3 hours ago, Chippy said:

I wish we knew. Everyone is so different. Anything we can do to not hold it back we should do. But I’ve heard of people smoking 40 a day and eating junk food (definitely not recommended!!!) and still recover! You will too. No one knows the trajectory but believe it!

Thank you so much, Chippy. Hope you’re doing ok today. 

43 minutes ago, pluto said:

Thank you so much, Chippy. Hope you’re doing ok today. 

Pleasure @pluto I’m hanging in there thank you for asking. 🙂

Have we talked about DGL? Have you tried it? You have to be so careful with the OTC heartburn stuff: 

 

stopping Pepcid (famotidine) can cause rebound acid hypersecretion, leading to temporary, worse-than-before heartburn or indigestion. This happens because H2 blockers, while inhibiting acid production, can prompt the stomach to increase acid secretion when the medication is stopped, with symptoms potentially lasting for several weeks. 

GoodRx

GoodRx

 +1

Key Details About Rebound After Stopping Pepcid:

What is it? Rebound acid hypersecretion is a compensatory increase in gastric acid production that occurs when acid-suppressing medications are stopped abruptly.

Symptoms: Rebound can cause increased heartburn, stomach pain, and regurgitation.

Duration: Rebound symptoms can appear shortly after stopping and may last for several weeks.

How to Manage: To avoid severe rebound, it is often recommended to taper off medication slowly rather than stopping abruptly

2 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

Have we talked about DGL? Have you tried it? You have to be so careful with the OTC heartburn stuff: 

 

stopping Pepcid (famotidine) can cause rebound acid hypersecretion, leading to temporary, worse-than-before heartburn or indigestion. This happens because H2 blockers, while inhibiting acid production, can prompt the stomach to increase acid secretion when the medication is stopped, with symptoms potentially lasting for several weeks. 

GoodRx

GoodRx

 +1

Key Details About Rebound After Stopping Pepcid:

What is it? Rebound acid hypersecretion is a compensatory increase in gastric acid production that occurs when acid-suppressing medications are stopped abruptly.

Symptoms: Rebound can cause increased heartburn, stomach pain, and regurgitation.

Duration: Rebound symptoms can appear shortly after stopping and may last for several weeks.

How to Manage: To avoid severe rebound, it is often recommended to taper off medication slowly rather than stopping abruptly

Thank you so much, we did, I had a reaction to it and don’t think I can take it. Unfortunately the Pepcid seems to have irritated my nervous system, been a little antsy and trouble sleeping. My stomach is more or less ok.

What are the risks of reinstating my last dose of lithium at 600mg and tapering much more slowly? I really can’t eat, it has become dire. Im working with a doctor who believes that lithium was keeping my mast cells calm and that’s why I’m now reacting so much, starting almost immediately after my last cut. I’m able to eat 3 foods and struggle for calories every day. I’ve lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks and the food sensitivity seems to be going nowhere. This has been going for 6 months and I just seem to be losing foods. Can I increase my dose or am I now stuck here? 

Edited February 24Feb 24 by pluto

19 minutes ago, pluto said:

reinstating my last dose of lithium at 600mg

I thought according to your signature, you are at 450 mg of lithium. If you mean updosing to 600 mg...that would be a really big jump and could cause further issues....do you have dates and dosages of how you got to 450 mg from 600 mg. That would be helpful. Thanks.

What is exactly happening when you eat something that causes a reaction?

29 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

I thought according to your signature, you are at 450 mg of lithium. If you mean updosing to 600 mg...that would be a really big jump and could cause further issues....do you have dates and dosages of how you got to 450 mg from 600 mg. That would be helpful. Thanks.

What is exactly happening when you eat something that causes a reaction?

I foolishly trusted my psychiatrist to jump from 600 to 450 directly in early August of last year, that’s when all this went from manageable to totally unmanageable. 
 

I eat almost anything but 3 safe foods and I get ear ringing, dry mouth, rashes, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, tendon pain, muscle aches, migraines, depression, brain fog. It’s horrendous and it’s been going for 6 straight months since right I after I lowered my dose. My body is incredibly freaked out and being careful about what I eat doesn’t seem to fix it, it all comes roaring back as soon as I eat a “bad food.” I have tried so many foods, non lectin, non oxalate, non histamine, nothing seems to be tolerable for my body. I simply cannot get enough calories. 

 

I know raising my dose is another huge stressor for my body but I basically can’t eat and am losing scary amounts of weight. Lots of doctors are offering me new meds that I know I shouldn’t try but this is horrendous. I feel very stuck and I feel like reinstating is the less of several evils.

 

thank you for your thoughts, I really appreciate your experience and knowledge. 

Just now, pluto said:

know raising my dose is another huge stressor for my body but I basically can’t eat and am losing scary amounts of weight.

Your body has made adjustments due to the lower dose....so increasing the dose needs to be done slowly, watching for signs of a kindling reaction. Usually it is recommended not to increase by more than 10% of your current dose, at one time...then giving it a couple weeks to see if there is improvement or not. Then repeating the process if necessary. 

2 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Your body has made adjustments due to the lower dose....so increasing the dose needs to be done slowly, watching for signs of a kindling reaction. Usually it is recommended not to increase by more than 10% of your current dose, at one time...then giving it a couple weeks to see if there is improvement or not. Then repeating the process if necessary. 

What would I look for in a kindling reaction?

 

I have another doctor who wants to give me a microdose of a medication to help with mast cell activation. Is that just as bad if it’s a very small dose? 

This explains kindling.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/27800-hypersensitivity-and-kindling/#comment-610557

 

 

13 minutes ago, pluto said:

another doctor who wants to give me a microdose of a medication to help with mast cell activation

Everything added can cause a complication. There are MCAS tests that should be done before accepting another drug. Have these tests been done? 

I personally do not think adding to your drug load is the answer. Especially when SSRIs, benzos and other drugs with massive side effects are being presented. (Regardless of dose) The choice is always yours. 

 

AI search 

Natural management for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) focuses on reducing triggers through a low-histamine diet (avoiding aged, fermented, and processed foods), using natural mast cell stabilizers like quercetin, vitamin C, and stinging nettle, and controlling environmental factors such as mold, fragrances, and stress. 

Thrive Wellness Center For Women

Thrive Wellness Center For Women

 +2

Key Natural Approaches for MCAS:

Dietary Adjustments:

Low-Histamine Diet: Reduce consumption of fermented foods, aged cheeses, alcohol, processed meats, citrus, and tomatoes.

Fresh Foods: Focus on freshly cooked meals to avoid histamine buildup that occurs with leftovers.

Nutrient-Dense: Include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) and antioxidants like berries.

Natural Supplements (Mast Cell Stabilizers/Antihistamines):

Quercetin & Luteolin: Known to help stabilize mast cells.

Vitamin 😄 C acts as a natural antihistamine and supports the immune system.

Stinging Nettle: Acts as a natural antihistamine.

DAO Enzymes: Assists in breaking down dietary histamine.

Magnesium & Omega-3s: Support the nervous system and reduce inflammation.

Note: Introduce supplements one at a time to monitor reactions.

Lifestyle & Environmental Control:

Reduce Chemical Exposure: Use air purifiers (HEPA filters) and choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleaning products.

Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises, asC stress is a major mast cell trigger.

Temperature Regulation: Avoid overheating, such as long hot showers, saunas, or excessive sun exposure.

Identify Triggers: Keep a detailed journal of symptoms and potential exposures. 

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

 +8

Edited February 24Feb 24 by LostinCanada

7 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

This explains kindling.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/27800-hypersensitivity-and-kindling/#comment-610557

 

 

Everything added can cause a complication. There are MCAS tests that should be done before accepting another drug. Have these tests been done? 

I personally do not think adding to your drug load is the answer. Especially when SSRIs, benzos and other drugs with massive side effects are being presented. (Regardless of dose) The choice is always yours. 

 

AI search 

Natural management for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) focuses on reducing triggers through a low-histamine diet (avoiding aged, fermented, and processed foods), using natural mast cell stabilizers like quercetin, vitamin C, and stinging nettle, and controlling environmental factors such as mold, fragrances, and stress. 

Thrive Wellness Center For Women

Thrive Wellness Center For Women

 +2

Key Natural Approaches for MCAS:

Dietary Adjustments:

Low-Histamine Diet: Reduce consumption of fermented foods, aged cheeses, alcohol, processed meats, citrus, and tomatoes.

Fresh Foods: Focus on freshly cooked meals to avoid histamine buildup that occurs with leftovers.

Nutrient-Dense: Include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) and antioxidants like berries.

Natural Supplements (Mast Cell Stabilizers/Antihistamines):

Quercetin & Luteolin: Known to help stabilize mast cells.

Vitamin 😄 C acts as a natural antihistamine and supports the immune system.

Stinging Nettle: Acts as a natural antihistamine.

DAO Enzymes: Assists in breaking down dietary histamine.

Magnesium & Omega-3s: Support the nervous system and reduce inflammation.

Note: Introduce supplements one at a time to monitor reactions.

Lifestyle & Environmental Control:

Reduce Chemical Exposure: Use air purifiers (HEPA filters) and choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleaning products.

Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises, asC stress is a major mast cell trigger.

Temperature Regulation: Avoid overheating, such as long hot showers, saunas, or excessive sun exposure.

Identify Triggers: Keep a detailed journal of symptoms and potential exposures. 

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

 +8

The doctor is an MCAS specialist and said that the multi systemic symptoms and connection for the drug tapers are enough for a diagnosis as the tests can be unreliable. I’m just so desperate. I’ve been on a low histamine and low everything diet for 6 months and I still can’t eat anything. I feel like my options are very limited. Thank you for the links.

Edited February 24Feb 24 by pluto

Hey @pluto

 

Yes if you can please update your signature with all your dose shifts.

 

Can you do it like this is order from oldest to newest

 

01 Jan 2025 Lithium 600mg

02 Feb 2025 Lithium 450mg

And so on

 

Just much easier to read and understand what has happened and when at a glace. 🙂 

 

As Lic said your drop was much too big. Updosing to the original dose of 600mg is too risky. If you want to up dose, a lower amount is recommended. No more than 10% AS LIC said.

It's been a while (Aug 25) I would be more conservative than that and try 5%. You can always increase the dose in a couple of weeks if you respond well to the increase.

 

Also to echo Lic again. Micro dosing is psychiatrys new toy. Adding psych active substances to treat wd harms is like putting out a fire with gasoline! They always seem to have something new to mess us up!

 

Chippy

19 hours ago, pluto said:

doctor is an MCAS specialist

I'my experience, specialist are way too focused on pushing what they know without looking at the body as a whole. My hubby has numerous health issues and has been so messed up from specialists with their tunnel vision.

Interestingly, he has been dropped by 2 of them...an internist because he wouldn't us opioids or SSRIs for fibromyalgia, and an endocrinologist, because he wasn't willing to increase drugs(levothyroxin )and supplements (vitamin D-10000 out daily) that were clearly activating him.

 

Your body is dependent on lithium, it has made changes to accommodate that drug. It is struggling adapting to less. I think slowly increasing it, will be more productive.

❤️🙏

12 hours ago, Chippy said:

Hey @pluto

 

Yes if you can please update your signature with all your dose shifts.

 

Can you do it like this is order from oldest to newest

 

01 Jan 2025 Lithium 600mg

02 Feb 2025 Lithium 450mg

And so on

 

Just much easier to read and understand what has happened and when at a glace. 🙂 

 

As Lic said your drop was much too big. Updosing to the original dose of 600mg is too risky. If you want to up dose, a lower amount is recommended. No more than 10% AS LIC said.

It's been a while (Aug 25) I would be more conservative than that and try 5%. You can always increase the dose in a couple of weeks if you respond well to the increase.

 

Also to echo Lic again. Micro dosing is psychiatrys new toy. Adding psych active substances to treat wd harms is like putting out a fire with gasoline! They always seem to have something new to mess us up!

 

Chippy

Hi Chippy, thank you and LIC both. This has been a hard week, the food sensitivities can get really scary. I really appreciate your measured perspectives. I will update my signature as soon as I can as well. 

5 hours ago, LostinCanada said:

I'my experience, specialist are way too focused on pushing what they know without looking at the body as a whole. My hubby has numerous health issues and has been so messed up from specialists with their tunnel vision.

Interestingly, he has been dropped by 2 of them...an internist because he wouldn't us opioids or SSRIs for fibromyalgia, and an endocrinologist, because he wasn't willing to increase drugs(levothyroxin )and supplements (vitamin D-10000 out daily) that were clearly activating him.

 

Your body is dependent on lithium, it has made changes to accommodate that drug. It is struggling adapting to less. I think slowly increasing it, will be more productive.

❤️🙏

This is very valuable perspective thank you. Truly. Thank you also for being so patient and consistent on my thread, I know I’ve been a little chaotic. It’s been an exceptionally scary couple of weeks. I hope your week has been ok! 

Hello @pluto I've also started experiencing histamine intolerance when I dropped to a low dose. I imagined I had MCAS which prompted me to speed up my taper, thinking I have to get the poison out of my body ASAP. Then I realized my mistake and still slowly tapering.

Anyway, I figured I have histamine intolerance very quickly and started eating low-histamine. It's been near 6 months. I did manage to eliminate a lot of the physical symptoms that way, but I still get flare-ups even despite my rigid diet. It's not only food that can trigger histamine dumps. It can be stress, hormonal changes, some other inflammation... 

Lately I do notice some persistent GI issues even though I haven't made any particular changes in my diet. I try not to panic but wonder if my histamine intolerance is getting worse.

 

Have you done a blood test for DAO enzyme? It breaks down histamine in our gut. Mine was 6 some months ago and the doctor said it is very probable I have histamine intolerance based on that number. I grow pea sprouts and eat them before larger meals to help the DAO.

 

In any case, sadly a lot of people develop food and histamine intolerances during WD, but I've seen a number of success stories where the issue got better/resolved. At this moment we can't do much but wait. Our body is so sensitive in this state and reacts to everything as if it was poison. It will get better with time.

 

I really try to eat a lot of protein. I did lose about 5kg since it all started but lately managed to get about 2kg back. It doesn't sound much but I was already on the leaner side so a few kg down is very noticable. I hope I don't lose more.

3 hours ago, Marina said:

Hello @pluto I've also started experiencing histamine intolerance when I dropped to a low dose. I imagined I had MCAS which prompted me to speed up my taper, thinking I have to get the poison out of my body ASAP. Then I realized my mistake and still slowly tapering.

Anyway, I figured I have histamine intolerance very quickly and started eating low-histamine. It's been near 6 months. I did manage to eliminate a lot of the physical symptoms that way, but I still get flare-ups even despite my rigid diet. It's not only food that can trigger histamine dumps. It can be stress, hormonal changes, some other inflammation... 

Lately I do notice some persistent GI issues even though I haven't made any particular changes in my diet. I try not to panic but wonder if my histamine intolerance is getting worse.

 

Have you done a blood test for DAO enzyme? It breaks down histamine in our gut. Mine was 6 some months ago and the doctor said it is very probable I have histamine intolerance based on that number. I grow pea sprouts and eat them before larger meals to help the DAO.

 

In any case, sadly a lot of people develop food and histamine intolerances during WD, but I've seen a number of success stories where the issue got better/resolved. At this moment we can't do much but wait. Our body is so sensitive in this state and reacts to everything as if it was poison. It will get better with time.

 

I really try to eat a lot of protein. I did lose about 5kg since it all started but lately managed to get about 2kg back. It doesn't sound much but I was already on the leaner side so a few kg down is very noticable. I hope I don't lose more.

Hi @Marina

 

I am always delighted to hear from someone else experiencing this unfortunate set of withdrawal symptoms, though no one's seem quite like mine. I have not gotten a blood test for DAO enzyme. The pea sprouts are a wonderful and holistic approach to the issue. Unfortunately I'm in a bit of flare right now and stuck on 2 foods (all fat and protein, hopefully that works in my favor) but I hope to try them someday. Hoping this will allow my system to calm down enough to add some foods back. Our bodies are indeed reacting to everything as though it were poison. Very frightening and difficult. I am also concerned about weight loss. Sending you much love as a you navigate this process as well. 

Thank you @pluto ❤️

I certainly hope you'll manage to get more food back into your diet. 🙏🏻

 

If you can check your DAO levels via blood test, maybe that wouldn't be bad.

(I don't eat green peas since I'm on low-histamine diet, but it seems my body doesn't react to pea sprouts the same. I mean, it is logical since they work in DAO's favor - breaking down histamine.)

Good luck! ❤️

I was very sick this week and accidentally skipped two doses of lithium, which I haven’t done I think the whole time I was on medication. It was Monday and Tuesday. On restarting it yesterday, my heart started to pound and it’s been pounding for about 12 hours. Is this normal? Will it go away? Has it the medication gone paradoxical on me? I’m a little nervous about this. 

Hopefully this will help:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/8972-i-made-a-mistake-took-too-much-double-dosed-took-too-little-or-skipped-missed-a-dose/#comment-23757

 

It is different for each person but the body may take a bit to stabilize again. ❤️🙏

15 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

Hopefully this will help:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/8972-i-made-a-mistake-took-too-much-double-dosed-took-too-little-or-skipped-missed-a-dose/#comment-23757

 

It is different for each person but the body may take a bit to stabilize again. ❤️🙏

Thank you. I’m willing to not freak out if I don’t have to. Sounds like this is fixable if I’m patient and not a sign that my med has turned on me. 

25 minutes ago, pluto said:

this is fixable if I’m patient and not a sign that my med has turned on me. 

Absolutely... your body was just telling you... don't mess with me...I need that drug.

You've got this. 🙏❤️