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Post-withdrawal nervous system hypersensitivity, hyper-reactivity and kindling


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Thanks for the responses. LexAnger, I am sorry that these symptoms are happening to you, too!

 

My symptoms started roughly 3 months or so after stopping Prozac. Before that, I took several supplements with absolutely no problems. When did this begin for you?

 

Bluebird, I am so sorry about the early morning awakening. I know that is an awful feeling. The only thing I wonder for you is if you could find a totally pure brand of magnesium with no fillers

(maybe it would not irritate your system that way), and when you wake up with that anxiety, take the magnesium and see if you begin to calm down enough to go back to sleep?

 

MammaP, that is great that you are getting better, even though you are still highly sensitive. The fact that you can see your body healing to at least some degree, even if small, has to be encouraging! Thanks for pointing out that this really does happen with more drugs than just Prozac--my reading about this has probably been more selective than I had realized, which is why I thought I noticed a correlation. I do think my symptoms sound like an allergic reaction, also, which I never had before the Prozac, so that is why I am especially curious if others experience these kinds of symptoms.

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Daisies24 thankyou, where wld I buy this pure magnesium? Also I get a bit of throat swelling with my sensitivity but not enough to cause a problem, but the rapid heart, tight chest, weakness and a hole hostvof other things r horrific. You're sounds like an allergy mind you. Mammap I'm glad your sensitivity is settling, mine is whatvis keeping me so ill!

Prozac for 18years with break in 1999 for pregnancy. Started to feel unwell with numerous problems 2015 and think I was in a tolerance to drug. Started to come off May 2016 and by June 2016 wasn't able to tolerate any medications at all. Was on Lansoprazole as and when need from 2001 but haven't had to take and wldnt have been able to take since June 2016

 

GP gave sertraline 25mg 6/04/17 loss of appetite, gut pain and then following morning whole body shaking and vomiting. Stopped tablet.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Because magnesium is highly reactive in the presence of oxygen, you can't buy magnesium on its own as a supplement.

 

Commercially available supplements will provide a magnesium salt: magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium malate, magnesium oxide, magnesium HVP chelate, etc. You'll have to look at the ingredients list to see what else the manufacturer includes.

 

Pure Encapsulations, a brand suggested to me by a naturopath, has a magnesium glycinate product with only one additive, a form of vitamin C called ascorbyl palmitate.

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

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


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

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Hi Daisies,

 

Even though I have been off of psych meds since 2010, I am very sensitive to meds and supplements.  Now before you get worried, I am also having sleep issues thanks to being on psych meds long term so that could be contributing to the problem.

 

I don't have your symptoms but I seem to get very agitated with an increased heart rate.  In fact, one time, I falsely thought I perhaps needed to go back on BP meds when actually, I was reacting to a supplement.

 

Sorry you are experiencing the troubles that you are and I hope things improve.

Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010
Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006
Finished taper on June 10, 2010

Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016

Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week

April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia

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I have the fast heart rate after taking anything it is horrible.

Edited by ChessieCat
Corrected iris to it is

Prozac for 18years with break in 1999 for pregnancy. Started to feel unwell with numerous problems 2015 and think I was in a tolerance to drug. Started to come off May 2016 and by June 2016 wasn't able to tolerate any medications at all. Was on Lansoprazole as and when need from 2001 but haven't had to take and wldnt have been able to take since June 2016

 

GP gave sertraline 25mg 6/04/17 loss of appetite, gut pain and then following morning whole body shaking and vomiting. Stopped tablet.

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Scallywag, thanks for the clarification about the magnesium. I never knew that that was the reason you cannot buy magnesium alone as a supplement, but have wondered about that. Bluebird, I do have the Pure Encapsulations magnesium glycinate that Scallywag recommended, and I think there’s a good chance it might help you a little. For me, I seem to be allergic to the cellulose in the capsule encasing, but not sensitive to the ingredients in that particular magnesium capsule. So for instance, I can take Pure Encapsulations magnesium glycinate and feel significantly calmer—no racing heart or anything like that. But, I just happen to also get hives, itching, etc., which I am finding I get with other cellulose capsules as well. If hives and itching aren’t a problem for you, I think there’s a good likelihood that you may tolerate this brand really well. Maybe it’s worth a try for those early morning awakenings when you have anxiety?

 

Compsports, thank you so much for the reply. I am really sorry about the sleep problem. I have this too, and it is actually my worst problem. I really, really hope that you (and all of us dealing with this) will improve—it is truly awful.

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Daisies, you can test whether your reaction is to the cellulose capsule by taking the powder only:

  1. Open the capsule.
  2. Dump the contents in to water or applesauce.
  3. Stir.
  4. Consume.

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

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


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

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Daisies24 thankyou for your reply. I went to my health shop and got some powder magnesium and tried it. I had fast heartbeat and shaking legs after the magnesium and on the 3rd day I took awful bladder pain and pain in my kidney with a lot of running to the toilet. My system is just in an awful hypersensitive state at the moment and the slightest thing is causing issues. I really hoped I cld take the magnesium but it was causing too many symptoms. I'm really struggling at the moment and if my nervous system wld just settle I feel I wld be on my way to recovery. My depression has lifted again thank gdness.

Prozac for 18years with break in 1999 for pregnancy. Started to feel unwell with numerous problems 2015 and think I was in a tolerance to drug. Started to come off May 2016 and by June 2016 wasn't able to tolerate any medications at all. Was on Lansoprazole as and when need from 2001 but haven't had to take and wldnt have been able to take since June 2016

 

GP gave sertraline 25mg 6/04/17 loss of appetite, gut pain and then following morning whole body shaking and vomiting. Stopped tablet.

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Scallywag, thanks for the suggestion. I am experimenting with this now to see how it goes.

 

Bluebird, I am so sorry for the bad reaction. That is awful. Did your magnesium have any kind of fillers in it? Have you already eliminated all unnecessary medications, supplements, artificial foods and additives, even common household cleaner chemicals to see if that will start giving your nervous system a rest?

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Hi daisies24, I'll have to check what else wld be in the magnesium but my body reacts to everything I try to take natural or prescription it is truely horrific. It started my last year on the Prozac and I didn't know Prozac was the cause and continued to take it and think that made things worse and then withdrawal just sent the nervous system crazy. I can't even take root ginger which is supposed to be good for me. I have changed my diet and try to stay away from chemicals I find car fumes etc make me feel awful. My anxiety is very high aswell so prob not helping but it's difficult to lower it down. Thanks

Prozac for 18years with break in 1999 for pregnancy. Started to feel unwell with numerous problems 2015 and think I was in a tolerance to drug. Started to come off May 2016 and by June 2016 wasn't able to tolerate any medications at all. Was on Lansoprazole as and when need from 2001 but haven't had to take and wldnt have been able to take since June 2016

 

GP gave sertraline 25mg 6/04/17 loss of appetite, gut pain and then following morning whole body shaking and vomiting. Stopped tablet.

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I CT'd with some symptoms for the first 3 months. Then 5 months out, I had a heavy night of drinking, then I took a panic attack and it felt like I was falling through the ground. I went to hospital and all hell broken lose.

I'm been on a rocking/swaying boat, eye floaters, ringing ears ever since (16 months ago). Would that indicate withdrawal/kindling? 

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  • 1 month later...

Any updates on this anyone?  I have been having sensitivity/adverse effects to almost all meds and several foods for several years myself.  I am  ( at least 6- 7) wondering if this will ever improve.  I haven't been able to take iron, phenergan, antihistamines, most antibiotics, tylenol, topical lidocaine, multivitamins, b vitamins (can tolerate 2000 units of vitamin D now wasn't able to take any 1 year ago).   All which were medications that I could try with no issues prior to SSRIs.  The only medication I can tolerate is advil.  I have been advised by my primary care and ob/gyn to have a breast reduction, but am too concerned about the anesthesia, (and epinephrine and lidocaine usually used during this procedure).  I am on such a low dose now I wonder if the problem has been the luvox, due to the many, many drug interactions, or the withdrawal as I have been tapering for such a long period. 

I also have not been able to tolerate many smells sine approximately 7 years ago.  I can't walk through the laundry aisle at the grocery store.  My husband will get the free and clear laundry detergent that I can tolerate being around, and we have found a shampoo that doesn't cause problems, and ivory soap seems to not cause issues.  I feel sorry for my teenage daughters as I cannot tolerate perfume, nail polish, and many other smells that I use to have no problem at all with before.  I would please like to know if anyone has improved with their sensitivities/ severe adverse reactions to medications/supplements, foods, and smells. 

zoloft 2004-08 tapered too fast(2 weeks)
Luvox 5/08 100 mg 07/10 40mg via small reductions, 08/10 39mg, 09/10 38mg, 10/10 37mg, 11/10 36mg,2/11 35mg, 5/11 34mg, 8/11 33mg, 11/11 32mg, 01/12 31mg, 03/12 30mg, 4/12 29mg, 5/12 28 mg, 8/12 27 mg, 11/12 26 mg, 1/13 25 mg, 3/13 24 mg, 4/13 23 mg,6/13 22 mg, 7/13 21 mg, 8/13 20mg, 10/13 19 mg, 11/13 18 mg, 12/13 17 mg, 1/14 16 mg, 3/14 13 mg, 9/14 10.9 mg,  1/15 10 mg, 3/15  9 mg,  5/15 8 mg. 11/15 7.12 mg.  4/16  5 mg, 6/16   4.5 mg,  9/16 4.2 mg, 1/17 3.48 mg, 2/17  3.2 mg,  4/17 2.2 mg, 5/17 2.0 mg, 6/17  1.74 mg, 7/17 1.58 mg, 9/17 1.27 mg, 11/17 1.0 mg,  1/18 0.79 mg

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Bluebird2009, sorry I missed your post. Mostly I feel grossly ill throughout my whole body as you said, which is the same as the major symptom I still fight these days. I just get swamped by these random waves of gross illness and any meds etc brings this on. I had a quarter of a natural laxative the other day which was enough to upset me.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 32 years, given AD for this condition alone in 2000

Zoloft 100mg for 15 years, last five of these complained about adverse effects,

unable to tolerate other meds even supplements

Slowly felt sicker, advised by different Dr maybe on ads for too long

Cut back 100 - 50 over 6 months, still getting worse, so stopped over about 6 weeks starting Dec 2014

First month, slow, emotional, useless then POW! Horrendous withdrawal symptoms, completely non-functional

for about five months, slowly started to come back to life and continue with waves and windows, still more bad than good, but bads are less bad, and goods slightly better each time

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So, no one has recovered from this aspect of ssri use and withdrawal?

zoloft 2004-08 tapered too fast(2 weeks)
Luvox 5/08 100 mg 07/10 40mg via small reductions, 08/10 39mg, 09/10 38mg, 10/10 37mg, 11/10 36mg,2/11 35mg, 5/11 34mg, 8/11 33mg, 11/11 32mg, 01/12 31mg, 03/12 30mg, 4/12 29mg, 5/12 28 mg, 8/12 27 mg, 11/12 26 mg, 1/13 25 mg, 3/13 24 mg, 4/13 23 mg,6/13 22 mg, 7/13 21 mg, 8/13 20mg, 10/13 19 mg, 11/13 18 mg, 12/13 17 mg, 1/14 16 mg, 3/14 13 mg, 9/14 10.9 mg,  1/15 10 mg, 3/15  9 mg,  5/15 8 mg. 11/15 7.12 mg.  4/16  5 mg, 6/16   4.5 mg,  9/16 4.2 mg, 1/17 3.48 mg, 2/17  3.2 mg,  4/17 2.2 mg, 5/17 2.0 mg, 6/17  1.74 mg, 7/17 1.58 mg, 9/17 1.27 mg, 11/17 1.0 mg,  1/18 0.79 mg

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I am now supersensitive to all the drugs I try, or supplements, even my physician is amazed at a lot, he thinks I can be sensitive to ONE medical treatment like the psycho-pharmacological. But He can not understand how any other medication or medical precedure can hurt me, It is also said that he does not know anything about WD, and about hypersensitivity to the nervous system like all doctors, or other MD students like  my colleagues, Who They are always amazed at how I react badly to each drug.

Unfortunately, in a few months, I may need surgery to solve my hemorrhoidal pathology problem, and I am very afraid of reacting to anesthesia.

2001, Amisulpride (deniban) - 3 months, I taper in some weeks

2001, Seroquel, 4 weeks - quit cold turkey, 2001. Efexxor,  one pill adverse reaction

2002. Amitryptaline (mutabon mite) - 4 months, I taper really faster in some weeks

around more 10 years drug free

4 December 2013, 7 drops of citalopram , adverse reaction

December    2013, Italian supplement called serenplus with tryptophan, 9 pills adverse reaction, quit cold turkey.

After December 2013, Im drug free.

 

 

 

 

 

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I'm sorry you are going through this.  Let us know how you do/

zoloft 2004-08 tapered too fast(2 weeks)
Luvox 5/08 100 mg 07/10 40mg via small reductions, 08/10 39mg, 09/10 38mg, 10/10 37mg, 11/10 36mg,2/11 35mg, 5/11 34mg, 8/11 33mg, 11/11 32mg, 01/12 31mg, 03/12 30mg, 4/12 29mg, 5/12 28 mg, 8/12 27 mg, 11/12 26 mg, 1/13 25 mg, 3/13 24 mg, 4/13 23 mg,6/13 22 mg, 7/13 21 mg, 8/13 20mg, 10/13 19 mg, 11/13 18 mg, 12/13 17 mg, 1/14 16 mg, 3/14 13 mg, 9/14 10.9 mg,  1/15 10 mg, 3/15  9 mg,  5/15 8 mg. 11/15 7.12 mg.  4/16  5 mg, 6/16   4.5 mg,  9/16 4.2 mg, 1/17 3.48 mg, 2/17  3.2 mg,  4/17 2.2 mg, 5/17 2.0 mg, 6/17  1.74 mg, 7/17 1.58 mg, 9/17 1.27 mg, 11/17 1.0 mg,  1/18 0.79 mg

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So, no one has recovered from this aspect of ssri use and withdrawal?

I have spoken to people on other sites who have recovered from this sensitivity to meds problems, but I think it takes a while. One girl recovered after 3.5years

Prozac for 18years with break in 1999 for pregnancy. Started to feel unwell with numerous problems 2015 and think I was in a tolerance to drug. Started to come off May 2016 and by June 2016 wasn't able to tolerate any medications at all. Was on Lansoprazole as and when need from 2001 but haven't had to take and wldnt have been able to take since June 2016

 

GP gave sertraline 25mg 6/04/17 loss of appetite, gut pain and then following morning whole body shaking and vomiting. Stopped tablet.

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Thank you Bluebird!  That is some hope, and hope is so important!  :)

zoloft 2004-08 tapered too fast(2 weeks)
Luvox 5/08 100 mg 07/10 40mg via small reductions, 08/10 39mg, 09/10 38mg, 10/10 37mg, 11/10 36mg,2/11 35mg, 5/11 34mg, 8/11 33mg, 11/11 32mg, 01/12 31mg, 03/12 30mg, 4/12 29mg, 5/12 28 mg, 8/12 27 mg, 11/12 26 mg, 1/13 25 mg, 3/13 24 mg, 4/13 23 mg,6/13 22 mg, 7/13 21 mg, 8/13 20mg, 10/13 19 mg, 11/13 18 mg, 12/13 17 mg, 1/14 16 mg, 3/14 13 mg, 9/14 10.9 mg,  1/15 10 mg, 3/15  9 mg,  5/15 8 mg. 11/15 7.12 mg.  4/16  5 mg, 6/16   4.5 mg,  9/16 4.2 mg, 1/17 3.48 mg, 2/17  3.2 mg,  4/17 2.2 mg, 5/17 2.0 mg, 6/17  1.74 mg, 7/17 1.58 mg, 9/17 1.27 mg, 11/17 1.0 mg,  1/18 0.79 mg

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  • 2 months later...

Hopefully somebody can give me some advice. Unaware until I found this site, that withdrawal can make you so sensitive to medicines etc. 

I was on a steroid inhaler for about four years before citaloprom pooped on me. Went into withdrawal a couple of months later or so I thought. Developed blister rash around my mouth and chin, cramp in legs and toes, purple bruising on hands and arms, more facial hair on upper lip and chin, diarrhoea and anxiety. All new symptoms I had never had before. Hence trips to gp who insisted cause anxiety. The rest of the story is on my signature, in short, two years of hell. As you can see on my signature came off the inhaler for a non steroid one after endocrinologist pointed out it could be a problem. Found out my symptoms were caused by the inhaler which presumably I had become sensitive to after the poop from citaloprom. If the gp had bothered looking up the side effect of these inhalers on the first visit he would have known straight away instead ended up on cipralex which has given me hell for two years .

Since then if I get chest infections any antibiotic reacts very badly, reduced to only one being able to being used. Chocolate doesn't seem to do me any good. The last private gp I saw while trying to work out what was going on with me prescribed beta blockers to try and slow everything down and second day my blood pressure flew to 210/ 101.  Came off them fast.  

 

I tried 500mg of vitamin c before bed and again in the morning earlier this week to try and calm the anxiety which is crippling while reinstating cipralex at the lowest dose for it to make everything worse including diarrhoea. Probably a stupid thing to do until i can balance from from the reinstatement but just desperate. 

 

Can anyone give me advice from their own experiences if this sensitivity will ever go away or is it something else I'm stuck with? 

 

 

2006 After sudden death of mother put on 20mg of citaloprom for depression. 

2014 Drug stopped working after two weeks of panic attacks felt fine. 

Aug 2014. Doctor put me on lyrica for rash on face, diarrhoea, sleeplessness,muscle cramp, bruising. Initial dose too strong, halved dose.  Stopped taking it 22/10/14

2014 severe anxiety after several ssri's attempted, seem to have developed severe  sensitivity to any drug, but giving severe  reactions put on cipralex drop form.started on 2 drops and had to increase by 1 drop every 3 days. Eventually got to 12 drops and had to stop as side effects every step of the way dreadful. Psychiatrist kept telling me to stick with it and my body would get used to it.  Eventually down to 8 drops. Bad reactions throughout the time I was on it

Have been on this until may 2017. Stopped over two weeks. Felt fine for 5 weeks after initial dizziness, nightmares, nausea, insomnia.  

Given diazepam by gp and told to take them when anxiety bad. Have only taken them very rarely as they frighten me. 

Last two weeks severe anxiety returned and feeling hopeless 

11July 2017. Cipralex 2mg. Anxiety, nausea still severe

13 July 2017 Cipralex 1mg due to advice of too high dosage  by kind person on thus site. so dropped from 2mg to 1mg and feelings of anxiety still at severe. As well as nausea, headaches, fatigue. 

15 July still feeling extremely anxious verging on panic. Nausea, feelings of fainting, fatigue. Lots of head pains 

3 August. Three weeks into trying to stabilise on one drop of cipralex. Still have waking from 4am. Sporadic upset stomach. Nausea.  High anxiety.  Throbbing/burning in nether regions seems to have eased for time being but stabbing/burning in calves of legs. Tinnitus. Occasional half to whole better days but mainly still struggling. Fatigue   

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  • 4 weeks later...

Admin - Please move post if not in the right place.

 

I've heard of "kindling" in terms of tapering and being sensitive to changes but not quite sure what it relates to (sorry, brain fog). 

I take it to mean that the brain is fried and kindled when you've tried to come off several times.

My question is: does this sensitivity develop if you taper and reinstate, taper and reinstate (like go up and down in doses) OR does it occur each time you drop doses?  The reason is, I have had a rough trot so have held this dose for three months now and am starting to feel better so i will consider anoth small percentage drop soon.  I wondered though if starting again would set off the kindling phenomenon and it would feel worse for me.  Sorry for the ramble but its been such a horror time and im starting to feel better.  I couldnt bear it getting worse than it has been, im not sure i can go through that.  

Female born 1970- antidepressant daily from age 19.

1988 - Rx Prothiaden (Dothiapen) for anxiety depression

1989 - Dx temporal lobe epilepsy. Rx Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

1995 - Rx Zoloft 50mg then up to 100mg (off Dothiapen)

2006 - groggy on Tegretol changed to Keppra (Levitaceram)

2010 - Dx Rheumatoid Arthritis & FM. Dx Methotrexate Rx Cymbalta instead of Zoloft (for pain / depression / FM) 

2014 - weaned off Methotrexate - RA Remission.

2016 - started taper off 60mg Cymbalta. 5%drop hold 2 weeks via bead counting 577bead start. Adjust to 2.5% drops monthly. 

2019 - now at 350 beads. perimenopause difficult to manage

2021 - microtaper drop 1 bead/month. Now at 343 beads.

2023 - microtaper monthly. Reached 290 / 577. Roughly at 30mg

2024 - new manufacturer has different microbead count in capsules. Instead of avg 577=60mg it now is 460=60mg. Recalc counting method - am now at 265beads/460. 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi everyone, 

 

In November 2016 I took my last pill of effexor after a relatively fast taper. After one month of bad withdrawal symtoms I started to stabilize and feel remarkably better. On new years, however, I drank  two glasses of champagne, not knowing what the consequences would be. One week after that, I started to feel worse again, slowly regressing back into severe withdrawal. 9 months has now passed and I am feeling worse than ever, with symtoms still getting worse by every day. 

 

So.. My question is, do people recover from "kindling"  in withdrawal? - because that's what suppose those glasses of champagne did to me -  or am I doomed? 

 

I would appreciate a straight and honest answer. I am in great agony and would like to know what I can expect from the future. 

 

Thank you all, 

 

Kindest regards / Imad 

I started Effexor/venlafaxin august 2014: 1st year 75 mg 2nd year 37.5 mg.

Taper: first try 37.5 to 0 in one month. Second try: 18.75 to 0 in two months.

Completely off effexor since 26-11-2016 with severe withdrawals such as blurred/constrained vision, brain fog and vertigo.

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I haven't much time to talk right now but yes, you can recover.  I started and stopped Celexa a number of times each time getting a worse reaction, THEN cold turkeyed it, then added more drugs that did damage and most of my symptoms are now gone.

 

 

 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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Also, as you only had a few glasses of champagne and I took years of pills after my reactions, you are in a better position than I was to recover.

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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On 2017-09-29 at 10:27 AM, UnfoldingSky said:

Also, as you only had a few glasses of champagne and I took years of pills after my reactions, you are in a better position than I was to recover.

Thank you so much for replying UnfoldingSky. I'm glad to hear that you have recovered and thank you for giving me hope by sharing your story! Very kind of you! 

I started Effexor/venlafaxin august 2014: 1st year 75 mg 2nd year 37.5 mg.

Taper: first try 37.5 to 0 in one month. Second try: 18.75 to 0 in two months.

Completely off effexor since 26-11-2016 with severe withdrawals such as blurred/constrained vision, brain fog and vertigo.

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On 05/03/2017 at 7:29 AM, Cherry47 said:

I was on ZOLOFT for 15 years and after about 10 years I started reacting to other medications and supplements, but of course everything was blamed except the a/d. One GP told me that I had only a certain number of enzymes in my liver to help absorb these things and that I had used all mine up, so that it was like overdosing! (Or some such crap)

 

I am two years out from going cold turkey, still very sick and cannot tolerate ANY meds or supplements, not even a low dose of paracetamol, I cannot rub fungal cream or cold sore cream onto my skin, foods finally not too bad.

 

A (very bad swear word) nightmare, that's for sure!

Do you think the adrenal dysfunction is what causes this? I read that when adrenals are not working to full capacity we react to meds and supplements. Any ideas

Prozac for 18years with break in 1999 for pregnancy. Started to feel unwell with numerous problems 2015 and think I was in a tolerance to drug. Started to come off May 2016 and by June 2016 wasn't able to tolerate any medications at all. Was on Lansoprazole as and when need from 2001 but haven't had to take and wldnt have been able to take since June 2016

 

GP gave sertraline 25mg 6/04/17 loss of appetite, gut pain and then following morning whole body shaking and vomiting. Stopped tablet.

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No problem, I hope your recovery goes well!  And I love your owl photo by the way!

 

I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is a medical opinion or meant to be medical advice, please seek a competent and trusted medical professional to consult for all medical decisions.

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Let me start out by saying that I realize no one will have an actual answer for me on this one. Regardless, I do appreciate any opinions others may want to give.

 

My nervous system has been running itself into the ground for years with it's beyond ridiculous reactions to simple everyday things. Everything is a threat it would seem. Temperature changes that are too abrupt, such as when I emerge from the shower, will induce agitation, exhaustion, and a general "wigged out" feeling. Eating is unacceptable to my system, apparently, along with light, sound, social interactions, driving (longer than an hour and I am out of it for the rest of the day), reading, and sleeping (this is heavily protested for some reason).

 

Things improve slightly if I avoid socializing, only expose myself to natural light, severely limit time listening to music or watching t.v./youtube videos, slowly go about activities and rest in between "sets," and eat as little as possible. If I keep this going I know a bit of peace for a time. The very second that I need to interact, run an errand, what have you...I'm right back in the horror show. Feels as though an electric fence has been put up between me and living now. I have more hope and enthusiasm for moving forward when I convince myself that however long this has been going on, it can still be thought of as temporary. That all I need do is calm my nerves and my brain and body will regain their tolerance to stress. This feels more often like wishful thinking, though. Deep down I am more convinced that this is the way I am now, and nothing that I do will change it. I can hold off stress (or what's seen as stress, rather), attempt to avoid it, but I will never again be able to withstand it.

1993: Diagnosed with "Depression" & "GAD, given Prozac
1994: Diagnosis changed to Bipolar II, Lithium added
1994-1997: Tried Wellbutrin and Zoloft
1997: Prescribed Effexor XR & Depakote ER
2012: Stopped Depakote, decreased dose of Effexor over the course of 2 or 3 months, used Prozac to help
2012: Stopped Prozac, began noticing disturbing symptoms after a few weeks of being antidepressant free.
late 2012: Prescribed Cymbalta
2013: Felt disconnected, disoriented, not "real".... Dr. recommended increasing the dose from 30mg to 60mg. Increased dosage was too much for my body/brain to handle....I had a very nasty reaction.

2014: Tried to go off Cymbalta. It did not work. I now take 15 beads.

2016: I take 3 beads daily...can't get off this crap. Obvious brain damage...most days I feel defeated and hopeless.

 

 

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Dearest Spidey

 

Thank you for sharing this very frustrating, exhausting and debilitating suffering.

 

While I am not hypersensitive as you have described it here, I am an HSP. I struggle with sensitivity to everything that is required for ordinary functioning in my career - caffeine, social interactions, critical feedback (even if its constructive). It is very hard to be in a competitive environment with these sensitivities. This is compounded by OCD, Anxiety, Depression and my love-hate relationship with my meds which I have to come to accept that I need.

 

It is really painful and I wish you much strength and courage in facing the daily battle that you have to face each day.

  • Fluoxetine 40 mg: Sep 2014 - Dec 2014 (Cold Turkey)
  • Fluoxetine 60 mg: Mar 2015 - Apr 2017 (Cold Turkey) 
  • Fluoxetine 10 mg: 21 Sep 2017 (Reinstated)
  • Fluoxetine 05 mg: 23 Sep 2017 (Adjusted Down)
  • Fluoxetine 15 mg: 28 Sep 2017 (Adjusted Up)
  • Fluoxetine 20 mg: 29 Sep 2017 (Adjusted Up)
  • Fluoxetine 05 mg: 30 Sep 2017 (Adjusted Down)

 

Currently taking: Fluoxetine 05 mg, Doxylamine (for insomnia)Multivitamin, Magnesium, Omega 3 Fish Oil & Flax Oil, Green Powder Mix.

 

"If you fail ten times, do not be disheartened. If you should fail a hundred times, rise up and pursue your way. If you should fail a thousand times, do not despair. When the right Path is entered, success is sure if the Path is not utterly abandoned."

- James Allen

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Hypersensitive for life?

Thank you responding and for sharing your experience with me, StarChild. :) It is comforting to hear that others out there, at least to some degree, struggle with this as well.

1993: Diagnosed with "Depression" & "GAD, given Prozac
1994: Diagnosis changed to Bipolar II, Lithium added
1994-1997: Tried Wellbutrin and Zoloft
1997: Prescribed Effexor XR & Depakote ER
2012: Stopped Depakote, decreased dose of Effexor over the course of 2 or 3 months, used Prozac to help
2012: Stopped Prozac, began noticing disturbing symptoms after a few weeks of being antidepressant free.
late 2012: Prescribed Cymbalta
2013: Felt disconnected, disoriented, not "real".... Dr. recommended increasing the dose from 30mg to 60mg. Increased dosage was too much for my body/brain to handle....I had a very nasty reaction.

2014: Tried to go off Cymbalta. It did not work. I now take 15 beads.

2016: I take 3 beads daily...can't get off this crap. Obvious brain damage...most days I feel defeated and hopeless.

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I found this article written by Charles Lapp, MD, of Hunter-Hopkins Center, Duke University who says “Some anti-depressants can also affect the cytochrome P450 system, which detoxifies the liver.  If that system is blocked by the drug, other medications cannot be metabolised and build up in the body, leading to a higher risk of adverse effects.”

 

This was in an article he wrote about using antidepressants to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (which is why I was given the drug).  I guess this is what my doctor was saying but he had no idea the antidepressants were the cause of the problem.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 32 years, given AD for this condition alone in 2000

Zoloft 100mg for 15 years, last five of these complained about adverse effects,

unable to tolerate other meds even supplements

Slowly felt sicker, advised by different Dr maybe on ads for too long

Cut back 100 - 50 over 6 months, still getting worse, so stopped over about 6 weeks starting Dec 2014

First month, slow, emotional, useless then POW! Horrendous withdrawal symptoms, completely non-functional

for about five months, slowly started to come back to life and continue with waves and windows, still more bad than good, but bads are less bad, and goods slightly better each time

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  • 2 weeks later...

I could have written this same exact thread, post :( Right there with you. I feel the same way. Exercise, food, social interactions, simple every day things make my nervous system feel like it's broken.. although it has been improving, it's taking so long it feels permanent :( Sorry. Hang on. Other people who heal from antidepressants/benzos/etc say they felt the same way and it got better. 

Took Accutane in 2007 at age 19 and a severe reaction to it threw me into Psychiatry's dirty hands. Suffered through a number of c/t's, rapid tapers, drug switches, reinstatements before finally figuring out what was happening to me in 2012 after checking out of psych hospital with a prescription for Ativan and Prozac. (Went in because was unknowingly in Xanax c/t wd and dying at the time from it).

 

May 2016 - Last dose of Valium after 2 year long taper from 15mg

June 2017- Last dose of the corticosteroid Hydrocortisone after taper

July 2019- Last dose of Prozac after 2 year long taper from 30mg

 

Was on Accutane, Lexapro, Celexa, Xanax, Ativan, Prozac, Hydrocorisone, Valium, and thyroid meds when none of them were needed. Still recovering to this day and hope to be healed in the coming months, but taking it one day at a time.

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I have a significant problem with this also in terms of social interactions, sudden sounds etc although I don’t seem to be as sensitive as some people as exercise or changes in light don’t exascerbate my symptoms. 

May 2007 - October 2007 Citalopram 20 mg od. 1st Antidepressant ever taken. No problem with fast taper and no withdrawal effects. No antidepressants for over 5 years.

 

January 2013 started Citalopram 20mg.

March 2014 Switched to Sertraline 50 mg od.

23rd June 2016 started taper 45mg

23.07.16 40.5mg 23.08.16 36.45mg 27.09.16 34.65mg 24.10.16 32.90mg 28.11.16 31.26mg 04.01.17 32mg 25.02.17 31mg 22.03.17 30mg 14.04.17 29mg 09.05.17 28mg 07.06.17 27mg 08.06.17 26mg 13.07.17 25mg 07.08.17 24mg 24.08.17 23mg 13.09.17 22mg 12.10.17 21mg 10.11.17 20mg 04.12.17 19mg 01.01.18 17mg 25.01.18 15mg 22.02.18 13.5mg 25.03.18 12.15mg 

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  • 1 month later...

I have been left with a lot of allergies and  sensitivities to things in my environment, which I never had before taking these drugs, and which started just after stopping them. I hope it all goes away eventually.

Last took an SSRI January 2009.

Last took a benzodiazepine May 2015.

Free from all prescription medication since May 2015.

Everything has mostly healed apart from PSSD which is still very bad, and is my most distressing symptom. Also i have developed some allergy problems/ sensitivities to things in the environment which i believe was possibly caused by the prescription medications (SSRI's and benzos).

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I have found the hypersensitivity reduced. Didn't go away, but greatly reduced.

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

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Can i ask what things you are hypersensitive to altostrata?

Last took an SSRI January 2009.

Last took a benzodiazepine May 2015.

Free from all prescription medication since May 2015.

Everything has mostly healed apart from PSSD which is still very bad, and is my most distressing symptom. Also i have developed some allergy problems/ sensitivities to things in the environment which i believe was possibly caused by the prescription medications (SSRI's and benzos).

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Hi Spidey,

 

Sorry to hear of your suffering.

 

Just wanted to say that I've got in and out of extreme hypersensitivity several times. My first unsuccessful tapering lead to very generalised hypersensitivity as you describe. I was often unable to get in the shower, it was simply too much sensory overload. The most minor stressors made me crash. Something surprising or emotional on TV would make me crash for hours. Walking a few hundred meters too far made me crash for days. I had to finely regulate every single aspect of life just to survive. It felt like extreme chronic fatigue mixed with the hypersensitivity of withdrawal. 

 

After I reintroduced another SSRI, it did go away in large part. Maybe 75%. Although certainly not completely. After the first big withdrawal crash I was never again able to tolerate caffeine, alcohol, moderate physical exercise, intense heat and other big changes in equilibrium. But most of these big changes were unhealthy anyway. So in a way it led to more healthy habits and much more gentleness towards myself. No more burning myself out with work or exercise, or any other extremes I used to indulge in.

 

Finding this kind of kindness towards oneself is very healthy. Even if it  essentially came through being defeated and not having a choice.

 

Later on I had another withdrawal disaster (4 months ago) and went back to extreme hypersensitivity to everything. I had to hide in my room from light , noise, temperature changes, any stimuli or exertion physical mental emotional or otherwise. Things have only started to reverse since I reinstated. I'm perhaps 40% better than I was 2 months ago now. So I am hopeful of returning to significantly less sensitive. The CNS simply takes a long time to heal.

 

Unfortunately things only ever got worse when I was totally off the meds, so I can't speak to healing from hypersensitivity in protracted withdrawal, only in reinstatement. 

 

Anyway, just wanted to comment since I'm someone who has experience extremes of these symptoms, come back (mostly), gone there again, and is now hopefully coming back again.

 

Wishing you the best, Jay

 

  • 2008: Started Citalopram 30mg
  • Sept 2014: Tapered down Citalopram over 6 months and discontinued Feb 2015
  • Severe withdrawals peaked in July/Aug 2015. Totally housebound.
  • Sept 2015: Sertraline started @ 100mg on GP advice.
  • Oct to Dec 2015: Reduced to Sertraline 50mg due to side effects. 
  • Jan 2016 to March 2017: Tapered Sertraline to 2mg @ 10% per month. 
  • Severe withdrawals peaked again June 2017. Totally housebound. 
  • Diazepam: July 2017 5mg // Aug 2017 2.5mg // Sept 2017 1mg // 12th Dec 2017 0.85mg 
  • Sertraline Reinstatement: 23 Oct 2017 5mg // 15 Nov 2017 10mg // 23 Nov 2017 15mg 
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