Immediate adverse reactions to an antidepressant or within a few doses? How long for recovery?

[mariamisery]

Hi. Not completely out but better . I thought by now  I would be completely in the clear! It is not easy to not feel well for  a long time. How are you doing? 

[mariamisery]

@NinabirdHi. How are you? I am slowly getting better. Thought I would be completely done with this. I always admire how strong you are. What do you say to yourself to get through each day not feeling well?  I struggle doing things.  How are you? Good to hear ftom you. If I remember you have about a year to go for tapering? 

[Ninabird]

2 hours ago, mariamisery said:

It is not easy to not feel well for  a long time.

Try doing this for 3 years now. It is hard to accept that I have been feeling unwell for years now. I have moments in my day where it is easier. Once I started practicing acceptance, it got a lot easier. I have days where I need reassurance from my friends that I am going to be ok.I will be ok. I take it a day at a time.

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, mariamisery said:

I always admire how strong you are.

I have deep respect for everyone going through this. We may cry, crawl, scream, not sleep, not eat, etc but every single one of this have a strength that we didn't even imagine that was in us.Just because we break down at times doesn't mean we are not strong.  Remember that sweet Maria.YOU ARE STRONG TOO!

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, mariamisery said:

If I remember you have about a year to go for tapering?

No, ma'am. I have a few more years to go. I am down to 5.84mg of Lexapro. Then I will taper Cymbalta then the Klonopin. Again, I am focusing on today. 

[mariamisery]

@Ninabird Thank you. I too admire anyone who goes through this. Good you are taking one day at a time. The good thing that eventually we all will heal.  Sending hugs and hope!

[Ninabird]

16 hours ago, mariamisery said:

we all will heal.

WE ALL HEAL. 🥰

[Onepillbupropion]

56 minutes ago, Ninabird said:

WE ALL HEAL. 🥰

Once again, I love the positivity and support here. Day 426 for me and the healing continues to speed up. First year was baby steps and complete doubt, but it has picked up the pace lately and I pray it continues to completion for us all with full emotional and physical range. 

[Celeste1990]

23 hours ago, mariamisery said:

 

Hi. Not completely out but better . I thought by now  I would be completely in the clear! It is not easy to not feel well for  a long time. How are you doing? 

 

Hi Maria! I’m glad you’re doing better but sorry to hear you’re still suffering. Can I ask what your symptoms are? I also had an adverse reaction and I have really bad dizziness/headaches all day and muscle twitching and jerks at night. Just curious if your symptoms are physical or more mental?

[mariamisery]

Hi. It is a little bit of both. Mood, extreme exhaustion,  sleep interruptions. heart palpitations and other things..How long have you been suffering?

[Celeste1990]

@mariamisery it’s been 3 months since my adverse reaction. I’m just so scared because I’ve seen zero improvement 

[mariamisery]

 I understand being scared. It is a challenge. What I  read on this site is everyone healing is different. Improvements can come at any time.. Were you taking meds for a long time? It will get better.  Hang in there. This site is a good place to be for support. We are all fighting together.

[Celeste1990]

@mariamisery thank you so much for the encouragement. I only took one dose of the medication but the adverse effect was extremely strong. I hope you continue to feel better 

[mariamisery]

@Ninabird . I know it is very difficult for you. It seems like I am not handling this how I need to. Today is very challenging.  When it gets really really difficult.   Do you talk yourself through it? Is there a way to stabilize so that everyday want be so tough? Thank you.

[Ninabird]

Good nutrition, gentle exercise, avoiding toxic people, self care, my relationship with God, being gentle with myself and TIME. Time is the only true healer and we all heal. 

[Ninabird]

On 7/8/2024 at 7:39 AM, mariamisery said:

It seems like I am not handling this how I need to.

Try to be gentle with yourself. WD is one of the hardest things you'll ever go through.

[Celeste1990]

Sorry to post so much but I think one of the reasons why I’m having such bad ADR symptoms is that when I took the Lexapro the first time I couldn’t sleep and ended up taking quite a bit of Benadryl. I took two tablets before bed and then another two a few hours later. I read after that Benadryl can also increase serotonin so I’m so scared that did permanent damage. I feel so so sick so dizzy and muscle jerks all night. I’m hoping this is just the same as a regular adverse reaction that will eventually get better. I just had one 10mg dose of Lexapro 3 months ago,that’s it. 

[Farm24]

26 minutes ago, Celeste1990 said:

Sorry to post so much but I think one of the reasons why I’m having such bad ADR symptoms is that when I took the Lexapro the first time I couldn’t sleep and ended up taking quite a bit of Benadryl. I took two tablets before bed and then another two a few hours later. I read after that Benadryl can also increase serotonin so I’m so scared that did permanent damage. I feel so so sick so dizzy and muscle jerks all night. I’m hoping this is just the same as a regular adverse reaction that will eventually get better. I just had one 10mg dose of Lexapro 3 months ago,that’s it. 

My hypnic jerks came back last night.  I hate them.  But months 1 thru 6 were awful for me.  Now I have some decent days. I hope it keeps getting better

[Celeste1990]

8 minutes ago, Farm24 said:

My hypnic jerks came back last night.  I hate them.  But months 1 thru 6 were awful for me.  Now I have some decent days. I hope it keeps getting better

Mine were horrible last night too, I was up at 11:30pm and never went back to sleep. That is one thing for me that seems to have windows though. It’s definitely reassuring that you’re starting to see improvements. 

[BaccatePlayer]

29 minutes ago, Celeste1990 said:

I’m so scared that did permanent damage.

It didn't. There are success stories of people who mixed much more in the meantime and still recovered. Don't play that game, please. If you're gonna keep feeding these thoughts, your mind will be creating all the wrong associations and you really have enough of such ideas from neuroemotions even without it. I know it sounds dehumanizing, but your brain just reflects chemicals. Highly agitated mind will make you believe anything negative cause it's literally stuck in this mode for your own good during recovery. Don't add more anxiety to your system if you don't need to.

 

36 minutes ago, Celeste1990 said:

I’m hoping this is just the same as a regular adverse reaction that will eventually get better.

No such thing as regular adverse reaction. That's actually the point: abnormally severe reaction means something went unusually wrong. Everyone recovers differently, there are people with no windows, with various symptoms like akathisia, shorter and longer times of healing, but one prediction is true. Everyone recovers. You're not exception and never consider yourself one. No matter how wierd or severe a symptom looks like, it has one root: misfiring nervous system. It will go away completely and even if you saw 50 people who stopped having that symptom after 5 months and you'd be still having it after 8, it will still heal. Do not try to control it. There is a reason why nobody can tell why some of this is happening and for how long. Trust that your body knows what it's doing.

[Celeste1990]

Thank you so much, @BaccatePlayer. It’s just so hard to believe when you’re in the thick of it but I keep trying to tell myself that things will get better. I can believe it for about 30 seconds and then the intrusive thoughts start creeping back in so I’m trying to work on that. How are you doing? 

[BaccatePlayer]

1 minute ago, Celeste1990 said:

Thank you so much, @BaccatePlayer. It’s just so hard to believe when you’re in the thick of it but I keep trying to tell myself that things will get better. I can believe it for about 30 seconds and then the intrusive thoughts start creeping back in so I’m trying to work on that. How are you doing? 

There are levels of panic that just won't let you "believe" some things. You'll have to stick to your rational decision and just continue as if you were sure despite it dragging you the other way. I'm doing worse and worse actually. Zero windows, symptoms changing day by day, maximum intensity and panic attacks on top of that. Still, I know I'm doing everything right, so sometimes we just have to accept certain period will just be that way.

[Celeste1990]

I’m so sorry you’re still struggling so much @BaccatePlayer. You are so tough. I’m hoping you get some relief soon. 

[Celeste1990]

Does anyone else have a brain sensation like it’s damaged? That’s the best way I can describe it, it kind of feels like my brain is swollen and if I move my head it feels like my brain is hitting my skull. And the tiniest bit of movement, even just my body moving from breathing feels like my whole body is rocking or jolting. 
 

I’m so so devastated, I can’t believe this could have happened from just one Lexapro. One small decision to take a pill has completely ruined my life. My therapist was trying to convince me that I could adapt if I was like this forever and I burst into tears because it’s not true at all. I miss my old life so so much. 

[Celeste1990]

Is it really true that everyone recovers from adverse reactions? Even if their physical symptoms are debilitating and they’re unable to leave the house? I’m ok with waiting but I NEED it to get better eventually ❤️‍🩹 I can’t live like this. 

[Dahlia50]

On 7/13/2024 at 12:53 AM, Celeste1990 said:

Does anyone else have a brain sensation like it’s damaged? That’s the best way I can describe it, it kind of feels like my brain is swollen

@Celeste1990 Hi.
Yes I have many brain sensations, like it's damaged. Many symptoms but that is the worst. Also feel physically disabled. I had a bad adverse reaction after dose changes and tapered too fast.
In the middle of it and don't have answers or advice but just want to say I hear you. Need improvement eventually.
I sincerely hope we get it and preferably as soon as possible.

❤️

[Celeste1990]

Thank you so much, @Dahlia50 ❤️

[Onepillbupropion]

47 minutes ago, Celeste1990 said:

Is it really true that everyone recovers from adverse reactions? Even if their physical symptoms are debilitating and they’re unable to leave the house? I’m ok with waiting but I NEED it to get better eventually ❤️‍🩹 I can’t live like this. 

I can’t promise anything obviously but I’m on day 453, and I’m significantly better. I still think there’s more healing to go. I think my skin changes and body composition might be permanent, but emotions and feelings are returning, ability to think, inner voice and inner strength are returning. Not all the way there yet, but more hopeful than since it began, and it doesn’t occupy my every minute of thought. 
 

interestingly, a couple signs that I’m healing are that I actually feel some physical aches and pains again. I was totally numb. I welcome them again. I also feel some of my old friend anxiety returning. The pill works in the sense that it removes anxiety, I just didn’t know the how, but I do now. It removed ALL feeling. 
 

slowly but surely coming back. Not all there yet, but day 453 so much better than first few months. I continue to pray for you and all of us. 

[Farm24]

11 minutes ago, Onepillbupropion said:

I can’t promise anything obviously but I’m on day 453, and I’m significantly better. I still think there’s more healing to go. I think my skin changes and body composition might be permanent, but emotions and feelings are returning, ability to think, inner voice and inner strength are returning. Not all the way there yet, but more hopeful than since it began, and it doesn’t occupy my every minute of thought. 
 

interestingly, a couple signs that I’m healing are that I actually feel some physical aches and pains again. I was totally numb. I welcome them again. I also feel some of my old friend anxiety returning. The pill works in the sense that it removes anxiety, I just didn’t know the how, but I do now. It removed ALL feeling. 
 

slowly but surely coming back. Not all there yet, but day 453 so much better than first few months. I continue to pray for you and all of us. 

My skin went back to normal. 

[Farm24]

15 minutes ago, Onepillbupropion said:

I can’t promise anything obviously but I’m on day 453, and I’m significantly better. I still think there’s more healing to go. I think my skin changes and body composition might be permanent, but emotions and feelings are returning, ability to think, inner voice and inner strength are returning. Not all the way there yet, but more hopeful than since it began, and it doesn’t occupy my every minute of thought. 
 

interestingly, a couple signs that I’m healing are that I actually feel some physical aches and pains again. I was totally numb. I welcome them again. I also feel some of my old friend anxiety returning. The pill works in the sense that it removes anxiety, I just didn’t know the how, but I do now. It removed ALL feeling. 
 

slowly but surely coming back. Not all there yet, but day 453 so much better than first few months. I continue to pray for you and all of us. 

I don't even know how to describe the skin. But my hands lost their wrinkles.  Last week that went back to normal so weird. 

[Farm24]

17 minutes ago, Onepillbupropion said:

I can’t promise anything obviously but I’m on day 453, and I’m significantly better. I still think there’s more healing to go. I think my skin changes and body composition might be permanent, but emotions and feelings are returning, ability to think, inner voice and inner strength are returning. Not all the way there yet, but more hopeful than since it began, and it doesn’t occupy my every minute of thought. 
 

interestingly, a couple signs that I’m healing are that I actually feel some physical aches and pains again. I was totally numb. I welcome them again. I also feel some of my old friend anxiety returning. The pill works in the sense that it removes anxiety, I just didn’t know the how, but I do now. It removed ALL feeling. 
 

slowly but surely coming back. Not all there yet, but day 453 so much better than first few months. I continue to pray for you and all of us. 

Can I ask...when you started getting feeling back...was it sometimes painful. Like I can scratch my legs sometimes from an itch and it burns foe a minute after. 

[Onepillbupropion]

51 minutes ago, Farm24 said:

I don't even know how to describe the skin. But my hands lost their wrinkles.  Last week that went back to normal so weird. 

You have given me tremendous hope. Thank you. 

[Onepillbupropion]

54 minutes ago, Farm24 said:

Can I ask...when you started getting feeling back...was it sometimes painful. Like I can scratch my legs sometimes from an itch and it burns foe a minute after. 

The progression has been like this:

 

1. Yes, I know that’s my leg and I sorta feel it when I touch it, but I have to press so deep to do so. And “wow, I just accidentally bumped into a door that would have me screaming but felt nothing” but the wrist was accidentally dropping something on my toe…nothing. 
 

2.  I can start to feel some of my old aches and pains. Knee surgery pain. Shoulder accident pain that came and went. Couldn’t crack my knees or knuckles. They were still jello. 
 

3. oh, i just cracked my knuckle and they made the old familiar sound, so I know healing is happening, I just don’t feel the relief of when I used to crack them. Dropped a mug on my toes and screamed profanity. I was SO excited. But still, I never felt itchy. That was weird, and sobering another poster pointed out. I haven’t scratched an ounce of my body in months. 
 

4.  Oh that itches. THAT ITCHES!  YES!

 

 So where I’m at today is old aches and pains have returned, I have itching again, I can crack my knuckles and feel. SOME relief. I can get foot cramps again. But I still feel like there’s this extra layer on top of my skin that I need to press though to feel something. 
 

if you pinch me, the first layer wouldn’t feel anything, you’d have to pinch deep.

 

 In the beginning I was convinced you could punch me endlessly, and while I would bruise, I wouldn’t feel a single blow. Now I’d feel it about 50-60 percent is my guess. 
 

But yes, pain like a quick thunder lighting pain, as if it awakens that area just a bit more. 
 

Hope that helps. 

[Farm24]

14 minutes ago, Onepillbupropion said:

You have given me tremendous hope. Thank you. 

 

1 minute ago, Onepillbupropion said:

The progression has been like this:

 

1. Yes, I know that’s my leg and I sorta feel it when I touch it, but I have to press so deep to do so. And “wow, I just accidentally bumped into a door that would have me screaming but felt nothing” but the wrist was accidentally dropping something on my toe…nothing. 
 

2.  I can start to feel some of my old aches and pains. Knee surgery pain. Shoulder accident pain that came and went. Couldn’t crack my knees or knuckles. They were still jello. 
 

3. oh, i just cracked my knuckle and they made the old familiar sound, so I know healing is happening, I just don’t feel the relief of when I used to crack them. Dropped a mug on my toes and screamed profanity. I was SO excited. But still, I never felt itchy. That was weird, and sobering another poster pointed out. I haven’t scratched an ounce of my body in months. 
 

4.  Oh that itches. THAT ITCHES!  YES!

 

 So where I’m at today is old aches and pains have returned, I have itching again, I can crack my knuckles and feel. SOME relief. I can get foot cramps again. But I still feel like there’s this extra layer on top of my skin that I need to press though to feel something. 
 

if you pinch me, the first layer wouldn’t feel anything, you’d have to pinch deep.

 

 In the beginning I was convinced you could punch me endlessly, and while I would bruise, I wouldn’t feel a single blow. Now I’d feel it about 50-60 percent is my guess. 
 

But yes, pain like a quick thunder lighting pain, as if it awakens that area just a bit more. 
 

Hope that helps. 

Yes! My knees have ALWAYS popped when I kneel. Even as a teen. They never did that.  Now they do again.  

 

I had no itches either.  I stubbed my toe on the couch once and it did not hurt one bit.  It is slowly coming back

[Onepillbupropion]

24 minutes ago, Farm24 said:

 

Yes! My knees have ALWAYS popped when I kneel. Even as a teen. They never did that.  Now they do again.  

 

I had no itches either.  I stubbed my toe on the couch once and it did not hurt one bit.  It is slowly coming back

Anther sign of healing. I’ve always had phenomenal veins. I’ve always been in good to great shape, and very veiny. They COMPLETELY disappeared. They are slowly starting to come back. Blood flow is flowing again. 

[Kymmichanel]

I am 5 months from taking Zoloft 50 mg only 3 times . I been through hell but i just had my longest window “1 month” now im in day two in a wave and its so bad . Chest tightness , feels like cotton in my throat, can’t sleep at all and dizziness. it just feels bad . But i would say all my other symptoms are gone . Panic , manic feeling , anxiety, air hunger, brain zaps, crying spells , feeling like no one care or loves me  . My question to anyone is it normal to develop new symptoms ? Like these past two days i feel like my chest is going to explode lol . I don’t want to go to the doctor cause i been 3 times and guess what ?! I’m healthy lol