CA0966

[CA0966]

Hello.  I registered here some time ago, but wish to now go forward with my introduction.  I have struggled with issues of emotional and physical trauma since my early teens.  I entered the psychiatric arena at age 29 while a student at a large university.  I was in a new city with little family support when I entered psychiatric treatment.  In those days (1980), psychiatrists did their own counseling along with medications.  Initially I was treated for a major depression.  My condition did not improve, in fact it worsened.  A variety of psychotropic drugs over a period of six years with this psychiatrist including SSRI's, Abilify and other anti-psychotics were given along with "therapy".  In 1986 the psychiatrist committed suicide.  I was left in a helpless condition and searched on my own for another doctor, but was virtually abandoned by the community.  The years following that were a nightmare.  I am alive by the grace of God.  Now, at this time I remain on drugs: Bupropn HCL (Wellbutrin XL) and Escitalopram (Lexapro).  I wish to withdraw from them, but was told I would always need to take them.  I have no idea if I can or how to withdraw.  

 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, CA0966,

 

These antidepressants were designed originally for short-term use, and it is our approach here that there is no necessity to remain on them forever and that it is very possible to taper off them.

It is very good that you have contacted us before starting your taper so we can help you with it.  The SA community, both moderators and members, are very supportive.  I say this so that you may know that you are no longer alone.

 

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.  Use the following link to create your signature.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

We advise tapering  at a rate no faster that 10% of your current dose every four weeks.  Some have to taper more slowly.  

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

These links explain the importance of a slow taper.

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

We advise tapering only one drug at at time.  Otherwise, if problems arise, it will be difficult to determine which drug taper is causing it.

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

As the link above  indicates, we advise tapering the more activating (stimulating) drug first.  However, both Wellbutrin XL and Lexapro are activating.  How do you feel after you take each drug?   

 

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

Do this for three days, then post your notes here, along with your signature.  We can then decide which drug to taper first and provide you with specific information on tapering that drug, including how to obtain the non-standard doses needed for a slow taper.

 

This is your introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.  I hope you’ll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but I am glad that you found us.