Posted by Fuscia on June 26, 2002, at 16:41:49
In reply to an update and thanks, posted by tabitha on June 25, 2002, at 1:23:03
It's good hearing from you, hearing about the update.
I don't know if you've ever gone cold turkey off of a med. or reduced, but I wanted to share a common experience that occurs.
I have gone cold turkey off of 1 1/2 yrs. of Zoloft, 4 mo. of Celexa, and oh yeah, I did take Wellbutrin SR 150 mg in a.m. by itself for only a month - it made me relaxed but irritable. Anyway, I've gone cold turkey and have also tried the slow ween process - either way it was like all the emotions that the drug held at bay came rushing back, and I mean rushing like the dam had broke - I was worse than what I had been prior to starting any behavioural med: I cried over nothing, laughed uncontrollably, became depressed, irritable, high anxiety, mild hypersexuality. I had been in a flat state from the drugs, afterward it was like the dam had broke and my emotions went through extremes - what was my typical response - "Oh no, my old self is coming back, I need to go back on my meds". Many that are panic disorder sufferers experience panic attacks in full force - usually with no stressor to set it off. One experiences frustration and dissapointment thinking that they obviuosly can't live without the drug - so they go back on it or increase the dose.
I mention this because many times when meds poop out, or you reduce or discontinue a drug that effects the neurotransmitters, the brain suddenly has to figure out how to work before the drugs began to adjust the brain chemicals. This process can be a rough ride, and many folks simply think it's their old selves returning and go back on the medicine, either because of their own decision or their doctor's advice. I only know that what I experienced was worse than what I had been before every taking any medicine. How often I have wondered if I just stuck it through would I have eventually come to a more balanced state of being. I have yet to find this out personally for I went back on meds. I just couldn't handle "my old self" and figured I would forever be on a med. for I obviously couldn't be normal without it.
As for what you are experiencing, I don't know if this is what is occuring with you or not, and I am reluctant to say it is - for I don't know. I do know that others that have gone through this rough period that were determined to stick it out eventually got better. It would make sense to me that this would occur, since these drugs alter brain chemicals, and it can take some time for the brain to begin to readjust after going through this withdrawal period. I do know that this does occur with many other drugs. The birth control pill is a good example. Oral contraceptives suppress your hormone output. After stopping the birth control pill after years of use it can take the body several months if not longer, to begin to produce hormones in the balance it did prior to beginning the pill. Corticosteroids are another example.
I always mention this to people that are experiencing "their old selves again" when reducing, or discontinuing a drug, or going through drug poop-out, for sometimes it is just the brain's attempt at readjusting itself to being without the effects of the medicine. This can be a topsy-turvy experience. One day, I'd like to be med. free, but I will plan to do this when our new puppy is older, and not so rambunctious and persnickity. For his sake, I am not willing to discontinue the twice weekly Prozac since it works very well at preventing anger outbursts - which for me is like a man's temper - very ugly - physical - and can put me into a deep depression afterward due to guilt. I am like you, for I do not like the flat feeling of being on drugs. I have lost all creativity and motivation.
Well, I've written too much as usual. I'm glad to see you are keeping in touch. For me, that can really help when I'm going through uncertain times.
Take care, Fuscia
poster:Fuscia
thread:25571
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020616/msgs/25775.html