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Does the brain heal?


TABaker

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I'm not sure if this is the right folder for this question, but I'm sure it's been asked a lot! Does the brain ever heal from AD? I read somewhere once that the only part of the body that CAN'T heal itself is the tooth (you break a tooth, you're outta luck). But it's very hard to get a consensus on this question as to yes or no, the brain can/can't heal.

 

I'm trying natural methods, which seem to help (amino acids, organic food, clean/flouride-free water, sleeping in complete darkness, and just listening to/watching positive things), but I'm so early in this journey, I just want some reassurance it's not all in vain. Anyone "been there, done that" as far as recovery and brain healing?

 

Thank you!

Started on 50 mg of Zoloft in 2013, quit abruptly by choice, then returned about a year later (the doc put my on 75 mg). Stayed on that dose for a couple years until I was discovered sleep walking, after which the doc put my on 100 mg (you know, to control the sleep problems the drugs brought on, but I digress). After realizing I don't like feeling numb, with no sex drive, and chronic diarrhea, I began tapering down over the course of a year. Am now 3 weeks on 0 mg, and am looking for answers to when (if ever) my brain will be back to normal again.

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Yes - the brain does heal!

 

TA - could you give us a rundown of which supplements you are using, how much per day, and when during the day? I'm always looking for advice on this. I've had some bad luck with supplements, but everyone else here swears by them, so I'm trying to figure out what I am doing wrong.

 

SJ

Main thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/14472-shakeyjerr-say-hello/

History: Prozac & Lithium from 1999 to 2003. Ended up back on after 4 months because taking a beta-blocker caused immediate depression (just 2 doses - turned out I didn't even need it; I had no other withdrawal symptoms - I might have ended up med and withdrawal-free otherwise :(). - Switched to Effexor (75mg 3/day) and Seroquel (50mg 3/day) in 2010. - Did a self-taper during 2016. - Developed Discontinuation Syndrome 02/17.

Supplements: Magnesium-Glycinate 400mg split into 4 100mg doses throughout the day. Vitamin C 500mg - once per day. Fish Oil 1360 mg (950 mg Active Omega-3) - twice per day.

I'm not a doctor. I use the internet, experience, and trial & error. Seek medical advice if necessary.

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Yes - the brain does heal!

 

TA - could you give us a rundown of which supplements you are using, how much per day, and when during the day? I'm always looking for advice on this. I've had some bad luck with supplements, but everyone else here swears by them, so I'm trying to figure out what I am doing wrong.

 

SJ

Good to hear, thanks!

 

Well I was on Zoloft for about 4 years, which is an SSRI (serotonin), so I've been leaning a lot on 5-HTP (the by-product of L-Tryptophan). When I had weaned down to 50 mg of Zoloft (from 100 mg), I began taking 1 amino acid (5-HTP) pill in the morning that was 500 mg, then at night, I took my 50 mg Zoloft. They say you shouldn't take 5-HTP when you're still on SSRI's, but I read in this book called "The Mood Cure" that as long as you have AT LEAST a 6-hour window between taking the 2, you should be fine. I was fine. I just didn't want to eventually get down to 0 mg of my AD and my brain be starved for serotonin, ya know?

 

Anyhoo, I also take 5 mg of Lithium Orotate (not prescription strength, you can get it at the Vitamin Shoppe.) They've used it to treat people with PTSD, depression, sleep disorders. I can say it's remarkably effective!

 

Then just a good B-12, Vitamin D, and fish oil. They seem to help me very much.

 

Definitely check out "The Mood Cure" if you haven't already. You can probably buy it on Amazon for like, 10 cents, lol! Good luck!

Started on 50 mg of Zoloft in 2013, quit abruptly by choice, then returned about a year later (the doc put my on 75 mg). Stayed on that dose for a couple years until I was discovered sleep walking, after which the doc put my on 100 mg (you know, to control the sleep problems the drugs brought on, but I digress). After realizing I don't like feeling numb, with no sex drive, and chronic diarrhea, I began tapering down over the course of a year. Am now 3 weeks on 0 mg, and am looking for answers to when (if ever) my brain will be back to normal again.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

The answer is… Yes. I've seen this in my own life and it is the overarching message here on SA. 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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Yes...for sure.

Prozac 1999-2009 quit semi cold turkey.

 

2012 Placed on Seroquel 25 mg, Tranxene (Clorezepate) 3.75 mg 3x a day, Remeron 30 mg for anxiety/akathesia.

 

Weaned off Seroquel and Tranxene .to Remeron 15 Mg.

In May 2014 tried quitting Remeron at its lowest dose. Had severe withdrawals.Reinstated Remeron at 30 mg by doctor. August 5 2014 entered hospital. Doctor pulled the Remeron and bridged it to Pamelor (Nortriptyline) 40mg and Zyprexa 2.5mg.After removing the Remeron all my bad symptoms went away and I am stable.

 

9/11/14 - 7.5 mg tranxene, 40mg Pamelor, Zyprexa 2.5mg

12/29/14 -  20mg Pamelor, 1/6/15,  7/31/15 3.5mg, 8/10/15 3.2 mg, 9/15/15 2.2mg, 10/15/15 1.8mg

(Feb 2016 - 1.4mg Pamelor only -  OFF OF TRANXENE AND ZYPREXA SINCE DEC 2014 BENZO FREE Since 2014. Nortrityline (Pamelor) .8mg Aug 2016

March 2017 DRUG FREE

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I can't say for myself yet with severe insomnia in the way. I'm in constant fear of never going to make it back to being anywhere near my old self before the celexa. I'd like reassurance too.

2020 July 28 - August 9: 15 mg Mirtazapine

Quit cold turkey. Experienced tiny brain zaps, dulled emotions, insomnia.

2020 September 2 - 4: reinstated with 7.5 mg Mirtazapine

2020 September 4 - 12: went back to 15 mg Mirtazapine

2020 September 13 - present: reduced to 7.5 mg Mirtazapine

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I believe it can! but what I am experiencing considering my own healing path it's not at all that fast as I hoped it to happen;/ I am off around 1,5 years now and I did not think it would be possible to be hit by such a strong wave once again. Generally sooooo many things have improved since being off, specially after around 8-10 months. my waves had become shorter and lighter but this time it's hitting me strong and I am still sort of "amazed" and think: wow my brain seems to be screaming right now???? and I figgure that it might take me many more years til my brain completely heals- BUT I am certeain it can- regarding we take care for ourselves and are careful not to put too much stress and pressure on us.

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

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I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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