sensitivity and problems after quitting antidepressants

[RARA35]

HI. I quit lexapro almost a year ago. After being just fine on it for several years, it started to make me sick. Several months previous to quitting..I experienced seratonin syndrome after accidentally mixing with another seratonic drug(tramadol). Then again with Nyquil. I quit cold turkey, because it was making me so sick being on it. I had the typical nightmare  withdrawal symptoms that eventually got better. However, later things popped up like an OCD, insomnia and anxiety that I have had trouble controlling. I then tried to get back on several different meds and could not tolerate the side effects. I have tried all natural supplements and also have sensitivity. I have to be careful of caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake. I am now just going to stick to eating well and taking some vitamins (can't tolerate to many). I wonder if anyone has experienced this. How long does it take for your brain to heal and be normal again. I never would of taken these drugs if I had known the side effects. I think they are poison and someday we will all realize we have been there guinea pigs and have suffered unnecessarily.

[LeftCoastChick]

The problem with many folks IS they don't know what kind of depression they have, and if this is the actual issue. There are many other mood disorders that have similar symptoms, like depression, body aches, anxiety, and if you were incorrectly diagnosed many of these drugs won't work, plain and simple. You should never talk an OTC cold me with any SSRI ever, reacting badly to OTC meds like Nyquil ir the consequence of not asking to pharmacist if it's okay. Anytime I want to take an OTC I ask my Pharmacist first.

You have to be very, and I mean very careful taking "herbal" medications, technically they aren't meds. The haven't been approved by the FDA. St.John's Wort, is toxic when talking it with any SSRI/SNRI - it will cause Seretonin Syndrome. Sam-E has even on it's label to not take it if you are bi-polar.

I highly recommend you have a pdoc evaluate you, or get another of you are still having issues.  OCD, Anxiety, sleep issues, can be indicators of something else, and would be why your meds weren't working properly.  It happened to me, I coasted for 15yrs talking anti-depressants, none made me feel great, I got by, but still had low grade depression and anxiety, and in hindsight OCD.

I think that you need to get a new pdoc, clean the slate so to speak. There are a TON of meds out there that can work if you give them a chance, and stay away from anything OTC before asking the phamacist.  I'm on a mood stabilizer(Lamactil), not in the same group of drugs, it helps both with my depression and my anxiety. I think it's time as "consumers" to really take a look at options and be educated. Look up Mood Disorders, there a lot of online mood disorder tests. Though I think I know what's going on, but morally  and legally unable to provide with any stab at of a diagnosis.

I do hope that I've given you some insight, and there is a lot of options and hope, just stay away from cold meds lol!!!
all the best,
LeftCoastChick
Co-Community Leader
Depression

[Omusicgame]

Listen, I was on antidepressants also for a long time.  I stopped taking them, and haven't taken em in about 3-4 years.  They make you tired, numb, and they don't help much with sex either.  I think if you dont want to be on em, then dont.  I mean, I believe maybe some people out there need em, but some just dont.  Now, I'm just a rolling stone and I try to gather no moss.  Now I might get a little deep here, so here goes.  A VERY DEEP SAYING  
If the mind is in pain, then the body is free.  Free to do what it wants, Sit all day, watch tv, be lazy, eat junk food, sittingandthinking sittingandthinking etc.  The body is free to do what it wants, but yet the mind is in pain.
If the body is in pain, then the mind is free.  Free to do what it wants.  Well actually, just free for peace and enlightenment.  Free to understand things better.  Yes, the body might be a little in pain, and just tired, but the mind is free.
What would you rather have?

[RARA35]

I understand. I wish you the best!

[Hensley258]

When this condition is really bad, you don't care if taking antidepressants will cause future health problems.

I have no doub't that long term usage of antidepressants has an impact on long term physical health.

When you have this condition at my level you simply do not care. The alternative is death and that is not an option for me now. I will accept the risks so that I can remain fuctional on a day by day basis.

As for Vitamins, exersise and herbal treatments, I think they may offer some relief for mild to moderate sufferers, but you must understand that for some people this condition is VERY severe and cronic and naturals do not do the trick.

Most people I know (including myself) that suffer this condition in it's worst manifestation have long ago tried every Natural treatment known to man. They failed to realize a response from it and that is why they accepted medication.

I agree that many doctors are way too fast to give out antidepressants. There are many that could first try alternative treatments that are safer before going on meds.

For a select few people, naturals do help. It's important to understand that Major depression has different severities. The worse the condition the more invasive treatment needs to be.

[RARA35]

Hi! I'm glad they work so well for you..they did for me too for awhile. I respect your opinion, and it seem's you have no other choice.  I'm just scared that we don't know the long term consequences of taking this stuff. I know I was born with low seratonin, as I have many of the symptoms. I wish my doctor could of recommended an approach like, exercising more, eating right, fish oil and good vitamins. They seem to quick to right up an RX. Unfortunately I think I caused my problems with an overload of seratonin, which could happen to anyone. But, as I read other people's issues with this stuff I am seeing some familiarity. One thing is trying to get off and the side effects. It doesn't matter if you taper or not..IT IS HELL. So you wonder what these things are doing to your brain. I am seeing others having sensitivity to thing like vitamins ETC afterwards. Also, problems from long term use? We will soon know and already seeing some of this stuff come out. Also,I have read about an influence on brain diseases (alzerheimers,parkinsons ETC.) My aunt who has used for 10 years has all kinds of health issues. I just have major concerns, so know matter how bad it gets for me I would never swallow another pill. I hope I can completely heal and feel normal again someday. I realize there are people like you and I'm glad there is something that can make you feel better for now. I wish you luck in the future.

[Hensley258]

I'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience on antidepressants.

In a few cases some people do not respond to them or tolerate them very well.
You may be one of these people.

I know it's hard to understand because of your poor experience with these meds, but for many (like me) they can liteally save a life.

Unfortunatly there are many that really do need these types of medications just to stay alive.