Hi Everyone, I'm new too...

[Elizabeth]

well i never took the seroquel. I turned it down. Actually I didnt know what it was, she just said I can add something that would help my compulsiveness. I said ok and took the sample home. When I opened the box I realized it was an antipsychotic and threw it away.

If you can meditate daily, it is guaranteed to provide some relief. The problem is sometimes its hard to keep up with it but I make it a habit of doing a body scan before bed and then trying to meditate once during the day. Check out Jon Kabatz Zin for some good guidance. You could also find a Buddhist temple as they usually offer free classes.

I think a holistic approach would work well. I prefer orthomolecular medicine as they are specialists in nutrient levels and mental health. I have been off and on a nutrient formula which is basically like my own personal multi. I know I had very low zinc.

I tried to find in person support in my area but did not find anyone who wanted to meet up. I found a few people but guess people in wd sometimes dont like to be around others. I know Laura Delano knows various psychiatric survivors around the country so maybe you could ask her.

I was wondering (maybe others could add to this), but isnt it better to taper the cymbalta first before trazodone? I think cymbalta is one of the hardest to get off along side paxil and effexor so the trazadone may help that. just a thought.

Bruno, I'll respond to this when I can think straight. Thanks for your thoughts. Bad night here.

[Elizabeth]

I don't know about Trazadone but yes, Cymbalta is a bugger (is it ok to say that here?) to get off. I was only on it - 60mg- for 19 days, went cold turkey, and endured 2 weeks of moderate/severe upper abdo pain and all sorts of digestive issues.

Thanks for sharing Junior. I have NO IDEA how I will tackle 120mg but that won't be for awhile. Hoping to find another doctor who will give me 30mg capsules. Right now, I only have 60mg capsules!!! RRRRR..... oh dear.

[Chris]

Elizabeth, you're in the right place. Because the w/d is often difficult, IAWP is a godsend, as are other related boards. Here the experiences of others (trial and error) have been gathered together to form guidance since the medical establishment has really dropped the ball on this one. I learned about tapering here, and there are some logistical and technical tips for tapering that are just indispensable for this quite challenging experience. I love your don't look back quote.

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth, you're in the right place. Because the w/d is often difficult, IAWP is a godsend, as are other related boards. Here the experiences of others (trial and error) have been gathered together to form guidance since the medical establishment has really dropped the ball on this one. I learned about tapering here, and there are some logistical and technical tips for tapering that are just indispensable for this quite challenging experience. I love your don't look back quote.

I agree Annie. I found IAWP through YouTube. I was looking up withdrawal and was directed here. It's really helpful to read what other people are experiencing (although sad b/c I wish none of us had to go thru this). But, we will make it. Thanks re: the quote. :)

[Luc]

I agree Annie. I found IAWP through YouTube. I was looking up withdrawal and was directed here.

Out of curiosity, which video did you come across first? :)

[Elizabeth]

Today I shared this forum with my family member who is supporting me. She is amazed by how many people have been harmed by these drugs. She can see the improvement in me. And I also have tapered completely off of Trazodone as of Sunday. I don't feel too bad but a little sad. Got some sad news today so it's not just the W/D.
Sheila, Luc you said to slow the taper down but I just couldn't bear putting anymore Traz in my system. I won't touch the Cymbalta for quite awhile! THAT I can promise. My family member agrees that I shouldn't see my shrink of 7 years again so I have another one lined up for Feb. Like I said, I don't expect "HELP" so much as getting lower doses of Cymbalta when the time comes to taper. I thinking that I should wait until Spring when the days are warmer and longer. Right now it is snow snow snow and just blah. Not conducive (sp?) to tackling a nasty drug like an SNRI! Getting out will be easier when the weather is warmer. <sigh>

[stan]

you will be ok i think, because you take the cymbalta; but do not do it with cymbalta, your last med, because it can be very different

[Chris]

That is great that you have a supportive family member who is willing to learn about this experience. I have been thinking about how hard it must be for people who have never gone through this, to comprehend. My rage at the official denial and stupid docs has been gradually shifting to empathy -- we're all only human after all. . .

[Sheila]

Elizabeth -- Congratulations on finishing the Trazadone. And that’s great that you are showing IAWP to your new support person.

Waiting awhile to start the Cymbalta taper seems like a good idea. Keep listening to your body; don’t set a timeline. And I’m glad you’re moving on from this psychiatrist.

[Sheila]

Annie -- That's really great. I always am humbled by the thought that I would *never* believe this if I had not experienced it myself. So, that limits how harshly I can judge other people. I even think there's a silver lining to it going on for so long for me, because, if it hadn't, I wouldn't have believed *that* was possible either, and consequently I would have done harm to others.