Originally Posted by waves

Hi Adamo,

I am a bit confused regarding the Elavil and the sense of pressure on your head? Has the Elavil dosage also been changed recently, or something? Couldn't it just be tension? Maybe that sounds stupid... I don't know the exact thing you are feeling of course.

Wrt the Valium, hard to say what to do -- how much (pills, strength) do you have left? If you have enough medication, maybe just stay put at this dosage until you get a call back from your doctor? Then consult with her and take it from there. Do not increase the dosage, though, ok?

Can you try melatonin again, to help you sleep?

I am glad you are still in touch with your wife... it must be hard for both of you right now. Keep looking forward. You will get to a better place with the meds, guaranteed. At that point, it will be less difficult to deal with the relationship issues. Meanwhile it is good that the communication lines are still open.

With work... I realize it is hard in these situations. If it can be of any comfort to you, I've found that anxiety and depression tend to make things to look worse than they are. Many times I was terrified of being fired, and later it would turn out I hadn't been anywhere close to it. Even if things truly aren't going well, all you can do is do your best, and then hope for the best. One day at a time.

My holidays are going as well as possible, thanks. We do keep things tame, and this year it has been even tamer, if you will, but still nice.

Yes, it will take a little time to recover fully, but it will happen and this will all be a bad dream. I am not a fortune teller of course, but even with the rocky road you've travelled thus far, I still feel that you can be well by Spring. Chin up and eyes forward, OK?

Here's to positive changes this New Year for you.

waves

Originally Posted by Adamo

It is nearly half way through January in the new year and I am still on 2 mg of valium at night. I am to withdraw .5 mg every 4 days until zero at the end of the month. At the same time I am being withdrawn from the Elavil 25 mg every 7 days ( I am currently at 75 mg down from 150 mg).Sleeping is difficult and I feel like I am sick with the flu during the day: headaches, dry cough, rapid heartbeat, muscle pains, etc. Worst of all, while I remember what it was like to feel normal in my own skin I wonder if that will come back to me as you said by Springtime ? I am trying to reinstate my exercise regiment but am failing....

Thanks again for any comments! Best wishes Adamo

Originally Posted by waves

Welcome!

Let your doctor know that you have tried his suggestion, and tell him the things you experienced when you you removed 400 mg. He wasn't kidding because that is a fairly reasonable taper schedule but it clearly isn't working for you. There is an alternative...

In the US, gabapentin also comes in 100 mg capsules. If your doctor does not offer these, ask him to prescribe them for taper purposes. I might try taking off 200 mg every few days -- if that is still too steep, go with 100 mg.

Please do not try the cold turkey route from 2400 mg of gabapentin -- that's like begging to have seizures. It isn't worth the risk and there's no need. If you want off of it fast, your doctor will probably want to prescribe another antiseizure medication as a temporary safety measure. But normally, gradual reduction is the preferred route with seizure meds.

Best wishes! Glad the Valley Fever seems to be under control!

waves