Medication Withdrawal, coping

[Greatskies]

Hello all,

I am looking for any tips or feedback regarding medication withdrawal and how to get back to daily activities after/while experiencing it.

I took two different medications between March & June. I had very significant side effects and both medicines caused worsening panic attack symptoms and depersonalization or disassociation feelings.

I did experience these prior to taking the medication, but the medicine made them more intense and added feelings I didn't have before. The physicatrist had me take a gene sight test to test the way my liver enzymes break down medicine. It turned out that I had a gene-drug reaction to both medicines, and although the doses were low, they were still significant for my body.

It has been almost three months since I stopped the first medicine, and about a month and a half, since stopping the second.

The last handful of times I had to go places, the withdrawal caused me to have very intense panic attacks, feelings of dissociation (out of body feeling but even more than that, like I was not myself). And a feeling that the world just suddenly got a lot bigger and like I couldn't be settled.

While the symptoms have gotten much better, I still feel this edge that I know is withdrawal, and it causes a feeling of fear when I think about going anywhere, but I want to overcome this. I really want to get out of the house and do things.

I didn't mention earlier in the post, but I decided not to try any new medication at this time, as the trial period is not something I feel I can do right now and I would rather continue on with therapy and coping skills as I was prior to trying medication. I know it is helpful for some, and hey, there could be one that's a better match for me, but I've decided I do not want to try anything else right now.

Has anyone experienced withdrawal who can relate to that feeling of feeling just not quite yourself and like you are so small in comparison to everything else, nervousness, frustration, irritability, and increased anxiety and depersonalization, etc?

I have been through a lot in my life, and God has kept me and I know will continue keeping me. I know this will pass and it is getting better every day!

Thank you I'm advance to anyone who can share what they've experienced and or what helped you move forward.

[Agora1]

Hi Greatskies I did go through withdrawal when getting off benzos.

I was fortunate to have a psychiatrist who specializes in medication withdrawal.

He used the Dr. Heather Ashton method of withdrawal. Cutting my dosage down

slowly every 2 weeks. Eventually replacing that drug with a longer lasting med until

I was completely off the original medication. Even doing it slowly and safely, it still

is a process that we have to go through.

I kept myself positive in knowing I was on the right path and would eventually be

free of all side effects. (which did happen)

You might want to take a look on YouTube and check out any information in finding

methods to reduce the symptoms.

I got into Meditation and Breathing which helped immensely in keeping my ups and

downs more stable. I wish you well. Good Luck, may you come to a success soon. xx

[Greatskies in reply to Agora1]

Hi there Agora1

Thank you so very much for your openness and sharing your experience; it is so good to hear that things improved! It is comforting to hear when others make progress and reassuring.

Have a very good day!

[punkster]

I had similar reactions to medications. I have been off of them for over a year now, but I still remember how I felt. Exercise helped, anything that increases your heart rate. Meditation helped, although I had a hard time doing it at times. Getting involved in a challenging task that occupies your mind helps. I play the piano and it takes me to another world. Schedule your day and have a list of things to do. Hold on, you will get over the withdrawal symptoms eventually.

[Greatskies in reply to punkster]

Hello punkster thank you so much for the tips! Exercise definitely helps a lot! I think I've turned a corner to feeling very close to how I felt before the medicine and I'm really seeing a difference!

Thanks again for replying!