Unrelenting fatigue

HanPanes · 11-30-2009, 07:32 AM

I'm not sure how to cope with the awful awful fatigue that I'm feeling and I've convinced myself now that I've got CFS or ME or something.

Up until 3 months ago I just about dragged myself through working a few days a week but that would completely knock me out for days afterwards.
Now I'm not working and can barely make it out of the house. Alongside all the depression, suicidal thoughts, crying, rage etc etc is this crushing fatigue.

Last night I slept nine hours, woke for two hours, then slept for another 4. I've just got up and had a shower and now I'm back in bed and going back to sleep. I could literally sleep all day and all night at the moment and it's scaring me. Surely this can't be normal???

Fighting it is useless, I just can't keep my eyes open or function but giving in and sleeping makes me feel like a failure.

Have I just got to the point now where my body's had so much stress that it's given up or will it pick up again? My adrenal levels are way off the chart low but I haven't got the energy or motivation to do anything about it, ie pay more money for specialists and supplements that don't work.

I just forced myself to walk round the block and it was nearly impossible - is this the future for me. Anyone come back from the brink of eternal sleeping??!

NoRx4me · 11-30-2009, 08:11 AM

I'm right there with you. I've gone to the doctor 4-5 times in the last 3 months and tried to get her to understand the severity of the fatigue (I'm mobile about 2 hours a day, the rest of the time I'm on the couch!). After 8 or more hours of sleep, I'm knodding off again at 12:30, and 5:30 and 8:30, etc.

Her last big advice: Add protein to my meals and B vitamins.
Of course, I'll do that but I still think there's gotta be something else going on. My TSH was back to normal (0.431). My cortisol was low also but she didn't have a solution for that. After trying hydrocortisone with no good results, she said, "well, we gave it a shot". Makes me wonder why I paid for that test.

I hope you get some relief soon!

HanPanes · 11-30-2009, 08:48 AM

So I'm not the only one! My fatigue seems to go in waves, I'll do moderately ok for a while then after a lot of stress or when going through w'd like now I'm useless. My last TSH was 2.9, which doc said was normal - I'm not sure, your's sounds low, I'm never sure what the corect range is!

With the adrenal issue it's very tough because I can't tolerate any of the glandulars at the moment and can only imagine what I'd be like on synthetic meds!
My cortisol levels are really low but DHEA seems to be fine. Eating more protein seems like a good idea - I've been a bit carb heavy at the moment! I've tried adrenal and thyroid vit/min supplements with only a little success.....

Are you still going through withdrawal or finished now? I hope our bodies get their strength back the further we get away from these drugs.....

efexorsam · 11-30-2009, 09:04 AM

How much and how often are you eating? I found that eating extremely regularly and high protein foods is generally a good way to fight the tiredness and lethargy. You need to be eating something at least every 3-4 hours. Try it and see if it makes a difference.

Light · 11-30-2009, 09:08 AM

You've got a lot going on--sedating meds, depression, withdrawal so it's hard to say what's responsible for this blinding fatigue. I had that early in withdrawal and it has gradually improved but I am still not back to normal in this respect.

How much of this do you think is from meds (i.e. sedation)? If you have a vitamin D deficiency and correct that it will likely help your fatigue.

NoRx4me · 11-30-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

My cortisol levels are really low but DHEA seems to be fine. Eating more protein seems like a good idea - I've been a bit carb heavy at the moment! I've tried adrenal and thyroid vit/min supplements with only a little success.....

Are you still going through withdrawal or finished now? I hope our bodies get their strength back the further we get away from these drugs.....

My DHEA was normal but since it went from 137 in May to 112 in Sept, I asked about it and the doc gave me a DHEA supplement. This also was no miracle like you read about. I stopped taking it. I'm only taking Armour Thyroid now.

I also am too heavy on the carbs (doc said so, and I didn't even tell her what I really eat!). It's SO hard to change when you can't pull yourself off the couch to get anything done, but eating always seems like a good way to keep myself awake.

That old Catch 22!

I've been off meds a little over a year. BUT; Just before starting to taper off (beginning 2008 ), I was on a cocktail of 4 meds (Cymbalta, Lamictal, Vyvanse and Lithium). Hopefully, your adjustment time won't be as long as mine.

Cosette123 · 11-30-2009, 09:19 AM

The fatigue will pass but can come back sometimes especially(I have noticed that) if we don't eat enough.
I am Paxil free since may 2008 , I have felt intense and awful fatigue for months. Now this seems to get better but I try to eat a little more.

HanPanes · 11-30-2009, 09:25 AM

Thanks guys - I need to somehow get more protein into the house and into my body! I def feel better when I eat but am prob eating the wrong things at the moment.

Light I only started Amitriptyline for my head pain around 3 months ago and I've def been more exhausted since then - not even sure it's helping....

Have had a vit D test and my levels were slightly low so maybe that's not helping either, does vit D make that big a difference?

NoRx4me - you've done amazingly well coming off all those meds in a year or so, I've taken 5 years to get down this far with Prozac, you should be so proud of yourself...

Mixter · 11-30-2009, 09:55 AM

Could it be the Amitriptyline (it causes fatigue) and Flupenthixol?

Have you tried some Spirulina, Iron and Calcium/Magnesium if they help?

nicole55 · 11-30-2009, 10:43 AM

Could be the Amitriptyline that has made you worse lately. That's one of the old school depression meds, the tricyclic ones. If you started it about 3 months ago- it could really be kicking in right about now.

I know they prescribe it very often as off-label use for chronic pain issues in the USA. I have heard that it can be very sedating. In some cases with chronic pain that can be a real benefit to some. And I know some people that were not able to stay on it for the sedating effect.

You may be a little extra sensitive to it, since your dose doesn't seem to be too high, but then you are going through withdrawal and still on some of the Prozac too. So that can make you extra sensitive to the effects of the new med.

Light · 11-30-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HanPanes

Light I only started Amitriptyline for my head pain around 3 months ago and I've def been more exhausted since then - not even sure it's helping....

Have had a vit D test and my levels were slightly low so maybe that's not helping either, does vit D make that big a difference?

At the beginning of withdrawal I was in bed a lot and I could barely bend over to pick something up off of the ground. It was debilitating fatigue and there was depression as well. Over time my fatigue improved some on its own but adding the D made a really nice difference. Before the D I could do about 20 minutes of light work around the house but then need to lay down for about an hour. Now, I need to rest less often and for a much shorter period of time. So yes D made a difference for me. Amitriptyline is incredibly sedating so you might want to consider a very slow taper but I'm certain that withdrawal alone is causing a lot of your fatigue too not to mention depression. BTW, my depression lifted completely and I haven't had any for three or more years.

Mike

scotty · 11-30-2009, 03:59 PM

Flupentixol is an antipsychotic and massively sedating. It has some nasty potential permanent effects.
Amitriptyline is an old tricylic with massive sedative effects.

Your drugs are the problem.

HanPanes · 11-30-2009, 04:05 PM

Thanks Laurie, I'm sure you're right. Without scaring me, what do you know about Flupenthixol, I hate it and that's all I know, I was originally on 1mg but in the past have found it nearly impossible to drop below the 0.35 that I'm on now so I've put it off til I've finished reducing Prozac. Any advice about this drug really welcome (Any possible connection to excrutiating chronic headaches?).

Thanks

scotty · 11-30-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HanPanes

Thanks Laurie, I'm sure you're right. Without scaring me, what do you know about Flupenthixol, I hate it and that's all I know, I was originally on 1mg but in the past have found it nearly impossible to drop below the 0.35 that I'm on now so I've put it off til I've finished reducing Prozac. Any advice about this drug really welcome (Any possible connection to excrutiating chronic headaches?).

Thanks

It's an old phenothiazine(I didn't even know they were still prescribing them). It's called Navane in the states. It does have a warning about using it in conjunction with Prozac due to the increased risk of dystonia and tardive dyskinesia.

I haven't seen this used in decades due to it's side effect profile.

Songbird · 11-30-2009, 04:50 PM

Have you considered weaning the anti-psychotic first? I think phenothiazines are pretty heavy duty drugs (I was actually on thioridazine for a while), I'd be wanting to get off of that first.

HanPanes · 11-30-2009, 05:00 PM

Songbird - I've been thinking the very same thing this evening. I do wonder if I should try it first, I'm very scared about it though.

The last time i tried I cut it from 3/4 tablet (my present dosage) to 1/2 tablet and almost went insane (no overstatement there), it was utter hell until I re instated. I lost all connection with reality and it was horrific.

I wonder what sort of half life this drug has and how quick it gets out of your system, I seem to remember I went into w/d within a few days so quite quick.

I'm going to buy some 0.001g scales, then I'm guessing it's the 10% method.
I'm so frightened - Prozac withdrawal I know about but this I do not although I have been cold turkeyed by ignorant hospital staff off anti psychotics in the past - not even worth saying how that was!

How did you get off the one you were on.
Thank you for all your helpful replies over the past weeks, you're a star

Han

scotty · 11-30-2009, 05:11 PM

Navanes half life is all over the map. Anywhere from 3-4 hours to 30 hours. The 30 hour appears to be the most accurate with daily usage for any length of time.

Songbird · 11-30-2009, 05:16 PM

I weaned it very quickly, but I was not on it for long. I think that in general, the longer you take a psych med, the slower you need to wean off it (because over time your body has adjusted to it). I think I'd do the amitriptyline first, since you've not been on it for long, you may be able to wean it relatively quickly, and that might give you some relief from the fatigue. Then I'd do the anti-psychotic next, very very slowly. Of course, I'm no expert in any of this, hopefully Scotty will tell me if anything I've said is rubbish!

scotty · 11-30-2009, 05:31 PM

The elavil will be the easiest to wean off. Are you on 5mg or 10mg? Then I would tackle the Navane.

Mixter · 12-01-2009, 02:19 AM

I also think that too Elavil will be the easiest to taper.

Try half Elavil tablet. Then go for 25% cuts thereafter.
Use a 0.001g scale and razor to strip off chunks.

You have been on 3 months, so it will be ok. (before 6 month)

I wish you good luck!
Hope your fatigue leaves.

HanPanes · 12-01-2009, 05:24 AM

Ok guys, thanks for all your advice. I will taper the Elavil first - just to confirm, I'm only on 5mg (originally 10) so that should make it easier.

Are we saying then that it's not a good idea to be on this drug for chronic pain? Is it best to find another way to deal with it that isn't a psych med?

Little bit apprehensive to come off it because although I'm in a good deal of pain at the moment, it's been a lot worse and don't want it back.....

scotty · 12-01-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HanPanes

Ok guys, thanks for all your advice. I will taper the Elavil first - just to confirm, I'm only on 5mg (originally 10) so that should make it easier.

Are we saying then that it's not a good idea to be on this drug for chronic pain? Is it best to find another way to deal with it that isn't a psych med?

Little bit apprehensive to come off it because although I'm in a good deal of pain at the moment, it's been a lot worse and don't want it back.....

What's the chronic pain due to? That is what needs to be investigated.

HanPanes · 12-01-2009, 03:28 PM

I know but my GP doesn't seem that fussed even tho I've been to see her about it 4 or 5 times. It started in march this year and is debilitating. The only thing that seems to help is aspirin, which I'd never really taken before. I can't even go an hour without some kind of pain relief.

Had a CT scan - all clear, she's booked me in for an x ray on my neck but I don't hold out much hope for that one. Would it be possible for this amount of pain to be due to the drugs and w/d because I think it's a bit severe and on going for that. Doc not willing to do an MRI scan as too expensive so I'm stuck with this intense what feels like nerve pain..... It's one of the biggest problems at the moment.

Mixter · 12-01-2009, 03:45 PM

Hmm, maybe you should be more careful with tapering Elavil, because it is helping you with the pain? Or so? Elavil is easier to taper off I think, than Prozac/Flupentixol. Perhaps you should taper off the Flupentixol first. And stay at Prozac/Elavil because you need rest. I think Flupentixol is damaging in long term, more than the antidepressants. Agonists, attacking the receptors... I think I would try to taper off Flupentixol first IMHO, now, that I have thought over this... If pain is an issue, better to hold and taper off Flupentixol first? Hope I could bring some directions for you... Priority? Flupentixol is also really sedating. I have found the head pains caused by antidepressants is helped a lot by using Ibuprofen, dosage 200 to 400mg is enough. I use it with no problems, even on my high dose Effexor. Tylenol does not give the same effect.

HanPanes · 12-01-2009, 03:59 PM

I think I agree with you Mixter, my eyes have really been opened to Flupenthixol being really nasty recently. I'm going to have to do it sooooo slowly and I'm terrified at just the thought.

Unfortunately Ibroprufen doesn't even touch my head pain, I took it for months and barely made a diff. Aspirin's my saviour at the moment but I need to keep pressing the issue with the doc and not being fobbed off. It's pretty scary when you get so used to a pain that you can't even imagine being without it - I've never had that physically before.

Hope you're doing ok with the Effexor reduction, I was on it at one point but it's all such a blur...... everything rolls into one after a while!!

11-30-2009, 07:32 AM	#1
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Unrelenting fatigue I'm not sure how to cope with the awful awful fatigue that I'm feeling and I've convinced myself now that I've got CFS or ME or something. Up until 3 months ago I just about dragged myself through working a few days a week but that would completely knock me out for days afterwards. Now I'm not working and can barely make it out of the house. Alongside all the depression, suicidal thoughts, crying, rage etc etc is this crushing fatigue. Last night I slept nine hours, woke for two hours, then slept for another 4. I've just got up and had a shower and now I'm back in bed and going back to sleep. I could literally sleep all day and all night at the moment and it's scaring me. Surely this can't be normal??? Fighting it is useless, I just can't keep my eyes open or function but giving in and sleeping makes me feel like a failure. Have I just got to the point now where my body's had so much stress that it's given up or will it pick up again? My adrenal levels are way off the chart low but I haven't got the energy or motivation to do anything about it, ie pay more money for specialists and supplements that don't work. I just forced myself to walk round the block and it was nearly impossible - is this the future for me. Anyone come back from the brink of eternal sleeping??! __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

11-30-2009, 08:11 AM	#2
NoRx4me Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NoVA Posts: 341	Re: Unrelenting fatigue I'm right there with you. I've gone to the doctor 4-5 times in the last 3 months and tried to get her to understand the severity of the fatigue (I'm mobile about 2 hours a day, the rest of the time I'm on the couch!). After 8 or more hours of sleep, I'm knodding off again at 12:30, and 5:30 and 8:30, etc. Her last big advice: Add protein to my meals and B vitamins. Of course, I'll do that but I still think there's gotta be something else going on. My TSH was back to normal (0.431). My cortisol was low also but she didn't have a solution for that. After trying hydrocortisone with no good results, she said, "well, we gave it a shot". Makes me wonder why I paid for that test. I hope you get some relief soon!

11-30-2009, 08:48 AM	#3
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue So I'm not the only one! My fatigue seems to go in waves, I'll do moderately ok for a while then after a lot of stress or when going through w'd like now I'm useless. My last TSH was 2.9, which doc said was normal - I'm not sure, your's sounds low, I'm never sure what the corect range is! With the adrenal issue it's very tough because I can't tolerate any of the glandulars at the moment and can only imagine what I'd be like on synthetic meds! My cortisol levels are really low but DHEA seems to be fine. Eating more protein seems like a good idea - I've been a bit carb heavy at the moment! I've tried adrenal and thyroid vit/min supplements with only a little success..... Are you still going through withdrawal or finished now? I hope our bodies get their strength back the further we get away from these drugs..... __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

11-30-2009, 09:04 AM	#4
efexorsam Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: England Posts: 364	Re: Unrelenting fatigue How much and how often are you eating? I found that eating extremely regularly and high protein foods is generally a good way to fight the tiredness and lethargy. You need to be eating something at least every 3-4 hours. Try it and see if it makes a difference. __________________ Various ssri's since March 2001. Switched to prozac March 2007, and began taper. Currently low dose of prozac around 1mg

11-30-2009, 09:08 AM	#5
Light Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,301	Re: Unrelenting fatigue You've got a lot going on--sedating meds, depression, withdrawal so it's hard to say what's responsible for this blinding fatigue. I had that early in withdrawal and it has gradually improved but I am still not back to normal in this respect. How much of this do you think is from meds (i.e. sedation)? If you have a vitamin D deficiency and correct that it will likely help your fatigue. __________________ Drug-free since 4/9/05 If you ever teach a yodeling class, probably the hardest thing is to keep the students from just trying to yodel right off the bat. You see, "we build to that. " — Jack Handey

11-30-2009, 09:19 AM	#7
Cosette123 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: France Posts: 181	Re: Unrelenting fatigue The fatigue will pass but can come back sometimes especially(I have noticed that) if we don't eat enough. I am Paxil free since may 2008 , I have felt intense and awful fatigue for months. Now this seems to get better but I try to eat a little more. __________________ Deroxat (=Paxil) during 10 years. Three unsuccessful atempts to quit. Deroxat free since may 2008 but Cold turkey withdrawal was horrific... Better days are coming slowly!

11-30-2009, 09:25 AM	#8
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Thanks guys - I need to somehow get more protein into the house and into my body! I def feel better when I eat but am prob eating the wrong things at the moment. Light I only started Amitriptyline for my head pain around 3 months ago and I've def been more exhausted since then - not even sure it's helping.... Have had a vit D test and my levels were slightly low so maybe that's not helping either, does vit D make that big a difference? NoRx4me - you've done amazingly well coming off all those meds in a year or so, I've taken 5 years to get down this far with Prozac, you should be so proud of yourself... __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

11-30-2009, 09:55 AM	#9
Mixter Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,128	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Could it be the Amitriptyline (it causes fatigue) and Flupenthixol? Have you tried some Spirulina, Iron and Calcium/Magnesium if they help? __________________ On SSRIs from -02 (Celexa&Effexor) Abused benzos, ct Lyrica&Remeron 10 mo wd off them. Quitted nicotine. Taper too fast, 300mg Effexor Jan-08 to July-08, reinst 3 mos out. Inc dose to max 450mg, bad sxs, discovered I felt better dropping in poop out. Effexor taper: 412.5 - 25 may-09 391.9 - 8 june-09 372.3 - 6 aug-09 353.7 - 20 aug-09 337.5 - 25 aug-09 318.8 - 24 sep-09 300.0 - 14 oct-09 285.0 - 5 nov-09 270.0 - 1 dec-09 255.0 - 22 dec-09 240.0mg - 15 jan-10 (-5.9%)

11-30-2009, 10:43 AM	#10
nicole55 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 563	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Could be the Amitriptyline that has made you worse lately. That's one of the old school depression meds, the tricyclic ones. If you started it about 3 months ago- it could really be kicking in right about now. I know they prescribe it very often as off-label use for chronic pain issues in the USA. I have heard that it can be very sedating. In some cases with chronic pain that can be a real benefit to some. And I know some people that were not able to stay on it for the sedating effect. You may be a little extra sensitive to it, since your dose doesn't seem to be too high, but then you are going through withdrawal and still on some of the Prozac too. So that can make you extra sensitive to the effects of the new med. __________________ status: PAXIL FREE date of Freedom: June 26, 2005 method: 2.5 mg drops reason for taking: anxiety how long taking: 5yrs attempts to stop: 4th attempt worked!! briefly went back to ssri's- 12/07 tried Zoloft in desperation//awful side effects starting up, tapered quickly after only 4 weeks on 01/10 doing good

11-30-2009, 03:59 PM	#12
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 39,329	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Flupentixol is an antipsychotic and massively sedating. It has some nasty potential permanent effects. Amitriptyline is an old tricylic with massive sedative effects. Your drugs are the problem. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

11-30-2009, 04:05 PM	#13
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Thanks Laurie, I'm sure you're right. Without scaring me, what do you know about Flupenthixol, I hate it and that's all I know, I was originally on 1mg but in the past have found it nearly impossible to drop below the 0.35 that I'm on now so I've put it off til I've finished reducing Prozac. Any advice about this drug really welcome (Any possible connection to excrutiating chronic headaches?). Thanks __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

11-30-2009, 04:50 PM	#15
Songbird Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 7,532	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Have you considered weaning the anti-psychotic first? I think phenothiazines are pretty heavy duty drugs (I was actually on thioridazine for a while), I'd be wanting to get off of that first. __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb - Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07 - Feb 08 20mg - 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg zopiclone > seroquel Jul 20mg Aug + methionine Oct aropax > loxamine Dec off seroquel 7 Dec 17.5mg 30 Dec 15mg 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg 18 Dec 6.3mg Appreciation is the antidote to stress - Trust is the antidote to fear

11-30-2009, 05:00 PM	#16
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Songbird - I've been thinking the very same thing this evening. I do wonder if I should try it first, I'm very scared about it though. The last time i tried I cut it from 3/4 tablet (my present dosage) to 1/2 tablet and almost went insane (no overstatement there), it was utter hell until I re instated. I lost all connection with reality and it was horrific. I wonder what sort of half life this drug has and how quick it gets out of your system, I seem to remember I went into w/d within a few days so quite quick. I'm going to buy some 0.001g scales, then I'm guessing it's the 10% method. I'm so frightened - Prozac withdrawal I know about but this I do not although I have been cold turkeyed by ignorant hospital staff off anti psychotics in the past - not even worth saying how that was! How did you get off the one you were on. Thank you for all your helpful replies over the past weeks, you're a star Han __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

11-30-2009, 05:11 PM	#17
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 39,329	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Navanes half life is all over the map. Anywhere from 3-4 hours to 30 hours. The 30 hour appears to be the most accurate with daily usage for any length of time. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

11-30-2009, 05:16 PM	#18
Songbird Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 7,532	Re: Unrelenting fatigue I weaned it very quickly, but I was not on it for long. I think that in general, the longer you take a psych med, the slower you need to wean off it (because over time your body has adjusted to it). I think I'd do the amitriptyline first, since you've not been on it for long, you may be able to wean it relatively quickly, and that might give you some relief from the fatigue. Then I'd do the anti-psychotic next, very very slowly. Of course, I'm no expert in any of this, hopefully Scotty will tell me if anything I've said is rubbish! __________________ Jul 01-Feb 02 Aropax Feb - Dec 03 Citalopram Jul 04 Aropax Jan 07 - Feb 08 20mg - 5mg Apr 4.5mg 5mg Jun 10mg zopiclone > seroquel Jul 20mg Aug + methionine Oct aropax > loxamine Dec off seroquel 7 Dec 17.5mg 30 Dec 15mg 24 Jan 12.5mg 16 Feb 10mg 10 May 9mg 30 May 8mg 5 July 7.5mg 2 Aug 7.25mg 1 Sep 7mg 9 Oct 6.75mg 8 Nov 6.5mg 18 Dec 6.3mg Appreciation is the antidote to stress - Trust is the antidote to fear

11-30-2009, 05:31 PM	#19
scotty Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 39,329	Re: Unrelenting fatigue The elavil will be the easiest to wean off. Are you on 5mg or 10mg? Then I would tackle the Navane. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

12-01-2009, 02:19 AM	#20
Mixter Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,128	Re: Unrelenting fatigue I also think that too Elavil will be the easiest to taper. Try half Elavil tablet. Then go for 25% cuts thereafter. Use a 0.001g scale and razor to strip off chunks. You have been on 3 months, so it will be ok. (before 6 month) I wish you good luck! Hope your fatigue leaves. __________________ On SSRIs from -02 (Celexa&Effexor) Abused benzos, ct Lyrica&Remeron 10 mo wd off them. Quitted nicotine. Taper too fast, 300mg Effexor Jan-08 to July-08, reinst 3 mos out. Inc dose to max 450mg, bad sxs, discovered I felt better dropping in poop out. Effexor taper: 412.5 - 25 may-09 391.9 - 8 june-09 372.3 - 6 aug-09 353.7 - 20 aug-09 337.5 - 25 aug-09 318.8 - 24 sep-09 300.0 - 14 oct-09 285.0 - 5 nov-09 270.0 - 1 dec-09 255.0 - 22 dec-09 240.0mg - 15 jan-10 (-5.9%)

12-01-2009, 05:24 AM	#21
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Ok guys, thanks for all your advice. I will taper the Elavil first - just to confirm, I'm only on 5mg (originally 10) so that should make it easier. Are we saying then that it's not a good idea to be on this drug for chronic pain? Is it best to find another way to deal with it that isn't a psych med? Little bit apprehensive to come off it because although I'm in a good deal of pain at the moment, it's been a lot worse and don't want it back..... __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

12-01-2009, 03:28 PM	#23
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue I know but my GP doesn't seem that fussed even tho I've been to see her about it 4 or 5 times. It started in march this year and is debilitating. The only thing that seems to help is aspirin, which I'd never really taken before. I can't even go an hour without some kind of pain relief. Had a CT scan - all clear, she's booked me in for an x ray on my neck but I don't hold out much hope for that one. Would it be possible for this amount of pain to be due to the drugs and w/d because I think it's a bit severe and on going for that. Doc not willing to do an MRI scan as too expensive so I'm stuck with this intense what feels like nerve pain..... It's one of the biggest problems at the moment. __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

12-01-2009, 03:45 PM	#24
Mixter Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,128	Re: Unrelenting fatigue Hmm, maybe you should be more careful with tapering Elavil, because it is helping you with the pain? Or so? Elavil is easier to taper off I think, than Prozac/Flupentixol. Perhaps you should taper off the Flupentixol first. And stay at Prozac/Elavil because you need rest. I think Flupentixol is damaging in long term, more than the antidepressants. Agonists, attacking the receptors... I think I would try to taper off Flupentixol first IMHO, now, that I have thought over this... If pain is an issue, better to hold and taper off Flupentixol first? Hope I could bring some directions for you... Priority? Flupentixol is also really sedating. I have found the head pains caused by antidepressants is helped a lot by using Ibuprofen, dosage 200 to 400mg is enough. I use it with no problems, even on my high dose Effexor. Tylenol does not give the same effect. __________________ On SSRIs from -02 (Celexa&Effexor) Abused benzos, ct Lyrica&Remeron 10 mo wd off them. Quitted nicotine. Taper too fast, 300mg Effexor Jan-08 to July-08, reinst 3 mos out. Inc dose to max 450mg, bad sxs, discovered I felt better dropping in poop out. Effexor taper: 412.5 - 25 may-09 391.9 - 8 june-09 372.3 - 6 aug-09 353.7 - 20 aug-09 337.5 - 25 aug-09 318.8 - 24 sep-09 300.0 - 14 oct-09 285.0 - 5 nov-09 270.0 - 1 dec-09 255.0 - 22 dec-09 240.0mg - 15 jan-10 (-5.9%)

12-01-2009, 03:59 PM	#25
HanPanes Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	Re: Unrelenting fatigue I think I agree with you Mixter, my eyes have really been opened to Flupenthixol being really nasty recently. I'm going to have to do it sooooo slowly and I'm terrified at just the thought. Unfortunately Ibroprufen doesn't even touch my head pain, I took it for months and barely made a diff. Aspirin's my saviour at the moment but I need to keep pressing the issue with the doc and not being fobbed off. It's pretty scary when you get so used to a pain that you can't even imagine being without it - I've never had that physically before. Hope you're doing ok with the Effexor reduction, I was on it at one point but it's all such a blur...... everything rolls into one after a while!! __________________ Seroxat (Paxil) 1997 - 2003 (age 17 to 23) Breakdown from withdrawal 6 month stay in hospital - July 03 - Dec 03 Somewhere in that mess - Mirtazapine, Olanzapine, Diazapam, Lorazepam, Cirpralex, Promazine, Effexor, Busperone - all off now Now 60mg Prozac down to 8mg over 5 years, 0.35mg Flupentixol, 10mg Amitriptyline. Right now age 30 I hate the world......this may change!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)