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Dabhob33: introduction


Dabhob33

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32 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

This holistic doctor is about 30 miles away in Fairlawn, Ohio: 

 

MiA Provider Directory - Jodie Skillicorn, DO, ABIHM

Thank you.  I’m familiar with her.   Extremely expensive.  Doesn’t accept insurance.  :(   I guess I have to pay for the better value.  Hard when you’re broke, not working.   Will have to save up. 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Is your current medical provider threatening to cut you off your meds?

 

If not, you may want to keep getting your drugs from your current provider and find a therapist nearby you who takes insurance and can do some of the holistic type of non-drug treatments. Are there any mindfulness type of therapists in your area who are covered under your insurance? 

 

Unfortunately, very few prescribing doctors are withdrawal-wise. Very frustrating. 

 

 

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6/14/18 

315 - woke - lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium

530 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

10 - took charlie to my parents  - agitated

12 - lunch 

1 - Acupuncture 

8 -  testing for heavy metals picked up by fedex 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium

9 - sleep

10 - woke

6/15/18

3 - woke

445 - woke 

530 - woke - anxious in stomach

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/15/18 

3 - woke

445 - woke 

530 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

Laid on couch....anxious...heavy eyes/head pressure...obsessed about life (travel, going to stores, meds, marriage, symptoms, taper)

11 - library, Costco 

12 - lunch 

1 - watched Numb with Matthew Perry about mental illness

Drifted off and woke in panic

6 -  dinner with chip and Olwen - spoke at their house about my issues and dinner at creekside. 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium

11 - sleep

6/16/18

445 - woke

530 - woke 

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/16/18 

445 - woke

530 - woke 

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

Feeling extremely fatigued / anxious in chest / heavy head 

12 - lunch 

1 - spoke with Rain at 33 for help with bw

2 - cookout at Stewarts 

3 - very depressed and ruminating 

6 - feeling lighter, not as depressed.  Valium and lithium wearing off?

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium - sleep 

1130 - woke

6/17/18

230 - woke 

330 - woke 

Extremely anxious in chest - cortisol?

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/17/18 

230 - woke 

330 - woke 

Extremely anxious in chest - cortisol?

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

Father’s Day

Feeling extremely fatigued / anxious in chest / heavy head 

11 - movie - Incredibles 2

Felt very depressed for an hour / fatigued

12 - lunch - Sonic with the kids and all 

3 - went to Middleburg to swim for an hour - hot (90 degrees) / anxious and depressed  / fatigued

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium - sleep

11 - sleep 

6/18/18

2 - woke

5 - woke

6 - woke - unrested and anxious

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/18/18

2 - woke

5 - woke

6 - woke - unrested and anxious 

Extremely anxious in chest - cortisol?

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

9 - Vet for puppy - heavy head / feeling depressed

12 - lunch  162 mg Tylenol 

3 - guitar lessons charlie - head pressure.  

Can of Sprite

6 - tried napping - woke in panic - ugh 

7 - charlie baseball game - 90 degrees 

Magnesium calm drink 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

1130 - slept

6/19/18

330 - woke

Anxiety

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/19/18

330 - woke

Anxiety 

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

Feeling agitated / worried about lack of sleep

Tried napping - agitated / panic

12 - lunch 

12 - therapist 162 mg Tylenol 

3 - very agitated feelings over body / heavy head 

4 - haircut with Charlie and me

Lowe’s fit light bulbs and car wash at sheets

7 - pick up basketball charlie 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

11 - slept

6/20/18

1 - woke

530 - woke - anxiety - not as severe as lately

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/20/18

1 - woke

530 - woke - anxiety - not as severe as lately

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / omega 3

9 - 450mg Lithium

12 - lunch 

1230 - dropped off Syd at mom and Dad Bs.  Set up dad’s new computer monitor

Anxiety in chest 

4 - agitated after dozing off - feeling sticks with me - FEELING

5 - Charlie baseball game 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

10 - slept

6/21/18

1 - woke

6 - woke - anxious

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/21/18

1 - woke

6 - woke - anxious

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

Some obsession about sleep and waking in panic / head heavy 

9 -  450mg Lithium

9 - colonic hydrotherapy

12 - Lunch 

2 - started power washing deck 

3 - Acupuncture - FEELING / dozed off on table and felt toxic after waking

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

11 - slept

6/22/18

130 - woke

5 - woke - tried falling back to sleep - wake in anxiety and panic.  Just got up and started the day power washing my deck.

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/22/18

130 - woke

5 - woke - tried falling back to sleep - wake in anxiety and panic.  Just got up and started the day power washing my deck. 

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

9 -  Power washed deck 

12 - Lunch 

12 - dentist filling

2 - Costco  

5 - charlie baseball game

8 - bill came over

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

1030 - sleep

6/23/18

730 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/23/18

730 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

12 - Lunch 

1230 - Power washed patio walkway to gate

5 - dinner at Chili’s 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

1030 - sleep

6/24/18

630 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/24/18

630 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

1130 - bike ride with family- 6 miles 

12 - Lunch

2 - magnesium calm drink

3 - Swimming with kids and 20 mins sauna (me)

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

1230 - sleep

6/25/18

630 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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6/25/18

630 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

9 - errands with charlie - library, bank, five below, cvs

10 - played catch with Charlie 

12 - Lunch. 

12 - went to my mom and dad’s / Walmart / Luna’s / returned amazon stuff - UPS

5 - sprayed for weeds on patio

6 - dinner with Ali at burntwood at crocker Park - first date in quite a while.   Kids are on trip with in laws (tecumseh)

- concerned - no intimacy between Ali and me - like brother and sister.  She doesn’t want to talk about it.  No communication nor interest in counseling by my wife.   We exist well at taking care of home and kids.   But not taking care of each other.  

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

1030 - sleep

6/26/18

130 - 230 woke

630 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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Dabhob,

Are you over the Pristiq withdrawal?   How long did you feel better after stopping it?

 

Medications:

Current:   Pristiq 0mg since July 10, 2018

Previous Medication: 

Pristiq 50 mg May 24 to June 23 2018

Pristiq 25 mg June 23 to July 9

Lexapro 20 mg January 26 2018 to May 23 2018

Ativan for Insomnia:  December 8, 2017 to February 26, 2018 (.5) Once per night Dec/Jan

.5 Once every 3 days in February

Diabetic:  Insulin

Supplements:  Vitamin D.  Fish oil.  Magnesium.  Multi-Vitamin (B complex)

Iron

For sleep: little nibbles of melatonin (1mg) 

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6/26/18

630 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

9 - Power wash patio 

12 - Lunch

1 - optometrist for glaucoma

Kids came home for trip

Ali at trade show for week cleveland 

6 - Raymond’s for dinner

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

11 - sleep

6/27/18

6 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

6/27/18

6 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

11 - dropped kids off at Raymond’s / sauna 20 mins

12 - Lunch

12 - Power wash patio

2 - Acupuncture

5 - charlie baseball game - first game as catcher

7 - dinner at Raymond’s.    Ali at trade show downtown cleveland  

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

11 - sleep

6/28/18

6 - woke

8 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

6/28/18

6 - woke

8 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

10 - finish power washing backyard patio

11 - Dana watch kids 

12 - Lunch

2 - gave blood Red Cross 

7 - took charlie to weekly pick up basketball tournament 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

11 - sleep

6/29/18

330 - woke 

630 - woke - felt a bit anxious

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

6/29/18

330 - woke 

630 - woke - felt a bit anxious

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

9 - took Kids to in laws 

10 - Dr Hammes follow up - zinc and methyl b12 folate - result of micronutrients blood work

12 - Lunch

Feel anxious / tried laying down - nervous to doze off

1 - lebron opted out of contract 

2 - sauna 20 mins (10/10) / inlaws brought Kids to pool - sat on pool edge and tossed ball to charlie 

6 - dinner - zinc / go with ali to sima event at rock and roll hall of fame 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / magnesium (calm drink)

11 - sleep

6/30/18

6 - woke - anxious sensation

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

6/30/18

6 - woke - anxious sensation

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

9 -  ali and Syd ran 5k pierogi run at Tri C - charlie and I cheered 

Feel very anxious

12 - lunch

1 - sauna 25 mins - 15/10 150 degrees

6 - dinner / zinc 25mg - going away cookout for Winstels at Granata’s

Feeling agitated.  Worried about benzo wd.  

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / magnesium (calm drink)

11 - sleep

7/1/18

330 - woke

430 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

7/1/18

330 - woke

430 - woke - anxious sensation

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops

9 -  450mg Lithium

Feel very anxious about sleep - “doze and panic”

11 - Power washed front/side walk way (All Done!).  Next up....weeding

12 - lunch

1 - sauna 25 mins - 10/5/10 155 degrees

4 - birthday party for Winstel kids at Scene 75 

6 - dinner / zinc 25mg.  

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / magnesium (calm drink)

9 - sleep

7/2/18

3 - woke

5 - woke

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

7/2/18

3 - woke

5 - woke -  very anxious sensation

***supposed to start methyl b12 injections starting this week.   Concerned that they will rev up bw symptoms.  

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / magnesium Calm from feeling revved up 

9 -  450mg Lithium / 2000mg vitamin C 

11 - zoo with family (90 degrees).  Feel very low/depressed/ no energy / feel really bad after feeling pretty good for a few weeks. 

Diarrhea 

12 - lunch

1 - called my dad to cry a bit / feeling horrible in head and chest

Very tough day.   Head pressure, anxiety in chest and fatigue / suicidal

3 - guitar lessons charlie

5 - 325mg Tylenol 

6 - dinner / zinc 25mg

7 - charlie baseball game 

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / magnesium (calm drink)

1030 - sleep

7/3/18

1 - woke - very anxious 

Didn’t fall back to sleep

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

7/3/18

1 - woke - very anxious / ruminating 

Didn’t fall back to sleep

Very anxious.   Thinking of going to hospital.  

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / magnesium Calm from feeling revved up 

9 -  450mg Lithium

12 - lunch / 25 mg zinc 

Family went to botanical gardens.  I didn’t go.  

anxiety in chest / burning over body returned / feel horrible / talking to Dad

1 - therapist Terry - he calmed me down a bit.   Still feel anxious and flu-like body feelings

Constantly think of bw - pops in head and makes me anxious 

Diarrhea 

2 - Staples for printer ink / bank atm

3 - 162mg Tylenol 

6 - dinner 

Worried about sleep

9 -  sleep - lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / magnesium (calm drink)

1030 - woke / 25mg 

7/4/18

Up at 1030 - never went back to sleep

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
On 7/3/2018 at 4:38 AM, Dabhob33 said:

**supposed to start methyl b12 injections starting this week.   Concerned that they will rev up bw symptoms.  

 

 

6 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

1 - woke - very anxious / ruminating 

Didn’t fall back to sleep

Very anxious.   Thinking of going to hospital.  

 

Dabhob, did you go ahead with the b12 injections? You are right to be concerned, as B12 can definitely rev up withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Just trying to see if these two quotes could be related or if your wave is getting worse. 

 

You had a series of really good nights as far as sleep goes over the last 10 days: 

 

On 6/23/2018 at 8:20 AM, Dabhob33 said:

1030 - sleep

6/23/18

730 - woke

 

 

On 6/24/2018 at 10:06 AM, Dabhob33 said:

1030 - sleep

6/24/18

630 - woke

 

 

On 6/27/2018 at 8:22 AM, Dabhob33 said:

11 - sleep

6/27/18

6 - woke

 

On 6/30/2018 at 7:33 AM, Dabhob33 said:

11 - sleep

6/30/18

6 - woke - anxious sensation

 

This definitely speaks to healing, as your sleep has been incredibly disrupted for months now. So to see some 7 - 9 hour nights of straight sleep is really good. I know that hours of sleep doesn't necessarily equate to quality sleep, but it still is an improvement. It shows your nervous system is capable of healing. 

 

Just wanted to touch base and see what your thoughts are and if this latest wave might have been caused by B12 or if this is just one of those brutal waves that comes out of nowhere.

 

BTW, I'm very impressed with the amount of work you're doing with power washing and taking your kids places. Please make sure you're not over-doing it, though. Sometimes when we do feel a bit better, we can overdo it and find ourselves back in a wave. Make sure you're staying hydrated as you work in the yard and run errands. 

 

 

Link to comment
7 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

7/3/18

1 - woke - very anxious / ruminating 

Didn’t fall back to sleep

Very anxious.   Thinking of going to hospital.  

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / magnesium Calm from feeling revved up 

9 -  450mg Lithium

12 - lunch / 25 mg zinc 

Family went to botanical gardens.  I didn’t go.  

anxiety in chest / burning over body returned / feel horrible / talking to Dad

1 - therapist Terry - he calmed me down a bit.   Still feel anxious and flu-like body feelings

Constantly think of bw - pops in head and makes me anxious 

Diarrhea 

2 - Staples for printer ink / bank atm

3 - 162mg Tylenol 

6 - dinner 

Worried about sleep

9 -  sleep - lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / magnesium (calm drink)

1030 - woke / 25mg 

7/4/18

Up at 1030 - never went back to sleep

1030 - woke / 25mg doxylamine

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment
44 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

 

 

Dabhob, did you go ahead with the b12 injections? You are right to be concerned, as B12 can definitely rev up withdrawal symptoms. 

 

Just trying to see if these two quotes could be related or if your wave is getting worse. 

 

You had a series of really good nights as far as sleep goes over the last 10 days: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This definitely speaks to healing, as your sleep has been incredibly disrupted for months now. So to see some 7 - 9 hour nights of straight sleep is really good. I know that hours of sleep doesn't necessarily equate to quality sleep, but it still is an improvement. It shows your nervous system is capable of healing. 

 

Just wanted to touch base and see what your thoughts are and if this latest wave might have been caused by B12 or if this is just one of those brutal waves that comes out of nowhere.

 

BTW, I'm very impressed with the amount of work you're doing with power washing and taking your kids places. Please make sure you're not over-doing it, though. Sometimes when we do feel a bit better, we can overdo it and find ourselves back in a wave. Make sure you're staying hydrated as you work in the yard and run errands. 

I haven’t taken the b12 yet.   

 

I will slow down.  

 

I’m hydrates.    Maybe too much even.

 

I’m taking 25mg of zinc and drinking more calm magnesium.  That’s the only change to meds and supplements.      

 

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
17 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

I haven’t taken the b12 yet.   

 

I will slow down.  

 

I’m hydrates.    Maybe too much even.

 

I’m taking 25mg of zinc and drinking more calm magnesium.  That’s the only change to meds and supplements.      

 

Thanks for the additional information.

 

From your journal, you added in zinc on June 29 and two days later, started having more problems. 

 

Did you recently have bloodwork done that showed low levels of B12 and zinc? 

 

I'm concerned that the zinc may be at too high a dose at 25 mg. Please see: 

 

Supplementing with zinc

 

The article that Nadia links to in that first post on the Zinc thread:

 

Higher levels of zinc do not necessarily reduce anxiety. In fact, too much zinc can have the opposite effect, according to the results of animal research published in the May 11, 2010 edition of "Physiology & Behavior . . . . If you are considering taking zinc to treat anxiety, it is important to realize that it may not help you if your zinc levels are already within normal range. Zinc, like other minerals, is beneficial in proper amounts but toxic in large doses. Unless you are pregnant or nursing, the recommended daily allowance of zinc is 11 mg. 

 

During withdrawal, we can become hyper-sensitive to supplements, so I'm wondering if adding in zinc, especially at 25 mg, may be ramping up your symptoms. 

 

You may want to target foods high in B12 and zinc rather than supplement. Or at least try that first and see if you can get the benefits of the nutrients in foods, as this is less likely to ramp up symptoms when nutrients are gotten naturally rather than in supplements. 

 

 

 

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7/4/18

Up all night.  

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / Calm magnesium 

9 -  450mg Lithium

10 - 4th of July parade with Raymonds

12 - lunch 

Feel nervous about sleep.   Want to go to the hospital.  

1230 - talked with chip re my depression.  

2 - aunt Margaret was party

6 - dinner 

Heavy. Tight head.  Worried about sleep

9 -  sleep 

7/5/18

2 - lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

330 - woke

430 - woke

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

Yes, I took a blood test that showed I am deficient in zinc, magnesium and b12. 

 

I stopped the zinc yesterday.    

 

My biggest symptoms are extreme anxiousness in belly and chest in AM.  Very heavy head and depression.  Of course, the drifting off and panic seconds later is still an issue.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Sounds like you are deficient in some key areas but unfortunately, you are among many of us (myself included) whose nervous system is too compromised to handle a lot of supplements. 

 

That's okay, though, there are ways of increasing your levels of many things through food.

 

Are you a vegetarian? If not, you may want to have a read of Dr. Brogan's article:

 

Red Meat for Your Depression

 

Red meat is an excellent source of zinc and B12. And if you do some searches on google, you'll find much more on this. 

 

I actually was a vegetarian for 32 years prior to withdrawal, but I got so sick with nutritional issues after I stopped being able to take my supplements that I had to slowly reintroduce red meat and fish. It solved a number of problems, so diet really is key during withdrawal. 

 

 

Link to comment

Thank you.    I’m not a vegetarian.   We eat a lot of white meat and fish.   Although I love an occasional steak.   I’ll read the article and would love to increase the red meat. 

 

Do you think I’m doing ok?   I’ve really been nervous lately.    The past few weeks I had a lot of confidence.   This week’s been rough.  

 

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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7/5/18

2 - lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium 

330 - woke

430 - woke

8  - breakfast -valium 5mg /eye drops / Calm magnesium 

9 -  450mg Lithium

10 - Kids and Ali went swimming with friends 

Feel pain, anxious, depressed, fatigued -I didn’t go 

12 - lunch 

1 - meet with potentially new psychiatrist - Dr Campbell

6 - dinner 

Doze off and panic

9 -  lithium 225mg / 5mg Valium / mag calm

1030 - doxylamine 25mg

1130 - sleep

7/6/18

130 - woke - up the rest of the night - doze off and wake in panic continually. 

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
22 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

Thank you.    I’m not a vegetarian.   We eat a lot of white meat and fish.   Although I love an occasional steak.   I’ll read the article and would love to increase the red meat. 

 

Do you think I’m doing ok?   I’ve really been nervous lately.    The past few weeks I had a lot of confidence.   This week’s been rough.  

 

 

 

Yes, definitely look into adding in some read meat. 

 

I really think the zinc tripped you up. You were on a streak of 7 - 9 hour nights of sleep, which is a major improvement from where you were when you first landed on this website. So yes, I think you're doing okay. And if you can leave out the supplements - and also, really try to stop adding in OTC drugs if you can - I think you're going to reach a level of stability. The simpler you can make this, the easier it is on your nervous system. 

 

Your nervous system has already shown it has some resiliency. That's good, really good. 

 

Try looking into more natural ways of healing. Check out different diets. These links will get you started.

 

Elimination or exclusion diets for reactions to food (food intolerance)

 

Histamine intolerance

 

Cut down on sugar to improve mental health

 

The Beyond Meds website also has a wealth of information on this. 

 

Beyond Meds - "gut health" archive of articles

 

I ended up going for a modified Paleo diet and it was a game changer in my recovery. We're all different, so check out different food choices and see what you can find to work for you. 

 

 

 

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The interesting thing about that period of time that I was sleeping well is that I was drinking what I thought was just a fruit drink in our fridge.    After talking with my wife this morning And discussing how I was feeling she mentioned this drink called Spark.  I looked online and found that it’s an energy drink that has Vit A, C, E, Niacin, Copper, Chromium, Choline, L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Glycine, L-Carnatine, B1, B6, B12 inositol and some caffeine among other things.  
 
My wife got some trial packets from her gym and made a few pitchers of it.   I can’t recall how many times I drank it, but would guess daily for breakfast over that period of time I was feeling good (looking back at my food journal).  
 
It looks like I drank it from June 22 - July 1.   I slept really well.    Started feeling bad on July 3.  
 
I stopped drinking when we ran out of the packets evidently.   I thought it was just a fruit drink.   Didn’t even know it’s name until today.

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
18 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

I looked online and found that it’s an energy drink that has Vit A, C, E, Niacin, Copper, Chromium, Choline, L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Glycine, L-Carnatine, B1, B6, B12 inositol and some caffeine among other things.  

 

Wow, that's quite a list! No wonder you were out power washing your deck for days. 

 

The fact that you didn't know that there was anything in that drink means it definitely wasn't the placebo effect. 

 

I wish this was something that was safe to take during withdrawal. Just a thought, though - you may want to look into these supplements individually and see if there's anything you can work with that will be safe. For instance, it may be worth trying a small dose of Glycine for sleep instead of periodically using doxylamine.  Since you are on sedating drugs already, adding in anything - including a supplement - that is sedating may cause a paradoxical reaction, but it may be a safer option than doxy. 

 

You can use the search feature or Google "surviving antidepressants" + [name of supplement] and you'll find information about the supplements that are safe during withdrawal and other members' experiences with them. 

 

 

 

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