Adverse reaction to SSRI and Alcohol

[stan]

The first 2 times I had quit c/t... then the last time my taper consisted of cutting the 20 mg tab in half for the last two days (not the right way). I guess at this point I am way past going back on and doing a slow taper?

in your case, with an adverse reaction, i would not retake and do a slow taper, this would shock again all the system and you could be far worse than you are today; i would wait and do relaxations, yoga etc

[Luc]

Any form of re-instatement wouldn't be a good idea at that point. Your body has already started to heal and what it needs most now is simply time. The recovery will be happening.

[m&m]

Thank you for the support and you are right. Re-instating would be BAD. (pffft, what was I thinking.... weak moment). Today was a good day and I am rejoicing in it.

Praying healing for us all. It will happen! Basically I'm just so happy to be where I am at this time with showing improvement. I'll take that for now.

[stan]

hello M&M
apparently you have had an adverse reaction to a cocktail with a psychotropic; they exist mild until very severe,
what i have seen is that with psychotropics, the adverse reaction does not go away quickly and similar a classic withdrawal;
no more meds and eating healthy and live with waiting it diminish with his cycles

[m&m]

@ Iggy, I am going to read that link tonight. Thank you for sending that information! I am sure it will give some much needed hope. You sound good today. How are you feeling?

@ Luc, Thank you for the input and message of hope. I'm trying not to get down about the fact that this may take a while to recover from, but if I know recovery will happen then it is worth the wait and patience ( I just have to keep reminding myself of that). I have to admit I am scared. I've never experienced anything so completely horrible in ALL my life. Today was a good day for me. I didn't have any panic attacks (getting better) and I didn't feel like striking out in anger at anyone, or feel that disconnect from reality feeling. These are big positives and I'm soooo grateful for these moments. So by "windows" do you mean periods of time when things are good? If so, the answer is yes. There have been several stages of this from what I have experienced. But there are times like today when I experience real interest and happiness, confidence, hope, energy, and calmness. These moments are so valuable and cherished. Are you getting a lot of windows? If so, how long do they last for you and what are they like?

@ Stan, thank you for the advice! I have started yoga, deep breathing excersise, and various other relaxtion techniques. I can tell a big difference since I have started them. At first I was so anxious, even the relaxation techniques seemed to give me anxiety but I kept working with them and it has shown to be a good thing. Little by little... One step at a time. I have started supplements: magniesum, vitamin D, Omega 3 Fish Oil, and B12 along with a multi vitamin each day and now I avoid caffiene (except for 1 cup of green tea in the morning). I try to snack healthy with fruit and vegetables and thinking about trying out Dr. Mark Hyman's UltraMind Solution Diet. I have a .pdf copy of this if anyone is interested. That's where I got the idea for the supplements. One big thing that I think really helps is the herbal tea that I have now put in my routine. I have 1-2 cups of either Kava (Yogi - Stress Relief) or Chamomile tea each night. The Chamomile tea that I use also has the chinese herb "skullcap" in it which is known in ancient chinese medicinals for treating anxiety (Triple Leaf - Relaxtion, is the brand name). You seem so strong in that you have been off the meds for 3 years now. Are your times getting better?

Listen I REALLY appreciate the help and advice from you guys. I actually feel like I have a support system now in all this. When this happened I was in complete and untermost terror, I didn't know what happened to me and it's people like you who put their story out there that let me know that I was not alone. I was reading about how important the support system was... and I believe it can make a difference. Thank you a million times over for reaching out. I pray many blessings and healing for you all.

[Luc]

Are you getting a lot of windows? If so, how long do they last for you and what are they like?

It works like this - as time passes, and the symptoms, on average, improve, what was once a "window" (the intensity of symptoms lessen) is equal to an intensity of a "wave" now, and so on. To make it more complex, initially the improvement is very cyclical, only at some point of WD it becomes more linear and *logical*. All in all though, it *always* improves over time.

[Sheila]

Wow, this is a classic SSRI horror story. I’m so sorry, m&m. You will definitely recover 100%. You’ve already started to show signs of improvement.

I second what Iggy said. It sounds like kindling effect – you started and stopped the med three times, and the third time your body rebelled. I don’t think the alcohol has much to do with it.

Thank goodness you knew the medication had caused your reaction, and didn’t think that was your real self coming out. What a dodo the doctor was.

That’s great you’re getting windows of relief. They will increase. And excellent that you’re doing yoga, breathing, and relaxation! They will help.

Your supplements sound good. I just have a question about the B12 – I’m not sure, but I think some people can tolerate that and some can’t when recovering from these adverse reactions / w/d. Maybe you could research that. Also, the green tea – might, might be too activating for you. Again, I’m not sure. You could experiment. Drink half a cup, see if you feel differently in the morning?

You’re doing everything right, and you’re clearly seeing improvement. You will recover fully. Life will get back to being bearable and even fun again.

[m&m]

Hi Shelia. You may be right about the B12. I did notice a while back when I had started taking the vitamins again that I felt some higher anxiety that day. Maybe something in the mix? Possibly the B12. I will try without the B12 and see how it goes.

Thanks for replying.

[Iggy131313]

I cant believe you have come this far on your own m&m, well you not on your own anymore, dont be afraid.

You are over half way through your journey and I bet the very worst is over for you, there will be ups and downs still to come but this tiome we can hold your hand and reassure you through the bed times and you can do the same for us.

[Sheila]

m&m – It’s possible that 6 months after Sep 2010, when you were “in a lot of stress,” you were unwittingly having w/d. But we can’t know for certain.

For sure, you are having an adverse reaction or kindling effect from the third time you started the med. But you also might be having w/d from the other two times you started and stopped it.

It doesn’t really matter in terms of symptomology or recovery. The symptoms seem to be the same, And you can recover from either equally fast. You are showing nice signs of improvement. It’s happening!