mFrustrated: need insight - Zoloft withdrawal

[Waiting12]

Hi mfrustrated,

 

I am behind you a ways in recovery from adverse reactions and in a setback myself from an antibiotic. I think our cns is very sensitive to medications while healing. I just wanted to stop by and say I’m sorry you’re having symptoms again. I hope you feel better and it passes for you soon. 

 

[mFrustrated]

You're so sweet Waiting! I read through your profile last night when I was struggling for encouragement that I was not alone. You're not too far behind me, just a few months. We're all in this together for sure. What a roller coaster! Also, I did not realize that you and I really had about the same cocktails of meds...I took Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft for about the same amount of time that you did. I've got to check in on the forum more often because it certainly helps to remind me that I'm healing and not crazy. 

 

It's amazing how I can wake up the next morning, still in a bit of a fog, but not dealing with ocd and intrusive thoughts as nearly as bad as I was when I went to bed. I agree with you 100% that our CNS are super sensitive. I think the stress of yesterday just got to me and the anxiety just stepped right in. I'm a teacher (middle school) and I have 2 kids under 7 and my husband was working late...it was just a long day and I was worn out...also, I left half of our dinner at the grocery store although I swear I put it in my car and I think that was just the icing on the cake for the day. 😫  

 

Hugs from NC! 

[mFrustrated]

Still dealing with this stupid wave. My husband left town for a few days, so it's just me and my kiddos. The first reaction to meds that I had happened when he was out of town, so I think I'm naturally anxious about him being gone...but the intrusive thoughts and harm ocd will just not leave me alone. It's so frustrating. I wish I knew why its still so rough after 2 years. Its hard to deal with after feeling so "normal" for several months with no problems. Question for any mods that may see my post... I didn't have any ocd issues before the meds. How can I reassure myself that this is just a wave and I will come out okay? I think that's where I struggle the most right now... 

[Lloyd]

Hi mFustrated,

 

I also deal with OCD & intrusive thoughts. There are some good tips on the web for dealing with intrusive thought specifically by helping you not to become repulsed or upset when they occur. Theory is that if they upset you less they occur less frequently. Always remember that intrusive thought does not represent your true self and is not some hidden darkness inside you. OCD is a pain in the arse, i have repetetive thoughts which i know are BS but cant stop them. Very fustrating as i use avoidance to cope with it which is not good.

Just wondering do you get random boughts of cold & flu symptons during waves?

[mFrustrated]

On 10/8/2018 at 9:11 PM, Lloyd said:

Hi mFustrated,

 

I also deal with OCD & intrusive thoughts. There are some good tips on the web for dealing with intrusive thought specifically by helping you not to become repulsed or upset when they occur. Theory is that if they upset you less they occur less frequently. Always remember that intrusive thought does not represent your true self and is not some hidden darkness inside you. OCD is a pain in the arse, i have repetetive thoughts which i know are BS but cant stop them. Very fustrating as i use avoidance to cope with it which is not good.

Just wondering do you get random boughts of cold & flu symptons during waves?

Hi! So sorry for not responding sooner. I tend to stay away too long. Yes I do get cold and flu symptoms during waves but sometimes I think the cold and flu symptoms actually bring the waves bc our nervous system can’t keep up. Totally just my opinion. 

[mFrustrated]

Hi everyone. It’s been a while. Dealing with a terribly bad spot now. My 7 year old has had some health issues. I’ve done well to stay and strong and now that we have a handle on things, my anxiety is through the roof. I haven’t had panic attacks since my early days of the reaction. I had to leave work today because of panic and I seem to be in a wave that I don’t know will end. Definitely feeling depressed as well. Hoping there is a light to this terrible wave soon. I am exhausted. 3 years into this mess this month. I was doing so well until all of this. I guess my nervous system just can’t handle the stress. 

 

Any recommendations for good ways to deal with the stress would be great. 

[Gridley]

It's important to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope

 

You might find these links helpful:

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

CBT Course:  An Introductory Self-Help Course in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

[mFrustrated]

Thank you! You just reminded me that I haven’t taken my omegas in a few days. I’ve seen these links before but I couldn’t find them. Thank you for reminding me. It literally has been so long since I’ve needed them. ❤️

[Carmie]

Hi mFrustrated, 

 

How have you been doing?💚

[Altostrata]

Hello, @mFrustrated Please update your Intro topic.

 

How have you been since January 2019? How did your symptom pattern change?

[mFrustrated]

Hey everyone, just checking in. I’m currently in a wave after what I think is an adverse reaction to IV therapy that I’ve been doing once a month since March. Started having panic attacks again in April and I think it’s from overactive nervous system…the IVs had vitamin Bs in it and I think they were just too much for me…it’s just taken me several weeks of thinking my health was bad and having all the tests done, to find out nothing is wrong. It must be panic attacks…just riding the wave of exhaustion, panic and brain fog. I’ve been well since January 2019 (for the most part with the exception of a few small set backs that I can’t really even pinpoint). My family has also been through some trauma with my husband’s job, which has also caused a lot of stress. 
 

I’m a teacher, so I’ve got 3 weeks of school left and I’m just trying to make it to rest. Hopefully that will help me bounce back to my happy, not anxious, self.

 

 

[mFrustrated]

I’m having panic attacks on the daily. Not sure I remember it being this bad when I had my severe reaction, but maybe it was and I just don’t remember. Hoping for some relief soon. Working like this in a mask for the next 3 weeks is gonna be tough. 

[RachelSusan]

Hi @mFrustrated

 

Sorry to read about your reaction.  I do recall reading on this site that vitamin B can be activating.

 

I am sure the last few weeks of school will be difficult if you are having panic attacks. I want to wish you the best and to remind you that each day brings you closer to the summer break.  Good luck.

 

Rachel

[mFrustrated]

I’m having panic attacks on the daily. Not sure I remember it being this bad when I had my severe reaction, but maybe it was and I just don’t remember. Hoping for some relief soon. Working like this in a mask for the next 3 weeks is gonna be tough. 
 

just adding on..appears I have a terrible head cold that my husband had last week. Vitamins seem to be making things worse and I am too scared to try any kind of decongestant for fear of things being even worse. Also, doc is pretty sure I have post concussion syndrome from a blow to the head by a basketball back in February. Supposed to be seeing a neurologist for that, but they can’t see me until July. 
 

I am in terrible shape. I’ve been feeling bad since the beginning of May and I’m so sad that things don’t seem like they’re ever gonna get better. (I am sure this is not true, just feeling so sad about it all today.) I’m tired of not being able to go and do. I’m a wife, mom of 2 busy kids and a teacher. I want to clean my house and go out. None of this is me and I’m so over it. 
 

 

[mFrustrated]

Alright friends…need your thoughts…

 

What a week! So I was diagnosed with covid and pneumonia earlier this week. Anxiety is through the roof and nothing is making it better. Doc has me on an antibiotic to clear up pneumonia (which doesn’t help anxiety at all). Covid is gone, I got the test at the end of my symptoms, and I’m off quarantine Sunday. I feel so much better and fever, although never over 100, is gone. 
 

I just can’t get this anxiety (my body feels like I’ve been electrocuted) and I’m having panic attacks. (Which had already flared before covid, and now is worse). I have not been in this bad of shape in years. Maybe since early days of my adverse reaction. None of my normal calming tricks are working, and some make it worse. I’ve tried chamomile tea (sometimes it helps some, but not like it used to), Epsom salt baths (normally they work like a champ and help me relax but now make me feel worse), all of my calming essential oils…nothing is helping. I know I have to take these meds, and I still have 9 days left. 

We keep a fairly clean diet, with lots of fruits and veggies, and clean meats. Usually diet helps too and I’ve been off caffeine for a while now. Coffee for sure makes it worse. 
 

Anyone have any thoughts on things that might help me just calm down a little? I feel like I’m stuck in fight or flight mode. 
 

My poor body is so tired. 😕 

[mFrustrated]

Ended up getting an Ativan at the ER yesterday because I thought pneumonia was flaring up. Turned out to be a panic attack. They gave me a prescription for Atarax until I can talk to my doctor…which isn’t going to understand adverse reactions, especially 5 years later. 
 

I hate being stuck in this cycle of panic attacks. Still have 6 days left on this antibiotic. Do I just take the Atarax to get me through this antibiotic this week? 
 

I’ve gone 5 years with no meds, only needing my omegas, vitamin c & d and now I’m a mess. I’m so sad and feel so lost. 
 

 

[getofflex]

Please be very careful about taking benzos (Ativan) as they are highly addictive.  I'm sorry you are going through these health issues.  Do you absolutely have to take the atarax?   Are you allergic to the antibiotic?  Have you had an adverse reaction to the Atarax? 

 

Here are some calming techniques that are fast and simple to use.  The concept underlying the Claire Weekes method is that when we have anxiety about our anxiety, it just spirals up and up and gets out of control.  She says by accepting our anxiety, we can reduce it.  

 

Audio:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)
 

CBT Course:  An Introductory Self-Help Course in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes
 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

Then there is also CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) for anxiety and panic.  Hang in there, and keep us posted.  

Edited June 6, 2021 by getofflex

[mFrustrated]

Thank you. I appreciate your concern. haven’t taken any anxiety medication in 5 years since I had an adverse reaction to SSRI drugs. I absolutely do not want to take medication, but I was so exhausted from fighting covid and pneumonia all week, that I was desperate for sleep yesterday when I took the 1 Ativan at the ER. I have the Atarax to take in absolute necessary situations.  My anxiety has gotten so bad that I can’t function. Other than overcoming the bad reaction to drugs 5 years ago, I’ve not needed anxiety medication. I’m just at a loss as to why I’m experiencing this anxiety. 
 

 

[mFrustrated]

On 6/6/2021 at 7:00 PM, mFrustrated said:

Thank you. I appreciate your concern. haven’t taken any anxiety medication in 5 years since I had an adverse reaction to SSRI drugs. I absolutely do not want to take medication, but I was so exhausted from fighting covid and pneumonia all week, that I was desperate for sleep yesterday when I took the 1 Ativan at the ER. I have the Atarax to take in absolute necessary situations.  My anxiety has gotten so bad that I can’t function. Other than overcoming the bad reaction to drugs 5 years ago, I’ve not needed anxiety medication. I’m just at a loss as to why I’m experiencing this anxiety. 
 

 

update***
 

I finally talked to my doctor. She said stop taking the antibiotic and she’s ordering blood work for in the morning to see what my white blood count is. If my counts aren’t down, I don’t have to take anything else. She realized my body doesn’t metabolize doxycycline right after she looked at the gene testing I had done 5 years ago. 🙄 so praying for good blood counts tomorrow. 
 

In the meantime. I talked to our natural doctor. She also said stop taking everything, even all of my supplements. She’s gonna have me in on Thursday to do a work up to make sure all the supplements she’s had me on aren’t contributing to the problem. (She has had me on a regime for 2 months for adrenal fatigue and metal toxicity from a metal retainer I  had in my mouth). 

 All of this may explain why I’ve been having panic attacks the past few months. I think my system is worn out and just needs to rest. 
 

fingers crossed we’ve made some discoveries…

[mFrustrated]

Posted this in the symptoms thread, but wanted to put on my feed as well. I would love some positive support that this will get better. Anyone have experience? I don’t want to feel like this all summer and I’m desperate…
 

I have been dealing with internal jitters and panic attacks for about a month now. I’ve also lost my appetite and mostly have to make myself eat and have terrible brain fog & depersonalization. I had mild covid and mild pneumonia, and was on an antibiotic that I am confident my body did not do well with… but before that was taking some different supplements to try to rid a parasite and heal my gut & deal with exhaustion. 
 

I am 5 years post adverse reaction to 3 SSRIs (see the list below) and have been doing so well…almost feeling healed for about 2 years. Now I’m in a terrible spot and just don’t know what to do. Seems to have gotten worse as the weeks have gone on…

 

None of my normal helps are working (Epsom salt baths, camomile teas)…in fact, the salt baths make me feel even more jittery. 
 

Anyone have any thoughts? Do we think I just need to let my body heal?  
 

I’m so tired and just want to feel normal again. I do see a natural doc, and she said I just have to let my body reset. I just want to see some improvements. I feel like I can barely function…I’m a highly functioning mom, wife and teacher. I can’t even focus because I feel so bad. 

[mFrustrated]

Still feeling pretty exhausted and in a constant state of fight or flight. My upper abdomen and back on the right side has been bothering me. Had some blood work done today, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t find anything…

 

Also my heart rate resting is 100 and if I get up and move around, it’s worse. I just feel off. 
 

I’ve had a lot of nausea and some gagging, not really vomiting. 

 

I can barely function. I constantly worry about my health. Y’all, I was basically almost recovered after 5 years from a bad reaction to antidepressants. 
 

Can all of this really be a set back from some B vitamins, overcoming covid, and an antibiotic? 

 

 

[mFrustrated]

Still struggling really bad tonight. I’d love to hear someone’s thoughts. 

My chiropractor still seems to think I’m having a reaction to everything even though I’ve stopped the meds & supplements. 
 

Super discouraged tonight…

[Hanna72]

Hi @mFrustrated

I am sorry to hear about your struggling.
I was reading your thread and I see you struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. 
What I find helpful when I feel extremely anxious is distracting if I can. If I keep following the anxious thoughts it only spirals into more fear and panic. It’s like being caught up in a loop that gets me stuck.

Music, and guided meditation is a big help for me. If you haven’t tried it I recommend you should give it a go. The thing about meditation is that you don’t have to be good at it. Even though you find yourself with a busy mind, that’s ok, just be aware of it and know these are only thoughts. Anxiety is vicious but it won’t harm you. You need to change you relationship with it, and that takes time, but you can do it. 
I also like listening to a podcast called ‘ the one you feed ‘ which has tons of good information on mental health and coping skills.

Praying for a relief for you.

[mFrustrated]

Just updating. Still pretty miserable. Having lightheaded/dizzy spells, very little sleep, and feeling pretty hopeless. Just finished a beach vacation and didn’t enjoy myself…usually it’s my happy place. Not sure what to do, but really hoping I get some relief soon. 
 

 

[mFrustrated]

Still struggling…doc recommended a juice cleanse to clean out toxins. My gut feels so much better, but anxiety, dizziness, and heart palpitations still very present. Currently wearing a heart monitor and waiting to have heart ultrasound to make sure my heart is okay. Was in the ER over the weekend, and EKG was fine. Not sure what’s causing the heart palpitations. Can’t even do daily tasks without heart rate going up. 
 

Is there anyone that went back into withdrawal symptoms after 5 years into recovery from severe reaction to antidepressants? I can’t even take my normal omega vitamins, probiotics, and Epsom salt baths without feeling crazy. I guess too many supplements, covid, and an adverse reaction to the antibiotic threw me for a loop. I would love to hear any success stories of coming out of an adverse reaction a second time. I read a story of a member having a second bad reaction to meds and taking her life on here, and I’m all kinds of freaked out. 

I am teacher and have to go back to work in 5 weeks. I’m 7 weeks into this mess, and feel very hopeless and discouraged. I don’t know how I’ll work when school starts back. I can’t even do normal tasks around my house. 
 

Any things you guys know to help? Any success stories? 

[Waiting12]

Hi there. So sorry you’re feeling so bad. I had a series of adverse reactions to ssris 5 years ago as well, and while I was a couples years into healing, I had a major reaction to an antibiotic that set me back years. I’m still healing but slowly getting better over time and very sensitive to everything.
 

Although I’m not a success story, I just wanted you to know you’re not alone. There’s actually a few groups out there with others like us with the same stories. If you’re interested you can PM me and I’ll send you some links. I hope you feel better soon! My cns couldn’t handle anything when I had this reaction so I just had to cut out anything that touched my cns and it went uphill from there. 

[mFrustrated]

Hi @Waiting12, I’m just now seeing this message for some reason. Thank you SO much for your response. I was doing so much better July-now, but this week I took a Vitamin D because I was starting to feel a cold come on, and I’m back to struggling with OCD and anxiety. I guess I’m just going to have to wait things out for it to clear my system. 
 

Curious to know, are you having to stay away from all meds and supplements? How do you combat colds, etc?  Also, this is super a touchy question, so you don’t have to answer…but have you gotten the covid vax? I’m so scared to put it in my body because I’m afraid of a reaction. (Totally don’t have to answer that question if you don’t want to)

[Lilmizz21]

@mFrustrated was you completely healed before all this happened? 

 

I think the anti botic has put you in abit of a set back but I have heard of plenty of people that have healed from a setback.

 

Also if you recovered before, please find strength that your body knows what to do to heal. X

[mFrustrated]

I am still in a terrible wave. I’ve cut all supplements and now caffeine. Body feels sore, muscle tension, constant anxiety, and struggling to focus. I am not sure what else to do, but this reminds me a lot of my original reaction to anti depressants. I’m so bummed.

[Soup]

@waiting12 how is your recovery from your setback going ? I hope you are progressing well . I have had an antibiotic setback and very very scared . Any hope gratefully accepted 

[Soup]

@mFrustratedhow are you doing from your setback ? I am struggling from an antibiotic setback and just looking for some hope of some type of recovery . I really hope your are having better days 

[mFrustrated]

Hey Soup! I’m sorry for being so slow to respond. I have good days and bad, but not terrible. Still dealing with a lot of anxiety and some terrible ocd, and for sure some ups and down with a little depression. It is for sure frustrating because I was doing a lot better before my 2021 set back…and it just seems like it’s never ending. I also have a stressful job (I’m a teacher) so I’m sure that doesn’t help either.  Hang in there, it does get better…just sometimes slow. 

[Poekatey]

Hey @mFrustrated, I hope you're doing okay! Wanted to know how you're doing now?

[Phoenixmama]

@mFrustrated hi how are you now ?

[mFrustrated]

I’m doing ok. I’m having acl repair surgery tomorrow and my anxiety about having to take pain mediation, blood thinner, and being put under anesthesia is a huge thing for me right now. I am so afraid I’m gonna have a bad reaction to something but there is nothing I can do about it. I have to have surgery and I’ll have to take meds. Does anyone have insight on this? I’d love any encouragement y’all can give. 

[mFrustrated]

Hey y’all, it’s been a while. I went through my knee surgery back in March without any problems. Took pain meds, etc with no reactions. However, in June, 2 months after surgery I begin having symptoms where I know my nervous system was on overload…dizziness, sensitive to caffeine, and lots of anxiety. Then the first week of July I went to the dentist. He convinced me that I had to take 1 dose of an antibiotic because I had knee surgery or he wouldn’t clean my teeth…dumb me, went for it thinking it would be fine. That sent my entire system for a loop. I’ve terrible anxiety and caffeine sensitivity for a month now. I’ve had to quit coffee (even decaf) and my body is super hypersensitive to everything now. I’m curious, for those of you that have been around for a while…could this all really be from a bad reaction to anxiety meds (see list in my profile below) in 2016? Like could my nervous system still be super sensitive when I go through hard things and have to take meds? I wish I had a way to get rid of this every time I go through a rough time or need meds…it always seems to set me back for months. It feels like each time I become more and more sensitive to things…when will, or will it, ever get better? Still, 7 years later, so frustrated.