Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

Early-morning waking - managing the morning cortisol spike


Altostrata

Recommended Posts

Asprin taken at night was proven by multiple studies to decrease cortisol spikes especially in the morning.

Take coated ones... if you go by the review that coated doesn't matter then a littlw vit C protects the stomach from any Asprin irritation.. again my stomach ain't senti site to aspirin but to vit C a bit growling yeah.

 

Aspirin 1.5mg per kilo ( so the 100mg for an average person) shows benefit only if taken at bedtime and for results take 1 week to show.

 

Istarted yesterday ..ill try it and see.

october 31st 2007

panic attacks after recovering from the flu 

paxil 20mg .

Three attempts to taper

2009 ( down to 1.6mg)

2015 down to 3.5mg 

2019 down to 8.5mg

Crashed each time with stress and back to 20mg each time + 1mg of klonopin  ( because of the paxil updose effect) then  I taper klonopin after 3 month for 3 month each time with liquid.

 

Now up to 12mg paxil will stay forever but again 1mg  klonopin 2 month to taper again soon.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hibari,

 

I will look into the L-Theanine as well. I know I tried oranges and orange juice first but wow, my stomach didn't like that! Hour anything else I try won't be too bad and add more.

 

I'm glad you find comfort somehow and hope you continue to get better!

Here is a link to the L-Theanine discussion in the Symptoms and Self-Care Forum.    http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1032-l-theanine-for-anxiety-insomnia/page-2

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Asprin taken at night was proven by multiple studies to decrease cortisol spikes especially in the morning.

Take coated ones... if you go by the review that coated doesn't matter then a littlw vit C protects the stomach from any Asprin irritation.. again my stomach ain't senti site to aspirin but to vit C a bit growling yeah.

Aspirin 1.5mg per kilo ( so the 100mg for an average person) shows benefit only if taken at bedtime and for results take 1 week to show.

Istarted yesterday ..ill try it and see.

Have you had any luck with the aspirin in the past weej?

Started 10mg Escitalopram March 2013
Stopped Escitalopram cold turkey December 2013 (Unsuccessfully)
Restarted 10mg Escitalopram February 2014
Started tapering May 2016 - 5mg
Estimated drops - 4mg, 3mg, 2.5mgOctober 2016 - 1.25mg
Stopped 19 Dec 2016
Withdrawals from 27 December - Anxiety, Insomnia, Nausea, Diarrhea, Headache (1 day), inc heart rate
7 Jan 2017 reinstated 1mg/day escitalopram

4 Feb 2017 - inc to 1.25mg Escitalopram after some feelings of depression returning

Currently experiencing generalised anxiety in waves

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This seems to be a very common symptom of withdrawal syndrome. Many people report waking up with a surge of panic or anxiety, or a feeling of anxiety early in the morning. A lot of times, people are waking around 4:30 a.m. or closer to dawn. The first glimmers of morning light signal the nervous system to start the morning cycle with a jump in cortisol. At normal levels, cortisol gives you energy. At elevated levels, cortisol gives you a feeling of unease, anxiety, panic, or depression. When you have withdrawal syndrome, your system is on "high alert" all the time. The normal morning peak of cortisol gets exaggerated and what you would normally feel as "wake up" becomes a surge of panic, anxiety, or dread in the early morning.

For myself, in 1977, it was a sign of my becoming ill.  Sometimes even awakening from a deep sleep and startled at 2 am.

 

"Early waking with anxiety" was often described as one of the symptoms of clinical depression then.  Still is?

 

I was not withdrawing from anything - I had not been on any medication whatsoever, apart from the odd couple of paracetamol a few times a year and anti-histamine for annual hay fever. 

 

I was cracking up after 12 years of shift work and 2 relocations..

 

Indeed, 40 years later I am still unwell, on antidepressants, but have not had those particular symptoms since before I became ill, and then when I weaned off the benzo ativan, given to treat my illness. (c1977-85-ish.)

 

All still survivable, though, having kept a responsible job position until I was 57 and having raised 3 children and paid for house.

 

Carry on, carrying on and hope for some light now and again, folks.

 

 

Love & Best wishes all.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've definitely experienced the morning jitters/anxiety too. It lasted less than a month, but once I began to stabilize at my current dose, it stopped. Every once in a while I'll wake with a bit of anxiousness, or that just want to lay in bed all day feeling...but I use my CBT and realize that whatever negative thought or worry is making me feel that way is usually just a normal thought that everyone experiences at some point, and that helps me overcome the negative feelings and the anxiousness/un-motivation. 

On zoloft since 2000 for OCD/anxiety. Tapered off from 150mg to 100, 50, 25 over Dec/Jan 2015. After month n half off, began depression. Being terrified, as I never had depression before, after a few days, went back to 50mg, then five days later to 100mg. Now stable. I will stop this medication, with time and perseverance...my current taper level and timing are as follows, which includes No other Rx's, No alcohol, NEVER any illicit drugs:

84mg from October 2016

82mg from February 2017

79mg from April 2017

77mg from June 2017

75mg from July 2017

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation." - Viktor Frankl

Link to comment
Share on other sites

God Bless Peng! Thanks for the glimpse of reality and hope!!!!

 

Ben 

On zoloft since 2000 for OCD/anxiety. Tapered off from 150mg to 100, 50, 25 over Dec/Jan 2015. After month n half off, began depression. Being terrified, as I never had depression before, after a few days, went back to 50mg, then five days later to 100mg. Now stable. I will stop this medication, with time and perseverance...my current taper level and timing are as follows, which includes No other Rx's, No alcohol, NEVER any illicit drugs:

84mg from October 2016

82mg from February 2017

79mg from April 2017

77mg from June 2017

75mg from July 2017

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation." - Viktor Frankl

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Double blind clinical trial on aspirin. No effect on decreasing cortisol response. 

 

http://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/115783

 

Controlled clinical trials are the only way to determine whether or not a treatment is working. The anticoagulant effects of aspirin and its effects on the stomach (buffered or not) far outweigh any perceived benefit. Aspirin is always absorbed in the stomach lining, whether it is coated or uncoated. Make informed decisions using legitimate scientific resources to avoid doing more harm than good, especially when your bodies are already so hypersensitive to chemicals when you are in withdrawal.

Short term low dose Klonopin use back in 2004
Acute, protracted withdrawal after discontinuing
Began Lexapro in 2005 to ease Benzo withdrawal
Took 2 years to stabilize
Rapid taper from Lexapro in July/August 2012
Return of anxiety, insomnia and cardiac issues
Failed reinstatement early August 2012
Acute withdrawal for 9 months; intermittent symptoms for another 6

Relief on February 9, 2014 after addition of Taurine

Almost complete remission of symptoms w/addition of 12.5mg Atenolol daily

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Hello All,

 

This is a long thread. I was just wondering if there's any consensus regarding what might actually work for morning time anxiety?

 

I generally wake up feeling anxious. Sometimes very anxious. I find that by evening/night time the anxiety has settled completely though. I have tried vitamin C at bedtime as was suggested by a previous poster. It didn't seem to work though.

 

Taking 5mg (or 10mg) valium occasionally really has no effect on my anxiety levels either. I am thinking now that I should avoid benzos altogether because they are having no effect and are harmful in the long term in themselves!

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Peace,

Blazes.

Previously - zopiclone, risperidone, lyrica (pregabalin), ativan (lorezapam)
01/Aug/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
12/Aug/2016 -  75mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
03/Oct/2016 -  70mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
29/Oct/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Nov/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Dec/2016 -  60mg effexor, 3.6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jan/2017 -  60mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
27/Mar/2017 -  54mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
23/Apr/2017 -  54mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
09/May/2017 -  75mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
08/Jun/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6.75mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jul/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
Sometimes valium. Not daily. Supplements - Sterols and Stanols.
Note : I would really hope that nobody uses my tapering history as a guideline. It might not work well for somebody else tapering similar medications.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Blazes, 

 

It's a lot to read. :) "Consensus" is tricky in withdrawal, because what works for one person might not work for someone else -- unfortunately! 

 

For me, the best thing has been highly upping my magnesium and taking it throughout the day. But some people have problems with magnesium. I also know that before I was treated for a sleep disorder, I woke up with my heart pounding and an adrenaline rush all the time. It's definitely our body sending us a message, most likely "what are you doing to me with taking this drug away???" 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

This is one of the symptoms I'm having. It seems like the moment any sunlight hits my room, I wake up fully alert and go straight into a panic attack every morning. It's very disturbing on top of the other withdrawal symptoms im having which i could fill up a page with. I was still sleeping around 6 hours a night but I'm in a pattern of falling asleep later and later and waking up earlier. I'm going to try blacking out my window to see if it makes a difference. Thanks

2001 - 2009 hydrocodone recreationally

2009 - tried to stop had major anxiety and panic attacks, prescribed Xanax daily.. hell followed shorty after(within 2 months)

2009 - Hospitalized for 9 months and given various antidepressants and antipsychotics(Zyprexa, Seroquil, Celexa, Prozac (cant remember the rest)

2010 - finally stabilized on Cymbalta 60mg, Trazadone 50-100mg, Suboxone 16mg

Over time became more and more depressed and anxiety returning..

August 2016 - prescribed Klonopin as needed for anxiety(hell followed once again)

October 15 2016 - stopped Klonopin cold turkey(severe acute withdrawal for 2 weeks, zero sleep for 7 days ending in a week long hospital stay

November 1 - December 1, started on Gabapentin 900mg then raised to 1200mg during quick taper off 16mg Suboxone(3 weeks of acute withdrawals in rehab)

January 2017 - stopped Cymbalta 60mg with no taper(seemed to handle ok minus brain zaps for 2 weeks)(no choice.. lost insurance)

January - Late March - seemed to be doing ok, some depression and mild anxiety

currently still taking gabapentin 900mg down from 1200mg on March 29 (hell starting all over again.. so done with the roller coaster of psychiatrists and medications)

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am waking at 4 or 5 in the morning just now despite having thick bedroom curtains.  Anxiety sets in, but, clearly, I am not in as serious a way as it can be.

 

Based on my 40 years of ups and downs with these medications, I will be taking this as a signal that I am heading for slightly worsening depression if the symptoms persist.

Probably will steady at the 137.5mg Venlafaxine for as long as it takes.  This is the lowest dose of that stuff I have been on for 11 years, I note.

Dropped 150mg two weeks ago.

 

As I indicated in post #493, early waking then acute anxiety attack, sweating, heart racing, etc. used to be regarded as a sign of going into depression.

I hope the "cortisol spike" euphemism (?) will not belittle the nature of the warning one's body is giving out, so that some of you become more ill.

 

Just my personal view, but based on vivid memories of what happened to me over a generation ago.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi SkyBlue,

 

Thanks for your reply. For the time being, the anxiety seems to have abated a little. However, if it comes back, and I am sure that it will, I may take your advice and try some additional magnesium. I take some in the mornings already.

 

Actually, I made another cut to my Effexor 9 days ago. So far so good. I am now on the lowest dose of Effexor for many years which is great. There has been no major withdrawal so far thankfully.

 

All the best,

Blazes.

Previously - zopiclone, risperidone, lyrica (pregabalin), ativan (lorezapam)
01/Aug/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
12/Aug/2016 -  75mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
03/Oct/2016 -  70mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
29/Oct/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Nov/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Dec/2016 -  60mg effexor, 3.6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jan/2017 -  60mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
27/Mar/2017 -  54mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
23/Apr/2017 -  54mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
09/May/2017 -  75mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
08/Jun/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6.75mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jul/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
Sometimes valium. Not daily. Supplements - Sterols and Stanols.
Note : I would really hope that nobody uses my tapering history as a guideline. It might not work well for somebody else tapering similar medications.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi everybody this is my first reply on this website.

Been on Paxil 9 years and tried twice tapering ( last time with liquid but failed at 1.6mg down from 20mg over 2 years) that was 3 years ago. I didn't know WD causes these morning wakeup and I was fooled by my psychiatrist that it's a relapse.. 3 years later today I tapered again after being on 20mg 1 year and am at 3.5mg now and facing the same but when I up dose 0.2 or 0.1 it disappears so I know know it's WD.

 

So my strategy now is to try to decrease this WD symptom ( panic and the insomnia is the only one I get nothing else ) by trying vit C and 1.5MG per kg of aspirin before sleep to decrease the cortisol... this will take 1 week to start seeing the results as per studies on pub med.

 

I'm an oncology surgeon myself and am a victim of paxil.

 

I will let u guys know if it worked as I go down further in the coming weeks and hopefully of in the month to come ( slow taper)

 

Happy I found this website.

 

When I got off Paxil, I did so in large jumps: from 20 to 10mg; from 10 to 5mg, and from 5mg to nothing. I suffered with anxiety I'd never had before in my life, commonly sleeping four hours or less, then tossing and turning the rest of the night. I'd awake that first time with my heart racing, feeling like I was on fire, and irrationally obsessing over work. I could not calm down. During the day, my anxiety bordered on paranoia. I began to have occasional panic attacks. This lasted a year, followed by a few months of calm. However, I am waking up after four hours again. This time, I know what's happening, and I immediately perform breathing exercises to calm myself—but it's not easy! When I attempt the slow exhale, I struggle against a tightness in my chest that does not want to let me go.

 

I just gave up coffee, which was easier than giving up Paxil!

 

I'll have to look at the vitamin C and aspirin thing. Is that 1.5 mg per kg of body weight?

 

I'm interested in the relationship between cortisol spikes and sugar intake.

Began in 1998 at 20mg/day. Dropped from 20 to 10mg/day around 2006. Dropped from 10 to 5mg/day in June of 2014. Dropped from 5 to 0mg/day in June of 2015. Rough times, indeed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Blazes,

 

I used to have morning anxiety and dread but it is almost completely gone.  Here is what I did during that time.

1. Used an eye mask every night.  Now I don't use one.

2. Had my curtains shut very tightly.  Now if there is a little light coming through, it doesn't bother me.

3. Took 100mgs or 200mgs of L-Theanine nightly.  Sometimes I took it when I woke up at 3Am to use the bathroom to get it into my system.  Now, I use it occasionally for sleep.

4. Increased my Vitamin C to 3,000 mgs per day.  I'm still taking that amount for my adrenals.

4. Added in Vitamin D during the day, which helped me tremendously with achy stiff joints.  Someone shared this article with me and I found it helpful.  Only sharing it as a resource not as advice. http://drgominak.com/vitamin-d-hormone.html

 

What I learned on this site is that our nervous systems are so sensitive due to medication and withdrawal.  I just kept trying to work on calming my nervous system down, which was over reacting to the first glimpse of light in the morning.

 

Wishing you continued healing.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got 1000mg vitamin c. Starting with half a tablet time release so I make sure it doesn't hit me too hard. Will probably try full 1000mg before bed. Hopefully this helps with mood and morning cortisol.

Paxil 20mg started around 2013 dropped to 10 mg at some point dropped to 5mg for 1 week then C/T August 2016.

 

Buspar 10 mg 2x daily started 2013 fluctuating amounts.

 

Tried cylexa 1 week at beginning of August 2016.

Tried wellbutrin 1 week after cylexa stopped both.

 

I have been off all meds for around 4- 5 years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Hibari,

 

Thanks very much for your advice. I have decided to give the l-theanine a shot. I managed to get some in a health food store today. It's quite expensive actually. Anyway, if I continue to use it I may try to get some online. The capsules are 150 mg so I will take one at bedtime and another during the day. I will let you know how it goes.

 

I might get an eye mask also. It gets bright here now long before I actually wake up so that may be a factor. However, the anxiety in the mornings was pretty bad in earlier in the year also.

 

Thanks again and Happy Easter!

 

All the best,

Blazes.

Previously - zopiclone, risperidone, lyrica (pregabalin), ativan (lorezapam)
01/Aug/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
12/Aug/2016 -  75mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
03/Oct/2016 -  70mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
29/Oct/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Nov/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Dec/2016 -  60mg effexor, 3.6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jan/2017 -  60mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
27/Mar/2017 -  54mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
23/Apr/2017 -  54mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
09/May/2017 -  75mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
08/Jun/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6.75mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jul/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
Sometimes valium. Not daily. Supplements - Sterols and Stanols.
Note : I would really hope that nobody uses my tapering history as a guideline. It might not work well for somebody else tapering similar medications.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, please let me know how it goes for you.  There is a thread on L-Theanine that I have commented on as well as others.  The mask was very helpful to me and even though it wasn't an immediate fix, I just noticed over time that it worked.  

 

Happy Easter to you too! 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Morning anxiety is my biggest problem right now. And it last pretty much all day! I do breathing exercises, self-talk, decaf black tea (for the theanine), magnesium, sunshine, prayer - but over the past few days, nothing seems to help.

 

I am fearful of adding any supplements right now - I seem to be hypersensitive. I had been taking fish oil, but then the anxiety wave started and I feared that the fish oil might be causing it.

 

I am suffering.

 

SJ

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

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

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am one of those people who found that fish oil was making me a bit hyper.   Trust your instinct and see what happens if you eliminate it. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I eliminated it over a week ago. But my anxiety has actually gotten much worse. I am thinking of adding a smaller dose back in, maybe trying to find a middle ground.

 

SJ

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

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

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Hibari - I have been taking the l-theanine (300 mgs a day) for almost two weeks now. I am finding that it isn't helping unfortunately. Well, maybe a little bit. Although the anxiety been pretty bad for the past week or so.

 

I bought a night mask also. I am finding that it isn't making much difference. However, I do find that I have a much easier time waking up rather that sleeping through the alarm like I used to.

 

So, I decided to increase my olanzapine back up to the dose I am prescribed - 2.5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night. My signature has been updated accordingly. I suppose that I am throwing in the towel on that front in some ways. However, maybe I should just focus on eliminating the Effexor completely because that may be causing some or a lot of the agitation.

 

I had a blood test recently and everything is fine apart from some heightened cholesterol. There's always the fear of developing tardive dyskinesia as I am well in my 40s now. Olanzapine is supposed to help with anxiety though.

 

I am studying at the moment as well as working full-time. I have exams coming up so I am busy studying etc.

 

I hope that everyone is doing well.

 

All the best,

Blazes.

Previously - zopiclone, risperidone, lyrica (pregabalin), ativan (lorezapam)
01/Aug/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
12/Aug/2016 -  75mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
03/Oct/2016 -  70mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
29/Oct/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Nov/2016 -  65mg effexor, 4mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
25/Dec/2016 -  60mg effexor, 3.6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jan/2017 -  60mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
27/Mar/2017 -  54mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
23/Apr/2017 -  54mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
09/May/2017 -  75mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
08/Jun/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6.75mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
18/Jul/2017 -  75mg effexor, 6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine
Sometimes valium. Not daily. Supplements - Sterols and Stanols.
Note : I would really hope that nobody uses my tapering history as a guideline. It might not work well for somebody else tapering similar medications.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Hi, Shep just linked me to this thread.

So so so glad I found it! Yes, i have the morning anxiety/dread/hyped up bad feelings. I've been wondering what it's all about. It helps just to know, for starters. It tends to feel like some kind of personality flaw, like, What's the matter with me that I can't be happy to get out of bed? So now I can just say Hello corisol spike. Since I'm retired, I'm able to do relatively soothing morning things, although little really helps. It seems to need a few hours to settle down. Sigh.

QUIT chlonazepam (Klonopin) 8/26/17. My dosage was less than 0.5; hard to measure exactly because I had been reducing by weight. My overall diagnosis is fibromyalgia. I'm 63 yrs old. Feeling great to be free of it!

MICRO TAPERED KLONOPIN BY WEIGHT: 5/26: .241 -- ?/?: .235 -- 7/10: .223 -- 7/24: .221 -- 7/29: .217 -- 8/1: 212 -- 8/6: .208

Switched: 8/13, reduced to 1/2 pill (a .5 pill), maintaining morning dose of weight .069. Kept micro tapering until 8/26/17.

CURURENTLY TAPERING BUSPAR: BUSPAR started in May 2017, currently: 2and1/3 15mg pill = 15+15+5= 35 mgs. Very helpful med. 11/9/17: 25 mgs. (1 and 1/3 15 mg pill)

PREVIOUS: In August 2016, after some stressful life changes, my Klonopin use went up to about 4.0. New dr jerked me down from 4.0 to 1 mg. I'm still suffering from that sudden extreme withdrawal. Plus I was put on and taken off of many other meds those first couple of months: Tizanadine, Remeron, Lexapro, Wellbutrin. A very difficult time in my life.  CURRENT: Cymbalta 60mg, maintaining. I use medical marijuana for pain as needed, usually at night. Don't take it during the day because it just makes me too dopey. I take probiotics.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

Flatrock, definitely it helps to know what it is. And it's not a personality flaw. (Although I can relate to that kind of thinking -- hopefully withdrawal can help us all become more kind to ourselves.)

 

I didn't have a spike this morning and don't really know why. It was nice! 

 

I see in your signature that you use magnesium -- I've found that taking part of my dose immediately upon waking has been helpful.

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Flatrock, definitely it helps to know what it is. And it's not a personality flaw. (Although I can relate to that kind of thinking -- hopefully withdrawal can help us all become more kind to ourselves.)

 

I didn't have a spike this morning and don't really know why. It was nice! 

 

I see in your signature that you use magnesium -- I've found that taking part of my dose immediately upon waking has been helpful.

Hey Sky, yeah, I'm an "expert" at being hard on myself!

 

How nice that you didn't have a spike this morning, yay you. Maybe re the magnesium... it's a really gigantic pill, and I'd hate to have to swallow that first thing. Maybe I'll get a smaller pill of magn.

 

Today was a rough day for me, all fricking day, woke up with the spike and it stayed all day. My policy is to fake it til I make it, meaning I act like I'm fine all day and when I'm around people. Don't know if that approach is helping me or not! Maybe "fake it til you make it" backfires? But at least I'm not complaining to anybody and everybody.

 

If I wake up with the anxiety and dread tomorrow morning, I'm considering going right into an epsom salt bath, with black tea to drink. Or somebody on this thread uses ice packs and hot packs, something to distract the body. If I didn't hate running, I'd consider running first thing to shake it off maybe. Get some running clothes laid out, sneakers and socks ready. Sigh. 

 

It's always this thing when I first wake up... How am I? How am I feeling? What kind of morning will this be? 

QUIT chlonazepam (Klonopin) 8/26/17. My dosage was less than 0.5; hard to measure exactly because I had been reducing by weight. My overall diagnosis is fibromyalgia. I'm 63 yrs old. Feeling great to be free of it!

MICRO TAPERED KLONOPIN BY WEIGHT: 5/26: .241 -- ?/?: .235 -- 7/10: .223 -- 7/24: .221 -- 7/29: .217 -- 8/1: 212 -- 8/6: .208

Switched: 8/13, reduced to 1/2 pill (a .5 pill), maintaining morning dose of weight .069. Kept micro tapering until 8/26/17.

CURURENTLY TAPERING BUSPAR: BUSPAR started in May 2017, currently: 2and1/3 15mg pill = 15+15+5= 35 mgs. Very helpful med. 11/9/17: 25 mgs. (1 and 1/3 15 mg pill)

PREVIOUS: In August 2016, after some stressful life changes, my Klonopin use went up to about 4.0. New dr jerked me down from 4.0 to 1 mg. I'm still suffering from that sudden extreme withdrawal. Plus I was put on and taken off of many other meds those first couple of months: Tizanadine, Remeron, Lexapro, Wellbutrin. A very difficult time in my life.  CURRENT: Cymbalta 60mg, maintaining. I use medical marijuana for pain as needed, usually at night. Don't take it during the day because it just makes me too dopey. I take probiotics.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

 

Flatrock, definitely it helps to know what it is. And it's not a personality flaw. (Although I can relate to that kind of thinking -- hopefully withdrawal can help us all become more kind to ourselves.)

 

I didn't have a spike this morning and don't really know why. It was nice! 

 

I see in your signature that you use magnesium -- I've found that taking part of my dose immediately upon waking has been helpful.

Hey Sky, yeah, I'm an "expert" at being hard on myself!

 

How nice that you didn't have a spike this morning, yay you. Maybe re the magnesium... it's a really gigantic pill, and I'd hate to have to swallow that first thing. Maybe I'll get a smaller pill of magn.

 

Today was a rough day for me, all fricking day, woke up with the spike and it stayed all day. My policy is to fake it til I make it, meaning I act like I'm fine all day and when I'm around people. Don't know if that approach is helping me or not! Maybe "fake it til you make it" backfires? But at least I'm not complaining to anybody and everybody.

 

It's always this thing when I first wake up... How am I? How am I feeling? What kind of morning will this be? 

 

 

 

Hi Flatrock, thanks. There is powdered magnesium (Natural Calm or another brand) which is what I use so I can split the doses throughout the day. It's important overall, and it might not always prevent the cortisol spikes but it might help deal with them. People on this thread also mention vitamin C taken the night before which I might try.

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

Flatrock, definitely it helps to know what it is. And it's not a personality flaw. (Although I can relate to that kind of thinking -- hopefully withdrawal can help us all become more kind to ourselves.)

 

I didn't have a spike this morning and don't really know why. It was nice! 

 

I see in your signature that you use magnesium -- I've found that taking part of my dose immediately upon waking has been helpful.

Hey Sky, yeah, I'm an "expert" at being hard on myself!

 

How nice that you didn't have a spike this morning, yay you. Maybe re the magnesium... it's a really gigantic pill, and I'd hate to have to swallow that first thing. Maybe I'll get a smaller pill of magn.

 

Today was a rough day for me, all fricking day, woke up with the spike and it stayed all day. My policy is to fake it til I make it, meaning I act like I'm fine all day and when I'm around people. Don't know if that approach is helping me or not! Maybe "fake it til you make it" backfires? But at least I'm not complaining to anybody and everybody.

 

It's always this thing when I first wake up... How am I? How am I feeling? What kind of morning will this be? 

 

 

 

Hi Flatrock, thanks. There is powdered magnesium (Natural Calm or another brand) which is what I use so I can split the doses throughout the day. It's important overall, and it might not always prevent the cortisol spikes but it might help deal with them. People on this thread also mention vitamin C taken the night before which I might try.

 

Great tips, thanks SkyBlue. This morning I had black tea and that seemed to help. Yesterday morning I went outside and sat in the sun, it was chilly out, so I had a coat on... but I just closed my eyes and sunbathed, and it seemed to help. Maybe for me shaking things up is helpful... hmm... I'd better make a plan for tomorrow morning!

QUIT chlonazepam (Klonopin) 8/26/17. My dosage was less than 0.5; hard to measure exactly because I had been reducing by weight. My overall diagnosis is fibromyalgia. I'm 63 yrs old. Feeling great to be free of it!

MICRO TAPERED KLONOPIN BY WEIGHT: 5/26: .241 -- ?/?: .235 -- 7/10: .223 -- 7/24: .221 -- 7/29: .217 -- 8/1: 212 -- 8/6: .208

Switched: 8/13, reduced to 1/2 pill (a .5 pill), maintaining morning dose of weight .069. Kept micro tapering until 8/26/17.

CURURENTLY TAPERING BUSPAR: BUSPAR started in May 2017, currently: 2and1/3 15mg pill = 15+15+5= 35 mgs. Very helpful med. 11/9/17: 25 mgs. (1 and 1/3 15 mg pill)

PREVIOUS: In August 2016, after some stressful life changes, my Klonopin use went up to about 4.0. New dr jerked me down from 4.0 to 1 mg. I'm still suffering from that sudden extreme withdrawal. Plus I was put on and taken off of many other meds those first couple of months: Tizanadine, Remeron, Lexapro, Wellbutrin. A very difficult time in my life.  CURRENT: Cymbalta 60mg, maintaining. I use medical marijuana for pain as needed, usually at night. Don't take it during the day because it just makes me too dopey. I take probiotics.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been reading the thread and considering taking phosphatidylserine.   I bought some but before I do, has anyone taken in during their taper?  I have 17.50mg of Lamictal remaining and have been off of Remeron/Mirtazapine for a little over 3 month.   I know some people take it post taper. 

 

My morning anxiety, foggy brain and hot flashes have returned. 

 

I was curious if adding in 50mgs of phosphatidylserine at bedtime would help.

 

Hibari

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello,

I am on the 7th week of a cut which I plan to hold for at least 2 more months.  Sleep is my very worst w/d symptom and has always been a problem for me.  While trying to taper valium, and then hitting a wall,  so to speak, I experienced this same symptom.... a "shocky" feeling that starts around dawn (maybe sometime after 4 a.m) and lasts until I get myself out of bed, completely aroused and distracted.  Shocky is the only way I can describe it.  It is a physical sensation, accompanied by anxiety and even panic,  that usually wakes me up right in the middle of a nightmare.  If the shocks are really bad, and don't let up, I start getting chest pain.  The chest pain has, at times, been really bad, but I recognize it now as w/d and don't panic.  This "shockiness" seems to be a symptom that doesn't go away, thought I do get breaks from it.  During my last hold it went away in the middle and then came back before I cut again no matter how long my hold has been.  It really interferes with me getting any restorative sleep as I don't go to sleep now until 1-2 a.m.  So fatigue, and worsening depression are ramping up.

Does this sound like cortisol spikes?  I try to pray, meditate, deep breathe, etc. but the only thing that stops the shocks is getting up and alert which I don't want to do because I have usually only had a couple hours of normal sleep.  BTW, I never get this shockiness during the day.  The only time I have experienced anything like it during the day was if I took a few sips of strong coffee, and then the shockiness would be fleeting.

Thank you for any feedback anyone has.

 

Grace

  • amitriptyline from 1980-2002,
  • intermittent  use of benzos over 2 decades prior to 2002
  • 2002-2010 Klonopin 1-2 mg., ambien 10--20, mg, remeron 4 mg. and  trileptal 300 mg
  • 2011 Stopped ambien and crossed over to valium 17.5 mg. (updosing 2.5 mg. to cover ambien C/T )
  • tapered valium w/ long holds to 12.74 mg. from a high of approximately 20-30 mg/day
  • 2015-2023 tapered trileptal to 98 mg.  had to completely stop tapering due to multiple chronic, serious health issues
  • currently 2024 still on 98 mg. trileptal and 4 mg. remeron
  •   Currently on benzo hold as I have to cross-over from brand-name valium to generic diazepam.   The diazepam is way weaker and brought on severe acute w/d
  • Current dose of diazepam is 7.9 and valium is 6.6.  I had to up-dose the total valium/diazepam from 12.74 to 14.5 where I have stayed since June 2023.  I am crossing over to generic at a somewhat tolerable rate of .3mg/month after about 2 months of trial/error w/ updosing.  I am not currently tapering; will continue to cross over. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, savinggrace said:

a "shocky" feeling

 

 

Hi SG - by "shocky" do you mean a brain zap? Or is it more of an in-your-body feeling, like pins and needles in your nerves.

 

If it is the later, then I would say it is due to the cortisol spikes. There's a lot of great advice on this thread for helping with those.

 

I'll be praying for you.

 

SJ

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

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

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I took a form of phosphserine called Enerphos last night to see if it would help with Cortisol spikes in the morning.  I split the capsule in half.

 

I felt weird shortly after I took -kind of spacey t but then went to sleep.  I haven't had that much trouble sleeping in general probably because I am still on Lamictal and some progesterone creme I take at night.

 

Anyway I did wake up with less anxiety but with a small headache.  At this point who knows what causes the headache.  I am tired, still had hot flashes but I may try it one more time this evening.  I think I will take it earlier so it's not in the mix with everything else I take.  

 

Will post again. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Hibari and ShakiJerr,

 

My "shocky" feeling is a body sensation...mostly centered through my chest area.  As I said, sometimes, if the shocks last long and come close together, I get a heart attack feeling.  It subsides if I get up and move around, but I don't always want to get up at 4 a.m!  Last night, I awakened with a quick, fleeting shock at 4 a.m. and then at 7 a.m.  So I am guessing cortisol spikes.  I just have never felt anything that I would describe as brain zaps, though I read that here a lot.

 

Hibari, thanks for the mention of the supplements.  I am scared to death to take a single thing anymore.  The other day my therapist told me that my brain is working so hard to find homeostatis that it detects anything "foreign" (food, supplement, chemical, environment, soothing treatments) as an alerting signal.  I think this is really what has happened to me, and is certainly why I have exaggerated physical responses to anything new.  This is tragic as I am mal-nutritioned, and physically in very bad shape.  I know what my body is craving, but it is rejecting any change at all. 

 

Congrats on your remeron taper!!!  Oh, how I wish I could tackle that.  I plan to sometime, but I am too unstable to do so now.  I am only on 4 mg. but with my metabolism and drug interactions, I suspect that my blood level is higher than a normal 4 mg. dose should bring.

 

Thank you both for taking the time to respond.  I wish you well.

Grace

  • amitriptyline from 1980-2002,
  • intermittent  use of benzos over 2 decades prior to 2002
  • 2002-2010 Klonopin 1-2 mg., ambien 10--20, mg, remeron 4 mg. and  trileptal 300 mg
  • 2011 Stopped ambien and crossed over to valium 17.5 mg. (updosing 2.5 mg. to cover ambien C/T )
  • tapered valium w/ long holds to 12.74 mg. from a high of approximately 20-30 mg/day
  • 2015-2023 tapered trileptal to 98 mg.  had to completely stop tapering due to multiple chronic, serious health issues
  • currently 2024 still on 98 mg. trileptal and 4 mg. remeron
  •   Currently on benzo hold as I have to cross-over from brand-name valium to generic diazepam.   The diazepam is way weaker and brought on severe acute w/d
  • Current dose of diazepam is 7.9 and valium is 6.6.  I had to up-dose the total valium/diazepam from 12.74 to 14.5 where I have stayed since June 2023.  I am crossing over to generic at a somewhat tolerable rate of .3mg/month after about 2 months of trial/error w/ updosing.  I am not currently tapering; will continue to cross over. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I truly understand that sensitivity.   I am the same way and realize that more and more.   The headache from the new supplement lasted most of the day and I'm not going to take it tonight.  I will see how I feel tomorrow.  

 

The only supplement that works for me right now is L-Theanine.  I take betaine HCL for digestive help and some Vitamin D and C but that's it. 

 

You are doing the best that you can right now and I admire your courage and determination.  I too was on a benzo and before I understood wd, I weaned myself down from .5mg to .12mgs too fast.  I had been on it for  a year.  When I was put on Lamictal, I didn't feel the rest of the wd. 

 

Remeron is a heavy duty drug and I support you in trusting your body to tell you when to do what.

 

Take good care. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Can anyone who has suffered with this symptom and recovered say how long it took them to recover? I know we are all different, but just curious if it's normal to suffer with this for years, months, or what. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I still suffer with this symptom and I have been off of everything for 14 months after a taper that took 3 years. I have tried everything, and my current treatment plan is a sort of mindfulness meditation upon waking, that is I just lie there and tell myself that my cortisol is overfiring and I am actually safe in this moment. the problem I have is that there are millions of people on this planet who are not safe, and I worry about them too in that instant of waking up. also I try to focus on constructive activities in the coming day that involve other people, and that helps.

 

2002: "Situational depression" 2002-2010:Prozac.Birth Control.2011 Short trials: Paxil, Celexa, Lexipro, Wellbutrin, Xanax, Ativan- Gee, Doc never mentioned protracted AD wd syndrome. Imagine that. 2011-2015. Lamictal. Seroquel. Remiron. 2012: "Complex post traumatic stress disorder." Fast taper of Remiron jumped off June 2013. Slow tapers ever since of Seroquel & Lamictal.  crippling muscle spasms. crying fits. panic attacks. akathisia. nerve twitches. the jitters. the heebie jeebies. de-personal/realization. numbness. tingling. fatigue. lethargy. nightmares.insomnia. weird images. eye pain.vertigo. dizziness. brain zaps. and on and on and on. withdrawal? side effects? which drug? impossible to know. Stopped Seroquel October 2015.  Stopped Lamictal  March 2016. Had more severe muscle/joint spasms that paralyzed me for 3 days at a time, last episode was March 2017.Going back to work as of February 2018 after 14 years off full-time work due to the crippling effects of psych meds. Check out Robert Whittaker "Anatomy of an Epidemic" for  his breakdown of the rates of mental disability  since the introduction of Prozac into the human population. Best solutions for me: Social support via AA meetings. Acupuncture. Meditation. Dance. Nature. Yoga. Social support online with psych med survivor community. Nutrition. Exercise. More outdoor time. Go sit in the sunshine for 5 minutes. Touch a tree. Breathe deeply.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Daisies24 said:

Can anyone who has suffered with this symptom and recovered say how long it took them to recover? I know we are all different, but just curious if it's normal to suffer with this for years, months, or what. 

Everyone is difference and bodies are dynamic, however, generally speaking, the longer you're on the drugs, the longer the symptoms seem to persist. Are you sleeping? What do you eat in a given day? Are you exercising? Do you work? Environmental factors often play a huge role here. 

Short term low dose Klonopin use back in 2004
Acute, protracted withdrawal after discontinuing
Began Lexapro in 2005 to ease Benzo withdrawal
Took 2 years to stabilize
Rapid taper from Lexapro in July/August 2012
Return of anxiety, insomnia and cardiac issues
Failed reinstatement early August 2012
Acute withdrawal for 9 months; intermittent symptoms for another 6

Relief on February 9, 2014 after addition of Taurine

Almost complete remission of symptoms w/addition of 12.5mg Atenolol daily

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy