How long do med withdrawals last?

Sunshinesworld · Jan 07, 2019, 11:51 AM

I was switched from seroquel, zoloft, baby dose zyprexa, and lamictal to risperdal, lamictal. I feel sick, have headaches, a weird feeling in my head, depressed, etc. How long will this last? It was nice having a hypomania episode but now that's over. I want to feel somewhat normal. When will this end?

MickeyCheeky · Jan 07, 2019, 12:11 PM

I'm so sorry, Sunshineworld

Switching meds can be very painful at times. How long have you been on those meds? Maybe you just need to wait a little longer. Or perhaps you just need to find the right meds combination. If the pain continues or is too much for you to bear, talk to your Pdoc about this. Hopefully you'll feel better at some point. Please don't give up. It won't last forever. Sending many hugs to you

02:03 PM

From what I've experienced and learned from others and in articles, it can really vary. Length of time on a medication, dose of a medication, individual reactions, and/or other factors play a part. Sometimes switching to similar medications immediately can help avoid withdrawals, but sometimes not at all. Please tell your your psychiatrist what you are experiencing. I hope they can help alleviate your discomfort and depression. Perhaps they should have more gradually made the switches? Or perhaps some of your discomfort is withdrawal, and some not withdrawal, but now being insufficiently medicated? This is just brainstorming. I'm not qualified to do so like your psychiatrist is.

I've had cases when a switch resulted in zero withdrawal. I've had some where my withdrawals were rough. In the latter cases, my psychiatrist weaned me off the medication(s) more gradually or made other medication adjustments that helped. Some of these weaning off periods, for me, have taken as long as months. If my psychiatrist didn't wean me off, but took me off cold turkey, either something really major happened, or if not, the withdrawals passed quickly. It sort of depends on the severity of the withdrawals sometimes, and if they can be alleviated with something simple.

Sunshinesworld · Jan 07, 2019, 01:14 PM

He cut the dose by 50% every week. So I only tapered off for 2 wks. It's weird because sometimes while coming off this stuff I'll feel pretty good for 10 minutes. But then my mood shifts within 5 minutes and it's terrible depression with a migraine. I only saw this doc at my day program so not anymore. I have to wait until March to see the new psychiatrist so this really sucks.

Guiness187055 · Jan 07, 2019, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunshinesworld

He cut the dose by 50% every week. So I only tapered off for 2 wks. It's weird because sometimes while coming off this stuff I'll feel pretty good for 10 minutes. But then my mood shifts within 5 minutes and it's terrible depression with a migraine. I only saw this doc at my day program so not anymore. I have to wait until March to see the new psychiatrist so this really sucks.

Sounds like you might need a slower detox.

Wild Coyote · Jan 07, 2019, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunshinesworld

He cut the dose by 50% every week. So I only tapered off for 2 wks. It's weird because sometimes while coming off this stuff I'll feel pretty good for 10 minutes. But then my mood shifts within 5 minutes and it's terrible depression with a migraine. I only saw this doc at my day program so not anymore. I have to wait until March to see the new psychiatrist so this really sucks.

Hi Sunshinesworld,

Welcome to PC and to the Bipolar forum!

I am sorry you are having a rough time.

I often hear of people in a similar predicament, with med changes made in a day program and then no immediate access to another pdoc for follow-up. It seems very irresponsible to me. I am so sorry!

Have you asked to be put on a waiting list with the new pdoc, incase someone cancels and you can get in?

If you cannot access a pdoc, is there any chance your Primary Care doc can help you? I know it's not ideal. Perhaps s/he could help to advocate for you with the new pdoc?

I wish I had an easy answer for you.

Please keep posting, if doing so helps. We are here to support you. I hope to see you around the forums.

I hope things get much better for you, pronto.

WC