[pumpernickel1]

I have been having issues with over stimulation. I'm not sure what's causing it. I withdrew from benzos 1 and a half years ago but I should be healed by now. Around 4,5 ish until whenever I go to bed, I suddenly think super deep, am often paranoid, and get euphoric. It's happened ever since the benzo withdrawal. I've noticed low blood sugar makes a big difference. I've also noticed if I drink alcohol, even 1 drink, I daydream, live in fantasy land, have paranoia against the government, family, etc. But I'm often sometimes euphoric as well. I've taken antipsychotics for this issue but it only helps a little bit. Not much. It's also paranoia where I don't completely believe my thoughts but the thoughts are also kind of euphoric. I think I'm the only one who can save my town from the time elves lol. It's almost more fantasy and daydream than psychosis. It happens almost always when the sun starts going down. So in winter, this starts around 4pm. Summer 7-8 PM. If it's sunny out all day the issue isn't as bad. I've been reading about Chinese Medicine and the circadian rhythm cycle. They believe there's certain emotional 2 hr cycles throughout a 24 hr time period. It seems like what I'm going through. It all seems to be linked to sunlight and blood sugar, all these symptoms. Anyone have any idea? I'm confused. I see my pdoc in a week but don't tell him alot about myself. Haven't had meds adjusted in a yr.

Hi pumpernickel1. You have identified a number of things that may be exacerbating your current concerns. That's great! I have certain things that clearly overstimulate me, too. By identifying them, I can avoid them which does help me a bit.

Why don't you tell your pdoc much? Are you afraid they will prescribe an antipsychotic? Otherwise, I don't understand why Chinese medicine is preferable to open communications with your psychiatrist. Do you think your current medications are helping at all? Or would things likely be worse without them? If you saw a Chinese herbalist doctor, would you be open with them? I'm not suggesting that you switch to one, but I am also concerned about you taking other forms of medications without the expertise. There can be interactions.

[bpcyclist]

There are all sorts of med options for dealing with the paranoia and the euphoria, but nobody can help you if they do not know what is going on. Personally, I learned the hard way that I just had to always lay it all out for him or her (Pdoc). If that meant I wound up in the dang hospital, well, then, so be it. Better than getting worse. Or worse.

So, my counsel is basically the same as the wise BirdDancer. Tell them what is happening as best you can and let them help you sort it out.

Of course. I do not know your story at all, but the only thing somewhat related to your late afternoon/early evening symptom stuff is sundowning. I suppose you might just quickly read about that just to be sure something somewhere along those lines might not be some sort of odd possibility.

Wishing you the best--

[Sometimes psychotic]

My psychosis was worse with the lights out...at it’s peak I even slept with lights on....in older people with dementia there is something called sundowners.....there is clearly something about darkness that lets us slip closer to the dream world.....

[pumpernickel1]

I don't see a Chinese Medicine doctor. I'm just interested in the circadian cycle stuff. About how certain times of the day and certain weather/light cycles bring up certain emotions. I went to a doctor that prescribed me 9 medications when I was 20 (6 years ago) and I ended up in the hospital for 2 days with serious interactions. I also don't trust psychiatrists. They seem rude and narcissistic. I like my new one but you never know. I'm afraid I'll be put on a million meds again. I also hate going so if I only take the two I'm on, I only have to go every 3 months.

[pumpernickel1]

I'm 26 though, with Sun downers, is that only for dementia? I'm reading about dissociative disorders and some people with ptsd and dissociative disorders get sundowners like symptoms. I feel like I've been in a dream state since last spring. I can't remember anything. I forget simple things. Daydream about being a different person or the president or some wise spiritual leader. But then if I eat alot of sugar or eat a high carb meal, I feel stable and can think again but then I feel euphoric. I've been to so many doctors. They only have a theory that I don't get enough glucose to my brain but don't ever tell me how to fix it. So frustrating. This is why I hate doctors. They barely do basic tests then send me to an endocrinologist and he can't figure it out.

[pumpernickel1]

Originally Posted by pumpernickel1

I'm 26 though, with Sun downers, is that only for dementia? I'm reading about dissociative disorders and some people with ptsd and dissociative disorders get sundowners like symptoms. I feel like I've been in a dream state since last spring. I can't remember anything. I forget simple things. Daydream about being a different person or the president or some wise spiritual leader. But then if I eat alot of sugar or eat a high carb meal, I feel stable and can think again but then I feel euphoric. I've been to so many doctors. They only have a theory that I don't get enough glucose to my brain but don't ever tell me how to fix it. So frustrating. This is why I hate doctors. They barely do basic tests then send me to an endocrinologist and he can't figure it out.

I should also mention I've lost almost 70 lbs since last spring when these blood sugar/circadian rhythm symptoms started and my doctor thinks I have an eating disorder and I don't. I was 200 and now I'm 130. I just have no appetite at all.