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SiameseMew's Goes Cold-Turkey


siamesemews

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Hi everyone

 

I am posting here with the hopes of my words reaching those who are understanding of what I'm going through right now. Although those close to me are very caring and patient, they really don't seem to be able to grasp what I'm experiencing which leaves me feeling isolated and frightened.

 

I decided to come off Setraline 100mg cold-turkey, about a month ago. I can hardly remember the reasoning behind this, except that a few people close to me felt I was ready to and believed I could survive without. Initially I'd run out of my prescription and the new chemist at my local drugstore decided it wasn't urgent enough for me to have an emergency prescription. After a few days off, I decided to see how I managed without them at all.

 

I experienced all the symptoms I later read about online - brain 'zaps', dizziness, terrible nightmares and so on. Regardless of how horrible these were I was still experiencing some elation at having come off these pills which I'd felt so dependant on for a decade. However, as time has gone by, I have started to feel really very sad. My nightmares are worse now - I find myself waking up in the middle of the night from a nightmare and thinking someone is in the room (this quickly disappears as I wake up fully) and have had to sleep with a light on on some nights. I feel agitated constantly, argumentative and angry and confused. My extreme sweating which was caused by Sertraline has subsided so that's great, however I have gained 5kg in a month without changing my diet or exercise - I know this is not a noted side-effect of anti-depressant withdrawal but I can't think of any other reason for it - and this means I spend about an hour a day in tears in front of the mirror, feeling an utter hatred and disgust for myself, nearly breaking mirrors and giving me strong urges to self harm again (I haven't and won't). I can see myself pushing my partner away, feeling total love and dependancy on him in one moment and then indifference and misery in another. I am shocked he's still with me, fearful that he will leave me and scared by the fact that my feelings towards him, and everything else in my life, can change so drastically within a day.

 

I have happy, clear moments but these are lost amongst all the serious lows and I just feel out of control. I am petrified to go back on the medication as when I first started I had a suicide attempt in the first two weeks. Also I dislike the underlying message I would be sending to myself which is that I need medication to be normal. I no longer know what normal is, I don't know if I could ever truly be happy and I feel I've lost my meaning or place in the world. Earlier this week I enthusiastically and excitedly applied for an art course. Now, mid-week, I am completely anxious about attending, thinking about judgement from the other students, worrying about having to face other people on public transport, petrified my nervous sweating problem might occur again.

 

I think this is long enough for a first post and I apologise for it's lack of direction. This is how I'm feeling now and I'm just scared I won't feel happy again. It would be great to hear from others going through the same thing, so we can support each other, and also from those who have survived this and become happy...so I can have some hope for myself.

 

xxx Me

Put on Escitalopram and Xanax aged 16 - stopped at 18

Put on Fluoxetine aged 19 - stopped at 21

Put on Sertraline aged 22 - stopped March 2013, cold-turkey

Now aged 26 and "clean", but struggling

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I am so very sorry, wish I could give you a motherly hug. Others with knowledge will write you soon. Do you have medicine in the house, or the ability to get it? You're going to make it through!

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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Clarification--don't take any med right now

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello, SiameseMews,

 

I'm sorry to hear of your misery after going off Sertraline cold turkey. Unfortunately, months and months of misery are not uncommon when stopping an antidepressant abruptly, especially the SSRI/SNRI type. My advice is to go back on the Sertraline immediately, but at a reduced dosage. You might try 25 mg. for four full days and if that helps, but not enough, go up to 50 mg. If Sertraline only comes in pill form, here's how to make your own liquid:

 

How to Make a Liquid from Tablets or Capsules

 

Please don't hesitate over this more than a few days. Reinstatement within a month often alleviates withdrawal symptoms, but the longer you wait, the less likely it is that reinstatement will work.

 

I have happy, clear moments but these are lost amongst all the serious lows and I just feel out of control. I am petrified to go back on the medication as when I first started I had a suicide attempt in the first two weeks. Also I dislike the underlying message I would be sending to myself which is that I need medication to be normal.

 

Please understand that these drugs make changes in your brain that take months to years to re-normalize even though the drug is long gone from your body. The fact that going back on the drug and slowly tapering off of it makes you feel better does not mean that you need medication to be normal. Stopping these drugs cold turkey is like jerking a crutch away from someone with a broken leg. Your brain has become TEMPORARILY dependent on the drug to function. Tapering off of it slowly and carefully is key to minimizing the misery of cold turkey and being able to function as you gradually reduce the amount of drug you're taking.

 

Here's another topic that should be helpful (please note that Sertraline is called Zoloft in the USA):

 

Tips for Tapering Off Zoloft

 

I no longer know what normal is, I don't know if I could ever truly be happy and I feel I've lost my meaning or place in the world. Earlier this week I enthusiastically and excitedly applied for an art course. Now, mid-week, I am completely anxious about attending, thinking about judgement from the other students, worrying about having to face other people on public transport, petrified my nervous sweating problem might occur again.

 

I think this is long enough for a first post and I apologise for it's lack of direction. This is how I'm feeling now and I'm just scared I won't feel happy again. It would be great to hear from others going through the same thing, so we can support each other, and also from those who have survived this and become happy...so I can have some hope for myself.

 

xxx Me

 

Not feeling normal and being emotionally numb are all symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. I'm sorry to say that happiness seems to be the last feeling that comes back, but it does come back. I'm personally close to the end of withdrawal syndrome and I have glimmerings of happiness from time to time that feel like the pre-antidepressant me. (Please note that I "tapered" off Lexapro far too fast). You might find encouragement looking through this topic:

 

Recovery Success Stories

 

I very much hope that you'll take my advice and reinstate the Sertraline at a lower dose. This will save you months and possibly years of misery. If it turns out to be a bad idea, you can always stop taking it again, but you won't ever have as good a chance at reinstatement as you do now.

 

Welcome, SiameseMews. Whatever you decide, you'll find lots of solid information and gentle, friendly support here.

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

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


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

 

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

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

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Siamesemews,

 

And welcome to the forum.

 

I don't think I can add anything more to what Jemima has advised other than to reiterate her point that the sooner you can reinstate a small dose the better.

 

Regarding the weight gain - though I haven't heard that many stories about weight gain being a withdrawal symptom, I'm not at all surprised. When you go off a medication suddenly it sends your hormones haywire. Excess cortisol, in particular, is known to cause weight gain, and many of us here are struggling with the fallout of excess cortisol.

 

Anyway, welcome once again and keep us posted on how you're doing.

July 2001 prescribed 20mg citalopram for depression;
On and off meds from 2003-2006.
February 2006 back on 20mg citalopram and stayed on it until my last attempt at tapering in September 2011.
By far the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Reinstated to 20mg citalopram
October 2012 - found this forum!
Nov 2012 to Feb 2013 did 10% taper, got doen to 11mg - was going great until stressful situation. Cortisol levels hit the roof, hideous insomnia forced me to updose to 20mg.
March 2016 - close to 100% back to normal!



****** I am not a medical practitioner, any advice I give comes from my own experience or reading and is only my perspective ******

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Thank you to Meimeiquest, Jemima and Basildev for your messages; it is a great comfort to hear from all of you.

 

I do have a huge supply of medication at home as my doctor's response to my going cold-turkey was to double my original dose, however they remain untouched expect for two. I tried to take my dose after going cold-turkey for a week and it came back up straight away. Having read Jemima's post I am seriously considering going back on medication, simply because I can feel myself slowly losing control, and my mind going to dark places. It's been years since I've had such thoughts and whilst I am better equipped to cope with such feelings, it's still frightening.

 

I am still worried how my body will react when I start taking the medication again, even at a quarter-dose, especially as I have my new art class starting (assuming I am in the right mindset to attend) and job interviews on the horizon, and I would be worried about sweating and shaky hands which were a big problem while I was on Sertraline. These probably sound trivial but I mean intense sweating (dripping), visible shaking and paranoia. I also worry that I might fall even deeper into depression...I'm already on the edge and don't fancy getting any worse than this. In your experiences, do you get any of these negative side effects when first re-taking the medication?

 

In terms of the weight, Basildev, it bothers me particularly because I have struggled with severe episodes bulimia on and off since I was about 14. In retrospect I've always been absolutely fine and this sudden ballooning is very distressing (I've had to throw away my full length mirror). I have terrible scarring on my arms and thighs from self-harm - coupled with the weight gain, I just feel completely paranoid when I walk outside. It's nearly summer and getting too warm to cover up (especially with the sweating) and so I have no idea what I'll do.

 

Does anyone have any advice on how to explain things to significant others/friends/family? As mentioned before, those close to me are caring and patient but from the things they say sometimes I can tell they don't really have much respect for what I'm going through...sometimes I feel there is an underlying sentiment that I'm making myself feel this way, or "other people are much worse off, be happy."

 

For now, I think I will start a low dose of Setraline tomorrow...it's still feels like I've failed somehow, though.

Put on Escitalopram and Xanax aged 16 - stopped at 18

Put on Fluoxetine aged 19 - stopped at 21

Put on Sertraline aged 22 - stopped March 2013, cold-turkey

Now aged 26 and "clean", but struggling

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm so relieved that you're being reasonable about reinstating.

 

It's possible that you dived into "real life" too soon and that the art class and especially the job interviews may be too much for you right now. But maybe not. Take it one day at a time and try to stay in the present moment as much as possible. Getting your health and peace of mind back is the number one priority at this point. I doubt you'll experience severe depression or suicidal inclinations when you reinstate. That seems to be a side effect that occurs on first taking the meds. Your central nervous system is likely beyond the point where you might have that reaction again.

 

You have not failed by reinstating. You've taken the most intelligent possible course of action given the circumstances.

 

Let us know how you're doing, and by all means ask all the questions that come to mind.

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

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


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

 

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

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

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi SM,

 

Welcome! I read your intro earlier and was reluctant to advise the usual, which is reinstatement of a smaller dose. It seems you've had an adverse reaction to Sertraline. Profuse sweating, suicidal thoughts and tremors should have been a red flag to your doctor a long time ago.

 

Nausea, diarrhea and headaches are more common side effects.

 

If I were you, I would reinstate a very small dose, say maybe 5 mg and see how that feels. If you can tolerate that for about four days, re-evaluate at that point in time.

 

I think you need a different doctor.

 

I'm sorry you're suffering so badly!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Siamesemews,

 

(very cute name by the way - I have an adorable little Tonkinese and every time I read your posts I think of his meows:)

 

I really believe that your weight will settle down once you've stabilized on the appropriate dose of your medication. But this might take some time and you have to be patient.

 

When you updose, sometimes it can feel worse before it feels better. I say this not to alarm you but to encourage you to stick at it and not jump around with your doses. Any change in medication, whether you go up or you decrease, will have an effect on your CNS, which may be hypersensitive to the smallest change.

 

Patience is the key. You can't hurry stablization. Your brain will take its own time to heal.

 

The good news is, it's only been a month since you quit. The sooner you reinstate the better change you have of stabilising.

July 2001 prescribed 20mg citalopram for depression;
On and off meds from 2003-2006.
February 2006 back on 20mg citalopram and stayed on it until my last attempt at tapering in September 2011.
By far the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Reinstated to 20mg citalopram
October 2012 - found this forum!
Nov 2012 to Feb 2013 did 10% taper, got doen to 11mg - was going great until stressful situation. Cortisol levels hit the roof, hideous insomnia forced me to updose to 20mg.
March 2016 - close to 100% back to normal!



****** I am not a medical practitioner, any advice I give comes from my own experience or reading and is only my perspective ******

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Jemima: I will inform my partner and my mum, the two people closest to me, about my decision to reinstate a low dose of Setraline. I think it's important to that they know what's going on and are able to keep tabs on me. Thank you for your supportive words.

 

Tezza: The very bad thoughts have only just recurred since stopping the medication, however the sweating, shakiness and anxiety in social situations has been an issue for years. I've visited the doctor repeatedly, letting them know about these symptoms, and they just keep sending me for blood tests. I don't feel that they care. The sweating has had a debilitating effect on my life; I've avoided university classes, jobs and social situations because I just become so anxious about it and a pattern of avoidance developed. It upsets me that I can repeat this to doctors and they don't take it seriously. It's another reason I'd been nervous to take Setraline again as the sweating seems to be subsiding - I still feel hot but I am no longer dripping with sweat in tense situations.

 

Basildev: I have a neurotic but totally loving Siamese and a beautiful but goofy tabby who really keep me going. I feel like a proper mad cat person saying that but it's the truth, they have provided me with unconditional love and affection and they are always calming to be around.

 

It's shocking that I've had to search the internet to find answers when my doctor seems to have none. When I went to visit my doctor about stopping my prescription she looked at my files and appeared surprised, saying my dose should have been increased years ago and that she would double it now (bizarre I thought, considering my symptoms hadn't worsened and I was considering stopping). I visit the doctor at least 4 times a year (I know) and so she has had plenty of opportunities to up my dose if it was necessary. I wonder how many others are in this position right now, with no real guidance. I know of two young people within my social circles who commit suicide in the past few years; the first had just started taking antidepressants and the second had just stopped taking them. It's really frightening how casually they prescribe these pills.

 

Thanks again to everyone for their support. I certainly feel calmer now than when I originally posted.

Put on Escitalopram and Xanax aged 16 - stopped at 18

Put on Fluoxetine aged 19 - stopped at 21

Put on Sertraline aged 22 - stopped March 2013, cold-turkey

Now aged 26 and "clean", but struggling

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Hi Siamese,

 

Some story, and how we all wish we could walk into a dr's office and get the guidance we need.

 

Alto has written that the side effects of ADs are usually dose-related, so here's hoping you won't have the sweating problem. If you do, remember no one (here) expects you to stay on it, it's just part of the journey.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

The side effects you've been having seem to indicate to me that this is not a good drug for you to be on. The pills can be made into a liquid so you can take a much smaller, controlled dose.

 

As I said, I was reluctant to advise reinstatement at all but perhaps a very small dose might not bring those effects.

 

We want you to be safe and well.

 

Please look at the links Jemima provided.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey there SMews-- I just wanted to let you know that I also get suicidal on ADs, and my mind also always went to dark places when I tried to quit them abruptly, many times over the many years I was taking them (and disabled by them). In fact the only really severe depressions I have ever had were after I started ADs. And I was suicidal and self-destructive on and off most of the time I was taking them, especially when I tried to cut back or quit. And I got very suicidal right away, obsessively so, when I started Paxil (which I quit). So I can really relate.

 

I think a small reinstatement is your best bet at this point, because it sounds to me like the potential risk of continuing down this path of withdrawal that you're on might be greater than the potential risk of getting back the side effects you describe, obnoxious though they are. But at a lower dose they might be not as bad.

 

Once you get stabilized, you can taper slowly. I have had no problems with depression or suicidality during my very slow taper. Quite the contrary, actually; emotionally I'm more stable and healthier than I have ever been.

 

Hang in there, good luck! Keep us posted.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

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

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

 

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

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I've spoken with my partner and have decided to start back on the sertraline in a couple of days - once the first art class and my interview have taken place. I don't want to risk any adverse side effects during these things which are already stressing me out a bit. I will still go to both as I need to start doing positive things for myself. I've calculated it so that I have about 5 days to a week without anything stressful happening after I've reinstated the lower dose, so if there are any side effects (fingers crossed there won't be) I can calmly get through it.

Put on Escitalopram and Xanax aged 16 - stopped at 18

Put on Fluoxetine aged 19 - stopped at 21

Put on Sertraline aged 22 - stopped March 2013, cold-turkey

Now aged 26 and "clean", but struggling

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  • Moderator Emeritus

That sounds like a good plan. We'll be cheering for you!

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

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


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

 

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

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

 

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  • Administrator

Welcome, SiameseMews.

 

I've held off jumping in because you've been getting such excellent suggestions.

 

It seems to me your adverse reactions to sertraline were because the dose was too high for you. They are all symptoms of excessive serotonergic activation.

 

Adverse reactions are dosage-related. It's likely if you go back on a low dose you will not have those symptoms, plus your withdrawal symptoms will be relieved.

 

If 25mg seems too high, you might want to start with 10mg. Even that low a dose might relieve the withdrawal symptoms. You can increase if you think you need to. Use the instructions for making a liquid to titrate your dose.

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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Hi

I am in terrible trouble with withdrawel too and have looked for any support groups but have found there aren't any. The nearest I found was in Manchester it was such a shame because it sounded really good. I spent about a month trying to find something, talking with everyone who I thought could help - I had to stop because it was making me feel angry, upset and I had to come to the conclusion that it just doesn't exist and no one seems to want to or afford to introduce it. ANYWAY, going off my track, I wondered that because you are in London and so am I, maybe we could have contact as I don't know anyone near me that understands what its like. Good luck and warmest wishes.

 

Poppy

2012 - about 7 various antidepressants, didn't suit.  Dec 2012 - 225mg venlafaxine.  2013 dropped to 150mg stayed for a year at this mg

2014 - 112.5mg venlafaxine.  2014 75mg venlafaxine.  2015 37.5mg venlafaxine for couple of weeks.  Back up to 75mg as agitated, and sobbing uncontrolably.  Back down to 37.5mg as 75mg too much.  Summer 2015 started cutting down by 2? every 2 weeks and added 50mg clomipramine as advised by gp to brdige venlafaxine.  8th Feb 2016 was down to 1.42 on scales then got panics on waking and crying and panics and overbreathing at lunchtime.  No cuts since then until now but on 17th March lost voice and terrible cough which still have on 30th March.  26th March upped to 1.44 for 4 days then back to 1.42 as felt down hard work with all the panicking and didn't want to go through that again.  Have had 17 CUTS of 2 % since summer 2015. Still on 50mg clomipramine as well.  Got down to about half of a 37.5mg capsule and just stopped, not sure if this was the amount as it is over 3 years ago now.  Obviously not the thing to do as have had no meds at all now for over 3 years and still feeling terrific protracted withdrawal.

 

 

 

 

 

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