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☼ Lisa's Story by QuittheCure


QuittheCure

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From my blog: http://quitthecure.wordpress.com/

 

“It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

 

I don’t usually quote Nietzsche but I think brevity is important when you’re telling your personal story. I’ve been through a lot in these 32 years of life, but I don’t need to share it all right now and certain not in one sitting. What I believe to be relevant is who I am and how I wound up on thirteen different medications at the age of 32.

 

Thirteen.

 

I counted them all the other day. Before that, I had been afraid to. I’ve just carried the list around with me every time I go to the hospital or a doctor’s appointment, so I don’t have to struggle to remember what I’m taking when they ask me.

 

Now enough is enough. On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, I spoke with my psychiatrist about tapering off my antidepressants. And as of the same evening I began my journey toward “quitting the cure” when I stopped taking my prescription for Abilify 5mg. Now, on Day 5, the only symptom I have is ringing in the ears. It’s quite loud, but I’ll take that over depression symptoms any day.

 

So far, so good. But it wasn’t always so good. It wasn’t always so easy to smile and laugh. It wasn’t so easy to feel.

 

Everyone has had a rough childhood in one way or another. My childhood story is nothing worth putting up on Yahoo! News. However, my parents’ divorce—or divorces—affected me, moving from place to place far too often affected me, and experiencing a number of childhood traumas affected me. Eventually, at the age of 22, I just broke.

 

When I say “broke,” I felt like I had been turned into a puzzle. Someone had scattered all my pieces and I didn’t know where to find them or how to put myself back together. I went to my primary care doctor and he prescribed Zoloft for me. I started at a small dose of 25mg, and after a few weeks, I didn’t feel any difference. The doctor increased my dosage twice more, before I could feel “okay.”

 

For me, “okay” meant no panic attacks and no feelings. I was numb inside. I knew that all my emotions, all of my joy and pain lay under a lake of ice called Depression. But I didn’t admit I had depression at first. It took me a long time to admit it.

 

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been in the psych ward of the hospital. I went from feeling numb, to such feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that I considered suicide. I never planned it out, but the thought of it scared me so much, I knew that something was really wrong with me.

 

Almost every summer for five or six years, I would end up in the hospital. The medicines that the doctors would give me would work for a time, and then usually in the summer, I would suffer a complete breakdown. My work suffered, my home life and relationships suffered, and even my beloved writing suffered.

 

The cycle continued until I was diagnosed with Intracranial Hypertension (IH) a rare neurological disorder in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure within the skull is too high. I had been suffering from excruciating daily headaches for about a year, and when I had moved to Virginia for a few months, a neurologist finally diagnosed me with this rare disease. After using a new medicine for the IH, I suddenly noticed that my feelings of depression were beginning to return. Up until that time, I was ignoring my depression, keeping it “at bay” with the use of Lexapro. But as my symptoms began to return and as some stressors in my personal life increased, my neurologist recommended that I go home to Connecticut where I could be around family.

 

Well, when I arrived back in Connecticut it only took one day before I landed in the hospital. My life collapsed around me. Planning to return to Virginia after “getting well,” I found I couldn’t get well (couldn’t manage the symptoms of IH and depression at all). I lost my supervision job at a bank. I couldn’t get Social Security Disability. And I was powerless to get better. I was stuck.

 

I found myself barely able to leave the house, barely able to interact with people, and barely able to manage my headaches. I went to a new community health center, expecting more of the same: a new useless doctor, new useless medications, and a useless therapist. Luckily, I was wrong on all three counts.

 

The new psychiatrist really listened to me and came to understand my aversion to prescription medications. He respected my feelings and started me at a small dose of Cymbalta. Over time, I found myself unable to handle things until I was on 60mg of Cymbalta, 200mg of Lamictal, and a baby dose of Abilify 5mg.

 

My therapist—a young woman the same age (and height) as I am—“tricked” me into therapy. We always laugh about it; I swore up and down that I did not want to do therapy. Before I knew it, the therapist—I’ll call her “Natalie”—had me calm, comfortable, and talking to her in no time. I truly value her, and some days I wish we had met outside of the office where we could become good friends. Natalie has taught me so many wonderful coping skills and even worked with me using a very interesting therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), helping me to work through so many emotional issues.

 

After about three or four years of medication and therapy, I have finally found my “center.” Admitting that I had depression was the first step. The second and most important step was not to let it define me.

 

Now that I’ve spent a solid two years with few depression symptoms, I finally feel it’s time to throw out the depression meds. I’m not quitting cold turkey. I doing this on a psychiatrist’s supervision. However, she didn’t seem very happy when I told her I was going to do this. She didn’t seem like there was a solid, “safe” plan for tapering off of the medications. My sister and I have been scouring the internet for information, and I’m learning all about the things I need to ask—and tell—the psychiatrist when I see her in a little over a week from now.

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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I'm finding so much out on this site about withdrawal symptoms in Cymbalta, and the hell that people are going through. It makes me SO angry that these doctors do this to people without warning them. :angry: I don't know what decision I would or could have made had I known all of this ahead of time.

 

I want this poison out of my body even more now. But I know I have to be very, very patient. I just don't look forward to my patience vanishing at some point in the future. It sickens me to think I have to take my Lamictal in a few minutes. :(

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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QuittheCure,

I am so sorry for all that you have suffered! I am learning a lot about nutritional deficiencies and depression/anxiety.

Doctors do not have the time to explore such things with us therefore, writing prescriptions is what they do best and

we suffer the consequences!

Hang in there, it is a long journey but keep the faith that you will fight the good fight and finish the race!

Rosie

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

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QuittheCure,

I am so sorry for all that you have suffered! I am learning a lot about nutritional deficiencies and depression/anxiety.

Doctors do not have the time to explore such things with us therefore, writing prescriptions is what they do best and

we suffer the consequences!

Hang in there, it is a long journey but keep the faith that you will fight the good fight and finish the race!

Rosie

 

Rosie,

 

Thank you so much. I am so angry after reading some of the stories on this site. You're right--doctors only know how to write prescriptions! I don't know how I'm going to walk back in to see my psych and therapist without hitting someone for giving me this poison. :angry: They really need to put withdrawl effects on the information sheets with the scripts! This is criminal.

 

But I'm not discouraged. I will definitely fight the good fight and finish the race. I saw something yesterday that said, "No room to have fear when you have faith." http://razzi.me/photos/447615-no-room-for-fear All I have to say is AMEN.

 

Lisa

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

Link to comment

Amen and Amen!

<><

2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice

November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg

January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats.

Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Hi, Lisa. Welcome to our community.

 

Are you taking 13 medications right now? What are they?

 

Did you feel any side effects from the medication for the neurological condition?

 

Admitting that I had depression was the first step. The second and most important step was not to let it define me.

Absolutely true! You'll be a great inspiration on this site for people to unpatient themselves.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Hi, Alto,

 

Thanks for the welcome. I am so glad I stumbled upon this site! B) I cannot say enough about how important it is to find a community of people who have gone through and are going through the same things as you. I did this in the past when I had a breast reduction done. I hope that's not TMI, :lol: , but I only bring it up because it was so invaluable in helping me pre-op and post-op. I don't think I would have healed as well as I did--mentally and physically--without the help of that site/forum. (And sharing my story on there helped others.) I can see the same will be true for this site. (I'll try to share this web address with everyone I come in contact with that's thinking about or has gone off of antidepressants!)

 

The best thing you can do when you are in pain and suffering is to reach out to others, and then give more than you take.

 

Okay, I'm preaching :lol:

 

So, the meds I take, minus the antidepressants:

 

 

Lasix (Daily) - A diuretic - for the Intracranial Hypertension (IH)

Relpax - -- for my migraines (I just found out about this being a "selective serotonin receptor agonists" and have to do more research!)

Motrin (800mg) - For headaches/migraines and inflammation due to rotator cuff tears in both shoulders

Fioricet For migraines - My neurologist wants me to stop taking this as much because it can cause rebound headaches!

Torodol - For severe "unstoppable" migraines

Antivert - For dizziness/vertigo

Vicodin - When the rotator cuff tear pain is unbearable

Reglan - For nausea due to headaches and the IH (and probably the meds)

Voltaren (Gel) - An ibuprofen rub I use when my stomach cannot handle anymore medication

Albuterol - For my asthma, which is pretty mild

 

This, as you can see, is ridiculous! I've started working on ways to combat most of these symptoms naturally, i.e. ginger and magnesium for the onset of headaches/migraines (in place of the Relpax).

 

To address your other question, Alto, I used to feel a lot of side effects with the two medications I use to take for my IH.

 

First, I took Diamox, a diuretic. I would get tingling in my arms and legs sometimes. It felt similar to when one of your body parts fall asleep. :blink: I also noticed in the beginning that it made me feel drowsy. And of course, I had to pee all the time, lol :blink:

 

Within a few short weeks of starting the Diamox, my depression symptoms came back (I was taking Lexapro at the time and did not experience any symptoms for months before that). I continued to take Diamox with a new set of antidepressants and I didn't feel any interference with it. When the symptoms of my IH started to get out of control, my neurologist tried Topamax with me. Yeah, it worked all right, but it turned me into a complete zombie! I would forget what I was doing, what I was saying, and where I had left things (i.e. keys). So, we had to stop that drug. Then the Diamox stopped working completely. To say my head hurt would be an understatement. I also had a hard time seeing. The pressure in my skull was so high that the ER doc was surprised I was still standing!

 

Anyway, the doc put me on the new diuretic, Lasix. I don't have the tingling in my arms and legs anymore (thank God). I still have to pee all of the time, lol. I still have dizziness, but now I don't know what medication is causing it. It was severe a year ago, but it's gotten better since. Otherwise, I developed this sweating issue. I sweat profusely at random times. It's kind of embarrassing! :( My old neurologist didn't know why that started, but it started a few months after I started Lasix. It didn't go away when I switch meds temporarily.

 

So, now my new neurologist thinks that putting me back on Topamax will control my chronic daily headaches/migraines. He wanted to try Botox but I said heck no. <_< So he can't put me on the Topamax until I get off some of the antidepressants. He thinks that last time it reacted badly with the antidepressants. I want to get off all of them. I was just waiting for an excuse.

 

Sorry this is so long but I wanted to be thorough.

 

Lisa

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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  • Administrator

That is quite a list, Lisa.

 

I'm with you, I'd minimize the neurological medications as much as possible. Who knows how that soup is interacting. Any element can be adding to your depression symptoms, as well as IH itself.

 

In my opinion, antidepressants are a wild card. So little is really known about them -- the research being heavily contaminated by commercial interest -- they bring an element of risk into a situation like yours that makes their value highly questionable.

 

Getting down to a set of drugs your neurologist knows relatively well will be better for your health overall. Psychiatry's one drug-per-symptom polypharmacy approach is not what you need. (Headache is a common side effect of Cymbalta: http://www.drugs.com/ppa/duloxetine-hydrochloride.html , and it's been utterly oversold for pain, see http://curetogether.com/migraine/ig/treatment-effectiveness-vs-popularity -- Cymbalta is around the zero mark for migraines.)

 

We're big fans of magnesium and ginger here, as well as various Psychotherapeutic techniques to cope with depression and withdrawal symptoms.

 

If I were you, I'd go off the Cymbalta first. The lamotrigine may help cushion withdrawal, and it's among the drugs your neurologist knows.

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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Okay. Don't know if this is a withdrawal "symptom" of the Abilify, but for the last day or two I've been having a hard time keeping track of what I'm doing. I stop and start things a lot, as opposed to just multitasking. I almost started a fire in the kitchen today because I was cooking and totally forgot about it. :unsure:

 

Lisa

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

Link to comment

I personally hate Reglan. I am a chronic migraine sufferer and antidepressants made it worse. Reglan gave me a severe manic reaction with panic attack. Here is some more info on the side effects of Reglan:

 

http://www.drugs.com/reglan.html

Withdrew cold turkey from six medications: Celexa, Zyprexa, Depakote, Ativan, Ambien and Phentermine in 2002. It has been 10 years since I told polypharmacy to take a hike and have joined this forum to let others know that success is possible and to hopefully save people from experiencing the suffering that I did under psychiatric "care".

 

MY STORY

 

"TENSION is when we try to be who we think we should be, RELAXATION is when we are who we really are."

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I personally hate Reglan. I am a chronic migraine sufferer and antidepressants made it worse. Reglan gave me a severe manic reaction with panic attack.

 

Oh, boy. Luckily, I didn't have those symptoms. Thanks for the info, though. My sister and I both looked it over and I don't know how I missed "Before you take Reglan, tell your doctor if you have...a history of depression." I am way off my game. :(

 

I used to be so vigilant about making sure I didn't take any medication. I would even hesitate to take an Excedrin for my migraines. And when I did take meds, I always read up on the side effects. Now, of course, with the chronic daily headaches and intracranial hypertension, I'm stuck. And I keep missing things when I'm looking for side effects. I’m just taking too many medications and it’s time to stop. I'm going through the meds tomorrow and seeing which ones I can dump. I need to treat a lot of symptoms naturally. (i.e. I just discovered last week that Goldenseal, along with ginger, can really help nausea.)

 

I feel like I got tricked into taking all of these meds. I was vulnerable at the height of my depression, but I still should have trusted my gut. Yet the pain was just so much for me :(

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

Link to comment

Hi all,

 

I didn't see a lot on this forum about Abilify withdrawal, but I wanted to ask and see if someone has info.

 

About a day or two after stopping the Abilify, the ringing in my right ear got louder. I already have tinnitus, but this is pretty loud. But that's nothing I can't deal with. <_<

 

However, I've been having a hard time concentrating on one task at a time lately. I can usually multitask very easily. But now, I stop and start things, as opposed to just multitasking. I lose track of what I'm doing. I almost started a fire in the kitchen yesterday because I was cooking and totally forgot about it! :unsure: Thank God my sister is here with me most of the time!

 

Unfortunately, last night, I got a scare. I had just crawled into bed at 1am (can't go to sleep early anymore because the brain is busy!) I had my eyes closed but I wasn't asleep, just relaxed. I suddenly heard someone say "Hello." Or at least I think I did :unsure: I opened my eyes and said, "huh?" thinking perhaps it was my sister, and I had just misheard her. (She sleeps in the same room as me). She told me that she hadn't said anything.

 

I was really shaken because it seemed so clear, as if someone was next to me. (It almost seemed like they said it in my right ear.) :unsure:

 

I had such a hard time falling asleep because I was afraid to hear that voice again. My mind felt like it was being stretched in two different directions. Of course, this morning, I feel like I just imagined it all--maybe I really had fallen asleep and just didn't realize it.

 

This morning I'm fatigued, of course, but I can't go back to sleep. My father is talking my ear off and I'm so aggravated for no good reason. (Same thing happened last night.)

 

Sorry to complain. I'm just not sure if it's the Abilify or just a fluke. I was only on 5mg, a baby dose.

 

Lisa

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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  • Administrator

Make sure your neurologist looks this stuff up and remind him to review drug interactions.

 

Most CNS depressants have a side effect of depression.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

See http://www.drugs.com/ppa/aripiprazole.html

Major Depressive Disorder

Adults

 

PO Recommended starting dosage for patients already receiving an antidepressant is 2 to 5 mg/day. Gradually make dose adjustments of up to 5 mg/day at intervals of no less than 1 wk. Efficacy of adjunctive therapy was established within the range of 2 to 15 mg/day.

Relative to some drugs, 5mg might be a "baby" dose, but for Abilify, it's a full dose. Dosages interact differently with different nervous systems.

 

Yes, Abilify has withdrawal symptoms. If I could roll back time, I'd suggest you taper off even 5mg of Abilify. How about trying 2.5mg and seeing if you feel better? Then you can taper from there.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Hi Lisa,

 

Please don't beat yourself up for having accepted the solutions offered by western medicine. You made the best decisions you could make at the time with the information given. If you knew then what you know now, you might have made a different decision.

 

I find it is best to accept the present situation and make a plan to move forward. There is no value in going back over what could have been or what might have been.

 

Love and light,

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

Link to comment

See http://www.drugs.com/ppa/aripiprazole.html

Major Depressive Disorder

Adults

 

PO Recommended starting dosage for patients already receiving an antidepressant is 2 to 5 mg/day. Gradually make dose adjustments of up to 5 mg/day at intervals of no less than 1 wk. Efficacy of adjunctive therapy was established within the range of 2 to 15 mg/day.

Relative to some drugs, 5mg might be a "baby" dose, but for Abilify, it's a full dose. Dosages interact differently with different nervous systems.

 

Yes, Abilify has withdrawal symptoms. If I could roll back time, I'd suggest you taper off even 5mg of Abilify. How about trying 2.5mg and seeing if you feel better? Then you can taper from there.

 

 

Alto,

 

I guess I shouldn't be underestimating these drugs. What looks "little" can be a literal wolf in sheep's clothing. If I had know this ahead of time, I would have definitely cut the little bugger in half.

 

Yet, since I posted yesterday, and as of today, I'm feeling okay. It's manageable. I'm not hearing things so that's good! Maybe I just jumped the gun. Then again, when I didn't think it was even possible the ringing in my ears got even louder last night! Boo. I tried some white noise on my iPod touch and I could still hear the ringing over the sound. <_<

 

Otherwise, I feel a little shaky, like my blood sugar is low (which it might be). Still feeling fatigued, dizzy, easily distracted, and I keep starting and stopping things. Also, a little out of breath, even when I'm sitting still.

 

But I think I'm going to ride it out. I can try some Camille tea to calm myself, see if that helps the breathing. But come Tuesday, when I see the psychiatrist, I will assess how I'm feeling. If the symptoms are still there, I'll just hold off on beginning the taper on the Cymbalta.

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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I find it is best to accept the present situation and make a plan to move forward. There is no value in going back over what could have been or what might have been.

 

 

Thanks Karma. :)

 

Yeah. If I go back over everything, it won't help me. It'll just encourage me to beat myself up. (Which I love to do, evidently.) ;) But I'll share my experience with others if it helps.

 

I went to my PCP yesterday and ran into my therapist as she was coming up the stairs. I had such mixed feelings about her because she was just one more person who didn't warn me about all this. She's a great person, and she has truly helped me, but at the same time...she hasn't. I'm afraid to hear what she'll say next week when I tell her everything I'm learning about AD withdrawal. If she even tries to justify it...

 

But it's true--I need to make a plan to move forward. And I keep using my YouTube videos, my blog, and this forum as a way to share with others what it takes to survive antidepressants. I feel so inspired when I read other people's stories or see other people's blogs and videos. Giving back to others in this way is important. And if it helps just one person, then it will all be worth it.

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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  • Administrator

A lot of therapists don't know the problems with withdrawal or polypharmacy -- they've drunk the psych drug Kool-Aid.

 

To get the most out of therapy, bring up any personality conflicts or reservations you have with your therapist. They're supposed to give you a safe place to work this out. If the therapist isn't honest with you, plays games, or is offended, she's a bad therapist and good riddance.

 

Don't conduct your relationship to please your therapist -- you're probably replicating all the bad relationships you've ever had. Why pay for that? Confront and learn something.

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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I am not familiar with abilify withdrawal but I would imagine it can be pretty tough like all psych drugs. Recently, a counselor told me I should try this drug but I will not and am wondering why they added it to your other drugs. What made you want to get off? I have read some bad stories about this drug and it is being heavily marketed right now.

Various SSRIs/SNRIs 7- 1/2 years

Went Cold Turkey from Celexa 2011, Stayed Off

Psych Drug Free and Loving Life (over 6 years and counting)

 

How I Stay Well: Diet, exercise, meditation, supplements, etc

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Hi Zepplin :)

 

During the last six years I've been on both Cymbalta and Lamictal. I started the Abilify about 2 years ago when I had an "incident" :wacko: with some herbs, supplements, and the medications. (I'll definitely have to share that story sometime as a cautionary tale.) To begin with, my depression wasn't completely "managed" before the "incident," but after it, I felt like my brain was completely fried. I also felt emotionally scarred and shaken.

 

So, the nurse practitioner recommended Abilify for me. She explained that Abilify can help the other two drugs work together better. I felt so physically "damaged;" I needed something to help me function again. So, I started the Abilify, adding it to my morning dose of Cymbalta.

 

I was so drowsy it wasn't funny. :blink: But when I switch it to the evening, I didn't feel any side effects after that.

 

Despite a recent rant on my blog, I can still "recommend" Abilify if you feel you absolutely need something to help you out. However, I recommend with caution. :excl: Everyone reacts differently to medications. I may have felt one side effect, but that doesn't mean it would be as simple for you or the next person. The same is true when it comes to withdrawal effects. And the withdrawal effects are a serious price you pay when you decide to quit.

 

Abilify really did make a huge difference for me, though. I felt better within days. However, the rest of my stability I attribute to therapy, as well as taking some tips from a book called The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs by Stephen S. Ilardi, Ph.D. There was tons of info in his book that really helped me get over that final hurdle. I'm revisiting it now to see what will help as I quit these meds.

 

I once argued with my cousin when she posted a rant on Facebook about Abilify. Having no personal experience with this dark road we go down, she couldn't understand why multiple medications are needed to treat depression. I don't know. I just knew it worked. And it was wrong to judge people for doing what they felt needed to be done to live a sane life.

 

Anyway, I've decided to quit my medications for multiple reasons. I was taking 13 medications, and at 32-years-old, I hated the idea that they all were probably trashing my liver. I also need to stop them so I can better manage my Intracranial Hypertension (IH). I don't really have any choice but to take meds for the IH (it's that or I go blind while having a permanent excruciating headache). So, my neurologist wants me to at least taper the antidepressants down a bit.

 

But quite frankly, I'm tired of being a slave to the mental health system. I feel a lot more emotionally stable now. I've learned to handle my stress and emotions better. And I've found natural ways (that don't land me in the hospital) to combat depression.

 

The withdrawal effects aren't fun, though. And Alto reminded me that 5mg isn't a "baby" dose of medication. That little blue pill is a wolf in sheep's clothing. So far, my withdrawal symptoms are bearable. (At this point, I have a high tolerance for discomfort and pain.) But again, that doesn't mean everyone will have the same luck.

 

I hope this helps, Zepplin. You're doing the right thing by doing research ahead of time so that you know what you can expect.

 

Lisa :)

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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I've been on Abilify but only about a week. I have been on lots of other antipsychotics and it seems I get w/d symptoms but they aren't as long lasting as from Antidepressants. But of course I can't be sure about Abilify in particular and everyone is different. So it's as they say, always good to taper.

 

As for the voice saying "hello", that is not a real uncommon thing that happens upon waking or falling asleep. It's not psychosis, it's called Hypnagogia. I get this but along with Schizophrenic hallucinations. Taking Niacin has eliminated the problem for me. I take 2, 500 mg of flush free Niacin a day.

 

Edit: I don't know why the link isn't showing up on Hynagogia. Here's a link to info about it at Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnagogia

Taper from Cymbalta, Paxil, Prozac & Antipsychotics finished June 2012.

Xanax 5% Taper - (8/12 - .5 mg) - (9/12 - .45) - (10/12 - .43) - (11/12 - .41) - (12/12 - .38)

My Paxil Website

My Intro

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As for the voice saying "hello", that is not a real uncommon thing that happens upon waking or falling asleep. It's not psychosis, it's called Hypnagogia. I get this but along with Schizophrenic hallucinations. Taking Niacin has eliminated the problem for me. I take 2, 500 mg of flush free Niacin a day.

 

 

Shanti,

 

Thank you so much for this info. I saw it yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to respond. But thank God I saw it!

 

Early this morning, around 5am, I woke up with a screaming headache and extreme dizziness. The room was pitch black but everything felt like it was spinning rapidly. It wasn't the usual migraine, and I don't think it was my IH because my eyes felt okay; no resistance with moving my eyes and no blurred vision when I got up to go to the bathroom. Maybe another withdrawal symptom or something random? I tried to put off taking anything, and just went back to relax in the bed.

 

I heard a "beep" in my ear (the right one again). It woke me up--but then I had sleep paralysis and couldn't move. I heard the beep again and then struggled out of that sleep state. But I kept struggling back and forth for the next hour or so, continuing to hear the noises in different ears. It took me awhile to find real sleep.

 

It was so disconcerting, but it would have been worse had it not been for your response to this post. Thanks again! B)

 

Lisa

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

See http://www.drugs.com/ppa/aripiprazole.html

Major Depressive Disorder

Adults

 

PO Recommended starting dosage for patients already receiving an antidepressant is 2 to 5 mg/day. Gradually make dose adjustments of up to 5 mg/day at intervals of no less than 1 wk. Efficacy of adjunctive therapy was established within the range of 2 to 15 mg/day.

Relative to some drugs, 5mg might be a "baby" dose, but for Abilify, it's a full dose. Dosages interact differently with different nervous systems.

 

Yes, Abilify has withdrawal symptoms. If I could roll back time, I'd suggest you taper off even 5mg of Abilify. How about trying 2.5mg and seeing if you feel better? Then you can taper from there.

 

 

Alto,

 

I guess I shouldn't be underestimating these drugs. What looks "little" can be a literal wolf in sheep's clothing. If I had know this ahead of time, I would have definitely cut the little bugger in half.

 

Yet, since I posted yesterday, and as of today, I'm feeling okay. It's manageable. I'm not hearing things so that's good! Maybe I just jumped the gun. Then again, when I didn't think it was even possible the ringing in my ears got even louder last night! Boo. I tried some white noise on my iPod touch and I could still hear the ringing over the sound. <_<

 

Otherwise, I feel a little shaky, like my blood sugar is low (which it might be). Still feeling fatigued, dizzy, easily distracted, and I keep starting and stopping things. Also, a little out of breath, even when I'm sitting still.

 

But I think I'm going to ride it out. I can try some Camille tea to calm myself, see if that helps the breathing. But come Tuesday, when I see the psychiatrist, I will assess how I'm feeling. If the symptoms are still there, I'll just hold off on beginning the taper on the Cymbalta.

 

 

Like I said elsewhere, I think you really should hold off on starting any new tapers for a while regardless of your current symptoms. Most of the time when people quit psych meds the worst of the withdrawal symptoms don't kick in immediately. Usually there's a lag time. And then the withdrawal plays itself out over a period of months with varying symptoms.

 

I would be very surprised (but happily so) if someone with a polydrug history like yours was able to just CT a psych med and walk away without problems. Even with a taper there's usually a recovery period.

 

I would recommend you consider waiting three months before considering starting a new taper. If at the end of that time you are completely without withdrawal symptoms it would probably be okay to start to taper another med. If you are still having symptoms you should wait until you're stable, no matter how long it takes. People can get themselves into a lot of trouble by trying to get off too many meds too fast.

 

Just my fifty cents...

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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Like I said elsewhere, I think you really should hold off on starting any new tapers for a while regardless of your current symptoms. Most of the time when people quit psych meds the worst of the withdrawal symptoms don't kick in immediately. Usually there's a lag time. And then the withdrawal plays itself out over a period of months with varying symptoms.

 

I would be very surprised (but happily so) if someone with a polydrug history like yours was able to just CT a psych med and walk away without problems. Even with a taper there's usually a recovery period.

 

I would recommend you consider waiting three months before considering starting a new taper. If at the end of that time you are completely without withdrawal symptoms it would probably be okay to start to taper another med. If you are still having symptoms you should wait until you're stable, no matter how long it takes. People can get themselves into a lot of trouble by trying to get off too many meds too fast.

 

Just my fifty cents...

 

Rhi,

 

Your "fifty cents" is worth a million! I take everything everyone on this forum says very seriously. Especially when they have more experience in this arena than I do.

 

Just as I signed onto this forum again, I felt seriously nauseated and dizzy. I've been barely able to get rid of this headache, and I always feel breathless--like I'm having a mini panic attack...just without the panic. :blink: My sister keeps looking at me weird because I keep breathing so heavily, trying to catch my breath. And this even happens while I'm sitting!

 

I hate to complain and list every little symptom. I'm just hoping that anyone else who looks for/googles this information will find some comfort in knowing that maybe this is normal.

 

I always need to consider that my IH could play a role in this, but I believe that taking your advice will help a lot. The 6-month mark where I usually end up in the ER in need of an immediate lumbar puncture (because of my IH) is quickly approaching. Waiting to taper for an extended period is a really good idea. There are so many symptoms present right now.

 

BTW, what is the average lag time? (I know there's not a perfect science to this but I bet I'll get better info off this site then from my psych!) I've been off the Abilify for 11 days so far. Is that why my symptoms may be increasing in severity?

 

Sneaky little pill :ph34r: LOL.

 

Again, your help means a lot to me.

 

Lisa

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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  • Administrator

I've been off the Abilify for 11 days so far. Is that why my symptoms may be increasing in severity?

Yep, your nervous system is trying to cope with a drastic change. You can take your chances with toughing out Abilify withdrawal, but with your other conditions, I wouldn't. Do your nervous system a favor and go back on a fraction of a tablet.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

 

I heard a "beep" in my ear (the right one again). It woke me up--but then I had sleep paralysis and couldn't move. I heard the beep again and then struggled out of that sleep state. But I kept struggling back and forth for the next hour or so, continuing to hear the noises in different ears. It took me awhile to find real sleep.

 

It was so disconcerting, but it would have been worse had it not been for your response to this post. Thanks again! B)

 

Lisa

 

Yes, since w/d, I've been having more weird noises, right upon falling asleep or waking up. Sometimes a zap. But more often a noise. It can sound like a bell, phone, crash, clank, voice, even music. Very weird. But I haven't had it since using the Niacin. I originally started it for hallucinations but noticed it also helped with the Hypnagogia. I hope it works for you. Be sure to start out with low dose of Niacin because of possible sensitivity. I had no trouble with it and actually was taking 7 a day with no trouble.

Taper from Cymbalta, Paxil, Prozac & Antipsychotics finished June 2012.

Xanax 5% Taper - (8/12 - .5 mg) - (9/12 - .45) - (10/12 - .43) - (11/12 - .41) - (12/12 - .38)

My Paxil Website

My Intro

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  • 2 weeks later...

Okay. So at Day 23 off the Abilify, I've been handling my anxiety with chamomile tea and valerian. Pretty good. I had one extreme crying spell (over nothing), but that was to be expected. Today I had some flu-like symptoms--no fever but body aches, nausea, dizziness, dull headache. At 23 day could this be withdrawal or just something random? I don't know whether or not to expect the symptoms to stay the same for awhile (i.e. Anxiety/panic attack) or if I should expect new ones to come up (i.e. More crying spells, more symptoms). Kind of confusing and unpredictable....

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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Hi Lisa ~

That's quite a history -

Just a question about the IH - was that caused by SSRIs or related to their use -

I have had chronic head/neck pain that coincided with my start of Zoloft (and side effect of bruxism/TMD) - it's all a blur but as i read others' stories it prompts questions about my own history - never assesed for intracranial hypertension or hemorrhage but i see there is some literature relating it to SSRIs and bleeding in general -

 

Unpredictability is definitely a key feature of psych med withdrawal but you'll usually find that it's been discussed by the group along with best ways to handle it -

 

Welcome to the group - you'll get great guidance and support

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Hi Lisa and welcome :)

 

I was THROWN INTO SSIR discontinuance syndrome d/t my internist not refilling Effexor xr 150mg for SEVEN DAYS!!! I did not know it existed until then.... Evidently neither did she... But I knew in my gut that the poor concentration, impaired equilibrium, nausea, headache, irritability, ringing in my ears, vivid dreams, "brain shivers" were the direct result of stopping the medication cold turkey.

I decided then and there to get off this poison. I tapered too fast!!! The symptoms re occurred, especially the irritability and "brain shivers". I am now on a very low dose and will hold here until my body has time to adjust.

 

I have since cancelled 2 appointments with my MD. I am still angry :angry: with her for putting me through hell. But she is not the one to blame. She was not fully informed by the drug rep, so how could she inform me??

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I have since cancelled 2 appointments with my MD. I am still angry :angry: with her for putting me through hell. But she is not the one to blame. She was not fully informed by the drug rep, so how could she inform me??

 

I hope no doctor is relying on drug reps for up-to-date scientific info. Talking about discontinuation syndrome beyond what is specified in product labeling would fall into the illegal 'off label' area. If something has not gone through scientific trials, the FDA, and Medical Regulatory affairs, it's anecdotal info and off limits to discuss with a physician. This is not something that gets media attention like the promotion of off-label (unapproved) uses, but it is the flip side of same coin.

 

Sorry - I didn't mean to jump on your comment. It actually raises a good question about how doctors use or rely on info from marketing reps and where they get most of their prescribing info. They *should* be staying current with journals and continuing medical education, but even that is influenced by pharma.

Many docs have no interaction with reps and those that do only do so long enough to sign for samples (20-30 seconds).

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Silver Star,

 

Maybe my comment was too simplistic. The point I wanted to get across was... MD's do not know enough about SSIR discontinuance syndrome. I believe it is down played by the Pharms on purpose.

 

:)Enough said. Peace to all

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm finding so much out on this site about withdrawal symptoms in Cymbalta, and the hell that people are going through. It makes me SO angry that these doctors do this to people without warning them.

This is the part that infuriates me as well. What ever happened to informed consent?

 

I was hospitalized over a year ago with depression, which, I believe, was caused in large part by my cholesterol being reduced to a very low level by Lipitor. I was never told of the possible side effects of Lipitor such as muscle wasting (which I have), depression, memory loss, and diabetes. The psychiatrist didn't pay any attention to my cholesterol level but forged ahead, prescribing Lexapro, Remeron, and Ativan. For reasons he never explained, he suddenly switched me to Pristiq instead of Lexapro. No one ever told me about side effects.

 

Two months after leaving the psych ward I got a lung infection which I believe was due to taking frequent doses of aspirin for back pain and bleeding from my nose dripping down my throat. (My first clue was throwing up blood.) Did anyone bother to tell me that aspirin should never be taken with Pristiq? H*ll, no! The pulmonary "specialist" to whom I was referred had never even heard of Pristiq and proceeded to make a number of misdiagnoses. (Is there such a word as maldiagnosis?)

 

Eventually I got off of Remeron and then switched to Lexapro, 10 mg., and even though I tapered off over four months I've still suffered through a lot of the withdrawal symptoms so many people here describe. I was down to 2.5 mg. when I last saw my doctor and she laughed, saying I was taking "practically nothing". I'd like for her to experience "practically nothing". :angry:

 

I have also turned against mainstream medicine. I haven't altogether severed my relationships with my doctors, but I'm now very, very leery of them and seek out herbal cures first. In fact, I'm going to look into becoming an herbalist myself when I feel up to it.

 

Welcome aboard. This forum has been of tremendous help to me on the road back. :)

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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Silver Star,

 

Maybe my comment was too simplistic. The point I wanted to get across was... MD's do not know enough about SSIR discontinuance syndrome. I believe it is down played by the Pharms on purpose.

 

:)Enough said. Peace to all

 

You are right - the system is broken in so many ways with pharma controlling access to information in all avenues. I don't think doctors are aware of how misinformed and manipulated they are.

 

I apologize again for jumping on your earlier statement.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Hi, Lisa -- if you have a bug, the symptoms will follow a familiar pattern, peak and go away.

 

If you have withdrawal symptoms, you'll have them in waves, they'll be in weird combinations, and change in weird ways.

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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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Lisa ~

That's quite a history -

Just a question about the IH - was that caused by SSRIs or related to their use -

I have had chronic head/neck pain that coincided with my start of Zoloft (and side effect of bruxism/TMD) - it's all a blur but as i read others' stories it prompts questions about my own history - never assesed for intracranial hypertension or hemorrhage but i see there is some literature relating it to SSRIs and bleeding in general -

 

Unpredictability is definitely a key feature of psych med withdrawal but you'll usually find that it's been discussed by the group along with best ways to handle it -

 

Welcome to the group - you'll get great guidance and support

 

The doctors don't really know what causes IH. It's really frustrating. Sometimes it's been linked with the use of birth control pills (which I used to take). It's also been linked to other things, but I never saw anything about SSRIs. Good question, though.

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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Eventually I got off of Remeron and then switched to Lexapro, 10 mg., and even though I tapered off over four months I've still suffered through a lot of the withdrawal symptoms so many people here describe. I was down to 2.5 mg. when I last saw my doctor and she laughed, saying I was taking "practically nothing". I'd like for her to experience "practically nothing". :angry:

 

 

That's horrible! I hate when doctors treat you like you're crazy.

 

I saw an article somewhere in which a doctor said “Although these withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, they are not dangerous. They simply reflect your body’s readjustment after losing the neurochemical effects of the antidepressant; experiencing these types of symptoms does not mean that you have become ‘hooked’ on the medication.”

 

"Uncomfortable?" They "simply" reflect the readjustment??? Really! As you said, I wish they could experience this and then maybe they would be careful about what they say and do. :angry:

Drug History (approx):

 

2002-2003

Zoloft

2003-2004

Paxil

2005-2007

Lexapro

2008

Cymbalta, Ativan

2009

Cymbalta, Lamictal, Ativan

2010- (February) 2012:

Cymbalta 60mg, Lamictal 200mg, Abilify 5mg

--

Currently (March 2012):

Stopped Abilify 5mg on 02/28/2012

Holding at Cymbalta 60mg and Lamictal 200mg

--

 

Lisa

Quit the Cure

http://quitthecure.com/

 

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." ~ Ephesians 4:23

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