Depression Support Group

Hi All

I was diagnosed with OCD, chronic depression and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)and for the last 2o years or so, I was given all kinds of medications. Honestly I have been prescribed nearly the whole spectrum of SSRI's and SNRI's and anxiolytics. For the last couple of years i was on:

Luvox - 300mg. bd

risperidone - 1mg. bd

clonazepam - 2mg. OM

Last Thurs. however my psychiatrist reduced the intake of Luvox by 100mg; and clonazepam by 1mg. He then prescribed me 50mg. ON Lamictal to augment the Luvox so he said.

Since then till now, I wake up in the mornings with shakiness, stomach feeling bloated, nausea, loss of appetite. I do not know what's happening and confused.

I tried contacting him but he did not respond.

Can someone enlighten me on what's happening to me?

Many thanks

Hi i am not a professional but going on a lower dosage, is possibly why you are feeling like this, your body was used to a higher dose, it's kinda like detoxing, why did he do that if it was working, i would go to the office if he wont answer your calls, today is a holiday so mabey he didn't work, i would talk to him about putting you back on higher dose again, i have never understood why if a regimine is working would a dr. lower the dose. Is it hard on your liver or something like that? Decreasing dosage like my pain med i requested a lower dose because i couldn't think, but my body went through a withdrawl period, but the symptoms subsided, so with you your symtoms will subside or you might be sick? Have you been near someone sick? I really would talk to the dr. asap, i wish you luck and love , how long ago did this change take place? I dont know if you were asked if you wanted to do this change , but i think as patients we should have a say, so raise heck with him, love sorry you feel so bad Debi

Med changes can cause some physical things to happen. Best to call your doctor and ask his opinion. Let us know how you make out. Rachele

Hi there,

Sounds to me like your feeling this way from lowering your dosage and all your meds, that will surely do this to you. I'm sorry the doc isn't getting back to you, sounds like its real important that you talk with him, of course in a few days if he hasn't gotten back to you all these symptoms will probably lessen. Anytime your body gets use to a certain amount of any drug for years lowering it as you did will cause, sleeplessness, nausea and loss of appetite, At least it has for in the past years. Good luck to you and hang in there!

Sounds like withdrawal or "discontinuation symptoms" as the medical profession like to call it! I know how horrible it feels but it will pass in a week or so and you should feel better. If you don't then perhaps it would be better to go back to the original dose. I hope you feel better soon - its an awful feeling when you are lowering your dose. Just keep talking to us here, you are not alone honey.

Ava

I have had symptoms like that when being taken off medicines and it surely is not a good feeling. Like Ava said it will usually pass in a while but if it is too uncomfortable or last too long definately get in touch with your doctor.

Hi Mtizigirl and All

I thank all of you for support in being with me and understanding what I am going through. As I write you my hands are shaking and trembling. I have been on very high doses of meds prior to this. I do not know what i should do to lessen the effects of discontinuation syndrome. I am thankful to God, i have so many friends who care about me and what I am going through.

Love and Hugs

kcfp

If it gets to bad kcfp they may need too take you down a little bit slower so it isn't so hard on you. I do know how badly it feels. It is a miserable feeling thats for sure. And you have plenty of friends here who do care. Just keep posting and talking to us. And your so welcome I am glad you are here with us to be supported. All of us here give and get. It's a great feeling!

Hi Mitzigirl

Thanks for your encouraging words. They are a source of strength for me. I thank the others also for being with me during this difficult period. I never knew that weaning off medications can be such a painful experience. As I sit in my room, debating about these meds, I have learnt a lesson and that is never to abuse the use of such meds in the future.

It's been a week now since my pdoc changed the regimen of meds i was taking in the past. I made a request to him since the cocktail of meds i was taking was controlling me and I was not in control of my life. Now it's one week since the abstinence. I feel terrible and sometimes I regret seeing him.I have found out through the Net that it may take weeks or months before the therapeutic effects of Lamical will kick in. In view of this piece of information, I guess what's required on my part is loads of patience.

Love and Hugs for all members.

kcfp