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Sheri755: Effexor XR Reinstatement Amount?


Sheri755

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Sheri - how ya going?

 

You've been taking compounded now for ?? days?

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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Hey Jan,

 

Today is day two on the compounded. Yesterday and most of today was off the chart anxiety and fear.

 

It's so weird. The anxiety is really low now after meditating. I do a lot of praying when I meditate. I think it's answered prayer. Bruce and I are watching highlights of 2016 on tv and I can actually focus. ???? It's so nice!

 

It's already 2017 for you!

I hope you're having a great day so far and wishing you the best year ever!!! ❤

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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I need help please. I was diagnosed with dry eye a few years ago. Thera Tears are not helping. I already have a cataract and the eye dr said dry eyes could lead to macular degeneration. It's now much worse.

 

I started Flonase Nasal Spray about two weeks ago for sinus/allergies mucous that sticks to the back of my throat but my main concern is the fluid in my ears. I had a nasty ear infection a few years ago and was told it was the worst he'd ever seen. Antibiotics cleared it up but trying to avoid them, hence the Flonase.

 

I seem to be more sensitive to the Vyvanse that I'm tapering. I'm very thirsty (drinking lots of water) between 11-2 which is a new symptom.

 

Vyvanse is very drying. I'm not sure if Flonase could be

contributing or not but I stopped it and pray I don't get an ear infection.

 

Would it be okay to try Restasis eye drops? Well, I just see that it can take months to help and long term use is necessary. You're worse if you stop...

 

Very painful dry, burning eyes, possible ear infection. What can I do?

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Sheri - 

 

You can get through this!

 

I know very little about this topic, other than to say it is a common symptom for SSRI & withdrawal:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5742-dry-and-painful-eyes/

 

If you want to try the eye drops, try them when you are relaxed.  I don't believe they will spin you into a wave, but then - I'm not you!  I'm only guessing.

 

I suppose you have to weigh whether the risk is worth the benefit, and it sounds like the dry eye may be riskier than the eye drops.  But - like I said, I'm only guessing.

 

Can you make a note on your signature about "move to Compounded Vyvanse 15 mg & date" so we can track this?

 

I hope you feel better soon.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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  • 2 months later...

The cortisol surges are raging throughout the night now. Even during the day while meditating! I have black out drapes and wear a sleep mask. The anxiety is incredibly high. Still bedridden. I'm tapering Vyvanse at 10%. Currently at 9.5. I've been on 5 beads of Effexor since last July. I agree with Alto that I must have developed a sensitivity to Vyvanse or maybe I'm in tolerance with the Effexor.

 

The anxiety is killing me. Please help. Thank you so much.

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Have you tried MagnesiumSome members find that magnesium helps with anxiety.  I personally have found that it takes the edge of my anxiety.  some people use epsom salts in a bath.  JanCarol soaks her feet in a bucket.  Some people dissolve it in water and sip it throughout the day.

 

Yoga for calming (very simple poses can help greatly) some members have reported that "legs up the wall" pose helps their anxiety.

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

If you are trying to meditate by yourself, you might find it easier to do it along to a video or audio.  Sleep Hypnosis, Guided Meditations, Calming Videos

* 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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Have you tried Magnesium? Some members find that magnesium helps with anxiety. I personally have found that it takes the edge of my anxiety. some people use epsom salts in a bath. JanCarol soaks her feet in a bucket. Some people dissolve it in water and sip it throughout the day.

 

Yoga for calming (very simple poses can help greatly) some members have reported that "legs up the wall" pose helps their anxiety.

 

Audio: First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

If you are trying to meditate by yourself, you might find it easier to do it along to a video or audio. Sleep Hypnosis, Guided Meditations, Calming Videos

Hi Chessie: These are great ideas. I had to stop magnesium last year, even sipping because I'm so sensitive. Also the salt baths turned against me.

 

Do you have a direct link to the yoga video? I'm not supposed to to back bends because of spondylolisthesis. I have the hardest time navigating on Beyond Meds but would love to see the yoga video. I just looked and didn't see it. :(

 

I meditate to an audio with headphones/sleep mask. It's very calming during and shortly afterwards.

I did legs on the wall for a few months to bring down the high heart rate which helped but didn't notice anxiety reduction. I'll check out the panic link.

 

I had facial burning/numbness which stopped a couple of months ago but I've noticed it returning. It seems that I'm scared of everything that I look at.

 

Thank you again, so very much,

Sheri

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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  • Moderator

Hi Sheri-- I'm sorry to hear that you're getting hit by such a bad wave.  Those cortisol spikes are no fun at all.  The best thing I can suggest is lots and lots of heavy distraction.  Do anything possible to take your mind off of things. Force yourself out of bed and go outside and talk to the flowers and clouds. Cortisol spikes are a physical thing so they have to work themselves out, but they will.

 

(((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

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

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Hi Sheri-- I'm sorry to hear that you're getting hit by such a bad wave. Those cortisol spikes are no fun at all. The best thing I can suggest is lots and lots of heavy distraction. Do anything possible to take your mind off of things. Force yourself out of bed and go outside and talk to the flowers and clouds. Cortisol spikes are a physical thing so they have to work themselves out, but they will.

 

(((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

Hi BrassMonkey,

 

Thank you. I'm growing so weary...

Big hugs to you also.

 

Take Care,

Sheri

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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Hello Dear Moderators:

 

Please help me understand what's going on. I've been suffering daily, bedridden, HIGH anxiety, for almost a year now in April.

 

I'm at 9.5 mg on the Vyvanse taper. Hubby said it will be October until I'm off. The doses are minuscule towards the end to zero.

After a year, I'm not sure that my body will hold up another eight months.

 

Looking back, I wish I had reinstated the 18 mg that I jumped off at. Maybe I wouldn't have pooped out like I did with 5 beads after ten days. But, it's in the past. We do the best we can and move forward.

 

Have I reached tolerance with the 5 beads of Effexor?

Would updosing help or would reducing help?

 

 

Thank you so very much ❤

Sheri

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Have you had your thyroid test recently?  I am aware that this needs to be done regularly.

* 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

Hey Sheri!

 

Thanks for your warm thoughts for my "what's next" in the world of healthcare!  You asked a question on my thread, so I will post it here in full.

 

Dearest Jan, 


I'm soo sorry to hear about this. I was able to read some of it and just know that you will persevere!
I want to take your advice since recently being diagnosed with Hashimoto's and having many cortisol surges nightly since last July. 

Is this a good Thyroid panel to ask for? 
Does it cover everything? 
Should I also ask that cortisol levels be checked?

Life Extension
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
Item Catalog Number: LC100018
This panel contains the following tests:

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - Evaluates overall thyroid function
Total Thyroxine (T4) - Measures the total amount of T4 produced by the thyroid gland
Free Thyroxine (T4) - Measures the amount of T4 available to the cells and tissues
Free Tri-iodothyronine (T3) - Measures the amount of T3 (the active form of the hormone) available to the cells and tissues
Reverse T3 - Measures the non-functioning form of the active hormone T3
Thyroglobulin antibody (ATA) - Often measured along with TPO, these antibodies can attack proteins involved in the production of thyroid hormones rendering them dysfunctional
Thyroid Peroxidase antibody (TPO) - Often measured along with ATA, these antibodies can attack proteins involved in the production of thyroid hormones rendering them dysfunctional

I'm praying for you, sweet girl!! ❤ 

 

Hey Sheri - this looks like a great profile!  Can I ask how much it costs?  Can you give me a link, so that I can share this with others?  I'll comment on cortisol in a moment.

 

Do you have any of this information historically?  So that you can compare your numbers to the last reading?  If you can, get whatever previous labs you can from your doctor.

 

One of the most powerful things I have done to take charge of my own understanding - is to keep my labs, right here, by my desk - so that when I read about something, I can look up my most recent labs.

 

ALSO, I can compare those labs over time - ah, this time the T4 was fine, but the T3 was low, even though TSH was almost nothing (and I felt good, but still having symptoms) - the last time - felt great - but T3 & T4 were really high, so she reduced my medication.  

 

Reverse T3 is one I've never gotten, but I may ask for next time.  The description there is accurate, but not precise.  It also shows how much T3 is being BLOCKED and unable to be utilized.  

There are so many very excellent articles here:  http://www.verywell.com

Here are 2 articles about Reverse T3:  

https://www.verywell.com/the-role-of-reverse-t3-testing-in-thyroid-treatment-3233184

https://www.verywell.com/leptin-t3-thyroid-weight-3976209

 

I spent about 2 weeks just reading articles about thyroid on that website.  Oh gosh, here's another one:

https://www.verywell.com/the-optimal-treatment-for-hypothyroidism-3232996

 

and the website conforms to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.

 

Cortisol - is a mixed bag for people in withdrawal.  It tends to be all over the chart.  It only captures a moment in time - so - because cortisol cycles daily, there are things about the cortisol tests which are less than informative.  A cortisol blood test only captures "right now."  A 24 hour spit test - tries to capture a few points in the cycle - but - what if you get the wrong times?

 

The first time I did a cortisol test, I spit at the times on the instructions.  Except they were not in concordance with my sleep cycle.  The spit test made it look like I was dead.  I wasn't (obviously) but it didn't give an accurate reflection of that 24 hour cycle for me.  I also did not take notes (I had a fitbit, which at least recorded my sleep times, but I no longer have that).  

I will take the 24 hour test again, but I'm in a different place to you.  This time, I will correlate it to my sleep / wake cycle.  I will take notes on paper about when I am comfortable / uncomfortable / eating / drinking / exercising / etc.

 

Remember - I don't have a thyroid or ovaries.  So my adrenals are definitely working hard and sensitive to stress, diet, changes in my environment.  You have a better O-A-T (Ovaries - Adrenal - Thyroid) tripod than I do (my "tripod" has only one leg) - so I would stick with testing and optimising the thyroid, and working with that, and save the cortisol for later. Also - I have been off the drugs for over a year now, so I am (gradually) returning to my base state.

 

It's great to hear from you - sorry I haven't been around to catch up!

 

I have to go for now, but I'll think about your anxiety / Effexor / Vyvanse thing, and try and come up with something intelligible later.

 

My first thought - I wonder if your hormone (estrogen / progesterone / testosterone)  profile has changed in withdrawal, and I wonder if maybe your body is using them differently than before, when you went on them?

 

I'm so sorry this is so hard for you.  What would you say is your "base state"

 

more fatigue?  or more anxious?  are you jittery?  or exhausted?  

 

I remember we were afraid that as you went off the Vyvanse, that you would collapse into a blob of heap of helpless.  Can you give me some adjectives / descriptives (not using diagnosis words - because my heart "thing" could be called "anxiety" but it's really just the way my heart moves) to help me understand better?

 

Hang in there, dear lady - and maybe teach me how to make those love hearts? <3 doesn't seem to get it.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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Hi Jan, I'm very unwell today. I'll do my best. I'm sorry.

Here's the link for the thyroid panel. http://www.lifeextension.com/Vitamins-Supplements/itemLC100018/Comprehensive-Thyroid-Panel-Blood-Test

I do have previous labs to compare.

 

I'm due for my annual exam but riding in the car last Sunday made me feel so off balance. I'll try get in soon. I agree that my hormones need to be checked.

 

I have a new symptom, for several weeks now that's getting worse. VERY dry mouth with sticky, gooey sour taste. I was awakened every couple of hours last night, sat up holding water in my mouth to no avail. My tongue, soft palette, etc hardens and I'm not able to swallow until the water softens them up a bit. Like a very dry sponge, almost like it could break. There's some burning too.

 

Hubby gave me Biotene Oral Rinse for dry mouth this morning. It helped but I must be sensitive to it. My heart began pounding with shortness of breath. I also have mitral valve prolapse. I won't be taking any more and don't know how I'm going to be able to sleep now.

 

My base is high anxiety and obsessive, irrational thoughts. Scared of everything. I'm beginning to feel very tired maybe from cortisol surges 5-6 times during the night now accompanied with being very hot when they wake me.

 

No motivation. Some days horrible depression. Still no appetite or feeling of being full. Allergy/histamine issue (using Flonase which could be causing the dry mouth. Vyvanse is also notorious)

The only improvement I've seen is with my bowels. Facial burning is somewhat better. It comes and goes.

 

I could go to an oral surgeon to get the hard/dry mouth checked out but I feel he would give me meds that I can't take and it's extremely difficult to get in the car because of the anxiety and motion.

 

I feel that I'm losing ground and afraid I've damaged my CNS and adrenals. I'd really like to consider updosing the beads.

 

Thank you, dear Jan ❤

(The heart is an emoji on my phone)

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment

Have you had your thyroid test recently? I am aware that this needs to be done regularly.

Hi Chessie:

 

Yes, I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I go in every three months. He's increased the dosage twice. I'm on 65 mg of Nature Throid.

 

Thank you!

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment

I'm getting worse. Please help. I've begun shaking with fear. I'm afraid the Barrett's Esophagus will worsen leading to Esophagus cancer from the acid reflux. I'm paralyzed with fear on many things because if I take something I'll only become worse. The sour, burning in my mouth is a constant reminder. If I see the doctor, she will want to scope and drug me with Flagyl to sedate me. She scoped me about five years ago when I was tapering klonopin too fast. I was in horrible shape for about a year afterwards. It was a nightmare.

 

I can't distract anymore.

 

I feel stuck with no way out. There are other health issues that need attention but I can't do anything. I'm I shaking now and waving the white flag. Please help me.

 

Should I go up to seven beads for a few days as Jan mentioned a few months ago for a certain number of days? (4-5?). If I feel better, increase by one bead every few days or every day until I reach a certain amount? What do you recommend?

 

I'm in desperate mode.

 

I answered Jan's questions above. Please help.

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Sheri - 

 

Thanks for the link!  That's a comprehensive panel, and a fair price for getting what you want.

 

Please let me know how your Rev T3 comes out - I'm really curious about that number - they say you can learn a lot from it.

 

Your symptoms - I don't know if an increase will help you.

 

But here's the thing (remember this rule for the future) - you are on a tiny tiny tiny amount of this drug.  

 

You don't need my permission to adjust it - the only thing I will scold you for is if you adjust it frequently and then wonder why you are not stable.

 

If you want, try a 1 bead increase, ever 4 days.  I would suggest that you not go over 10 beads.  But if you sign in and say you went up to 15 and feel better, I will not scold you!  Feeling better is what we're about, right?

 

I really don't know about how the drugs can help you with your medical problems.  I really don't think that it's a magic bullet that's going to eliminate all of your symptoms, but if a slight increase helps, I wouldn't dream of denying you that!

 

(you'll have to talk to Effexor experts - or maybe your hubby knows - how many mg are in 5 beads)

 

I've been listening to the most Powerful meditation you posted - and it really is beautiful.  I love it!  Keep listening to that!  I just heard another one called "Trauma Recovery" that is very beautiful and subtle, and pleasurable.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment
Your symptoms - I don't know if an increase will help you.

 

But here's the thing (remember this rule for the future) - you are on a tiny tiny tiny amount of this drug.  

 

You don't need my permission to adjust it - the only thing I will scold you for is if you adjust it frequently and then wonder why you are not stable.

 

If you want, try a 1 bead increase, ever 4 days.  I would suggest that you not go over 10 beads.  But if you sign in and say you went up to 15 and feel better, I will not scold you!  Feeling better is what we're about, right?

 

I really don't know about how the drugs can help you with your medical problems.  I really don't think that it's a magic bullet that's going to eliminate all of your symptoms, but if a slight increase helps, I wouldn't dream of denying you that!

 

(you'll have to talk to Effexor experts - or maybe your hubby knows - how many mg are in 5 beads)

 

Jan, I'm concerned about what you said in a previous reply a few months ago, that you were afraid of poop out at 10 beads, which I don't want. I'd like to get up to a higher dose and after a while taper down very slowly. Is this a wise thing to do? I don't want to get up to the 18 mg that I jumped from only to become more ill.

 

Scally said in a reply that the high anxiety could be from the Vyvanse or even the 5 beads and I might need to actually reduce the beads. I'm so confused.

 

I went with my gut and took 7 beads this morning. Now I'm obsessing about what to do. The symptoms have been horrible for so very long. I can't make a rational decision. Maybe I should go back to five beads tomorrow. I would probably get relief from 10 beads but only for a short time, I'm afraid. I don't know...

 

What would you do if you were me? I'm so scared.

 

Hubby just said 5 beads are 1.875 mg.

Edited by ChessieCat
fixed up quote

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment

Thank you, Chessie for fixing the quote for me. ????

 

Jan,

 

Thank you for the calming link. I love it!!

 

I took the seven beads before I got your message. How many should I take in the morning and should I add one in four days or wait longer if this is still the plan?

 

Thank you for being so patient with me. ❤ (I'll see if there's a link for desktop emojis.)

 

I hope you're feeling well and having a great day!!

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Sheri, I'm afraid that if you keep increasing, you'll only be able to get a result from an increase.  I think that's what I meant by "poop out."

 

You may be in "poop out," now.  There is no magic dose.  That's why Scally suggested a decrease.  

 

I know it's confusing - but here's the thing - you've made a decision, let's stick with it and see how it goes.

 

If 7 beads is better, we'll know we're on the right track.

 

If 7 beads is worse, we'll have an idea, too.

 

With the  tapering of the Vyvanse, it's hard to say what is stable for you.  I was hoping we could get through the Vyvanse taper while leaving Efexor alone - but you really are struggling.   Please hold on Vyvanse taper while you make this adjustment to Effexor.  Treat it as a change, and give it a month to settle down before starting tapering again.

 

I wish I could reach through the internets and personally thrash the doctors that did this to you!

 

So - first updose - first day - any changes at all?

 

Breathe, you can get through this!  

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

I never dreamed that the anxiety could get worse with just two extra beads of Effexor. I'm going back to five beads tomorrow. The torment is excruciating.

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I am so sorry, Sheri.  Well, at least we know not to try that again!

 

Breathe.

 

Breathe again.

 

Steady as she goes.

 

Have you listened to any Claire Weekes lately?

Dr. Claire Weekes - Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

I am so sorry, Sheri. Well, at least we know not to try that again!

 

Breathe.

 

Breathe again.

 

Steady as she goes.

 

Have you listened to any Claire Weekes lately?

Dr. Claire Weekes - Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

Yes, no more of that. Thanks for reminding me of Claire Weekes. I'll read it again. I have her audible on Hope and Help For Your Nerves but may need to get it in print.

Do you have a favorite book of her's?

 

I'm so exhausted these days but the Vyvanse won't let me nap.

 

As always, thank you so very much!!

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment

Sheri. I noticed that you wanted a yoga video link :  This is what I came up with - I hope it's the right one . If not - it's still a good one to try.

 

https://beyondmeds.com/?s=yoga+challenged+nervous+system

 

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
  • 2 weeks later...

Sheri. I noticed that you wanted a yoga video link : This is what I came up with - I hope it's the right one . If not - it's still a good one to try.

 

https://beyondmeds.com/?s=yoga+challenged+nervous+system

 

Ali

Hi Ali:

Thank you so much!! I'll check it out. ????

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment

Hi There!

 

I have some of my blood work results. My Vitamin D is 32. The normal range is 30-100. The doctor said that she would like to see it higher.

 

What brand of Vit D should I take and how much? I'm already sitting outside in the sun for 20 minutes a day but soon it will be too hot here in Texas for that.

 

Also, my protein level is low even though I alternate between chicken and salmon for dinner nightly.

 

She's concerned that I'm not getting enough nutrition and recommended that I start drinking a green smoothie every day with protein powder.

 

I ordered the bone broth powder that Shep uses.

Two tablespoons equals one cup of broth.

How much powder do you think I should use?

 

Here's the link: http://www.healthybody.com/product/bone-broth-powder-pure-protein-organics/

 

I've pulled several tendons, how, I don't know. Maybe they are weak? On top of my foot and one on my chest.

 

The anxiety is still high. I'm able to have short conversations with hubby but seem to do a little better by myself with no new information to process. People are saying that they miss me which makes me feel guilty and very sad because I miss them too! But, the anxiety is just so high that any stimulation has me holding my head in my hands. So, I continue to stay in bed trying to keep things calm. It's a year this month since I jumped off Effexor at 18.75.

 

As always, thank you for everything. ❤

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Sheri!

 

Tendonitis goes right along with non-optimised thyroid.  I suffer from that all the time, and run the risk of injury.  So I will be eager to see your thyroid blood tests.  It has something to do with how thyroid regulates collagen production.  

 

If your Vit D is low, your Vit B12 may be low, too.  But - as you've learned - careful with supplementation.

 

I am the one who started Shep on bone broth powder - I love the stuff!  It is sooooooo soothing, and just feels so good.  It's expensive, so I put 1-2 teaspoons per cup of hot water, depending.  I try to make it last longer because I live at the ends of the earth, and it is an animal product - so I can only get Australian brands, which cost more.  One caveat - if you are having histamine issues, then bone broth may not be for you.  We do have stories of people (GiaK comes to mind) who reacted to it, and could not use it.

 

But logically, it makes so much sense.  In the "olden days" when someone was sick, Mother would put them on broth until they healed.  It just makes great sense as a simple.

 

Back to vitamin D - I just checked with Consumer Labs, and they approve most brands of Vitamin D.  The only one they didn't approve was a "yummi gummi" for children.  

 

Here's the thing:  D isn't really a vitamin, it's a hormone.  Have you read our topic on D?  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/39-vitamin-d3-cholecalciferol-or-calcitriol/

 

And people can react to it (on the other hand, maybe you shouldn't read the topic).

 

So - try it in small amounts and build up.  For optimum sleep, your ranges should be more in the 60-80 range, but 32 is not horribly low.  Spring is here, can you start sitting in the sun for 15 min a day?   That's the safest way to take it, and there are other benefits from the sunlight, for mood, melatonin production, etc.  (why do you think I hope that people "see the sun today"?)

 

If you want to supplement, find the smallest dose you can, and take it for a month before increasing to 1000.  You may even get a liquid so you can take it in drops, instead of in gelcaps.   It is my understanding that if you are deficient, 1000 a day will only maintain levels, will not increase them, so you may try to get it up to 1500-3000.  As always, move slowly and gradually, and pay attention to your body as you try this.

 

Again, sun is the safest source - if you are north of Atlanta, you can get vit D from Peak Sun times between 10 am and 2 pm.  It only takes 10-20 minutes.  Again, as if you were using a supplement, pay attention to symptoms.

 

Otherwise, how have you been feeling?

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

Hi Jan:

 

I hope you're having a great day!!

 

I've been sitting outside every day for 15 minutes to get some Vit D between 10 - 2. The only thing is that it's going to get very hot here in Texas soon.

 

Do you think 30 minutes before 10 am would be sufficient?

 

Should I address the B12 level?

 

Hormones Test Results

 

DHEA is perfect at 41

 

Progesterone is low at 1.2.

She wants it above 2.0.

 

Estradiol is low at 46.

She likes it above 50.

 

Testosterone is low at 32.

 

 

Thyroid

 

TSH .362

Free T3 2.9

Free T4 1.30

Rev T3 30.2

ATA .3

TPO 38

 

The doctor just returned my call. She wants to go slowly by increasing the testosterone only for now and said to call her in 2-3 weeks.

 

The anxiety and fear are still high. I'm afraid of everything it seems like. I've started shaking some out of the blue. It's almost like the poor children with autism. Any form of sensory stimulation makes the anxiety worse.

 

I'm still waiting for the Flonase to wear off, hoping that will help the anxiety some. My eyes and mouth are very dry, hobbling around with the pulled tendon on my foot. Hair is still falling out, thick, hard ridges on nails, stomach pain, strange taste in mouth, facial burning on and off, exhaustion some days but the obsession, anxiety and fear are the worst.

 

I did read about the histamine issue and bone broth. Seems like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Dadgummit.

 

An admin on a FB Support group said that her acupuncturist recommended this for allergies during withdrawal. She started with a tiny amount and it helped her. I guess I'll try it after the Flonase wears off if you think it will be okay.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RJJ3OY/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1491504938&sr=sr-1&keywords=Jade+Screen+Teapills+Economy+Size+-+Yu+Ping+Feng+Wan+-+1000+Pills

 

As always, thank you soo very much!! ❤

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Sheri - 

 

I love Chinese medicine, and will occasionally submit to the little rabbit-turd pills of mysterious ingredients.  But they are mysterious ingredients, and while probably less disruptive than antihistamines and flonase - they are still complex (and mysterious) ingredients.  I like naming my ingredients and knowing how much of a thing is in a supplement.  There is one Chinese medicine pill I sometimes take for IBS, but I couldn't tell you what is in it (watery wind?).  I will tell you it was given to me by my acupuncturist - who sees my body, my tongue, my pulse, and my meridians regularly. 

 

I tried tincture of Royal Desmodium (herb) in an attempt to eliminate antihistamines.  It tasted okay, but I find it hard to take tinctures.  Another one I have tried is pycnogenol, but - I'm still taking an antihistamine.  I have failed to replace the antihistamine with anything else.  

 

If you are anxious - regardless of what any test says - how will increasing testosterone help?

 

I've been reading a bit of Kelly Brogan, and she is fond of correcting hormones via diet and lifestyle.

 

Here's a brief article which has some of her suggestions:  http://kellybroganmd.com/reassembling-our-hormonal-puzzle/

 

It's interesting that your DHEA is perfect.  Usually, if there's a thyroid issue, the adrenals have to work harder.  At least your adrenals are working!

 

There's a phenomenon with the thyroid called "pooling," which has something to do with Rev T3 and not converting properly.   I think it is happening to me, and my ratios are similar to yours, so I'll be looking at this in the next few weeks to see what I can learn about it - I'll share with you what I find.

 

So you do have antibodies, but not horribly high.  Alto said that a low histamine diet (there it is) helped her reduce her antibodies.

 

Your thyroid is looking very similar to mine.  The main tendon to watch is - Achilles!  There is a reflex test that docs used to do on the achilles tendon, and if it had a delayed reflex, that was a strong indicator for hypothyroid.  When I had my thyroid crash in January, the first symptom to get my attention started in my ankles. 

 

My ankle just refused to move in karate class, and I was hopping on one foot.  Not a good look!  The sensei looked at me quizzically - she knew I should know where to put my foot, but it just wouldn't move.  That was the first day of weeks of "tendonitis all over."  I don't have blood tests to prove that my thyroid doses were messed up - and I had permission from my doctor to try a few things.

 

It took weeks of trying things to get so that my neck, my ankles, didn't resist all movement.  Still, I have sore ankles, and I ask my massage therapist "test" them for me.  She checks for swelling, and to see how much they resist her ministrations.  I'm still in a state of resistance, having tried everything my doctor gave me to try.

 

Like you, my hair has become spiderwebs, dandelion fluff - just falls out.  My nails are ridged and cracking.  So you and I are sharing a journey at this point.

 

I have learned a TON of stuff at the VeryWell website.  Here's one article - https://www.verywell.com/hashimotos-thyroiditis-3231701.  Just keep clicking and reading on thyroid topics that interest you, and you will learn so much more about that.  Here is their article to explain what your thyroid tests mean:  https://www.verywell.com/thyroid-function-tests-values-3232915.  Here's what they say about testosterone therapy:  https://www.verywell.com/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-testosterone-therapy-4084352

 

Are you still taking magnesium soaks?  Have you tried sipping magnesium?  Just putting a tiny amount in cold water and sipping it throughout the day?  I don't know where I would be without my magnesium, but that doesn't necessarily fix what has gone wrong with my thyroid.  I'm due for fresh testing this month, so will be able to tell you more - and that's when I'll find out about "pooling," too.

 

We'll walk this road together, eh?

 

I hope you see the sun today!  (I'm not sure about the Texas Heat, time in sun before 10 am question, sorry.  I guess it would have to be:  do your best!)

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

I've started shaking with fear. I'm terrified of everything. Still dropping weight. It's been a year now. Still bedridden.

 

Will the terror get better in September after I'm off Vyvanse. What if it doesn't?

 

I've been told not try any new supplements so I haven't.

 

My husband and I can only have short conversations at night. The anxiety pain is too intense. I'm trying to have hope but I'm worse. I'm not sure if I'm going to make it.

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Sheri.

 

I was listening today about Highly Sensitive People and Anxiety.

 

Maybe it will help you, too.

 

So - it sounds like there are certain times of day which are more anxious than others?  How does this fit with your medication patterns?

 

Where are you on your Vyvanse taper?  Have you been holding at 15 mg since December? 

How much of your fear is physical - sweating, heart pounding, breathless, restless cortisol spikes, and how much of your fear is emotional?  I am learning a lot about breathing, and I thought of you specifically (and a few other people) with the importance of whole body breathing.  But I know - sometimes the symptoms cannot be controlled by breathing.  

 

Do you have a therapist with whom you can explore the fear?  Does your hubby at least listen, even if he may not understand?  Are you still taking magnesium baths?  

 

The weight loss is a worry, maybe it would help to take protein shakes with coconut oil, to get the calories in.  My friends, when they have anxiety, the first thing I ask about is protein and fat.  Our brains get brittle and reactive when it doesn't get enough fat, and I find that protein acts as a mood stabilizer.

 

Here is a specific yoga practice to help with anxiety.  If you can, do it every day - so that you can build a bank account of stress resilience.

 

Thinking of you - I hope you see the sun today.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

Hi Sheri.

 

I was listening today about Highly Sensitive People and Anxiety.

 

Maybe it will help you, too.

https://youtu.be/uxZ_laZ26nk

 

So - it sounds like there are certain times of day which are more anxious than others? How does this fit with your medication patterns?

 

Where are you on your Vyvanse taper? Have you been holding at 15 mg since December?

 

How much of your fear is physical - sweating, heart pounding, breathless, restless cortisol spikes, and how much of your fear is emotional? I am learning a lot about breathing, and I thought of you specifically (and a few other people) with the importance of whole body breathing. But I know - sometimes the symptoms cannot be controlled by breathing.

 

Do you have a therapist with whom you can explore the fear? Does your hubby at least listen, even if he may not understand? Are you still taking magnesium baths?

 

The weight loss is a worry, maybe it would help to take protein shakes with coconut oil, to get the calories in. My friends, when they have anxiety, the first thing I ask about is protein and fat. Our brains get brittle and reactive when it doesn't get enough fat, and I find that protein acts as a mood stabilizer.

 

Here is a specific yoga practice to help with anxiety. If you can, do it every day - so that you can build a bank account of stress resilience.

https://youtu.be/hd4uJ_8oE4g

 

Thinking of you - I hope you see the sun today.

 

There's no pattern to the anxiety although I feel some better at bedtime knowing that I get to get away from it for a while.

 

My mouth does become more dry, if that's possible, when the Vyvanse peaks. I'll start 7.5 mg Tuesday for two weeks. Hubby says I'll be finished Sept 1st.

 

The blood work shows that I'm low in protein.

What and how much should be in a smoothie?

Is an all green smoothie too detoxifying?

Is this brand okay?

How much?

How much coconut oil?

Can I mix it in water because

I'm rarely able to prepare anything.

I'm paralyzed with fear and can't make decisions.

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Sports-Protein-Powder-2-Pound/dp/B001DB4MFO/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1491756526&sr=8-3&keywords=now+protein+powder

 

Hubby does listen. I'm only able to have short conversations with him at night. No one else. Too much new information that I can't process.

 

Anxiety is too high. I still can't drive to see a therapist. Riding in the car to my dr nearly did me in.

 

I can only watch shows like Andy Griffith or listen to soft music. I do best lying in the dark with headphones on.

My CNS must be shot.

 

Yes I'm restless and still having cortisol spikes. I also have the worst depression imaginable on some days.

The shaking is new.

My heart is at it's highest when the Vyvanse peaks.

 

Debilitating obsession of everything, tendonitis, how to up my Vit D levels, all health concerns. Barely able to think. Constant worry obsession that I can't get away from.

 

I stopped the Magnesium baths several months ago. Someone told me, maybe Scally, that they turned against me.

Should I try again?

How much?

 

I can't do too much deep breathing because I pulled a tendon on my chest wall.

 

With the new shaking and declining health, I'm not sure...

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Sheri, your situation sounds like Gianna Kali's at https://beyondmeds.com/personal-journey/

 

Try to get nutrition into you, this is an excuse to eat high-caloric foods you like.

 

Vitamin D3 in a natural oil such as olive oil is the best. You can get low-dose vit D3 supplements in capsule form, chew them to absorb the vit D3 in your mouth. If you wish to try vit B12, get a methylcobalimin tablet and take a tiny crumb to start.

 

What times of day of your taking each of your drugs? Do your symptoms get better or worse in any daily pattern?

 

Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

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

Hi Sheri - 

 

That's the protein I use, too.  It's got a nice, gentle natural amino profile, and is easily digested.

 

Your body can only handle 25 g of protein at a time.  So one serve of this product is perfect.

 

IF you are afraid, you can start with half scoops.

 

I would say that raw green might be detoxifying.  Can you eat bananas?  They are very good electrolytes (potassium) and almost a perfect food.  Bananas, berries and protein should be a nourishing place to start.  Since you have thyroid issues - I would avoid raw kale or spinach, unless you steam them first.  Carrot /apple / ginger is a good one, too.  I drop a bit of coconut yogurt in mine for probiotics.

 

If your protein is low - I'm sorry I can't remember - are you vegetarian?  Are you able to eat oily fish 2-3x a week?  I find that the protein and fat help with anxiety.

 

I remember the mag bath thing - you were taking lots of them.  I take 2x a week (1-2 cups per bath), with foot soaks in between.  Also sipping magnesium dissolved in cool water can help, too.  I don't think they turned on you - just that you were overusing them.

 

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling, still, again.  It makes me sad and angry that you are caught on this carnival ride.  I hope we can find something to make the journey more bearable.

 

And I hope you see the sun today.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

Thank you both so much. I'll try to reply soon.

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, Sheri.

 

I'm sorry you're struggling so much now. I just wanted to ask you a few benzo-specific questions.

 

How do you feel in the mornings and the evenings after you dose your benzo?

 

Does the benzo give you a sedated feeling on either dose? If so, do you think taking the higher dose in the evening may help with sleep and the nightly anxiety you mention? Or do you feel the benzo at night is making it worse?

 

Please don't make any changes. I'm simply trying to understand how the clonazepam is affecting you now. 

 

Sending healing vibes your way. 

 

 

 

 

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Hi, Sheri.

 

I'm sorry you're struggling so much now. I just wanted to ask you a few benzo-specific questions.

 

How do you feel in the mornings and the evenings after you dose your benzo?

 

Does the benzo give you a sedated feeling on either dose? If so, do you think taking the higher dose in the evening may help with sleep and the nightly anxiety you mention? Or do you feel the benzo at night is making it worse?

 

Please don't make any changes. I'm simply trying to understand how the clonazepam is affecting you now.

 

Sending healing vibes your way.

Hi Shep,

 

At MamaP's suggestion several months ago, I asked the benzo group if I should divide the 1.5 dose into three instead of two doses. They said yes, so I did. I started feeling worse and after awhile went back to 1.0 in the morning and .5 at night. That change took about a month to get over. I couldn't believe it.

 

I'm so scared to change anything now. I think I'll hold tight for now. I know this nightmare will end one day and I can't thank you enough for your input.

 

This is a very isolating and lonely journey. It makes me smile that you took the time to write on my thread. Thank you for your insight and for caring!

Effexor XR 300 (brand) mg & various SSRIs 15 yrs (Effexor XR 300 mg past 10 yrs

Clonazepam, 1.0 mg. am, .5 mg pm. - 15 yrs, 7-17-16- Began .5 three times a day

Vyvanse 60 mg, - 2 yrs, Cut to 50 mg for 6 mths, Cut to 30 mg. on 4-1-16. Tapering.

Approx. 4-1-15 began Effexor XR 300 taper, very slowly for a year. Held at 37.5 for about 3 mths. Cut to 18 mg for 2 wks to 0. WD began 2 wks later. Depression, anxiety, paranoia, low appetite, nausea.

7-14-16-Reinstated 5 beads Effx after 4 mths misery.Pooped out 10 days.

9-12-16-to present- Wide eyed terror, bedridden fear, no appetite/feeling of being full.

10-30-16- Began 15% liquid tapering of 30 mg Vyvanse. (25 mg)

11-13-16- Liquid Vyvanse 22 mg,11-27-16- Liquid 15 mg, 12-12-16- Vyvanse 12.5 for 5 days. 12-16 - 12-29, 15 mg.

11-20-16- Switched back to 1.0 clonazepam am & .5 bedtime

12-30-16- Moved to 15 mg COMPOUNDED Vyvanse.Current 4/11-4/25 7.5 mg.(10% ev 2 wks) Off Vyvanse

Current meds:Effexor XR- 3 Beads, Clonazepam-1.0 mg am, .5 mg bedtime,Vyvanse-(tapering) Estradiol- 2

mg,Progesterone 200 mg,Testosterone 30 mg/ml,Nature Throid- 48.75 mg.(12-21-16-65 mg.) (4-18-17-81.25 mg) Current supplements: Fish Oil-1360 mg, Curamin- 2706 mg.

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