Has anyone tried or had regular Reflexology? I had it once about 3 months ago (6 weeks post stopping meds) and remember feeling truly relaxed and almost spiritual. Not sure if it would work now, because I am more emotionally blunted these days (I was more mood swingy back then). But even just remembering it makes me feel nice. Just wondering if anyone has experience with it.

13 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

Has anyone tried or had regular Reflexology? I had it once about 3 months ago (6 weeks post stopping meds) and remember feeling truly relaxed and almost spiritual. Not sure if it would work now, because I am more emotionally blunted these days (I was more mood swingy back then). But even just remembering it makes me feel nice. Just wondering if anyone has experience with it.

Ive popped this here @Sminismoni we are keeping the supporting sections for content rather than fresh discussion posts. We like to keep this kind of stuff in your thread 🙂 Chippy

23 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

Has anyone tried or had regular Reflexology? I had it once about 3 months ago (6 weeks post stopping meds) and remember feeling truly relaxed and almost spiritual. Not sure if it would work now, because I am more emotionally blunted these days (I was more mood swingy back then). But even just remembering it makes me feel nice. Just wondering if anyone has experience with it.

 

I've no experience of it but in general if it isn't harmful and it has the potential to make you feel at least a bit better it is potentially worth trying?

The acute phase is absolutely horrible, I don’t miss it one bit. My advice for you as someone who’s been through a pretty severe acute withdrawal and slowly moving through protracted is to not focus too heavily on the timeframe. It’s far too easy to focus on the negatives and obsess about the idea that you’ll have to suffer for years on end. Yes it’s likely many of us have a lengthy healing process ahead of us but considering you’re still in your infancy of recovery you’re still in the peak of a heightened nervous system and brain. As time moves on, your symptoms WILL gradually become less intense and you’ll most likely experience the windows and wave phase. Trust me, as someone who was severely acutely injured, suffering with unimaginable pain, psychologically crippled if you’d have read my early posts on SA, you’d see how set on I was that my symptoms were permanent, and that I was completely broken and damaged. 
 

I’ve healed fairly quickly, albeit it’s a slow process, but the brain and nervous system don’t follow the rules like the rest of the body or organs. Healing does and will occur but it works on so many complex levels, the recalibration takes time. Some people bounce back quickly, others it takes some time. 
 

Try to be patient, and understanding and know that what you’re feeling, and thinking is not YOU, you’re in there, but you’re caught in a neurological storm of dysfunction right now. 
 

Symptoms will come, symptoms will go, other symptoms may pop up, others may vanish, and in some cases they don’t go away at all - but in time they will, it doesn’t mean you’re permanently damaged or broken. 
 

Who you are right now, is not who you’ll be in 6-12 months from now. So don’t give up, and just ride this out as best as you can. 

So a couple of weeks ago I got desperate and consulted with a medical cannabis prescriber. Luckily I happened to get assigned to an Addictions psychiatrist who recognised my symptoms as protracted withdrawal straight away because he sees it in his benzo and pregabalin dependent patients.

 

I shared how my worst symptoms currently (amongst the dozens) were feeling constantly over-awake, tense muscles, severely emotionally blunted (robotic), depersonalisation, insomnia and stabbing random back pain. He prescribed CBD oil 50mg/ml of CBD with <5mg/ml THC because I said I really didn't want THC. 

 

Last night had my first 0.5ml which meant 5mg of cbd and <0.5mg THC. Well, I ended up feeling good..But then too good. Too much energy, positive, motivated, and my PGAD symptoms flared big time. Ironically, the good mood meant that I went to bed feeling positive and I slept 9 hours last night. But woke up again with impulsive energy bursting out of my chest.

 

Early after stopping Atomoxetine I had 6 weeks of severe depression and suicidality alternating with very similar euphoric-like states. I was relieved when they settled because these feelings are associated with being out of control and having to fight urges to clean my whole house with a toothbrush or run a marathon.

 

Anyway, just wanted to share. Won't be using anymore. I mean the sleep was great, but the mood change has been scary. 

1 hour ago, Sminismoni said:

So a couple of weeks ago I got desperate and consulted with a medical cannabis prescriber. Luckily I happened to get assigned to an Addictions psychiatrist who recognised my symptoms as protracted withdrawal straight away because he sees it in his benzo and pregabalin dependent patients.

 

I shared how my worst symptoms currently (amongst the dozens) were feeling constantly over-awake, tense muscles, severely emotionally blunted (robotic), depersonalisation, insomnia and stabbing random back pain. He prescribed CBD oil 50mg/ml of CBD with <5mg/ml THC because I said I really didn't want THC. 

 

Last night had my first 0.5ml which meant 5mg of cbd and <0.5mg THC. Well, I ended up feeling good..But then too good. Too much energy, positive, motivated, and my PGAD symptoms flared big time. Ironically, the good mood meant that I went to bed feeling positive and I slept 9 hours last night. But woke up again with impulsive energy bursting out of my chest.

 

Early after stopping Atomoxetine I had 6 weeks of severe depression and suicidality alternating with very similar euphoric-like states. I was relieved when they settled because these feelings are associated with being out of control and having to fight urges to clean my whole house with a toothbrush or run a marathon.

 

Anyway, just wanted to share. Won't be using anymore. I mean the sleep was great, but the mood change has been scary. 

Yeah I wouldn’t go messing around with THC. I tried some very early into my protracted and whilst I was able to sleep great and got very minor improvement in my nerve pain, I also experienced heightened depression, anxiety and PSSD like symptoms. My Dad takes CBD oil and it makes him paranoid. 
 

Your psychological symptoms WILL fade in time, mine took about a year and a half but I’m no longer having SI thoughts and a never ending sense of impending doom. Takes time, but it does fade away once the receptors stop being so dysregulated. 

2 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

So a couple of weeks ago I got desperate and consulted with a medical cannabis prescriber. Luckily I happened to get assigned to an Addictions psychiatrist who recognised my symptoms as protracted withdrawal straight away because he sees it in his benzo and pregabalin dependent patients.

 

I shared how my worst symptoms currently (amongst the dozens) were feeling constantly over-awake, tense muscles, severely emotionally blunted (robotic), depersonalisation, insomnia and stabbing random back pain. He prescribed CBD oil 50mg/ml of CBD with <5mg/ml THC because I said I really didn't want THC. 

 

Last night had my first 0.5ml which meant 5mg of cbd and <0.5mg THC. Well, I ended up feeling good..But then too good. Too much energy, positive, motivated, and my PGAD symptoms flared big time. Ironically, the good mood meant that I went to bed feeling positive and I slept 9 hours last night. But woke up again with impulsive energy bursting out of my chest.

 

Early after stopping Atomoxetine I had 6 weeks of severe depression and suicidality alternating with very similar euphoric-like states. I was relieved when they settled because these feelings are associated with being out of control and having to fight urges to clean my whole house with a toothbrush or run a marathon.

 

Anyway, just wanted to share. Won't be using anymore. I mean the sleep was great, but the mood change has been scary. 

Interesting, I've read quite a bit about it, it's not something I would try just out of fear of messing with my already sensitive system, however I get the desperate need when the suffering is unbearable.

As long as are intuitive that's the most important thing, just be careful.

In the end I strongly believe that our system knows how to heal itself it's just takes much more time than we wish for.

Edited February 7Feb 7 by Fullhealing

3 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

So a couple of weeks ago I got desperate and consulted with a medical cannabis prescriber. Luckily I happened to get assigned to an Addictions psychiatrist who recognised my symptoms as protracted withdrawal straight away because he sees it in his benzo and pregabalin dependent patients.

 

I shared how my worst symptoms currently (amongst the dozens) were feeling constantly over-awake, tense muscles, severely emotionally blunted (robotic), depersonalisation, insomnia and stabbing random back pain. He prescribed CBD oil 50mg/ml of CBD with <5mg/ml THC because I said I really didn't want THC. 

 

Last night had my first 0.5ml which meant 5mg of cbd and <0.5mg THC. Well, I ended up feeling good..But then too good. Too much energy, positive, motivated, and my PGAD symptoms flared big time. Ironically, the good mood meant that I went to bed feeling positive and I slept 9 hours last night. But woke up again with impulsive energy bursting out of my chest.

 

Early after stopping Atomoxetine I had 6 weeks of severe depression and suicidality alternating with very similar euphoric-like states. I was relieved when they settled because these feelings are associated with being out of control and having to fight urges to clean my whole house with a toothbrush or run a marathon.

 

Anyway, just wanted to share. Won't be using anymore. I mean the sleep was great, but the mood change has been scary. 

As Jack said any substance that affects your nervous system is to be avoided. Just a sticking plaster if it works at all. These things likley cause further issues unfortunately. I hate to say it but it's time that fixes things. Dont worry we all go looking for the cure in the beginning and soon learn we need to just let our bodies get on with and the only we can do is no stand it its way.

 

 

Anyone had skin changes? I've always been prone to acne (been on adapalene gel long term). And flaky scalp. But since WD it's been much worse. My skin is flaky and dry but with lots of pimples, and my hair is like straw - only need to wash it once a week now. Not sure if it's stress or hormones or a WD thing.

@Sminismoni I just read your story and am so sorry.

I was wondering if this would be helpful for you to join...

Guidance For Doctors | The Psychotropic Deprescribing Council 

https://share.google/p9wjGIW0vuhWtijAl

 

 

 

Hi @Sminismoni  Reflexology, acupuncture, massage, cranial sacral therapy, and other somatic work are all in the same bucket of self-care practices for me. These are great non-substance healing modalities.

 

My concern with the CBD oil with or without THC is that a can block the receptor sites that the Rx you are taking (if you are currently on something-I can’t tell if you are from your signature). The reason behind this, I’ve been told by a functional nutritionist, is often times they’re working on the same receptor sites in the brain, so it can be blocking the Rx. I see others sharing links too that may have additional information. I think we can be so sensitized after these Rx that anything new and psychoactive can be destabiliziNg to our brains. Of course, I’m not a medical professional and could be wrong about this. Everyone is unique, though.

I’ll continue to pray for you and all here. Be well, my friend.

Bad day today. Lots of derealisation, very emotionally blunted, blurry vision. Now this afternoon I just feel nauseous (new symptom since last week, yay), sluggish, strange inside and a headache. Can't concentrate enough to read or watch TV. Muscles feel like tense jelly - so hard to find words for these sensations and experiences. I cannot imagine how people live with this for 2, 3, 4 years. I'm not even finished month 5. And my sense of time, weeks, seasons passing is completely gone. I barely notice the world around me, it's like living in a bubble.

1 hour ago, Sminismoni said:

Bad day today. Lots of derealisation, very emotionally blunted, blurry vision. Now this afternoon I just feel nauseous (new symptom since last week, yay), sluggish, strange inside and a headache. Can't concentrate enough to read or watch TV. Muscles feel like tense jelly - so hard to find words for these sensations and experiences. I cannot imagine how people live with this for 2, 3, 4 years. I'm not even finished month 5. And my sense of time, weeks, seasons passing is completely gone. I barely notice the world around me, it's like living in a bubble.

So sorry @Sminismoni It is indeed a hellish journey that words cannot describe but please don't look so far ahead and compare yourself to others' experiences, you may turn a corner very soon, you really can't tell, I certainly hope so for you.

In the meantime I find that a good long shower as well as gentle stretching exercises help with tough symptoms so maybe it's worth considering if you're up to it.

Please stay strong, this too shall pass.

Edited February 8Feb 8 by Fullhealing

Hi @Sminismoni,

 

I am sorry you are in such a tough situation. Being severely ill is terrible enough but working at the same time is really really tough.

What would happen if you lose your visa? Which country do you originally come from?

 

Veterans at SA used to say that most people severely harmed by psychotropic drugs usually turn a corner after 12 to 18 months of stability for the CNS. I think this is the best guess you can get since those guys were dealing with psychotropic drug harm for more than 20 years. Of course turning a corner does not mean full recovery and a few poor souls have to wait even longer. But in my experience hope is not the most important thing in desperate situations like this (because where is hope there will be also doubt)...faith and acceptance are more important because they save you mental energy and strength and help you to survive. I know this is difficult, but try to accept everything as it is and focus on here and now. Because of my desperate drug crisis I became a more spiritual person. I simply had to in order to survive. And I had no idea whatsoever how to make use of faith or spirituality for all my life before.

I had a quick look at Atomoxetine. It's a NET inhibitor and also pharmakokinetically very unstable (a little bit similar to Venlafaxine). Because of the hyperbolic relation between plasma concentration and receptor occupancy fluctuations usually increase on lower doses where the hyperbolic curve is steeper. You said you feel injured and not withdrawing. According to the "gospel" taught at SA a history of dose instability and a lot of on and offs or up and downs is the main reason for cns injury and "kindling".

 

I wish you all the best. You are healing, even if you are not feeling it at the moment.

23 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

Anyone had skin changes? I've always been prone to acne (been on adapalene gel long term). And flaky scalp. But since WD it's been much worse. My skin is flaky and dry but with lots of pimples, and my hair is like straw - only need to wash it once a week now. Not sure if it's stress or hormones or a WD thing.

 

Yes.

 

Everything you are and have been experiencing is withdrawal.

 

The recommendation in every support group for withdrawal out there is not to continue to introduce new substances aimed at short term symptom relief as it is very risky in withdrawal.

 

Going on and off of a number of psychiatric drugs is likely what has resulted in you ending up in this state. It strikes me that the last thing your body needs is cycling through several new ones, and instead, requires time to return to baseline.

 

This is the hard truth that those experiencing protracted withdrawal must accept.

 

Not everybody does have severe symptoms for years, many are doing quite a bit better by the end of the first year as well. In pretty much every case I've ever heard of, people do improve in time.

 

 

Has anyone read "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl? It's a small non-fiction book by a Jewish psychiatrist who was in a concentration camp. He tried to find meaning in the suffering he experienced there. I have been thinking a lot about what the purpose and meaning of my suffering right now might be. And if I am honest, I think it is forcing me to let go of perfectionism, ambition, expectation and also teaching me how to unmask as a neurodivergent person. I am trying very, very hard to view this phase of my life as an opportunity to learn more about what is really no longer necessary or important to me. When life is stripped to basic survival, you do realise what really matters. As Victor Frankl writes "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are forced to change ourselves". Sorry if anyone finds this tone deaf. I'm in a philosophical mood and am able to think straight tonight so started reflecting - probably a sign of healing, engaging in higher order thinking, even if I'm only able to for a couple of hours.

56 minutes ago, Sminismoni said:

Has anyone read "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl? It's a small non-fiction book by a Jewish psychiatrist who was in a concentration camp. He tried to find meaning in the suffering he experienced there. I have been thinking a lot about what the purpose and meaning of my suffering right now might be. And if I am honest, I think it is forcing me to let go of perfectionism, ambition, expectation and also teaching me how to unmask as a neurodivergent person. I am trying very, very hard to view this phase of my life as an opportunity to learn more about what is really no longer necessary or important to me. When life is stripped to basic survival, you do realise what really matters. As Victor Frankl writes "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are forced to change ourselves". Sorry if anyone finds this tone deaf. I'm in a philosophical mood and am able to think straight tonight so started reflecting - probably a sign of healing, engaging in higher order thinking, even if I'm only able to for a couple of hours.

@Sminismoni Indeed amazing book, he was also a neurologist and psychotherapist, very interesting, a man of science along with spirituality who went through an unbelievable inferno, the Holocaust, close to my heart, my grandmother's entire family on my father's side perished in the Holocaust, some on my mother's side as well, most of them in Auschwitz, still incomprehensible how the survivors remained sane, built new families, found new meaning and thrived, this, imo, is unequivocal proof that the spirit is stronger than anything, only from the depths did we know our strength, just like this journey.

It seems you are in a better place today, great a sign of recovery, very happy for you.

Edited February 9Feb 9 by Fullhealing

Hello @Sminismoni I have been reading your thread today and I want to tell you that I am very sorry for your terrible suffering. I can not imagine how you manage to work full-time. (I even looked up the table, fantastic thing! ) you will get through this, but this journey is incredibly hard. 
 

3 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

I have been thinking a lot about what the purpose and meaning of my suffering right now might be. And if I am honest, I think it is forcing me to let go of perfectionism, ambition, expectation and also teaching me how to unmask as a neurodivergent person. I am trying very, very hard to view this phase of my life as an opportunity to learn more about what is really no longer necessary or important to me. When life is stripped to basic survival, you do realise what really matters.

This is a fantastic attitude of yours: viewing the phase and the suffering as an opportunity to grow spiritually or personally. I am sure you will! And being a psychiatrist yourself, there will probably come the day when you will be a blessing to others with your competence and your experiences combined.

 

I wish you all the strength and the acceptance you need to get through this. 
take care, Nemina 

@Lukeand @Chippy I'm just t

wanting to edit my signature. Any instructions? Can't seem to figure it out myself.

On 2/9/2026 at 7:42 PM, Sminismoni said:

Sorry if anyone finds this tone deaf. I'm in a philosophical mood and am able to think straight tonight so started reflecting - probably a sign of healing, engaging in higher order thinking, even if I'm only able to for a couple of hours.

 

It's not tone deaf. Whatever helps you to cope and take care of yourself is good.

 

I hope that it is a sign of healing and that you gradually begin to notice further signs.

 

 

1 hour ago, Sminismoni said:

@Lukeand @Chippy I'm just t

wanting to edit my signature. Any instructions? Can't seem to figure it out myself.

 

We did have instructions before migrating over to a new version of the site software with a new layout (a professional, paid one that is much more robust), so unfortunately I don't have a guide to link you to.

 

However, it is located in your account settings (not under "profile"). If you click on your name on the top right (on the desktop version), and then account settings, the option is there.

That is a great book by Victor Frankl--it is inspiring to find meaning through our suffering. We go through so much in our lives of triumphs and setbacks that we can always find the good from the bad situations--even if it takes us years later to see it. Changing ourselves can look like many things. Tuning into our hearts to find rest and our true self is one way getting out of the "false" hold these Rx can place upon us. It takes practice but we can overcome these nasty Rx. I hope that you are feeling better today.

Be well, my friend.

15 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

@Lukeand @Chippy I'm just t

wanting to edit my signature. Any instructions? Can't seem to figure it out myself.

Hey @Sminismoni here's a direct link to the screen you need: Edit Signature

I started fish oil this week. I also began feeling nausea and had a bout of diarrhoea last night (usually I am very constipated in WD). I thought "Oh no, new symptoms" but now I'm wondering if it's the fish oil. But on the flip side, I feel less activated/wired and slightly more functional, to the point where symptoms have felt bearable the last 2 days. Damn, really not sure what to do. I've read that nausea and diarrhoea can be side effects of fish oil even in people not in withdrawal. Could it be diminishing WD symptoms or is it a coincidence I feel slightly more settled? Been on it 5 days now.

 

Just checked my symptom diary though: nausea started the day before I commenced fish oil. So, new symptom. Sigh. So hard to work this stuff out.

Edited February 12Feb 12 by Sminismoni

1 hour ago, Sminismoni said:

Just checked my symptom diary though: nausea started the day before I commenced fish oil. So, new symptom. Sigh. So hard to work this stuff out.

It is @Sminismoni, hope the fish oil is helping a little. Supposed to be calming for the nervous system if you can tolerate it. See how you go.

7 hours ago, Sminismoni said:

I started fish oil this week. I also began feeling nausea and had a bout of diarrhoea last night (usually I am very constipated in WD). I thought "Oh no, new symptoms" but now I'm wondering if it's the fish oil. But on the flip side, I feel less activated/wired and slightly more functional, to the point where symptoms have felt bearable the last 2 days. Damn, really not sure what to do. I've read that nausea and diarrhoea can be side effects of fish oil even in people not in withdrawal. Could it be diminishing WD symptoms or is it a coincidence I feel slightly more settled? Been on it 5 days now.

 

Just checked my symptom diary though: nausea started the day before I commenced fish oil. So, new symptom. Sigh. So hard to work this stuff out.

 

I genuinely doubt a nutritional supplement will take away withdrawal symptoms. It was recommended on SA as the omega oils are thought to be good for brain health in general. I would also not think eating a piece of salmon would reduce symptoms.

 

I tried it many times and it did nothing, and that's the same for others. Nobody has taken it and made withdrawal syndrome go away that I'm aware of.

 

The positive side to this, is that your body is the thing working on reducing the symptoms, which is a good thing.