Depression Forums
General => Medication => Topic started by: Jrabz on April 13, 2014, 08:51:02 PM
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Hello. I have suffered chronic depression for about 10 years however for the most part it's been accute due to various ads.
I was on 20mg escitalopram however I had a major relapse last year due to break up ( that's when relapses seem to occur) and ended up in the priory. I was pretty suicidal. Before I was admitted I was put on mirtazipine but it increased my heart rate dramatically and I just felt plain awful and very agitated with racing thoughts. I was pretty suicidal. I was put on setraline in the priory and was bumped up to 200mg which had caused majour anxiety this was over a period of a few months. Pdoc decided to take me off them and back to Ecitalopram which worked for like a month. Depression reoccurred pretty badly. Pdoc then tried me on venlafaxine. Up to 150 in 2 weeks and it ripped me out of that hole so fast. Was able to function normally again. However recently I started to feel awful and I blamed it on my sleep apnea which I'm going to be treated for soon as I'm getting cpap. It was requested I get my blood pressure taken and had to monitor it with machine over a week as it was too high and racing heart. Back to pdpoc and now I'm coming off venlafaxine down to 75mg for 2 weeks then stop altogether.
Thing is I'm terrified of the withdrawal effects. So far so good for the last 3 days on half dose and I've slept the best for months. Does everybody suffer withdrawal? I have diazepam which I take about 30mg as my anxiety was pretty bad just before I stated to withdraw from venlafaxine. Pdoc wants me to try no ssri or snri after I stop venlafaxine to see how I get on. I'm not sure this is wise.
What are your thoughts? Thanks for replies in advance. :chin:
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Venlafaxine worked for me very well and I have used it for about 11 years but in Sept.2012 it somehow stopped working ... I did not suffer any withdrawal symtoms .... but then I just swapping medication.
It's good you have diazepam at hand because it will help with withdrawal symptoms. If I were you, during this withdrawal time, take it easy on yourself .... but if you feel that your depression symptoms are returning don't hesitated to let your doctor know.
Actually I don't see much point in trying to stay without meds if your brain chemistry needs it.
Taking antidepresents is not big deal for me, they are a means for me to function properly, just as I have to take anti-hypertensives.
Keep posting here as we can be of help one for the other!
And feel yourself welcome!
Grace
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Many thanks for your reply.
A few years ago I was on citalopram and it worked wonders. Very calming ad. However I had to change to escitalopram due to erectile dysfunction and that was resolved quicky afterwards.
After withdrawing from venlafaxine he did suggest citalopram if I relapse. What puzzled me is that the escitalopram stopped working just before I was out on venlafaxine and citalopram and escitalopram
Have the same pharmodynamics. Since escitalopram stopped working I would expect the same for citalopram.
I realise that I probably need these ads but you can probably emphasise as to why Ive lost faith in these meds. They all seem to stop working or have horrible side effects. I can't go on with life like this.
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I have not taken this medication but, I was on citalopram which stopped working and vmy Pdoc changed it to Duloxetine (Cymbalta). I was told to stop taking the Citalopram and start the Duloxetine. I was given Clonazepam to take for 2 weeks gradually tapering off. I had no withdrawal symptoms doing this. Duloxetine works very well for me.
Is your Dr assessing you over your withdrawal?
X x
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Well I could call my pdoc when I want but he's very busy and it usually takes a couple of weeks to see him.
Had a few weird heart thumps. Same as what I had when I came off ecitalopram. So only slight withdrawal effects so far.
I just don't get why my pdoc would want to go back into citalopram when the purer form ecitalopram "pooped out" in dec.
Only had to take 2x5 mg diazepam today! Maybe I won't suffer the horrendous withdrawals that most seem to coming off venlafaxine. I actually feel better
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That's good to hear that you are having very few side effects. We are all different so hopefully you will go on with no further effects.
Am I right in understanding that your pdoc wants to put you onto Citalopram? As you say this seems strange as escalopram did not work for you.
X x
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Yes he does if I suffer relapse. Thought it was very strange considering they have the same pharmodynamics.
I'm having a few wines just now after glossing my flat. I know I shouldn't drink but I thought I deserved it
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Fingers crossed you don't relapse. There are many other ani depressants, so it does seem strange he would not try something different.
Don't blame you have a glass of wine, sounds like you deserve it.
X x
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Haha yes. Just a few then bed.
I've slept for 12 hours last night. Just goes to show that some drugs do more harm than good.
I think I'll keep clear of any noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. They make me feel crazy and can't sleep.
I realise there is much more meds but the only one that worked was citalopram and ecitaopram. They seem to be very specific for serotonin. I think I'll keep that I'm mind when I see pdoc next.
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I hope you had a good nights rest and that today has been kind to you. Sounds like you are pretty knowledgeable about what's available medication wise. What works well for some does not for others.
X x
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Yeah I'm kinda knowledgable due to "googling" and being on and off different meds for 10 years. No more signs of withdrawal yet. Quite surprised considering the horror stories you hear after some just missing one dose. Infact, I feel more like myself again. Hopefully I haven't spoke too soon.
The non activating ads seem to be citalopram, ecitalopram and paroxetine, the latter I have not been on. However there does seem to be a lot of side effects with paroxetine.
I'll probably suggest that one next if I relapse.
Sweet pea, what is your diagnoses?
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So good to hear you are doing OK. Fingers crossed for you. I have read as most as I can about the different ant depressants I have been on. I feel the more you understand helps.
I am diagnosed with depression and anxiety. The Duloxetine works well for me.
X x
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Well so far so good I even missed a dose and didn't even notice. Hopefully that's a sign that when I stop altogether it won't be so bad.
Can anyone explain why my pdoc would want be to go back on citalopram if I relapse, see first post.
Thanks
Joel.
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I have never taken this medication. I was on Escitalopram for a few months but it did not work for me! What I know is that escitalopram is the second generation of Citalopram, there is some kind of refinement of Citalopram. It is an ssri and I don't have any idea why your pdoc would want to go back to it.
But hopefully you may not need it!! Let's keep our fingers crossed!!
Grace
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Maybe he thinks it'll work as a placebo effect as I kept on reiterating how great it was when I was on it for a few years.
I won't take it though as the ecitalpram stopped working.
Maybe I need a new pdoc.
:chin:
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Hi folks
Noticed my appetite has gone down dramatically over last few days. Maybe a good thing. Couldn't stop moving though and can't relax. I suppose that's quite good for withdrawal considering most have much worse effects.
Do you know of any supplements that might help?
Thanks in advance.
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Just an update on how I'm doing.
Well to my surprise, now having been med free for 2 days, my mood has been boosted dramatically. I'm also sleeping better and I have no withdrawals. I'm supplementing with 5htp and some b vits.
I had been on ssris and venlafaxine without a break in 10 years.
I was diagnosed with mdd and was told I would be on them for life. I'm glad I made the decision to come off them.
Just goes to show that the pdocs may be incorrect. I've lost faith in ads. But, I still think they can be used to get you out of the depths of despair in people with MDD. But to be on them for years, I now feel that's it's crap tbh.
I felt excitement today like I've never felt in a long time. I'll now practice cbt techniques to try and prevent relapse.
To those that think that everybody will suffer horrendous withdrawals from venlafaxine, I can tell you that might not happen at all. I suffered very minor withdrawals on a quick reduction. I hope some people will read this and realise there is hope after coming off venlafaxine or any other ssri and not to believe all the horror stories.
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Hi all
Well I feel like a bit of a naive idiot.
I've now been off venlafaxine for a week and I started to get the brain zaps a few days after stopping. In the last few days my depression has come back with vengeance. I'm also having bursts of anger, I've fallen out with my family and I'm having nightmares that seem to go on all night long which are so vivid. I think I was far too optimistic in regards to withdrawals but I think that was due to not suffering much withdrawal or relapse in the 2 weeks I went to half dose coupled with the thought that from reading other peoples horrific withdrawals only when even missing a dose, I thought I was somehow going to avoid it. It only started after a few days of no venlafaxine.
I have pdoc appointment tomorrow but after all the suffering for a year due to side effects or withdrawals I'm really unsure if I should go back on them. However, I feel really depressed again
Maybe I should wait it out and see whether my brain chemistry mends itself.
I just don't know if I believe ads are the answer. I have a feeling my pdoc will just want to try me on another one. I'm lost.
:chin:
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Me again :-[
Just thought I'd post although I'm getting no replies, but at least folk can see what I'm going through and might help them if they can empathise especially if in similar situation.
Seen pdoc today and he advised that my relapse shows I have clinical depression.
I'm going back on ecitaopram. I asked why since when I had my relapse last year I was taking this medication and I had another bash with it in nov last year which also stopped working after a glimmer of remission of about a month. It them stopped working again. His answer was that circumstances were different then. I then explained my thoughts on the pharmodynamics focusing on the desensitisation from that drug. He replied that the brain doesn't work like that and it may work again. He took on board my suggestion that I can't tolerate noradrenaline reuptake not dopamine, this was due to my research into the pharmodynamics into the meds that didn't work at all, ie sertraline, much increased anxiety prob due to dopamine reuptake and mirtazipine/ venlafaxine which increases noradrenaline levels hence insomnia, aggression high bp etc. He agreed with me that a clean drug highly specific for serotonin was the best choice for me.
He also suggested that even though ecitalopram may not work again it's not the end if the line and there is many other options to look at.
I have faith in his advice so fingers crossed.
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Sorry I have not responded to your post. I have been feeling very low. I will post in my journal to explain.
I just wanted you to know I have read your post.
X x
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Also my apologies for not answering Jrabz but I was reading your posts!
Medications of the same sort can work differently for each one of us. As I may have told you before venlafaxine had worked well for me for about ten years and now I am predominantly on Nortrityline as only serotonine reuptakes did not help me much. For example escitalopram did not make fully recover, even on high doses.
My experience during thiese last years was to trust my pdoc, knowing that he would prescribe for my best interest, as there are some protocols that I may not be aware of despite the fact that I also try to read about medications. Besides the way I react to medications as well as different combinations shows my pdoc how to best handle my particular depression situation.
I have also read that a med. that did not produce its best, after some time it can resume working! So I really hope that this one works for you at this particular time ...... and I hope it works rapidly!
In the meantime just try to hold on!! And keep on posting ..... and I assure of my understanding and empathy.
I myself had a few days of low during the Easter holidays .... together with my pdoc we had decided to take off 25 mg. of notriptyline but my symtoms started coming back and I immediately re-introduced it and now I feel better!
I thought it would work but unfortunetly it didn't.
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I put all my trust in my pdoc and have been so much better. I do so hope the escitalopram works for you. As your pdoc has already said there are many other options to try.
My thoughts are with you.
X x
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I have been reading through your thread and wish I could give advice but can't as I've only been on three anti depressants on and off over the past nine years. I've been on three anti depressants at different times on and of over the years and the one that's worked best for me is Sertraline. This is with me having a tough time of it due to health problems and Sertraline has helped me through it as the health issues were affecting my mental health not just the physical.
That to one side I am sorry that you are going through a difficult time. Times like this are made worse in a way as you was coping well then started feeling worse again.
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Hi Sweetpea,
I hope your feeling better. Thanks for reply. Xx
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Hi, yes I am thank you. How are you? I know its early days on your new meds. My thoughts are with you :hug:.
X x
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Sweetpea, pip and grace,
Many thanks for your replies. It's given me hope that this may work. Hope all is well with you.
Once I feel I'm out of this dark hole I'll respond to you're posts and hope they will help as you've helped me.
My thoughts are with you. Xx
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Hello!!
Just to let you know that you're not alone in your black hole ..... though you may feel physically alone, you are in our thoughts!!
Grace
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We all care and we do understand what you're going through.
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thanks again. It's good to know that I'm not alone in regards to the depression.
You couldn't make up the week and and a half I've had
I had a car crash last Sunday where the other vehicle pulled out in front of me through a gap. They accepted fault. I got hire car. I then had lunch with my friend on Friday at a restaurant round corner from work. My ex made an appearance at the same restaurant. He caused me to have the major relapse I has last year that ended me up I'm hospital. Lots of cheating and lies, long story. Then when driving home from in hire vehicle a vam decided to change lanes coming off roundabout and went into side of me. Luckily they accepted fault again. Just had interview for new position and it wasn't great. Then today I've been told my car is a total loss. Meanwhile my flat will be on market within 2 weeks and now I'll be carless for viewing other properties.
And you know something. Light switched on in my head this afternoon. Couldn't help but laugh. Maybe I'm being premature but I think the ad had suddenly kicked in. When this last happened I was put on citalopram 4/5 years ago. Similar feeling, a light switch came on in my head and felt relief and could see clearly.
Fingers crossed. Xx
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Oh my goodness, what bad luck you have had :). Thankfully you are OK.
Everything crossed for you that the meds are working for you.
Thinking of you.
X x
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Hello
Just wanted to say it is possible to get off venlafluxine it's not easy but you can do it.
My story
I've been on anti depressants for last 12 years after the suicide of my brother whilst I was pregnant caused me to get pre and post natal depression and since then ongoing depression and anxiety.
I've been on lots different meds over the years which work and then I have a relapse and put on something else. In 2011 I was put on venlafluxine after my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and I took time of work to nurse her until she died. After this I went downhill in a major way the venlafluxine was ramped up to 375mg also given Buspirone 20mg then Olanzpine to help me try and get sleep and help with the nightmares and hallucinations I got when I did eventually sleep.
I was coping fine with all this until last year I collapsed and it was discovered my BP was so high I was close to having a stroke my heart rate was up and I felt like my chest was going to explode. 2 more collapses in as many weeks lots of tests and its discovered it was a side affect of the venlafluxine. Several Psyco appointments later its decided to wean me off venlafluxine and put me on something else. During this time I lost my job and marriage broke up so I wasn't in a great place. I managed to get down to 150mg venlafluxine and trust me that wasn't great the sweats started and I felt like I could sleep forever the Psyco decides to start me on Seraltine alongside the venlafluxine gradually increase that as the venlafluxine is reduced .....me not trusting doctors do my own research and see that this also has a side affect that can cause high BP so I raise concerns and off he goes to look for something else by this stage I'm down to 75mg venlafluxine I'm still not feeling great but still getting through each day, my docs are not greatest and I kind of got bit forgotten about so at beginning April I decided to see if I could completely withdraw I cut the 75mg in half then again went alternate days until eventually I had stopped .....I had 2 weeks of horrific brain zaps shivers sweats and general zombie feeling and I got to point where I thought I had made a huge mistake but I'd given myself until end April to decide if I could live without the meds. Now don't get me wrong my life had its dramas as only happens when you are trying to cope and are analysing your every feeling/mood, a friends daughter killed herself and because I have been there with my brother it took me back 12 years but I still managed to support them as best I could and then my aunt who I am next of kin for takes a turn for worst and I am told by hospital she won't last the day (she did thankfully)
Top that off with an ex hubby working in Oz for 3 weeks but still managing to push my buttons and 2 kids on half term to look after and you see that I had a lot going on. I got to end of week 2 and started to think I'd made a mistake and then the brain zaps got less, the sweats stopped and the shivers calmed down.
I'm now 5 weeks on completely medication free for the first time in years and I can't say I feel great but I don't feel like I imagined I would I almost feel like me again, I'm sleeping better have more energy oh and my constipationary IBS well that is 99% better too so I'm guessing that was another side effect of meds.
I'm taking things day by day and I know myself how I feel when I'm going down my black hole so know I can do something before I get there and know that if need be there will be another med right for me that will pick me up and keep me going.
Things are not great at home the ex moves out this weekend but the only conversations we have are rows where he puts me down I'm dealing with my feelings and kids so like I say it's a day by day thing I have a docs appointment next week and I will update them and fingers crossed show them that I am coping.
I'd never tell anyone to just stop meds and defo not without discussions with docs and family it's about slowly cutting down and adjusting slowly with the feelings and reactions of your body/mind.
I hope things are getting bit better for you I wanted to share my story so you can see it can be done I will keep you posted but there is a light at the end of the tunnel it sometimes just takes time to get there x
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I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of that. I had was a bit teary reading you're post.
I'm glad you're in a better place now.
God life can be cruel. But I hope you're stonger and the resilience you've probably built up will help you in the future.
No venlafaxiine now. Just ecitalopram and I'm feeling relive with no side effects. Venlafaxine increased my bp too. Horrible drug.
My thoughts are with you and thanks again for your post.
Xxx
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Hello,
I just thought I'd write and let you know that I came off of venal faxing a year or so ago whilst in hospital as I wasn't very well and was refusing all treatment...
It certainly is possible and the side effects of withdrawal will subside. I do hope you start to feel better soon.
X
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It's a dreadful week you've had but I'm glad you got through and you seem quite positive.
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Hello
Just thought I'd update my progress with escitalopram.
It's been great so far, I think that depression has disappeared. The only problem I have us I can't seem to relax. This has been a problem for about a year since the relapse initially occurred a year ago when I split for my ex. I feel ok and no where near the depressed state I was in when I relapsed. What I've found though is that I can't chill. Always have to be doing something and if I'm not I'm having alcohol to help relax before I go to bed. It seems that I've developed GAD probably due to the year of hell I suffered.
What should I do to try and alleviate my anxiety? I don't know if upping my meds or cbt will work. I think it's due to feeling lonely and part PTSD.
Many thanks for replies in advance.
X