NeedMoreHope Posted August 28, 2023 Author Share Posted August 28, 2023 So need advice on something again... my pharmacy called and said the manufacture of my liquid prozac is in "indefinite" backorder... they did not even know when it would be available again. I only have a couple of days left on the current liquid. They said they could offer capsules, but that would be changing both manufactures and type of med. I'm trying to call around to see if anyone else has any in stock. I'm so afraid what is going to happen. Any advice on what to do here? 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Addax Posted August 28, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 28, 2023 Definitely calling other pharmacies is a good step. Check online pharmacies too. Perhaps try contacting the manufacturer directly and see if they have ideas. indefinite back order does sound good, so it might be worth doing a slow transition to a liquid by another manufacturer. The manufacturer may have more info on the back order, but if it seems like a “permanent “ back order the how to taper Prozac thread has guidelines for transitioning from capsule to liquid. I would thing you could use the same guidelines for transitioning manufacturers. 1988-2012: Prozac @ 60mg (with a few stops and starts) Fall 2012: Returned to 40mg after discontinuing and horrid withdrawal Fall 2013: 40mg Fluoxetine, added 150mg Wellbutrin to treat fatigue Winter 2014: Attempting to taper both (too fast) April 2014: 9mg Fluoxetine + 37.5 Wellbutrin Summer 2014: 8 mg Fluoxetine + 0 Wellbutrin (way too fast a drop) Late summer/Early Fall 2014: Debilitating Withdrawal symptoms Fall 2014 - Wellbutrin successfully kicked to the curb but… Oct- Dec 2014: Panicked reinstatement of Fluoxetine ->30mg - held for 5yrs Jan 2021: taper to 20mg Fluoxetine then tapering by 1mg every 2-3 months Fall 2022 - held at 10mg->December 2022: 9mg->Feb 2023: 8mg ->March 2023: brassmonkey slide begins: 7.8mg -> 7.6 -> 7.4->2 week hold (April)->7.2->7mg->6.8->2 week hold->6.6-> 1-month hold ->(June)-6.5->4-week hold-> (July)-6.4 (discontinued brassmonkey slide and slowed taper)-> (Aug)-6.2->(Sept)-6.0->(Oct)-5.9->(Nov)-5.8->(Dec)-5.7->wave!->(Jan)-5.8->(Feb)-6mg and holding. My 2014 withdrawal experience: https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-a-prozac-story/ Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted August 29, 2023 Author Share Posted August 29, 2023 I was able to find 30 days supply at another pharmacy (an hours drive away!). So this will give me time to figure out what I need to do. It is so irritating that they have essentially made us into drug addicts - I just panicked when I thought I was running out.. I'll be so glad to be done with all this someday. Thanks Addax! 1 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Tapertrauma Posted August 29, 2023 Share Posted August 29, 2023 Hiya, We had the same issue in the UK a few months ago and I had to ring round a lot of pharmacies. The production started up again a while later but like you i was panicking when i thought i couldn't get any Prozac liquid. I hope the supply improves for you soon. 2005 - Successfully and easily cold turkeyed from Sertraline on doctor's advice - during stay in rehab for alcohol dependency - still sober 20 years later. 2019 - Starting dose of Citalopram - extreme fatigue - came off after one week July 2019 - Self-medicated on 5HTP from health food shop - was advised no side effects - made me suicidal. 2019 - 2021 - Stabilized on 75mg of Venlafaxine and 10mg Prozac, functioning normally 2022 - Crashing fatigue returned - was advised was the Venlafaxine - tapered very quickly off - over the course of a month to nil 2022 - Prozac upped to 20mg and prescribed Beta Blockers for anxiety - made my low blood pressure even lower 2022 - Prescribed Amiltripaline for headaches - took for a few months - no improvement in headaches - tapered very quickly to nil 2022 - Prescribed Pregabalin - took for a few months - made no difference at all - tapered very quickly to nil 2022 - 2023 Have reduced Prozac from 20mg to 15mg - 01/12/2022 reduced Prozac from 20mg to 18mg; 29/12/2022 reduced Prozac from 18mg to 15mg; 08/01/2023 reduced Prozac from 15mg to 8mg 26/05/2023 reduced Prozac from 8mg to 6mg ; 09/06/2023 reduced Prozac from 6mg to 4mg; Dec 3 - Dec 9 2023 Prozac 5 mg; Dec 10 2023 - 4 mg. Jan 11 3.6mg Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 Can anyone comment on when this akathisia may leave? I am losing hope, but have no where to get help. My days have been a hellish mix of dark depression in the first half, then around lunch through evening, the akathisia is torture. It's more inner restlessness and absolute misery/shaking. I had it 2 1/2 years ago and it did get better, but why am I so bad again? It's been going on since April. What do I do here? I have been dealing with misery for years, and I don't seem to be getting any better. I'm still holding both meds since Feb. Please someone help me. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 And I will have to be switching my prozac soon - the pharmacy is not able to get more than the 30 days. This is going to be additional misery. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Angus Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 I’m wondering where you are located that there’s a shortage of liquid Prozac…I am on it as well and wondering if I should look into this. Thank you. Nortriptyline -2wks- April 2023, 20 mg for migraines, depression, stopped Lexapro- 1 wk May 2023, 2.5 mg s Remeron- 2 days, June 2023, 2.5 mg Prozac/ fluoxetine- started July 5 2023- liquid 4 mg for a wk (1 ml)July 5- July 12, 2023 6 mg- for a wk -July 13- 20, 2023 8 mg- for a wk July 21- 28, 2023 10 mg-wk bad side effects July 29- August 5, 2023 8 mg- August 5, 2023, 7.6 mg Sept 2023 Link to comment
Tapertrauma Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 Hi Angus, I am in Shropshire. I did have trouble getting the liquid a few months ago and there were manufacturing issues but it seemed supplies were fine about a month ago. My GP did tell me the liquid was wzy more expensive than the capsules so GPs are loathe to prescribe it. Good Luck with getting some and i hope you feel better soon x 2005 - Successfully and easily cold turkeyed from Sertraline on doctor's advice - during stay in rehab for alcohol dependency - still sober 20 years later. 2019 - Starting dose of Citalopram - extreme fatigue - came off after one week July 2019 - Self-medicated on 5HTP from health food shop - was advised no side effects - made me suicidal. 2019 - 2021 - Stabilized on 75mg of Venlafaxine and 10mg Prozac, functioning normally 2022 - Crashing fatigue returned - was advised was the Venlafaxine - tapered very quickly off - over the course of a month to nil 2022 - Prozac upped to 20mg and prescribed Beta Blockers for anxiety - made my low blood pressure even lower 2022 - Prescribed Amiltripaline for headaches - took for a few months - no improvement in headaches - tapered very quickly to nil 2022 - Prescribed Pregabalin - took for a few months - made no difference at all - tapered very quickly to nil 2022 - 2023 Have reduced Prozac from 20mg to 15mg - 01/12/2022 reduced Prozac from 20mg to 18mg; 29/12/2022 reduced Prozac from 18mg to 15mg; 08/01/2023 reduced Prozac from 15mg to 8mg 26/05/2023 reduced Prozac from 8mg to 6mg ; 09/06/2023 reduced Prozac from 6mg to 4mg; Dec 3 - Dec 9 2023 Prozac 5 mg; Dec 10 2023 - 4 mg. Jan 11 3.6mg Link to comment
Angus Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 Ok thank you so much. Nortriptyline -2wks- April 2023, 20 mg for migraines, depression, stopped Lexapro- 1 wk May 2023, 2.5 mg s Remeron- 2 days, June 2023, 2.5 mg Prozac/ fluoxetine- started July 5 2023- liquid 4 mg for a wk (1 ml)July 5- July 12, 2023 6 mg- for a wk -July 13- 20, 2023 8 mg- for a wk July 21- 28, 2023 10 mg-wk bad side effects July 29- August 5, 2023 8 mg- August 5, 2023, 7.6 mg Sept 2023 Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 Hello, Haven't posted in awhile. I can't say I'm much better, but I have started to have some nice windows for several days when most of the symptoms are gone. My main symptom that lingers is this tortuous internal akathisia. I've had it for many months. It makes life unbearable and I just seem to cry all the time because it's so miserable. Just hoping someone out there can give me reassurance that this will leave. I'm sure it was the gabapentin... I feel like I'm in my 3rd round of withdrawal. My sleep is slowly coming back but it's still on/off - last week I actually slept 8 hours - haven't done that for 6 years. Some days I don't think I can go on, but then what choice do we have but to keep going? I'm holding holding holding.... 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted February 2 Mentor Share Posted February 2 38 minutes ago, NeedMoreHope said: I have started to have some nice windows for several days when most of the symptoms are gone Relish them when they come....and when they leave remember that they will always come again. 39 minutes ago, NeedMoreHope said: hoping someone out there can give me reassurance that this will leave From what I understand it does indeed slowly fade away after some time. Look up Chris Paige, a taper coach who endured akathisia for a very long time but he's much better now. 41 minutes ago, NeedMoreHope said: Some days I don't think I can go on, but then what choice do we have but to keep going? I know the feeling, but look back at how FAR you've come. You're still here fighting, and that in itself is a major victory! Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only. 1994 - 2017: Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien 2005-present: Trazodone 50 mg 2017: Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 2020 (March): Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 Thank you Catina 7 ❤️ 1 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 And can I ask for one more reassurance? I'm getting some pressure by family to just stop the remaining meds. They are saying that I can't heal as long as I am still taking the meds, and think the meds themselves are keeping this going. It has been almost a year since my last adjustment - could they be right? My only counter to that is that I have had as long as 10 day windows, and I had a long period of a couple of months about a year and a half ago where I was doing well and would have been on higher doses of these same meds. How do we know if the meds themselves are keeping the symptoms going? My gut tells me I was so damaged from the years before, and I kept tapering too fast, so I'm probably going to take longer to heal up from the last drop. But there is always that thought every time I take a pill that I am poisoning myself and I will never get stable. Has anyone had to hold for this long before stabilizing? 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Angus Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 @NeedMoreHope I’m really so sorry for all you are experiencing. Have you considered speaking to a tapering coach for perspective on your tapering? I don’t know where you are located but the coaches can email or zoom. If you were to zoom you could also include a family member in the meeting. Angela Peacock is a wonderful resource and you can find her on line. Don’t know if this would be helpful or you’d consider it. Sending you prayers for guidance 🙏 Nortriptyline -2wks- April 2023, 20 mg for migraines, depression, stopped Lexapro- 1 wk May 2023, 2.5 mg s Remeron- 2 days, June 2023, 2.5 mg Prozac/ fluoxetine- started July 5 2023- liquid 4 mg for a wk (1 ml)July 5- July 12, 2023 6 mg- for a wk -July 13- 20, 2023 8 mg- for a wk July 21- 28, 2023 10 mg-wk bad side effects July 29- August 5, 2023 8 mg- August 5, 2023, 7.6 mg Sept 2023 Link to comment
pinkfairy Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 22 hours ago, NeedMoreHope said: And can I ask for one more reassurance? I'm getting some pressure by family to just stop the remaining meds. They are saying that I can't heal as long as I am still taking the meds, and think the meds themselves are keeping this going. It has been almost a year since my last adjustment - could they be right? My only counter to that is that I have had as long as 10 day windows, and I had a long period of a couple of months about a year and a half ago where I was doing well and would have been on higher doses of these same meds. How do we know if the meds themselves are keeping the symptoms going? My gut tells me I was so damaged from the years before, and I kept tapering too fast, so I'm probably going to take longer to heal up from the last drop. But there is always that thought every time I take a pill that I am poisoning myself and I will never get stable. Has anyone had to hold for this long before stabilizing? Hi 👋 So sorry your family is pressuring you to stop taking your meds. But they have no clue at how dangerous that suggestion is. You can heal and you’re healing I am proof that healing really happens on the way down or whether you are holding. I used to think like you I was “damaged” beyond repair that is a symptom it’s self. Your brain and nervous system as a lot of repairing to do so when you’re in a wave your body is doing it’s job and it’s getting to work on repairing you. Yes, me I held for 2 years before I touched another drug. It took me that length of time to fully stabilize and gain some momentum.All that time I was holding I was healing. Baylissa Frederick is an Earth angel and she holds the most warmest and safest container and has family sections for families as well. She as being doing this for Decades as well. You are doing amazing.🙏🏻 1 First AD when i was 19.Binge drinker/drugs 15 years weekend use.I was always pulled on and off.2005-2007-Mirtapine 45mg CT. 2010-2016 Paxil 40mg + Zopiclone.Jan-2016 i was CT off Paxil.Stopped alcohol Jan 2016.Given 2-4mg of Diazepam April 2016 CT them after 3 month.They reinstated 8mg of Diazepam July 2016 and the Doctor CT me off Zopiclone the same day.They then tried adding all different drugs Mirt one of them at 15mg (i took 7.5mg).I was tapered August 2016 7.5mg.Sep 2016 7mg.Oct 2016 6mg.Tried 1mg of Paxil-stopped after 2 days.Nov 2016 5.5mg.Tried olanzapine @2.5mg (stopped after a week)Dec 2016-5mg.Tried switching to liquid Jan-March 2017 (no good)back to pills.April 2017-4.75mg of Diazepam June 2017 -4.5mg.July 2018 went inpatient for 10 days.Awakening 4 days later.HELD.Sep 2017 4.3mg Dec 2017-4mg (Held)April 2019- started tapering the Mirtazapine.Sep 2019 at 6mg of Mirtazapine (HELD)Stopped smoking CT after 26 years.10.16.19..Restarted the Diazepam taper Jan 2020 micro tapering (game changer) now 18/7/23 @0.052mg Diazepam + Mirtazapine @6mg. Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted February 4 Mentor Share Posted February 4 You may want to review the thread about Stabilization: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-stabilization/ Family members - even though they want the best for us - do not understand how these drugs work and how to get off them safely. If you continue to apply the advice of our experienced staff and members you can be successful. Hang in there! 🌺 Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only. 1994 - 2017: Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien 2005-present: Trazodone 50 mg 2017: Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 2020 (March): Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted February 4 Author Share Posted February 4 Thank you both - this helps reassure me SO much. Our minds just try so hard to resolve this and we think we need to "do" something else, BUT... THAT is exactly what got me here in the first place...not waiting things out and making too many changes. I just joined Baylissa's group - I've always found her so reassuring and gentle. I'll hold the course and keep telling myself I WILL get there. THANK YOU AGAIN. YOU ARE LIFESAVERS. ❤️ 2 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted February 4 Mentor Share Posted February 4 1 hour ago, NeedMoreHope said: I just joined Baylissa's group - I've always found her so reassuring and gentle Wonderful! She's one of the best out there. I hope it helps you! ❤️ Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only. 1994 - 2017: Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien 2005-present: Trazodone 50 mg 2017: Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 2020 (March): Began 10% monthly taper of Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
pinkfairy Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 1 hour ago, NeedMoreHope said: Thank you both - this helps reassure me SO much. Our minds just try so hard to resolve this and we think we need to "do" something else, BUT... THAT is exactly what got me here in the first place...not waiting things out and making too many changes. I just joined Baylissa's group - I've always found her so reassuring and gentle. I'll hold the course and keep telling myself I WILL get there. THANK YOU AGAIN. YOU ARE LIFESAVERS. ❤️ So pleased it helped.Yes, it makes us want to do "anything" or "something" its a real urgency and such a driven energy behind it. This forum and Baylissa, truly saved my life.Literally. I flew from Bay's group a few ago but she holds a very special place in my heart. You will get there that is a fact your only job is to stay the course.It is the hardest road you will ever have to travel but my goodness the view from the other side is breath taking. Keep going xx 1 First AD when i was 19.Binge drinker/drugs 15 years weekend use.I was always pulled on and off.2005-2007-Mirtapine 45mg CT. 2010-2016 Paxil 40mg + Zopiclone.Jan-2016 i was CT off Paxil.Stopped alcohol Jan 2016.Given 2-4mg of Diazepam April 2016 CT them after 3 month.They reinstated 8mg of Diazepam July 2016 and the Doctor CT me off Zopiclone the same day.They then tried adding all different drugs Mirt one of them at 15mg (i took 7.5mg).I was tapered August 2016 7.5mg.Sep 2016 7mg.Oct 2016 6mg.Tried 1mg of Paxil-stopped after 2 days.Nov 2016 5.5mg.Tried olanzapine @2.5mg (stopped after a week)Dec 2016-5mg.Tried switching to liquid Jan-March 2017 (no good)back to pills.April 2017-4.75mg of Diazepam June 2017 -4.5mg.July 2018 went inpatient for 10 days.Awakening 4 days later.HELD.Sep 2017 4.3mg Dec 2017-4mg (Held)April 2019- started tapering the Mirtazapine.Sep 2019 at 6mg of Mirtazapine (HELD)Stopped smoking CT after 26 years.10.16.19..Restarted the Diazepam taper Jan 2020 micro tapering (game changer) now 18/7/23 @0.052mg Diazepam + Mirtazapine @6mg. Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted March 28 Author Share Posted March 28 Hi all, I had a wonderful 2 week window a few weeks ago, then everything came crashing back - bad. I've been holding for many months now and not much improvement. My body burns, I still have dreadful akathisia, and my depression is almost unbearable. When do we throw in the towel? I guess at some point you just think it would be better to be numb on more drugs than live like this. Will I ever stabilize? I fight everyday not going back to the hospital. But can they even help me? Oh, I need reassurance from anyone who has stabilized? 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted April 1 Author Share Posted April 1 Can anyone tell me that I will stabilize? Will someone help me - what do I do here. I updosed back to 400 mg gaba this week and it seemed to help the akathisia a bit, but now my dark depression is worse so not sure if the extra gaba caused that or just that I'm exhausted from fighting the akathisia. I am so tired of living like this and nothing seems to improve for me. Am I one that just will not be able to get off these drugs? All I see is fear in the future for me. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
NeedMoreHope Posted Friday at 06:42 PM Author Share Posted Friday at 06:42 PM Looking for any help? I've been holding at the 400 gabapentin and 5 mg of Prozac, but nothing is getting better. I am ready to go back to the hospital. Do you think updosing just a small amount of the Prozac would help? I've lost my sleep again and the anxiety is through the roof. The Akathisia seems to be a tad better so thankful for that. I am so hopeless and in despair right now. 20 mg Prozac - 2001-2018 Came off cold turkey in Feb 2018, crashed BAD Over the next year and a half, given one drug after another when nothing would work (can't remember a lot of this): Back on/off Prozac 20 mg several times; Remeron; Lexapro 20 mg (8 months); Elavil; Seroquel; Effexor, Abilify (short time as I had bad reactions) Added in several BP meds and hormones along the way here too.... For sleep given: Ativan 2 mg/Ambien/Lunesta/Gabapentin/Klonipin (none helped) Last combo was to add 5 mg Zyprexa to the 20 mg Prozac - on this for 5 months Finally had enough in July 2019; cold turkeyd off 5 mg Zyprexa, and then weaned down from 20 mg Prozac to 5 mg ; updosed to 5.25 mg 12/12/2020. Updosed to 7.5 1/5/2021 - back to 5 mg 1/10/2021 after bad reaction to updose; added 900 mg gabapendtin for nerve pain (thought to be caused by COVID) 2/2/2021 - hospitalized for COVID complications - put on 1200 gabapentin and added 25 Seroquel for sleep (ugh). Back to Prozac 6 mg. 11/22/2021 - OFF Seroquel. Prozac 8 mg. Gabapentin 800 mg/day. 5/1/2022 - Prozac 7 mg/day; Gabapentin 650 mg/day 11/14/2022 - Prozac 6 mg/day; Gabapentin 400 mg/day 2/20/2023 - Prozac 5 mg/day; Gabapentin 384 mg/day Link to comment
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