Meeto Posted September 23, 2017 Share Posted September 23, 2017 The reason I was put on antidepressants was that I have been suffering from migraines and dizziness for the past three years, which go into remission and come back. When I have them both are chronic and will get better as time goes on. In this time period the I began having intrusive thoughts, which I had when I was 18, but completely recovered from. During my latest bout with dizziness I was having issues with the intrusive thoughts and my neurologist prescribed me Lexapro 10mg to deal with some of the anxiety and to see if it would help with the dizziness. It should be noted that the intrusive thoughts were well under control, and only came up prior to a migraine. I was on Lexapro almost two months when I told him it wasn't helping with my dizziness or headaches and he switched me over to Amitriptyline. Upon my first pill I had a terrible panic attack, felt dizzier, and tired. This lasted a few weeks, but got better. At around the two month mark, I began having random panic attacks and extreme irritability. I also noticed some gastric issues and would even get anxious after eating. The following time I saw neurologist he asked me to up my dosage from 10 mg to 20mg and referred me to a psychiatrist to address the higher levels of anxiety I was developing. When I went up to 20 mg I had the same reactions as the first 10 mg pill only worse. I went 3-4 days on 20 mg before going back down to 10. I tried it one more time another 3-4 days and couldn't handle the side effects and went back to 10 mg. Looking back I know this was a mistake on my part. A few days later I began developing flu like symptoms and woke up dizzier than I had been in the past. This dizziness lasted about a week, but the anxiety and obsessive/intrusive thoughts began getting worse and worse. A few days passed and I began having trouble driving. I was having trouble concentrating, I would instantly forget brief moments while driving. For example, I would come at a stop sign, then turn and leave the neighborhood. A few minutes later I would have trouble remembering doing so (I had to really dig deep to remember even leaving the neighborhood). A few times I simply would appear somewhere and could not remember how I'd gotten there. Then came the anhedonia. It was as if someone has pressed a button and within seconds I lost all interest in everything I had previously enjoyed. I became emotionless, quiet, and confused. Since then I have been dealing with flu-like symptoms, muscular and joint pain, brain fog, loss of creativity, disorientation, confusion, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, gastric issues, irritability, erratic crying spells, and the list goes on. I don't know if I caused this by messing with the dosages or switching meds. Thank you. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 25, 2017 Administrator Share Posted September 25, 2017 Welcome, Meeto. When did you go off Lexapro? When was it you increased your amitriptyline dosage from 10mg to 20mg? When did you go back to 10mg? Your current symptoms sound like withdrawal symptoms from decreasing amitriptyline. Are you taking 10mg amitriptyline now? It also sounds like you are very sensitive to both Lexapro and amitriptyline. 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
Meeto Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 Hi Altostrata, I went of Lexapro March 8 and Started Amitriptyline the following day. I increased the Amitriptyline June 5 and went back down possibly the 8th or 9th. I stayed on 10mg for couple of days and went back up to 20 mg and after too many side effects I went back down again. I can't remember the exact dates. I have been on 10 mg until last week where I began tapering off. I did begin to have some symptoms prior to the dosage changes. Particularly some speech issues, increased anxiety and irritability. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Meeto Posted November 25, 2017 Author Share Posted November 25, 2017 Is the 5-10% tapering method recommended for all antidepressants, or is it different for SSRIs, SNRIs, and Tricyclics? Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted November 25, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 25, 2017 Here is the tapering topic: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? This topic (Post #1) has links to different antidepressant topics: Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
nz11 Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Meeto how are you doing we haven't heard from you since last year ...any update. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
Meeto Posted January 5, 2018 Author Share Posted January 5, 2018 On 1/2/2018 at 8:27 PM, nz11 said: Meeto how are you doing we haven't heard from you since last year ...any update. Hi NZ11 thanks for asking. Doing a lot worse since my taper began. Have barely dropped 7% since September and don't seem to stabilize. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
nz11 Posted January 5, 2018 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Thanks for taking the time to update and so sorry to hear that things have not improved. Hang in there. Hope 2018 brings you some stability. nz11 Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
Meeto Posted January 7, 2018 Author Share Posted January 7, 2018 For the 10% taper per month, is it ok to go down 2.5% each week as opposed to one drop of 10% all together? Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted January 8, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 8, 2018 Meeto, Yes, that is fine. This is known as the Brassmonkey Slide Taper, originated by one of our moderators, Brassmonkey. I am using this method myself on my taper of Lexapro and have found it works for me. As the link explains, you taper by four equal 2 1/2% cuts every four weeks followed by a 2-week hold. Brass Monkey Slide Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of Sept 25: 3.6mg Taper is 95% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Meeto Posted January 13, 2018 Author Share Posted January 13, 2018 On 1/4/2018 at 10:02 PM, nz11 said: Thanks for taking the time to update and so sorry to hear that things have not improved. Hang in there. Hope 2018 brings you some stability. nz11 Hi everyone I have a question for anyone who can help me. I have been tapering since September and don't ever stabilize and only get worse as time goes on. I've only made a 7% cut in total, with a 5% cut in September and holding until November, then a 2% and still holding. I suppose my CNS is highly sensitive because of the medication swap and dosage tinkering that sent me spiraling down. Should I hold my dose a big longer, or stop tapering all together until I feel better? Thank you. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted January 14, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 14, 2018 Have you been keeping notes of your symptoms on paper? It would be helpful if you could tell us what symptoms you are getting and about any pattern you have noticed after your reductions. Q: Have you researched side effects of Elavil? Q: Were you taking any psychiatric drugs prior to taking Lexapro at the beginning of 2017? If yes, please include them in your signature. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted January 14, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 14, 2018 13 hours ago, Meeto said: dosage tinkering What dosage tinkering are you talking about? If this is not listed in your signature please update it. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Meeto Posted January 25, 2018 Author Share Posted January 25, 2018 On 1/14/2018 at 3:57 AM, ChessieCat said: Have you been keeping notes of your symptoms on paper? It would be helpful if you could tell us what symptoms you are getting and about any pattern you have noticed after your reductions. Q: Have you researched side effects of Elavil? Q: Were you taking any psychiatric drugs prior to taking Lexapro at the beginning of 2017? If yes, please include them in your signature. I haven't been taking notes, but will begin to do so. The patterns I've noticed is that it takes over a month for withdrawal symptoms to be felt -- about 6 weeks. I also begin to get flu like symptoms, and a strange dissociation feeling for a day or two followed by my current symptoms becoming more intense. The cognitive/mental symptoms seem to get worse and persist (particularly the confusion, memory, irrational thinking, dp/dr) , while the physical symptoms get stronger for a while but calm down as time progresses. My current symptoms: Confusion, OCD, GI issues, joint pain/stiffness, muscle twitching/ pain, rashes and hives, food intolerances, apathy, agitation, anxiety, irritability and anger, memory disturbances, irrational and erratic thinking, burning mouth/skin, severe dp/dr, racing thoughts, impulsivity, apathy, anhedonia, speech slurring and mixing words up, and sensory overload when in a vehicle. A: Yes I have, but some of the symptoms I am having don't seem to be side effects. A:Yes, added to signature Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
MamaFlower Posted June 18, 2018 Share Posted June 18, 2018 I relate SO MUCH to what you are going through. I feel so alone. I went down 6.5% and four months later I am only getting worse. Has anyone offered you any advice or support? I cannot keep going like this. Been on Paxil since 1997Went down from 8mg-7.5mg (less than 10%) Liquid Paxil on February 3rd 2018 Went down another .5mg (less than 10%) Liquid Paxil in March 2018 Went up to 14mg Paxil March 2018 Link to comment
Meeto Posted July 13, 2018 Author Share Posted July 13, 2018 On 6/18/2018 at 9:54 AM, MamaFlower said: I relate SO MUCH to what you are going through. I feel so alone. I went down 6.5% and four months later I am only getting worse. Has anyone offered you any advice or support? I cannot keep going like this. I sent you a message Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Meeto Posted March 4, 2019 Author Share Posted March 4, 2019 (edited) Moved from Brass Monkey Slide topic to keep member's history in their Intro topic. Quote of this post made in the BMS topic. I noticed a two week hold is recommended presumably to stabilize. My question is, I am kindled was in WD before tapering. It usually takes about 4 months for me to stabilize from any drop. I've only dropped 1.2 mg in a year. Should I just hold the two weeks and keep going anyways regardless of how I feel? Edited March 4, 2019 by ChessieCat added note Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 4, 2019 Administrator Share Posted March 4, 2019 Meeto, how are you doing now? 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
Moderator brassmonkey Posted March 4, 2019 Moderator Share Posted March 4, 2019 It would be best to hold until you feel stable. The 2 weeks is a best case guideline. If you were in poop out then I would say to go ahead and taper, but kindling is a bit different. 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted September 22, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 22, 2019 There are many existing topics on this site. SA likes to keeps similar information/discussions in one place. Before creating a new topic please do a search to see if one already exists. You can either use the site search function, or use google and add survivingantidepressants.org to the search term. Searching for survivingantidepressants.org time found this topic: dyschronometria-distorted-time-perception Your post has been moved to this topic. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Meeto Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 Hey everyone. I’m having an issue with the manufacturer I use for amitriptyline being discontinued. Is there anything I can do to mitigate possible crossover effects? I’ve been holding my dose for over a year after an adverse reaction I had to zofran at a clinic, but plan on tapering soon. Thank you. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Meeto Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 Should you hold until you stabilize on a different generic? The manufacturer I was using stopped making amitriptyline so I was given another, and since switching I have been nearly bed bound from the symptoms. I had been doing a microtaper and with few symptoms, but now can barely function. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted May 24, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 24, 2020 16 hours ago, Meeto said: Should you hold until you stabilize on a different generic? Definitely hold until you stabilize. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of Sept 25: 3.6mg Taper is 95% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted May 24, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 24, 2020 On 10/11/2019 at 6:22 AM, Meeto said: Hey everyone. I’m having an issue with the manufacturer I use for amitriptyline being discontinued. Is there anything I can do to mitigate possible crossover effects? I’ve been holding my dose for over a year after an adverse reaction I had to zofran at a clinic, but plan on tapering soon. Thank you. Copying the following response here from the Change in drug manufacturer topic: 23 hours ago, Meeto said: Should you hold until you stabilize on a different generic? 7 hours ago, Gridley said: Definitely hold until you stabilize. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Meeto Posted May 26, 2020 Author Share Posted May 26, 2020 Is it imperative you always take your dose at the same time, or can you switch it up? For example you take it in the morning but decide to take it at night instead. Can you develop wd symptoms from doing this? Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 26, 2020 Administrator Share Posted May 26, 2020 On 5/23/2020 at 5:25 PM, Meeto said: Should you hold until you stabilize on a different generic? The manufacturer I was using stopped making amitriptyline so I was given another, and since switching I have been nearly bed bound from the symptoms. I had been doing a microtaper and with few symptoms, but now can barely function. When did you make this change? 1 hour ago, Meeto said: Is it imperative you always take your dose at the same time, or can you switch it up? For example you take it in the morning but decide to take it at night instead. Can you develop wd symptoms from doing this? Yes, you can develop withdrawal symptoms from taking your dose inconsistently or skipping it. Why did you change your dosing schedule? What drugs are you taking now, at what times of day and dosages? 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
Meeto Posted May 27, 2020 Author Share Posted May 27, 2020 8 hours ago, Altostrata said: When did you make this change? A month ago. Three weeks in is when I developed the new symptoms. 8 hours ago, Altostrata said: Yes, you can develop withdrawal symptoms from taking your dose inconsistently or skipping it. Why did you change your dosing schedule? What drugs are you taking now, at what times of day and dosages? I didn't change it. I have issues waking up early enough to take my dose of 5.8mg of Amitriptyline around 8 am. I was considering taking it at night time instead to better control when I am able to take it, but if it can cause WD I'll just stick to the morning. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 27, 2020 Administrator Share Posted May 27, 2020 What are the symptoms that started a week after you changed manufacturers? Are they better or worse at any particular times of day? 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
Meeto Posted May 28, 2020 Author Share Posted May 28, 2020 23 hours ago, Altostrata said: What are the symptoms that started a week after you changed manufacturers? Are they better or worse at any particular times of day? Disorientation, confusion, migraines, food intolerance, memory issues. They are worst immediately after waking and better at night. Lexapro 1/17 - 3/17 10 mg. Switched to Elavil 3/27/17 10 mg Upped to 20 mg June 5, 2017 3 days, back down to 10mg June 8 Up again to 20 mg June 12, 2017 4 days, back down to 10 June 16 9/17 dropped to 9.5 mg 11/17 dropped to 9.3mg 2/18/17 dropped to 8.8 mg February 14/2018 Adverse reaction to zofran pill at clinic 10/7/19 8.48 mg 12/22/19 7.3 mg, 2/7/20 6.5 mg, 5/23/20 5.84 mg, 5/7/23 .70 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 28, 2020 Administrator Share Posted May 28, 2020 We need to look at your daily pattern. Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms throughout the day. Post 24 hours of notes at a time in this topic, in a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right. 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
BelaLugosi Posted May 24 Share Posted May 24 Hey @Meeto how you doing? SECOND TIME USING MEDICATION > OXCARBOZEPINE at some point dont know the dosage > LAMICTAL at some point don’t know the dosage > QUETIAPINE (seroquel) 09/08/22 300 mg 10/24/22 400mg 11/02/22 500mg 01/02/23 700mg 03/09 650mg 04/20 600mg 05/12 550mg 06/11 500mg 07/15 450mg 07/29 400mg kept tapering until 100mg and then 200mg at the hospital in March then 300 after getting CLOPIXOL DEPOT 200mg 3 times. QUETIAPINE 05/13/24 200mg 05/25 175mg 05/29 150mg 06/05 100mg. 06/12 50mg. > BIPIRIDEN 04/23 - 04/30 2mg OMEGA 3 FISH OIL 05/20 4mg FIRST TIME USING MEDICATION > RISPERIDAL AT SOME POINT dont know the dosage > OLANZAPINE (ZYPREXA) 07/21 10mg 08/21 20mg 09/21 15 mg 10/21 10mg then 5mg 11/01/21 off Olanzapine > SERTRALINE (ZOLOFT) 08/21 100mg 09/21 supposedly 150mg as prescribed, 200mg as a mistake for a while 10/21 100mg 11/21 50mg 12/11/22 off Sertraline > LITHIUM 07/21 300mg (1 pill) 08/21 600mg 09/21 900mg (stabilized in blood tests) 10/21, 11/21, 12/21, 01/22 tapered off in the course of 2 weeks 02/22 off Lithium Link to comment
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