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NorthAlabama25: 5 Years off and still morning anxiety


NorthAlabama25

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*moved from symptoms forum

 

I'm 5 years now completel y med free, still have withdrawal, but symptoms come and go  quickly, but the minute it gets cold weather, I start having brutal static electricity, Even my bottom of my leg touches car and gets shocked, i have of course had static electricity before withdrawal before. It seems worse since I went into withdrawal, has anyone else experienced this in withdrawal, a worsening of static electricity, and has anyone still had this worsening at 5 years?

Edited by Petunia
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So sorry you are still suffering from some symptoms this far out!

It's interesting you mentioned electricity!

 

I'm still on the road of micro taper, but I believe lots my symptoms are caused by my body electricity wired wrong and shocking inside my entire body. I actually was wonder f there is a way to neutralize human body electricity which could be the only cure to withdrawal of these brain altering drugs.

 

I will do more research on this.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Whenever it gets colder more static electricity is totally normal and caused by the drier air. There is no problem at all. Glad you are doing well.

Paxil start September 2003 due to Fluoroquinolone adverse reaction that I wish doc. knew what it was. 10mg. most of the time with a few short runs of 20mg. FAST tapered 3 times and finally hit poop out or a reaction to nsaid's in Nov.2013. Started a 10% taper Jan. 2014 and have been ok until Sept 14 and went through a short hell. Now plodding through and looking for the light with unrelenting insomnia and pain, fog, loss of interests....<p>12/20/14 - .8mg.

1/01/15 - .75 mg.

1/15/15 - .42 mg. better sleep now, hope it continues...

2/11-15 - .25 mg. doing really good!! 2 weeks feel 85% of old me!

3/17/15 .14 mg. Knee pain bad!

4/07/15 .05 mg. this is so small now that I am estimating and just licking it off palm small as a "." 

4/13/15 NOTHING !!!! Took my last little micro dose on 4/12/15. 

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Sorry DLB, I kind of disagree. I still believe it's not a normal situation even it can be worsened by the weather.

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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I'm 5 years now completly med free after basically cold turkeying a antidepressant and a benzo, i'm much better obviously thanwithdrawal early, but i just got up and am havinghorrendous anxiety and was having awful dreams!!! It was like i was half awake andknew i wasn't asleep but i could still feel the impact from the dreams!!!!  you guys think its withdrawal and if it is is it normal to have this hell at 5 years completley med free!!

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I know the feeling , I hope it passes for you so soon .

Is it the only symptom remaining ? 

On and off prozac from 2010 -2014 .

Several failed fast tapers and reinstatements .

Cold turkey : March  2014 .

-----------------------------------------

took lysanxia 40 mg a day for almost a year
november -14- 2018 weaned to 30 mg
november -26- 2018 weaned to 20 mg
symptoms that got better : fatigue
current symptoms : severe anxiety
one rescue dose (10 mg ) december -15 -2018
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I'm 5 years now completly med free after basically cold turkeying a antidepressant and a benzo, i'm much better obviously thanwithdrawal early, but i just got up and am havinghorrendous anxiety and was having awful dreams!!! It was like i was half awake andknew i wasn't asleep but i could still feel the impact from the dreams!!!! you guys think its withdrawal and if it is is it normal to have this hell at 5 years completley med free!!

Have you read up to see if you are sensitive to histamine ? High histamine can cause this its something I ve been addressing for a while now and don't believe I d get better if I didn't . Caffeine also. Apologies if you ve already looked into this if not google histamine intolerance. Am. 40 months completely med free by the way

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Still having symptoms at 5 years off is not unusual around here, but I'm not sure how 'normal' it is. I've been off lexapro about 5 years now, and completely drug free almost 3 years and still have bad morning anxiety. I also have vivid bad dreams/nightmares which seem real and their impact lasts for hours after I wake, see: Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing cortisol spikes ...

 

NorthAlabama25, please start a topic for yourself in our Introductions and updates  forum where you can share your story, so we can get to know you and provide support. *posts moved to start an intro topic

Edited by Petunia
updated

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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Normal. Some people who cold turkey'd can take 10+ years to recover. Im 3 years out and still have many symptoms.

I know of a lot of people who still at tons of symptoms at 5 years off. Hang on it will get better.

Was on Citalopram 20mg since Feb 2008 - switched to Paxil 20mg in August 2010

Tapered way too fast in April 2012 by skipping days. Taper completed in 6 weeks

Tried prozac 20mg for 3 days - felt spaced out, not better.

Tried 30mg Cymbalta for 2 days. SEVERE ADVERSE REACTION

Antidepressant free since 14 August 2012

Birth control on and off during this time - Last taken 18 June 2017 - Morning after pill 

Started mainly using 0.5mg Xanax beginning 2016 for severe panic attacks and anxiety due to trauma

Xanax on and off never more than 0.5mg at a time, never taking it 3 days in a row - used sparingly 

 

6 Years antidepressant free - Still in severe withdrawal with over 60 symptoms

Severe setback started May 2018 with no let up to date. Developed many new symptoms like tremors, inner vibrations, insomnia, visual distortions and dr/dp are 100x worse, i have severe sensitivity to movement, My dizziness and vertigo got worse and it now feels like im constantly rocking on a boat, my anxiety is sky high, suicidal idiation is back, i feel extremely brain damaged 

 

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What other symptoms do you have at 5 years off please list all symptoms

Was on Citalopram 20mg since Feb 2008 - switched to Paxil 20mg in August 2010

Tapered way too fast in April 2012 by skipping days. Taper completed in 6 weeks

Tried prozac 20mg for 3 days - felt spaced out, not better.

Tried 30mg Cymbalta for 2 days. SEVERE ADVERSE REACTION

Antidepressant free since 14 August 2012

Birth control on and off during this time - Last taken 18 June 2017 - Morning after pill 

Started mainly using 0.5mg Xanax beginning 2016 for severe panic attacks and anxiety due to trauma

Xanax on and off never more than 0.5mg at a time, never taking it 3 days in a row - used sparingly 

 

6 Years antidepressant free - Still in severe withdrawal with over 60 symptoms

Severe setback started May 2018 with no let up to date. Developed many new symptoms like tremors, inner vibrations, insomnia, visual distortions and dr/dp are 100x worse, i have severe sensitivity to movement, My dizziness and vertigo got worse and it now feels like im constantly rocking on a boat, my anxiety is sky high, suicidal idiation is back, i feel extremely brain damaged 

 

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Cressida , Petunia and NoMeaning25 how are you doing after all this time med free ?

are you functional ?

And NoMeaning25 is it possible to stay dysfunctional at 5 years + off ? or the people you know still have symptoms but not to the point of debilitating them ?  :(

Sorry NorthAlabama25 I know it's not my topic .

On and off prozac from 2010 -2014 .

Several failed fast tapers and reinstatements .

Cold turkey : March  2014 .

-----------------------------------------

took lysanxia 40 mg a day for almost a year
november -14- 2018 weaned to 30 mg
november -26- 2018 weaned to 20 mg
symptoms that got better : fatigue
current symptoms : severe anxiety
one rescue dose (10 mg ) december -15 -2018
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40 months drug free. Am a lot better than I was but still have symptoms. Mainly

Head symptoms . Continuous pulsing /whooshing sound /feeling in head. Tinnitus . Other head noises .scalp tension

Still get "cortisol" wake ups lots of nights with palpitations and burning in feet and lower legs. Not nearly as bad as it was.

Anxiety very much better. Incredibly so. But will always be worse when I wake up .

My current symptoms I believe are due to sensitivity /high histamine and controlling my diet has helped a lot but its in everything and you have to eat so can't avoid it altogether .

My quality of life is improving . Was at a party all evening yesterday ( drank only fizzy water ) and had a lovely time no anxiety . My biggest problem is the head pulsing frightens me and undermines my confidence in doing things alone. But I don't turn anything down because of anxiety any more. My neuro emotions have very much settled . I need to start tackling my exercise. So am much improved but not completely healed by any means. Would be feeling almost better a lot of the time except for the head and I am working on accepting that.

. I don't think there are any miracle cures or quick fixes you have to live as healthily as possible try and identify any personal triggers ( sugar, caffeine, histamine etc ) and hang in there I think . Just my opinion .

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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Stopping by to say hello NorthAlabama25. I am in North Alabama as well. I am 15 months off a MUCH too rapid taper of Zoloft.

 

Wishing you well!!

Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day).

Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired)

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40 months drug free. Am a lot better than I was but still have symptoms. Mainly

Head symptoms . Continuous pulsing /whooshing sound /feeling in head. Tinnitus . Other head noises .scalp tension

Still get "cortisol" wake ups lots of nights with palpitations and burning in feet and lower legs. Not nearly as bad as it was.

Anxiety very much better. Incredibly so. But will always be worse when I wake up .

My current symptoms I believe are due to sensitivity /high histamine and controlling my diet has helped a lot but its in everything and you have to eat so can't avoid it altogether .

My quality of life is improving . Was at a party all evening yesterday ( drank only fizzy water ) and had a lovely time no anxiety . My biggest problem is the head pulsing frightens me and undermines my confidence in doing things alone. But I don't turn anything down because of anxiety any more. My neuro emotions have very much settled . I need to start tackling my exercise. So am much improved but not completely healed by any means. Would be feeling almost better a lot of the time except for the head and I am working on accepting that.

. I don't think there are any miracle cures or quick fixes you have to live as healthily as possible try and identify any personal triggers ( sugar, caffeine, histamine etc ) and hang in there I think . Just my opinion .

 

How are your cognitive functions, and emotions?  Did your emotions come back?  It's been 2 years and I only get small glimpses of what used to be emotions - I really miss my emotions :(

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  • Administrator

Welcome, NoAla.

 

That reaction might be triggered by morning light. Please look at the suggestions in the topic Petunia gave you.

 

It sounds like you've been through a lot, and are doing better now. What drugs were you taking? For how long? Can you describe the path your withdrawal symptoms took? Did anything help the healing along?

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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40 months drug free. Am a lot better than I was but still have symptoms. Mainly

Head symptoms . Continuous pulsing /whooshing sound /feeling in head. Tinnitus . Other head noises .scalp tension

Still get "cortisol" wake ups lots of nights with palpitations and burning in feet and lower legs. Not nearly as bad as it was.

Anxiety very much better. Incredibly so. But will always be worse when I wake up .

My current symptoms I believe are due to sensitivity /high histamine and controlling my diet has helped a lot but its in everything and you have to eat so can't avoid it altogether .

My quality of life is improving . Was at a party all evening yesterday ( drank only fizzy water ) and had a lovely time no anxiety . My biggest problem is the head pulsing frightens me and undermines my confidence in doing things alone. But I don't turn anything down because of anxiety any more. My neuro emotions have very much settled . I need to start tackling my exercise. So am much improved but not completely healed by any means. Would be feeling almost better a lot of the time except for the head and I am working on accepting that.

. I don't think there are any miracle cures or quick fixes you have to live as healthily as possible try and identify any personal triggers ( sugar, caffeine, histamine etc ) and hang in there I think . Just my opinion .

How are your cognitive functions, and emotions? Did your emotions come back? It's been 2 years and I only get small glimpses of what used to be emotions - I really miss my emotions :(

To start off with I had an abundance of fear and anger. So much so that it didn't leave a lot of room for other emotions. Now the anxiety has calmed down a lot and the anger has subsided , I no longer hate my husband lol , am sure from his point of view I am much more pleasant to live with. My sense of humour is breaking through. I feel love very powerfully , I can get overwhelmed by news items, not just tragedies but for example the All Black rugby player giving his winners medal to the boy. I read somewhere that Dr Healey says emotions heal one at a time , so you may have to be patient .

Cognitive functions. Depends what you are looking at. Read books follow TV /film. . Can plan . Problem solve. Memory getting better. Can generally remember if I ve brushed my teeth etc whereas before I couldn't remember I seemed to operate on auto pilot maybe because my brain was overwhelmed by anxiety. I m generally tired because I'm still having mainly disturbed nights, and have a foggy band around my forehead which doesn't help me feel at my sharpest if that makes sense. H no longer gets impatient with me do I guess am sharper than I was some months ago . I am starting to feel more like me .

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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BTW. Worth trying but my bedroom is completely dark and it has had no impact on those awful dreams and morning fear. This far out when I get breaks from that mine are influenced by food. Don't eat late. If you are having any caffeine try not having it after 3pm. I haven't had any sugar for a long time which includes fruit, and I follow my own version of a low histamine diet . I think everyone tailors this themselves. Haven't had those dreams for a while and my morning anxiety is generally mild

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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Hello there.  I'm in North Alabama too!  I agree with the diet considerations ect ~ magnesium has been a big help to me in this journey.

On Zoloft for 10 years (50 mg) for GAD & panic attacks

Weaned off fall of 2013, terrible set back in Feb '14 back on 100 mg & trazadone to sleep.

Did CT off of Zoloft in May 2014 - bad decision!

Back on 50 mg Zoloft & Xanax as needed (was upped to 75 mg by doctor in Feb 2015)

Started to wean off of Zoloft in April 2015 ~ totally off Zoloft in Oct 2015 and now am on Buspar 11.25 mg to help.

I was on a 50 mg pill & 25 mg pill - I cut the 25 mg pill in half (12.5) and took that with the 50 for 6 weeks - 1st week June 2015

 50 mg for another 6 weeks. 25 mg in half and the 50 mg in half (37.5), 25 mg mid Sept for about 2 weeks.,1/2 of the 25 mg last week of Sept/1st week of Oct then off.

Update** 9 mg Zoloft reinstated early Nov 15, along with 1.5 mg Buspar daily. On .50 of Buspar & 9 mg of Zoloft. Oct '16 - off of Buspar, Nov '16 - down to 7.5 mg Zoloft. March'17 - 4 mg Zoloft. July'17 - 2 mg, Sept 1 mg. Oct'17 - off! Done!

I also take magnesium, L theanine, Gaba Calm, L Glutamine, Vit B complex(for methyl issues), Liver & Gall bladder support, Zinc, Whole Food Vit C & Fish Oil. DARE & the bible are the tools I use to help navigate this  process.

 

 

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  • Administrator

Excellent suggestions, Cressida. Thank you.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello NorthAlabama,

 

I'm so sorry things are still rough for you.  Something I do to get me out of that 'stuck in the dreams' state is get up and dip my feet in cold water.  A friend suggested it to me and I find it both refreshing and useful to wake me up properly out of my dreams.  Otherwise I can feel quite stuck in my dreams and shaky from them even into the day.  

 

Other ways I deal with morning anxiety are turning on the radio, or sitting up and writing all my random thoughts down on paper.  Just write and write and don't think - let it all spill out.  It helps stop my circling thoughts, and I feel like I've done some processing. 

 

Hope you find some relief,

KarenB

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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  • 9 months later...

anyone here med free 6 years?  I cted celexa and ambien 6 years ago with symptoms still but much better.  What symptoms do you guys have that cted 6 years ago, i was on meds a total of 9 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcome Northalabama!

 

 

I'm so sorry that you are still not out of the woods completely after 6 yrs. I'm glad you are feeling much better though.

I'm still tapering so my experience won't answer your question.

How are you doing now? What symptoms have disappeared/improved and what are still on?

 

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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  • Administrator

Hello, NAla. I merged your new post here as a continuation of your Intro topic.

 

Reading back on what you've posted, how have your symptoms changed? How are you feeling now?

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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  • 4 weeks later...

im having horrible anxiety and fear every time i wake up from sleep!!! im 6 years med free since i cted celexa and ambien  and this symptom is STILL BAD!!!! anything i can do to help alleviate this symptom like nutrition or a supplement i can take, this symptom is killing me!!!!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

NorthAlabama, I've moved your post to your introduction and update topic so that all your information will be in one place.

 

You might have a look at the topic on waking up with panic or anxiety due to cortisol surges. Recently at least one person has posted about something that helped them.

 

Your introduction is the best place to ask questions about your situation rather than starting a new topic especially in another forum (Tapering, Symptoms).  The introductions forum is the first place I look at for members' questions. Other moderators may do the same thing.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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  • 8 months later...

Well, in august it will be 7 years since i stopped all meds, for all you guys who are just begining withdrawal and are in HELL!!!!! Let me tell you I was in your situation and believe me.. IT GETS BETTER!! I know it feels like it will never get better, but it does, DON'T KILL YOURSELF!!  I know i was in that mindset the 1st and 2nd year of withdrawal, but believe me you will heal and have a normal life again trust me But the bad news is guys i still have some linguering symptoms,  I still believe the meds caused me to go bald, i had one transplant to put a little hair on my head , but  i still havent healed and feel my nervous system is still messed up , i'll try to list symptoms that i still have so bear with me, hear is the list.

 

 

1. Bloating, i still bloat bad when i eat, especially if its fast food, , early in withdrawal, i would have pain, and bloating. The pain is pretty much gone, but not the bloating, i almost look pregnant when i bloat. it lasts hours and its whenever i have a meal.

 

2. Gastrointestinal Issues, I still have severe issues with flatuelence  and diarrhea  type symptoms, its almost like IBS but if I exercise streneous i immediately have to use the bathroom i crap alot during the day..

 

3. symptoms vamped when exercising, if  i overdue my exercising, my neck gets stiff,  anxietty goes up, and im restless, and sometimes my muscles get heavy

 

4. Can't wear shoes, its been years since ive worn shoes, if i wear socks and shoes, my feet start stinging, and spasming , .

 

 

Well thats my story, this drug destroyed me like nothing else in my life has but im making it and it was  alot worse, hang in guys it gets better, hang in there, i hope this helps others.

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*moved from symptoms forum

 

I'm 5 years now completel y med free, still have withdrawal, but symptoms come and go  quickly, but the minute it gets cold weather, I start having brutal static electricity, Even my bottom of my leg touches car and gets shocked, i have of course had static electricity before withdrawal before. It seems worse since I went into withdrawal, has anyone else experienced this in withdrawal, a worsening of static electricity, and has anyone still had this worsening at 5 years?

Dear North

I am 4 years off Zoloft - and many of my symptoms I still have - I didn't have such a bad time getting off, it was when I stopped completely which took me one year and a half -  about 3 months or so after stopping all hell broke loose and I have not been the same since - I get windows (if that is what you call it)  very short lived but waves are constantly there.....

 

I am sorry you are 5 years out and still have symptoms, I wish there were some answers -  but they will all go away eventually - I belong to another group called Protracted Withdrawal and some are 7 years off and still have WDs...but eventually the symptoms will pass - we have to have courage and speranza and support -  and never ever give up -  it you are afraid to do things - then do it afraid - don't let fear stop you - just do it.....as I do.....every single day.

 

All the people in all the groups I belong to .......I pray for you because  I can walk solidly in your shoes

 

Lee (f)

xx

Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules

Started tapering December 3, 2011,

Off Zoloft May 17, 2013

While tapering WDS were tolerable

Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off

even worse after 18 months off

Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now.

 

 

 

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  • 8 months later...

I am 7 almost 8 years since i cted zoloft after taking it 7 years, i was going to start exercising to lose the weight ive gained  since withdrawal, i walked on my treadmill at 3.2 miles an hour   for an hour a couple of days and then one day i went to shower after i walked on  the treadmill, after my shower, i went to lay on the couch to rest, and starting having the zapping, horrible pain i had in withdrawal early on, im having the not sleeping more than 5 hours and zapping feet pain waking me up, if i try to dose off, i have stinging, needle, or other pain in my  feet, ive had it over a week now, as well as stinging, pin needle, or bee stibng in my feet, legs, face, neck, even thigh!! Im going nuts just like in early withdrawal, is this withdrawal guys at 7 years out. Please help, Im Scared, going nuts, and very sad, im also an autistic person as well

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Can you give us some background on your WD history? How long have you been symptom free before this happened?

Paxil 10mg 2004-2011

7.5mg 4months

5mg. 4months

2.5mg.8 months no wd issues

Dropped pax 4-10-12

5-9-12 started prozac to alleviate symptoms (no relief)

5-22-12 reinstated paxil 2.5mg

5-28-12 5mg pax (couldn't tolerate sides)

6-22-12 Pax 2.5

6-30-12 Pax O

Cerebrolysin to help with wd at 29 months. Horrible decision much worse.

Still suffering sever Brain fog, Confusion, slow thinking,And just feeling sick and weird (hard to explain),facial twitching, weakness, shaking and jerking

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I've merged your new topic with your original Intro so that members can see your history.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello, NorthAlabama,

 

I have two suggestions to make  based on your descriptions of symptoms:

1.  Avoid strenuous exercise.  For many (most?) in withdrawal it is very stressful on an already very stressed system.  For us in withdrawal, the practices that are healthful for others are sometimes the opposite for us.

2.  Avoid fast food.  It is not helping you to recover.   

Edited by Gridley

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Thanks guys but what i need to know is has anyone been off as long as I have and retriggered symptoms like these?  I need to know do these eventually go away again, cause they are baD NOW!!!  Any help id appreciate, its bad RIGHT NOW!!!

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Hi Alabama,

 

dont panic, I remember reading couple other ppl who healed for years then got sudden setbacks. But those lasted only a short period before everupything got back to normal again. My guess is, the drug hunted system is somewhat still not like the original one, and another adjustment needed even after long term non symptoms from majority part healed and stabilized. I believe this setback will be brief and gone soon for you. Just let it be and not add more stress by freaking out. Be kind to yourself and have faith!

 

Also, how long have you been healed? 

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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