Celeste Posted March 31, 2016 Author Share Posted March 31, 2016 I am desperately trying to figure out what is going on with my body. NOTHING that helped to relax me in the past is working..Epsom salt baths, hot showers, massage, TV, talking to someone, sleep. In fact, these things have made me feel worse minus sleep which I'm not getting much of. Has anyone heard of such a crash before? I did have a fair amount of stress leading up to this and on top I had a herx reaction which I don't think my nervous system was in the best shape to tolerate. I think my system was still fragile from the last crash I didn't fully recover from. But this is extreme...nothing feels good. My systemn can handle very little stimulation. Never experienced something like this...trying to make sense of it. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Hopeinahpwr Posted April 1, 2016 Share Posted April 1, 2016 Hi I'm new to the forum, but just want to say I am praying for you. I'm trying to post my signature so I don't have to keep writing, but have been on zoloft 15 years. Stopped and after two months, brutal depression, which I never had before...I feel your pain...very scarey, but will keep you in my thoughts. On zoloft since 2000 for OCD/anxiety. Tapered off from 150mg to 100, 50, 25 over Dec/Jan 2015. After month n half off, began depression. Being terrified, as I never had depression before, after a few days, went back to 50mg, then five days later to 100mg. Now stable. I will stop this medication, with time and perseverance...my current taper level and timing are as follows, which includes No other Rx's, No alcohol, NEVER any illicit drugs: 84mg from October 2016 82mg from February 2017 79mg from April 2017 77mg from June 2017 75mg from July 2017 "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift." - Eleanor Roosevelt "Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation." - Viktor Frankl Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 1, 2016 Author Share Posted April 1, 2016 Thanks Hopeinahpwr. I struggled with rough depression after Zoloft as well. Stress reduction was key as well as stability. I'm still trying to implement both of those in my life more. I'm on my phone so I can't see your history. Did you have a slow taper? If not you may want to consider reinstating so you dont go into protracted withdrawal. I wish I would've done this but I didn't know about any of that yet at the time. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted April 2, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 2, 2016 How long did it take you to recover from your crash Petunia? Hi Celeste, I'm sorry I didn't reply to your question last year, I never made it back to your thread. But I've caught up with it now. I'm sorry you are still struggling, it sounds like your symptoms have become worse lately and I'm wondering if its because you life is still stressful, causing too much stimulation. I still haven't recovered. Once the nervous system 'falls off the wall', like Humpty Dumpty, it can take a long time for it to fully recover, that's why all the advice we give here is designed to preserve stability and avoid these major crashes. Even him moving around the apartment is challenging at times and disturbing. This seems to ebb and flow throughout the day. I've been hibernating in my apartment mostly in my dark bedroom minimizing stimulation. Just confused on what the best action is to help things along and wanted some input. Am I supposed to quarantine myself until this passes or is that making it worse? I've experienced this through my ongoing recovery process. My 21 year old daughter lives with me, and at times I find the sounds of her activities around the house to be unbearable, something like a door opening or the sound of the shower can trigger a rush of adrenaline and send me into a fight/flight state. I've spent the best part of the last 3 years in my darkened room, doing the best I can to keep stress to a minimum and I'm recovering, slowly. When I push myself to do more, I crash again and go into what we call waves, these usually last a week or two. If you haven't yet seen it, I suggest you read the windows and waves topic here: The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization If what you are doing is making symptoms worse, stop doing it. Avoid anything which increases symptoms, this may mean avoiding busy, crowded, noisy environments, bright lights, socializing beyond what feels comfortable, processed and stimulating foods, activities which arouse emotion, even good emotions. I can no longer watch TV, listen to music or have conversations containing any kind of drama. I no longer watch the news or read about current affairs because it has all become too disturbing for my nervous system. I can only exercise very gently, too much and I have another crash, so its a matter of finding the right balance. Read back through your thread, it may give you a few more ideas about how to support your recovery. You will get better, but its going to take some more time and perhaps a few more lifestyle adjustments. I wouldn't say you need to quarantine yourself, but if something is increasing stress and symptoms, then its best to avoid that activity or environment until your symptoms settle again. Then when they do, be aware that whatever caused a wave previously is likely to cause another one until you are fully recovered. For me, extreme self care and respecting the limits of my now-fragile nervous system have been supporting my own slow recovery process. Its not easy to live like this while surrounded by our stimulating, busy, fast-paced culture. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
btdt Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 I am desperately trying to figure out what is going on with my body. NOTHING that helped to relax me in the past is working..Epsom salt baths, hot showers, massage, TV, talking to someone, sleep. In fact, these things have made me feel worse minus sleep which I'm not getting much of. Has anyone heard of such a crash before? I did have a fair amount of stress leading up to this and on top I had a herx reaction which I don't think my nervous system was in the best shape to tolerate. I think my system was still fragile from the last crash I didn't fully recover from. But this is extreme...nothing feels good. My systemn can handle very little stimulation. Never experienced something like this...trying to make sense of it. Yes been there done that... I think it is a sort of atkithia I can never spell that word... here is a bit ... "http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7029-blog-my-akathisia-experience-by-akathisiainfo/" I think this is a different sort... Alto's description "The body tension and inner restlessness are the definition of akathisia. Anxiety and depression can ride along, it's very distressing." I think it is a lesser version of walking a hundred miles in the snow to keep yourself a bit sane... but I don't have term for it other than this. Which by the way may be wrong. This is what I have found nothing seems to work the old things fail so it is time to seek yet again... baths without epson salts... do you use deep relaxation the first one that comes up on utube to that term is my fav... if you have used it to death and it is failing you sounds of the ocean. Sorry I am new to your thread and have not read it all but when old things fail it is time again to seek... I spent hours at the libary sorting out different types of meditation and tried many. Some were very helpful... others not so much... at the time I could not stay out much so brought it all home... learned there or read at the beach in my car...miss a car... but that is another story.. Landed about that time on the book called the power of now it helped too but so did many others I did not mention... prayer is good too. I will catch up on your thread one of these days... hope it helps to know it happens and sometimes or often I can't find anything that really helps I just sit with it... as there is not choice. Everything in the world has a beginning and an end... everything... This too shall pass... Food can be a big deal check your diet too... as I find when this goes down my entire system changes what I could eat or drink prior changes too... Yes a long time in your room is normal... normal for us I think.. as we are Normal people trying to live in an abnormal state with an abnormal reaction to drugs. wishing you peace WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 ok I read your thread again.. seems I forgot I read it already What I said above still holds and nature.. can you get to some nature for a quiet walk. I have had times where I would purposely be awake at night as I could not tolerate day time issues ... noise light people cars these times come and go. One thing I am curious about is this your first bout of sensitivity to sound... or is it a recurring issue? I would find it unusual to be having your first bout just now if you never had it before...and that may warrant a different look maybe a talk to a doctor... but don't take any meds he might suggest.. I wonder how many doctor apts we save people.. here as they look and go normal for wd when any normal sane person would be at the doctor saying what is this... hope your better peace WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 One more idea have you changed shampoos ect... it could be that chemicals are reacting on your system... using a non chemical product may make a difference can't hurt to try one I use nature clean ..it is not the greatest but other kinds bother me.. same for soap nature clean... just a thought WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share Posted April 3, 2016 Hi Petunia and btdt. Thanks so much for your replies. Things have been easing up just a tiny bit. The sensitivity to sound seems not to be as bad. I had to walk around with ear plugs in for a few days. Everything I heard outside was bothering me. I was convinced I would have to move to the middle of nowhere! I also took some melatonin yesterday and actually slept for 7 hours. I woke a few times throughout but I'll take it after averaging about 4 hours a night for the past 2.5 weeks. And btdt, I attempted to take a walk in nature. It was a 20 min drive to the nature reserve that involved the highway. The drive was way too stimulating for my system right now. I was pretty shaken and I was passenger. I guess only local trips for now. That is awesome you live by the beach though. Those are my favorite walks in nature...barefoot on the shore. So calming. Petunia, I actually pretty much recovered from my crash last year. There was a few remaining symptoms that were bearable and on their way to clearing up. I then went back to my job serving at a very busy restaurant and had a couple stressful events and here I am. Guess I was still pretty fragile. I had to take some time off but obviously I'm going to have to find something else when I can work again. I am fortunate enough to have my husband supporting me for the time being. I'm thinking of looking into disability though. I know it's pretty tough to get and not even sure on what grounds I would apply. Do you guys know anything about this? I crashed harder this time and don't want to be here again so I can't go back to any kind of stressful job. Thank you for all your suggestions btdt. I am at the point where nothing seems to be working. I think I'm going to have to sit some of this out. I am just so sensitive to everything right now. Leaving my apartment is very challenging. I am meditating on my own...I can't really listen to anything from an electronic at the moment. Just too sensitive. I am just trying to distract myself. Those adult coloring books are nice and have helped. I am trying to figure out if there is anything in my diet that could be setting me off. It's already super clean...no processed foods, mostly all organic and plant based. At first, just the mere act of digestion was setting me off. That has seemed to calm down. hope it helps to know it happens and sometimes or often I can't find anything that really helps I just sit with it... as there is not choice. Everything in the world has a beginning and an end... everything... This too shall pass... You will get better, but its going to take some more time and perhaps a few more lifestyle adjustments. Thank you both for saying this. I get pretty gloom and doom. I have anxiety and tend to do some obsessive thinking. It's just been hard...barely able to leave my apartment. It seemed to happen so quickly..a bit surreal. I was feeling pretty good after recovering from my last crash. I know it'll pass and calm down again and at least I realized a huge trigger..my job. I'm sorry you're still struggling Petunia. This gets pretty isolating. I know you mentioned having your daughter but if you're an animal person I hope you have a pet. I'm a cat lover and I haven't had one in a while but I've been thinking of adopting. I really would like one now. They're so therapeutic. Oh yeah to answer your question btdt. This isn't my first issue with sound. During my last crash loud noise was getting to me...at like crowded places. It just got much worse this time around. I wonder how many doctor apts we save people.. here as they look and go normal for wd when any normal sane person would be at the doctor saying what is this... Yes..I also wonder how many people have no idea that what they're experiencing is the protracted WD. I was in the dark for almost 2 years until I found the beyondmeds.com website. Crazy... - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
btdt Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 It could be your sensitive to other things shampoo toothpaste scented candles cleaning products the list of things I can't be around now is really endless. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 5, 2016 Author Share Posted April 5, 2016 I am trying to be aware of anything like that that might be setting me off..no immediate reactions that I can observe yet. Only stimulation which seems to be improving little by little. Also seems like my feel-good chemicals are on hiatus for the time being..like I said nothing really feels good...and it's like I can't access my emotions. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 7, 2016 Author Share Posted April 7, 2016 I'm wondering if some of these symptoms are a self feeding loop. My system has been in hyperarousal for like 3 weeks now and haven't been sleeping well since. For the past week in a half or so I've been highly sensitive to sound and any stimuli at all really. I haven't really left the house since then. I can't relax and wondering if leaving the house to spend time with friends or family will help get my mind off all of this..I believe the isolation may be compounding the issue. I've been in protract WD for 4.5 years now and this is the first time with extreme sleep issues and sensitive to stimulation. Again this state of hyperarousal was all brought on by too much stress. All of the other symptoms seemed to follow after. Trying to just sit with it because nothing seems to help but my nerves and body just won't relax and like I said the isolation seems to making me more keyed up but just scared to leave because of sensitivy to stimulation. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
AliG Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 Celeste. I can understand and empathize with where you are coming from . I have been there, myself. It is a bit of a cycle , that can be hard to break out of . You have to be extremely patient . Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, and tread carefully with baby steps. I think a little time with family and /or friends , could be helpful , but on your own terms. You could limit the time spent with them. Start off, with a quick visit , and see how you go . Be kind to yourself , and explain to those around you that you have limitations, and I'm sure they will be understanding. Patience is required with the sleep issues. They will eventually resolve , in time. Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have withdrawal insomnia Ali Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 7, 2016 Author Share Posted April 7, 2016 Thanks Ali! Trying to be patient..guess it's hard bc I'm experiencing hyperarousal and feeling trapped in my house. I think stimulation sensitivity is especially frustrating...can't watch tv to distract myself at the moment. The car ride is even stimulating...like I said not sure if isolation is making it worse. Did you have stimulation issues? - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 10, 2016 Author Share Posted April 10, 2016 I decided to go visit my Dad today...first time I really left in a week. It did not go well..it seemed as soon as I stepped out I was in a mild state of DP/DR. It just got worse..my Dad lives about 11 miles from me and the car ride seemed to worsen it. I was only at my Dad's for like half hour or forty minutes. I don't know how to explain what's going with me...my parents are getting concerned. They are commenting on my becoming more reclusive. I'm 4.5 years into protracted WD and symptoms were never this bad...I just crashed and burned with this last bout of stress. I'm just so sensitive to stimuli I don't know how I'm supposed to function. I know the answer is to be patient with myself and it will eventually pass. I miss my family and friends. I miss going out. Sorry if I'm whining but I did not have this issue a month ago. It's taking some adjustment. I just need some support..it's hard. I have no one really to talk about it with. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 11, 2016 Author Share Posted April 11, 2016 Hello again..just very upset with my siuation. My nervous system is so sensitive that I can't leave the house right now. I visited my dad on Sat. And it stressed my system out so bad. I can barely do anything...all brought on by too much stress. Will this go away??? This doesn't seem to happen often from what I can tell...I'm just scared and desperate. Have any of the mods seen this??? Just very isolated... - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted April 11, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 11, 2016 This will go away and you'll be able to go out again Celeste. I know you pushed yourself to go see your dad and it may have helped. At least you gave it a shot. I don't believe in pushing yourself too much though - it reinforces a sense of failure when it doesn't go well. It doesn't matter in the bigger scheme of things if you're too sensitive to go outside or in the car just at the moment. Be gentle and you'll recover quicker. Be as gentle as you possibly can be. You deserve it. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 11, 2016 Author Share Posted April 11, 2016 Thank you Fresh. Just got so upset...I can't even get tolerate talking on the phone right now. I've heard of this happening to people in a really rough WD..I'm 4.5 years out so I'm just so freaked. Have you been through a similar situation? - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 11, 2016 Author Share Posted April 11, 2016 Also the car ride seemed to put me in a state of dp\dr and just feeling overall weird. Don't know how to describe it...like my nervous system is very off. Just concerned but I guess these are all symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system. Oh btw Fresh, is the LDN still working out well for you? - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 11, 2016 Author Share Posted April 11, 2016 And honestly, I don't know how to be kind or gentle to myself. That's how I got here to begin with...pushing too hard. Suggestions would be appreciated..seriously. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Purplestars22 Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Hello Celeste, I know exactly what you are going through. I have been in that situation when I crashed last year and I am still in a bad shape as of late. Its your nervous system being sensitized and it goes array with any stimulus or stress. Now is the time to take care of your self and be gentle and learn self soothing techniques. There is some great information in the symptoms and self care section that you could benefit from. I like to do EFT tapping, practice mindfulness, color in adult coloring books, do Qigong, meditate, and take walks and more. Try to distract yourself from your overstimulated ns and the symptoms so that you won't get overwhelmed. I think that you it would be beneficial if you take some time off work while you CNS is settled. If you want to socialize with your friends and family you could communicate via texting/ email so that it won't be too stimulating in person and to prevent waves from occurring. Also communicate with other people in this fourum comment in their threads it will help you relate to their stories. Know that this will pass and healing is taking place. Stay strong, we'll get through this when the time is right. Ps22 Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted April 12, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 12, 2016 There you go , purplestar recovered. I did too. When I was bad I couldn't talk on the phone - it even made me extremely agitated when my mum was in the same room as me and she was talking on the phone to someone. Whatever it is that gets you revved up when you think about it , don't do it. Except for showering /bathing and brushing teeth and eating , everything else can wait. If you had a crack in your spine , you'd absolve yourself of responsibilities while you healed , wouldn't you? Your expectations would change. In many ways , you're just as injured , and need similar care just now. Maybe if you can plan on giving yourself as much TLC as possible for the next month, remove all pressures as far as you can , and convalesce. Try checking out wellness sites like Dr Josh Axe and wellnessmama and play around with natural health and skin-care products. Do face masks and hair masks (I'm sitting here with an egg-white and papaya face mask as I type). Make tooth paste that whitens and heals your teeth with coconut oil and bicarb. and himalayan salt sole (google it). Treat yourself like a goddess . . . you deserve it. The LDN is going fine , I'm on 2.5mg. Going to have thyroid levels redone soon , I suspect there's been a change. And when you are well enough again , maybe do some voluntary work a few hours a week. Start gently. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
AliG Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Celeste. Your symptoms , from exercise sensitivity, to a lower capacity to handle stress and chronic fatigue , fibromyalgia etc are possibly withdrawal side effects. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition characterised by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure.[2] Other symptoms include feeling tired to a degree that normal activities are affected, sleep problems, and troubles with memory.[3] Some people also report restless leg syndrome, bowel or bladder problems, numbness and tingling, and sensitivity to noise, lights or temperature.[4] Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Other types of chronic pain are also frequently present.[3] Unfortunately , a lot of the symptoms are similar . Try, if you can to move into a zone of recovery , where " labels" are not as necessary , and healing takes priority , over medical categorization . Maybe , if you have a read of " Symptoms & Self - Care " , it will give you some great ideas on being kind and gentle to yourself which is of paramount importance, right now . I have found, it is something that you can learn , as you go along . It doesn't come easily to some of us but it can be acquired , as you gain more knowledge and understanding of the situation. I have found , being " kind to yourself " , is one of the first steps to healing . Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms Ali Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 Thank you so much for the support everyone...Fresh, Purplestars, AliG. I feel more confident I will pull through this. It seems I have been experiencing a wave since I went to visit my Dad on Sat. More sensitive to stimulation(can barely talk to my husband), haven't been able to shake the dp/dr and feels worse, ns feels more overstimulated, inner tremors, and just an off feeling. Hopefully this passes really soon...if anything this wave is showing me how important self care is and being gentle and not pushing. I will probably just be able to text for now like you said Purplestars or if they come visit me for shorter visits when I shake this wave. I guess the last thing I'm wondering if anyone finds the symptoms of this wave concerning. It's just a bit scary but I know the sensitized nervous system is capable of a lot of weird symptoms but just checking... - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted April 13, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 13, 2016 Google "hyperacusis" (my new word for the day , courtesy of Franklander). Sorry Celeste , you'll have to do better than that to surprise the folks here. Just joking , nothing you describe is unusual or anything to be frightened about. We know that these symptoms all resolve eventually. And yes , it absolutely is scary. No more apple cider vinegar for you right? bw , 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Haha no more apple cider vinegar is right! That was just the icing on the cake though..I can't wait tables anymore. I went back to work in Jan and I could just feel it was too much for my system and body but kept pushing. I also went to Hawaii to visit a friend which was nice but probably too much. I was just trying to live a normal life. I realize how much I must respect my limitations if I want to recover now. And yup that's it, hyperacuity, and just general sensitivity to all stimulation..lights, movement. The other symptoms I didn't really talk about are how my ns just feels shutdown. No feel good chemicals at all I cant laugh or cry or feel anger..it's very frustrating! It just feels kind of weak...like I'm stressing it out if I feel emotion. I hope this will resolve. I have a feeling you will tell me that it will Fresh. I've been reading your thread...pretty intense you've been through so much. I trust your wisdom. I'm so happy things are on the up for you if you can't tell, I obsess and panic about things...trying to work on it. Oh yes and thanks for all the self care tips. Good ideas..thank you. My old tools..massage, Epsom salt baths and netflix..I'm too sensitized for at the moment so looking into new things. Hopefully i can enjoy those again soon. Thanks so much Fresh! You've been so helpful - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 I don't know if it's just this wave getting worse or is my nervous system breaking down even more. I'm finding it very difficult to just be in the same room as my husband...I'm that hypersensitive. Did I ruin my nervous system by putting that much stress on it?? Is it concerning that I can't be in the same room as my husband?? My nervous system just feels so weak. Just beginning to feel that there is no way out of this..any encouraging words would be appreciated. - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
mona11 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Hi Celeste, I'm new here (only 3 days), so I'm not an expert in anything, but maybe you would benefit from this reading: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/10964-the-dr-claire-weekes-method-of-recovering-from-a-sensitized-nervous-system/ I found this topic here in SA and it caught my attention. I got in contact with Dr. Weekes' work last October and it helped me a lot during a really bad setback. Maybe it can help you. I don't know if this link is working, because it's the first time I'm adding a link to my comments. If I didn't do it right, maybe somebody can help us, or maybe you can do your own search and find the topic. You will get better. Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 Thanks so much Mona. I've read a bit of this before..just curious...how bad was your setback?? - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
mona11 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Very, very bad. I'm better now, but I was very very bad for about 6 months. It is still really hard to talk about those 6 months because I just got better less than 2 months ago. My situation is complicated, but Dr. Claire Weekes gave me some comfort. I just wanted to make sure you heard about her, and maybe you can get some comfort, too. I still need to post my case here and ask for the moderators help. I'm just giving myself some time and gathering some information from the website before I do that. We can't compare the way we feel the symptoms with the way others feel them, but I can tell you that many times I thought I would not survive, but I did. I just hope I don't have to go through the same suffering one more time, but I'm trying to prepare myself even for that. Other thing that may help you is having somebody to listen to you and hold your hand when you need it. I had my 80 yo mom moving to my house for 6 months. She would cry with me, but she saved my life. She is now back to her life. My husband would get frustrated and wasn't able to help me much. Most of the time he would help making things even worse. Right now I'm going to therapy 3 times a week and I have somebody who I can talk to, and she acknowledges WD symptoms. She is willing to help me, and we are finding a way to get more help from my husband if I ever need it. I didn't have this website for support during those hard months. But you have it and that is awesome. Take a look at Dr. claire weeke's work and hopefully it will be comforting for you, too. You will get better. Link to comment
Celeste Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 It's very inspiring that you were able to get through that tough time Mona..great you had your mom for support. My husband had been very supportive through it all so far. It's just been so tough.. My nervous system is so sensitized I haven't been able to leave the house and I can't interact much with my husband at the moment..it's too stimulating. Its like my life went into limbo. I feel so isolated. The support from this site is great..glad you found it..also great you have a therapist who acknowledged WD symptoms..that's hard to come by. Thanks so much for stopping by to support me and welcome to the forum - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Purplestars22 Posted May 24, 2016 Share Posted May 24, 2016 Hello Celeste, wondering how you are doing? hopefully well and the symptoms subsided. Ps22 Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment
Celeste Posted May 27, 2016 Author Share Posted May 27, 2016 Thanks for checking in PS22. Things went from bad to worse but starting to improve slowly. I'm getting back to sleep a bit with the help of melatonin and eating more. Hoping that things will start to turn up. Hope you are having some improvement as well! - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
btdt Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 Celeste. Your symptoms , from exercise sensitivity, to a lower capacity to handle stress and chronic fatigue , fibromyalgia etc are possibly withdrawal side effects. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition characterised by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure.[2] Other symptoms include feeling tired to a degree that normal activities are affected, sleep problems, and troubles with memory.[3] Some people also report restless leg syndrome, bowel or bladder problems, numbness and tingling, and sensitivity to noise, lights or temperature.[4] Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Other types of chronic pain are also frequently present.[3] Unfortunately , a lot of the symptoms are similar . Try, if you can to move into a zone of recovery , where " labels" are not as necessary , and healing takes priority , over medical categorization . Maybe , if you have a read of " Symptoms & Self - Care " , it will give you some great ideas on being kind and gentle to yourself ,which is of paramount importance, right now . I have found, it is something that you can learn , as you go along . It doesn't come easily to some of us , but it can be acquired , as you gain more knowledge and understanding of the situation. I have found , being " kind to yourself " , is one of the first steps to healing . Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms Ali http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6329-chronic-fatigue-prozac/ something to consider WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
Purplestars22 Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hey Celeste, it's great that you are able to sleep more that helps a lot and makes things a little easier to handle. Hopefully this is only a short setback and you will move on. These setbacks reminds us to not do more that we can handle, practice self care/ soothing techniques, look out after ourselves, and learn to just be with ourselves mindfully. Hope you found moments of gratitude and peace ps22. Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment
divalee Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hello Celeste I know how tough it is for you - more than 4 years off and still suffering. I don't know the answer - I guess we just have to ride it out because it will get better....I don't have the problem you have - but I have many many WDs symptoms and I am 3 years and one month off Zoloft..never ever took anything else....So I guess I still have a way to go....I don't get windows and if I do they are so slight I can hardly notice it... Stay strong and I will too - we must - we have no other choice - I will pray for you as I do for everyone here.xxx Love Lee (f) Zoloft started for 8 years - 150 mg capsules Started tapering December 3, 2011, Off Zoloft May 17, 2013 While tapering WDS were tolerable Off Zoloft debilitating WDS the worst starting around 6 months off even worse after 18 months off Now 35 months off - still in a terrible wave for months now. Link to comment
Celeste Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 Thanks everyone for the support. Things are so bad. Im barely leaving the house. My family and in laws are all pushing me to try other meds. No one understands and no one wants to hear about an adverse reaction to meds or about WD. My problem has been compounded by intermittent benzo use which I believe I got addicted to as well. Sorry you havent had relief Divalee. You tapered pretty slowly..this all sucks. I had relief and could have recovered a good deal but just kept putting more stress on myself. Self care is so important for us. Listen to your bodies... - Intermittent Klonopin use February, 2014 to September, 2015 - Off of SSRIs completely since April, 2012 - Had horrible side effects from Celexa (constant feelings of terror, insomnia) so stopped taking it after 6 weeks - Started 20 mg of Celexa in February 2012 - Began to taper off of Zoloft in May, 2011, off Zoloft completely September, 2011 - Increased Zoloft to 75 mg October, 2010 and decreased back to 50 mg in February, 2011 - June 2009- Went on 50 mg of Zoloft - October, 2007 - July, 2008- Celexa 20 mgs (tapered off fairly quickly) - 2006-2007- On Effoxor for about 8 months- switched to Prozac and cold turkeyed off - 2005- Paxil and Lamictal for a few months but stopped taking because it didn't work - 2004- Paxil for a few months but quit taking because of increased feelings of depression Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now