Tips for releasing toxins after SSRI withdrawal

**Posts:** 85 · by **tasha** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 2:15 am

I figured since a few of us here have recently weaned off SSRIs after long-term usage I would compile a list on tips for helping our bodies recover --- especially releasing the toxins as quickly as possible. Here is my list (and my opinion)

1 - Increase the amount of water you are drinking. Fluids are retained by the body to dilute toxins (I know right now I am retaining an usually high amount of water). Drinking more water dilutes the toxins even more, flushing them out of the body through breathing, sweating and urinating - so you have less need to retain water. Preferably filtered water or water with low mineral salt content, also known as p.p.m or parts per million.

2 - Exercise to increase seratonin levels as well as sweat out the toxins. As well, toxins tend to live in every part of our bodies, especially our fat cells. The less fat cells the better so there's no time like the present to begin an intensive diet and training regimen that incorporates strength training in order to lose body fat as opposed to just 'weight' (muscle and water). Increased muscle mass burns more fat.

3 - Work with a naturopath to begin a slow liver detox. This should occur over a period of a time as opposed to an intense 2 day or 1 week detox because you don't want to shock your body since in order to detoxify the liver it has to release toxins into the bloodstream and too many toxins will intensify the withdrawal effects you are already experiencing.

4 - Inquire into natural methods of boosting seratonin levels using 5 HTP, and a series of B Vitamins. Also, try to stabilize insulin levels by avoiding processed flours and sugar.

5 - Practice deep breathing techniques (great, albiet lengthy 'how to' at http://holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga ... rtance.htm ) for improved circulation and decreased anxiety levels.

6 - If you are doing a detox or cleanse than reactions such as headaches, nausea and fatique are common. An increase in these symptoms can be signs that the toxins are releasing from the cells and tissues and moving into the blood stream. These reactions are temporary and will disappear as the level of toxins in the blood stream are reduced or eliminated during cleansing.

Looking forward to everyone's suggestions!

Tash

**Posts:** 109 · by **Mermaid** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:46 pm

Thank you tasha, you have gathered so many things together. One thing I suggest is keeping a daily log of the meds, their amounts, and how one feels physically and emotionally. Other things would be times slept and how well one slept, or other things specific to that person's situation.

~Mermaid

**Posts:** 85 · by **tasha** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 2:15 pm

I should note that the above suggestions are for when you are completely off the SSRIs, since you shouldn't be doing a detox etc until then.

**Posts:** 2522 · by **kfedouloff** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:27 pm

Something else which help a lot is massage. A masseur who knows how to work with the lymphatic system can help you release toxins in the body. I am not informed about SSRIs specifically, but I know that getting rid of other types of toxin can be accelerated with the right kind of massage.

I never took anti-depressants when I was depressed, but proper massage was a real turning point in helping me come out of it.

Combining physical and psychological approaches has got to be good - it's not all in your head, as they say!

Kathleen

**Posts:** 245 · by **Juno** » Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:37 pm

kfedouloff wrote:Something else which help a lot is massage. A masseur who knows how to work with the lymphatic system can help you release toxins in the body. I am not informed about SSRIs specifically, but I know that getting rid of other types of toxin can be accelerated with the right kind of massage.
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen

I think you're absolutely right about the massage. I started to have weekly massage about halfway through tapering off and it really helped with tension etc. My massage therapist is also an aromatherapist, so she'd use whichever oils were appropriate that week - calming, soothing etc (I can highly recommend cypress oil - for change and transition - very empowering, I have used a bottle and a half subsequently!).

However, and this is the main point of my reply, my massage therapist has gone on holiday for a month, so I saw a new one last time. She was great but at the end, asked if she could work specifically on the lymph areas - asked what I was doing afterwards, the next day etc. She said she didn't know what would happen but that toxins would be released. She also said that when she worked with ex-smokers, she warned them that working on the lymph areas would release nicotine, held long-term in cells, back into the bloodstream.

After she worked on me, the following day I had my only day of "blues" and tears in more than 10 weeks. I also had diarrhea for two days! It felt awful to feel so down, I had a bit of worry that "it" was coming back, but by the following day - and since - all back to cheerful again. Incredible.

I highly recommend massage, too.

Juno

**Posts:** 245 · by **Juno** » Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:50 pm

[quote="Mermaid" One thing I suggest is keeping a daily log of the meds, their amounts, and how one feels physically and emotionally. Other things would be times slept and how well one slept, or other things specific to that person's situation.
~Mermaid[/quote]

Hi Mermaid

This is a great suggestion. I have forgotten to mention anywhere that I have kept a "diary" exactly as you suggest, since beginning tapering off. It lists how I slept, how I felt, moods etc, any anxiety or pain, etc etc etc.

It's just brief note form, but I add to it each day. It's like a log book, I guess. I wanted an accurate record of what really went on - how the withdrawal was and what the effects were, during and after. I wanted to be able to look back and see categorically what it was like. I didn't want to trust my memory if I needed to refer back to it in the future. Partly I was guarding against a "down" episode in the future when I know from experience that in that situation I don't remember anything as positive, it all has a negative tinge to it. So with a log, I'd be able to see facts, and not have to rely on distorted memory of what it was like.

And partly it has been for my appts with my doctor. In each session when I tell him how I've been feeling and what's been happening etc, he takes notes. Given my belief now in side-effects and withdrawal effects - and his caution in that regard - I wanted my own set of notes of what I went through! I didn't ever want to be relying on his version of it!

As it has turned out, it's been great to just look back and see the progress. And sometimes, even when we're well, our minds can play tricks. It's pretty easy after two or three really bad sleepless nights to feel like we haven't slept properly for a week, and it's very handy - positive - to look at the log and see that it's actually only been a couple of nights. And you can also look at what you were doing (or eating, or thinking, or feeling) on the days when you did get a good night's sleep.

Bit of a ramble ...

Juno

**Posts:** 85 · by **tasha** » Mon Jul 12, 2004 12:04 am

Interesting - I think I will take both of your advice and start a journal. I wish I started one earlier because it has been quite a rollercoaster ride the last month or so and it's true, the mind plays tricks on you. On a seperate note, as mentioned before, I began a slow detox last week and subsequently I stopped injesting all alcohol (I never drank actually), caffeine. gravol, tylenol and anything that else that would pass through my liver with the exception of an Ativan about twice a week to help me sleep during some really bad palpitations. Anyways, today I decided before going to the gym I would have a coffee (my first one in ages since I usually drink decaf). Within 15 minutes I started having the worst angina attacks and pains in my stomache. It lasted a good half hour. So, I strongly advise for those doing a detox to completely eliminate caffeine and other stimulants!

T

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