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Rezten: Effexor withdrawal


Rezten

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Moderator note: link to benzo forum thread Rezten: Am I tapering slow enough

 

I am new to this site.  Sox months ago I tapered off 10 years of Effexor.  It has been living hell.  Six months later no meds have worked, I have debilitating depression/anxiety and want to get through this no meds.  I am hoping to hear positive stories that there is hope without meds.

Edited by Shep
added link to benzo forum thread

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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To start, in order to give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  Have you been on other psychiatric drugs since you tapered Effexor.
 
 
Please include the dates of your taper and the rate at which you tapered.
 
There is hope without meds.  Google:  SurvivingAntidepressants Effexor success stories
 
We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.
 
Many members have found the non-drug techniques in the following links helpful in dealing with withdrawal.
 
 
Edited by ChessieCat
removed white sp

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 Oct 15: 3.2mg

Taper is 96% 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.

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  • 1 month later...

I am new to this site.  Sox months ago I tapered off 10 years of Effexor.  It has been living hell.  Six months later no meds have worked, I have debilitating depression/anxiety and want to get through this no meds.  I am hoping to hear positive stories that there is hope without meds.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I am not sure if I did this right, I updated my signature.  I don't remember exact dates of taper. But I went down 37.5 mg from 150mg to 112.5 to 75 mg to 37.5. Every two weeks.  Then I got the pill version of effexor at 37.5 mg and cut that down by a quarter every two weeks.  That ended March 2018.  Since then I have tried Lexapro at 20 mg for a month, made my depression and anxiety worse. Same with Zoloft.  Then came Prozac, went up to 40 mg, wasn't as bad but had some depression severely and stopped taking it.  I just finished 6 Ketamine infusions, while it helped my depression it did not help anxiety.  I am now agoraphobic. Anxious from when I wake up to when I go to bed.  Take 100 mg of trazadone to sleep.  Trying Prozac again, dr. Said I may respond better after Ketamine.  5 days at 10 mg, feeling foggy, tired and insomnia.  Dr. Also prescribed thorazine for anxiety but I am hesitant to take it.  Titration off a few months of using Valium and Ativan. Highest dose was 1 mg Ativan per day still taking that and 10 mg Valium now down to 2.5 mg Valium.  I don't know if I should continue trying antidepressants or will anxiety clear up on its own? Is it from Effexor withdrawal?  Please help.  

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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Hi I am new to this group and not sure if I am posting correctly. I may have done more than one post.  

 

I tapered off Effexor in !arch 2018.  Since then i have been living in hell.  See my signature for story. Since then I have tried several other antidepressants and they all make my symptoms worse.  I am trying Prozac again at 10 mg been on it 5 days.

 

My anxiety is so bad that I am now agoraphobic. I wake up nauseous and tightness in chest, and go to bed same way. No meds have helped.  Could this still be withdrawal?  Will it ever away?

 

Please help.

 

 

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Rezten: Effexor withdrawal

I have read about the years it has taken people to recover.  I am so desperate for relief from my anxiety symptoms I am starting Prozac for the second time, but is this counterproductive to healing my brain?

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I have read about the years it has taken people to recover.  I am so desperate for relief from my anxiety symptoms I am starting Prozac for the second time, but is this counterproductive to healing my brain?  Is it possible to recover without adding more meds?

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I have been off Effexor for 6 months and suffer from Insomnia and acute anxiety since I tapered off.  I did a rapid taper.  I have tried other SSRI since with no luck. Tryi g Prozac again, but wondering if maybe not a good idea and I need to ride this out until I recover.  Any suggestions?

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I tried prozac during my Effexor withdrawl. Took 2.5mg and my whole body went numb as hell - didnt touch it again. Prozac is a SSRI as opposed to an SNRI which means it doesnt target norepinephrine reuptake. There are other SNRI's available such as Cymbalta and Pristiq (a metabolite of Effexor - supposed to be better tolerated) - your doctor would know more about these. Some people also try to reinstate small ammounts of the drug to reduce the withdrawl effects - doesnt work for everyone and can be tricky. I am now 10 months into Effexor withdrawl.

Paroxatine - 2004-2006

Effexor XR 75mg 2006 - 2016 (Discontinued Feb 2016) - Withdrawal for 6 months.

Effexor XR 75mg Re-instated June 2017 (Discontinued Dec 2017)

Effexor XR 2-3 mg Re-instated March 10 2018 - 1 day (Didn't work)

Effexor XR 2mg Reinstated (Again) May 11 2018. 6 Beads

July 2018 - 0.0mg of Effexor. Zilch

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Hello @Rezten recently I went through a tough time too, Benzodiazepines help relieve the anxiety but the real help came to me when I started to walk, do you exercise or walk regularly ? If you are able then start from today, please !

1995 to 1997: different antidepressants at maintenance dosages along with benzos 3 times a day.  

1998 to 2000: Citalopram 20mg + Benzo twice daily.

2001 to 2015: Sertraline 50 mg + Alprazolam (half of 0.25 mg once daily which is next to nothing)

2016 to 2017: Sertraline 50 mg + Dosulepin (Prothiaden) 25 mg (NO BENZO)

2017 to 2018: Dosulepin (Prothiaden) 50 mg  (NO BENZO)

2018 (Earlier): Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 5 mg + Clonazepam 0.25 mg x 2 daily (7 weeks on Olanzapine was a disaster, antipsychotics are not for panic disorder)

2018 August : Sertraline 50 mg for 20 days (couldn't take it any longer) + Clonazepam.

2018 Sept. 1st week: Dosulepin (Prothiaden) 25 mg + Clonazepam 0.25 mg -- 2018 Sept. 2nd week: Dosulepin (Prothiaden) 12.5mg +Clonazepam 0.25 mg 

2018 November: Clonazepam 0.50 mg at night (for sleep disturbed by tinnitus)

2019 January to now: Clonazepam 0.25 mg at night and 0.25 mg in the morning.

Remember: Going out for a Walk or for a Change does help, it may take a few days or weeks or months for some, but it definitely helps.

Here is Knowledge for you: The more you Know about your sickness the more bad it is for you, so forget about it !

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Hi Rezten, Some people find relief from reinstating a small (emphasizing small here) ammount of Effexor. There's a fair bit of information on this site about reinstatement of effexor and other drugs and how much to reinstate. I'm not a medical proffesional so you should counsult your doctor about reinstating Effexor.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7562-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms/

Paroxatine - 2004-2006

Effexor XR 75mg 2006 - 2016 (Discontinued Feb 2016) - Withdrawal for 6 months.

Effexor XR 75mg Re-instated June 2017 (Discontinued Dec 2017)

Effexor XR 2-3 mg Re-instated March 10 2018 - 1 day (Didn't work)

Effexor XR 2mg Reinstated (Again) May 11 2018. 6 Beads

July 2018 - 0.0mg of Effexor. Zilch

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I try to get out and walk but I am always sick with physical anxiety symptoms, nausea and tightness in chest. From when I wake up until I sleep at night.  It's hard for me to get put of bed. I am agoraphobic now.  I have never had this kind of anxiety and assume it's from Effexor withdrawals.  I will try to make more of an effort to walk.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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  • Administrator

Hello, Rezten.

 

Yes, getting at least 30 minutes of gentle walking each day helps your nervous system re-pattern itself.

 

What is your sleep pattern? What times of day do you take each of your drugs, and their dosages? Do your symptoms follow any daily pattern?  Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

 

In your signature, please indicate when you started each drug you're taking now, with their dosages.

 

Benzodiazepines might help at first but we see they can cause big problems later. It's best not to start on them if a low-dose reinstatement of an antidepressant can help, as Lloyd noted. You would taper off the antidepressant later.

 

Withdrawal makes the nervous system hypersensitive to drugs, supplements, and even foods. The dosages you tried of Lexapro, Prozac, etc. may be too high for you. Does trazodone help at all?

 

Please put ALL your current drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php
and copy and paste the results or a link to them in this topic.

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.

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My sleep is difficult.  I usually take 100 mg Trazadone and 5 mg Melatonin around 9:30 to sleep.  It doesnt always help and I wake up tired and Groggy.  I have started 10 mg Prozac in the a.m. 5 days ago and that has caused insomnia that nothing even Lunesta helps with.

 

My symptoms are the same every day.  Nausea and tightness in chest from anxiety. Find it hard to get out of bed, shower, leave the house.  I am like that until I fall asleep.

 

I take 1.5 mg Valium. A.m. 1 mg noon

 And 1 mg Ativan at 4 p.m.  they dont help anymore, I am very slowly tapering off.  I have been on them for about 5 months

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I dont know if I should continue with Prozac and just go completely med free and hope I recover in a few years as others have?  I'm scared and hoping for relief

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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  • Administrator
8 minutes ago, Rezten said:

My sleep is difficult.  I usually take 100 mg Trazadone and 5 mg Melatonin around 9:30 to sleep.  It doesnt always help and I wake up tired and Groggy.  I have started 10 mg Prozac in the a.m. 5 days ago and that has caused insomnia that nothing even Lunesta helps with.

 

My symptoms are the same every day.  Nausea and tightness in chest from anxiety. Find it hard to get out of bed, shower, leave the house.  I am like that until I fall asleep.

 

I take 1.5 mg Valium. A.m. 1 mg noon

 And 1 mg Ativan at 4 p.m.  they dont help anymore, I am very slowly tapering off.  I have been on them for about 5 months

 

If I were you, I would immediately reduce Prozac to 5mg. Too much can cause sleeplessness. This topic explains how to take a smaller amount: Tips for tapering off Prozac (fluoxetine)

 

Are you also taking Lunesta, Valium, and Ativan? How much, how often? Please list the times of day you take each of your drugs, their dosages, and when you started each drug.

 

It seems you are taking a lot of drugs. Drug-drug interactions could be causing some of your symptoms. Please put ALL your current drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php and copy and paste the results or a link to them in this topic.

 

What time of day do you get "nausea and tightness in chest from anxiety"? What time of day does this go away?

 

I need your daily symptom pattern. Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

 

I need the detailed information I've been requesting to answer any of your questions.

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.

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I will do the drug interaction and post it

.  I rarely use Lunesta.  Maybe once a month.  

 

Daily I take 1.5 mg Valium. A.m. 1 mg noon

  And 1 mg Ativan at 4 p.m.  they dont help anymore, I am very slowly tapering off.  I have been on them for about 5 months

10 mg prozac a.m.

 

My daily symptom pattern is The anxiety symptoms never go away. I'm not sure how else to explain my symptoms. Start when I wake up until I fall asleep although it does get worse mid to late afternoon. No matter what drug I take.  I have been like this for about 3 months.  I used to have some good days but not anymore.

 

I will do the drug interaction checker and post it.  I hope I gave u more info.  

 

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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  • Administrator

Please STOP CHANGING the dosages of any of your drugs. Stop tapering anything. Take each of your drugs at the same time each day and keep daily symptom notes.

 

Many of your symptoms could be from Valium and Ativan. If I were you, I would not take Lunesta at all.

 

1 minute ago, Rezten said:

 

Do you see the interaction between Prozac and trazodone? The bad symptoms from that show up in the daytime. Your "nausea and tightness in chest from anxiety" may be from this interaction.

 

To determine what's causing what, I need to see daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

 

To start, in your next post, please list each drug you're taking, what time of day you take it, and the dosage. Getting this information piecemeal is very frustrating for me.

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.

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I'm sorry I thought I provided dosage information.  Here it is:

 

7:00 a.m. 10 mg Prozac                 

8:00 a.m. 1.5 mg Valium

Noon 1 mg Valium

4:00 p.m. 1 mg Ativan

9:30 p.m. 10 mg Trazadone

9:30 p.m. 5 mg Melatonin

 

I just started Prozac Last week so not sure symptoms are from that and Trazadone as I have been like this for months. Even before I started tapering benzo.

I will start tomorrow with my symptoms.

I apologize for frustrating you, I guess I thought I had given you the correct information. I do appreciate your help and suggestions.

 

I can tell you symptoms today so far:

 

8:00 a.m. Woke up Groggy, anxiety in stomache and chest. Took 10 mg Prozac and 1.5 mg Valium

Went back to sleep, woke up 9:30 still groggy and anxious, hard to get out of bed

Noon too 1 mg Valium.  Still tired, groggy anxious

3:00 p.m. now groggy tired anxious.  Just laying in bed. Feel sick in stomache tightness in chest.

 

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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  • Administrator

When did "nausea and tightness in chest from anxiety" start? What time of day does it occur?

 

Why are you taking those benzos on that schedule? Why did you add Valium? Why did you reduce it?

 

Given all the benzos you're taking, it's not a mystery why you might be groggy and disoriented.

 

More drugs is not better.

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.

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Hi,

The constant anxiety started about 4 or 5 months ago.  It starts from when I wake up in the a.m. to when I fall asleep.  No relief in between.  The Benzo schedule was Dr. Suggestion when I decided to get off them.  They are very low doses.   I realize more drugs are not better are you suggesting I dont try going on Prozac?  Or did u mean the benzos?

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I have had constant Anxiety since I went off Effexor 6 month's ago went into acute withdrawal.  From when I wake up until I fall asleep (assuming I can sleep) I have tightness in my chest and that pit/nausea in my stomache. Lay in bed most of the day.  Sometimes I can make myself go to the store quickly or go for a short walk but it usually increases my anxiety. Is this part of withdrawal symptoms and hopefully with time they will ease up on their own?

 

Thanks

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I have been in withdrawal six months so far.  Constant anxiety from when I wake up until I go to sleep.  I feel worse than I did a few months ago.  Will this improve with time?  I can barely get out of bed. 

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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Has anyone used CDB oil to manage their anxiety while in withdrawal?  I am thinking of using medical marijuana/CDB oil.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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I had a severe reaction to cbd back in april, but I was quite early in withdrawal then (6 months) and had also had a drink, sudden severe gastro problems etc. So I don't know if it was just too much. I have, however, smoked cannabis throughout my withdrawal. Sometimes it helps, others not. But I don't know if it's had a major impact.

2008-2013 - Various meds on and off since age 18 incl. Sertraline, Prozac, Mirtazipine, Abilify. Prescribed for severe OCD.

CT'd several times over these years and reinstated after subsequent psych hospitalisations.

2014-2015 - Clomipramine, quetiapine and Epilum

2015-Jan 2017 - Prozac 40mg (stopped contraceptive pill, most stable period of time)

(Beginning of taper) Jan-October 2017 - Tapered Prozac to zero.

15 Jan 2018 - Reinstated Prozac at 2mg due to acute w/d symptoms

February 2018 - tapered to 1.8mg

May 2018 - reinstated at 5mg due to severe w/d symptoms. 9 month hold, stabilized well at around 6/7 months.

March 2019 - Tapered to 4.9mg

Current supplements: fish oils, probiotic, ashwaganda, colostrum powder, cannabis

 

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I am going to try medical marijuana but didnt know if it would mess up my CNS even more.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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It's completely individual. But as you've had lots of stops and starts and reinstatements, I'd advise caution if you're looking for any fix. I did that for a year, always with bad results. You're still very early in w/d from what I can see? You can probably find more info on cbd specifically, I think there is a dedicated post to it here. Search for 'cbd' in the topics search bar

2008-2013 - Various meds on and off since age 18 incl. Sertraline, Prozac, Mirtazipine, Abilify. Prescribed for severe OCD.

CT'd several times over these years and reinstated after subsequent psych hospitalisations.

2014-2015 - Clomipramine, quetiapine and Epilum

2015-Jan 2017 - Prozac 40mg (stopped contraceptive pill, most stable period of time)

(Beginning of taper) Jan-October 2017 - Tapered Prozac to zero.

15 Jan 2018 - Reinstated Prozac at 2mg due to acute w/d symptoms

February 2018 - tapered to 1.8mg

May 2018 - reinstated at 5mg due to severe w/d symptoms. 9 month hold, stabilized well at around 6/7 months.

March 2019 - Tapered to 4.9mg

Current supplements: fish oils, probiotic, ashwaganda, colostrum powder, cannabis

 

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My symptoms yesterday:

 

No Prozac, dr said to stop as it was too stimulating. Had only taken it for the  days.

Woke up feeling groggy, anxious at 

8:00 a.m. took 1.5 mg Valium.

Noon took 1 mg Valium

4:00 p.m. 1 mg Ativan

Took 50 mg. Trazadone and 5 mg melatonin for sleep.  

 

Was very anxious all day. Steady state of anxiety as I am everyday. Rarely a window of relief.

 

I hope this helps.

 

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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Hi Rez, i found when i reinstated a very small amount of Effexor my anxiety diminished significantly. I'm 10 months out from withdrawal, the anxiety sucks but its not too unbearable for me. It only really rears i head when i'm in an uncomfortable situation or thinking about to things too much. I reinstated the first time when the anxiety started to become an all day thing.

Paroxatine - 2004-2006

Effexor XR 75mg 2006 - 2016 (Discontinued Feb 2016) - Withdrawal for 6 months.

Effexor XR 75mg Re-instated June 2017 (Discontinued Dec 2017)

Effexor XR 2-3 mg Re-instated March 10 2018 - 1 day (Didn't work)

Effexor XR 2mg Reinstated (Again) May 11 2018. 6 Beads

July 2018 - 0.0mg of Effexor. Zilch

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I am seven months in withdrawal. No reinstatement of effexor but have tried other AD and yes I guess I am looking for any fix, but I'm seeing that may be pointless.  I tried to search for CDB oil but didn't find anything

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Rezten,  Try CBD oil in your search.   Instead of CDB.  Or surviving antidepressants. org followed by the topic in your main browser.  The topic is in symptoms and self care, titled:  cannabis, marijuana, THC, Cbd and Hemp oil.  Much caution, and not one of the supplements we can recommend.  More research is needed.  Also see Fish oil and Magnesium.

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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Hey I actually just posted my experience with CBD on my thread. Just be very careful with it..

Here is a copy and paste of my experience I posted:

 

"I have a medical marijuana card but not sure if I trust the clinic here anymore..

  • I had an appointment yesterday and tried to tell them every time I tried take their CBD, I get more intense heart palpitations. I tried to explain that I think the reason for that is because my body is confused right now and instead of the CBD helping, it is causing my withdrawals to intensify. The marijuana consultant said weed isn't harmful and to just do breathing exercise when I get heart palpitations. I understood her statement, but my gut feeling (as well as reading other's experiences on SA) is that this is not the case for me. Something is off and I am not reacting to the CBD as a normal person would. I am scared to keep taking it bc I don't want it to halt or slow down my recovery... This is very saddening for me because weed has saved my life the past 10 years . Only now am i getting adverse reactions from it. So medical marijuana is a no go for now..
  • I had an EKG bc of the heart palplitations done at the same clinic in September. Doc said I was normal just some early repolarization. I told her and ask about the Lexapro. 1- she criticized my psychiatrists for doing a rapid taper. 2- she didn't believe i was in withdrawal and said it was my underlining anxiety coming back. Told me to go back to 2.5mg till I got my medical card.. BTW I never had a serious anxiety issue till I started  Lexapro to be honest. My only 2 panic attacks in my life were after I started Lexapro."

 

CBD seems to work for some and not other. I am 2.5 months into withdrawal. Everytime I tried CBD or Medical Marijuana, it was a hit or miss... I think I'm just going to avoid it for a while..

If you do try it, do a very very very low amount and be careful please... 

2009- Started Lexapro 20mg sophomore year in college----------(I might have gone from 10mg to 20mg sometime in college but cannot remember)

2013- 1st taper 20mg to 10mg in 2weeks----------(Got brian zaps. Dr said to stay on Lex)

2015- 2nd taper 20mg to 15mg to 10mg by 1month on each dose----------(Got chest pains, Dr said to live with chest pains forever or continue Lexapro)

2017/2018- 3rd taper 20mg to 15mg to 10mg by 3months on each dose----------(Thought I had a seizure, GP Drs said it was not one but probably low blood sugar or pressure. Psychiatrist said to stay on 20mg Lexapro "just to be safe" and focus on quitting smoking 1st)

2018- New psychiatrist. 20mg to 15mg (3weeks) to 10mg(2.5weeks) to 7.5mg(2weeks) to 5mg(2weeks) to 2.5mg(weeks).. now at 0mg since July 27th 2018----------(Fast taper due to side effects on full dose or else I would have tapered extremely slower.. starting smoking cigs again to help get through the withdrawals.. now regretting that decision)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplements- 

---- Olly Sleep Gummies- 1 gummy nightly (Contains:  Melatonin 3mg, L-Theanine 200mg, Chamomile Extract 17mg, Lemon Balm Extract 16mg, Passionflower 17mg)

---- Veggie MultiVitamin Gummies

---- Omega 3 Fish Oil (Stopped for a bit to see if it was giving me negative effects. Plan to start again slowly).

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Thank you

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

Link to comment

I guess I am desperate for some relief.   I am having a very bad day, can barely get out of bed, but I dont want to do any more damage then I have already done.  

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

Link to comment

Hi, I just need to vent, I am having a bad day more than usual.  I can barely get out of bed and so scared I will never recover.  I am only 7 months into withdrawal and still slowly tapering off benzos, so I have a ways to go.  I dread being like this for years.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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