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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 29. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on June 4, 2006, at 9:19:43
What can one do to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms or reduce the length of time they last?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by Tom Twilight on June 4, 2006, at 15:15:45
In reply to Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by SLS on June 4, 2006, at 9:19:43
> What can one do to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms or reduce the length of time they last?
>
What are you withdrawing from Scott?If its something Serotogenic I would have thought L-Tryptophan might help.
Posted by SLS on June 4, 2006, at 15:35:32
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by Tom Twilight on June 4, 2006, at 15:15:45
Hi Tom.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I'll probably have to discontinue Zoloft 200mg if it doesn't show some sign of working in a week or two.
I was hoping to gather some information for general knowledge to be able to share on the "Withdrawal" board.
Posted by honeybee on June 7, 2006, at 17:02:09
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by SLS on June 4, 2006, at 15:35:32
Acupuncture?
A good friend has used it successfully (and repeatedly) again and again, for going on and off meds.
Posted by djmmm on June 11, 2006, at 8:41:15
In reply to Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by SLS on June 4, 2006, at 9:19:43
> What can one do to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms or reduce the length of time they last?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - ScottThe antihistamine chlorpheniramine-- sold over the counter as Chlor-Trimeton-- can help
Posted by SLS on June 11, 2006, at 14:02:49
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by djmmm on June 11, 2006, at 8:41:15
> > What can one do to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms or reduce the length of time they last?
> The antihistamine chlorpheniramine-- sold over the counter as Chlor-Trimeton-- can help
Thanks.How does that compare to Benadryl with regard to sedation?
I was hoping to get some responses as to which foods, herbs, or nutritional supplements one can use to treat the withdrawal syndrome.
Symptoms include:
dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo or feeling faint; shock-like sensations or paresthesia; anxiety; diarrhea; fatigue; gait instability; headache; insomnia; irritability; nausea or emesis; tremor; and visual disturbances
- Scott
Posted by blueberry on June 11, 2006, at 14:11:22
In reply to Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by SLS on June 4, 2006, at 9:19:43
Scott, I found 5htp helpful. I was on lexapro for several months, switched straight over to zoloft for 3 weeks, and then stopped with a rapid taper of just a few days. 5htp helped a lot. About the only withdrawal effect I remember was feeling a bit dizzy and disoriented for 2 to 3 weeks. Had I not had 5htp it would probably have been rough. Tapering off the 5htp later was mild. I started at 25mg 5htp at night, increased to 25mg 3 times a day, needed about 50mg twice a day for withdrawal suppression, and eventually went up to 50mg 4 times a day to see if it would be a good antidepressant. It wasn't.
Posted by laura k on June 19, 2006, at 8:44:12
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by blueberry on June 11, 2006, at 14:11:22
You need to be very careful throwing 5htp into the mix. You could trigger serotonin syndrome. I used a liver detox and a gallbladder detox and coffee enemas to get the chemicals out of my body as quickly as possible. The zaps went away within a week. The sweating and nausea took a little longer. I also went completely organic, no packaged food, soda, coffee, etc., and added omega 3s and l-tryptophan and lysine because my immune system had been so weakened by 20 years of meds. I am still off all meds (it's been over 3 months). I have anxiety in the mornings, but my mood is stable, migraines and allergies are gone.
Posted by over 55 on June 20, 2006, at 9:47:14
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by laura k on June 19, 2006, at 8:44:12
Hi,
I am weaning off Effexor with the help of 20 mg of Prozac. At three weeks now and have a few side effects like nausea and muscle weakness (legs especially) hanging on. I take Ginko, Omega 3, High Potenecy B-vitamin also daily. Could I add the l-trytophan and lysine to my routine as I feel depleted of energy. I think I may have to stay on the Prozac at this time as I fear going back into depression. On meds for 15 years. Thanks for any idea's or thoughts.
Posted by laura k on June 20, 2006, at 16:41:44
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by laura k on June 19, 2006, at 8:44:12
I am not a doctor... I talked to a naturopath and a nutritionist who helped me decide what to try. My pdoc and my family doctor are also in the loop. People don't stop to think about the things they put in their bodies and to learn about their effects on the nervous system. Amino acids, migraine meds, psyche meds, pain killers all affect neurotransmitters and can have neurological and neuromuscular effects. Most of these meds increase serotonin without a mechanism for decreasing it again or for reusing it. Then when you change meds, the levels get all screwy and you have bad effects. People forget the heart and lungs affected by this stuff too.
Psychiatrists spend five minutes every six weeks with us. They don't bother telling us this information, if they even know it. They don't ask what supplements you are taking. They don't ask if your family doctor started you on something new. or what sort of physical symptoms, like muscle aches or breathing problems you have.. At least mine never did. And not everybody would think to associate muscular problems with the psyche meds.
Pharmacy companies give them cash incentives to go to their seminars and to try their meds so I am a bit skeptical about it all. They thrive on our illness. They don't really have an incentive to cure us, do they? I certainly never got all that much better on ten meds. I got a whole host of liver, heart, lung and metabolic problems that were far worse than the mood swings.
Yeah, I am a bit bitter,, but that is because I have lost my home, my job, my health.. as a result of ten years of heavy duty meds, changing them every few months.. and my physical health declined and my mental health never really got better.. I only attempted suicide, had hallucinations, lung, heart, liver problems AFTER going on the meds.
And I am doing well enough now without them..
Anyway.. all this to say, I would try the alternative methods before doing anything else to further damage your organs and your brain. When I started on the antidepressants in 1985 and the mood stbnilizers in 1996, no one even suggested changing my diet and taking supplements. I would sure have preferred that to the drugs they fed me over the last two decades! But, you need to speak to a naturopath or a nutritionist and tell them everything you are taking.. :)
Posted by over 55 on June 21, 2006, at 9:09:26
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by laura k on June 20, 2006, at 16:41:44
Thanks for the thoughts on this. Sounds like you have been through quite a bit on this so appreciate the advice. I really had a a"wound up" night last night and an ugly anger outburst that surprised even me. I hadn't been like that in five years. I finally just put myself to bed to calm down. It was not pretty. Numb is alot easier, but I know I am missing out on a lot of life so will continue to wean and clean ( : Thanks again for sharing your life with all of us.
Posted by laura k on June 21, 2006, at 10:27:45
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on June 21, 2006, at 9:09:26
I'm sorry. Those episodes make you feel awful in more ways than one. I hope you start feeling better soon.
I had that a lot when I was on only antidepressants. I became very nasty and mean. Awful things just popped out of my mouth and I would throw things and scream. The mood stabilizers made it go away completely. But they never tried me on ONLY mood stabiizers.. the combination of the meds kept me depressed even tho the agitation and hostility went away. I was so happy not to be so angry all the time that I didn't question it til my health declined to the point I had no choice. Finally, the suicidal thoughts have gone away. I still have anxiety. The L-tryptophan has reduced it,,, but it clearly isn't the silver bullet.
The more I read about omega 3s the more I am impressed. I am going to start eating more fish.. see what happens. I read recently that Omega 3 has had some marvelous effects on cognitive development and they considered adding to school children's mandatory supplements (but decided it was too costly).. that it helps to connect the brain cells that are disrupted causing learning disorders.
It gives me some hope, anyway, as bipolar disorder is also a disruption in the neurotransmitters. There is a theory that omega 3s soften the brain barrier and allows the transmition to occur more freely. Over time, we humans have decreased our omega 3 intake and this barrier has evolved and toughened. Makes sense to me. The nation's fish supply is declining and I know I don't eat it like I did when I was a kid and lived in Florida. Can't hurt to try, anyway. Fish is good for you. (Omega-3 can be found in oily fish, salmon, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines, tuna and eels). Gotta go find some organic fish at Whole Foods Market! :)
Posted by over 55 on June 21, 2006, at 14:17:35
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by laura k on June 21, 2006, at 10:27:45
Speaking of organic foods I went to the Super-Walmart over my lunch hour and noticed practically every food isle had a new food (mostly canned, but some fresh) marked "Organic" which is a first for them, I do believe, in our neck of the woods. I am impressed. When I go to the Sam's Warehouse I always get their organic carrots and green beans. They are wonderful, but now they are closer at the local
Walmart. My mom used to give me cod liver oil routinely as a child, maybe she knew something back then. Other's have told me their schools provided cod liver oil capsules for them. I don't remember schools giving anything other than shots when I was there. Unfortunately I inherited the German side of the family and love the sausages and noodles ( : I am going to try for more fish also, but I do think the two capsules I am taking of Omega 3 is helping with withdrawal too. Noticed my blood sugar must be out of whack too as I get shaky and weak if I don't eat something for 3-4 hours. I never had that before. Maybe after 6-7 hours, but have noticed that yucky feeling since coming off Effexor. I wish you the best if you can stay off everything!!
Posted by laura k on June 22, 2006, at 15:53:55
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on June 21, 2006, at 14:17:35
And to you, too! I am really amazed at how much better I feel in general. The meds had really made me sick and I had no idea just how bad I felt. Now if I eat taco bell or mcdonald's within 20 minutes my stomach hurts and I get a headache. No exaggeration! Also. my chocolate cravings are gone. I had been eating a gallon of chocolate ice cream and several chocolate bars a day! Now I can walk by without even thinking of buying a candy bar. I lost 50 pounds in 4 montsh without even trying.
I also have been buying the organic chicken.. It is more expensive, but they are so much plumper and their color and flavor are much better. I rarely eat red meat any more, altho I noticed that pork has come down in price so I got some boneless loin chops and made some cabbage stew the other day. My granddaughter is snacking on organic popcorn as we speak. :) I am weaning her off all the sugar.
Posted by over 55 on June 26, 2006, at 9:21:42
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal? » over 55, posted by laura k on June 22, 2006, at 15:53:55
Laura,
So are you completely off all meds or still weaning off some? This week I go off the Effexor completely (last 75 mg) and will be on only 20 mg of Prozac.
If I would only listen to my body I would be able to eat right. It is my mind that craves the sweets still, but it is getting lots better already. I am feeling better each day. Very little physical this weekend except extreme tiredness, but then I felt better so I did a lot more cleaning than usual. I guess that is a good kind of tiredness. I have been putting off cleaning the bird cages thoroughly for a long time so me and "my guy" loaded them up and took them to the car wash. Ah, what a sense of accomplishment. Something I dreaded for months took only about an hour. Now the birds have a poop free environment again. It is the little things in life that are the best. Have a great week!!
Posted by laura k on June 27, 2006, at 19:52:00
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on June 26, 2006, at 9:21:42
Best of luck! You will feel worse before you feel better.. But that is because your central nervous system is out of whack. It controls your muscles, breathing, heart, all of that.. so of course it will feel bad.. But it should get better. I had horrible panic attacks but I used breathing techniques to get through them. The social worker asked me, can a panic attack kill you? I said no.. she said that's right. Ride it out. It will pass. So I breathed into paper bags with lavender oil in them. lol. counted my breaths... listened to music. Talked myself down.. they eventually went away.
My food cravings are gone totally. But I am sure it is because I changed my diet completely. Everyone I have talked to that has been successful off meds, has been on an organic diet with natural supplements. I truly believe the chemicals in foods are making us sicker. (Sorry if I am repeating. I write on several groups and don't remember what I've written where).
I am off everything. I went off seroquel and ativan in december while in the hospital. Had horrible withdrawal and panic attacks. Then went off celexa in january or february. Can't remember now.. I have the dates somewhere.. I tapered according to the doctor's orders, but had terrible serotonin syndrome and serotonin withdrawal. The pdoc then decided to taper me off trileptal and onto Depakote ER cos she said I needed a "kickass mood stabilzer." I got so sick I went to the ER the first week in March, before starting the depakote.. And they told me to go off everything..
I went to my family doctor and he agreed,, no chemicals at all.. we went off all my other meds too, cholesterol, blood pressure, ulcer, all of it.. I stayed sick, had electric zaps, nausea, muscle spasms,,, for a few more weeks... I did a liver and gallbladder cleanse.. and took a couple of coffee enemas.. to get rid of the rest of the toxins.. I felt like I had a bad cold.. sneezing, cold sores and such.. the naturopath said it was all the toxins being released,... the family doctor said my immune system was compromised and that had serotonin withdrawal...
Then I was fine. All my blood levels went to normal, the pressure under my ribs went away as my liver started functioning again.. I still feel fine except for anxiety in the mornings. Still not sure what is causing that. But it goes away by noon so I am not overly worried about it. I had a day where I was sad and tearful, saturday.. but by that night I felt better and sunday I was fine.
I am not saying I am cured. LOL. but I am going to do everything I can to stay well without having to do any more damage to my body with those medications.. I can put up with the mood swings as long as I don't get suicidal or homicidal.
Posted by over 55 on June 28, 2006, at 8:24:19
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal? » over 55, posted by laura k on June 27, 2006, at 19:52:00
You really sound like you are on the right path. I went to the store last night and everything I bought was organic so felt good about that. I am thinking I really need to "clean up" the inside and thinking my Chiropractor had some stuff for colon cleanse and parasite etc. I remember him telling me his wife had some "very strange stuff": come out when she did it. I think I need to do that and I have some "yeast" cleanse stuff from the health food store. I need to start out cleansed and see what happens. I think I am going to be OK on Prozac for right now, but am seriously thinking of doing without everything, if I can. The only other meds I take are Premarin and Ziac. I know if I lose the weight my blood pressure will come down and I can go off that. I have been looking for a natureopath near me and asking around but haven't been sucessful so far, Nearest one is 2 and half hours away.
The muscle weakness seems better although am still very tired and yawn all the time. Helps if I remember how to breathe ( : Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!!
Posted by laura k on June 28, 2006, at 16:46:58
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on June 28, 2006, at 8:24:19
Thanks. :) Sounds like you are on the right path too! It is truly a lifestyle change and hard to do if the entire household isn't on board. But there are soo many great natural websites on line that you can learn how to cook recipes for yourself and enjoy the experimentation. organic can get expensive, but if you are cutting out all the junk, it should all even out in the end. I just bought organic peanut butter and jelly for my granddaughter.
I have bipolar disorder so antidepressants alone would be poison for me. I would be totally manic. Many people swear by Omega 3 for depression. It has recently been shown to help with dyslexia! (did I say that already? lol)..
Also there are some naturopaths on line. I went to diagnoseme.com and paid $75 for a very indepth questionaire (It took well over an hour to fill out) and the naturopath emailed me and we have written back and forth several times. She has been very helpful.
But even if you don't use their services,, they have a lot of great information on there that you can find just by looking at their sample results.. and follow the links to the different illnesses. It will give the suggested treatments.
I have a profile on myspace.com, which is free. and there is a group there called Natural Me and there are lots of knowledgeable people there. My myspace is http://www.myspace.com/laura__k if you want to check it out. I also moderate a small private group for people with disabilities.. mental illness, fibromyalgia, etc.. lots of us are over 40.. There are some fun and very supportive people there if you want to check it out. lk
Posted by over 55 on June 29, 2006, at 9:06:27
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal? » over 55, posted by laura k on June 28, 2006, at 16:46:58
I will check out those sites you recommended. Thanks. I looked up "seratonin Syndrome" yesterday and found lots of interesting info. Ended up on a "colon cleanse" site. My chiro wasn't open yesterday, but wanted to compare his product for parasites with the one advertised there. I printed off the ingredients. I am definitely going to go that route, but want to be smart about the $$. I did an herbal colon cleanse product a couple years back and ahd forgotten about it until it came up again. I feel like I am already being cleansed though. I am "going" 5-7 times a day this week. Unusual for me and not crampy or anything, just feeling "cleaned out". This "cleaning out" is addictive. Wow another addictive behavior to deal with ( : I guess there could be worse ones!!
Anyway, I am way excited about feeling better and maybe getting some energy back. I had a minor meltdown yesterday, with a quick crying jag that lasted about an hour, but made it through. Feeling again means feeling it all, but that's OK. I am tired of laying on the couch!! Thanks for your encouragement and I truly believe "when the student is ready, the teacher will come". We are each others teachers. I met a wonderful woman this week (Micki Berg) an international motivational speaker, that I had arranged for to do a presentation for my "work". She was wonderful for our group and for me personally. just giving me a boost of energy I so desperately needed. It all comes together!!
Posted by laura k on June 29, 2006, at 16:21:55
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on June 29, 2006, at 9:06:27
That all sounds terrific! I had one day of crying spells, saturday.. but it went away by afternoon. I think it is remarkable considering what I have been going through. I am enjoying the new diet too. Tonight I am making an eggplant/cherry tomato and green pepper salad.. you marinate the veggies in turmeric, garlic, red peppers and lime, then roast the veggies. I will serve it with turkey wraps, with spinach on basil tomatoe tortillas. It looks yummy. Bright and colorful. :)
Posted by over 55 on June 30, 2006, at 9:52:23
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by laura k on June 29, 2006, at 16:21:55
Hi Laura,
That food sounds wonderful. I could see it in my minds eye. I had an organic salad for supper last night, with a little bit of ham (no preservatives) and Raspberry Vinagrette dressing. It was wonderful!!
I ordered a "Colon Cleanse" 3 part kit off the internet yesterday. It has the basic cleanse, parasite capsules and Chamamille tea for bedtiime. Testimonials were terrific and product appeared to be all natural. Price was reasonable so I went for it. My Chiro was on vacation so didn't want to wait until he got back to look at his product. I was motivated now ( : and should have it here by the 8th. My man-friend has agreed he wants to try it too so it will be an adventure together.
I halved my blood pressure meds again today and did not take any Prozac for the 2nd day today. I AM IN NO WAY TELLING ANYONE ELSE TO STOP THEIR MEDS, I am just telling what I have decided to try and do for me. If I need to take them again I will, but I would like to see what I can do without them. It's been 15 years since I've been completely clean of drugs. I am feeling unbelievable good though so am very hopeful for a good result. The brain zaps have stopped and I feel stronger each day, although I am still napping after work. Last night slept a solid 2 hours after work even though the oven timer was beeping at me the last hour of it. I managed to ignore it. When I sleep it is like a rock!! I went to bed an hour later than ususal and woke up refreshed at 6 this morning. I am hoping the "cleanse" will help with the energy level.
I am feeling more optimistic than in a long time and thank you for your encouragment and sharing of your own struggles. I hope our "conversations" may encourage someone else on their own journey.
I did go to your profile, but couldn't find the "group" you were talking about. What a beautiful daughter and grandaughter you hVW and yes I agree you all look alike!! I will try the site again today.
I will be on holiday until July 5th so please have a wonderful 4th and stay safe!!
Posted by laura k on July 1, 2006, at 7:48:13
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on June 30, 2006, at 9:52:23
Oh,,, My groups are hidden.... If you join myspace, email me and I will send you an invitation. It is a private group and invitation only. Since I am job seeking.. I tend to keep some of the more private info off my profile.
I am glad you are being proactive in your treatment. I will caution you that when you do a cleanse, your mood can become unstable... your body goes through lots of changes and it can be very uncomfortable. If you feel suicidal or like you might hurt someone then you certainly need to slow it down or stop altogether..
but my experience was that after a couple weeks of feeling bad, it got so much better. I still have some blue days, but nothing that I would call depressed. That's not to say I think I am cured or anything like that. I just feel like I am more stable and am able to handle the smaller mood swings with positive self-talk, distraction, breathing techniques, etc. If a big one comes, then I will deal with it when it happens.
Keep in touch! I will hang in there with you. :)
Posted by over 55 on July 5, 2006, at 9:40:13
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal? » over 55, posted by laura k on July 1, 2006, at 7:48:13
Hum.m.m. well after feeling so optimistic I had a bad expereience yestereday. Just a lot of anxiety and "meanness" came out which left me crying and throwing a pity party for myself. I did go ahead and take the Prozac last night, after causing such a scene for half the night and feel more stable to day. I just felt restless and irritable all day. I'd forgotten how crabby I could be. I need to work on my patience (Ihad none yesterday)!!
But I am still better off than a month ago. I really felt better physically, more energy etc, than in a long time. I lost 5 lbs from just "eating right" for a week so feel good about that.
Thanks for the "warning" on the cleansing process. I need to go buy lots of water to help flush it out faster ( : This has just been an eye awakening month and I am making some major life changes that Iknow will be better in the long run. Thank goodness work is not very stressful at this time...I can only take so much at one time. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts!! Good luck in finding a job that will be good for you!!
Posted by laura k on July 5, 2006, at 12:00:58
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on July 5, 2006, at 9:40:13
Prozac is not supposed to help with irritability. In fact, SSRIs tend to make those sorts of behaviors worse. It stimulates the central nervous system. That's why the FDA warns about increased irritability and mania. Also, the withdrawal from antidepressants includes anxiety and irritability. If you have already tapered off, adding it back in will only prolong the withdrawal. Are you under a doctor's care? You should consult with your doctor before changing from the recommendations for tapering off. Hang in there.
Posted by over 55 on July 5, 2006, at 13:13:38
In reply to Re: Suggestions for antidepressant withdrawal?, posted by laura k on July 5, 2006, at 12:00:58
Well actually our plan (DR and I) was for weaning off the Effexor and I have done that successfully (I think). Brain zaps are gone and energy is returning slowly so all is better. I just wanted to go off everything so was trying to not use the Prozac now that I am off the Effexor since I felt so much better. Just take it a little easy for now and see where I can go from here. My question all along has been, does or can the brain regain function on it's own once AD's change things? When I first went on AD's (15 years ago) the PDr said it was hoped the brain would start to function nomrally after a period of time. With the hereditary factors etc that could be doubtful; but I would like to see if I can do with less or stop altogether meds. How will I ever know if I can if Idon't try? Well, it certainly is an adventure in living!! Take care.
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