Taxilan (w/response)

[Guest guest]

Claus writes:

<<Hi all,

I have been taking Taxilan now for 1 1/2 yrs. now, after managing to get off of

Sertraline after more than 8 yrs. In retrospect, I don't think it was really

necessary to start taking Taxilan in the first place (I can't recall exactly why

my doctor suggested it, but at that time it apparently sounded plausible to me).

I have the diagnosis " borderline disorder " , and when I made an attempt to reduce

the Taxilan last week, I had moments when I became extremely aggressive, because

I have to cope with so may problems at once right now that it's at times simply

overwhelming.>>

responds:

** This happened indicating you did too large of a decrease.

Claus continues:

<<I definitely want to get off of Taxilan, but since I'm not very stable right

now, it looks like it will take time. Since I live very isolated (I don't feel

confortable in the apartment/house where I

live) I'm having extreme problems with buses and street cars, because I just

can't stand the people there (especially with cellphones). When other peple are

talking to each other, I become irritated.>>

responds:

** It sounds to me like your autonomic nervous system is a mess. Are these

problems just since you've tried decreasing the drug or have you always had

these problems?

Claus writes:

<<I'm looking for a good therapist, but haven't found one, yet. In addition, I'm

looking for a place inside a clinic where I can become somewhat more stable.

My main problem are chronic tensions in the diaphragm & suppressed  anger.

Rioght now I'm so exhausted that I often stay in bed; during the night, I cannot

sleep properly (only until maybe 1 or 2 a.m.; then I am awake for hours, with

short intervals where I can sleep).>>

responds:

** This is another symptom of withdrawal.

Claus writes:

<<Another issue is my nutrition. Although I am aware of proper nutrition, I am

often too exhausted to cook/prepare something; instead, I go to the bakery to

eat some cookie etc.

This is also due to my being extremely frustrated with my life in general; the

cookie gives nme at least temporary a better feeling. The main problem here is:

lack of power to be self-disciplined. I really try at times, but in the long run

I always fall back into my old behaviour. (I have to add that I don't have a

proper kitchen, only a heat plate, and I don't feel confortable in my kitchen,

so that cooking is no fun).>>

responds:

** I can understand why you would find it difficult to cook. But there is a

whole lot of room between cookies and perfect healthy meals. Perhaps we could

find some food that is healthier than cookies but requires little preparation.

Claus writes:

<<In addition to contact with my doctor (mainly over the phone) and the help

line, I attend two open AA meetings weekly, but right now, the train & bus ride

(45 minutes one way) is extremely stressful.

Right now, I actually don't know where to begin, but I see  that I definitely

have to change something to get better. (I started eating a salad regularly; in

addition, I work as a volunteer at a home for older people, where I get two

meals a week) I drink soda water daily, but it could be more (right now it's

maybe 1 1/2 liters every two days).>>

responds:

** A salad is a good start. How about 2 salads a week? You can dump a can

of tuna into it making it a complete meal.

Claus writes:

<<Until about 1 1/2 months, I took vitamins & magnesium daily (I will have to

buy this again at the drugstore; it was something I did for over a year).

My main problems right now are: chronic fatigue during the day;

irritability/sensitivity to noise; loneliness.>>

responds:

** Okay, so how about beginning the vitamins and magnesium again? It would

be good to add fish oil as well.

Claus writes:

<<Sorry for the long post. Maybe someone could make a suggestion with what I

could start in order to get better. I feel that it only makes sense to reduce

the Taxilan when I have found a therapist.

TIA,

Claus>>

responds:

** Claus, if you haven't returned to the original dose of Taxilan,it is best

to do that. You will begin to fgeel better within a few days of doing this.

When you feel normal again, let me know. I will guide you, if you wish, in

doing a decrease that is small enough so you will not have the reactions you've

been having.

Where do you live? Can you get flower essences? If so, get a bottle of Bach

Cherry Plum Flower Essence. Take 4 drops in 4 tablespoons of water 4x a day.

When you are out and overstimulated, take it directly under your tongue 2-3X.

Keep me posted. Welcome to the group.

Regards,