Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2011 Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2011 (edited) The SurvivingAntidepressants.org community wants to wish all our visitors the best for the holiday season and the new year. May each of us find peace, fulfillment, and healing from our troubles. PS Please click on this link to donate a meal to a food bank http://www.bbvacompass.com/feedamillion/Only a click is required. Edited December 26, 2015 by Altostrata added food bank link 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted December 25, 2011 Share Posted December 25, 2011 THANKS ALTO By organizing this site and providing support and critical information when our medical and political leaders have failed miserably ~ you have given the most important gift I can imagine Barb 1 Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinephile Posted December 26, 2011 Share Posted December 26, 2011 By organizing this site and providing support and critical information when our medical and political leaders have failed miserably ~ you have given the most important gift I can imagine Amen to that! (Good) information is indeed the new currency, and this place is rich in it. Thanks so much for your continued work, Alto. I think here is a good place to paste what I posted on my facebook wall a month back: To all veterans of wars, children damaged by psychiatry, and students caught up in the student loan debt swindle, and to everyone else who found out the hard way that America just pays lip service to your private suffering while it spits on you publicly...May you find peace. You deserve it as much as any American. 1 Been on SSRIs since 1998: 1998-2005: Paxil in varying doses 2005-present: Lexapro. 2006-early '08: Effexor AND Lexapro! Good thing I got off the Effexor rather quickly (within a year). **PSYCHIATRY: TAKE YOUR CHEMICAL IMBALANCE AND CHOKE ON IT! APA=FUBAR FDA=SNAFU NIMH=LMFAO Currently tapering Lexapro ~10% every month: STARTING: 15 mg 11/7/10: 13.5 mg 12/7/10: 12.2 mg 1/6/11: 10.9 mg 2/3/11: 9.8 mg 3/3/11: 8.8 mg 4/1/11: 7.8 mg 4/29/11: 7 mg 5/27/11: 6.4 mg 6/24/11: 5.7 mg 7/22/11: 5 mg 8/18/11: 4.5 mg 9/14/11: 4 mg 10/13/11: 3.6 mg 11/9/11: 3.2 mg 12/7/11: 2.6 mg 1/3/12: 2.1 mg 2/2/12: 1.8 mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 26, 2011 Author Administrator Share Posted December 26, 2011 Thanks, everyone. I just added a link to the first post -- a simple click will donate a meal to a food bank. (A bank is going to fund this -- cine, you should enjoy that!) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 31, 2012 Author Administrator Share Posted December 31, 2012 As the planet turns, wobbling slightly on its orbit -- Deepest gratitude to all you community members who make this site a nurturing place for recovery and health. Wishing each and every person who visits this site the gift of healing in the new year. 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted December 31, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 31, 2012 Thank you, Alto, and the same to you and all our mods and members. And thank you for the tremendous amount of work and dedication you've put into this forum, and for the gift of being a moderator. That has given some purpose to my life despite withdrawal. May we all find complete healing and contentment in the New Year. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted December 31, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 31, 2012 Yes thanks for all the work you do here Alto, I would like to wish you and everyone here a Happy and healthy 2013. (Have clicked the link) *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2013 Author Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2013 Another winter solstice and occasion to reflect on the past year and the coming year: Some of us are healed and some are still healing. We all help each other on our paths. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way to this site. And for our dear, dear moderators Petu, mammaP, tezza, Narcissus, Edted, Rhi, GiaK, basildev, dalsaan, and admins Jemima and Karma -- I'm so darn proud of each and every one of you. You each give such very excellent advice to our members. You've all mastered the weird, complex information we need to know about tapering. And, on top of that, you're all very kind. This has been a difficult year for me, I don't know what I'd do without your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My very best wishes to all for the winter holidays and the new year, Alto 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selig Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Happy Holidays, thank you for the help! 1 0.25 Clonazepam- down from 1.5mg 2.5 mg Citalopram as of 22/13/13- down from 20mg, 10mg, 5mg. 5mg Citalopram and holding 27/12/13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meimeiquest Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Best wishes and thanks to you, Alto! A year ago today I took my sisters aside and told them I was stopping one of my many meds (Zyprexa) and I felt really crazy and I didn't know what would happen. I opened a gift from my mom, something that might make you chuckle, and I could not stop laughing for more than five minutes.... By the end they were staring at me with great concern. I really don't know what would have happened if I hadn't found SA in my frantic, agitated Internet surfing. Sometimes I can't believe how far I have to go...but I also can't believe I've made it this far. Thank you so much! I hope 2014 is a wonderful year for you, Alto! 1 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetcreature Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Thank you Alto for everything you do, tirelessly giving your own time and wisdom to help others. Wishing you a very peaceful Christmas. with gratitude, SC 1 May 2001 - age 24 given 20 mg seroxat. Tried to reduce myself after a year. Told by GP to take on alternate days and I would be fine. FAIL. Assumed 'wrong time' due to university stress and that my 'depression' must be worse than I thought.Increased dose to 30 mg December 2002. Tried the same technique as before to reduce- made it down to a quarter tablet but couldn't stand symptoms, had a sneaking suspicion that it was due to tablets but never considered dependency - 'depression is a diseased brain after all' (is what I was told) Continued until October 2010 - tried to CT and managed to last five months - assumed the depression was really bad but had no understanding of the reason for awful anxiety. Ran back to GP started Prozac- went crazy thought I was going to die. Stopped Prozac after two weeks.April 2010 Started sertraline. Stablished but felt numbed.September 2010 Asked for seroxat again. Upped my dose to 30 after three weeks. Felt hyper, caffeinated, but functional. Glad to be over what I thought was 'depression'..Realised it is the meds, want to be free at last - July 2012 started 10% taper from original dose and took supplements. Took suppliments sporadically and despite the temptation the taper, wanted it 'over with'. Taper took exactly six months and 10 days.Reductions were as follows:First 2 weeks- 27 mgNext 2- 24mgNext 2- 21 mgNext 2- 18mgNext 2 15 mgNext 2 12 mg (held for four weeks due to house move from London back to Ireland)Next 2 weeks- 9 mgNext 2 weeks- 6 mgNext 2- weeks 3 mgNext 2 weeks 1.5 mg (held for 5 weeks as scared)10th February 2013 Jumped to zeroWithin 3 weeks sadness, led to anxiety. Restarted suppliments - helped a bit. Stressful move to London. A lot of fatigue and DEEP emotions. Crying LOTS. Took suppliments on and off, moved back to Ireland after being back in London for only eight weeks as felt too sad and unsettled. No suppliments when moved back. Unhappy at being back, scared I wouldn't ever find happiness - deep deep sadness, anger, STUPIDLY went back to doctor and decided I must just be a 'depressive'. Given Citalopram/Celexa 20mg. Took it for seven days, changed my mind, decided to be 'strong' and put it behind me. (No particularly adverse effects that I recall, save for day 5 having inner vibrations in arms and legs) Still had pack of tablets however and every time emotions got hard felt I had to 'go back onto tablets'. I did this from July until November. (On them off them on them off them) ........ Started to get body vibrations and told myself it was 'anxiety' and I was 'giving myself panic attacks. I continued to cry as I 'started' the tablets again and again - not wanting to go back there but not sure what else to do. More vibrations - but didn't make the connection that I had a compromised CNS - thought it was anxiety....chest started to pound in Sept, vibrations continued...lost weight, became anxious, sleep was awful and I tried a variety of remedies to replace the tablets and calm my anxiety and lift my mood. I think they made things worse. (These included, St.Johns Wort, Rescue Remedy, Homeopathic treatments, Chinese herbs, Passiflora, and suppliments from the online company who state they are experts in assisting people get off meds) Also did the following: Talking therapy Human Givens Therapy Homeopathy Narcotics Anonymous October 23rd took Citalopram (20mg) for 12 days - no relief November 6th Started Seroxat 10 mg (to be safe) stupidly upped to 20 the next day. Stayed on 20 for 18 days, no relief, stopped for two days suddenly, relief came - short lived, vibrations and torture came after 72 hours. Suicidal for days. Upped to 30 thinking it would improved. Even more suicidal. Dropped to 20 again (December 9th) not suicidal, but not better. Started liquid 28th December reduced to 18 mg in effort to reduce and stabilise. Don't know where to go from here. Living with parents who are supportive beyond words. Sweetcreature Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 25, 2013 Member Share Posted December 25, 2013 Thank you so much for all the help, Alto and all of the mods here. You have given us all so much, a safe place to come and express our anxieties and to share our successes and setbacks. I thank God every day for this site and all of the help it gives. We would be lost if it were not for all of the helpful information that has been gathered and set down here and for the experiences of others, what works and what doesn't. You keep our flagging spirits up and cheer for us when things are good. Thank you and peace to all! 1 What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoe Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Merry Christmas Alto & to all of the Moderators. What wonderful lifesaving work that you are all doing. Blessings to all of you!! 1 Jan. 1994 Pamelor 2000 switched to Zoloft 2011 Zoloft pooped out- Dr. switched me directly to Lexapro15mg -had a horrible 6mths 2013 upped Lexapro to 20 mgs-pooped out June 2013 Dr. added 150 Wellbutrin to Lexapro. July 2013 Switched back to Zoloft 100mgs.Was still taking Wellbutrin. Lots of anxiety from the Wellbutrin July 2013 Started to wean Wellbutrin- off by Sept. Oct. 2013 added 400 mgs of Neurotin to the Zoloft Jan 2014 Tapered off of the Zoloft and onto Prozac 30 mgs. Also still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Feb 2014 Reduced Prozac to 13 mgs. Still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Aug. 2014 Prozac 13 mgs. Finished with Neurotin. .7 Risperadol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattinsmom Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 There are times when knowing this site is here is enough of a reason for me to keep breathing. I have received so much support and kindness. This site, and the people on it, are invaluable. Thank you all and wishes for a great 2014! 1 Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pokeshaw Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 Thank you, Alto and everyone at this site. you have helped me so much these past few months and for that I am deeply grateful. i wish you all a good and peaceful holiday season and all the best healing in the year to come! Pokeshaw 1 7 yrs Lexapro 10 mg. Mar/2011 - 1 month taper. Severe W/D. Multiple symptoms.Gallbladder and parathyroid surgery in Aug and Oct. Disability 3 months. Dec/2011 reinstated 5mg Lex and went back to work. very bad shape. By Aug/2012 - self tapered to 1.25 mg cutting pills. -very bad shape. Nov/2012 Dr. Hinz neuro-replete. up and down. Aug/2013 at aprox 1.0 mg Lex stopped neuro-replete ~Oct 2013 Found this site ~ began using compounded Lexapro and have been micro tapering since then and holding as needed. 11/6/2013 - 0.6 mg 2/1/2018 - .135 mg Now reducing 5-10% per month 4/1/18 - .1 mg 4/17/18 - changed delivery from compounded individual caps to aliquot. went from .1 mg to .09 aliquot 7/4/2018 - .09 mg Holding due to wave of W/D symptoms 7/22/18 updosed to .1 mg aliquot 9/30/18 - reduced to .0975 aliquot 2/1/19 - updosed to .1 mg aliquot due to instability bad wave W/D 9/12/19 - back to .1 mg individual caps since could not get stable using aliquot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 24, 2014 Author Administrator Share Posted December 24, 2014 Warmest wishes of the holidays and the very best for 2015 for everyone! Thank you to everyone, community members, moderators, and administrators, for making this site a place for healing. PS Please click on this reputable link to fight hunger and poverty http://thehungersite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ths/home Only a click is required. 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 24, 2014 Member Share Posted December 24, 2014 That is a neat site. I clicked the link and had a look around. I bought some stuff to have shipped to a friend and it said I just funded 150 cups of food for a < $40 purchase. You don't have to buy anything, I just found some stuff I liked as they are having a sale. Cool. 1 What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Thank you Altostrata for the wonderful job you do in this site!! Best wishes to you too. 1 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 Thank you for accepting all of us PP refugees. I don't know what I would have done if I'd completely lost contact with those I affectionately call 'family'. Merry Christmas to you and yours xxx 1 Personal history of GAD and 4 melancholic depressive episodes - two treated with Amityptline Family history of Bipolar Disorder - goes back at least 3 generations Adult son with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability and Bipolar II Put on Aropax / Paxil in July 1997 for anther episode. Decision to stay on it - worst decision of my life. Began to poop out in late 2008. Switched to Lexapro March 2009. Made me suicidal. Tried Cymbalta for 19 days. Horrible w/d. Found PP and RI'd Aropax at about the same time - August 2009. Began slow taper in 2010. Crashed in 13-11mg range in mid 2013. Switched to Citalopram 21 Oct 2013 in an attempt to stabilise. There are things that are known, and things that are unknown; in between are doors - Anonymous https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/longing-for-life/id958423649 My book about my unsuccessful journey through IVF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babs Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 Merry Christmas, Alto! And thanks for tolerating the deluge of emotional PP refugees. Hopefully things will calm down soon. 1 Paxil 20mg 1994-2005Tried to quit twice, finally did it on my 3rd attempt in 2005. I went from 20mg to zero in about four months, believing at the time that it was a reasonable taper. It wasn't. I suffered mostly emotional symptoms: frequent episodes of "anxious depression" lasting for about 17 months before it got noticeably better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplestars22 Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone on this site. May everyone be close to their healing journeys. 1 Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 24, 2015 Author Administrator Share Posted December 24, 2015 Thank you, Purplestars. I couldn't have said it any better myself. Best to all in the holiday season and the new year. 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hibari Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 Thank you Alto and all the site managers. I am so grateful to have found SA and the information and support here is of the highest level. Wishing everyone continued healing and health in the new year. With deep gratitude and a hopeful heart, Hibari 1 9/2013-4/2014: After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro, Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs 1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs 7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021 Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize 10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6 6/16 3.4 6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7 7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0 9/5 1.8 9/16 1.6 9/30 1.4 10/13 1.2 10/26 1.0 11/9 0.8 11/22 0.6 12/6 0.4 12/23 0.2. 2024 1/4/24 Remeron/Mirtazapine free Additional Support: Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs, L-theanine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted December 25, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 25, 2015 Wow, a year's gone by already since last year's craziness, lol - and I'm still here, if rather less frequently these days. Thanks to Alto, all the mods and members, for making SA a great place. Sending wishes to everyone for a joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. May 2016 bring us continued healing and learning. 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted December 26, 2015 Mentor Share Posted December 26, 2015 thank you Alto and all the mods and everyone here, I am so grateful to have found this place!just a few weeks ago, I literally thought I was going mad/crazy, off the deep end and never coming back and now I know, I'm going to be just fine, in time. It's "just" withdrawal from a med I probably should never have been taking in the first place oh what a huge relief it is to know that I *can* get off of it, that I can recover from all it's done to my brain, and that while WD is tough, I will get thru itI am so far ahead of where I was a month ago, and each day brings more hope for the future. I don't like to look back, which is why I had such a hard time with my signature (which is still just a rough draft really lol) I only want to look ahead and to enjoy each and every new drug free* day to the fullest I am sad and sorry that we are all in this boat, but very thankful to you all for sharing your journeys. advice, tips and encougagement BLESS YOU ALL! *ok, got ahead of myself there, I'm not drug free YET but am getting there, the safe way! slowlyyyyyyyyyyyyy ;-) Taking a break from mentoring, please do not message or tag me, thank you! Got some personal stuff to deal with and am not able to give you my full attention. I will remove this reminder when I am back. Keep on swimming, my friends. 😊 pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarabera Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Yes, an echo to all the catnapt has so well expressed--A happy holiday season to all! 1975--first signs of depression 1981--started on imipramine (Tofranil) for IBS and depression 1983-1986--severe depression, rotated through several drugs, on MAOI for one year, eventually back to tricyclics 1986-1994--chronic low grade depression, on tricyclics 1994-96--severe depression, rotated through several drugs inc. Prozax, Effexor, etc.. 1996-2013--chronic low grade depression, SAD, on amitryptiline usual dose 12.5-25mg flurazepam (Dalmane) as needed for insomnia 2013--developed temazepam (Restoril) dependance for 2 months, tapered off over 1 month started bio-identical progesterone 5 mg., depression has lifted completely to this day March 2016--forced to c/t both amitryptiline and flurazepam, zolpidem not helpful reinstated small dose (.5 mg) amitryptiline due to stomach issues and tapering w/titration June 19th--jumped from amitryptiline--drug free! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueLeader Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 Merry Christmas to all here at SA. Much thanks to the mods for keeping this place running and a place of useful information and gathering of people's stories without extreme drama. While I cannot read and contribute to this site as much as I would like, this place has been instrumental in giving me one of the greatest gifts mankind has-and that is hope. Hope will keep you alive when energy, passion, and peace have fled. Much thanks to all of you for giving me hope. Mid 2006-Early 2013 Celexa 40 MG, Xanax .50, Trazadone 50 MG - No problems with side effects Very fast-few weeks taper in Early 2013 off all medication. Crashed summer 2013 Went back on all meds same dosage (different brand of Celexa) Sept 2013. Sexual Side Effects (which I never had before) begun December 2013. Off Celexa February 2014. Xanax remained while Trazadone done in August 2014. Continue to experience complete PSSD to this day with sadly no signs of improvement yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alia02 Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Thanky-ou moderators for this site. I am deeply appreciaitive and am amazed how you can do so much amazing work, with brains that have gone through withdrawl. Something for me to aim towards! Chronic severe nerve pain and depression since 1984 (due to a motor vehicle accident and spinal injuries) Due to long tern pain was on Morphine, Neurontin, Codeine, Valium . Off these meds altho occasional codeine. Since 2002 Serequel for Insomnia. 25mg. 15 yrs on Clomipramine/tri-cyclic a/d. Aug 2015. 100mg cut to 95mg. Late aug 95-90mg. Sept 1st, 90mg to 85mg. Sept 14.85mg to 80mg. October 1st , 80 to 75mg. Oct 15; 75 to 70. Nov 1st ; 70mg-65mg. Nov14: 65 to 60mg. 60mg. December ..break. Jan2016. 60mg to 55mg. Symptoms began: very sleepy, achy, light headed, dizzy, increased pain, numb, depressed.. Jan 30/ 55 to 50mg. Symptoms/ extreme tiredness. blurry vision and inaccurate vision, painful and itchy eyes, depression, insomnia, flu like symptoms. achy/ sweating/ relationship issues. work issues. Feb 10th. Back up to 55mg. Withdrawl symptoms subsided. March 10: 55 to 50mg. withdrawl ok. April 12 Seroquel 21mg May 12 Seroquel 17mg. Nov severe depression went up to 75mg Anti dep. Jan 2017, diagnosed with Bi Polar 2 and prescribed 60mg Epilim. Instant relief. March Doc suggested slow decrease of anti dep so from 75 to 70, March 17, 2017. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted January 27, 2016 Author Administrator Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thank you, Alia. Good healing to you in 2016. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 25, 2016 Author Administrator Share Posted December 25, 2016 Another winter solstice -- our best wishes to all in this holiday season and the coming new year. May everyone find their way to good health and ease of mind. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Frogie Posted December 25, 2016 Moderator Share Posted December 25, 2016 Another winter solstice -- our best wishes to all in this holiday season and the coming new year. May everyone find their way to good health and ease of mind. To you to Alto. Take care, Frogie xx PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist. Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form) ---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil. Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024 19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020) I am not a medical professional. The suggestions I make are based on personal experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted December 25, 2016 Mentor Share Posted December 25, 2016 Another winter solstice -- our best wishes to all in this holiday season and the coming new year. May everyone find their way to good health and ease of mind. thanks Alto you too!! Taking a break from mentoring, please do not message or tag me, thank you! Got some personal stuff to deal with and am not able to give you my full attention. I will remove this reminder when I am back. Keep on swimming, my friends. 😊 pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted December 31, 2016 Share Posted December 31, 2016 A HUGE thank you to Alto and the angelic team of Mods and Admins that help keep us hanging in there day after day. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys. Wishing you all a healthier, happier 2017 with many more windows. Best wishes, JC xxx Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Frogie Posted January 2, 2017 Moderator Share Posted January 2, 2017 Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy 2017! May all of us have a great taper year thanks to Alto and all the mods. Take care, Frogie xx PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist. Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form) ---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil. Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. Last dose June 24, 2024 19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020) I am not a medical professional. The suggestions I make are based on personal experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 31, 2017 Author Administrator Share Posted December 31, 2017 Many of us can look back on this last year and see progress, others are still struggling, and our newer members have just begun the process. May you enjoy the warmth and safety of this online community on your journey in the new year. Love and good healing to all in 2018. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 31, 2018 Author Administrator Share Posted December 31, 2018 Best wishes for the new year to the SurvivingAntidepressants.org community. May you find peace and strength in your journey through 2019. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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