Pristiq Withdrawal And Other Fuels For Total Meltdown

[DreamCatcher]

First a quickie about Pristiq:
I got it through my Psych and Wyeths' prescription assistance program. I took it for about 5 weeks, and side effects became intolerable - these included Headaches, Insomnia, Intense Dreams, and Blurred Vision.
I stopped taking Pristiq three days ago; Withdrawals are INTENSE and include: Intensified Emotions, Uncontrollable Outbursts, Crying, Brain Shivers, Mild Hallucination. Panic Attacks.

Mitigating factors include:
Bankruptcy including losing my house, Probation, suspension of drivers license and fines due to trouble with the law the past two years and aggravated by very poor self control, Major financial trouble, New therapist!! and Poor Physical Health.

I am a total wreck, is it my financial situation? Medication difficulty? Social Trouble?
These situations feel so enormous to me, I'm terribly afraid that every move I make is the wrong one, I want to freeze up but am forced to keep moving, and my terror comes out as self hatred, uncontrollable rages, and lots of crying.

I feel ill equipped to the nth degree.I am in such a state that reaching out for help seems a clingy desperate act.

Can Can anyone relate? What can I do to help myself, how can I sooth myself?

 

[Anonymoose]

Maybe you have been suffering from Serotonin Syndrome. Sudden withdrawal from antidepressants can cause aggravated symptoms such as the ones that you describe. Chin up! You're dealing with your problems and life will get better.

 

[goingonhope]

What can I do to help myself, how can I sooth myself?

Find supportive people whom you can talk about some of what you're going through in bight size pieces. As it sounds like you're not only going through a tremendous amount but that you're not so apt to reach out for help, or feel good about yourself in doing so. Reach out anyway, as best you can and talk about it.

Perhaps even, create a vent thread upon the forum and vent away. Also, those withdrawals sound awful and can't be helping in already greatly difficult times, how long are they expected to last for, do you know?

 

[suzie q]

I have to ask you if you stopped on your own or were slowly weaned by a MD? A lot of drugs can't be stopped suddenly without dire consequences. I am so sorry you are experiencing such a reaction. I would suggest that if you stopped on your own, that you call the Dr. that is handling the medication and tell them of your symptoms.

The stress you are under is very real. I would suggest that you get your medical situation handled first so you can think clearer and not have so many intense feelings to deal with. Venting and crying are healing. Let us know what we can do to help you get through the stress. I have been right where you are and know how overwhelming and isolated it can feel. Holler any time.

 

[DreamCatcher]

Thankyou all for your responses.
I did see my doctor before I stopped taking the Pristiq, and yesterday one of my tenants paid part of his November rent finally, so I'm headed today to get Zoloft.
I don't know how long the withdrawal symptoms will last, but I'm hopeful that starting the Zoloft will help!
I'm trying to stay rational and calm about losing my house, but I must admit I am very scared. I'm placing my faith in the idea that things generally work out better than we expect.
Love and peace to you all!