*Please note that everything written on this blog is written by a mere concerned citizen, who’s just looking to share what she knows and help link people together so they may help one another through a trying time. None of the material here should replace medical and/or psychiatric help, where it is needed. If you are in need, please contact a professional immediately. And remember, you are never alone, even when it may feel that way.
For whatever reason, I get many more emails during the last few months of the year, which tells me Akathisia really booms during this time. I have some ideas why, but that’s not the point here. The point is, I’m currently in contact with so many people who are deeply hurting and miserable, so I’ve decided to add even more info on healing. Everything listed here I have used in my own life; some for healing when in crisis and also some I still use for basic maintenance. It’s very personal for me to share all of this information. And to those who don’t have much experience with, or belief in, alternative and Eastern therapies, I just hope that the “alternative” nature of the healing modalities I believe in doesn’t skew your respect for this website and the work that’s being done here to assist you all. I want you all to stay engaged here and gain whatever help it may give, as well as, continue to work with and support each other through your healing journeys.
Just please take what seems interesting to you and leave behind anything that doesn’t feel right to you. Period.
*I’m not a doctor, nor am I trying to prescribe anyone any medications. I’m simply throwing ideas out here as to which natural products may be helpful for a balanced body/mind. Please advise a health professional before using any new products.
I have great faith in each of these products/modalities —
BIOLATERAL Mp3s
I have recently found by far the most effective brainwave entrainment recordings (biolateral) I have ever listened to and they are by David Grand. You can almost feel it physically in your brain. It’s almost like a tickle, a wave, of relief that you can really feel and it’s immediate. I would recommend this and Vitamin C together immediately above all else and then go from there to other solutions below. I would consider these two things a good 911 for brain or CNS imbalance.
I would recommend just listening to a couple tracks per day at first, eventually you should be fine with listening straight through a whole CD. They always recommend you start slow and taper up to more later with any brainwave entrainment recordings.
What Dr. Grand does is a form of EMDR, which is highly helpful for post traumatic anxiety/depression/agitation, etc. So finding an EMDR or Brainspotting therapist could be very helpful to you. At the very least, I would definitely work with these recordings to soothe your brain and get it firing in a more balanced way.
https://biolateral.com/catalog/downloadable-biolateral-mp3s
*I am in no way affiliated with Dr. Grand, I simply enjoy his products and have a great deal of respect for the work he does.
VITAMIN C
*I’m not a doctor, nor am I trying to prescribe anyone any medications. I’m simply throwing ideas out here as to which natural products may be helpful for a balanced body/mind. Please advise a health professional before using any new products.
Vitamin C is a great detox. I have read that if a person has a poor reaction to the drugs that were given during anesthesia they should do a mega-dose of vitamin C to help flush the body of the toxic pharmaceuticals.
So I don’t see why this wouldn’t hold true for basically any drug reaction.
Knowing the amazing healing properties of vitamin C, I take large amounts daily. I find the powder which you mix in with water is most effective, I feel the most change in my overall health anyway. Sometimes I use the Emergen-C packs, sometimes Lypo-Spheric by LivOn. The LivOn brand is no joke, you feel that immediately, it really does get right in to your system. So if you can afford it, I’d recommend the LivOn brand above all others. I tend to take one every couple days and then Emergen-C on the days in between.
If you take too much vitamin C, the body excretes it naturally. You may get loose stools if you overdo it, but either way, your body will let you know and then you can adjust your dosage accordingly.
I’m not going to suggest dosages here, I’m not a doctor. There’s lots of info out there online about vitamin C being used for detox and healing and info on megadosing for different health issues. I’ll leave it at that.
PROBIOTICS
*I’m not a doctor, nor am I trying to prescribe anyone any medications. I’m simply throwing ideas out here as to which natural products may be helpful for a balanced body/mind. Please advise a health professional before using any new products.
I have recently learned that there are more serotonin receptors in the gut than in the brain! This news astounded me! The best part of it, I think, is that what we eat absolutely will affect the brain/mind/emotions. So, if we put healthy stuff in the gut, it should easily regulate the way we feel since we clearly need balance in the gut, to be balanced mentally and emotionally.
This doesn’t mean we can eat crap and then throw in a couple probiotics and all will be well. It means we need to be much more aware of what we’re putting in our mouths and really take nutrition seriously if we want to be physically AND mentally well and certainly if we’re in a healing crisis.
The best probiotics I know of are Custom Probiotics and VSL#3. They each have their own websites and should be ordered directly from the company for proper shipping in order to maintain the integrity of the product.
WILD YAM CREAM
*I’m not a doctor, nor am I trying to prescribe anyone any medications. I’m simply throwing ideas out here as to which natural products may be helpful for a balanced body/mind. Please advise a health professional before using any new products.
Wild yam cream may be one of the main things that tipped me over the edge toward healing when I was suffering with this. I started using it according to the label on the jar and soon after, began having blocks of time throughout the day where I started feeling improvement. I don’t know if it’s related, but I believe it is. I know a few people who have tried it while suffering akathisia and they found it helped them as well. It may be worth a try for those who are suffering akathisia. It’s a natural product that can be found at vitamin stores, Whole Foods, Amazon, etc. I don’t know what brand is better than another, I would just look for one that has received a lot of good online reviews.
I realize it’s a hormone support product for women, but since males and females share hormones (just at varying degrees) I believe it may be worth a try even for men who are suffering akathisia.
I would really like some feedback from those who are giving this a try, let us know how it worked for you and how quickly you saw improvement. Or even if it didn’t help..The info is most valuable for our readers.
COLOR THERAPY
I have read that color therapy can work wonders in soothing the brain and central nervous system.
The only issue is, I’ve read that pink is the right color, also aqua and sometimes blue and sometimes green, depending on the type of imbalance.
SO – I do think it’s a valuable modality, but I think it’s important to figure out what feels good and right for you in the moment. The body is always changing, so it would make sense that the best, most therapeutic color would depend on whatever state the body/mind are in at the time you decide to use color therapy.
That being said, I have found two good options for implementing it. One good for when you’re in bright, or daylight and one when it’s dark or you can close yourself up in a dark room to use it.
This is the Philips Living Colors line:
http://www.livingcolors.philips.com/
And here is a basic link for color therapy glasses:
I do not have any affiliation with either company. I had been looking for a color therapy light for a very long time when I finally found the Philips. It’s the only of its kind that I’m aware of, but that doesn’t mean others don’t exist.
As far as the glasses go, I think you can get them pretty cheap on Amazon. I don’t want to give a particular Amazon link though because I know many who read this blog are in other countries. So I’m sure you can easily find some within your area with a quick online search. I know the Philips lights are available on Ebay and Amazon as well, I purchased mine from Ebay, but I believe both places sell them for less than the actual Philips website.
BOOKS (This can be found at audible.com as well for those who can’t sit and read yet)
Hope & Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weekes – This is one of the best books ever written on anxiety. It was written quite a long time ago, but her take on how to get through it is really perfect. This is a great book for when you’re out of severe Akathisia and working your way through residual anxiety. Though I think the way she suggests letting the bad feelings flow through you, without judgment and resistance can be helpful even in the grips of Akathisia.
PDFs
I have not read all of the contents on this website. I found it when searching for healing. I found one of the chants to be very helpful in calming the body/mind. I find I feel very calm and my whole being feels deeply soothed and more positive after chanting this in an upbeat melody for several minutes – Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
This a chart of ailments and then correlating chants applicable to whatever symptoms you’re suffering:
(It shows this chant I mentioned above useful for giddiness.)
Here’s the link to the chant instructions:
http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritualresearch/spiritualhealing/chants_illnesses
AUDIO
Shamanic Dream by Anaguma is a form of sound therapy that REALLY relaxes the body/mind. There are many other CDs, but this one is by far the most relaxing.
William (Bill) Farber puts out some interesting guided healing audios. He also does guided regressive hypnosis. I believe he’s one of the best at what he does and is worth looking into.
Patti Conklin offers a very quick guided color healing meditation CD called Color Works. It’s about 15 minutes, but it also can be very soothing and create some good changes inside.
Duncan McColl does some profound guided healing audios. He is no longer with us, but his work lives on! This is the one place I know to get his recordings still. The Self Healing with Hypnosis definitely helped me along the healing path from Akathisia.
http://www.justbewell.com/acatalog/Duncan_mccoll.html
Chakradance also puts out something interesting. You might feel a little silly the first couple times trying it, but it definitely has a cathartic/healing effect on the body and mind.
Rhythm For Your Soul (A Guided Dance Journey Through Your 7 Chakras)
Krishna Das has put out quite a bit of chant music, but Chants of a Lifetime is definitely the best, in my opinion. You can only understand how it will affect you once you sit down and immerse yourself in it. There’s nothing wacky about what he’s doing, it’s a very honest and straightforward American interpretation of an ancient healing modality and he’s simply the best at delivering a sound experience that truly heals the soul.
I don’t know much about Andy Dolph. I learned of him somewhere and then got his Journey of Relaxation and wow! Effective! That’s all I can say. Totally worth giving a try. I just checked online and found you can get this recording for FREE!
http://binauraljourneys.com/journey_of_relaxation/
PRAYER LIST
If you are in a desperate state, please consider adding yourself to this prayer list:
http://pranichealing.com/prayer-list
SAUNA DETOX
If you believe you are in need of detoxing and clearing out old substances from your cells, there aren’t many detoxes I’ve experienced that were more effective than sweating it out in a sauna a few times a week. If you’re recently off meds it’s a good idea to detox SLOWLY. But if you’re ready for really cleaning out your body once and for all, a sauna can really kick you over a new threshold.
Aside from detoxing, saunas have been proven to seriously boost the immune system and help prevent many illnesses and diseases on a whole.
Many health clubs and spas have saunas. But also there are saunas you can buy for your home that can be quite affordable if you catch them on a sale. I have done A LOT of research on far infra-red saunas and found Sunlighten offers saunas with very little EMF exposure and very little (wood) outgassing. Why? Because they use quality, clean woods and a proper heating system. Again, I’m not in the least bit associated with this company, I simply use their product. And I’m not a doctor or healer of any kind. I’m simply a concerned citizen who is trying to help others find their way to better days.
If there are any other practitioners, modalities, philosophies, supplements, vitamins, etc. and so forth that you believe help and haven’t been mentioned, please feel free to post a comment.
Akathisia Info 
Thank you Angie for your reply. As I am withdrawing from Mirtazapine slowly I get terrible nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia…Do you know any natural remedies for that? I am just worried that I will not recover if I dont eat or sleep. These drugs are so powerful I dont know if I will get over this. Propranolol helps for aka but it doesnt do anything for other symptoms. I am so messed up I dont see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have my better moments but I dont know how much longer I can go without sleeping and with a terrible nausea… There has to be a holistic way to fix that…
Are you taking a probiotic? It can help with BOTH. I found VSL to be very effective, but there are others that work well too. Sleep issues is one of the biggest issues with akathisia and I think that’s one of the reasons it takes so long to heal. It would definitely be worth it to consult with a good naturopathic dr about natural remedies and for overall support during your healing process!
Hi Angie.
I was on Lexapro for 20 months and stopped rather quickly. I suffered Akathisia for about 3 years to a mild to moderate degree with severe waves every once in awhile. It slowly healed like you said and I was about 80% of my old self. Then 3 months ago I developed a kidney stone and had to go to ER where I was given 2 doses of strong pain medication, some anti inflammatories, and an antibiotic (only 4 pills taken. Non-FQ) I was also taking a PPI for 3 days. Now I have SEVERE Akathisia again. It’s 3 times worse than before. I am concerned that since I took this cocktail of drugs for a couple days while still technically having withdrawal Akathisia that I’ve created a monster that won’t heal. I’m doing everything required such as being med free, healthy diet, rest etc. It’s only been 3 months and it’s so so severe. Any encouragement would do me a great service. Thank you for what you do.
Hi Angie.
Ever since starting Depakote I have noticed some relief with Akathisia. My appetite came back and I was consuming tons of sugary foods and carbs. I had gained 25 pounds in 2 weeks. This last week I really started eating sugary foods like chocolate, desserts, ice cream etc. Now despite the Depakote working to a certain extent, I am in the biggest anxiety wave for the last 3 days. I guess my question is obvious but I wanted your opinion.
Also, you mentioned that sugar in any form would make your Akathisia rebound to its worst. Was that wave for a couple weeks or a day or two ?
Hi Jeff,
I’m telling you.. sugar deeeefinitely makes it worse. Don’t know exactly why, but probably it impacts the gut health as well as hormones and then sets everything rocking and rolling. It’s good you were able to finally enjoy eating again and gained some weight back,, but I would really limit my sweets for some time to come. You’ll be able to indulge again in the future, just really hard on your system right now. Try using more natural sweets, like maybe yams, creamed corn,, that kind of stuff? Could be a way to satiate without setting your whole system on tilt.
Keep me posted,,
All my best.
Angie
How are you doing what antibiotic did u take
I’m doing decent. I have to watch out for certain triggers though otherwise I get flares. I took Doxycycline. It definitely gets better.
Hi Jeffrey! I recovered 3 years ago after being injected with Reglan 5 years ago. I’m having a relapse due to postpartum hormones and caffeine I believe. Maybe the one dose of Zoloft that I received in the ER. I’m terrified I’m broken beyond repair now since this is the second time. How are you doing now? Can this get better again?
Britney , it ALWAYS gets better but it can come back anytime you expose yourself to harsh elements or circumstances. Caffeine and Zoloft? Ya. That’s a sure way to bring it back. Don’t worry. It’ll settle down again. It ALWAYS does. Take care of your body. Help it heal. Once it gets better, protect it. Stay away from harsh chemicals, especially petroleum based products. Scented candles, gas fumes, new cars smell, air fresheners etc.
Jeff.
P.S. I’m doing ok. I still have Akathisia but it’s getting better. I’m tapering Depakote slowly. Diet and exercise are helping. I’m living more and more life everyday.
Jeff you mention avoiding petroleum based products. I have bad dry eye problems and they’re recommending I try and eye drop at night that contains petroleum jelly to prevent my eye from stick to my eyelid and causing corneal abrasions.
Is it safe for me to apply this petroleum jelly based eye drop on my eye? Or am I going to trigger the akathisia returning?
I’ve never heard of petroleum triggering akathisia. I’ve had no issues with being around the smell of strong gasoline, paint, etc.
I don’t see too many recent posts on here but I’m hoping that there is someone who can offer some encouragement.
In January of this year I took cymbalta for 8 days and have been experiencing akathisia ever since.
I didn’t know what was happening but fortunately I found a facebook page for people that have had problems with cymbalta. Through that page I read about akathisia and it was like a I was reading my story. Pretty much everything I was feeling was listed. I have tried to talk to several doctors about what I am experiencing but they all insist that it can’t be akathisia. I had a psychiatrist tell me that they only see akathisia with people who take antipsychotics. I feel so very alone and hopeless. I have never experienced anything so horrible in my life. I literally feel like the only way though this is death. I’ve never been so scared.
Right away in the beginning I read that cleaning up your diet can help. So right away I cut out all processed foods and processed sugars. I don’t know if that has helped or not but I’ve been sticking to it.
I know that 72 days isn’t a long time but when dealing with this it has felt like an eternity.
I have tried so many things that haven’t worked and honestly I’m scared to try much because the thought of this getting any worse scares me. Even trying to stay positive is almost impossible.
Everything is much, much worse in the morning. I wake up with a vibrating feeling in my stomach & chest and it feels like I want to jump up and run away. Shortly it turns in to full body tremors. My muscles burn and my head swims. The nausea is unbearable.
I thought things were getting better. My mornings were getting better and I was starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel but then a couple of days ago things came back in full force. Now I’m even more scared then I was. Is this typical for things to get better and then get worse again? I am very careful about what I do and try to keep my days consistent as to not rock the boat and haven’t done anything different in the past couple of days that should have made thing worse so I don’t know what’s happening. I cant imagine having to deal with this for another minute so I don’t know how I’m going to make it though this.
I really hope there is someone that can offer me some encouragement. Anything that might give me enough hope to hold on.
Jennifer,
I’m so very sorry for all your suffering. Making headway in healing and then having several steps back is hallmark to akathisia. It in no way means you aren’t going to heal. Matter of fact I recall having a pretty hellacious setback shortly before finally emerging from it all. I forced myself to get outside and take regular walks before my body started getting back in balance and healing. I think that’s a very important component. Do as many things as you can to soothe your soul, mind, body and commune with nature. Lots of water. Eat healthy as possible. The doctors are full of crap. Akathisia can be caused by MANY different types of meds and can continue on for many months past discontinuing the offending med.
YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS AND HEAL. You are in the process of healing at every moment. You will overcome this.
Do whatever you can to support your body in the healing process and do whatever you can to keep putting your mind into some sort of positive mode. Even if you have to keep repeating one sentence over and again for days and weeks. I used – My body is always working toward homeostasis. I am healing now.
My thoughts are with you, sending healing energy your way…
Angie
I’ve been dealing with this for a month. I developed akathsia after quiting pregabalin and olanzapine cold turkey.I took both meds for a period of 5 months. I have tried different antidepresants prior to that but I havent experienced any symptoms or bad side effects. After olanzapine withdrawal within 2 weeks I developed insomnia, loss of apetite, akathsia, restlessness and anxiety. I went to the ER they gave my Valium which helped. They put me on Mirtazapine 30mg daily. I switched to propranolol and I try to slowly taper Mirtazapine. Do you guys have any experience with Mirtazapine? I think it causes akathsia so this is why I am worried about my treatment. Propranolol seems to help but I still suffer from severe insomnia. I pretty much dont sleep at all. Can I recover while on Mirtazapine or should I taper it slowly. The withdrawals are not pleasant. Do you guys have any tips on sleep? Ive been dealing with this for a month and I am already bearly alive…
Maciej,
I’m terribly sorry to hear what you’re going through. I haven’t heard of that particular medication. I don’t know. I’m not a doctor and can’t give any medical advice. But if you think it may be causing more problems than helping, I think it would definitely be a good idea to talk to your doctor about trying to taper off and see then how you feel.
Trying to sleep with akathisia is virtually impossible. The key is to get any little bit of sleep whenever you can possibly relax enough to settle down. I know a lot of people use melatonin and B6 as natural treatment for insomnia, not sure how that would work with the meds you’re taking though. Maybe try consulting with a doctor who has experience with the pharmaceuticals AND naturopathic medicine.
I wish I had more info for you. Just know things will improve. Propranolol has helped many people get over akathisia so that’s good, just not sure about the other.
All my best,
Angie
Is this blog still active? I’ve had akathesia for 9 months now and it’s been horrible. Not sure how much longer I can continue
Shelley,
Yes, it is. It ALWAYS feels like you can’t take one more day of it, that’s the hallmark of akathisia as far as I have seen. BUT YOU CAN and you will get through it. Are you following any of the advice given within the different pages of this site? Finding ways to soothe your central nervous system is a big key toward recovering.
All my best,
Angie
Angie still having issues with akathesia stemming from opiate withdrawals. Have you heard of opiates causing akathesia before?
Hi Shellbell,
It always FEELS like you can’t take another second when in akathisia, but you can. You WILL get through it. It won’t be comfortable, but you’ll get through it and recover! I don’t recall hearing about opiates causing it, but it seems ANY kind of med withdrawal is fair game for akathisia. Read all the info on the site and try to follow the suggestions that resonate for you most. Staying away from overstimulation, ie – stressful situations/conversations/people, TV, radio, youtube is one of the best things you can do. The other is to soothe your CNS, ie – taking salt or epsom salt baths, walking or just hanging out in nature, resting as much as you can. Eat as clean as possible. Have TRUST and FAITH in your body’s ability to to get back in balance.
All my best,
Angie
It’s 4 1/2 mths out from removal of medication and 6 mths from initial severe akathisia. I had been in akathisia for a month and a half before my doctor acknowledged what it was. My physical and mental symptoms have calmed. Right now, I’m experiencing strange random muscle twitching in the day and vibrating/buzzing feelings in my muscle or nerves at night. When I have earplugs in to try to help me stay asleep I can literally hear the buzzing in my ears. The feelings and sounds wake me. On top of dealing with insomnia it’s tough. I’m trying to figure out if there’s something I’m doing that sets these off. It’s not every night. Is this residual akathisia? Can foods or antacids do it…or is this normal healing? I’ve talked to two doctors one a gen physician and the other a psych med and they both think my symptoms should’ve resolved four weeks from removal of meds. Ive been offered meds to try to reduce the buzzing and twitching and received a referral to a neurologist. In the meantime I have bad stomach acid issues that I’m trying to heal without meds because I can’t tell if the OTC and prescription med I tried trigger the vibrating. I may need surgery for gallbladder and Im terrified of any medication and added stress to my body. At this point I wonder if my body will ever be normal and wonder if something I do will cause more damage. The wait for a neurologist is three months.
Just to let you know. I’ve followed the clean eating and low alkaline diet, listening to the music, taken the supplements suggested, and stop by here to read the positive healing posts while trying to recover. Everything has been so helpful and has given me hope. I’ve just recently started the music. I was shocked how it helped with my anxiety waves. I wish I had started listening months ago.
This buzzing has turned into inner tremors which wake me up at night. I used to have this occasionally at night. I now have it most of the night. I’m now scared I will never get well.
It feels like it’ll never go away, that’s the main hallmark of akathisia. But it WILL.
Six month from removal of meds. Random muscle twitching in the day. Inner tremors at night and sometimes in the day. Twitching upon falling asleep. Neuro says this isn’t still akathisia symptoms since the inner tension is gone. He said it could be anxiety or from discontinuing of med. Will have MRI and blood work. I’m scared he’s wrong and this is something like Parkinson’s starting from CNS damage.
Hi J,
From what I’ve seen this could most certainly still be akathisia. There’s no reason to think it’s permanent damage. It can take A LOT of time to slowly heal, that’s the norm. Do as many things as you can to soothe your body. I know you are, but maybe your body needs even MORE of the things that are helping.
Your body will heal, let your mind rest in that knowledge..
All my best,
Angie
I’m writing to give hope to those who are just beginning the healing journey. Im now 2 1/2 years from getting off the offending med. I can sleep 8 hours a night straight. My twitching only comes when stressed and during my higher estrogen times. The inner tremors are still here. It’s hard to tell what sets them off. I believe they began with akathisia and are aggravated by peri menopause hormone fluctuations and certain vitamins. I’ve been through a surgery to remove the gallbladder and had only a couple strong tension feelings of needing to get up and move. (I refused pain killers and anti nausea meds.) The anxiety has calmed to almost nothing. I remember my only goal was to be able to make a meal for my family. First I would throw meat in a pot.. walk in panic and then turn it on.. walk in panic etc. Now I can make and sit down to eat it too. It can get better. I fear and pray against about the possibility of ever having it again.
Hi Angie and everyone here–
First, I’d like to tell everyone here that *I* am not a doctor, and you should absolutely not take this as medical advice, nor construe this to mean what I have to offer will help each person. I am the poet who is responsible for the “Performance Art Regarding Akathisia” section, although my name is J.A. Carter-WINWARD, not simply Carter. 🙂 No worries, Angie.
That said, I have been researching–as always–to find a way out of the pain of akathisia. I’ve read the comments here, and I can tell you all that I absolutely feel your pain, your struggle, because I still suffer from tardive akathisia, dyskinesia, dystonia and Parkinsonism–all called DIMD: Drug-Induced Movement Disorders.
I am currently experiencing withdrawal akathisia on top of tardive, because I am slowly weaning off of benzodiazapines. I take clonazepam for my dystonia, but I refuse to believe I must be on it for life, because it will, and is, robbing me of my life as we speak. I would rather have dystonic pain than be on clonazepam. So, I’m taking 1/4 of a pill away, every day, from each dose, and I take a quarter more away every 3 months. Today is day 4 of the lesser dose, and I woke up with the feeling of lightening bugs zapping and squirming under my skin, in my muscles. But for the last 2 weeks, I have been taking a supplement that, for the LIFE of me, I don’t know why I’ve never heard of. Well…we know why, don’t we? Yes.
The information on the supplement is here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209327/
The supplement is CDP Choline. If you read the article and see they are using it on TBIs, remember: if you have suffered, or are suffering akathisia, dyskinesia, or dystonia, or any number of brain-disabling effects of psychiatric medications, YOU HAVE A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY. The fact your brain was injured slowly, by a drug, doesn’t make it any less real, traumatic, nor debilitating.
I’ve been taking it for 2 weeks. My husband bought it at a Walgreens. It has improved my sleep, my muscle seizures from dystonia, and yes, even the akathisia for a time, although it’s tough to tell while I’m going through benzo withdrawals.
My oral mandibular dystonia has improved immensely. I not only suffered the many TBIs from medications, I actually suffered a TBI, as in my head was bashed into a car, in the late 1990s. That’s why I was misdiagnosed with bipolar and put on the psychiatric meds to begin with: a misdiagnosis. So, I have the residual cognitive struggles of the TBI, called “cascading effects,” as well as the DIMDs. CDP Choline is doing something for me I can’t quite explain, but I feel it inside: hope. For the first time…hope. I might be able to heal. I am working out again, like I used to, without waking in the night with muscle seizures, and it’s helping with my cognition a ton.
I’ve read several anecdotal stories of how Vitamin B helps with akathisia. Well, CDP Choline works, according to these articles, the same way as Vitamin B, with all kinds of things. Here’s another link, but it’s not an unbiased source, BUT the sources they cite are sound:
https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/top-18-scientific-health-benefits-choline-cdp-choline-alpha-gpc/
So there it is. I wish all of you way more than luck. Please, spread the word about this blog, my video, and anything else you can to raise awareness. People are dying. We all know why.
Best–
J.A. Carter-Winward
J.A. Carter-Winward,
Thank you for sharing this info! I really do hope this is something that can be of help to many!
Titrating down 1/4 pill each day sounds like a really FAST wean to me and wonder if you should take it a bit slower to keep from having any issues? I’m guessing you’re doing this with the assistance of a doc of some kind? Hope so. Weaning off of benzos can be treacherous and dangerous if it’s done too quickly.
I wish you all the best in your recovery! Please let us know how the choline is working when you’ve been taking it a bit longer, that would be such valuable info for everyone to hear about.
All my best,
Angie
Can you give an update on how you are doing now? Give us some hope…
Signed,
A new sufferer from Compazine.
CB,
I’m not sure who you’re directing this at, if me, I’ve completely healed. I’m really sorry you’re going through this, but yes, you will get through it and heal too! Feel free to share and ask questions here..there are supportive people who are happy to share their experiences and advice.
All my best,
Angie
I really need help. I have akathisia from Lexapro/Klonopin combination. I thought that this was just withdrawal an hearing everyone say “time heals” but I’m 11 mos off a cold turkey and worse…I feel agitated in my own skin;even touching things shoots electrical feelings throughout my body. I have erratic crying spells…agitated in my skin. I don’t know how to survive this.
I am at the last legs of healing, I PRAY. I have more good days than bad. I can’t thank you and the other brave survivors on line who opened the door to healing and left it open for others to find.it I tell everyone about your blog. Especially those in the healing profession who admit that they have never heard of akathisia. THANK YOU for your hard work and professionalism. You are a wonderful writer. I believe that my healing journey began when I braved up and started using the wild yam extract, a sublingual liquid. I ordered it from Amazon and had it for about 2 months before I was willing to try it. I was just too terrified to put anything new in my body. Within minutes of taking it, I noticed a subtle change in me. Scared the hell out of me! But I began to notice, I in a couple of days, that I was a bit more at ease and the horrible, burning, prickling skin began to diminish. I have taken it now for about 45 days. I am sleeping better, have much less, often no, skin crawling, and am experiencing more normalization. I also take a probiotic, B vitamins, with added B6, & magnesium. I didn’t tolerate the C very well a few months ago, but I’ll add it back and see. God Bless You!!!! Not said lightly. You are a true hero. I haven’t suffered nearly as much because during those dark, terrible nights of seeing hopelessness, I clung to your words….YOU WILL HEAL.
You’re so very welcome. Your message warmed my heart. I’m sooooo glad you found what works for you. The vitamin C can go either way for people. Seems it’s most effective when taken RIGHT AWAY upon taking the offending drug. The other things you’re taking though are definitely what I would consider the most important. I’m glad you found the courage to try them. You might also want to look into Cell Food drops. I use them a few times a week just for added minerals for overall health and preventive maintenance, but I believe we are all in need of mineral balance and during the healing process they may just give you a bump to the next level!
I hope this new year takes you quickly to the other side to full recovery! Definitely keep us posted, your story will
definitely inspire and comfort others. : )
All my best,
Angie
I left the comment about the progesterone cream earlier. I should have mentioned that even though it gave me Akathisia, it only lasted for a few hours (it was horrendous but short lived). Later that afternoon I felt absolutely great, I felt like my old self. I just don’t know that I can go through the Akathisia again to feel great in the afternoon.
I used pro gest progesterone cream, and it gave me akathisia. Is wild yam cream the same as pogesterone cream?
I have no way of knowing, but if progesterone gave you akathisia then it’s certainly not a good choice for you. It seems to help many people but everyone is so different and every situation is different. Good to know that’s possible though, for others out there to make the most formed decisions. Thank you for sharing.
I wish to thank you for your information & support. Although I don’t have constant akathisia any longer, I have flare-ups from time to time, and my neurologist told me that since I had meningo-encepalitis at one time, I will always be prone to it & Tardive Dyskinesia, a condition that I hope I never, ever get.
At this time, I’m consulting your info because I’ve been very slowly weaning off of ropinerole (Requip), which gives me intense restless legs if I dare to try not to take it, which I relate to akathisia-type symptoms. Ironically, that is what it was prescribed for in the first place. Yes, it will stop them–but only if I keep taking it & never stop? I used to only get restless legs sometimes, but now always get it if I dare to stop this med. The restlessness is very much like when I had full-blown akathisia symptoms, in which I am unable to keep my legs still, & unable to rest or sleep. Such a miserable, miserable feeling-and although I have now got the ropinerole down to 1/4 of a tablet, it STILL causes me to get this symptom if I am even a few hours late taking the stupid pill. I don’t like being a slave to medication, and I want off of this merry-go-round! But I get so weary from lack of rest, that I haven’t been able to pull it off yet. Any helpful tips on that particular issue would be so appreciated, because I’m worried about this. I want it out of my system, it obviously cannot be good for me. I am taking your advice about the Vitamin C, & already started taking the Wild Yam Cream a couple weeks ago, which I now won’t be without–many thanks for that wonderful tip! For me, it has stopped the irritable mood swings & hot flashes I was getting like clockwork every evening around 6 or 7pm. I have an over-all better sense of well-being since using this every day. I’m uncertain about if I should go ahead & use it every day, or take a week off of it once a month. I’m wondering if you choose to do that, or just stay on it?
I have tried to take the CALM, but unfortunately it causes gastric upset for me. I researched that issue & now take Magnesium w/SRT by Jigsaw Health (I got mine @ amazon), which has this info on their sale page on amazon:
“Super absorbable Premium organic form – magnesium malate – from Albion Labs.
Recommended by doctors such as neurosurgeon, Dr. Russell Blaylock.
Slow release formula: Slowly releases over 6-8 hours to avoid the dreaded digestive discomfort associated with many magnesium supplements.
Includes Co-Factors: Includes the active form of vitamin B9, B6 and B12 to increase absorption and bioavailability of magnesium.”
I also give the disclaimer that I’m not a doctor or giving medical advice; I’m only sharing info on what I take & find helpful for myself. I take this brand because it is supposed to be less problematic with the gastro system, and I can say that in me, that has proven correct.
One last bit of sharing: I’m finding that one of my issues seems to be with how my body needs potassium & calcium. Through much trial & error, the nearest I can figure is that the beverages I haven’t been able to drink lately are causing Hypokalemia/Low Potassium. I plan to have that confirmed with lab tests, when I can get up my nerve to tackle a doctor’s office again. I’ve been so frustrated because I no longer seem to be able to drink things that are stimulants in any way, such as tea with caffeine or soft drinks, etc; or carbonated beverages. If I do, I will get painful muscle cramps in my legs & restless leg symptoms which drive me up a wall! I now stick to water or water flavored drink packets such as Crush sugar-free Singles To Go. I’ve found many, many beverages on the market will trigger these symptoms, which I find confusing but it has certainly brought my attention to how sensitive my body has become to various things. Oh, my body will also get those symptoms if I am on a diuretic, whether it is a low-carb way of eating that is a natural diuretic, or by taking diuretic medicine. I’m Not saying that diuretics cause akathisia; I’m saying that my body seems to have a problem with keeping enough stores of potassium & calcium-but I don’t understand enough of how this all fits together, to make much sense of it. I just noticed over time, with the help of a food diary, what seemed to suddenly trigger these symptoms, & now I’m just trying to avoid the triggers. I thought I’d mention this in case anyone else is finding they have a new hypersensitivity like this, too. I’d sure like to know if they found anything helpful with this type of thing, or can shine some light on it for me.
Sorry for writing so much, but I wanted to share that with you & your readers, & tell you once again that I find your source of information on akathisia to be the most helpful out of everything else I’ve found on the net. You are doing such a kindness for others, bless you & thank you for being so thoughtful.
Kindest regards,
SerenityNow
(by the way, is anyone else tired of our spell checkers not ‘seeing’ the word akathisia as a correctly-spelled word? Aggravating!)
Don’t be sorry for writing so much. All of this information helps others and being able to share and ask questions of others helps you not feel so alone, it’s all good. : )
Blaylock is great! I read his stuff regularly. I trust him over most people out there.
I would follow the yam cream instructions, by taking that week off. That’s how I took it and how others I have talked with have taken it.
You’re doing great with the research and paying close attention to your body. This is all really good. I believe this is the way to go about the healing
process.
Please keep us posted and share as much as you’d like.
All my best,
Angie
Thank you so much, I didn’t know where to turn! The thing that helped me the most was nicoteine. I also took Magnesium, calcium, B12, Potassium and vitamin C. Going for a long strenuous walk helped me initially when I had nothing else, but not completely. Sitting in in a hot shower also gives me great relief, for the time I’m in there anyway. I also tried triptophan and melatonin, they seemed alright. I know you guys have been talking about natural remedies but Ativan helped me a lot and benadryl a little.
May I add to your wonderful music recommendations? This is an oldie, but once I start listening to it, it immediately starts lowering my blood pressure & calming me down. It gives that wonderful ‘feel-good’ feeling, if you know what I mean. People can do a search for it on YouTube to find it & decide if they like it enough to buy it. The track or song is called Ardas, it is on the CD entitled: Crimson Collection, Volumes 6 & 7 CD
Singh Kaur Crimson Collection (Series) Kim Robertson. Kim Robertson plays the harp (oh, my!) and Singh Kaur had one of the most beautiful, angelic voices I have ever heard. This is a little info on what Ardas is about: “Ardas by Singh Kaur (Answers Your Prayers) In ancient times, Ardas was known as the prayer that goes beyond all prayers. It has the power of all prayers in one. Let this healing energy touch your life in those times when you most need to find answers and put them to work for you. The multiple vocal line is matched by complex instrumentation featuring many beautiful voices from the Celtic harp. Vol. 7 Blessings by Singh Kaur (from negative to positive) The celestial voice of Singh Kaur is combined with innovative and dreamy music by the group Mosaic. Take one part Weather Report, one part Paul Winter, one part Pat Metheny, shake well and you have Mosaic. The lyrics are said to turn situations from negative to positive.”
I recommend listening to this while wearing headphones, to totally immerse oneself in the healing tones. I’ve found this to help when I was suffering through the worst of the anxiety, and we all know how horrible that can be with akathisia.
Healing wishes to everyone, here is the YouTube link to try it out, if you are interested:
Ardas by Singh Kaur, Crimson Series Volume 6
SerenityNow
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this info : )
You did a great job laying it out! For me to follow w/ the way mind has not been working that’s saying something! lol. Yes, a variety of things of deep interest to me, simple to do, easy to follow. I used the link for the chants, the Spiritual Science Research Foundation page —wow! Yes! A wonderfully inspiring, comforting page; loads of great stuff there I’ve already implemented & passed on to my aide who is also interested in this spiritual path.
You really have given me hope and inspiration to keep fighting at a time when I’ve been feeling hopeless, helpless and lost for quite some time. If I could write of all the sychronocities (sp. ?) that have kind of avalanched from this,you’d be grinning as much as I am. People are put in out paths for reasons, I’ve always felt, and you, my friend, have been a Godsend so often.
Just to have someone who “knows”, who uses the words that the mind can’t find…you give hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. I hope …I’m sure you know, just what a valuable treasure that is.
I talked w/ my counselor about you and your blog; gave her the name to look up. She’s very much interested. A friend of hers, Rob Parsons, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, (another amazing person) was the only one who had ever mentioned Akathisia (not RLS as diagnosed for 9 yrs!) to me when it all went into overdrive; he started me on this healing journey.
I am so blessed to have found all of you and have you walk this path with me.
With deepest gratitude… ❤
This looks like something I can really use, thank you. SO need direction, guidance and reminders as I can’t depend on myself since all these changes for me. Wow, I’m actually reading, processing AND able to comment somewhat sensibly w/o too much rambling! (I hope they’re getting through! lol)
You’re welcome 🙂 I tried to lay it out in as organized a fashion as possible,, I KNOW how hard it is to make sense of anything when in the grips of Akathisia. As I think of other things I’ll add to it…