On 6/22/2026 at 10:12 PM, Finni said:

I’m basically on that pattern myself

Did I read that you had a time when the sertraline was causing reactions right after you took it?

I’m having reactions to mirtazapine after I take it and I don’t know if there’s a way around this

No I don't think I react immediately. It seems to come on ( not everyday) late morning 3-4 hours post dose. It is an activated agitated state with burning skin , tingling. Maybe akathisia which I am sure I have had to varying degrees.

Not sure there is a way around it either @Finni .

Keep holding , maybe the nervous system will settle and be less sensitive as things settle. I activated by that .7 mg updose 8 weeks or so ago. It was only one dose. 😢.

Hope you have an okay day 🙏

On 6/22/2026 at 9:20 PM, SarahMc said:

I completely understand, some days the symptoms are just overwhelming and it feels impossible to cope. On those days all I can do is try to remember the good days and repeat to myself that it won’t be like this forever.

I hope today was better for you.

Thanks @Tracey, things are still pretty up and down for me and super random in terms of what symptoms will be present on any given day. I had a pretty nice little window yesterday, but today the intense brain fog is back — but not many physical symptoms! It all feels a bit like a cruel cosmic joke sometimes 🤷‍♀️🧐

Yes it does feel like a cruel cosmic joke @SarahMc . Derealization is dreadful.

Hope you can ride your waves okay. Brain fog is no fun.

Yesterday was good for me apart from a 3 pm slump with nausea and negativity. But up until then I was as close to 'normal' as I have ever been. However first bad sleep for over a week. And woke activated this morning and aching body which I get with no sleep.

Just hope I don't stay activated and doomsday and nausea all day. It will be a long day otherwise.

My blood test result showed low sodium again which I haven't had for over 12 months or more.

Got it back to 135 last year. Now down to 130. I hope it explains my nausea, dizziness, confusion, headaches of late.

Back to drinking my celtic salt in water and more salt in diet. Hope it helps.

15 minutes ago, Tracey said:

No I don't think I react immediately. It seems to come on ( not everyday) late morning 3-4 hours post dose. It is an activated agitated state with burning skin , tingling. Maybe akathisia which I am sure I have had to varying degrees.

Not sure there is a way around it either @Finni .

Keep holding , maybe the nervous system will settle and be less sensitive as things settle. I activated by that .7 mg updose 8 weeks or so ago. It was only one dose. 😢.

Hope you have an okay day 🙏

Thank you for responding ❤️

I’m so sorry. It’s so hard when we do something expecting relief and get temporarily “challenged” beyond what we thought was even possible.

3 minutes ago, Tracey said:

My blood test result showed low sodium again which I haven't had for over 12 months or more.

Got it back to 135 last year. Now down to 130. I hope it explains my nausea, dizziness, confusion, headaches of late.

Back to drinking my celtic salt in water and more salt in diet. Hope it helps.

I salt my water, too. (Himalayan pink salt) I’m border line low sodium myself.

If I remember right, we were born in the same year. I looked at your profile to see what time zone you’re in after I asked my question yesterday. 🙂

2 hours ago, Tracey said:

However first bad sleep for over a week. And woke activated this morning and aching body which I get with no sleep.

Just hope I don't stay activated and doomsday and nausea all day. It will be a long day otherwise.

Hope things calm down for you today 💜

2 hours ago, Finni said:

I salt my water, too. (Himalayan pink salt) I’m border line low sodium myself.

If I remember right, we were born in the same year. I looked at your profile to see what time zone you’re in after I asked my question yesterday. 🙂

Yes I saw that , 1968 . Where are you @Finni ? I am Australia.

The sodium all started 3 1/2 years ago during cold turkey and RI. Side effect of zoloft low sodium. I see you are on mirtazapine and have been on others.

4 minutes ago, Tracey said:

Yes I saw that , 1968 . Where are you @Finni ? I am Australia.

The sodium all started 3 1/2 years ago during cold turkey and RI. Side effect of zoloft low sodium. I see you are on mirtazapine and have been on others.

I’m an August birthday

I live in USA

My low sodium started a long time ago, too

8 hours ago, Tracey said:

My blood test result showed low sodium again which I haven't had for over 12 months or more.

Got it back to 135 last year. Now down to 130. I hope it explains my nausea, dizziness, confusion, headaches of late.

Back to drinking my celtic salt in water and more salt in diet. Hope it helps.

Hi @Tracey Hope you're doing a little better. Did your GP check your serum and urine osmolality? SSRIs and some other ADs cause syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) which manifests as hyponatraemia. The treatment often involves fluid restriction rather than adding salt. I've had this for some time and the last few months of been sucking ice chips instead of drinking water (when I can) and my serum sodium is back to normal. I have a very dry mouth from Amitriptyline so I was almost continuously sipping water. I also passed a lot of urine and sometimes had urgency. 🤗

2 hours ago, Catbird said:

Hi @Tracey Hope you're doing a little better. Did your GP check your serum and urine osmolality? SSRIs and some other ADs cause syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) which manifests as hyponatraemia. The treatment often involves fluid restriction rather than adding salt. I've had this for some time and the last few months of been sucking ice chips instead of drinking water (when I can) and my serum sodium is back to normal. I have a very dry mouth from Amitriptyline so I was almost continuously sipping water. I also passed a lot of urine and sometimes had urgency. 🤗

No and he didn't even mention it was low. Lucky I got a copy.

Now I remember you talking about ADH before. My urine has been larger volume and more frequent and dilute lately I am drinking too much herbal tea and hot water for comfort and it helps nausea.

Gee fluid restriction will be hard for me. I will try. I had to do that in hospital and my mouth was so so dry . No ice chips were given and I was in a state of extreme distress ( my CT / RI crash) .

Very helpful, thanks @Catbird 🙏

2 hours ago, Tracey said:

No and he didn't even mention it was low. Lucky I got a copy.

Now I remember you talking about ADH before. My urine has been larger volume and more frequent and dilute lately I am drinking too much herbal tea and hot water for comfort and it helps nausea.

Gee fluid restriction will be hard for me. I will try. I had to do that in hospital and my mouth was so so dry . No ice chips were given and I was in a state of extreme distress ( my CT / RI crash) .

Very helpful, thanks @Catbird 🙏

@Tracey The large volumes of urine are a pretty clear indication. The other things I find useful are dry mouth spray, mouthwash and gel. Biotene and GC are good brands - both available from Chemist Warehouse.

Dear Tracey, It sounds like it is one thing after another for you. I am so sorry.

I am praying that you will stabilise soon. I cannot believe that the small drop you made last year is still causing you so much withdrawal. It must let up soon.

How is the rest of life going? I hope you are coping with the organising of the move. It is so stressful at the best of times. You are doing so incredibly well with everything going on and withdrawal on top of it.

Think of you often.

Wombat

5 minutes ago, Wombat said:

Dear Tracey, It sounds like it is one thing after another for you. I am so sorry.

I am praying that you will stabilise soon. I cannot believe that the small drop you made last year is still causing you so much withdrawal. It must let up soon.

How is the rest of life going? I hope you are coping with the organising of the move. It is so stressful at the best of times. You are doing so incredibly well with everything going on and withdrawal on top of it.

Think of you often.

Wombat

Dear Wombat,

Thank you. Yes feeling pretty lousy still on and off. Only partial relief is at night.

The organising for move is all pretty much done and no more big stuff to do just the drive with my two dogs down south. I am worried about my old maremma as she has significant anxiety due to her breed and history and arthritis. I have planned it the best I can for her, however it will be a huge upset and then she has to settle in a new place that doesn't have the ideal set up for her. I didn't what else to do as I couldn't face any other option.

I hope I am not causing her trauma. And my cats who have arrived safely already at my mum's. They went by special road transport on Monday night. It was so hard and stressful for them and me saying goodbye until I arrive in 3 weeks.

I am not sure if it is actually the drop I did back at end of December, but the small updose I did for one day 2 months ago. I am now very sensitive to the drug and I think this paradoxical reaction is creating another layer of problems. I feel really stuck as I do thing my body wants off, but I risk destabilising more and creating yet another challenge. It really concerns me as is causing me great anguish. Even getting my head around measuring my next drop is too much.

Anyway I have to hold tight until I feel ready to do my next drop. This suffering is just so hard and seems like it will never ever end, even though it will. Why does it feel so hopeless when in this phase ?

Thanks for dropping @Wombat and I hope your next drop goes smoothly. xxx

I just googled the breed type of your dog. How gorgeous!!! I have to admit that I am not an animal person, however, I do appreciate them from a distance. I think she will be fine simply because she will be with you. And you have done the best you can for your animals, considering when in withdrawal, we are sometimes barely able to take care of ourselves.

10 minutes ago, Tracey said:

I feel really stuck as I do thing my body wants off, but I risk destabilising more and creating yet another challenge. It really concerns me as is causing me great anguish. Even getting my head around measuring my next drop is too much.

This is really hard to know what to do. But I do understand your anxiety. There are so many unknowns in this process. It's like walking through a minefield, and you don't know if your next step is going to blow up a mine.

18 minutes ago, Tracey said:

This suffering is just so hard and seems like it will never ever end, even though it will. Why does it feel so hopeless when in this phase ?

I believe this statement has probably been written by every single person going through the process of getting off these meds. I relate completely with it. But I like that you wrote "even though it will" (end). You know it will come to an end, and you can believe that. But I know the hopeless feeling you have during the bad days.

3 weeks to go until you head south. You sound like you are very organised, good for you. And you are travelling with a friend, that is good. Just take it day by day, try and relax as much as you can. Easier said than done, I know. It won't be long until you are settled in a new place.

Wombat

1 hour ago, Tracey said:

Dear Wombat,

Thank you. Yes feeling pretty lousy still on and off. Only partial relief is at night.

The organising for move is all pretty much done and no more big stuff to do just the drive with my two dogs down south. I am worried about my old maremma as she has significant anxiety due to her breed and history and arthritis. I have planned it the best I can for her, however it will be a huge upset and then she has to settle in a new place that doesn't have the ideal set up for her. I didn't what else to do as I couldn't face any other option.

I hope I am not causing her trauma. And my cats who have arrived safely already at my mum's. They went by special road transport on Monday night. It was so hard and stressful for them and me saying goodbye until I arrive in 3 weeks.

I am not sure if it is actually the drop I did back at end of December, but the small updose I did for one day 2 months ago. I am now very sensitive to the drug and I think this paradoxical reaction is creating another layer of problems. I feel really stuck as I do thing my body wants off, but I risk destabilising more and creating yet another challenge. It really concerns me as is causing me great anguish. Even getting my head around measuring my next drop is too much.

Anyway I have to hold tight until I feel ready to do my next drop. This suffering is just so hard and seems like it will never ever end, even though it will. Why does it feel so hopeless when in this phase ?

Thanks for dropping @Wombat and I hope your next drop goes smoothly. xxx

I think I'm going through something similar @Tracey . I've never been able to get my head around what a paradoxical reaction is — is it the drug doing the opposite of what it's supposed to do? My 8 weeks of severe myofascial pain "appears" to be settling, at least for the past few days. Last Saturday night was a shocker, the pain was 9.5/10. Whilst I was writhing I had an onset of what I consider may have been an acute withdrawal, possibly from one of the GABA drugs I'm on. l was vomiting, sweating and terrified al whilst trying to endure hours of severe spasms and waiting for the ambulance. I'm almost ready to give up.

It sounds like you're pretty organised for the move, although all the stress you've been through will have taken it's toll and may be perpetuating you WD symptoms. Hopefully when you're settled it will eventually settle an allow you to resume your life with some semblance of normality. 💕

2 hours ago, Wombat said:

I just googled the breed type of your dog. How gorgeous!!! I have to admit that I am not an animal person, however, I do appreciate them from a distance. I think she will be fine simply because she will be with you. And you have done the best you can for your animals, considering when in withdrawal, we are sometimes barely able to take care of ourselves.

This is really hard to know what to do. But I do understand your anxiety. There are so many unknowns in this process. It's like walking through a minefield, and you don't know if your next step is going to blow up a mine.

I believe this statement has probably been written by every single person going through the process of getting off these meds. I relate completely with it. But I like that you wrote "even though it will" (end). You know it will come to an end, and you can believe that. But I know the hopeless feeling you have during the bad days.

3 weeks to go until you head south. You sound like you are very organised, good for you. And you are travelling with a friend, that is good. Just take it day by day, try and relax as much as you can. Easier said than done, I know. It won't be long until you are settled in a new place.

Wombat

Thank you dear @Wombat , you have given me some hope. I get so worried about so many things.

Yes we are barely able to take care of ourselves, exactly. And good point about such a common statement re not ever getting off. The awful withdrawal is what pushes us to the limit. Not knowing how long this will go on for.

My maremma is called Freya. She was a rescue from local pound. She has been a challenge due to her prior life for the first two years. Very different to a domestic dog. She is timid and anxious but also very independent. Difficult combination. But I love her so much and she has been such a loyal companion and gentle guardian.

Enjoy your evening xx

58 minutes ago, Catbird said:

I think I'm going through something similar @Tracey . I've never been able to get my head around what a paradoxical reaction is — is it the drug doing the opposite of what it's supposed to do? My 8 weeks of severe myofascial pain "appears" to be settling, at least for the past few days. Last Saturday night was a shocker, the pain was 9.5/10. Whilst I was writhing I had an onset of what I consider may have been an acute withdrawal, possibly from one of the GABA drugs I'm on. l was vomiting, sweating and terrified al whilst trying to endure hours of severe spasms and waiting for the ambulance. I'm almost ready to give up.

It sounds like you're pretty organised for the move, although all the stress you've been through will have taken it's toll and may be perpetuating you WD symptoms. Hopefully when you're settled it will eventually settle an allow you to resume your life with some semblance of normality. 💕

Hello @Catbird

Good to hear you are having some relief at least the past few days. It really is such a brutal process we endure.

I am probably using paradoxical and sensitized to mean the same. I guess my current symptoms and the timing feel like I am at least partly having adverse effects. They are back to ramping up from late morning to early evening then ease up usually, unless I have had an especially stressful day. That time is peak plasma concentration.

Like you I have been sweating a lot but not vomiting. That must have bern so terrifying. What did the ambulance do ?

I hope you find the strength to keep going, however I can understand your thinking. I feel like giving up quite often as it seems so impossible at times. Stay strong @Catbird , you have come so far. Does your psychiatrist reassure ?

19 minutes ago, Tracey said:

But I love her so much and she has been such a loyal companion and gentle guardian.

I have heard so many say that their animals have been their lifeline through withdrawal. I am so glad you have her.

Wombat

3 hours ago, Tracey said:

That must have bern so terrifying. What did the ambulance do ?

Here’s the thing @Tracey they didn’t turn up. My partner was terrified. Firstly at the prospect of me going to hospital, as was I. However the pain was unbearable, I could see no option other than to go. I just continued writhing and screaming/moaning and the restlessness was just awful. After the vomiting and sweating I asked her to check where they were at. At some stage things started to ease. Secondly she was terrified and traumatised by the whole incident which had lasted for more than 2 hours — after a whole day of what I now see as moderately strong spasms. We cancelled the ambulance . My psychiatrist didn’t know what to make of it, but suggested it may be Benzo inter dose withdrawal. He referred me to an Addictions Medicine specialist who I saw on Friday and he thinks the AD withdrawal syndrome is extremely rare. He was however very thorough and kind but he had no ready answers. I’m now seeing a GP at the same practice. These last 2 months have really depleted me and left me shaken and unsure about the future. I’m so depressed and desperate at present 😢

4 hours ago, Tracey said:

My maremma is called Freya. She was a rescue from local pound. She has been a challenge due to her prior life for the first two years. Very different to a domestic dog. She is timid and anxious but also very independent. Difficult combination. But I love her so much and she has been such a loyal companion and gentle guardian.

I thought I knew most dog breeds, but I have never heard of a maremma! I just googled it and they look gorgeous 😊 Our two dogs are both rescues and are challenging in their own unique ways because of their histories. But I love them both beyond words and I find it all the more rewarding to have gained their love and trust in return.

All the best with the remaining steps in your move @Tracey, I hope things calm down for you soon.

9 hours ago, Catbird said:

Here’s the thing @Tracey they didn’t turn up. My partner was terrified. Firstly at the prospect of me going to hospital, as was I. However the pain was unbearable, I could see no option other than to go. I just continued writhing and screaming/moaning and the restlessness was just awful. After the vomiting and sweating I asked her to check where they were at. At some stage things started to ease. Secondly she was terrified and traumatised by the whole incident which had lasted for more than 2 hours — after a whole day of what I now see as moderately strong spasms. We cancelled the ambulance . My psychiatrist didn’t know what to make of it, but suggested it may be Benzo inter dose withdrawal. He referred me to an Addictions Medicine specialist who I saw on Friday and he thinks the AD withdrawal syndrome is extremely rare. He was however very thorough and kind but he had no ready answers. I’m now seeing a GP at the same practice. These last 2 months have really depleted me and left me shaken and unsure about the future. I’m so depressed and desperate at present 😢

I am so sorry @catbird you really are going through a very very rough time. That feeling of no one to help, as we know what can happen in hospital, is just so scary. And the ambulance not turning up, wow.

I understand your desperation and depression, feeling similar myself. I simply have to function and the fear of maybe not is horrific.

Thinking of you and sending a hug. 🙏

One day at a time. I find myself way ahead due to my change and the unknown and I won't have my own place until I am ready to look for another. All too daunting when we are so ill physically and mentally.

13 hours ago, SarahMc said:

I thought I knew most dog breeds, but I have never heard of a maremma! I just googled it and they look gorgeous 😊 Our two dogs are both rescues and are challenging in their own unique ways because of their histories. But I love them both beyond words and I find it all the more rewarding to have gained their love and trust in return.

All the best with the remaining steps in your move @Tracey, I hope things calm down for you soon.

Thank you @SarahMc . Yes rescues are great and so rewarding. I love my animals also and losing 2 this year has been awful.

Hugs to you too @Tracey 💕

8 hours ago, Tracey said:

Thank you @SarahMc . Yes rescues are great and so rewarding. I love my animals also and losing 2 this year has been awful.

I’m so sorry @Tracey, I hadn’t read enough in your thread to know you had lost two this year 😢. You have really had a lot on your plate, it’s no wonder your wave is so stubborn. Sending strength and healing your way 💜

Hi Tracey, thinking of you.

Wombat