Prescription related drug prboblems. Repressed child memories coming out that i cant deal with?

Question

I recently came off all my prescribed medications recently (against better advice) as I had a very bad reaction to Tramadol. I was taking Valium, Xanax, Prozac and various pain killers for my problems, but those are the main ones that I was taking. In the end, it was a constant barrage of all those, with Tramadol, and I'm not proud to admit, quite a bit of alcohol. I'm completely dry for over three weeks now. Quitting isn't the problem. The problem is the nightmares. I am remembering things that I have repressed from being five. I can't sleep during the night, as staying in deep sleep (REM) for too long really emotionally upsets me. I am literally waking up in the night crying.

So i look as if I am sleeping all the time; losing weight because I don't want to leave the bedroom, but I am just mostly talking to myself or staring at the wall, and half in and out of consciousness.I can't go on like this.I can't deal with the stuff my dad did to me growing up right now.Any advice?

Answer 1

it could just be coming off...if it persist i would definitely talk to your doctor...i know how you feel...i know the need for alcohol and something to sugar coat what hurts and put a smile on your face...I'm still doing it...I'm stuck in a place i can't get away from and it took looking at what you wrote to realize it. but the medication could be causing the dreams...when i had to switch mine it had all kinds of crazy dreams...but it could be subconscious...your dreams are part of your struggle..think about them and see if they are trying to tell you something...it could just be a bump you have to get over before you are finally free from all that's hindering..

Answer 2

It is a shock to the system, when you come off medication and other drugs, because anything that you have been hiding from resurfaces. I'm really sorry that you feel so bad, but it's only the initial of getting used to living without these drugs.

Right now you need to join a support group of some kind. Because you say you used a lot of alcohol, the AA might be a good place to start, because they will understand the dependency on artificial and mind-altering substances, and be very supportive to you, and possibly help you on the right track to dealing with the long-ago abuse. It certainly helps to tell people about it, and they will know who you need to see to get help for this.

You could also see a doctor, tell him about the nightmares, he most likely will refer you to a therapist. It may be a comfort to know that many adults suffered from sexual abuse as children and repressed it growing up, and that you are not the only one. The problem with hiding behind drugs is that it does stop certain parts of you developing, so in a way you're still the outraged and horrified child that you were then ... this will pass, hon. It will pass.

Answer 3

Depression, what can I say, it seems to be the rock bottom of the world. You want to run away from everything bad in your life, and you just wish someone would give comfort.

Repressed memories from your childhood, hard to live with I know but sometimes you need to face your demons to move on from them. You could confront the person who has caused them, if it was a person. Tell them that you remember this stuff, and tell them what you think of them. If that is not possible, write your feelings in a diary.

I'm sure you are feeling angry and just want to scream, so do it. Get the anger out of your system.

And the meds, all they do is repress it, and zone you out, withdraw your emotions. Lay off the meds, talk about your nightmares to someone you can trust, someone you know will not judge you for any way that you feel, someone who will just listen to you and let you get it off your chest.

I think you'll find once you know you aren't bottling it up anymore, you'll feel much better.

I found myself living on the streets, smoking cigarette butts and scavanging for food because my problems caused me to hit rock bottom, and i just upped and ran away from my life.
Now I have a full time job, a new car and I'm almost happy, it takes alot to get back up there, but if i can do it, anyone can.

Good luck, hugs

Answer 4

oh sweet heart, i'm so sorry. This is some real deep stuff, and there are proffesionals out there who know exactly how to help you deal with this.Our family has delt with these same issues, some better then others, and my siblings range from ages 40's-70's. Alcohol,drugs,and other addictions, all that anger turned inward. Please please please have someone help you figure out what you are feeling and guide you through the process. The thing that helped me was realizing I had choices.You do too. God bless.

Answer 5

Do something out of the norm. Go on a roadtrip. Go meet new people. Go on a singles cruise. Pick up a hobbie that you always wanted to do. Buy you an r/c car to tinker with. This sounds dorky, but start a model train hobby. Do something to keep you occupied.

Answer 6

You may well be suffering from Post Traumatic Shock Disorder. See PTSD, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris in sections 33 - 34, and examine the 1-800-therapist website, and use the locators in section 1, and phone book, and/or various associations for psychiatrists and psychologists, to find the nearest one using EMDR therapy. If unable to afford it, contact the county/local mental health agency: any therapy on offer may prove helpful, particularly if combined with appropriate medication. Do this as soon as possible. Force yourself to eat healthily, even if not hungry, because your brain requires a balance of nutrients to function properly. PTSD is curable. Nightmares are addressed in section 3, but I doubt that you will improve much, if any, until undergoing appropriate therapy. Hopefully, I'm wrong about this! In the meantime, try using the EFT, in section 53, at ezy-build: pages 2.q, and 2.o also refer. "Even though I currently suffer from abuse/PTSD related nightmares, I deeply and completely accept myself". The very fact that you are starting to take positive action to deal with your problems can make you feel better. Also view section 52, on alcohol, and section 20, on sexual abuse:minors (if applicable). Forgiveness is an important step in the healing process, but that is for considerably later. It is also important to forgive yourself, if you feel that you should somehow have done better. Ask your therapist about these things. FROM: http://www.cbwhit.com

"If you have had

Difficulty Stopping Psychiatric Drugs......



• Antidepressants, such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Zyprexa, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor, Luvox,

Wellbutrin, or Cymbalta,

• Anti-anxiety drugs such as Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, Valium

or other benzodiazepines

• Stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine,

Concerta, Strattera, cocaine, and caffeine

• Mood Stabilizers, such as Neurontin, Depakote. and the like

• Major Tranquilizers, such as

Risperdal (risperidone), Geodon (ziprazidone), Zyprexa

(olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Clozaril (clozapine),

Abilify (aripiprazole), or Serlect (sertindole).

• Pain Killers, such as Oxycontin, Tramadol, Ultram, Codeine, Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Oxycodone (Percodan), Oxymorphone (Numorphan), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Meperidine (Demerol), Fentanyl, Methadone (Dolophine), Darvon, Talwin, Lortab, Dilaudid, and Duragesic.

I may be able to help.

These drugs are addictive and some are toxic. If you have taken any of them for more than a week or longer, do not stop taking them suddenly.

In my practice I have seen many people who were prescribed these drugs -- usually by other physicians -- who have come to complain about some of the toxic effects of these drugs. These effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, diabetes, over stimulation, sedation, low energy, confusion, and a bothersome withdrawal syndrome (described below) when they tried to stop. Many people have also complained that the drugs stopped working or never worked well for them.

You may have noticed some drug withdrawal symptoms such as:

Easy irritability, difficulty concentrating or focusing on a task, fear, anxiety, low energy, difficulty sleeping, insomnia, weakness, skin crawling, "drawing" aches and pains, or "electric shock" sensations, and the like. For pain killer (opiate) withdrawal, symptoms may also include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, abdominal cramping and diarrhea.

If you would like a consultation for a state-of-the-art assistance in decreasing and ultimately stopping any or a combination of these or other psychiatric drugs, please email me -- Charles Whitfield, M.D. -- at [e-mail] [Please type in your email subject heading HELP STOP DRUGS ]

or call me at [phone] 10 am to 5:30 pm only please". In your position, I'd go back on half, or even full dose of all except the Tramadol: NEVER stop such medications, cold turkey: seizures can result: they need weaning off, over months, with medical advice!
I don't know whether www.drdrew.com on abuse will help, but I have given you all I've got, although I would have preferred to have had more to offer.

Answer 7

get off the meds.; it's probably just a reaction from the xanax.

Answer 8

You may need to be on SOMETHING...have you talked with your doctor? Have you talked with whoever put you on these meds??
I would make an appointment...and talk with someone...