Med Withdrawal

Hi, ashmac81! I love your avatar. I guess you can tell your doctor if you start to feel bad. I can understand that you wanted to feel again, I hate being numb too. I think it's good that you're visiting family, it makes me feel better as well. Maybe you can try having a little exercise and see how this goes.

ashmac81, I understand that medication can be annoying at times but you must never go against your doctor's orders. You can always raise the issue with him/her by contacting them, but don't suddenly stop taking them and, essentially, self-medicating yourself.

Your doctor knows more about the drug you are taking than you do. You may think that you can handle the withdrawal symptoms eventually but, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms become progressively worse (not better).

Kevin.

I'm glad you went to the park, ashmac81! You deserve to have some fun.

Ashmac81,

Cold turkey is cold turkey, even if it is prescription or not. I have done it, too, though, so just a few things to maybe reassure you or at least to let you know what isn't normal.

Most of the symptoms that you are having would not be considered "abnormal" for withdrawal from SSRI's.

The brain skipping that you are experiencing sounds what I have heard referred to as "brain zaps." I had them while I was taking too much Cymbalta and when I took myself off, yes cold turkey.

These symptoms may go on for several days, but it you are still experiencing major problems after a week, go see your doctor in case something else is going on. If you develop serious symptoms: blurred vision, heart palpitations that go on for more than a few minutes, fainting episodes, seizures, go to the ER immediately.

BTW, exercise is a great anti-depressant, too.

Good luck,

N.

hat goes without saying. I'd be pretty darn freaked if I had seizures.

I am always over conscientious about putting worst case scenarios in when I give that kind of advice. Most people are aware of the times they should seek emergency help, but sometimes they are not.

I also used to have very vivid and disturbing dreams. I am not remembering my dreams now, so I don't know if it is the meds I am on or if my brain has finally finished working its way through the trauma.

I hope yours begin to fade away, too.

Best,

N.

I think it is good that you took control of you and are doing so ashmac81. Some people may respond well to the meds and others won't but your mind believe that you didn't need them. You were able to endure through the "bad" feelings and are coming back into your own emotional process. Good for you.