choytu: Cipralex (Escitalopram) Tapering

[Altostrata]

23 hours ago, choytu said:

Actually, no. But I would always be sleepy and sleep a lot.

 

You slept a lot before taking escitalopram? Did you also feel tired the way you do now?

[choytu]

3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

You slept a lot before taking escitalopram? Did you also feel tired the way you do now?

No, I did not sleep as much definitely. And I did not feel tired the way I do now.

Actually Cipralex was prescribed to me (aside of the panic attacks I had and anxiety), because I have eaten an energy waffle that kept me awake for couple of days. I could not sleep and that is when the psychiatrist prescribed me the escitalopram.
I remember after 1 week, when the medication built up I feel asleep in the chair in front of the computer..
The day after, my parents (which I was living with) told me they were ringing at the house and also on my telephone, because they could not come home (I think they did not have a key), but I would not respond and they were forced to go to grandma for a spare key.

So, this shows that escitalopram made me drowsy definitely. Also, one of my worst withdrawal symptoms, when I tapered previous times (although not correct and without the knowledge of this site), was insomnia. I could not sleep for whole nights and I was forced to search for a different medication to help me sleep, which I thought was stupid - I was gonna be addicted to a different drug, which is more powerful (like benzo or a sleeping pill). That is why I decided to return to the Cipralex as the 'lesser evil'.

So yeah, I would say these symptoms (fatigue, overall tiredness, sleepiness, drowsiness) are definitely from the Cipralex.
I do think they were slightly worse when I was on full dosage, because it was too much for me (10mg), so hopefully they subside little by little.

[Altostrata]

What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages? 

 

On 9/4/2023 at 10:44 PM, choytu said:

 

....

Good observation. I almost forgot about that, because I have not gotten them in a while now. Which just showcases that it is withdrawal related.

 

This is a sign of stabilization.

[choytu]

On 9/7/2023 at 8:28 PM, Altostrata said:

What times o'clock do you take your drugs, with their dosages?

I take it after I wake up and have breakfast, somewhere between 10-11am.

Currently at 5.8mg escitalopram.

[Altostrata]

12 hours ago, choytu said:

I take it after I wake up and have breakfast, somewhere between 10-11am.

Currently at 5.8mg escitalopram.

 

How do you feel before you take escitalopram compared to how you feel afterward?

[choytu]

Okay, soo I have been on 5.8 mg tapered from 6.4mg (started 1 Sept).

These last two days (so 2 weeks have passed) I feel not very well.

 

I am burping a lot and have stomach issues (nausea included) and I feel out of strength. Also not to mention that I feel something like dizziness, not exactly, but yeah. I feel no power in my legs and arms, as if I am sick and have high temperature, which I don’t.

 

Any advice @Altostrata?

 

How long should I wait before I make the decision to go back to the previous dosage and taper with smaller percent?

 

[Altostrata]

Suggest you give it a week, these symptoms may go away quickly. Please let us know how you're doing. 

[choytu]

@Altostrata

False alarm. Seems like I have a flu or something and the symptoms are from that.

[choytu]

On 9/16/2023 at 1:35 AM, Altostrata said:

Suggest you give it a week, these symptoms may go away quickly. Please let us know how you're doing. 

Hi @Altostrata, soo I have symptoms that I do think are coming from the latest taper (from 6.4 to 5.8mg) like weakness in legs/arms, stomach problems (burping, nausea).

 

I wanted to ask if the withdrawal can cause also a subfebril temperature - I have 37-37.5 for the last 10 days?

 

Also I think I will return to the previous dosage and hold there to see if symptoms fade? Is that correct?

How do you think I should proceed?

[Altostrata]

9 hours ago, choytu said:

I wanted to ask if the withdrawal can cause also a subfebril temperature - I have 37-37.5 for the last 10 days?

 

 

I have not heard of withdrawal causing a fever.

 

Did your flu or other bug clear up?

[choytu]

On 9/24/2023 at 11:24 PM, Altostrata said:

 

I have not heard of withdrawal causing a fever.

 

Did your flu or other bug clear up?

 

I am not sure, I will go to make blood tests today.

 

But two days ago I had my first panic attack in a long time and also last two days I am waking up anxious without a reason.

I decided to go back to the previous dosage.

[choytu]

Not to mention that I am more sensitive and easily stressed. Another thing that I observe is clenching my teeth and jaw without paying attention. As if my muscles are always in a non relaxed mode.

 

When I try to work I easily get overwhelmed as well which was not the case, and in the afternoon/night this fades away. Probably cortisol levels decrease.

 

What do you think @Altostrata for my decision to go back and try to stabilize a bit? I do think my nervous system is experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

 

[Altostrata]

On 9/24/2023 at 4:07 AM, choytu said:

soo I have symptoms that I do think are coming from the latest taper (from 6.4 to 5.8mg) like weakness in legs/arms, stomach problems (burping, nausea).

 

How long have these symptoms lasted?

 

A couple of days of withdrawal symptoms would not indicate an updose. It's okay if they come and go for a few days, that could be your personal withdrawal pattern. If they go away in a week, you might consider whether to make a smaller reduction in a few more weeks.

[choytu]

On 9/26/2023 at 11:33 PM, Altostrata said:

 

How long have these symptoms lasted?

 

A couple of days of withdrawal symptoms would not indicate an updose. It's okay if they come and go for a few days, that could be your personal withdrawal pattern. If they go away in a week, you might consider whether to make a smaller reduction in a few more weeks.

 

They started somewhat 10 days after dosage change and the problem is that they tend to worsen.

 

At first it was mild anxiety while I go out with the dog.

Now for the last couple of days I wake up at 7 am feeling super anxious and I cannot stay in bed.

 

I compare that to previous times where I would sleep unbothered until 9, 10am and would feel sleepy and calm, whereas now I feel like I cannot stay in one place.

[manymoretodays]

Hi choytu. 

Are you still at 5.8 mg escitalopram then?

And yes, next taper you could try going down by less than 10%, say just 5%.

Multiply the present dose by 0.95 to find out what that would be.

5.8 mg X 0.95 = 5.51 mg or 5.5 mg for a 5% taper off 5.8 mg

 

Same goes with updosing, if it comes to that......you don't need to updose the whole 10% that you tapered, sometimes an updose of just half of that is effective.  If needed.  I'm hoping we'll hear that symptoms settled a bit.  If not okay........yet it might make sense to adjust your taper to less than 10% next. 

  

On 9/9/2023 at 2:04 PM, Altostrata said:

How do you feel before you take escitalopram compared to how you feel afterward?

 

This ^ is a good question to answer.

 

Work some of the non-drug coping too, you know techniques to help you relax and the ultimate in sleep hygiene too.  Black out your windows if you have not done so yet.  This is interesting, and not uncommon either that your WD symptoms change.  I remember you worried about getting too much sleep.

Topics of interest now:

Early-morning waking-managing the morning cortisol spike

Facial tics, jaw, tongue muscle tension and pain, bruxism, teeth clenching, TMJ

 

I can hear your anxiety reading your posts of late.  I did give you a few ideas back on page one that might help manage that now.  Good that you continue to troop along choytu, and post and ask questions.  You may be getting closer to where each change in dose, represents a greater change in the drugs affinity for the receptors.  And then that results in new and different, annoying, symptoms as your nervous system works to readapt.  Which it will.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[choytu]

13 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi choytu. 

Are you still at 5.8 mg escitalopram then?

Hi @manymoretodays, nice to hear from you.
I made the decision to go back to the previous dosage of 6.4mg escitalopram. Which leads me to the question - how long should I keep at it to stabilize before I make the next taper?
 

 

13 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

And yes, next taper you could try going down by less than 10%, say just 5%.

Multiply the present dose by 0.95 to find out what that would be.

5.8 mg X 0.95 = 5.51 mg or 5.5 mg for a 5% taper off 5.8 mg

 

Same goes with updosing, if it comes to that......you don't need to updose the whole 10% that you tapered, sometimes an updose of just half of that is effective.  If needed.  I'm hoping we'll hear that symptoms settled a bit.  If not okay........yet it might make sense to adjust your taper to less than 10% next. 

 

Yeah, I think that my tapers need to be with 5% from now on with a hold of a month.
For the updosing... I did not know that and as I said I already updosed with the whole 10% that I tapered.

Yesterday symptoms were bad with morning anxiety, tremors, dizziness, not feeling my legs and arms, nausea and burping (almost vomit). So I decided to take very small does of Xanax just one time to check if all these symptoms come from there.

IMPORTANT! I did take Xanax only once and it was only to test if the symptoms are from my destabilized nervous system. Please do not take it every day, because benzos are really hard to go off of! 

After that I was a new person, so that concludes the theory that all these are withdrawals.
That is why I decided to include "Peppermint, Hawthorn, Valerian" and Passiflora, which is a natural non-harmful product that has a calming effect on the nervous system.
This night I slept better and did not woke up with anxiety and I feel much more calm.
So hopefully the symptoms fade.

 

13 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Work some of the non-drug coping too, you know techniques to help you relax and the ultimate in sleep hygiene too.  Black out your windows if you have not done so yet.  This is interesting, and not uncommon either that your WD symptoms change.  I remember you worried about getting too much sleep.

Topics of interest now:

Early-morning waking-managing the morning cortisol spike

Facial tics, jaw, tongue muscle tension and pain, bruxism, teeth clenching, TMJ

 

Yes, I have black out curtains at home and also have bought ear plugs, for drifting of without hearing any noise. I am trying to walk in the nature outside with my girlfriend.
Thank you for the topics I will check them out.

 

13 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

I can hear your anxiety reading your posts of late.  I did give you a few ideas back on page one that might help manage that now.  Good that you continue to troop along choytu, and post and ask questions.  You may be getting closer to where each change in dose, represents a greater change in the drugs affinity for the receptors.  And then that results in new and different, annoying, symptoms as your nervous system works to readapt.  Which it will.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Yes, I will check back what we texted earlier in this topic and also I agree that probably I have come up to the part where the changes are too big for my receptors.
Thank you for now, I will keep you updated

[choytu]

@manymoretodays

@Altostrata

 

This muscle weakness, fatigue is awful…

I wake up with no strength in my arms and legs. It looks like a flu, and is so draining..

 

It is hard actually to be sure if it is only from withdrawal or it can be also from a flu, because symptoms are very close.

 

I did go to my GP, because I had starting pneumonia and was on antibiotics for 10 days.

 

But 3 days ago I did blood tests and overall everything was fine there.

 

But anxiety that I am sick and something is wrong with me still stays.. (because I also have 37-37.2,3 body temp)

 

Any suggestions to improve the symptom?

[choytu]

Hmm, today I tried going for a walk, and I got this strange sensation as if I cannot feel my whole body.
I came back home anxiously going around from one room to another and again my stomach issues came to place.
I was nauseous and vomitted a little..

Seems like it is withdrawal related, I don't recall past months having any burping, vomitting, stomach issues
Should I see a dietologist or gastro?

I do think also that I am taking too much supplements like Valeriana and two other immunostimulants.

[manymoretodays]

Hi choytu,

Oooh, sorry to hear it is still pretty tough and the worries about symptoms.

When did you finish the antibiotic and what was it?  You know there are some that do get thrown off by antibiotics.  It sometimes doesn't take much with our sensitive nervous systems(thrown off by WD).

Topic on antibiotics in WD

 

That being said, I was able to tolerate a Zpack once while I was still tapering.  Why the antibiotics for a flu type illness?  Was there a concern with something bacterial going on?  Flu is often not bacterial.  Antibiotics are for bacteria.  You may be aware, but many don't know, and sometimes they get over prescribed too.  Which may not have been the case.   Possible too, that the antibiotics threw off your normal gut balance too......resulting in more symptoms.

 

Right now.  I'd hold off on further doctors,  and try some things that might help restore your gut balance.

 

8 hours ago, choytu said:

I do think also that I am taking too much supplements like Valeriana and two other immunostimulants.

 

Yup, me too.

 

On 9/29/2023 at 1:45 AM, choytu said:

That is why I decided to include "Peppermint, Hawthorn, Valerian" and Passiflora, which is a natural non-harmful product that has a calming effect on the nervous system.

 

Just that one off use of a benzo okay.  Some of the supplements you mention above may even work a bit like a benzo though too........so to be avoided as much as possible.  That's quite an array too, of supplements, to add all at once.  I wouldn't add in anything now.  How are you doing with magnesium supplementation?  Are you using any?  That was my calming friend.  And still is to some degree.

Here's the main topic you can use and research or read more:

Important topics about tests, supplements, treatments, and diet

 

If you don't see something in the indexed list in the first post, you can search for anything from the top right search box in S and SC.

 

You may stabilize just as quickly if you do not make further changes and additions right now.  I tend to run low on my temperature, almost always.  Is that the case for you or an unknown? 

 

It may be the anxiety getting to you now.  The amplified WD type of anxiety. 

Remember neuroemotions?

I'd recommend relaxation practices of any type.  Breathing, yoga.  You took a walk!  Good, good.  Stay mindful and in the moment.  Okay to just distract too sometimes......if you need to binge watch shows........it's okay once in awhile.

 

And this:

Understanding what is happening helps us to not get caught up with the second fear, or fear of the fear.  This happens when we experience sensations in our body and because we don't understand them we are scared of them and then start to panic.

 

This document has a diagram of the body explaining what happens in the body when we become anxious:

 

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/AnxietySelfHelp.pdf

 

Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ...

 

Audio FEMALE VOICE:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

Audio MALE VOICE:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

dealing-with-emotional-spirals

 

Dr Claire Weekes suffered from anxiety and learned and taught ways of coping.  There are videos available on YouTube.

 

Claire Weekes' Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

 

Audio:  How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes

 

CBT Course:  An Introductory Self-Help Course in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

 

Resources:  Centre for Clinical Interventions (PDF modules that you can work through, eg:  Depression, Distress Intolerance, Health Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Panic Attacks, Perfectionism, Procrastination, Social Anxiety, Worrying)

 

  

On 4/27/2017 at 12:03 PM, brassmonkey said:

AAF: Acknowledge, Accept, Float.  It's what you have to do when nothing else works, and can be a very powerful tool in coping with anxiety.  The neuroemotional anxiety many of us feel during WD is directly caused by the drugs and their chemical reactions in the brain.  Making it so there is nothing we can do about them.  They won't respond to other drugs, relaxation techniques and the like.  They do, however, react very well to being ignored.  That's the concept behind AAF.  Acknowledge, get to know the feeling involved, explore them.  Accept, These feelings are a part of you and they aren't going anywhere fast. Float, let the feeling float off as you get on with your life as best as you can.  It's a well documented fact that the more you feed in to anxiety the worse it gets.  What starts as generalized neuroemotinal anxiety can be easily blown into a full fledged panic attack just by thinking about it.

 

I often liken it to an unwanted house guest.  At first you talk to them, have conversations, communicate with them.  After a while you figure out that they aren't leaving and there is nothing you can do to get rid of them.  So you go on about your day, working around them until they get bored and leave.

 

It can take some practice, but AAF really does work.  I hope you give it a try.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the updates and questions choytu.  Sending the healing fairies now..........and hoping to hear of improvement/ stabilization soon.

 

L, P, H, and G,  mmt

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by manymoretodays
fixed format

[Altostrata]

20 hours ago, choytu said:

I did go to my GP, because I had starting pneumonia and was on antibiotics for 10 days.

 

Yes, you may still be ill. A temperature higher than normal is not a typical withdrawal symptom. We're also seeing that with the covid virus, people can take a long time to get back to normal. It seems fatigue is an element in recovery from viral infections.

 

You may also be feeling aftereffects of antibiotics. They can upset the digestive system and have other effects.

[choytu]

@manymoretodays

There was a concern for pneuomnia. The antibiotic was Panzef.

I finished with it start of September.

 

This night it was rough. The symptom of not feeling my arms and legs is getting to me and after 3 hours I woke up and was again clenching teeth and feeling anxious.

 

I definitely need something to calm my nervous system.

I keep talking all day about my symptoms and even cannot focus on hearing when someone is talking to me.

 

I will stay on 6.4mg for two weeks to see if I stabilize, but sadly as I see things for now are getting worse rather than improving.

Gut issues, this muscle ache/numbness/fatigue thing.. trouble sleeping..

 

Is there not a herbal supplement that acts like Xanax, so that I can ease my symptoms a bit until I stabilise?

 

@Altostrata

My temperature is highest in the day 37-37.2,3. And at night it goes down (36.4,6)

And this is exactly a thing that I also worry about - if there is some inflammation that I am not treating..

[Altostrata]

My guess is your symptoms are not related to your escitalopram dose. I would stop tapering while you recover from this illness.

[choytu]

@Altostrata

I would say a mix - probably antibiotic messed my gut, which contributed to the already existing anxiety and helped to destabilise my nervous system.

 

Definitely stopping the taper for now for as long as I need to get back on track.

[choytu]

@Altostrata @manymoretodays
Hi people,
so 10 days / 2 weeks after going back to previous dosage (6.4mg) - physical symptoms are better I think.

I sleep well, without the morning spike in cortisol + anxiety. Nausea is gone.
Still get a little bit of stomach issues like burping after eating, but no vomiting.

I do get muscle aches, sensation of not feeling my muscles like weakness and get easily tired (yesterday when we went for a walk there were 30 stairs or something and today I have muscle soreness and overall fatigue sets in). I lost muscle mass that is for sure which also contributes to the easy tiredness and fatigue afterwards. 
I have also back/neck pain probably, because I work at a computer and my pose is not very good.

I will stay at this dosage for now.
I also started magnesium.

How to proceed afterwards if everything is okay with the taper?
Why do I feel a surge of symptoms when I bring my heart rate up due to climbing stairs and the days after I need to have for recovery, because I feel weak?
How can I ease the fatigue and muscle problems?

Thank you!

[Altostrata]

10 hours ago, choytu said:

I also started magnesium.

 

You may wish to wait on the magnesium. It can cause gut upset. See 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

[manymoretodays]

On 10/8/2023 at 3:35 AM, choytu said:

so 10 days / 2 weeks after going back to previous dosage (6.4mg) - physical symptoms are better I think.

I sleep well, without the morning spike in cortisol + anxiety. Nausea is gone.
Still get a little bit of stomach issues like burping after eating, but no vomiting.

 

On 10/8/2023 at 3:35 AM, choytu said:

I have also back/neck pain probably, because I work at a computer and my pose is not very good.

 

On 10/8/2023 at 3:35 AM, choytu said:

How to proceed afterwards if everything is okay with the taper?
Why do I feel a surge of symptoms when I bring my heart rate up due to climbing stairs and the days after I need to have for recovery, because I feel weak?
How can I ease the fatigue and muscle problems?

 

Hey, and thanks for the update.

Yay........in the first quote!!!  Improvements.  Was it just time or the updose?  I don't know.

Ergonomics man, get a new chair or  reposition your screen and keyboard.  I'd absolutely google for ideas to help avoid desk strain while using a computer for fairly long periods.  Set a timer and do 10 minutes of a yoga pose every hour?  I don't know for sure, but I am guessing you'll find a work around.  And when you do- report on it.  Posture!  Shoulders above hips......none of that forward lean business.  I remember one of the first lessons in Yoga cert training was just that.......Posture!  And I often will reset my spine in a day........just correct my posture.  It also just feels good.

 

I think, if it was me........I'd proceed after 4 weeks at 6.4 mg, to 6 mg, just a 5 % taper.  Maybe that will be key. 

 

You also were sick too, that played a part.  I'm guessing but strongly think some of the weakness and fatigue now is post illness/infection.  I do foresee improvement.  As far as that lower temperature.......I'm the same way.......I often run low, like below 37 degrees.  I don't worry about that.  Work on your anxiety.......and no.......no Xanax like supplements, sorry.  I think you'll find some good practices.  Anything that has appealed to you yet?  Meditations, or other?

 

Okay.  Onward I say.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[choytu]

@manymoretodays

@Altostrata

Quick update:

 

I am sleeping well, no temperature, so sickness is gone.

No nausea, burping gone as well.

Fatigue is better, although it is there for sure.

 

The new symptom that has come is like a numbness in the head. Like a headache, but not exactly.

 

Blood pressure is good, so I think it is a withdrawal symptom, because last time I stopped Lexapro completely and not correctly, this constant headache/pressure in the head/numbness in the head sensation was there 24/7, since waking up, until I went to sleep.

 

P.S. Forgot to mention - yesterday I was eating something very sweet (pancake with nutella and fruits), and 10 min afterwards I bursted in uncontrollable laughter for 30 min straight - everything I saw near me I would laugh my heart out.

 

Can this be somehow connected to the brain chemistry and withdrawal? (I know that sweetness raises dopamine I think)

[manymoretodays]

Sounds good choytu.

And I sure would not over obsess or over analyze everything.

10 hours ago, choytu said:

The new symptom that has come is like a numbness in the head. Like a headache, but not exactly.

 

Blood pressure is good, so I think it is a withdrawal symptom, because last time I stopped Lexapro completely and not correctly, this constant headache/pressure in the head/numbness in the head sensation was there 24/7, since waking up, until I went to sleep.

 

P.S. Forgot to mention - yesterday I was eating something very sweet (pancake with nutella and fruits), and 10 min afterwards I bursted in uncontrollable laughter for 30 min straight - everything I saw near me I would laugh my heart out.

 

Can this be somehow connected to the brain chemistry and withdrawal? (I know that sweetness raises dopamine I think)

 

Some symptoms will come and go.  Some will have something to do with WD, others not.

 

Things are readapting in your brain, as you go along and continue your taper.  I don't know that it's useful or even correct to get into "brain chemicals", so to speak any more.  It was that whole mythical theory that got so many of us stuck on these drugs to begin with........

 

Seems the infection was a hiccup for sure in your WD.  So glad to hear you reporting it is feeling "all clear" now.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

 

[choytu]

@manymoretodays
Thank you for the reply.

I want to ask you for advice. My current symptoms are muscle weakness, head tension, flu-like symptoms (fatigue/tiredness). I am reaching the point 1 month after my last 10% taper, but I am not sure I should taper with 5%.
Maybe I should wait out the symptoms to improve, because I think they are a sign that my CNS is readjusting at the moment? What do you think?

Also, are there some information that the GAPS diet has helped people with our condition, because gut health is playing I think a major role here as well?

And the last thing I want to ask is - how does temperature affect our condition?
I do notice that heat for me specifically is not good - for example yesterday I went to a local food shop and I could not order, because I thought I was gonna pass out (it was quite warm in there and the head tension with muscle weakness creates that sensation).

That is it for now.
Thank you!

[choytu]

On 10/20/2023 at 11:20 AM, choytu said:

@manymoretodays
Thank you for the reply.

I want to ask you for advice. My current symptoms are muscle weakness, head tension, flu-like symptoms (fatigue/tiredness). I am reaching the point 1 month after my last 10% taper, but I am not sure I should taper with 5%.
Maybe I should wait out the symptoms to improve, because I think they are a sign that my CNS is readjusting at the moment? What do you think?

Also, are there some information that the GAPS diet has helped people with our condition, because gut health is playing I think a major role here as well?

And the last thing I want to ask is - how does temperature affect our condition?
I do notice that heat for me specifically is not good - for example yesterday I went to a local food shop and I could not order, because I thought I was gonna pass out (it was quite warm in there and the head tension with muscle weakness creates that sensation).

That is it for now.
Thank you!

@manymoretodays

@Altostrata

[manymoretodays]

Hi choytu,

I'm okay if you want to do a longer HOLD now.

I haven't done much in terms of diet myself, other than paying attention.  Food diaries can be helpful in isolating what might be causing what.  Writing down all that you eat and then symptoms as they occur.  Even the non GI symptoms.

SCD/GAPS/Paleo Diets

 

I think I've given you links in the past on the fatigue, weakness, and head tension.  If not, you can do a search from your outside browser.  Use survivingantidepressants.org and then the symptom of interest.  Or type that in and you should find the main topic, and also others who might be dealing with the same.  On site, go to Symptoms and Self Care, and then type the symptom or topic in the top right search box.

 

Maybe just another 4 week HOLD and then resume tapering at 5%.  I might do that, if it was me.

 

Everything else okay?  Heading into holidays and darker days now here.  I am navigating it all and I trust you will gain confidence with each mastery and then will be navigating just fine as well.  Soon.  I still worry now and then, perhaps more than I should.  Worry doesn't do a darn thing for anyone.  Oh and I'm prone to tear bursts too.  Often just quick ones.

 

Alrighty.  Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmat

[Altostrata]

On 10/1/2023 at 10:16 AM, Altostrata said:

My guess is your symptoms are not related to your escitalopram dose. I would stop tapering while you recover from this illness.

 

[choytu]

@Altostrata

My body temperature is normal for the past 2 weeks, blood tests are also good.

 

No coughing, no sickness symptoms.

I am almost 100% sure that they are withdrawal symptoms.

 

But yes, I am stoping the taper until the symptoms fade away.

[choytu]

22 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi choytu,

I'm okay if you want to do a longer HOLD now.

I haven't done much in terms of diet myself, other than paying attention.  Food diaries can be helpful in isolating what might be causing what.  Writing down all that you eat and then symptoms as they occur.  Even the non GI symptoms.

SCD/GAPS/Paleo Diets

 

I think I've given you links in the past on the fatigue, weakness, and head tension.  If not, you can do a search from your outside browser.  Use survivingantidepressants.org and then the symptom of interest.  Or type that in and you should find the main topic, and also others who might be dealing with the same.  On site, go to Symptoms and Self Care, and then type the symptom or topic in the top right search box.

 

Maybe just another 4 week HOLD and then resume tapering at 5%.  I might do that, if it was me.

 

Everything else okay?  Heading into holidays and darker days now here.  I am navigating it all and I trust you will gain confidence with each mastery and then will be navigating just fine as well.  Soon.  I still worry now and then, perhaps more than I should.  Worry doesn't do a darn thing for anyone.  Oh and I'm prone to tear bursts too.  Often just quick ones.

 

Alrighty.  Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmat

I decided I will hold until my symptoms are gone - probably symptoms are the CNS telling you "hey wait, I need to stabilize all the processes again".

In psychological aspect overall fine. I do observe that I am more emotional - I get easier in tears as well as in laughter - probably the emotional numbness going away.
I find it hard to work as well, having difficulty concentrating and overall feel tired these days.

But hopefully, step by step the CNS stabilizes again and symptoms will improve.
I am searching for a good supplement (magnesium glycinate in the topics was said to be very good). Here in my country there is no magnesium glycinate in form of capsules.
Do you recommend a good magnesium supplement as well as a probiotic for the gut (maybe from Amazon)?

[Altostrata]

https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

[choytu]

@manymoretodays

Damn..

 

Last couple of days were tough.

We had a vacation planned with my girlfriend and I need to drive 300km.

 

My muscles are so stiff, sore and weak. I am so hypersensitive - I get so easily anxious and panicky. Again came the nausea and some vomiting.

 

We hiked and rode bike and when we came home, man the next days until now are far from great.

 

Dizziness, weakness (I can barely make a walk around the block), muscle aches and they are so stiff, as if they are going to contractions.

 

I do not want to meet with anyone, because my nervous system is so sensitive to anything and I get easily out of line.

 

Yesterday, I needed to walk my dog and even giving commands was exhausting, I almost had a panic attack, my hands were cold and I could not feel my body.

 

Do not know what to do… I thought symptoms are going to get better…

 

Should I go back even to a bigger dose and try with smaller taper dosages? I don’t know and I am confused, because I am holding for a month now and do not see much of an improvement.

 

Any calming supplements?

I am waiting for your advice @manymoretodays.