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#1 Betsytillylola

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 04:18 AM

hi. please can anyone recognise any of this as I'm new on here . I stopped taking Deloxetine after being on it for six years with the dosage going from 120mgs to 20mgs during this time  . Five weeks ago i decided i needed to start living and enjoying my five children instead of existing in a hazy fog  . i cut down from 80mgs to 20 megs over, after reading this, a short period of time, probably 2 months , and then down from 20mgs to nothing! i was determined and really didn't realise the consequences  .  I am now five weeks in....First week was on a high. Full of energy until the dizziness, couldn't move eyes without horrendous pains in body, was unable to drive as couldn't coordinate my brain and body together! Even walking was an issue and sleeping!What even is that? now however the feelings of being a useless mum have kicked in  , I get so cross so quickly! this breaks my heart cos I've never been like this, and I've had a headache i can't shift for days ! keep crying and anxiety has come into play  the reason i went on it in the first place . I have so many other symptoms i can't even write them all down  . I'm just so worried is this just me? is it going to last forever and is there something actually wrong with me! my doctor is telling me its not withdrawal but life! thank you for reading my waffle!!!!


#2 gail

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 07:01 AM

Hello Betsy,

You are describing withdrawal perfectly, to a T.
Yes, it's normal. Your doctor is misinformed like a lot of them.

Options? Ride it through with a little help of meds that bring anxiety down. Courage, time patience. A mast to tie yourself on to!
Or reinstate at around 20 to 30 mg, stabilize then bead count.

Fishinghat will come by shortly, he's our guy, he will reassure you and give you advice for this situation. Stand by!

#3 Betsytillylola

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 08:41 AM

Hello Gail, thank you for your answer  . For me going back on it or anything else for that matter is not an option for me! this whole episode has put me off taking anything again for life  . its just a relief to know I'm not the only one! i also am struggling to exercise as breathing is hard and i was fit running a half marathon last year ! and my tummy hasn't been right either! is all this normal too  . And still after 5 weeks ???? . the doctor is talking like none of this is to do with it!! Its a horrible time and i don't envy anyone who will have to endure such a terrible situation  . How long will this go on for??? :-(  sorry waffling again but i don't have anyone who understands or has been through it  . Thank you 


#4 fishinghat

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 09:38 AM

Hi BTL

 

Gail hit it right.

 

Options

 

Go back on 20 mg, stabilize and bead count down

 

Go on a support medication to help with the symptoms until it is over. Support medications would include Benadryl (makes you sleepy, helps with anxiety and can only be taken occasionally as your body gets use to it after a while) hydroxyzine and/or clonidine (helps with the mood issues and are not addictive with no withdrawal).

 

Use supplements to help. These would include 2g per day of omega 3, 500 mg/day Vit C, and staying well hydrated.

 

You could take a few beads of Cymbalta when things got too bad. Just enough to take the edge off.

 

Remember you are not alone and we are here to help.


#5 Betsytillylola

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 10:15 AM

hi Fishinghat  Thank you  for  your reply  . i will try the supplements  thats a great help  . i threw all my tablets away and refuse to get anymore  . i will beat this! just reassuring to know its just me and others are aware of these withdrawals too! i though by now (5 weeks in) they would be gone  . how long could this go on for!!!!!! 


#6 gail

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 10:23 AM

Hello Gail, thank you for your answer  . For me going back on it or anything else for that matter is not an option for me! this whole episode has put me off taking anything again for life  . its just a relief to know I'm not the only one! i also am struggling to exercise as breathing is hard and i was fit running a half marathon last year ! and my tummy hasn't been right either! is all this normal too  . And still after 5 weeks ???? . the doctor is talking like none of this is to do with it!! Its a horrible time and i don't envy anyone who will have to endure such a terrible situation  . How long will this go on for??? :-(  sorry waffling again but i don't have anyone who understands or has been through it  . Thank you


Betsy, around week 12 or so, you begin to see a light. GI issues are the norm for a while. Fishinghat knows something about that, if I remember good, for one month he was riding on immodium and more!!!

Others have done this, hard labor it is. Nobody recommends the cold turkey though. Many have landed in the ER doing so. Send your doctor to Fishinghat to be educated, no charge!

Whichever way you chose, we will be here for you anytime.

#7 Betsytillylola

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 02:57 PM

All I can say is Thank You for letting me feel I'm not alone, dying or going mad!!! 


#8 citrusbliss

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Posted 15 March 2017 - 08:51 PM

 I've had a very similar experience Betsytillylola!

I tapered down duloxetine too quickly (60mg to 30mg to 20mg) and I was a wreck. I asked for help on this site and the best advice was to reinstate at 30mg and now I'm slowly bead counting down, I'm at 25mg. I still get vertigo, upset stomach, massive headache and crazy up and down moods but I take a Benadryl on really bad days and Gravol (dramamine) for stomach and sleep. I'm going to ask my family doctor for hydroxyzine once again tomorrow to get me through the nasty anxiety days. She's on board with my tapering down but didn't want to give me any more meds at my last appointment.

My daughter is moving back home with me in June and I really don't want to scare her away!!

I totally understand the missing mind/body connection. I'm scared to rent a car so I can visit my Dad in his new nursing home. He's out of town and I'm terrified to try and drive. 

I keep telling myself over and over that it's the withdrawal that is messing around with me and that it won't last forever. 


#9 tmccrady

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Posted 04 April 2017 - 11:48 AM

Good afternoon

   I just need some more help to know if this is the withdrawl still or am i really going crazy or do I need meds?

I am at week 11 the insomnia is crazy I wake up every morning at at 4 (my poor husband is right there with me every step of the way God love him) with so much anxiety i just want to run to where I dont know. Just feel like i have to run from something. I take alprazolam 1 mg and calms me for about 8 hours. My husband and I own our own company and i think it is the anxiety for going to work because i dont want to leave my house.

 

I cant go anywhere anymore and that is just not me!! 

 

I will only allow my self to take 2 of the alprazolam because I am afraid of becoming addicted. Should I take the third one to get through is?  I took benadryl and i swear it made my anxiety worse. I dont know if the bp meds would work for me because i have low bp would it make it go to low and pass out? and the other one fishinghat suggested is like benadryl will it make the anxiety get worse?

Help I just need some help. I dont know what to do anymore any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. i do take fish oil 1200mg of omega3 is that enough natures brand is there a better one out there and I take 500 vit c.


#10 fishinghat

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Posted 04 April 2017 - 02:15 PM

First of all it is normal. Second of all you need some relief so if it is 3 alprazolam then so be it. Withdrawal from a benzo is a slow process but it can be done with little to no withdrawal.

 

Second, ANY anxiety medicine has a slight chance to make the anxiety worse. Unusual but it happens.

 

Third, if your bp is already low then the bp meds like clonidine are out.

 

Fourth, the hydroxyzine is an antihistamine like Benadryl but it works on a different receptor BUT it also lowers bp so it is out.

 

Fifth, try 2000 mg on the Omega 3 as that is a standard dose. It should contain at least 1200 mg of DHA and EPA omega 3s as these are the ones that help with anxiety. Nothing wrong with Natures Brand but if it doesn't contain a high enough dose of DHA and EPA you might try Life Extension Mega EPA/DHA.

 

Sixth, remember that ALL anxiety meds will lower bp so if you add another alprazolam it will lower bp some more.

 

Seventh and last, this is the worse point for you right now. Some time in the next month you should start seeing small breaks in the anxiety. It varies from person to person though.

 

Hang in there.

 

P.S. Sounds like you have a great husband. Things like that really help. I remember my wife was there for me day and night. What a darling.


#11 gail

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Posted 04 April 2017 - 02:43 PM

Hello TMC,

Nearing the 12 week mark, FH has always said that by that time the light begins to shine here and there.

And yes do use that extra alprazolam. Deal with that withdrawal later. I tripled the benzos at that time also.

I have just withdrawn from Lamictal, it was a three or four weeks that I could barely go out as agoraphobia was through the roof. It's gone now mostly. Hold on, it will get better!

#12 tmccrady

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Posted 04 April 2017 - 03:54 PM

Fishinghat and Gail,

 

 Again THANK YOU so much!!! You guys are life savers for me I know, you have saved me more then once!! I will keep going day by day and sometimes hour by hour! You truly are angels to take the time from your lives to help us all out!!I can not Thank you enough!  

 

 Prayers for us all!

 

P.S. Fishinghat I have a great husband!


#13 tmccrady

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Posted 09 April 2017 - 04:13 AM

Gail, Fishinghat

 

I have another  question I am getting a lot of anger is this normal from the withdrawal from cymbalta or do i need something to help? is it depression? side effect from xanax I just dont know.

 

I feel like a failure in this and may need to go back on something. I just need help.

 

 When i take the xanax it helps calm me. How often should i take xanax dr said 3x a day.

 

should i break in half and take it more often to keep it in my system or take the 1mg every 8 hours?


#14 fishinghat

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Posted 09 April 2017 - 07:46 AM

The emotional swings including rage, fear, depression, etc. can be overwhelming.

 

The most important side effect of Xanax is dependence, very addictive, and a nasty withdrawal although less than Cymbalta. The withdrawal can be dealt with though. You can take a half pill every 4 hours if you want, The good feeling won't be as good but the bad feeling won't be as bad either as it produces a more stable blood level. Because of its addictiveness I usually recommend clonidine and/or hydroxyzine. Both are very effective against the mood swings with no withdrawal, Like all meds, they work for some and not others.


#15 gail

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Posted 10 April 2017 - 01:18 PM

Hello TMC,

First, you are no failure. We have all felt like failures. You are at about 13 or more weeks in. You would be surprised by the number of members that had or have to go on something else. We do what we need to do to keep a certain quality of life. Don't feel bad about this. Yep, easier said than done.

Cold turkey members have a much harder time. I may have my head chopped off here, or not,but if it's intolerable, you could try a low dosage of Prozac or Zoloft to help you through. They are much easier to withdraw from. Of course a few weeks to wait for it to work.

TMC, one way or the other, you will make it. Come by anytime you need to, we are here for you.xxx

#16 fishinghat

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Posted 10 April 2017 - 07:42 PM

Good suggestion Gail on the Prozac or Zoloft. Whatever it takes.


#17 tmccrady

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Posted 10 April 2017 - 08:09 PM

I made a appt with my dr for tomorrow for hopefully get some meds  to help. I was thinking prozac  I am so scared  I hope something works please keep me in your prayers!

 

 Thanks so much for your encouraging words!  You guys are the best! 


#18 fishinghat

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 07:34 AM

TMC

 

Forgive me for my "loss of memory" but have you tried hydroxyzine or clonidine? They can be quite effective and no withdrawal.


#19 tmccrady

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 10:36 AM

So I went to the dr and he gave me clonidine .01 mg take 2x a day.

also gave me buspar5 mg take 1 2x a day( dont know what that is he said for depression but i have to look into it)

and gave me hydroxyzine  25mg take 1 3x a day.

and he upped my 1mg of xanax 4 times a day.

how does this sound to you fishinghat? I also take fish oil and vit c. does this sound like to much meds to you ?


#20 fishinghat

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 12:23 PM

That sounds great. I would get on the clonidine and hydroxyzine first before kicking up the Xanax which is addictive with a significant withdrawal. I assume that the clonidine 0.1 mg not 0.1 mg twice a day. That is a standard dosage. That is also a good beginning on the hydroxyzine. Both will  kick in within 24 hours. The buspar, which is usually 5 mg three times a day, is Ok and will slowly kick in over a 2 or 3 week period. After three or four days on the clonidine and the hydroxyzine if they do not give enough help then you can increase your Xanax to 4/day. I think the other meds will do well enough and you probably won't need the extra Xanax but we will see.

 

The supplements sound fine. Be sure the Omega three levels are 2 grams a day with at least 1.2 grams total of EPA and DHA.. EPA and DHA are types of Omega 3.


#21 fishinghat

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 01:54 PM

Hey TMC, I forgot to mention that these meds, like any depression, pain or anxiety meds, will lower the bp some. If you start getting light headed when standing just back of either the clonidine or hydroxyzine a little until you adjust. Even antidepressants lower bp.


#22 tmccrady

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 04:16 PM

thanks for the info just a little nerves about this much meds


#23 fishinghat

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 04:48 PM

But these meds are a lot easier to deal with than an ssru or snri and once the withdrawal is over you can slowly come off these with no withdrawal. I am hoping to try to make a post tomorrow about using bp as a guide to controlling your meds and monitoring your stress levels.

 

You may find it interesting.


#24 tmccrady

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Posted 11 April 2017 - 08:07 PM

Thanks!!! fishinghat your the best!!!


#25 gail

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Posted 13 April 2017 - 03:34 PM

Hi TMC,

Yes, our sweetheart is the best, you are right. Have you found any kind of relief with hydroxyzine and clonidine or Buspar? Monitoring your blood pressure at the same time?

Those meds work wonders on some people, and on others it just doesn't work. Hoping to hear from you.

#26 tmccrady

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Posted 14 April 2017 - 09:52 AM

Good morning Gail,

 

The buspar is giving  some relief about 4 hours.  The xanax works sometimes I have not tried the clonidine because my blood pressure runs low like this morning it was

110/68 pulse 79 waiting for weekend so if something happens and i dont have to go to work.

Any advice for that if i should take it because my bp is low? and if I do and my blood pressure drops to low what do I do?

 

and the hydroxyzine the same thing waiting for the weekend to try because on benadryl it kind of made my anxiety worse like a crazy woman so I hope to try it tonight.

 

 I know i have so many questions and worries about all this but i feel the devil is taking over my body. And i dont know what to do.

 

I feel better knowing what is happening to me then not knowing 

 

Am I just over the top with all of this? 

 

Thanks again it is a rough rough day today prayers would be great!


#27 gail

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Posted 14 April 2017 - 10:36 AM

Hi TMC,

At least the Buspar is helping somewhat. With that blood pressure, I would not touch clonidine. Perhaps hidroxizine, i understand your worry because of Benadryl. It's a a completely different antihistamine. What do you think Fisherman?

Of course, it's more than normal to ask questions, if you didn't, I would worry.

By the way, for fun, I went to Spain many years ago. My blood pressure was like 105 on 65 or so. The doctor recommended drinking red wine, oh my, I love red wine! A recommendation that I followed too eagerly. Got to go, see you later! Xx

#28 fishinghat

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Posted 14 April 2017 - 10:42 AM

You are wise TMC

 

110/68 is not low. A 'normal' bp is whatever your bp is usually. For example my wifes blood pressure runs around 96/50. It has been that way ever since she was born. The drs say it is her normal just not normal for the average person. I understand your concern though and it is prudent. A bp of 110/68 if fairly common. The clonidine reaches full effect in 1 to 2 hours. Start with a half capsule and monitor your blood pressure a couple of times in that 1 to 2 hour range. One shouldn't panic unless their bp drops below 60 on the systolic, or 40 on the diastolic, a pulse below 40 or feeling like you will faint when standing. A little dizziness is ok but not if you think you will actually faint (a sign of this is you get tunnel vision (loose peripheral vison). If the half tablet does not effect you too much then try a full tablet with the next dose and monitor bp again. Your body adjusts to the change in bp from both clonidine or hydroxyzine by use of the angiotensin mechanism from the kidneys. So as long as the bp/pulse doesn't get too low then you will adapt and after a couple weeks you will have no or little bp effect. Once you feel stable on the clonidine then you use the same procedure for the hydroxyzine.

 

If things do drop a little low and you feel like  you need to correct the situation just us a little caffeine to help elevate the bp back to normal, Such as coffee, chocolate, etc. The doses you have been give are not that strong so while you may notice a decrease it shouldn't be much and should pass in a couple weeks.


#29 gail

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Posted 14 April 2017 - 03:25 PM

60/40? Don't panic unless lower! I think that I would stop breathing at this point!

Oh Fisherman, out of curiosity, does your wife get any lower than 96/50 ? Let's just say that she must be a cool cucumber, and that you don't get on her nerves that much!

#30 fishinghat

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Posted 14 April 2017 - 03:34 PM

You are right about the panic point. The lowest bp my wife has had in the dr office is 76/42. My bp, even before the meds, usually rums about 100/60. We both run low temps too. Hers is usually 96.3 and mine runs about 96.3 or .4.





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