Weaning Off Anti-depressants And Anti Anxiety Medications. How To Deal With Arising Feelings?

[devildoc130]

Well I'm on the same page. For me it's hard to just got through the symptoms of withdrawal. I'm Feeling really bad.

Last time I tried to get off I ended up in the ER. But they didn't do much except put me right back on the medication. Yes, it feels good and of course my symptoms went away, but I just want to be over this medication. It made me into the person I never thought I would be. Plus my memory is shot. It's a chore just to remember the simplest things, which makes it really hard, working a surgical technologist for the Navy.

Thank you for the reply. Well I'm hoping we can make it through. Better yet, we WILL make it. And once it's over it'll be a lot better. Keep your head up and feel free to write back. I wish you all the best as well.

 

[ms spock]

Hang in there devildoc.

It is hard going.

 

[The Albatross]

Congratulations Devil Doc going down from 7 meds to the one and now attempting to get off Zoloft. Post as you need to so we can support you and know your limits and warning signs so you can avoid a major episode. This too is with doctor supervision right?

 

[devildoc130]

yes it is. I'm seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist. The other meds weren't as bad to get off of, but the zoloft is terrible. Just tying to get off of 25 mg is kicking my butt. Thank you all for the support. Right now it's the physical symptoms that are really frustrating/annoying, especially feeling off balance and the "zaps."

Photophobia sucks too. However, I hope I can make it through. It takes about 5.4 days for Zoloft to be fully out of ones system. So by Wednesday it should be out of my body..but I know it'll be rough for months afterwards. Since my flashbacks, and anxiety usually tend to increase.

At work, my coworkers understand, but everyone else things I'm crazy. hahaha. It's been hard working in a Naval Hospital with PTSD. I'm also waiting to get a MRI June 17th for my shoulder. The last conversation I had with my Orthopedic Surgeon was about the need for surgery. I think I tore my rotator cuff while in the field.

So life has been pretty s***. I've been in chronic pain for 3 years. So that's my story. "The Albatross, thank you for the congrats...I'm trying..." Just one foot in front of the other. Its easier said then done. I will be out of the service next year. 5 years was good for me. Everyone take care and I will check back tomorrow. Thank you for all the support! -Doc B

 

[The Albatross]

I was on Effexor, and after the doses were out of my blood stream it still took some time for my body chemistry and brain to reboot... so keep in mind, that there may be some wobbly times ahead, but that is where the rubber hits the road so to speak, because self management and self care skills are important to practice during that period.

Post Effexor, I am "low normal range" serotonin... and whenever I down cycle, I consider if I should get back on. My medical doctors ask me almost every time I visit, but my therapist concurred with my being med free and learning how to cope.

 

[devildoc130]

I talked to my psychiatrist and she told me if I went to see her she would make me get back on my meds. But I told her that's bull****. Because how will I ever get off of them if I just go right back on them. It doesn't make sense. So I maybe going to talk to the acute provider today. Just a regular therapist. Cause I'm about to flip on the next person who tells me I'm a mess today.

 

[devildoc130]

I saw a provider because it was getting very very hard. They were so nice and treated me with a lot of respect. I haven't thrown in the towel yet. Even though my superiors were pushing me to go on medication. I'm holding my ground. Vented and I feel a little better. Doc B **works almost over as well only 2 hours left. Almost made it through.

 

[ms spock]

I feel hopeless today. I have been watching TV today which is a bit pathetic I know. I keep trying to work it out in my head.[DOUBLEPOST=1370843505][/DOUBLEPOST]Glad you went to see someone to talk to devildoc.

 

[devildoc130]

It made the day a little more bearable. Watching tv isn't pathetic. Whatever works. :) ill check in tomorrow. B

 

[ms spock]

I did well on the weekend. I really pushed myself. So I have to remember that today.

 

[ms spock]

Okay woke up and had an anxiety attack whilst brushing my teeth. Dressed now and ready to go.

 

[ms spock]

Feeling like I possibly can get through the trauma state of frozenness and paralysis. It helped that my psychiatrist was able to identify this for me this morning. She wants me to do lots of activity within reason. It feels too much but I will get there. I feel like I might get there. She got me to focus on the things that I did do this week. That helped.