![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3 to 27 of 27. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dave@MT on February 15, 2001, at 23:01:30
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on February 15, 2001, at 10:23:20
> Hi Dave,
> My name is Abbi, and I too have had "Electric Head" in fact I am having it right now! I am on Sertraline 50mg which is an SSRI type of drug. Is yours one of these? I have tried to come off my tablets several times but can't cope with the sensations in my head so always going running back to the doctor for more tablets! This is crazy and is really starting to annoy me. I am completely cured of my Depression/anxiety and feel it is a stigma to be on medication for depression. I have decided to go cold turkey and suffer with these head rushes. It can't last for more than a month SURELY? My only tip is to avoid alcohol which can deplete the brains seretonin levels therefore making it worse. Also try to keep you blood sugar levels up. I sit at my desk and "Graze" on fruit and biscuits throughout the day! Good luck.
> Abbi.Hi Abbi...first of all I don't think we should feel it is a stigma to be on any legitimate medication. I don't particularly like it either, but I am grateful for how it has helped me get my life back under control. So, don't put yourself down on that account.
Yes, Luvox is an SRRI - it worked pretty well for me, lots better than Remeron, the first one I tried.
Second, thanks for responding. I have noticed that when I am hungry or tired the "electric head" does seem to bother me more. BTW, I like that name...it describes it perfectly.
Good luck going cold turkey, let me know how it turns out. I am trying to get off within the next month myself.
Regards
Dave
Posted by Abbi on February 16, 2001, at 4:38:45
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 15, 2001, at 23:01:30
Hi Dave!
Didn't expect a reply so soon. My electric head isn't too bad yet. Early days as my last pill was tuesday I think. I find that crossing the road triggers it! (looking left and right) I have turned down a night out tonight.. Loud music, lights and a bar full of alcohol is not going to help.
I got all tearful last night. Havn't had a good cry for MONTHS! Don't they say that crying reduces the levels of certain chemicals that would build up otherwise? That's why women cry more than men (and usually for no reason!) Men don't have such high levels of what ever it is. I have noticed another side effect of cutting down/stopping taking an SSRI is waking up in the night then not being able to get back to sleep. Was awake between 1.30am and 4.30am last night, for the second time this week.
What do you mean by BTW? Bit confused there. Let me know hao you are getting on.
Abbi.
Posted by grapebubblegum on February 16, 2001, at 12:54:39
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on February 16, 2001, at 4:38:45
BTW means by the way, I think. Sorry to answer for you, Dave.
I thank both of you for describing what I have never been able to get anyone to understand. Doctors think I am koo-koo for describing it; in fact one doctor said he would send me to a "psychosomatic clinic" for mentioning it.
What causes this? Can anyone, doctor or not, answer it? I haven't taken Luvox except as an unsuccessful experiment, but I have been on and off Zoloft for a while, and if I remember correctly, I have experienced "electric head" while NOT on it.
> Hi Dave!
>
> Didn't expect a reply so soon. My electric head isn't too bad yet. Early days as my last pill was tuesday I think. I find that crossing the road triggers it! (looking left and right) I have turned down a night out tonight.. Loud music, lights and a bar full of alcohol is not going to help.
>
> I got all tearful last night. Havn't had a good cry for MONTHS! Don't they say that crying reduces the levels of certain chemicals that would build up otherwise? That's why women cry more than men (and usually for no reason!) Men don't have such high levels of what ever it is. I have noticed another side effect of cutting down/stopping taking an SSRI is waking up in the night then not being able to get back to sleep. Was awake between 1.30am and 4.30am last night, for the second time this week.
>
> What do you mean by BTW? Bit confused there. Let me know hao you are getting on.
>
> Abbi.
Posted by Dave@MT on February 16, 2001, at 23:51:23
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by grapebubblegum on February 16, 2001, at 12:54:39
> BTW means by the way, I think. Sorry to answer for you, Dave.
>
> I thank both of you for describing what I have never been able to get anyone to understand. Doctors think I am koo-koo for describing it; in fact one doctor said he would send me to a "psychosomatic clinic" for mentioning it.
>
> What causes this? Can anyone, doctor or not, answer it? I haven't taken Luvox except as an unsuccessful experiment, but I have been on and off Zoloft for a while, and if I remember correctly, I have experienced "electric head" while NOT on it.
>
> > Hi Dave!
> >
> > Didn't expect a reply so soon. My electric head isn't too bad yet. Early days as my last pill was tuesday I think. I find that crossing the road triggers it! (looking left and right) I have turned down a night out tonight.. Loud music, lights and a bar full of alcohol is not going to help.
> >
> > I got all tearful last night. Havn't had a good cry for MONTHS! Don't they say that crying reduces the levels of certain chemicals that would build up otherwise? That's why women cry more than men (and usually for no reason!) Men don't have such high levels of what ever it is. I have noticed another side effect of cutting down/stopping taking an SSRI is waking up in the night then not being able to get back to sleep. Was awake between 1.30am and 4.30am last night, for the second time this week.
> >
> > What do you mean by BTW? Bit confused there. Let me know hao you are getting on.
> >
> > Abbi.Hi Abbi and Grape
Yes BTW is "by the way".
Grape - don't ever let any doctor make you feel "koo-koo". The more I learn, the more I am convinced that some of these jokers have no clue - and possibly no real concern in some cases - what the effects of these powerful drugs are on their patients. The next time one of them suggest sending you to a psychosomatic clinic for a side effect which YOU are experiencing, just ask him or her what THEIR personal experiences with the drug's side effects have been! Perhaps after that they will not be so quick to discount what YOU are experiencing. Thanks for adding to my understanding, it helps a lot to know what others have been through.
Abbi - I have been tapering off for about three weeks now. I went cold turkey last summer - I deliberately left my meds at home when I went on a weeklong backpacking trip. I figured if I went bonkers there wouldn't be too many people around to hurt! :-) (Just kidding!)
In retrospect it was just too much to expect good results, going from a high dosage to zero in a few days. That was the first time I had experienced "electric head" almost continuously all day long for several days. Of course, I got no sleep at night either which just made it worse, and my emotions were on the raw side too. I was glad to get home and get back on the Luvox and get back to normal. The good thing was, I found out it wouldn't kill me, unpleasant as it was, and I realized that getting off the drug would probably have to be gradual and planned.
So I went back on a full dosage till about 4 weeks ago. I have tapered off gradually to where I am just taking a sub-therapeutic dose now... down from almost 300 mg at the peak to less than 50 mg every other day or so. I didn't take any at all today, and had to put up with electric head all day, but I am fine right now.
I should mention I am taking a very low dose of Trazedon at bedtime (currently 25-50 mg), and that makes all the difference for getting adequate sleep. The nights I take it, I usually sleep pretty good, some times a little groggy when I wake up. The nights I don't take it - no matter how tired I am - I too wake up at 1:30 or so with my mind racing and the night is then pretty much over as far as sleep is concerned!
This is probably too long and rambling, so I'm sorry. It is just good to get some meaningful input on these things, thanks for your replies.
Best regards
Dave
Posted by grapebubblegum on February 17, 2001, at 7:58:17
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 16, 2001, at 23:51:23
It wasn't too long and rambling for me, Dave. I am having sleep problems now too, since upping my Zoloft dosage to 200 mg per day and some heart arrhythmias that may or may not be related, and I am thinking of switching to something else eventually (see my thread called "Panic Disorder Med: This Z or that Z?")
I still don't know what electric head really is. I am just a curious person. BTW, I never went back to that internal medicine Dr. who treated me like I was koo-koo. You are right on target when you say that generally these kind of dismissive answers reflect ignorance (which is ok; no Dr. can know everything) and indifference (not ok) on the speaker's part.
> > BTW means by the way, I think. Sorry to answer for you, Dave.
> >
> > I thank both of you for describing what I have never been able to get anyone to understand. Doctors think I am koo-koo for describing it; in fact one doctor said he would send me to a "psychosomatic clinic" for mentioning it.
> >
> > What causes this? Can anyone, doctor or not, answer it? I haven't taken Luvox except as an unsuccessful experiment, but I have been on and off Zoloft for a while, and if I remember correctly, I have experienced "electric head" while NOT on it.
> >
> > > Hi Dave!
> > >
> > > Didn't expect a reply so soon. My electric head isn't too bad yet. Early days as my last pill was tuesday I think. I find that crossing the road triggers it! (looking left and right) I have turned down a night out tonight.. Loud music, lights and a bar full of alcohol is not going to help.
> > >
> > > I got all tearful last night. Havn't had a good cry for MONTHS! Don't they say that crying reduces the levels of certain chemicals that would build up otherwise? That's why women cry more than men (and usually for no reason!) Men don't have such high levels of what ever it is. I have noticed another side effect of cutting down/stopping taking an SSRI is waking up in the night then not being able to get back to sleep. Was awake between 1.30am and 4.30am last night, for the second time this week.
> > >
> > > What do you mean by BTW? Bit confused there. Let me know hao you are getting on.
> > >
> > > Abbi.
>
> Hi Abbi and Grape
>
> Yes BTW is "by the way".
>
> Grape - don't ever let any doctor make you feel "koo-koo". The more I learn, the more I am convinced that some of these jokers have no clue - and possibly no real concern in some cases - what the effects of these powerful drugs are on their patients. The next time one of them suggest sending you to a psychosomatic clinic for a side effect which YOU are experiencing, just ask him or her what THEIR personal experiences with the drug's side effects have been! Perhaps after that they will not be so quick to discount what YOU are experiencing. Thanks for adding to my understanding, it helps a lot to know what others have been through.
>
> Abbi - I have been tapering off for about three weeks now. I went cold turkey last summer - I deliberately left my meds at home when I went on a weeklong backpacking trip. I figured if I went bonkers there wouldn't be too many people around to hurt! :-) (Just kidding!)
>
> In retrospect it was just too much to expect good results, going from a high dosage to zero in a few days. That was the first time I had experienced "electric head" almost continuously all day long for several days. Of course, I got no sleep at night either which just made it worse, and my emotions were on the raw side too. I was glad to get home and get back on the Luvox and get back to normal. The good thing was, I found out it wouldn't kill me, unpleasant as it was, and I realized that getting off the drug would probably have to be gradual and planned.
>
> So I went back on a full dosage till about 4 weeks ago. I have tapered off gradually to where I am just taking a sub-therapeutic dose now... down from almost 300 mg at the peak to less than 50 mg every other day or so. I didn't take any at all today, and had to put up with electric head all day, but I am fine right now.
>
> I should mention I am taking a very low dose of Trazedon at bedtime (currently 25-50 mg), and that makes all the difference for getting adequate sleep. The nights I take it, I usually sleep pretty good, some times a little groggy when I wake up. The nights I don't take it - no matter how tired I am - I too wake up at 1:30 or so with my mind racing and the night is then pretty much over as far as sleep is concerned!
>
> This is probably too long and rambling, so I'm sorry. It is just good to get some meaningful input on these things, thanks for your replies.
>
> Best regards
> Dave
Posted by Abbi on February 19, 2001, at 3:38:23
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by grapebubblegum on February 17, 2001, at 7:58:17
Hi, Me AGAIN. My head rushes have worsoned over the weekend. There is a thread further down about effexor that suggests taking flu medication? I know where I'm going at lunchtime.
Yours sufferingly,
Abbi
Posted by Dave@MT on February 20, 2001, at 19:23:33
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on February 19, 2001, at 3:38:23
> Hi, Me AGAIN. My head rushes have worsoned over the weekend. There is a thread further down about effexor that suggests taking flu medication? I know where I'm going at lunchtime.
> Yours sufferingly,
> Abbi
AbbiSorry to hear your weekend was rough, hope it improves soon.
I have been pretty pleased with progress here. I have been off Luvox entirely for about 5-6 days now and it is going fairly well. The electric head kind of comes and goes instead of being constant, and is not nearly so annoying in terms of intensity. It seems that if I am concentrating on something like a book or typing etc, I don't notice it as much. Of course I'm not moving my head and eyes much during those times, either.
I have had a LOT more zest and energy throughout the day since coming off SRRI's...it's a good thing too - work is a real circus right now (I wonder if I am the clown?) :-{|
Sleeping is a bit more problematic, mostly because I let my Trazedon rx get too low before ordering by mail, so I have been au naturel at night for a few nights too. Fortunately, because of my newfound energy level, I seem to be getting by on 3-4 hours of sleep a night without serious problems, but I know it won't stay that way too long. I'll start winding down if things don't improve. Hopefully the Trazedon will show up before too long!
Another nice thing is, I seem to be getting some emotions again, although slowly. The LUVOX pretty much clamped me at a very narrow low-level range in most cases...which was good when I was in therapy mode. I would actually like to have a nice hard cry, like you mentioned the other day - just because I know it would feel so good afterward!
Best of luck - keep me posted!
Regards
Dave
Posted by Abbi on February 21, 2001, at 3:27:12
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 20, 2001, at 19:23:33
Hi Dave,
It Wednesday today. Nearly the weekend! I havn't been sleeping that amazingly but like you, I seem to have lots of energy! Taking lemsip flu medicine hot drinks seems to numb my head a bit during the day and I'm convinced it lessens the electric head attacks. I have also tried drinking camomile tea this week. That normally really relaxes me but did NOTHING to help. I'm finding the head rush sensations easier to cope with now. You kind of learn to live with them after a week. Loud noise and bustle makes them worse, so I've been sitting quietly reading etc.. When I get them now I just think that they won't last forever, and that coming off these tablets is a really positive thing. Have been a bit grumpy with my housemates, when they are messing around and making noise, or talking rubbish at me. I have been going to my room alot and find being alone is the best thing. Take care, I'm thinking of you. This website has REALLY helped me in the last week, knowing that there are others hanging in there with me!
Abbi x
Posted by Dave@MT on February 21, 2001, at 22:45:23
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on February 21, 2001, at 3:27:12
> Hi Dave,
>
> It Wednesday today. Nearly the weekend! I havn't been sleeping that amazingly but like you, I seem to have lots of energy! Taking lemsip flu medicine hot drinks seems to numb my head a bit during the day and I'm convinced it lessens the electric head attacks. I have also tried drinking camomile tea this week. That normally really relaxes me but did NOTHING to help. I'm finding the head rush sensations easier to cope with now. You kind of learn to live with them after a week. Loud noise and bustle makes them worse, so I've been sitting quietly reading etc.. When I get them now I just think that they won't last forever, and that coming off these tablets is a really positive thing. Have been a bit grumpy with my housemates, when they are messing around and making noise, or talking rubbish at me. I have been going to my room alot and find being alone is the best thing. Take care, I'm thinking of you. This website has REALLY helped me in the last week, knowing that there are others hanging in there with me!
>
> Abbi xHey Abbi
Glad to hear you are feeling helped! It has been a real boost to me finding these "meds threads" too. Talked to a couple of old friends today about life in general, that helps a lot too.
Had a short night again last night, still no Trazedon in the mail. Woke up about 3:00am, then just sort of drowsed till about 5:00am, got up and went to the YMCA to work out as usual. Had another pretty good day at the circus too. The head noise was still there but seems a little better each day, and I was too busy to notice it much anyway.
It feels really good to see that there is a light up there in the distance, this won't last forever, already getting better.
Hang in there, keep me posted, thinking of you also.
Dave x 2U2
Posted by Dave@MT on February 24, 2001, at 15:08:03
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 21, 2001, at 22:45:23
> > Hi Dave,
> >
> > It Wednesday today. Nearly the weekend! I havn't been sleeping that amazingly but like you, I seem to have lots of energy! Taking lemsip flu medicine hot drinks seems to numb my head a bit during the day and I'm convinced it lessens the electric head attacks. I have also tried drinking camomile tea this week. That normally really relaxes me but did NOTHING to help. I'm finding the head rush sensations easier to cope with now. You kind of learn to live with them after a week. Loud noise and bustle makes them worse, so I've been sitting quietly reading etc.. When I get them now I just think that they won't last forever, and that coming off these tablets is a really positive thing. Have been a bit grumpy with my housemates, when they are messing around and making noise, or talking rubbish at me. I have been going to my room alot and find being alone is the best thing. Take care, I'm thinking of you. This website has REALLY helped me in the last week, knowing that there are others hanging in there with me!
> >
> > Abbi x
>
> Hey Abbi
>
> Glad to hear you are feeling helped! It has been a real boost to me finding these "meds threads" too. Talked to a couple of old friends today about life in general, that helps a lot too.
>
> Had a short night again last night, still no Trazedon in the mail. Woke up about 3:00am, then just sort of drowsed till about 5:00am, got up and went to the YMCA to work out as usual. Had another pretty good day at the circus too. The head noise was still there but seems a little better each day, and I was too busy to notice it much anyway.
>
> It feels really good to see that there is a light up there in the distance, this won't last forever, already getting better.
>
> Hang in there, keep me posted, thinking of you also.
>
> Dave x 2U2Abbi
Are you OK?
Dave
Posted by Abbi on February 26, 2001, at 3:58:04
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 24, 2001, at 15:08:03
Hi Dave,
Been off work Thurs and Friday with pretend flu! Needed some time off cos I was suffering quite badly with headrushes and tears of frustration.
I still refuse to go to the doctor. There is nothing they can do to help except give me more pills or a different type of pill, and then I'll be on the same merry-go-round of trying to get off a different medication.By the way, straight paracetamol is better than flu medicine cos flu medicine has decongestant in which keeps you awake. I have been having some horrendous dreams but I'm sleeping better now. (last night's was that these people in black were trying to assasinate me..)Very scary. The dream seemed to last two hours, until at last my alarm clock saved me! I still have tense shoulders and the chilling memory.. Hope you are OK...
Abbi x
Posted by Dave@MT on February 26, 2001, at 20:45:07
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on February 26, 2001, at 3:58:04
Hey Abbi
Glad to hear you were just taking care of yourself and not in trouble. Sorry to hear it's going tough. Re: nightmares. I hadn't a nightmare in years and rarely dreamed (at least that I could remember upon waking) until I startd poppin' these pills. Have you considered tapering off slowly? Maybe you have, it is just a thought.
I figure I tapered off LUVOX from 250-300 mg peak to a 50 mg maintenance dosage over about a month and a half. Then, I stayed there for a couple of weeks at least, going from a regular 50 mg dose every morning to taking it when I couldn't take the electric head anymore, or my emotions seemed to be getting hard to control.
After that I cut back to taking 25 mg doses on an "as-needed" basis to cut off the head noise. Instead of taking it in the morning when I got up as I had been, I'd wait until the head noise started to interfere with my work or whatever. After a few days of that I noticed I was pushing that time back more and more, so I started skipping days altogether. Unfortunately I didn't keep any records, so this is a little fuzzy around time span.
This point was about the time I sent the first post to this board, because I had a lot of head noise on the days when I skipped and was beginning to wonder how long I was going to have to put up with it, and wondering (still) whether some sort of harm to my gray matter has been done. Those concerns are what prompted me to give the Net another try to see what info I could find. This board is the only meaningful info I've found at all. I think most of the clinical focus is on whether it helps your immediate condition and whether the side effects while in therapy are tolerable or not. Doesn't appear to me anyone has spent much time worrying about how you get someone OFF a drug once they are put back together. Probably is a little like worrying about where all the water has gone after the firemen put out a fire - top priority is to put out the fire and we'll worry about the cleanup later? :-)
On the plus side, as I mentioned earlier, I soon noticed how much more energetic and positive I felt, especially at work. I hadn't felt like that in years, probably because of the depressive state I was in. That - and the encouragement I found here, especially our contact - has made me even more determined to ride this horse out.
I am happy to say that I notice the occasional head noise, but it has ceased to be a significant issue and I find that taking a little time to relax, concentrate on something I enjoy doing, eat a light snack, etc helps a lot. If a flu med helps use it. I take advil or something when my muscles ache or I feel a little off.
Hopefully this will give YOU some hope...think about whther you have tried to ramp down your dosage too fast. I know for certain it is possible to go too fast...I tried it.
Best of luck Abbi, keep me posted. Sorry so wordy!
Feel free to email me at MTxOstrakon@hotmail.com if you wish. I would enjoy hearing from you.
Dave@MT
> Hi Dave,
>
> Been off work Thurs and Friday with pretend flu! Needed some time off cos I was suffering quite badly with headrushes and tears of frustration.
> I still refuse to go to the doctor. There is nothing they can do to help except give me more pills or a different type of pill, and then I'll be on the same merry-go-round of trying to get off a different medication.
>
> By the way, straight paracetamol is better than flu medicine cos flu medicine has decongestant in which keeps you awake. I have been having some horrendous dreams but I'm sleeping better now. (last night's was that these people in black were trying to assasinate me..)Very scary. The dream seemed to last two hours, until at last my alarm clock saved me! I still have tense shoulders and the chilling memory.. Hope you are OK...
> Abbi x
Posted by Dave@MT on March 1, 2001, at 19:57:41
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 26, 2001, at 20:45:07
Hey Abbi
You OK?
Dave
> Hey Abbi
>
> Glad to hear you were just taking care of yourself and not in trouble. Sorry to hear it's going tough. Re: nightmares. I hadn't a nightmare in years and rarely dreamed (at least that I could remember upon waking) until I startd poppin' these pills. Have you considered tapering off slowly? Maybe you have, it is just a thought.
>
> I figure I tapered off LUVOX from 250-300 mg peak to a 50 mg maintenance dosage over about a month and a half. Then, I stayed there for a couple of weeks at least, going from a regular 50 mg dose every morning to taking it when I couldn't take the electric head anymore, or my emotions seemed to be getting hard to control.
>
> After that I cut back to taking 25 mg doses on an "as-needed" basis to cut off the head noise. Instead of taking it in the morning when I got up as I had been, I'd wait until the head noise started to interfere with my work or whatever. After a few days of that I noticed I was pushing that time back more and more, so I started skipping days altogether. Unfortunately I didn't keep any records, so this is a little fuzzy around time span.
>
> This point was about the time I sent the first post to this board, because I had a lot of head noise on the days when I skipped and was beginning to wonder how long I was going to have to put up with it, and wondering (still) whether some sort of harm to my gray matter has been done. Those concerns are what prompted me to give the Net another try to see what info I could find. This board is the only meaningful info I've found at all. I think most of the clinical focus is on whether it helps your immediate condition and whether the side effects while in therapy are tolerable or not. Doesn't appear to me anyone has spent much time worrying about how you get someone OFF a drug once they are put back together. Probably is a little like worrying about where all the water has gone after the firemen put out a fire - top priority is to put out the fire and we'll worry about the cleanup later? :-)
>
> On the plus side, as I mentioned earlier, I soon noticed how much more energetic and positive I felt, especially at work. I hadn't felt like that in years, probably because of the depressive state I was in. That - and the encouragement I found here, especially our contact - has made me even more determined to ride this horse out.
>
> I am happy to say that I notice the occasional head noise, but it has ceased to be a significant issue and I find that taking a little time to relax, concentrate on something I enjoy doing, eat a light snack, etc helps a lot. If a flu med helps use it. I take advil or something when my muscles ache or I feel a little off.
>
> Hopefully this will give YOU some hope...think about whther you have tried to ramp down your dosage too fast. I know for certain it is possible to go too fast...I tried it.
>
> Best of luck Abbi, keep me posted. Sorry so wordy!
>
> Feel free to email me at MTxOstrakon@hotmail.com if you wish. I would enjoy hearing from you.
>
> Dave@MT
>
>
> > Hi Dave,
> >
> > Been off work Thurs and Friday with pretend flu! Needed some time off cos I was suffering quite badly with headrushes and tears of frustration.
> > I still refuse to go to the doctor. There is nothing they can do to help except give me more pills or a different type of pill, and then I'll be on the same merry-go-round of trying to get off a different medication.
> >
> > By the way, straight paracetamol is better than flu medicine cos flu medicine has decongestant in which keeps you awake. I have been having some horrendous dreams but I'm sleeping better now. (last night's was that these people in black were trying to assasinate me..)Very scary. The dream seemed to last two hours, until at last my alarm clock saved me! I still have tense shoulders and the chilling memory.. Hope you are OK...
> > Abbi x
Posted by Abbi on March 2, 2001, at 5:04:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on March 1, 2001, at 19:57:41
I'm OK.
Still having head rushes which seem to be made worse by the fact that I have forgotten to take my contraceptive pill in the last few days, so have messed up my hormones. Nearly wrote to your e mail address, but chickened out and deleted the message. (sorry). Hope you are OK. I will send you an e mail next week. I've had loads on my mind, will explain soon.
Ab x
Posted by Abbi on March 2, 2001, at 5:40:46
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on March 2, 2001, at 5:04:42
Dave,
Forgot to say, I have read that thread regarding SSRI withdrawal, side effects etc. Scary to think that the electric head rushes may continue for months. Hopefully by the summer we will be right again with our brain chemistry back to normal. We've got to try to be healthy, and to monitor our emotions remembering to rationalise if we get angry/upset over something stupid like missing the bus/train by 10 seconds. Try to be conciously aware of your emotions hippy style ie This is my body, This is my mind, and I AM IN CONTROL. (!)
Abbi x
Posted by Aphazia on April 22, 2004, at 23:45:02
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Abbi on March 2, 2001, at 5:40:46
Hi there guys,
I know that this thread is a few years old, but i just had to add some thing, i have been on luvox for 1 1/2 years 100mg a day, and im down to 50mg a day, i have been doing it a slow as posable ie going down in steps of 50mg only every 2nd dose, anyways, i am @ work and i just had to go out side cause i was having this sensation that i have never tried to explain cause its to hard, but when trying to i always explained it as it felt like somone was flicking my opticle nerve in my head, then i jump on the net and here i find they more people are having theis "Eltric Head" the crazy feeling of pulsating sharp shocks, when i move my head or eyes, mainly when i havent eaten or im tried ect, just like you guys and gals.
If you read this, id love to know how you are now, and how long the shocks lasted for?
THANKS SO MUCH !!!!!
Dave
(aphazia)
Posted by theo on April 25, 2004, at 0:37:24
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Aphazia on April 22, 2004, at 23:45:02
How did you like Luvox? My pdoc wants me to try a low dose, 50mg for general and social anxiety.
Posted by Aphazia on April 25, 2004, at 5:31:51
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX » Aphazia, posted by theo on April 25, 2004, at 0:37:24
Hi there,
Luvox was the 4th SSRI i tried and i found it nice and gental as far as while taking it, im taking it for anxiety/panic attacks and it worked excellent and didnt make me feel like crap, like the other did.
The only thing im finding is the challenge to get off it, i have gotten down to 50mg dossages a day but droping lowwer has been causing some wicked feelings and being @ work i have just been taking a "control" doswe when i cant take the feelings anymore.
BUT........ Id rather all of this then anxiety and Panic attacks so in the light of that.... Its well worth it.
Talk soon
> How did you like Luvox? My pdoc wants me to try a low dose, 50mg for general and social anxiety.
Posted by theo on April 25, 2004, at 9:34:19
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Aphazia on April 25, 2004, at 5:31:51
Thanks. I'm actually SSRI free right now and the Luvox is there if I feel like I need to add it to my regiman.
Right now I'm trying Keppra which is an anti-convulsant for general and social anxiety and the first couple of weeks I thought I was for sure going to need to add the Luvox but after a few weeks am starting to feel more assertive and positive. I'm telling you this because it might be something to ask your doc about if you need to try something besides SSRI's because it's really pretty amazing stuff and you never see it on sites like this.
If you do a search on Keppra for anxiety you'll see the many tests and positive results from it.
I've tried Neurontin which was a complete failure for me so was hesitant to commit three weeks ramp up with another anti-convulsant but this one differs and is really quite amazing.
Posted by Reg on May 28, 2004, at 15:43:53
In reply to Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Dave@MT on February 14, 2001, at 18:20:18
I have been on Luvox now for 3 years at nearly consistently the 300mg dose for OC disorder/hypochondriasis and I guess a little for the depression associated with it.
Electric head- hmmmmm... Not the clinical term I was looking for, but a perfect description- a nagging shot of energy through my innards and brain everytime I focus, change direction, change speed, or otherwise move from a fixed point. It makes me wish I had a superpower to accomany it- perhaps electricity to flow from my fingertips, or something else, maybe...
It's getting hard to deal with the withdrawal effects, folks. Luvox has been my saving grace, but for 3 years now, it's also kept me drug-bound. With the o.k. from my doctor, I'm going off it (the meds, not my mind), but she had no clear answer as to "weaning" off of the drug. So, I tried my own way. Even now, after weaning over a month and now down to a mere 75 mg, this jolt I get for moving is making me wish I stayed on the drug.
I need some encouraging words to stick it out, and not chicken back into my 300 mg dose. I'm not feeling depression or any ritualistic behavior coming on, I just wish these mental whirls would blasted go away.
Help me, please.
Posted by theo on May 30, 2004, at 19:17:02
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Reg on May 28, 2004, at 15:43:53
If you can tolerate it, I would try going down 50mg per week, if not try 25mg per week. It all depends on how it effects you.
By the way I just started Luvox yesterday 5/29 and have several questions. I have tried several SSRI's over the past several years and had success with only a couple, Prozac and Paxil. The only reason I stopped Prozac is because it tends to build up in ones body because of the long half life and stops working, but didn't cause me sexual problems. Paxil was the best for my anxiety and everything else but killed not only my libido but also erectile dysfuntion (at only 20mg) so for obvious reasons stopped it.
My main problems are anxiety and minor obsessive issues and I've never tried Luvox simply because doctors don't follow it and they seem to push whatever the drug reps are handing out. My doctor prescribed Luvox (fluvoxamine) to me but didn't have much to say about it.
So, I've read a lot of positive for this med for anxiety etc. and was wondering if you had any positive experiences to share and if it caused you very much sexual dysfuntion or what other side effects you may have experienced. I am starting at 50mg and will probably only go up to 100mg nightly because I've luckily been able to get by with minimum doses.
Any positive feedback and drawbacks if any for this med would be appreciated because it's not discussed to much here.
Posted by theo on May 30, 2004, at 19:27:04
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX, posted by Reg on May 28, 2004, at 15:43:53
I forgot to mention, you might have your doctor prescribe you a couple of 20mg Prozac. When you're ready to take your last dose of Luvox, the next morning take one 20mg Prozac and do the same the next morning. I've used this stratagy, which is what a lot of doctors use to cross-taper people off of SSRI's with short half lifes (Luvox, Paxil etc). It works well because of its 5-7 day half life. This is only a suggestion but it does work even with only a couple of doses.
Posted by RF on June 27, 2004, at 11:26:36
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX » Reg, posted by theo on May 30, 2004, at 19:27:04
Hello all,
I have been on SRI's of various flavors for a very long time. The effects of some were worst then the disease! I have been taking Luvox exclusively for several years.
I reached the goal where the causes of the depression have been elimated. In my case the stressors changed the brain chemistry. I believe you have to make sure you are at that point first before you attempt to eliminate the drugs from your life.
I did try a withdrawal from LUVOX eariler and was unsuccessful because of "Electric Head". I made that attempt in gradual steps. But not gradual enough I guess. I went on a trip into the Montana Rocky Mountains and took no LUVOX with me. Big mistake! "Electric Head!" The feeling was very strong and concerned me. Not fully aware of "withdrawal effects" I thought something had gone seriously wrong. It was two days back to the pills and it was a terrible trip!
I am on my drug trip down again. I had been on 300mg and have over a period of several months dropped to 50mg doing so in - 25mg drops. I am having a little electricity once and a while now, but knowing what it is, I can tune it out. I am planning on staying at 50mg for several weeks or possibly months.
There should be more published about, and more information provided by the doctors on this subject. Withdrawal from the drug without the right information could drive you crazy!
Best to all of you...
:-)
Posted by jbl on June 27, 2004, at 17:21:25
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX » Aphazia, posted by theo on April 25, 2004, at 9:34:19
Hello,
I wanted to follow up with you regarding your post on Keppra. I have researched it for social phobia and have found some (but little) positive info. I'm going to start tomorrow and I would like to know if you're still taking it. Maybe you could tell me about dosage, onset of effect, side effects, etc. Any info you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Posted by theo on June 28, 2004, at 15:06:38
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from LUVOX/Keppra » theo, posted by jbl on June 27, 2004, at 17:21:25
I'm still taking Keppra but on a low dose, 250mg twice daily. I tried to take 500mg twice daily and it made me a little hostile and short tempered so I backed off. I've read about the this side effect and it states it at crazymeds.com, a pretty good spot to pick up the real scoop on some of the side effects from individuals.
I just added Lamictal because the Keppra does nothing for depression.
This is the end of the thread.
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