamate) as opposed to seratonin. To the longterm OCD sufferers out there, I have a really good feeling about this supplement being available. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Sorry.. I'm not wasting time and going on a trycyclic AD as soon as I can, once I ween off Zoloft. I wanted to clarify my sentence, it made no sense in my last post.. :/ Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Okay, really need sleep now.. G'night all! ???? Take care. Link to comment
Ashbash30 Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Wait.. There's Lyrica too (for overactive nerve pain) and that's not an antidepressant at all.. Night again! ???? Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted May 22, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 22, 2015 Here is a topic about Lyrica: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3228-lyrica-pregabalin-for-pain/ Here is one on NAC: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/767-n-acetylcysteine-nac/ And here is one on PGAD: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4587-persistent-genital-arousal-disorder-pgad/ (Pardon my enthusiasm - I just learned to cut and paste and it's kind of fun ) 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 Link to comment
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