☼ joy2730: withdrawing from citalopram, quetiapine

[joy2730]

Hi after 2 days at this slightly lower dose of citalopram I feel energised and positive.

 

I feel I have more ability to organise everything, which is a new feeling to me.  It is a good feeling and I feel I value myself more??? 

 

It is important to document that reducing can have positive effects as well as negative.

 

Joy

[RachelSusan]

Joy,

 

I am so happy to read that you are feeling good. This is absolutely wonderful.

 

Warm wishes,

 

Rachel

 

 

[joy2730]

Felt really sick this morning but had apple cider vinegar and it stopped immediately.  Mentally and mood wise I feel so good and calm.

 

Joy

[joy2730]

I am still doing well on this recent drop despite life stresses.

 

I suspect that symptoms could be waiting on the wings, building up gradually as it takes ages in me before symptoms come out.

 

But I do feel clearer and less foggy.

 

Joy

[TikkiTikki]

Hi Joy – long time no write!

 

I took a holiday from SA too, but just checked back in to day to update my story. Still slowering tapering, still feeling mostly alright I guess. It's not easy, but not hard enough to quit the taper.

 

Really hope you are well.

 

xxx Tikki

 

[Frogie]

Joy:

 

How are you doing?

 

Havent seen you update in quite a while?

 

I don’t get on much anymore but would love to hear from you😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Hi:

 

 I just wondered how you were doing?

 

Hope well.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[joy2730]

A very sad update after 2 years.  I had a very traumatic split from my husband of 34 years and son of 32 years due to many complex reasons. I entered a period of total madness, not being able to cope with anything.  I ended up on many psychiatric drugs, which I really did need. To cut a horrible story short I am now nearly off quetiapine and lorazepam, but now have 40 mg citalopram.  I entered a period of extreme alcohol misuse and have spent 18 months claiming UK benefits.  I am now back working though.

 

The toll on my mind and body has been tremendous but the amount of knowledge I gained from this site has stood me in good stead.  I know my future must not contain so many drugs so have started to read this site again for inspiration.  I still have my daughter and granddaughter in my life but my mother is at End of Life now.  I realise I am an emotionally vulnerable individual now but still need to look after myself properly. 

 

I have nothing but praise for the psychiatric system I had to enter into once again, and they certainly did not drug me up unnecessarily.

 

God bless everyone in their struggles.  I used to get my strength from my husband but now have to do it on my own.  My son has turned out to be very mentally ill, which he must have got from me.  I have too much empathy, him too little. 

 

Joy

[apace41]

I'm sorry to hear you went through that, Joy, but glad you are out the other side and recovering your life.  You did what you had to do to survive a difficult situation and you will get no judgment here.  I am glad the system treated you well and it is a positive sign that in the UK you were only given what you believe was appropriate.  Many in the US don't have the same experience.

 

Please feel like you can get support here as you move forward.  

 

You've got this -- even though the challenges will be tough believe in yourself and you will be okay.

 

Best,

 

Andy

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, joy2730 said:

A very sad update after 2 years.  I had a very traumatic split from my husband of 34 years and son of 32 years due to many complex reasons. I entered a period of total madness, not being able to cope with anything.  I ended up on many psychiatric drugs, which I really did need. To cut a horrible story short I am now nearly off quetiapine and lorazepam, but now have 40 mg citalopram.  I entered a period of extreme alcohol misuse and have spent 18 months claiming UK benefits.  I am now back working though.

 

The toll on my mind and body has been tremendous but the amount of knowledge I gained from this site has stood me in good stead.  I know my future must not contain so many drugs so have started to read this site again for inspiration.  I still have my daughter and granddaughter in my life but my mother is at End of Life now.  I realise I am an emotionally vulnerable individual now but still need to look after myself properly. 

 

I have nothing but praise for the psychiatric system I had to enter into once again, and they certainly did not drug me up unnecessarily.

 

God bless everyone in their struggles.  I used to get my strength from my husband but now have to do it on my own.  My son has turned out to be very mentally ill, which he must have got from me.  I have too much empathy, him too little. 

 

Joy

Hi Joy:

 

I wondered why you hadn’t answered me.

 

 I’m so sorry to hear your troubles. But I’m glad you were able to receive the help you needed and now are coming off the drugs.

 

 I’m so happy you still have your lovely granddaughter. She will be there with smiles and hugs for you.

 

Hang in there, you’re getting there😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[joy2730]

1 hour ago, Frogie said:

Hi Joy:

 

I wondered why you hadn’t answered me.

 

 I’m so sorry to hear your troubles. But I’m glad you were able to receive the help you needed and now are coming off the drugs.

 

 I’m so happy you still have your lovely granddaughter. She will be there with smiles and hugs for you.

 

Hang in there, you’re getting there😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

 

[joy2730]

Thank you so much for your reply, it was like hearing from a long lost friend.  I have not been well enough up til now to return to this site.  However, I feel I am finally making the journey back to being me.

 

Did you move Frogie, I think you were planning to, how is your fiancée, I knew Brownie had passed away.

 

My recent troubles have taught me a lot about myself, that I am a very sensitive person and take everything, or most things to heart..  I have actually been helped by various pills during this time, but don't need them now.  I was given quetiapine 50 mg on a night for sleep, I really didn't sleep at all for at least a year, but I can sleep now, and I have stopped my alcoholic episode now, but even that helped as it numbed the pain.  I made 7 suicide attempts, the last one being very serious, but survived, and that feeling of wanting to die has left me now.

 

I must read your signature and see how you are doing with your pills.  Thank goodness health care is free in the UK, otherwise I would be broke by now.  I am not pursing a divorce from my husband, as I know it is all my son's doing, but gosh how I have grieved for that man.

 

Joy

[joy2730]

Hi Frogie

 

Have just read your signature, which has answered all my questions to you.  Brownie died on 9 May 18 and I got thrown out of our farm by my son on 14 May 18.

 

Take good care Frogie, and thanks for remembering me.  Are you on any pills now at all, looks like you are not!  I don't understand some of the abbreviations on your signature, mgai and mgpw, I suppose the latter may be mg per week.

 

Joy

[Frogie]

17 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Thank you so much for your reply, it was like hearing from a long lost friend

I always thought we were friends too. We had a lot of helpful conversations.

 

17 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Did you move Frogie, I think you were planning to, how is your fiancée, I knew Brownie had passed away.

Yes we moved a year ago in August. It’s nice to have stores, restaurants and family back. But right now, we don’t see any of it because of what’s going on. But soon we will again. My fiancé is doing well. He was furloughed Mach 17, but went back to work last week. I lost Brownie 2 years ago May 9th. We rescued a puppy in November. She has filled a huge hole in my heart. I posted her picture in the pets thread on here if you’d like to see her. Her name is Delilah. She’s a sweetheart.

 

17 hours ago, joy2730 said:

My recent troubles have taught me a lot about myself, that I am a very sensitive person and take everything, or most things to heart..  I have actually been helped by various pills during this time, but don't need them now.  I was given quetiapine 50 mg on a night for sleep, I really didn't sleep at all for at least a year, but I can sleep now, and I have stopped my alcoholic episode now, but even that helped as it numbed the pain.  I made 7 suicide attempts, the last one being very serious, but survived, and that feeling of wanting to die has left me now.

You were always a caring person Joy, so I can certainly see how you would realize you were sensitive and took everything to heart. Sometimes I’m the same way, but I’m really learning to let things go. It’s just not worth it sometimes. I have to just walk away. I’m so glad you didn’t commit suicide. Your daughter and granddaughter would be lost without you, along with your husband. He just doesn’t realize it. So glad you received the help you needed and don’t have that feeling anymore. You are very strong and I admire you for that.

 

17 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Thank goodness health care is free in the UK, otherwise I would be broke by now

I wish we had free health care here sometimes. But I have an absolutely wonderful insurance plan and don’t hardly pay for anything. I’m really glad you had the resources you needed to get through this and are able to be off the medication. Just go very slow when tapering the citalopram. But you already know that.

 

17 hours ago, joy2730 said:

I must read your signature and see how you are doing with your pills

I’m still tapering my Xanax. But I will be done in July, maybe August if I can scrape enough powder to do one more month. But I’m doing well other than that. This Xanax taper is sooo much different than an antidepressant taper. 
 

17 hours ago, joy2730 said:

I am not pursing a divorce from my husband, as I know it is all my son's doing, but gosh how I have grieved for that man.

Maybe he will consider another try. Maybe with counseling? I’m sure you miss him with all your heart. You were together so many years. I’m sure he misses you too in his own way.  
 

I’m really glad to see you back. I hope you stay well and keep in contact. It was great to hear from you.

 

Stay safe and strong my friend.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Terry]

1 hour ago, Frogie said:

This Xanax taper is sooo much different than an antidepressant taper. 

I don't know if I'm asking this on the wrong thread or not.  But could you tell me how it's different from AD taper?  I'll be tapering my alprazolam (Xanax) possibly next year, and it would be nice to know what I might expect.  My doctor is retiring this summer and I'm hoping his replacement will continue my prescription until I can safely taper off.

[Flowers]

Hi Joy

 

It's heartbreaking to read what has happened to you and thank goodness you got the help you needed to survive.  You have so much to live for with your daughter and grandaughter and you are a strong person.  I hope that you have now been able to come to terms with what has happened with your husband and go on with the happy life you deserve. 

 

You have achieved so much already with going back to work and reducing the meds. 

 

I wish you well Joy and love and best wishes for your future.

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

[joy2730]

21 hours ago, Frogie said:

I always thought we were friends too. We had a lot of helpful conversations.

 

Yes we moved a year ago in August. It’s nice to have stores, restaurants and family back. But right now, we don’t see any of it because of what’s going on. But soon we will again. My fiancé is doing well. He was furloughed Mach 17, but went back to work last week. I lost Brownie 2 years ago May 9th. We rescued a puppy in November. She has filled a huge hole in my heart. I posted her picture in the pets thread on here if you’d like to see her. Her name is Delilah. She’s a sweetheart.

 

You were always a caring person Joy, so I can certainly see how you would realize you were sensitive and took everything to heart. Sometimes I’m the same way, but I’m really learning to let things go. It’s just not worth it sometimes. I have to just walk away. I’m so glad you didn’t commit suicide. Your daughter and granddaughter would be lost without you, along with your husband. He just doesn’t realize it. So glad you received the help you needed and don’t have that feeling anymore. You are very strong and I admire you for that.

 

I wish we had free health care here sometimes. But I have an absolutely wonderful insurance plan and don’t hardly pay for anything. I’m really glad you had the resources you needed to get through this and are able to be off the medication. Just go very slow when tapering the citalopram. But you already know that.

 

I’m still tapering my Xanax. But I will be done in July, maybe August if I can scrape enough powder to do one more month. But I’m doing well other than that. This Xanax taper is sooo much different than an antidepressant taper. 
 

Maybe he will consider another try. Maybe with counseling? I’m sure you miss him with all your heart. You were together so many years. I’m sure he misses you too in his own way.  
 

I’m really glad to see you back. I hope you stay well and keep in contact. It was great to hear from you.

 

Stay safe and strong my friend.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

Thank you so much for your detailed and carefully considered reply.  It is almost inspirational to me so I will reread it whenever I need to.  I agree that a benzo taper is very different from antidepressants.  I have just tapered off lorazepam and with the knowledge I already had it was not difficult at all.

 

Citalopram is totally different - much harder in my opinion.  I will not start that project for a long time.  I have just got off quetiapine too which also I found not as bad as citalopram.

 

Where can I access the pets section.  I had to leave my pets at the farm and have two new cats Bumble and Marley.  They have really helped me to get better.  I would love to see your new dog.

 

As a matter of interest and please dont feel pressured into answering if you don't want how much does your health insurance cost?

 

My mother is very poorly in a care home and is officially at end of life.  I wanted to care for her at my house but she was just too poorly.  It seems like my family has shrunk a lot in these last few years.

 

Thanks so.much for your comments and support

 

Joy

 

[joy2730]

15 hours ago, Flowers said:

Hi Joy

 

It's heartbreaking to read what has happened to you and thank goodness you got the help you needed to survive.  You have so much to live for with your daughter and grandaughter and you are a strong person.  I hope that you have now been able to come to terms with what has happened with your husband and go on with the happy life you deserve. 

 

You have achieved so much already with going back to work and reducing the meds. 

 

I wish you well Joy and love and best wishes for your future.

 

Flowers xxx

 

 

Thank you so much Flowers.  I have always enjoyed my work and that and my cats have kept me going along with the family I have left.

 

My mum is actively dying as I speak and I am waiting to hear when we can end of life visit due to coronavirus.  I could have done with my mum a few more years yet.  She has heart failure and multiple cancers but my last two years have made her heartbroken too.  She has felt my pain.

 

Glad you are doing well Flowers 

 

Joy 

[Flowers]

3 hours ago, joy2730 said:

Thank you so much Flowers.  I have always enjoyed my work and that and my cats have kept me going along with the family I have left.

 

My mum is actively dying as I speak and I am waiting to hear when we can end of life visit due to coronavirus.  I could have done with my mum a few more years yet.  She has heart failure and multiple cancers but my last two years have made her heartbroken too.  She has felt my pain.

 

Glad you are doing well Flowers 

 

Joy 

So sorry to hear about your mum Joy.  As a mum I am sure you always worry about your children no matter how old they are! But your mum knows that you have new life blossoming with the cats etc and have your daughter and granddaughter to keep you going. 

 

She must be a good age? I know that won't make losing her any easier of course.  You are lucky to have had her so long. I lost my mum and dad when I was 38. I'm 67 tomorrow and still miss them everyday.

 

I hope you are allowed to spend as much time with her as possible under the current circumstances.

 

You are in my thoughts.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

[joy2730]

41 minutes ago, Flowers said:

So sorry to hear about your mum Joy.  As a mum I am sure you always worry about your children no matter how old they are! But your mum knows that you have new life blossoming with the cats etc and have your daughter and granddaughter to keep you going. 

 

She must be a good age? I know that won't make losing her any easier of course.  You are lucky to have had her so long. I lost my mum and dad when I was 38. I'm 67 tomorrow and still miss them everyday.

 

I hope you are allowed to spend as much time with her as possible under the current circumstances.

 

You are in my thoughts.

 

Love from Flowers xxx

 

 

Yes Flowers mum was born on 1928.  I lost my father when I was 4 and he was only 30 and I was sitting on his knee at the time.  I can remember it like yesterday.  Mum has been a widow a long time.

 

Joy

[Frogie]

On 5/8/2020 at 4:37 AM, joy2730 said:

It is almost inspirational to me so I will reread it whenever I need to. 

I’m so glad I could help you just a little.

 

On 5/8/2020 at 4:37 AM, joy2730 said:

I agree that a benzo taper is very different from antidepressants.  I have just tapered off lorazepam and with the knowledge I already had it was not difficult at all.

You are so lucky it wasn’t difficult for you. This has been a different and difficult taper for me. Benzos are just not fun at all to taper off of, I’ll be so glad to be done. I don’t wish this suffering on anyone.

 

On 5/8/2020 at 4:37 AM, joy2730 said:

Where can I access the pets section.  I had to leave my pets at the farm and have two new cats Bumble and Marley.  They have really helped me to get better.  I would love to see your new dog.

I can’t remember the exact title of the pet page. But if you search pets, I’m sure it will come up. Just use the little search box at the top of the page. You should post pictures of your cats. I’d love to see them.

 

On 5/8/2020 at 4:37 AM, joy2730 said:

As a matter of interest and please dont feel pressured into answering if you don't want how much does your health insurance cost?

I pay approximately $150 a month for my insurance. Then I pay $20 to see a dr, and $3.60 for each prescription. It gets costly. But it could be worse. I know people that pay $500 a month and have a $5,000 deductible. So I should be thankful for this.

 

On 5/8/2020 at 4:43 AM, joy2730 said:

My mum is actively dying as I speak and I am waiting to hear when we can end of life visit due to coronavirus.  I could have done with my mum a few more years yet.  She has heart failure and multiple cancers but my last two years have made her heartbroken too.  She has felt my pain.

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom Joy. It is heartbreaking through this virus. Just know your mom loves you and even though all of this, she’s thinking of you always. Treasure the wonderful memories you have. I lost my mom 11 years ago and my dad 7 years ago. I’m an only child. I have a wonderful mother and father in law though. I’m very thankful for them.

 

On 5/8/2020 at 4:37 AM, joy2730 said:

Thanks so.much for your comments and support

You are very welcome. Please keep me updated.

 

It’s nice to have you back😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Frogie]

Joy:

 

Here is the pets page:

 

Pets and love, aww - post your pics here!

I don’t know how to make it a link. Still learning. Computer technology is horrible for me lol...

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

[joy2730]

I was allowed to visit my mother today under the UK end of life rules.  She is in great pain and distress but is going on a syringe driver tonight or tomorrow so that should ease her suffering.

 

She was too distressed for my brother and I to be there - she kept telling us to go home.

 

Take care everyone.

 

Joy

[Frogie]

26 minutes ago, joy2730 said:

I was allowed to visit my mother today under the UK end of life rules.  She is in great pain and distress but is going on a syringe driver tonight or tomorrow so that should ease her suffering.

 

She was too distressed for my brother and I to be there - she kept telling us to go home.

 

Take care everyone.

 

Joy

I’m glad you got to see her, even if she was distracted.

 

 I’m so sorry you are going through this.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Flowers]

20 hours ago, joy2730 said:

I was allowed to visit my mother today under the UK end of life rules.  She is in great pain and distress but is going on a syringe driver tonight or tomorrow so that should ease her suffering.

 

She was too distressed for my brother and I to be there - she kept telling us to go home.

 

Take care everyone.

 

Joy

So sorry Joy.

 

I hope they make her more comfortable asap.

 

Flowers xxx

[joy2730]

Titled:  Coming off quietiapine 50 mg for sleep following severe emotional trauma

 

I have reduced my quietiapine to a fraction of a 25 mg immediate release pill which has been without any difficult symptoms and I am still sleeping OK.  I want to stop taking even this fraction as I need to sort my weight out which is a complete mess and given my age may cause me problems in the near future.  I have a daughter, son-in-law and grandchild of nearly 4 and a new partner who I need to keep well for.

 

Are there any symptoms that may pop up in the next few months if I just stop taking my fraction and if they do what is the best action.

 

I am aware that following total discontinuation symptoms can arise weeks or months out, as with antidepressants, but am finding it difficult to get information from the general internet.

 

Joy

Edited January 9, 2021 by manymoretodays
moved from tapering, to introduction, tags, title update

[manymoretodays]

Hi joy2730, @joy2730

I've merged your recent post back here, to your main Introduction from the Tapering forum.  This is helpful, as it keeps your context all together.

 

How long have you been on the quetiapine?

Are you still on the citalopram, and at what dose?

 

You can do a signature(the section below your posts) update here:  AccountSettings/signature

And then make sure you identify each drug by name.

 

I think you might have best success by doing a 10% taper off each previous dose.  And then if tolerated well, you might be able to do tapers more quickly than the usual 4-6 weeks.  You'd have to observe carefully, to see if that would be possible.  And it looks like you may have already somewhat rapid tapered, by 50%, and then possibly further, with the quetiapine. 

Give me a bit more information.  Thank you.

 

I'll include this topic:  Tips for tapering off Seroquel(quetiapine)

 

Are you having any WD symptoms now?  Sleeplessness/insomnia may be one that you encounter with a quetiapine taper.  How is your sleep.  And you mention weight problems?  Have you had a significant increase in weight while on the quetiapine?

 

Welcome back.  And sorry for all the questions, but that should help us to better advise now.  And oh my gosh, so sorry for all the emotional trauma.  Hugs.

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Edited January 9, 2021 by manymoretodays

[joy2730]

after severe family breakdown I have ended up on quetiapine 50 mg, lorazepam 1 mg prn and 40 mg citalopram but am feeling a lot better now and wish to get rid of some of these meds again.  I have however made 8 suicide attempts that were very serious so I have to be careful.  I don't think the increased use of psychiatric meds helped at all.  I gained 2 stone on the quetiapine but it did help with sleep.  Tonight is going to be my first night without any quetiapine.   I understand the tapering principles, I just don't know what to expect after taking the last bit of the drug, do symptoms crop up unexpectedly a few weeks out like they can with ADs.

 

I cut the quetiapine down from 50 to 25mg over several months and then started taking 3/4 a pill then half then quarter and then just bits of 'dust' really.  So far it hasn't been difficult - but that could be famous last words, that is, not the case at all.  The pills have helped to a certain extent but I can't grow old while taking them, they are too harsh on the body and mind.

 

I have updated my signature.

 

I was hospitalised with shock and PTSD many times but used the knowledge I had from this site and others about drugs and so managed to avoid a load of drugs.

 

I will search the site for more info on quetiapine.

 

Thanks and it is good to be back

 

Joy

[joy2730]

On 5/7/2020 at 1:44 PM, Frogie said:

I always thought we were friends too. We had a lot of helpful conversations.

 

Yes we moved a year ago in August. It’s nice to have stores, restaurants and family back. But right now, we don’t see any of it because of what’s going on. But soon we will again. My fiancé is doing well. He was furloughed Mach 17, but went back to work last week. I lost Brownie 2 years ago May 9th. We rescued a puppy in November. She has filled a huge hole in my heart. I posted her picture in the pets thread on here if you’d like to see her. Her name is Delilah. She’s a sweetheart.

 

You were always a caring person Joy, so I can certainly see how you would realize you were sensitive and took everything to heart. Sometimes I’m the same way, but I’m really learning to let things go. It’s just not worth it sometimes. I have to just walk away. I’m so glad you didn’t commit suicide. Your daughter and granddaughter would be lost without you, along with your husband. He just doesn’t realize it. So glad you received the help you needed and don’t have that feeling anymore. You are very strong and I admire you for that.

 

I wish we had free health care here sometimes. But I have an absolutely wonderful insurance plan and don’t hardly pay for anything. I’m really glad you had the resources you needed to get through this and are able to be off the medication. Just go very slow when tapering the citalopram. But you already know that.

 

I’m still tapering my Xanax. But I will be done in July, maybe August if I can scrape enough powder to do one more month. But I’m doing well other than that. This Xanax taper is sooo much different than an antidepressant taper. 
 

Maybe he will consider another try. Maybe with counseling? I’m sure you miss him with all your heart. You were together so many years. I’m sure he misses you too in his own way.  
 

I’m really glad to see you back. I hope you stay well and keep in contact. It was great to hear from you.

 

Stay safe and strong my friend.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

 

[joy2730]

Hi Frogie

 

I have just finished a slow withdrawal from quetiapine and am getting my health back.  I am curious to know how you are now?  in June 2020 you seemed in a much better place apart from Covid - how is Covid with you it is terrible in UK.

 

I have met a new man in my life who has brought me some comfort.  I am not divorcing my husband as I still love him, it doesn't feel right, and in 18 mths time if all is going well with Joe he is going to move in with me.  He is a widower who loved his wife dearly, and although I 

[Frogie]

Hi:

 

It sounds like you are doing pretty well. I’m so glad. I think of you often. I’m glad you were able to find someone to make you happy. You deserve that. And you were able to taper off a medication, that’s wonderful news!

 

The virus is running wild here, as I’m sure it is everywhere. But we are just doing minimal shopping and staying home. 
 

Otherwise, I’m doing ok. I took my last dose of Xanax on September 18. I still have a few side effects but that’s to be expected. I was on it in a very large amount for a long time. But I will get better.

 

It’s nice to hear from you.

 

Stay safe and be well.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[manymoretodays]

Thanks for updating the signature joy2730.

How's your sleep?  Any other WD symptoms of note, post Seroquel?

And I don't blame you a bit, for wanting off that one.  I came off it myself, prior to arrival here.  I did suffer some insomnia.  Thankfully it was not long lasting.  And I began feeling much clearer too.  The Seroquel really dumbed me down.  Alot of things, really, cleared nicely for me, after getting off Seroquel.  Reflux for one.  My eating habits got better too.  It used to give me the strangest cravings, right after I took it.  And my measured fats all went back to normal as well.

 

Are you staying sparing with the Lorazepam?  I'm guessing you know already, since you've been here awhile, off and on, but it only takes 2 weeks, sometimes less, to get dependent on benzo's.

 

And glad you are back.  Again, so sorry for your trauma and trauma it is.  Also happy to see you've got a good friend now, on the ground,  the boyfriend.  So nice to have support AND companionship.

 

Okay, don't be shy.  Just ask, if you have questions.  Lot's of members tapering, or who have come off Seroquel.....so yes, good idea to find how they are doing too, and see their Introductions, and stories.

 

Best,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[joy2730]

Thankyou manymoretodays - to answer some of your thoughts - I am sleeping relatively OK, but some very strange dreams and it takes me a long time to get to sleep, perhaps 2 to 3 hours.  I was put on quetiapine for sleep, I wasn't sleeping at all and it was making me very ill, so the sleep I am getting now is a lot better despite its difficulties.

 

I don't know where I am with my weight as my appetite and food choices were so badly affected by quetiapine, but also by emotional eating.  So I have started a keto diet, or as I know it really, an Atkins diet.  In researching a keto diet with psychiatric meds, in particular quetiapine I came across this article that you might find interesting https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/diagnosis-diet/201803/ketogenic-diets-and-psychiatric-medications.

 

Some think a keto diet may help the actual illness causing someone to take psychiatric meds, but it explains how antipsychotics affect insulin, making one insulin resistant and therefore fat.

 

I have a review with my GP on Tuesday, so I am going to ask her to look at my recent blood test to see how my body is medically.  But I am not holding my breath, sadly in UK GPs tell you next to nothing about these medications - one GP told me quetiapine increases appetite and thereby weight but that is only part of the story.

 

I suspect my antidepressant citalopram is contributing to the weight problem too and am about to research that.

 

I feel more cognitively with it since stopping the quetiapine, taking quetiapine is like bashing your brain with a stone in my opinion, but can be a helpful tool in getting well again if you know when to come off it.  I was told it would help my antidepressant to work better and stabilise my mood but I think that is only at higher doses, I only took 50 mg per night

 

So I am doing OK.  The lorazepam I am using very sparingly as I do know the inherent problems with regular use - I am probably a little addicted to it but that is less of a trouble to me than the quetiapine and my weight gain problems.  I have also been thinking about the genetics of my relatives on both sides of my biological families and noone was every overweight in those relatives, I was the only one and I was also the only one that took psychiatric meds.

 

Joy

 

Take good care and thanks for your detailed reply.  Joy

[joy2730]

A quick update, I went jogging today, despite having my hip trouble.  I took 2 painkillers before and it went so well, it was slightly rainy and I love jogging out in the rain.  I got my heart rate up,  I COULD NEVER HAVE DONE THIS WHILE ON QUETIAPINE, IT TOOK AWAY ALL MOTIVATION TO MOVE AT ALL.  I am also one week into a keto diet to try to shed my extra 2 1/2 stone and that diet seems to be suiting me, giving me more energy even though I am on less than 20mg carbohydrates a day.  I plan to jog a little again tonight as well.

 

Joy

[Frogie]

That’s great news!

[joy2730]

Hi Frogie

 

Yes it was good,  it was good to move again, and I have had no ill effects on my hip.  Went to see my granddaughter Esme and my daughter Heather last night at tea time to do some child care and that really makes me feel grounded.  I am still off my quetiapine and managing to sleep well but with terrible dreams, but I think that is part of the course.  I don't look as good in my face at the moment, but I suppose that will rectify itself, at least I am getting washed more often now..  We have a Census taking place in the UK March 21st and I am doing 6 weeks voluntary work which will help me get into a better routine.  My new partner/boyfriend Joe is really worried about covid at the moment, we are in a serious lockdown and he worries about travelling to see me, which is not that far but he lives in a City and I in a very small town so I have not seen him for 2 weeks.  I know quite a few people around me now with Covid and it is not good.  My only risk factor is my weight, which seems to be a complication in Covid.  When we first met he said he didn't want to marry in his 60's and I was a llttle sad, but then discovered it was better for me to stay married financially, but now he want to marry after we have known each other several years.  I feel more complete when he is around, although I am getting used to being on my own a bit better.

 

We could have a really good life together.  We feel so comforted together, I suppose this is what these later life relationships are all about.  He is a man who follows all the rules of Covid, whereas I would never breach rules as such, but they make him nervous.  He has said he is coming this weekend and I really hope he does.  He has had a lot of trauma and tragedy in his life and lost a lot of people to death, as have I due to death and family breakdown.  We are both tired of loss and want to build a more content future.  Just after I met him he became hospitalised with acute pancreatitis and was very ill but seems well now in all respects.  He drank heavily for about 15 years after his parents died and I think this is the result.

I am trying to make sense of a lot of things.  Best thing about  being off Quetiapine is the clear head with which to think.

 

Trust you are good Frogie and thank you for listening to my innermost thoughts

 

Joy