Medication withdrawal side effects?
For the past 2 to 3 months, I have been struggling with anxiety disorder, which has led to insomnia.
I often lie in bed until dawn without being able to sleep, or I have very short sleep durations.
Initially, I consulted a psychiatrist, but I was not diagnosed with any specific condition at that time.
The doctor prescribed me 0.5 mg of Rivotril (Clonazepam) to take before bedtime and advised that I could reduce the dosage if my anxiety decreased.
At first, it helped me achieve 7 to 8 hours of sleep, but the downside was that the medication's effects lasted too long, leaving me groggy during the day until the late afternoon.
Later, I tried to reduce the dosage myself, which was still somewhat effective, but over time, it became less effective, and due to work commitments, I was reluctant to return to the original dosage.
Subsequently, I switched to a different doctor due to transportation issues, who then diagnosed me with anxiety disorder related to hypochondria, stating that I had insufficient serotonin and dopamine.
The doctor prescribed 50 mg of Sertraline (Zoloft) at a quarter tablet and half a tablet of Rivotril (Clonazepam), both to be taken before bedtime.
However, the effects were still not satisfactory, and I caught a cold that week.
Taking cold medication during the day made me feel extremely weak and overheated, with my body temperature hovering around 37 to 37.5 degrees Celsius.
My limbs had a reddish, sensitive appearance, but it was not itchy, resembling the flushed feeling after exercise.
In summary, I felt very uncomfortable.
After a week, during my follow-up appointment, the medication was changed to 50 mg of Sertraline (Zoloft) at a quarter tablet, half a tablet of Abilify (Aripiprazole), and 0.5 mg of Xanax (Alprazolam).
On the first day of this new regimen, I felt extremely weak and overheated, and my sleep duration was still insufficient.
The same was true for the second and third days, which was alarming.
I later confirmed that the weakness was a side effect of Abilify, so I stopped taking it for two days.
The weakness subsided, but the overheating and lack of sleep persisted.
The doctors said it was an initial side effect, but I was genuinely frightened and quickly stopped all medications, which resulted in complete insomnia.
With the intention of avoiding Western medication, I returned to inform my doctor, but he seemed impatient and suggested that there was too much dopamine being secreted but not acting in the correct areas.
I was disappointed with this doctor.
Currently, my physical condition is such that the overheating makes it nearly impossible to sleep, and the lack of sleep increases my anxiety.
I wonder if this is related to the medications not being fully metabolized.
I have developed a negative perception of Western medications.
On the day I stopped the medications (April 28), I recorded that I was almost unable to sleep.
During that week, it was rare for me to sleep more than three hours a night.
After the second week, I found a clinic that offered non-pharmacological treatment.
Initially, it showed some effectiveness; my anxiety levels significantly decreased, and my sleep duration improved (though not by much).
In the later stages of treatment, my sleep was generally around 3 to 5 hours, but it was often light and filled with dreams (I frequently woke up due to dreaming).
The best sleep I have had so far was 6 hours without dreaming or waking up.
Under non-pharmacological treatment, I also consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
The effects were not immediate, but I was able to maintain energy during the day.
The overheating sensation disappeared a week after stopping the medications, but there was still slight redness on the skin of my arms (forelimbs), which the Chinese medicine practitioner attributed to nerve issues.
My blood pressure and heart rate were both elevated.
I have also received messages from others who experienced various physiological conditions after stopping medications.
They informed me that they encountered individuals who were negatively affected by Western medications at their Chinese medicine clinics.
Is it possible that psychiatric medications are truly unsuitable for some individuals?
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/16
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: The side effects of medication usually disappear within two to three days after discontinuation.
If symptoms persist, it is more likely that the underlying anxiety or depression has not improved.
It is recommended to take a multifaceted approach, including maintaining a regular routine, engaging in activities that benefit both body and mind, and adjusting one's mindset.
If the situation does not improve, seeking medical assistance is advisable.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Reply Date: 2018/06/16
More Info
Withdrawal symptoms from psychiatric medications can be a complex and challenging experience, particularly for individuals who have been prescribed these medications for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Your situation illustrates the difficulties many face when trying to manage their mental health while dealing with the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of psychiatric medications.
When you first started taking the medication, it seemed to help with your sleep, allowing you to achieve 7-8 hours of rest. However, as you noted, the medication also caused significant daytime sedation, which can be a common side effect of many sleep aids and anxiolytics. This sedative effect can interfere with daily functioning, leading to a desire to reduce the dosage, which you attempted. Unfortunately, reducing the dosage can sometimes lead to a rebound effect, where the original symptoms return, often more intensely.
The transition to a new psychiatrist and the introduction of different medications, including the combination of antidepressants and anxiolytics, can further complicate your situation. The medications prescribed, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the benzodiazepine, can have varying effects on individuals. SSRIs like your prescribed medication work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, they can take several weeks to reach their full effect, and during this time, patients may experience side effects such as increased anxiety, insomnia, or gastrointestinal issues.
The introduction of the benzodiazepine, which is often used for short-term management of anxiety and sleep disturbances, can lead to dependence if used for extended periods. This class of medications can also cause withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly, which may explain the insomnia and heightened anxiety you experienced after stopping the medication. It's crucial to taper off benzodiazepines gradually under a doctor's supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Your experience of feeling excessively hot and having skin reactions may also be linked to medication side effects or withdrawal. Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity or allergic reactions to medications, which can manifest as skin redness or a feeling of warmth. These symptoms can be distressing and may contribute to anxiety, creating a cycle of discomfort and sleep disturbances.
It's encouraging to hear that you have sought non-pharmacological treatments and have found some relief through alternative therapies. Non-drug approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and acupuncture, can be effective in managing anxiety and improving sleep quality without the side effects associated with medications. Additionally, consulting with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner may provide insights into your symptoms and help address underlying imbalances.
Your concerns about whether psychiatric medications are suitable for everyone are valid. While these medications can be life-changing for many, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individual responses to psychiatric medications can vary widely, and some people may experience intolerable side effects or inadequate relief from their symptoms. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
In conclusion, navigating the complexities of psychiatric medications and their withdrawal symptoms can be challenging. It's vital to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, express your concerns, and explore all available treatment options, including non-pharmacological approaches. Your health and well-being should always be the priority, and finding a supportive and understanding healthcare team can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
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