Help777 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 Today is third day of .5mg increase Nothing yet May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted July 21, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 21, 2016 I've just read back through your thread. I think it would be good if you do the same. Some of the advice was not to fiddle with other drugs. There are no quick fixes. Stabilisation takes time and we live from one window to the next. Also it takes 4 days for any change to fully register. I know it's very, very hard but the only way out into a drug free life is to learn how to deal with symptoms without resorting to drugs. Bouncing the doses just causes further destabilisation and prolongs healing. Let's look into other things we can do about your symptoms rather than drugs. Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 Thank you for your help, bubble. When you say it would be good for me to do the same, what do you mean? Just wait to see if the prozac increase does anything, or also add a bit of effexor? Thank you. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted July 21, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 21, 2016 I meant reading through your thread. It will give you lots of answers. Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 Ok i do often. Are waves really this bad for everyone? I don't know how people get through this massive depression and wish to die and constant crying. I must be a wimp. Im not trying to complain. I really do think i cannot handle this. Others must have what it takes. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted July 21, 2016 Moderator Share Posted July 21, 2016 We all have what it takes, for some people it just takes longer for that fact to sink in. If you're making it from one day to the next then you have it. The symptoms caused by WD can be VERY unpleasant, but they won't harm you. Any harm comes at ones own hand and unless you chose that unacceptable solution you have the right stuff. Read back through your thread, you've survived some horrible times and are still functioning. Wow, I'm impressed!!! You and every other member here are navigating one of the trickiest, most painful courses that life can throw at us. Yes we cry a lot, we hid in bed, we get angry and frustrated and lash out, but in the end all that will drop away and we will walk out having survived. Not many will know exactly what we've been through, but that is what makes us a special group of individuals. Whinge away, it's one of our coping tools but don't let your whinging cause you to loose belief in yourself. 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 22, 2016 Author Share Posted July 22, 2016 Brass, thank you. I am humbled by your time and inclination to encourage me. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
nz11 Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 We all have what it takes, for some people it just takes longer for that fact to sink in. If you're making it from one day to the next then you have it. The symptoms caused by WD can be VERY unpleasant, but they won't harm you. Any harm comes at ones own hand and unless you chose that unacceptable solution you have the right stuff. Read back through your thread, you've survived some horrible times and are still functioning. Wow, I'm impressed!!! You and every other member here are navigating one of the trickiest, most painful courses that life can throw at us. Yes we cry a lot, we hid in bed, we get angry and frustrated and lash out, but in the end all that will drop away and we will walk out having survived. Not many will know exactly what we've been through, but that is what makes us a special group of individuals. Whinge away, it's one of our coping tools but don't let your whinging cause you to loose belief in yourself. Well said Brass Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 23, 2016 Author Share Posted July 23, 2016 I have churned things up. I believe one of the moderators warning me about the risk of reinstatement or updosing. But I had to do something, I was nearing being admitted to hospital. Today is day 4 of increasing my prozac dose to 1.5mg from 1mg. After I initially reinstated 1 mg prozac I felt better exactly 3-4 days after. That last 2 weeks and during this I had a decent window. That came crashing down soon after and started having a bad wave, just like before i reinstated...feelings of intense dread, depression, wanting to die, crying all the time, not leaving my house. That last about 12 days before I decided to try increasing my prozac a bit. That was 4 days ago. All of a sudden I have a jolt of energy. The dread and depression have magically disappeared but I have an uncomfortable agitation, energy, racing thoughts about everything I want to do today. This makes me really scared as this is obviously a reaction to the increase. If I stay with this am I going to crash again soon into that death wave. I hate to touch the dose but am scared about what comes next. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted July 23, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 23, 2016 Help, if you adjust your dose it will be difficult to achieve stability. Stable dose = stable symptoms over time. Having a wave CRASH rather than ebb is scary. Do what you can to let go of the feeling of fear. What can you do to manage the anxiety now? Have another look at Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms Would you update your signature with the updose and the date? 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 IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 23, 2016 Author Share Posted July 23, 2016 Is it likely i will have a similar pattern...have 15 days of a more uplifted mood because of the dose increase, then crash again, hard? After this last wave of 12 days where i was suicidal i could not take a minute more. I had to increase the dose. But now i am caught between a rock and a hard place...damned if i updose, damned if i don't. When i crash again, i am not sure i can go for any length of time feeling that desperate. How long can a suicidal wave go on for? Longer than 12 days apparently. How can i not be scared?! Is anyone else caught in this?? May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted July 23, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 23, 2016 Response but non-answer to your question: The only thing predictable about waves and windows is that once they've started, they continue. 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 IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 23, 2016 Administrator Share Posted July 23, 2016 I have churned things up. I believe one of the moderators warning me about the risk of reinstatement or updosing. But I had to do something, I was nearing being admitted to hospital. Today is day 4 of increasing my prozac dose to 1.5mg from 1mg. After I initially reinstated 1 mg prozac I felt better exactly 3-4 days after. That last 2 weeks and during this I had a decent window. That came crashing down soon after and started having a bad wave, just like before i reinstated...feelings of intense dread, depression, wanting to die, crying all the time, not leaving my house. That last about 12 days before I decided to try increasing my prozac a bit. That was 4 days ago. All of a sudden I have a jolt of energy. The dread and depression have magically disappeared but I have an uncomfortable agitation, energy, racing thoughts about everything I want to do today. This makes me really scared as this is obviously a reaction to the increase. If I stay with this am I going to crash again soon into that death wave. I hate to touch the dose but am scared about what comes next. After about 4 days, the 0.5mg Prozac (a 50% increase on 1mg) is fully registering in your system. You have had some benefit but you are also experiencing some overstimulation. You can either wait this out or reduce to 1.25mg, which might retain the benefit but reduce the stimulation. If you reduce the dosage, it will take 4 days or so for the change to fully register, and after that, you may still experience waves and windows for a while as you slowly stabilize. 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
Help777 Posted July 24, 2016 Author Share Posted July 24, 2016 Thank you for replying, Alto. I'm now feeling hypo manic with restlessness agitation and anger. I will go down to 1.25mg. I've read the reinstating thread but am still confused. Will I actually stabilize eventually at the 1.25 mg and the windows and waves will be softened a bit because of the Prozac? Or is it making it worse? May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 24, 2016 Author Share Posted July 24, 2016 In other words stable dose = stability over time doesn't seem to be happening for me. That's why I had to try increasing Prozac...to try and help with my symptoms. I'm confused. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 24, 2016 Author Share Posted July 24, 2016 Sorry, one more thought. I haven't tried reinstating a few beads of Effexor. Would this likely turn paradoxical in my situation as well? I'm 10 weeks off Effexor. I know about the 12week opportunity to reinstate. I'm just scared as I'm not sure if Prozac reinstatement has helped or made things worse. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
AliG Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 Help. My guess is the stability over time hasn't eventuated yet because not enough time has passed on this dose yet. If you can give it a little more time to ascertain how you are reacting to this dose, I think it will help. Prozac can be stimulating and it can be a bit of a dance between finding a dose that counters some of your withdrawal symptoms but at the same time doesn't overstimulate your system. Have you reduced to 1.25 mg as Alto suggested you might do ? If so , I would give yourself time to stabilize on that - at least 7- 10 days and keep notes so as to possibly see a pattern emerging. Sometimes , a bit of tweaking can help to find the sweet spot but too much can destabilize. There will still be windows and waves but once you're more stable they should hopefully settle down a little. Try , if you can to stay calm and let this whole process play out without too much added anxiety or secondary fear as sometimes this can intensify symptoms. How are you managing your anxiety? Have you tried Yoga ? Do you take magnesium ? I have found both of these highly beneficial in withdrawal. Ali Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
downtongirl Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 Help777....so sorry you are struggling....I feel for you because I think we are in a similar situation....when I try prozac at 20 mg I can barely function and have severe anhedonia....then when I am at 10 mg it doesn't cover up enough of the withdrawal symptoms from effexor xr....so I have been at 15 mg for 5 days and Friday was better, yesterday was actually pretty good, but today I am like you....nervous energy, generally in a pissed mood, anxiety, increased heart rate....I can sit for long periods of time so I don't know if this is akathisia or not I just know I long for calmness. 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 24, 2016 Administrator Share Posted July 24, 2016 In other words stable dose = stability over time doesn't seem to be happening for me. That's why I had to try increasing Prozac...to try and help with my symptoms. I'm confused. When we say give it time to stabilize, we're talking months, not days. 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
Help777 Posted July 25, 2016 Author Share Posted July 25, 2016 Thank you for the continued help. I will hold at this 1.25mg. Downtongirl, how do you deal with the anhedonia? I feel like that has become my middle name. Maybe my first. I feel for you too. I'm so sorry you're caught in this nightmare. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
downtongirl Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 Hello Help777! The anhedonia sucks for sure! I don't know that I have any great advice because I don't know that I deal with it well....it frustrates me but I see, to either have a day of being flat, tired, with anhedonia or a day of being too anxious, jittery, and irritable....I guess if I have to choose between the two I would have to choose the anhedonia. I am hoping to find a way to have many days of an in between the two moods. I think for me the thing that makes the anhedonia so bad is I don't like my family seeing me just sitting pretty zombie like. I hope you are having a better day. Is your anhedonia at the same level all through out the day/night? 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted July 25, 2016 Moderator Share Posted July 25, 2016 As downtongirl points out anhedonia is one of natures ways of protecting us. Severe anxiety and depression is very taxing on the mind and body so nature gives us a break from it by allowing us to feel nothing at all. I found anhedonia to be quite a blessing. As we decrease in dose and heal our minds and bodies are in a much better place to handle the extremes of emotion that healing produces and the anhedonia decreases. Eventually our emotions return in a controlled manner and the anhedonia fades. It's unpleasant in it's own right but much preferable to the alternatives. 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
downtongirl Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 Brass...I love your insights...I never thought of anhedonia as a response from my body to protect itself....it makes sense though. 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 25, 2016 Author Share Posted July 25, 2016 It sometimes feel like I alternate between anhedonia, depression, irritability, anxiety throughout the day. Sometimes I will come out of anhedonia when I get really upset by something and then depression prevails for the next while. I have to trust that my body and mind are doing why they need to do to sort things out and heal. I wish I could watch a movie of my brain to see all the receptors and neurotransmitters sorting themselves out! Wouldn't that make it easier for us to believe and trust, in addition to our families?! May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 25, 2016 Author Share Posted July 25, 2016 Zombie like is a great description of anhedonia. I hate seeing my family see me this way too. They probably prefer it to seeing me cry though. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
downtongirl Posted July 25, 2016 Share Posted July 25, 2016 Help....I would LOVE for all of this withdrawal crap damage to our entire body to be able to show up on an x-ray or MRI! I would buy popcorn and rent out a movie theater to plait on the big screen..ha..ha! you and I seem to follow similar patterns at the least for now....I can go from anhedonia, to anxiety, to irritability with in the same hour. It can truly make me wonder if I am not a bit bipolar but if I am I believe it is due to the withdrawal damage. I think for me the worse aspect of all of this is that the withdrawals symptoms are not linear....I think if I knew ok this is going to last a month or so but knew once it was done it was done and would not come back I could bare knuckle through it. I hate having a window and then a wave comes and hits you and makes you second guess everything you ever believed! I actually get scared during a window because I am afraid it won't last. Looking at your signature we are about at the same length of time back on prozac...you about a week more than me. I hope you are having a good day. 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 27, 2016 Author Share Posted July 27, 2016 Downtongirl, I could have written that exact post. You expressed it well. Yes, it does look like we are along this ride at a similar time. And we were both on effexor for many years. I'm sorry you're going through this hell too, but I feel less crazy knowing I am not the only one. I hate this for me as well as my husband and kids that are impacted. I wish I could bottle up hope on the better days, to have when the waves seem so long. Have you had any patterns to length of time for waves or windows? Mine are completely non-sensical. I hope today was ok for you. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
downtongirl Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 Hello Help777.....no each day seems to be different from the previous one unfortunately. About the only consistency I have is that in the afternoons I experience heightened anxiety, irritation, etc. and about 45 minutes after I take my dosage of prozac I can tell I have taken it because my mood gets more flat and stayed that way for a couple of hours until the afternoon irritability, anxiety comes in. How is your increase in dosage going? Any benefit? 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Help777 Posted July 27, 2016 Author Share Posted July 27, 2016 Hi, the increase may be helping. I think it initially made me very agitated so I did reduce ut to 1.25 from 1.5mg. Prior to this I was on 1 mg. A few days after I reduced to 1.25mg the agitation did seem to subside. Today is a window! After a 17 day full on wave...my worst yet. So the prozac increase may be responsible for the window. If it is I am scared it will crash in a wave just like it did after reinstating the 1mg. However with the next wave I don't see increasing the dose as an option now... I think I am too vulnerable to an adverse effect, like I had at 1.5mg. Like you, I am so relieved to have this little window but scared about the next wave. One breath at a time. I hope today has been ok for you. I'm cheering you on. Thankful for this forum and the amazing people that have provided much needed encouragement and information. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
downtongirl Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 how are you doing now help777? 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Help777 Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 Hi Downtongirl, Today is the 3rd day of a window...I feel ok. I have a lot of relief from the symptoms of agitation, depression, anxiety and dread. Not 100% but manageable, and even have moments of pure contentment. It makes me really scared about when the next wave will hit and how long it will last, etc. I have to believe the next wave will be less intense and shorter...that's the only thing that gives me hope. How are you doing?? May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
downtongirl Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Yay...I am so glad you are doing better....I don't feel better...I feel hopeless. 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Help777 Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 How long do your waves and windows last? I find keeping a detailed log helpful and having my husband give me feedback on signs that I'm recovering. Do not lose hope. Another window is coming. Look for the blue sky with everything you have...it's there even if there's clouds blocking the view today. May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
Help777 Posted August 11, 2016 Author Share Posted August 11, 2016 Dowrongirl, Thinking of you. How are you feeling? May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
downtongirl Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 Hello Help777....windows and waves. I hope you are well! 1995 - 2015 antidepressants and antianxiety medicineMultiple failed attempts to quit/taper anti d/anti anxiety meds since 2008 June 17, 2016 began prozac bridge to get off of effexor xr, stopped effexor xr on June 24, 2016, could not tolerate prozac due to severe side effects so I had to stop it Currently...300 mg ER of lithium, 1 mg of estradiol, 60 mg propranolol ER, Fish oil 2 x a day, Magnesium Glycinate, zinc, vitamin c, vitamin d, NAC Link to comment
Help777 Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 I've been doing not too badly. The hardest part in the last month has been the difficulty with sleeping. I've read all the topics here about sleep plus lots of other reading and talking to my counsellor about it. I fall asleep regardless of the time and wake up suddenly 3-4 hours later, sometimes with panic, maybe cortisol spike. It will take anywhere from 20mins to 2 hours to return to sleep. I know this is all part of wd but after 3 hard months of sleeping 4-5hours a night is taking a toll on me. I can't help but think that irritability, feeling wired and tired and nauseous would improve If I could just sleep. I've tried short naps during the day, with no impact. My counsellor suggested a restricted schedule of going to bed at 2am and sleep until 6 or 7am, then forcing myself to get up by 7 am, no naps during the day. Then gradually go to bed at night earlier. I started this a few days ago and pretty much feel like I'm going to die frim nit sleeping. Am I causing myself more problems by not sleeping? Melatonin at 1.5 mg makes me feel depressed during the day and doesn't seem to help me stay asleep at night. Magnesium and omega 3s add to my feelings ig agitation. My sleep hygiene is impeccable, no screens, no exercise before bed, black out blinds, mask, ear plugs, tried snack vs no snack before bed. Not sure what else to do. Anyone else try this restricted sleep schedule? I just ordered lactium and taurine online to try. When will this improve? May 12th 2016 took last bead of effexor. 8 month taper. Bridge = prozac 5mg, 300mg Lithium May 31st took last of prozac. Lithium 300 mg, estrogen patch 150, magnesium. June 14th reinstated 1mg Prozac due to intolerable emotional distress. Cont with lithium 300mg, 150 magnesium, re added omega 3, cont estrogen patch. June 15-july 5th had marked improvement of emotional wd symptoms, likely due to the reinstatement. July 5th intense emotional symptoms returned. July 15 decreased 50 mg of lithium to see if it improved low heart rate. July 19th - increased prozac to 1.5mg. July 22 marked improvement of emotional symptoms...again, likely due to increase of prozac. However sudden agitation developed so decreased back down to 1.25mg prozac. Realizing increasing dose is dangerous because of these adverse effects and also seeing that wave is inevitable regardless of reinstatement. Continuing 250 lithium, 1.25mg prozac, estrogen. Oct 31st - continued 250 lithium, 1 mg prozac, estrogen patch. Jan 2018 - off of prozac (bridge) as of Dec 2017. Starting to taper Lithium 250 mg. Will do 10% per month. May 2018 - lithium 115mg. Still having waves but they aren’t as bad. However, I really struggle with emotional symptoms about 1 week after a cut. dec 2018- 80mg lithium. Tapering 1 mg per week since last June. Symptoms improving overall but still very sensitive to light, sound, social stimulation and I cry a lot. March 2019 - 65 mg lithium. Still tapering 1mg per week. Jan 2021- down to 4 mg lithium (get it compounded). Reinstated 5 mg Prozac. Jan 2023- withdraw 5mg prozac over one month Feb 20th 2023- reinstated 1mg Prozac. Still taking 4 mg lithium. Link to comment
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