GreenIvy Posted August 20, 2023 Author Share Posted August 20, 2023 My doctor increased my holding dose to 5.5mg and gave me hydroxyzine 10mg tablets to help me with the insomnia. This week, at bedtime I have been taking 1mg of melatonin I have been taking the hydroxyzine 10mg-20mg as needed when I wake up in the middle of the night with another melatonin. Sometimes my body goes back to sleep on its own without taking any hydroxyzine and melatonin in the middle of the night and I get a few nights of good sleep. But then it will be followed by a few nights where I only get 3 hours of sleep because my body is shaking and anxious.. My body woke up around midnight and I took a 10mg hydroxyzine and 0.5mg of melatonin. It didn't help me fall back to sleep at all. Is there a different supplement I can take when I wake up in the middle of the night? Do you recommend trying the Swanson's AntiStress? 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted August 21, 2023 Moderator Share Posted August 21, 2023 15 hours ago, GreenIvy said: My doctor increased my holding dose to 5.5mg and gave me hydroxyzine 10mg tablets to help me with the insomnia. This week, at bedtime I have been taking 1mg of melatonin I have been taking the hydroxyzine 10mg-20mg as needed when I wake up in the middle of the night with another melatonin. Sometimes my body goes back to sleep on its own without taking any hydroxyzine and melatonin in the middle of the night and I get a few nights of good sleep. But then it will be followed by a few nights where I only get 3 hours of sleep because my body is shaking and anxious.. My body woke up around midnight and I took a 10mg hydroxyzine and 0.5mg of melatonin. It didn't help me fall back to sleep at all. Is there a different supplement I can take when I wake up in the middle of the night? Do you recommend trying the Swanson's AntiStress? @GreenIvy the only two supplements we recommend are Omega-3 and Magnesium and occasionally melatonin (0.3mg). We are not familiar with Swanson's Antistress but if it has B-vitamins just know that they can be activating and we don't recommend them during withdrawal if there is no deficiency established. OMW "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted August 21, 2023 Author Share Posted August 21, 2023 The Swanson antistress I mentioned is the Bioactive Milk peptides Lactium. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted August 21, 2023 Moderator Share Posted August 21, 2023 (edited) You can do a search on the website about lactium - we recommend searching google by typing survivingantidepressants.org: lactium Edited August 21, 2023 by Onmyway "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted August 21, 2023 Author Share Posted August 21, 2023 I am thinking about reinstating at a higher dose to 12.5mg of sertraline to stop my withdrawal symptoms and insomnia. Those is so difficult and I need to take care of my children. What is your advice to me? 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted August 21, 2023 Moderator Share Posted August 21, 2023 Hi @GreenIvy, the advice that you saw in the reinstatement thread is what we can give you - it is all summarized there - reinstate a little bit. You can try to increase but it can make things worse b/c in WD we tend to be sensitive to psychoactive substances. I am worried that the hydroxyzine may be creating paradoxical effects? Has increasing your dose improved your sleep or made it worse? I wouldn't be too worried if you have a few nights of broken/missing sleep - worrying about it makes it worse. "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted August 21, 2023 Author Share Posted August 21, 2023 I think increasing improved my symptoms slightly, I definitely don't think it got worse. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator LotusRising Posted August 21, 2023 Moderator Share Posted August 21, 2023 Sorry you're struggling with insomnia, but it is certainly a very common symptom. Have you tried magnesium glycinate? It can be quite calming for the nervous system. Melatonin is meant for resetting your circadian rhythm, not for use as a sleep aid, so it likely won't help if you take it in the middle of the night. I understand the distress and the need to grasp at anything that will help, but waiting and stabilizing might be your best best. 1 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods, Ativan prn 2010-2011 Ativan, up to 1.5mg/day - tapered off without issue 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month, daily starting Oct 21 to help with buspar WD 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months 2021 Aug Wellbutrin 150mg for 5 days (ADR), then MIrtazapine 7.5mg for 7 days (ADR) Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! Supplements: omega-3, mag-glycinate "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, my suggestions/comments are based on my own personal experiences. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's *** Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 @Altostrata @MedRN Yesterday my compound pharmacist gave me magnesium glycinate, omega 3 fish oil, and a probiotic and i slept 7 hours last night. I took the 100mg of magnesium and 1mg of melatonin at bedtime. In the daytime today i took a L-theanine, omgea 3, and probiotoc again. At bedtime (an hour later than yesterday) I took the 100 mg magnesium and this time 0.5mg melatonin. I slept 1 hour and woke up. I took another 0.5mg melatonin an hour later. I can't stay asleep. I don't know why yesterday I was able sleep so good and today I can't. I'm waiting for the Lactium to arrive in the mail. Perhaps when the Lactium arrives later this week I can take it in the middle of the night when I wake up to fall back asleep. My doctor wants me to reinstate at 25mg of sertraline immediately because she said my anxiety relapsed. My compound pharmacist told me to try these supplements for a week first before I reinstate at a higher dose. I'm feeling scared that my sleep has not been good for a month. Should I just listen to my doctor and reinstate at 12.5mg or 25mg? I know you told me it's important to take my supplements and medication at the same time every day. What should I do differently or any advice? 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 How much longer do you think it will take me to stabilize at my current dose? If it's more than 1 week, I really want to reinstate at a higher dose. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 23, 2023 Administrator Share Posted August 23, 2023 13 hours ago, GreenIvy said: Yesterday my compound pharmacist gave me magnesium glycinate, omega 3 fish oil, and a probiotic You don't have to get these things from a pharmacist, you can order them from online supplement shops such as iHerb, Vitacost, or Swanson's. You got withdrawal symptoms and updosed to 4.58mg only 07/27/2023. After you get withdrawal symptoms, it can take a while for your nervous system to settle down. You'll have spells of withdrawal symptoms in The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization How does your symptom pattern over the last 2 weeks compared to your symptom pattern in early July, before you updosed to 4.58mg 07/27/2023? 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
GreenIvy Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 @AltostrataMy doctor updosed me to 5.5mg on 8/3. My withdraw symptoms are not as intense now since the end of July. I haven’t had any crying spells this week, no deprssive feelings. I still have waves of anxiety, and the shaking at night was a couple of days ago. Now, the main thing is the insomnia, difficulty falling and staying asleep! I'm feeling scared now about the insomnia. Tonight I'm taking 100mg magnesium glycinte and 1mg of melatonin at bedtime. If i wake up in the middle of the night I'm taking a Lactium pill. If i still have problems after that my pharmacist told me to take a hydroxyzine as a last resort. Last night i only slept 2 hours, and the all the lack of the sleep over the past month is really catching up to me. If I don't sleep good tonight, I'm considering increasing my sertraline to 12.5mg tomorrow. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 23, 2023 Administrator Share Posted August 23, 2023 What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? How do you feel before and after each dose? What is your sleep schedule? How did your sleep pattern change after you updosed to 5.5mg? Suggest you wait on increasing further -- it's possible the sertraline is keeping you awake. 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
GreenIvy Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 @Altostrata I take: Noon 1-omega3 and probiotic, L-theanine in morning at breakfast if im having a cortisol spike, 2pm-5.5mg sertraline. Between 8-9pm 100mg magnesium and 1mg melatonin. (Lactium is as needed in the middle of night. Earlier in the month of August I was taking hydroxyzine and an additional melatonin in the middle of the night if needed) My sleep pattern has been inconsistent at times because we visited relatives for 2 weeks this month. And 5 days ago my son was awake vomiting until 3am, and i had to stay up and care for him. My bedtime is not perfectly consistent because sometimes the toddlers battle bedtime. Before and after doses: I do not notice I feel significantly different, except I noticed the L-theanine made my anxiety wave went away. I did not notice a significant sleep change after I updosed to 5.5mg. It it likely the insomnia could induce psychosis or bipolar? Will my sleep improve some days? And other days the insomnia come back? Any suggestions to alleviate the insomnia. Thank you for your advice on waiting to increase the sertraline. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 25, 2023 Administrator Share Posted August 25, 2023 On 8/23/2023 at 3:49 PM, GreenIvy said: It it likely the insomnia could induce psychosis or bipolar? Will my sleep improve some days? And other days the insomnia come back? If going without sleep has not induced those conditions before, it is unlikely to do so now. You may have ups and downs in your sleep pattern due to The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization or because stressful or chaotic things are happening in your life. Withdrawal tends to make people hypersensitive to many things. 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
GreenIvy Posted August 25, 2023 Author Share Posted August 25, 2023 @AltostrataI noticed this week, every other day I had a good night of sleep followed by a night of staying awake several hours. Do you recommend that I stop hydroxyzine? I was taking it in the middle of the night when I can't fall asleep. Do you recommend trying L-theanine in the middle of the the night to help me fall back asleep? Any other suggestions of supplements i should take?? The first time I took Lactium I slept wonderfully, but the second night I took Lactium I woke up 2 hours after falling asleep. 1 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 26, 2023 Administrator Share Posted August 26, 2023 9 hours ago, GreenIvy said: I had a good night of sleep followed by a night of staying awake several hours How much sleep do you get on a bad night? Hydroxyzine tends to stop working after a while. Lactium and l-theanine are very mild. Best to rotate supplements. Please use search in the Symptoms and Self-care forum to find our discussions about supplements. 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
GreenIvy Posted August 30, 2023 Author Share Posted August 30, 2023 Thank you, I had 4nights in a row of very good sleep of 8 hours. But the past 2 nights I slept 2.5 hours. And had more waves of anxiety and depression on the days that I don't sleep well. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted November 6, 2023 Author Share Posted November 6, 2023 Now that my withdraw symptoms have stabilized 9 weeks after my first symptoms began, I only now notice a change in the sharpness of my mind. It's almost like I have become ADD. I'm having difficulty with focus and my attention when my family is talking to me is not the same as I used to be. When completing daily tasks around my house, I'm distracted and it takes me longer to do things. Have other people experienced this decrease in mental sharpness? Do you know if likely over time my brain will regain its alertness? 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted November 6, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 6, 2023 It will slowly improve just like the other symptoms but you may have windows and waves still. I'd keep holding if I were you for at least 2 more months. "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted January 9 Author Share Posted January 9 I'm struggling with short term memory loss, is there any supplements you recommend? Is this going to get better? Ever since I went through withdraw symptoms last summer/fall, I noticed my memory is worse, feels like pressure on the top of my head. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted January 9 Moderator Share Posted January 9 Hi @GreenIvy, are you sleeping well? This happened to me as well - I would forget words and as my sleep improved and I was further along on my hold, it got better. It will get better for you as well 1 "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
BigCat Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 On 1/9/2024 at 4:04 PM, GreenIvy said: I'm struggling with short term memory loss, is there any supplements you recommend? Is this going to get better? Ever since I went through withdraw symptoms last summer/fall, I noticed my memory is worse, feels like pressure on the top of my head. It's easy to focus on stuff like this, and the focus is a symptom not of genuine memory loss, but of anxiety. Anxiety robs us of rational judgement and forces us down the rabbit hole of catastrophe. We cannot remember stuff because anxiety distracts us from paying attention. Various ADs from 1991, always for depression with anxiety and agitation... sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram (with 2.5mg olanzapine briefly), coming off each for increasingly shorter times until 2000 when I went on meds full time with Clomipramine 200mg. Then Venlafaxine (XR) since 2008, initially 225mg, then 300mg, plus tried on venlafaxine with mirtazapine (California Rocket) for only a week in 2017(?) as absolutely intolerable. July '23 Venlafaxine XL 300 to 275mg. Aug '23 275 to 250mg. Sept/Oct '23 250 to 230 to 225mg. Nov '23 205mg. Dec '23 185mg. 28 Dec '23 reinstated 225mg after crashing. Supplements: Vitamin D and fish oil. "L'exposition du merde est temporaries". Although I have a background in health, I am here to learn from others, encourage others and share my experiences, not to give professional guidance. Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted January 10 Author Share Posted January 10 @Onmyway Thank you for your response. My sleep is good but often broken, I've been taking magnesium glycinate to help me fall back asleep in the middle of the night. I agree I believe it could be sleep related too. Your response is comforting to me,thank you. 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
GreenIvy Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Hello, I have been on my current dose for 5 months now. I have been feeling good for a few months now. I want to begin tapering again (I had withdraw symptoms from July to Nov 1st) . I'm feeling nervous about tapering again, do you recommend I begin with 10% decreases or 5% decreases. In the past I tapered on 10% decreases for 1 year and felt fine. Just wondering what is suggested since I went through severe withdraw 7 months ago 2012: citalopram eventually switched 50 zoloft 2012: 50 mg sertraline decreased to 25 mg sertraline 2021: 1 month taper from 25mg to 0mg sertraline in January. Experienced withdraw symptoms 2021: Feb doctor reinstated 50mg sertraline, decreased to 25mg April 2021 2021: October birth of baby doctor increased to 50 mg sertraline after panic attack. 2021: November 25 mg sertraline tablets 2022: March Started the 10% decrease method of sertraline using compound pharmacy 03/2022: 22.5mg, 04/2022:20.25mg, 05/2022: 18.23mg, 06/2022: 16.41mg, 07/2022: 14.77mg, 08/2022: 13.29mg, 09/2022: 11.96mg, 10/2022: 9.68mg, 12/2022: 8.71mg, 01/2023: 7.84mg, 02/2023: 7.06mg, 03/2023: 5.72mg, Started 20% decreases 04/2023:4.58mg, 05/2023: Switched to Liquid 3.66mg Liquid, 06/2023 : 2.93mg Liquid, 07/2023: 2.34mg Liquid Going back to powder sertraline 07/27/2023 Reinstated 4.58mg of capsule powder sertraline 08/03/2023 Doctor increased holding dose to 5.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Erimus Posted February 21 Moderator Share Posted February 21 (edited) I would stick with the smaller cuts, that way withdrawal should be easier to manage in day to day life. There is no need to rush off with big cuts, especially when we have the tools to make accurate and precise doses at such small amounts of the drug. You are at 5.5mg now, is that correct? Is this a liquid, homemade suspension, or crushed powder? Edited February 21 by Erimus Active Monday-Friday UK time MEDICATION: 1) Sertraline: 50mg - Oct 2020, 100mg - Dec 2020, 50mg - April 2021, 75mg - May 2021, 50mg - Sep 2021; Start tapering - 24 April 2024 Current dose: (May 2024) 2) Mirtazapine: 15mg - Nov 2020 SUPPLEMENTS: Cod liver oil, Magnesium, Vitamin C Link to comment
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