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Irregular heartbeats, palpitations, tachycardia, bradycardia


peggy

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I'm experiencing problems w/ heart rate again. It was bradycardia before. Now it's Bradycatdia - tachycardia. Fluctuating from 30s to 100 within 2 minutes. Dizziness, weakness/overwhelming need to lie down, etc. I'm scheduled to see a cardio electro physiologist at end of January, but supposed to go to ER if worsens. Few hospitals have cardiac electro physiologists.

 

I'll keep you posted.

 

Uh Ohhhhh.  Hang in there Barb.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

I am having alot of troubles with a racing or thumping heart. My sleep is stopping in the sense that I am tired but as soon as I drift my heart races and my back crawls. I will still be groggy and start drifting again and the heart surges even faster. I am exaughsted. My heart is still thumping. This usually only happens in trying to nap during the day.

Has this happened to others. It's happened in the past but not as strongly and I don't know how to lower my heart rate. I do not feel panicky. Deep breathing only minimally helps. I don't want to go to the hospital here as I am sure they would want to fill my mouth with benzos. Scared a beta blocker will make it worse. Any advice?

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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I used taurine during this phase which is quite common. The two principles for supplements are start at a low dose and work up if no immediate adverse effect and only try one thing at a time. Hope it helps if you decide to use it! http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5759-taurine-for-heart-arrhythmia/

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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Thanks meimeiqiest, I have tried taurine in the past and was sensitive it reved me up, but that was a a full dose. I will look into it again at a lower dose. This mostly happens after I try to drift off to sleep and lasts a bit after.

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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GABA is another option. There are some reservations about using it during a benzo taper, as you are trying to heal your GABA receptors. I use it sparingly, and it hasn't seemed to be problematic or addicting, but I am less sensitive than some. I was on a beta-blocker, but it turned into a mess and took six months to taper, but others do well.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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I was sensitive to GABA a few years ago but things may have changed. what did the beta blocker end up doing? I am freaking that I am going to need one if this keeps up but afraid I will not tolerate it.

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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It worked at first, then I got dizzy as bp dropped and just "off", reduced dose, went into WD. If you do have to take one, I think it is better to use one with as little blood brain barrier penetration as possible, like atenolol, I was on metoprolol which penetrates the brain more.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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Can you use them as needed? I just wonder when I get like this if a beta locker would stop the surges of rapid heart and adrenaline? But I normally have low bp too. Feels like it's high now.

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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I think some people do that, but you would need to be very cautious. It's a bit like taking small doses of benzo-lite. Dr. Shipko in his book Xanax Withdrawal actually recommends taking a bit more benzo when withdrawal is really bad. It's just that Xanax is gone quickly, Klonopin not so much. Others use atenolol intermittently, hopefully some will chime in.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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I have updosed before on the clonazepam and it has caused me problems down the road. :( I never thought a beta blocker would be like a light benzo. Thanks for this info :)

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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In the sense that it mitigates the stress response.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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I found acupuncture to be very helpful to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

 

I've also found theanine can be calming, during the day.

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements to be calming, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

I used to put magnesium citrate in cold water and sip it during rough patches.

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 found acupuncture to be very helpful to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

 

I've also found theanine can be calming, during the day.

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements to be calming, see

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

I used to put magnesium citrate in cold water and sip it during rough patches.

Thanks Alto,  I should try Acupuncture again except this time with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.  The last one I tried was a General Practioner and the only reason I went to her was because my husbands insurance covered every visit.  She would put the needles in where she figured best, strap some electrode device on and leave and then her nurse would take them out.  Every time I went I would be in a bad wave so I quit. (I was going to calm the nervous system, I think?)  That was awhile ago and I never said I would give acupuncture up only next time it would be with a traditional practitioner that had the time to really listen to me.  More expensive yes, but possibly worth it. 

 

A couple years ago I reacted to theanine, but I might try it again.  Recently the tiniest of fish oil revved me up.  Mag citrate I think revs me up to. Oddly this summer 5 months after finishing my SSRI taper and in the middle of my benzo taper I was feeling the best I had in years and I was able to drink Mag citrate at the full doses and it was helpful.  Then I foolishly messed on my benzo taper and it all caught up now I am sensitive again.  Still able to do the mag oil so on your suggestion I slowly restarted it yesterday and it seemed to help. (I had quit putting it on this week thinking it was causing problems too.  Hopefully this sensitivity will go down again with my hold and I can drink the mag citrate again because I really believed it helped this summer.  Today the heart rate is not bad, so that must have been a 4 day wave?  I have had it before in the fall, but this time was scary and I don't doubt it will be back in one of the next waves so I am going to try some of these ideas from everyone for next time. 

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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I think I know why I reacted to theanine, but It doesn't apply across the board. I don't know if I have always been like this, but my copper level is a little high. Copper is a co-factor in moving dopamine to norepinephrine, and I move dopamine too fast. Theanine mostly has a calming effect, but it increases dopamine a tad....which makes me extremely agitated. But hopefully it won't do that too you, it is great for most people.

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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annie3, hey.

 

i went through a very difficult withdrawal from benzodiazapines. i had an issue with my heart's bpm. i could rarely get my heart to drop below 100 bpm. prior to withdrawal, i had been a marathoner with a bpm that was slowwwwwww...

 

useful things i used:

 

**magnessium glycinate - this actually lowered my heart rate in fairly short order. i bought an at-home bloodpressure monitor w/ a pulse reader. i would sense when my heart rate was high and take it. within a half hour after taking the magnessium, the heart rate would drop signficantly - along with the blood pressure. there is a reason after all that magnessium is the first line of treatment they give to women in labor who develop late-stage preclampsia.

 

**Hawthorne Extract - this helped my blood pressure a lot during withdrawal, and lowered my pulse some. I had no issues taking this at all.

 

**GABA/Theanine mix - even while withdrawing from a benzo and wanting to be ever-so-careful about my GABA receptors, I took the chance. I can't get behind it the way I get behind magnessium glycinate, but I will say that at times, this supplement gave me relief. There is some question as to whether GABA, taken in supplement form, crosses the blood/brain barrier. Apparently theanine helps this process (theory! they haven't proven this conclusively). The reason that we sufferers of benzo withdrawal won't incur further damage from a GABA supplement is because it isn't the GABA that is the problem, it is the down-regulated receptors. You can throw as much GABA at the receptors as you want. It just won't "take" so long as the receptors are damaged. The receptors were damaged in the first place not by an over-abundance of GABA, but rather the over-sensitization and following down-regulation of the receptors by the drug. Oh man, I am putting myself to sleep!

 

all that said, I found some relief from the GABA/Theanine mix - but if your system can handle the magnessium glycinate, it truly is a marvelous substance.

 

hang in there.

 

dave

1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞

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I think I know why I reacted to theanine, but It doesn't apply across the board. I don't know if I have always been like this, but my copper level is a little high. Copper is a co-factor in moving dopamine to norepinephrine, and I move dopamine too fast. Theanine mostly has a calming effect, but it increases dopamine a tad....which makes me extremely agitated. But hopefully it won't do that too you, it is great for most people.

Interesting,  alot of things make me agitated too. I will look up on the copper connection.

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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Thanks Dave, do you know what the differences between how Mag Glycinate and the others Mags work? I have heard a lot of people using the Mag Glycinate.  Just curious.   

1998-2013 Various antidepressants switches and CTs.

Benzo addiction unknowingly trying to cover withdrawals in 2011

January 2012,, 25 mg Zoloft , March 2012, Remeron 7.5 to sleep and 1 mg Clonazepam.

Tapered Clonazepam from April to June 2012 from 1 mg to .25 mg (stuck)

September to October 2012 tapered Remeron 7.5 mg to 5 mg. December upped to .75 mg Clonazepam due to mothers passing of cancer.

February 2013 to December 2013 tapered off 25 mg Zoloft

January 2014 to March 2014 tapered off 5 mg Remeron Doing not to bad, not perfect but okay. Here is where I screw up May 2014 to October 2014 tapered Clonazepam from .75 mg to .25 mg. Rapidly worsening every week. January 2015 updosed Clonazepam to .5 mg. Big Mistake - Holding

Currently .25 mg  Clonazepam 11 pm at night (give or take an hour)  and .25 mg 9 am in the morning (give or take an hour)

Hope this isn't to confusing.

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Annie3, hey.

 

I don't think it is necessarily a matter of them working differently, so much as it has to do w/ absorption and tolerability - particularly in the gut. Mag Glycinate seems to be well-tolerated by most who use it. And further, it makes sense that something that is more stable and tolerable as it is broken down in the digestive tract and is better absorbed, is going to be more affective - since more of the magnessium will actually be utilized by the body versus being excreted as waste. I hope that makes sense.

 

Hang in there.

 

Dave

1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞

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Can you use them as needed? I just wonder when I get like this if a beta locker would stop the surges of rapid heart and adrenaline? But I normally have low bp too. Feels like it's high now.

I took 10mg propanolol as needed for that very reason and they worked a treat at first. Then as I took them for a bit I noticed I got very nasty rebound effects when I didn't take one. Worse than the original problem with sky high anxiety. Had a very bad week when I stopped

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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Can you use them as needed? I just wonder when I get like this if a beta locker would stop the surges of rapid heart and adrenaline? But I normally have low bp too. Feels like it's high now.

I took 10mg propanolol as needed for that very reason and they worked a treat at first. Then as I took them for a bit I noticed I got very nasty rebound effects when I didn't take one. Worse than the original problem with sky high anxiety. Had a very bad week when I stopped

Paxil 10mg 21/2 years to June 2012 after a 2 month taper

 

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  • 1 month later...

This morning when I got up I started experiencing strange heart palpitations - fast heart rate and a feeling of emptiness in my chest. My heart felt like it was flipping all over the place. I was very dizzy and week...I checked blood pressure and it was very low.

 

Has anyone experienced this? I know it's all linked to drug withdrawal but what causes it? Why would my blood pressure drop so low?

2008 - Doctors appointment with stress induced anxiety led to Citalopram prescription.

Severe adverse reaction

Mirtazapine prescribed - adverse reaction but told to stay on.

Poop out - December 2013

15mg

Currently on 13.5mg,

April 12mg

May 10th - 11mg

June 10th - 10mg

July 8th - 9mg

September - 0mg

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Yes this was me in July 2014. I was rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles because I went to get up and my heart went tachycardic and my blood pressure was 60/30. I was like that for a few months as I waited for a specialist appt and then ended up in the hospital for 1 week with a ton of symptoms. They were testing me for everything as all my tests were coming back off and they wouldn't believe it was withdrawal. After they got my blood volume up I have stay hydrated and I am doing ok now. I am now 32 months off the drug and I am getting better. Keeping hydrated and salting my food was important.

12 year on Paxil 20mg. Dropped to 5mg a few years before weaning, Was on 5mg weaned over a few months and then went off Aug 15, 2012. Severe withdrawal started Nov 2012 and have been slowly recovering. Have had all physical symptoms especially muscle, immune and food sensitivities!

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I actually experienced this recently. This may sound ridiculous but I've noticed that for me personally certain emotions can trigger it. In your situation it's sounds like a spike in cortisol levels which can trigger it with our dysfunctional nervous systems!

2013-July 1st Citalopram 20mg ()

2013-August 19th ended Citalopram cold turkey

med free.  (Took them for 7 weeks)

 

When I was a child, I spoke as a child,

I understood as a child, I thought as a child;

But when I became a man,

I put my childish things away.

 

- 1 Corinthians 13:11

 

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It always happens to me when I get high anxiety levels.. Its due to high cortisol probably

Paxil from 2005 to July 2013. 30mg. 

Very short taper. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I have experienced this multiple times.  I know it is withdrawal-related, but don't know specifically what causes it.  For me it does not seem related to emotions or anxiety, it just happens out of the blue now and then.  Eating salty food seems to help.

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

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Yes i always felt way better when I ate salty foods especially potato chips and Wendys Fries! I had lost so much weight during withdrawal and I have gained 5 pounds recently. I pray its because I am healing.

12 year on Paxil 20mg. Dropped to 5mg a few years before weaning, Was on 5mg weaned over a few months and then went off Aug 15, 2012. Severe withdrawal started Nov 2012 and have been slowly recovering. Have had all physical symptoms especially muscle, immune and food sensitivities!

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I've experienced this as well. Heart palpitations and low blood pressure have also been linked with histamine intolerance...something which happens to some people coming off AD...mirtazapine in particular. Have you looked at anything related to histamine intolerance? If it is that, eating salty food isn't a good choice.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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Yes I think it must have something to do with histamine. I am eating low histamine foods.

 

Jay will - sorry to hear you had to go to hospital. Is your blood pressure stable now? I'm still having major issues with bp...even with increasing salt.

 

Heart palpitations have calmed down - it's only a problem when I am in contact with something my body doesn't like...certain food or chemicals.

2008 - Doctors appointment with stress induced anxiety led to Citalopram prescription.

Severe adverse reaction

Mirtazapine prescribed - adverse reaction but told to stay on.

Poop out - December 2013

15mg

Currently on 13.5mg,

April 12mg

May 10th - 11mg

June 10th - 10mg

July 8th - 9mg

September - 0mg

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Muddles I was hospitalized for 6 days. I think my bp is ok now. I will be 32 months off tomorrow and its always a new symptom. I still get the heart issues sometimes but exactly like you it has more to do with what I eat etc. I am getting less sensitive so i think that helps. Right now I am having a real problem thinking.

12 year on Paxil 20mg. Dropped to 5mg a few years before weaning, Was on 5mg weaned over a few months and then went off Aug 15, 2012. Severe withdrawal started Nov 2012 and have been slowly recovering. Have had all physical symptoms especially muscle, immune and food sensitivities!

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Urgh - the brain symptoms are the worst. I could cope with anything psychical but the brain stuff is hell for me.

 

Do you take any supplements?

2008 - Doctors appointment with stress induced anxiety led to Citalopram prescription.

Severe adverse reaction

Mirtazapine prescribed - adverse reaction but told to stay on.

Poop out - December 2013

15mg

Currently on 13.5mg,

April 12mg

May 10th - 11mg

June 10th - 10mg

July 8th - 9mg

September - 0mg

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Yes i do but i was taking this before i got sick so I still take them. In the morning I take 2 fish oil, vitamin c 1000 mg slow release, vitamin b12, half an aerus, trace elements of zinc and magnesium under my tongue. The zinc is a tricky one, my chemical sensitivity seems to be linked to zinc. If i don't get enough i am tired, sick can't think, if i get too much i feel anxious, nose runs, heightened senses. I now take it every 4th am. At lunch I take two more fish oil and another vitamin C. At supper I take another 2 fish oil a vitamin c and two confianza ( its a supplement from it works) for stress etc. At night I take 2 new you also from that company and it helps regenerate my body. Most days I do quite well and am back to playing hockey etc. I am moving forward but not as fast as I would like. I know I am healing as I have gained 7 pounds. I was down to 124 I am now 131 and my muscle seems to be regenerating. How about you?

12 year on Paxil 20mg. Dropped to 5mg a few years before weaning, Was on 5mg weaned over a few months and then went off Aug 15, 2012. Severe withdrawal started Nov 2012 and have been slowly recovering. Have had all physical symptoms especially muscle, immune and food sensitivities!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Muddles, I have just spotted this thread and just now put up a new post about some weird symptoms im having. This sounds a bit similar to my experience. I get very weak and dizzy and feel like im going to loose consciousness, really terrifying especially when im alone. I have no idea for me if this is wd related but I suspect it may be somehow. Keep meaning to buy a blood pressure monitor as would be interested to know what happens to my blood pressure when I feel this way. Hope your symptoms are improving x

2002 started 20mg Seroxat for anxiety. Attempted 1st withdrawal in Autumn of 2006. Went to 0 in around a month-hell. Massive crash. Reinstated.

 

May 2013 started 10% taper with liquid seroxat as follows:

May 2013- 18mg                Aug 2015- 7.7mg           Jan 2017- 3.2mg

July 2013- 16.2mg             Oct 2015 -7mg               (This is where it gets a bit hazy..

Aug 2013- 14.6mg             Nov 2015- 6.4mg            I continued to do a slow wean but

Oct 2013- 13.2mg              Jan 2016- 5.6mg            didn't keep records of all my further

Jan 2014- 11.8mg              Mar 2016- 5.2mg           reductions, have filled in what I remember)

March 2014-10.6mg          May 2016- 4.6mg          Aug 2018- 0.8mg

May 2014- 9.6mg               July 2016- 4.2mg          June 2019- 0mg

Dec 2014-8.6mg                 Nov 2016- 3.6mg         

 

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  • 2 months later...

I have been having irregular heart beat issues again for the 2nd time.  When this happens, is it best to go back up a touch to try to relieve it?  I will be mentioning this to my doctor when I see her again soon, but for right now, I don't want to be suddenly falling over dead or something.

12-2001 -- Started Effexor XR - 150 mg dose  2005 -- Tried to cold turkey off it.  Lasted 3 days and then went back on 150 mg.  2009 -- Went on generic Effexor due to cost.  Have had a lot more side effects on it.  09-24-13 -- Started tapering by taking 2 beads out of 150 mg capsule.  10-17-13 thru 07-17-14 -- Took 2 more beads out of capsule each month.  08-2014 -- Dropped by 8 beads.  Went into a HUGE depression.  05-03-15 -- Now taking 22 beads out of capsule.  Went to micro-taper of 2 beads every other week.  11-10-15 -- Taking 96 beads (About 54 out of capsule.  Reversed the way I was taking them since the amount in the capsule varies).  Can now drop 8 beads a month, 4 every other week, with no problem.  After a while switched to dropping 2 beads every Monday as 4 at a time was starting to affect me.  Have no problem with dropping 2 beads every Monday.  07-07-16 -- Now taking 43 beads with no problems. 09-27-16 -- Now taking 2 beads out every other Monday.  Am at 33 beads now.  12-11-17 -- I AM NOW OFF EFFEXOR!!!!!  

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Irregular heart beats and palpitations are very common withdrawal symptoms. You may be tapering too fast. See:

 

Irregular heartbeats, palpitations, tachycardia, bradycardia (topics merged)

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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Thank you so much, Petunia, for the link.  I think I may try holding a little longer between drops this time and give my body a chance to catch up since this is the second time this has happened.  I noticed in the link you provided that magnesium was suggested.  I wanted to share that eating oatmeal, which has several things in it, has helped me in terms of feeling better at times.  I haven't tried it for the heart stuff, but I do have to say that I have felt much better otherwise at times when eating it.  I think maybe it would help some of us who have sensitivities to the supplements in pill forms to get those nutrients in a natural manner.  I eat the pre-packed instant brands (which I know isn't the best healthy option) and add in a fruit cup sized container of applesauce.  

12-2001 -- Started Effexor XR - 150 mg dose  2005 -- Tried to cold turkey off it.  Lasted 3 days and then went back on 150 mg.  2009 -- Went on generic Effexor due to cost.  Have had a lot more side effects on it.  09-24-13 -- Started tapering by taking 2 beads out of 150 mg capsule.  10-17-13 thru 07-17-14 -- Took 2 more beads out of capsule each month.  08-2014 -- Dropped by 8 beads.  Went into a HUGE depression.  05-03-15 -- Now taking 22 beads out of capsule.  Went to micro-taper of 2 beads every other week.  11-10-15 -- Taking 96 beads (About 54 out of capsule.  Reversed the way I was taking them since the amount in the capsule varies).  Can now drop 8 beads a month, 4 every other week, with no problem.  After a while switched to dropping 2 beads every Monday as 4 at a time was starting to affect me.  Have no problem with dropping 2 beads every Monday.  07-07-16 -- Now taking 43 beads with no problems. 09-27-16 -- Now taking 2 beads out every other Monday.  Am at 33 beads now.  12-11-17 -- I AM NOW OFF EFFEXOR!!!!!  

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Hi there bananas,

I sure know what those heart issues are! I had those palpation  things at work and sometimes they got me scared that something is going to happen soon, a heart attack or something... Secondly, I had this very strong heartbeat that kept me awake at nights. My dr prescribed me propranolol and it helped.  Unofortunately, I've stopped taking it, because I'm worried about the side effects, which can be making my condition worse. But I haven't got those symptoms for a long time now, because I've been off from work (summer holidays).

Oh and the heart issues started when I had been about 3 months off of venlafaxine.
Take care and remember,  it is not dangerous!

My history:
Escitalopram 5-10mg 2006-2008

Fluoxetine 40mg 2008-2010
Venlafaxine 150mg 2010 - December 2014
I tapered off very quickly:
1. week 75mg
2. week 35,5mg
3. week 17mg
4. week 8,5mg
5. week none

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