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  • Moderator Emeritus
7 minutes ago, Thorin said:

There’s a previous post I was going to update on a daily basis with my schedule but I can start a new post again if you like?

 

It is not possible to update an old post.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Ah now I understand. I will repost my last daily log and continue to post daily logs for a few days

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator

I would like you to extract your daily drug schedule from your daily log, this one time. Thank you.

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, yes. I will have time to do this today. I have two days drug scheduled recorded.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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Hi @Altostrata. Hope i got the log correct. Interested in your thoughts. Thanks for your time.....

 

 

Tuesday

Woke up 5.30-6 after a poor sleep. Anxiety much reduced.

0800 clonazepam (0.125mg) - slight churning in stomach

0915 dextroamphetamine (3.75mg) and magnesium. Bit shaky in the legs but this is the best I’ve felt since reinstating 14mg several days ago

0945 - some ‘pressure’ and ‘sensation’ in my head. Have been experiencing this symptom for a while. It has slowly been getting better. Seems worse when I’m working/stressed. Have some mild anxiety.

1200 - anxiety increased slightly

1230 - (0.6 ml) CBD oil as anxiety increasing.

1250 had a strong wave of anxiety. Did Wim Hof breathing and took a 20 minute break from work. Anxiety decreased slightly. Some dizziness.

1300 0.125mg clonazepam and 3.75mg Dextroamphetamine

1400 still experiencing strong anxiety. Increased weakness and shakiness as the day goes on.

1530 - anxiety has reduced a bit but still strong.

1630 went for a run. Anxiety greatly reduced but still present, also a bit agitated.

1715 Relatively calm. Not too many symptoms. Little restless, mildly agitated, mildly anxious.

1910 14mg Lurasidone, 0.2ml CBD/THC.

2100 very few symptoms. They just pop in and out briefly

2150 magnesium fish oil and multivitamin and 0.125mg clonazepam

 

Wednesday

0830 clonazepam, magnesium - not much sleep, insomnia quite severe. Apart from feeling slightly ‘wired’ I don’t really have any symptoms. Mildly flat mood.

1115 - sat down to work, felt some anxiety and mild dizziness, difficulty concentrating. Seems any stress exacerbates the withdrawal symptoms

1130 3.75mg dextroamphetamine

1230 some mild anxiety. Realised that intrusive thoughts have returned this morning and just now.

1300 0.125mg of clonazepam. Mild feeling of fluttering in the chest (anxiety?). Mild feeling of dizziness for split seconds but overall relatively good compared to previous days since I reinstated to 14mg Lurasidone

1430 (0.6ml) CBD oil

1630 some anxiety

1700 (0.2ml) CBD:THC still experiencing anxiety

1715 CBD:THC lowering anxiety.

1800 low mood, potentially caused by constant anxiety and lack of sleep

1900 14mg Lurasidone. Anxiety reduced a reasonable amount. Seems the stress of work is exacerbated by the withdrawal.

2200 0.125mg clonazepam magnesium multivitamin fish oil

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator

I would like you to extract your daily drug schedule from your daily log, this one time. Drug schedule only. Times o'clock you take each of your drugs, with their dosages. Thank you.

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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Tuesday

0800 clonazepam (0.125mg)

0915 dextroamphetamine (3.75mg) and magnesium. 

1230 - (0.6 ml) CBD oil 

1300 0.125mg clonazepam and 3.75mg Dextroamphetamine 

1910 14mg Lurasidone, 0.2ml CBD/THC.

2150 magnesium fish oil and multivitamin and clonazepam (0.125mg)

 

Wednesday

0830 (0.125mg) clonazepam, magnesium 

1130 dextroamphetamine 3.75mg

1300 0.125mg clonazepam

1430 (0.6ml) CBD oil

1700 (0.2ml) CBD:THC

1900 14mg Lurasidone.

2200 (0.125mg) clonazepam magnesium multivitamin fish oil (0.2ml) CBD:THC

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator

So you take dextroamphetamine when you feel like it?

 

As @ChessieCat observed, clonazepam and dextroamphetamine have opposed effects and it makes no sense whatsoever to take them at the same time. Very possible some of your symptoms are from this. As it does not appear you take dextroamphetamine on a regular schedule (which can cause withdrawal symptoms), you'll have to figure out yourself how not to take it with clonazepam.

 

Please look up the adverse effects of each of your drugs and consider whether what you've reporting as psychiatric symptoms are actually adverse effects, such as anxiety after taking dextroamphetamine. 

 

As long as you continue to take them, you'll have anxiety from dextroamphetamine and dopiness from clonazepam.

 

To be honest, I'm looking at your symptom pattern and thinking. 1) This person likes dextroamphetamine; 2) this person does not want to stop taking dextroamphetamine; 3) clonazepam is causing the symptoms for which you're taking dextroamphetamine; 4) dextroamphetamine is causing the symptoms for which you're taking clonazepam.

 

So I'm wondering exactly what peer support can help you with, as you seem to committed to 2 drugs that are technically addictive, taking one as a chaser for the other (classic combination of upper and downer). You don't have to report your daily symptom pattern any more, we don't offer support for fixing the symptoms resulting from this.

 

If you want to taper lurisidone after you stabilize, see Tips for tapering off lurasidone (Latuda) 

 

Good luck.
  

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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Thank you for looking through my medication log. I've had a look at the drug interactions. It is possible the dextroamphetamine is increasing my anxiety and I will monitor this. If it is I will have to look at alternatives to dextroamphetamine I imagine. The driver of my anxiety seems very much to be withdrawal from Lurasidone. Looking back I can see how reductions in Lurasidone have increased my anxiety like an extended wave that sharply rises until I can't stand it then reduces again over time.

 

Unfortunately at this stage of my life I find I need to take the dextroamphetamine in the manner I am. This is in an effort to minimise the amount of this medication I take as well as be able to successfully complete work duties. I do not find I have any withdrawal from the dextroamphetamine when it wears off other than a mild 'crash' typical of this medication. Exercise greatly helps with this.

 

I believe I can separate the times I take clonazepam and dextroamphetamine although their effect will overlap during the day. Is there a recommended amount of time I should leave between taking these medications? I have been able to reduce my intake of benzodiazepines from .5mg Alprazolam taken a minimum of 4 times a day to my current dose of Clonazepam - 0.125mg 3 x day. I will continue these reductions in the future with the goal of eventually being off all medication except for dextroamphetamine. 

 

I should also add I have a very good psychiatrist helping me to reduce these medications, however he has limited knowledge of withdrawals from antipsychotics which is why I have sought out this forum.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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I believe it is possible that the clonazepam is causing the symptoms that require me to take dextroamphetamine and I would be very keen to stop taking both medications if I can. I will DEFINITELY be stopping the clonazepam once I have successfully completed the Lurasidone taper (I cannot handle both tapers at the same time). Should my ADHD symptoms cease or reduce sufficiently I will definitely stop taking dextroamphetamine. Personally I do not want to be on ANY medication. Currently the dextroamphetamine helps me function. That is the only reason I am taking it. I wouldn't say I LIKE it so much as it does its job.

 

My end goal is to be off ALL medications. In addition to reducing medication I am undertaking therapy and have improved the healthy aspects of my life.

 

Also, I was put on the Xanax over a decade before I started the dextroamphetamine and had already started tapering off it when I was first prescribed dextroamphetamine. Just a little but more of the story.

 

I guess I could taper off the remainder of the clonazepam (once I'm stable) before I continue the lurasidone taper if you think that's better?

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Post #1 of this topic has links to various helpful topics:

 

Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ

 

4 minutes ago, Thorin said:

(I cannot handle both tapers at the same time)

 

  

On 4/20/2011 at 11:52 AM, Altostrata said:

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first? (this is a link)
If you're not having an adverse reaction from the other medications, taper the most activating drug first. This is usually an antidepressant or stimulant (ADHD drug).

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Thank you

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

SA generally recommends only tapering one drug at a time.  This is because if issues occur it can be difficult to know what is causing it.

 

One thing to consider, due to the interaction of the drugs your are taking, is that you might need to taper one drug for a little while and then taper a different drug.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Actually that might be good, switching up the taper. The link you just posted was very helpful. Seems that if I stick with tapering one medication then I should come off the Lurasidone first, then the clonazepam. Hopefully once I stop taking the clonazepam I can stop taking the dextroamphetamine. It feels beyond unbelievable to think that I may eventually be off ALL medications.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

These members' have successfully got off their drugs after being poly drugged:

 

Shep

 

GiaK

 

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
23 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

So I'm wondering exactly what peer support can help you with, as you seem to committed to 2 drugs that are technically addictive, taking one as a chaser for the other (classic combination of upper and downer). You don't have to report your daily symptom pattern any more, we don't offer support for fixing the symptoms resulting from this.

 

I don't understand why you think I'm committed to any medication? I've done an amazing job of coming off benzodiazepines and am nearly there! Absolutely committed to coming off this. I absolutely minimise the amount of dextroamphetamine I take as you can see from my drug log. I absolutely do not like taking ANY medication but this one actually seems to help me to a degree. No other medication ever really has. If I have the opportunity to stop it I will jump on the opportunity as soon as the symptoms of ADHD reduce. If my lifestyle changes (basically my job) and I have the opportunity to stop the dextroamphetamine in spite of having symptoms I will do this too. In the meantime I HAVE to get off the remaining clonazepam and the Lurasidone.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

Link to comment

Sorry for the double post. (CC - duplicate post has been deleted)

 

Thanks very much for those links. They also have some good tips for managing withdrawal symptoms.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added note

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator
19 hours ago, Thorin said:

Tuesday

0800 clonazepam (0.125mg)

0915 dextroamphetamine (3.75mg) and magnesium. 

1230 - (0.6 ml) CBD oil 

1300 0.125mg clonazepam and 3.75mg Dextroamphetamine 

1910 14mg Lurasidone, 0.2ml CBD/THC.

2150 magnesium fish oil and multivitamin and clonazepam (0.125mg)

 

Wednesday

0830 (0.125mg) clonazepam, magnesium 

1130 dextroamphetamine 3.75mg

1300 0.125mg clonazepam

1430 (0.6ml) CBD oil

1700 (0.2ml) CBD:THC

1900 14mg Lurasidone.

2200 (0.125mg) clonazepam magnesium multivitamin fish oil (0.2ml) CBD:THC

 

You are in a bit of a pickle because you're taking 2 drugs (clonazepam and lurisidone) that may make you dopey and the amphetamine to counteract that dopiness, which given your long-time benzo use, you and your doctors have mistaken for ADHD. (Drug-induced "depression" is another adverse effect from benzo use.)

 

Usually, the clonazepam doses should be taken 12 hours apart to avoid interdose withdrawal overnight, which may be causing some of your morning symptoms, but you're taking the lurisidone in the time slot that you'd take clonazepam. You wouldn't want to take the 2 brakes together because they may cause excessive sedation or a paradoxical reaction. Whoever prescribed lurisdone for you was not doing you any favors.

 

Over the 20 years of your benzo use, it's very likely adverse effects of the benzo have been mistaken for various psychiatric disorders. Even something like this might be from your current drug use, and not from lurisidone withdrawal:

 

On 9/28/2022 at 8:48 PM, Thorin said:

Oh god withdrawal and anxiety really bad today. Not sure why yesterday was ok and not today. Only difference is coffee. Staying away from that for a while!

 

My guess is that the difference between 9/27 and 9/28 might have been an extra dose of amphetamine, or something else related to your drug dosing, such as taking clonazepam off-schedule, which might cause interdose withdrawal symptoms.

 

To avoid stuff like this:

 

On 10/3/2022 at 11:27 PM, Thorin said:

0915 dextroamphetamine (3.75mg) and magnesium. Bit shaky in the legs but this is the best I’ve felt since reinstating 14mg several days ago

0945 - some ‘pressure’ and ‘sensation’ in my head. Have been experiencing this symptom for a while. It has slowly been getting better. Seems worse when I’m working/stressed. Have some mild anxiety.

1200 - anxiety increased slightly

1230 - (0.6 ml) CBD oil as anxiety increasing.

1250 had a strong wave of anxiety.

 

You'd probably take LESS dextroamphetamine (and maybe reduce coffee, if you drink a lot of that). You also take dextroamphetamine on an irregular schedule, which causes an inconsistent symptom pattern from day to day.

 

So I'm really at a loss as to how to provide peer support. You have a very good psychiatrist who gets paid well for this, I don't. Your doctor should have recognized your adverse symptoms from your amphetamine use. Please review the highlights of your drug schedule with your psychiatrist and figure out between you what to do.

 

 

 

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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3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

You are in a bit of a pickle because you're taking 2 drugs (clonazepam and lurisidone) that may make you dopey and the amphetamine to counteract that dopiness, which given your long-time benzo use, you and your doctors have mistaken for ADHD. (Drug-induced "depression" is another adverse effect from benzo use.)

 

Hi @Altostrata. This was my concern when I first received the diagnosis of ADHD late in life. However I found that the dextroamphetamine helped so started to take it (at the lowest possible dose and as little as possible.) I am very open to the idea that it's the clonazepam and lurasidone causing the ADHD symptoms and it would be a HUGE relief if this were the case. The only way I will find out is to continue to taper off the medication. and see what lies underneath. This is my goal. I am very driven to achieve this goal. My end point is - NO MEDICATION AT ALL.

3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Whoever prescribed lurisdone for you was not doing you any favors.

The doctor who put me on this stole years, possibly two decades total from me (depending how long it takes to come off my meds). If there was some way for there to be some repercussions for this Dr I would be following up on it immediately. I am still very traumatised by my experience. This is reinforced every time I experience bad withdrawal.

3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

You'd probably take LESS dextroamphetamine (and maybe reduce coffee, if you drink a lot of that). You also take dextroamphetamine on an irregular schedule, which causes an inconsistent symptom pattern from day to day.

I have started taking even less dextroamphetamine starting yesterday. I will be monitoring closely to see if the negative symptoms stop when I don't take it and reappear when I do take it. I stopped coffee after the post the other day. Not willing to risk the anxiety at the moment.

 

3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

So I'm really at a loss as to how to provide peer support. You have a very good psychiatrist who gets paid well for this, I don't. Your doctor should have recognized your adverse symptoms from your amphetamine use. Please review the highlights of your drug schedule with your psychiatrist and figure out between you what to do.

 

Entering this forum I wasn't sure what was on offer other than other people with similar stories were members.  My 'very good psychiatrist' is a lovely and empathetic man, but he has minimal knowledge of withdrawals like this (Lurasidone). He advised me to stop benzodiazepines which was very good advice. He put me on ADHD meds (potentially not a great idea, I will find out when I get off the clonazepam).

 

I have no faith left in psychiatry at all really. I am trying to escape it in that once I'm off these meds I'll never see another psychiatrist again. 

 

I guess what I am seeking from peer support, or this forum is help with getting off ALL meds. I am stuck on them at the moment as I have to taper very slowly as I seem super sensitive to changes in doses, and the medications themselves.

 

I have three meds to stop: Lurasidone, Clonazepam and Dextroamphetamine. It appears I am stuck with a little bit of Dex until I am off the clonazepam and side effects (ADHD symptoms) dissipate. So the first step is to get of the Lurasidone and/or the clonazepam. Isn't this what Peer Support helps with?

 

I am open to any suggestions including: reducing dextroamphetamine, changing dosing times of current meds while I taper off, order of drugs in which to taper, best way to taper each med.....Anything else that will help me get off meds really. Isn't that part of Peer Support? 

 

If not, I will just have to try and work out my own way and hope I can get there on my own which to be honest is a terrifying prospect and sounds like a situation you've been in yourself.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator

Unfortunately, because a physician who is astute about psychiatric drugs and polypharmacy is very rare, "peer support" here gets to do the job of very well-paid medical professionals for free. That's why this site exists, to clean up messes.

 

If you're taking less amphetamine, please continue to post your daily symptom pattern.  If you cannot reduce your amphetamine use, I will be unable to interpret your symptom pattern.

 

 

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 @Altostrata,

 

yes, psychiatry in general concerns me now that I have seen what I have seen. I am happy to reduce the dextroamphetamine and am going on holidays next week which means I will have two weeks where I won’t take it at all (I only take it when I’m really struggling at work as I don’t like being medicated). I am an honest person so you should know that while I am happy to reduce it, there will be times where I need to take it for work. My job is very technical and it’s hard to think these days. I REALLY hope coming of these horrible meds will improve that. If I am in a position where I can concentrate better (off the clonazepam) I would be able to stop the dextroamphetamine entirely which would be incredible! I can’t afford to lose my job as I have rent, two children etc. This is not an excuse and I AM keen to reduce it. Yesterday I took it once, today I didn’t take it at all as my work schedule allowed this.

 

 

I understand this site is here to clean up the mess made by psychiatry and people like myself need a site like this. I don’t think I can come off all these meds by myself and as much as I like my doctor he is not informed enough about the withdrawal process to really help me. He is letting me find my own path through withdrawal and is supporting whatever choices I make. I need to continue to see him at this stage for prescriptions as I will not stop cold Turkey.

 

he was very interested to read the Horowitz papers but I admit I was surprised he wasn’t aware of it. He was also very keen to learn that this site existed. Again not sure why he wasn’t aware.

 

I feel it should be the job of psychiatrist to inform us of the risks, and then assist us through withdrawal if we make an informed decision to take a medication. Unfortunately that does not seem to be how it works.

 

I will continue to post my symptoms. I’m assuming you’d like the medication log as well?

 

I can post the last two days this evening. I appreciate your help (and am aware that you’re probably helping many people).

 

thank you

 

Thorin

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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Hi, sorry if I'm posting a lot at the moment. I will try to keep this to a minimum. Can I please change my profile name to 'Thor'. I did not think this through when I joined (was in a bad place) and did not think about people seeing my posts on the internet. Thanks for your assistance.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Thor,

I just googled your user name and Hobbit stuff came up.

See this:

How can I change my screen name?

And if you do use this screen name on multiple sites, then..... I would suggest you contact adminstrator(s) Karma or Shep to do the change for you.  Do you see the message icon at the top of your screen?  It looks like a little envelope.  Use that to contact Karma or Shep to do the job if you still need to make the name change.

 

Did you get a chance to do a good read through of the:  Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

Again, read the first post there, and study it......I've had too.  Get down to where it talks about benzo's too and you'll see why it makes sense to taper the dextroamphetamine prior to the clonazepam.  It's all laid out nicely.

 

I'm also going to add in this link/topic now:

Tips for tapering off Adderall

We don't suggest a CT(cold turkey) off adderall, but again, a 10% taper off each previous dose.  It's possible you might be able to go down a little quicker than every 4 weeks, but time and observation will tell on that.  Do attend to the different methods of getting non-standard doses. 

 

I too, came off dextroamphetamine, shortly after my arrival here.  I came in on 2.5 mg/day and was also on oxcarbazapine(Trileptal) at that time.  Unfortunately I did wind up just CT off the dextroamphetamine(Adderall)......I couldn't really communicate with my psychiatrist to get what I needed to taper......she said- "You just stop taking them!"  Ugh.  Anyway......frankly, I was more messed up than you sound to be at that time, wasn't working, was struggling with day to day basic functioning, etc. even prior to coming off the dextroamphetamine.  I remained scattered and disorganized in thought and action post Adderall for some time, but slowly regained more functioning and organizational thought and action over time.  So.......hoping your tapers will prevent you from what I went through.  I also had years of psychiatric poly- drugging behind me.

 

Okay Thor.  Let's just be well today.

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Edited by manymoretodays

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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Thanks MMT. Will look through this properly later. Appreciate you taking the time to write that.

 

Alto, here is my symptom log from yesterday (Friday). I must have deleted Thursdays.

 

0830 0.125mg  Clonazepam. much better sleep. Woke up with cortisol dump for the first time in a while. Also some dizziness similar to what I’d associate with AD withdrawal.

0930 feeling a bit more motivated this morning maybe

1030 some stress/anxiety when work started. Started to feel some of the sensations in my head. Only a little bit though.

1130 managed to reduce stress level. Head sensations gone. Shows they’re tied to stress/anxiety

1300 0.125mg clonazepam some weakness but less than there has been which is interesting

1600 Risked drinking a coffee. Seems ok which I hope is a sign that my CNS is recovering after my last failed drop in Lurasidone. Some mild anxiety prior to drinking the coffee but seems largely related to the fact that I am very stressed about the whole medication situation.

1700 mild anxiety.

1900 14 mg Lurasidone. Had a little bit of the dread and anxiety this afternoon. Brief flashes of feeling like I might enjoy something if I were to do it.

1930 0.2ml CBD:THC

2100 0.125mg clonazepam magnesium fish oil D3 multivitamin

2130 experiencing some anxiety

 

Will post todays med log and symptoms tomorrow but feeling my emotions much better today. I have found this is happening more and more as I come off the Lurasidone. It can be uncomfortable but very welcome. I will post about this experience properly in the near future. It's like slowly coming back to life after being absent/dead for years.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
11 minutes ago, Thorin said:

seems largely related to the fact that I am very stressed about the whole medication situation.

 

When you notice that you feel stressed about your situation, I suggest that you remind yourself that you now know why and what is happening and that you are doing something about it.  It's important to understand that it is NOT going to happen overnight and to learn to be patient with the process of getting off the drugs.

 

Learning to accept that it is what it is at this time, and how you spend your time during the process can be very helpful in getting off successfully.   Acceptance

 

I think that the less we stress about how we are feeling means that the brain isn't busy dealing with that stress and has more ability to make the adjustments that it needs to make.  It's not about denying that we are suffering, the suffering is a fact, but learning non drug ways to cope with the discomfort so that you can stay calm and as stress free as possible.

 

Think of it like being stuck in traffic and/or getting stuck at traffic lights.  You can't make it go any faster.

 

Or this one:  Use the image of waiting in a queue, the line gradually gets shorter. When you are in a queue you can't make it move any quicker than it does. You have no control over it. All you can do is wait in the line. How you wait is what is going to make a difference. You can either be impatient and start getting irritable and think bad things and complain to the other people who might start swearing at you which makes you feel worse or you can try to be patient and calm and try and think of nice things and look at the things around you. It's going to take the same amount of time for you to get to the head of the queue but you can either make the experience of waiting pleasant or unpleasant.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator
On 10/7/2022 at 3:35 PM, Thorin said:

I feel it should be the job of psychiatrist to inform us of the risks, and then assist us through withdrawal if we make an informed decision to take a medication.

 

Me, too.

 

I don't need the medication log separately, please include when you take each of your drugs and their dosages in your daily notes. For now, please add in parens info about the last drug change add the drug change info to the notes within parentheses (clarified in this post). Thank you.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added correction

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
19 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

add in parens info

 

@Altostrata Think this might be a typo/auto correct.  Thanks.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator

I mean add the drug change info to the notes within parentheses. Thanks.

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. by notes do you mean my signature? Sorry if I'm not understanding. This website is till new to me. Will add med times to signature.

 

Symptoms

Saturday

0800 6-7 hours sleep. Woke up and I could feel my emotions better than I have been able to. It’s slightly stimulating but better. Very slight sensation in head and dizziness. Mild.

1600 Experiencing very mild anxiety and dread. Better than usual. Did have caffeine. Will have no caffeine tomorrow and see how that goes. Some mild intrusive thoughts.

0000 14mg Lurasidone as forgot earlier 

 

Mistakenly took the Lurasidone again the following morning (today) as I was half asleep when I took it the night before and forgot until immediately after I took it this morning. Feel so numb in body and emotions, feel like I'm trapped in my head. An excellent reminder that coming off these meds is the right course of action and that being on the meds is horrible! Hopefully no repercussions for double dosing.

 

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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Hi MMT and ChessieCat,

 

Thanks for your posts. Both very helpful. MMT I seem lucky with the dextroamphetamine in that I can seem to stop that one cold turkey with no repercussions. Unfortunately not the case with the other meds. Sorry it was so difficult for you to come off.

On 10/8/2022 at 2:29 AM, manymoretodays said:

Anyway......frankly, I was more messed up than you sound to be at that time, wasn't working, was struggling with day to day basic functioning, etc. even prior to coming off the dextroamphetamine. 

 

I do seem to be able to function relatively well except when severe withdrawals kick in. I had a period of severe withdrawals a while ago (didn't realise what they were. Thought it was poor mental health). I could only JUST work, and that was from home. It was horrible and terrifying. I am much better now.

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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@Altostrata I accidentally took my Lurasidone last night and this morning. Should I skip it tonight so I don’t double dose today?

Thanks

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator
20 hours ago, Thorin said:

Hi. by notes do you mean my signature? Sorry if I'm not understanding. This website is till new to me. Will add med times to signature.

 

I mean add recent drug changes within parentheses to your daily notes. Your regimen is complex and I can promise you 100% nobody here is going to memorize what you've been doing. You need to remind us so we can follow it.

 

14 hours ago, Thorin said:

@Altostrata I accidentally took my Lurasidone last night and this morning. Should I skip it tonight so I don’t double dose today?

Thanks

 

Having not memorized your drug regimen, I cannot follow what you've done in the last 24 hours. Please list the times o'clock and the drugs (with their dosages) that you've taken in the last 24 hours, noting whatever errors you've made.

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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@Altostrata sorry for confusion about posting dosing times.

 

Frida7

0830 0.125 mg Clonazepam. much better sleep. Woke up with cortisol dump for the first time in a while. Also some dizziness similar to what I’d associate with AD withdrawal.

0930 feeling a bit more motivated this morning maybe

1030 some stress/anxiety when work started. Started to feel some of the sensations in my head. Only a little bit though.

1130 managed to reduce stress level. Head sensations gone. Shows they’re tied to stress/anxiety

1300 0.125mg clonazepam some weakness but less than there has been which is interesting

1600 Risked drinking a coffee. Seems ok which I hope is a sign that my CNS is recovering after my last failed drop in Lurasidone. Some mild anxiety prior to drinking the coffee but seems largely related to the fact that I am very stressed about the whole medication situation.

1700 mild anxiety.

1900 14 mg Lurasidone. Had a little bit of the dread and anxiety this afternoon. Brief flashes of feeling like I might enjoy something if I were to do it.

1930 0.2ml CBD:THC

2100 0.125 mg clonazepam magnesium fish oil D3 multivitamin

2130 experiencing some anxiety

 

Saturday 6-7 hours sleep. Woke up and I could feel my emotions better than I have been able to. It’s slightly stimulating but better. Very slight sensation in head and dizziness. Mild.

0830 0.125 mg clonazepam

1300 0.125 mg clonazepam. Experiencing very mild anxiety and dread. Better than usual. Did have caffeine. Will have no caffeine tomorrow and see how that goes. Some mild intrusive thoughts.

1900 Out for dinner with friends and had some drinks for the first time in awhile.

0000 14mg Lurasidone as forgot earlier and 0.125 mg clonazepam

 

0730 accidentally retook 14mg Lurasidone as thought I’d missed it last night

0830 0.125 mg clonazepam. Extra Lurasidone making my body feel a bit numb. As in I can’t feel the weakness that I’ve been feeling in my limbs. Also feeling less anxiety. Not a pleasant feeling being on the Lurasidone. Feel very emotionally numbed. Little bit of akathisia.

1300 0.125mg clonazepam

Felt numb and horrible from taking extra lurasidone. Reinforces why I'm stopping this horrible stuff!

1900 14 mg Lurasidone

2230 0.125 mg clonazepam (No dextroamphetamine for a few days now)

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Administrator

It appears that you are doing better without dextroamphetamine.

 

Drinking any alcohol at all can upset your symptom pattern. Accidental dosing of lurisidone can upset your symptom pattern. We will be unable to interpret your symptom pattern until your nervous system settles down from these events.

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

Thank @Altostrata. I will continue to post dosing and symptoms. Agree that I seem to be doing better without the dex.

 

thanks

Age 16 (1995 - 2000) -Paroxetine
Age 21 (2000-2004) - Effexor 37.5mg
Age 24 (2004-2012) - Lexapro (70mg), Xanax minimum 2mg Xanax a day
About 32 (2012-2017?) - Every mood stabiliser under the sun (not at the same time) and minimum 2mg Xanax a day; occasional amisulpride 
About 35 (2017-current) - Lurasidone 80 mg, quickly titrated down to 40mg, Pristiq (50 mg), minimum of 2mg Xanax a day
About 41 (2020) Switched from Xanax to clonazepam and started tapering at 0.125 mg each reduction, tapered off Pristiq with a cross taper at the end, low dose of dextroamphetamine.
Age 42 (2021) Tried to taper off Lurasidone three times. Quick taper from 40mg to 0 mg over a couple of months the first time. Reinstated at 20mg. Tried twice more to taper from 20 mg to 0 mg dropping by 5 mg each reduction (about every 2 weeks).
Age 42-43 (April 2022) 20mg-18mg; May 18mg-16mg; June 16-14mg; September 14-12mg; September 12-14mg reinstated. February 2023 - hiccup with brand change, Back to Apotek brand and switch to homemade suspension.

Age 44 (August 2023 -restarted clonazepam taper). Start dose 0.375mg. 1/9/2023 - 0.365mg; 1/10/2023 - 0.324mg; 1/11/2023 - 0.264mg; 1/12/2023 - 0.25 mg (holding); 1/2/2024 - 0.232mg; 1/3/2024 - 0.221mg; 1/4/2024 - 0.205mg; 1/8/2024 - 0.182mg; 1/9/2024 - 0.171mg; 1/10/2024 - 0.162mg

Health regimen: walks, hot/cold showers, ice baths, breathwork, mostly healthy diet, therapy...... Open to ideas! Supplements: Omega 3, liver CBD/THC.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 10/8/2022 at 6:41 PM, Thorin said:

Both very helpful. MMT I seem lucky with the dextroamphetamine in that I can seem to stop that one cold turkey with no repercussions. Unfortunately not the case with the other meds. Sorry it was so difficult for you to come off.

 

Ah.....it wasn't so horrible.  The brain forgets thank goodness!  I do remember some of the great help I got both here and on the ground though.

 

Your NOTES look like you are seeing some improvements.  So Yay!

And oh my gosh, it must be the season......and it happens......the mixed up dosing.

And.....we have a topic even, for helpful tips to remember doses:

Tips to remember to take your dose- reminder ideas

 

Feel free to add to the topic if you come up with anything not already stated there.

 

And keep up the good work Thor.

Did you decide you were okay without a name change then?

 

And best, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

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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