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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 13:45:37
Hello, I have been going through hell after going off an antidepressant that I was on for a year. I need help, the withdrawal has been pretty lengthy too (some peopel call it "rebound" apparently). I have anxiety, irritation, trouble sleeping (all of which I did NOT have) after going off the antidepressant. IS there anything natural I can do to help pull myself through this emotional rollercoaster? Any information would be great from "survivors" of these antidepressants
Posted by cherylann on March 25, 2004, at 16:18:44
In reply to delayed antidepressant withdrawal, posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 13:45:37
What AD were you on? If it was one of the more sedating meds, I've had the same problem. For a short term solution, you might want to talk to your doc about using some klonopin, xanax etc, just until the withdrawl wears off.
For something herbal, I'd recommend valerian root. It doesn't work for everyone, but calms me when I get going too fast.
Posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 16:52:28
In reply to delayed antidepressant withdrawal, posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 13:45:37
Hi cherylann,
I was on effexor XR. I was on a low doese, but I tapered off it way too fast, even months later I've been on a severe emotional rollercoaster (which is not why I was on the meds in the first place). I'm like a skittish frightened animal. It's outright terrifying. I have some pretty good days , and then some really bad days. Nutrition has helped me out alot, but I jsut want to go back to myself pre-effexor, and I'm scared it'll never happen.
Posted by CarolW on March 25, 2004, at 19:29:51
In reply to delayed antidepressant withdrawal, posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 13:45:37
I totally understand. I was on Zoloft/Ativan and had such withdrawals - still have some ups and down after two montbs. I remember the weird head zaps, headaches, body tingles, etc... Then, it went to anxiety and insomnia. I recommend getting a good physical and seeing a naturopathic physician. For some people, certain supplements can help restore the chemicals that are out of whack. I just started with acupuncture - it was very relaxing. Therapy has helped, too. Sometimes, I think depression can feel like anxiety - especially when it causes a sleep issue.
You know, nobody tells you about getting off the meds - about withdrawal issues and problems with getting back in the groove. Part of the issue is, I think, the brain getting used to the different levels of serotonin, etc.. and then it feels weird/unbalanced without it. A psych told me it takes a few weeks for the receptors to come back after SSRI withdrawal.
So, take really good care of yourself. Use herbs like Passion Flower or Valerian Root to get to sleep. A good fish oil capsule if you're depressed. A cup of chamomile tea is good. Deep breathing exercises, self-hypnosis CD's, and exercise each day all help, too. And know that you're not the only one - and we'll all get through this.
Posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 19:38:34
In reply to Re: delayed antidepressant withdrawal, posted by CarolW on March 25, 2004, at 19:29:51
Carol, thank you so much for the post. At this point, the only med I'm on is Buspar, which I will taper off of in a few months. I completely agree with you. People need to understand just how important nutrition and supplements are to recovery. When i started forcing myself to drink a supplement in the morning, it really helped me alot, I could better handle the anxiety with a stable blood sugar level. I'm hoping the buspar doesn't give me any problems, but it only works with one receptor, as opposed to messing everything up like the effexor did.
Posted by hugo on April 17, 2004, at 15:08:25
In reply to delayed antidepressant withdrawal, posted by cpallen79 on March 25, 2004, at 13:45:37
Hi!
Check out my posting in the above thread "5-htp has helped alot" from 18 March04.
Hugo
This is the end of the thread.
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