Mental Health Getting off Invega Sustenna/Neuroleptic Injections: tips and success stories

[Koz26]

I've read many posts online about people suffering while coming off/withdrawing from antipsychotics. I'm looking for tips for easing the pain of coming off Invega Sustenna and for some success stories about people who successfully recovered their mental and physical health after being on APs.

I received a starter shot of 234mg followed by 156mg/ml on Sep. 24th. It is now Oct. 31st and I still feel like I can't function physically or mentally. I understand from reading other people's posts that it can take a long time to recover. I'm prepared to wait as long as it takes and I'm not suicidal, but the inability to feel joy and constant fatigue makes me feel an inner turmoil that is ALMOST unbearable. Im on Adderall 30xr and 20mg ir per day for add, which helps a little right now, but I don't want to take it daily. I'm also just starting on Lexapro 10mg (been on it for one week) and Lamictal 50mg (on it for 3 weeks)

Im bipolar type 1 and I know I need to be on at least a mood stabilizer, but the Invega is overkill on my mind and body. My pdoc is certain this is just depression but it feels wayyy different. Depression is horrible too, but this is a different feeling. My pdoc wants me off the Invega too.

Does anyone have any tips on how to ease the mental/physical suffering of coming off Invega shots or other antipsychotic injections?

Any success stories out there people would like to share for myself and others who might be suffering? I'm willing to share mine when I finally recover...I use to think suicide was selfish, now I understand why people think it's a viable option. But don't do it, we can win these battles. I'm not suicidal myself, but I'm at a point where I'm willing to try almost anything to end this suffering besides hard drugs that might kill me. I don't want to die, I want to recover and inspire others. I just feel like I could use some help. I know others could too, and I'm here for you. Whatever that's worth.

Also, I heard Prolintane might help...thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[casual1]

@Koz26 - the following things may help. I am no doctor though.

Moderate exercise - build up slowly. Even just a regular walk around the block should help.
Breathe fresh air.
Get some sunlight in your eyes and on your skin.
Eat fresh food. These drugs take a lot out of your system. Magnesium is often depleted. I like cacao powder as a hot drink. It contains plenty of magnesium and protein. Omega 3 fish oil supplements may help. I find regularly eating fish is enough for me - the supplements give me brain fog. B vitamins are the other main nutrients to be depleted. Ask your doctor for B12 injections.

I found cooking new recipes helped improve my mood.

Avoid alcohol and other recreational drugs.

Try to learn something new. A bit of mild cognitive stress can help the brain both develop and heal. I have been reading plenty of philosophy lately which provides some consolation. Some emotionally stimulating fiction is also helpful.

You may find you experience a period of improvement and then feel down again. Do not be put off by this. This cycle will probably repeat itself many times as you recover. Never give up.

 

[Koz26]

Thanks for all the advice. I greatly appreciate it. I've been supplementing with B12 pills but maybe the injections would be more effective? I'm trying my best to stay away from recreational drugs. Right now though it would just be nice to find something that could make things easier at least for a little. I get how this could be a slippery slope though and I stick with legal stuff.

I use kratom occasionally which brings me a little relief and I just ordered some Pregnenolone, 50mg pills. I've found research studies claiming Pregnenolone helps alleviate negative symptoms of Schizophrenia such as anhedonia even when used in adjunctive therapy with antipsychotics. I'm not SZ, I'm bipolar but I hope there's a chance it will still help. I'm not a doctor either though so do your own research if anyone wants to try that. I can post links if anyone wants to see the ones I checked out.

The struggle is real but we can make it through eventually...any other tips? I'll try to find more stuff on my own as well. And thanks again.

 

[Hilary]

My son is struggling with recovering from the Invega Sustenna shot he got on Dec 12th 2015. On Friday he went to a training session for a new job. He forgot to take his vitamin supplements before he went to work. He bought a pack of cigarettes and monster energy drink, telling me that he just wanted to try to feel something. All bad ideas. He came home feeling crummy That night he had a terrible time sleeping, had heart palpitations all night. He had bad nightmares. The next day was overcast and gloomy. He barely made it through the day. We talked about whether he should go back to the hospital. He wanted me to do some on-line research for 'a pill' to fix his depression and lack of sleep. He wanted to quit the job that he just started.

He got caught up with his supplements, including Magnesium Citrate and CBD oil, I gave him a back message, went out and did a few things together. He had one cup of coffee to help with dopamine levels. I gave him some music to transcribe, to keep his mind busy. He gradually got a little better throughout the day. At night he had another magnesium citrate drink, coconut water for electrolytes, herbal chamomile tea, and another foot message. He opened a window and put a fan on to keep it cool and fresh in his room and went to bed.

This morning (Sunday) he was much improved. He said that he slept 'pretty good', and was able to get up at 6:30 (with a little help and support) and go into work. He was able to talk about having a positive outlook. It's also a sunny day. I encouraged him to get some sun on his face during the day. He's planning to get together with a female friend after work. I hope it's not too much to handle in one day. We'll see...