Stamper: I think I blew it

[Stamper]

Hi. Am new to this site, found it bc I am struggling with tapering. I went too fast, have had symptoms a number of times and each time increased my dosage a bit.  This last time it did not relieve the symptoms. Am I screwed?  

I have been in escitalopram for 5+ years. Started tapering in March 25.  Went down to 20 right away, then 10 within a week or so.  Then started skipping days. Brain zaps, diarrhea, nausea, mouth pain, headaches.  Each time I got the zaps I would take a 10 mg. (In other words, not skip a day). I had not yet found this site.  Yesterday I had a headache that would not stop, some brain zaps. Took a 10 mg, am still nauseated, headache, dizzy-ish the next day. Found this site, horrified by what I have read ... took another 10 mg and am hoping like hell I have not done any long term damage. 
 

advice?  What can I do ?  

 

 

 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Stamper.

 

You have not blown it.  We all make mistakes.  You are suffering from withdrawal from tapering too fast and skipping doses.  The damage is not permanent but it will take some time for you to stabilize.  The symptoms you describe are typical withdrawal symptoms.  They will fade in time.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

What your brain needs now is stability and no further changes.  I recommend that you take 10mg every day at the same time of day.  You will need to stay on this for several months, at least six months,  until you stabilize.  Never skip doses.  This is very upsetting to your system, it  changes the amount of the drug in your blood and it makes withdrawal worse.

 

When the time comes for you to taper--and this will not be for several months--we recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.  Again, this is for the future, not now.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

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. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.