Jools2816 Posted August 23, 2023 Posted August 23, 2023 Hi everyone- I am truly grateful to have found this group with a wealth of info that is not compiled in such helpful and thoughtful way elsewhere… My history of AD spreads over 25 years. I have a family history of depression and some very adverse childhood experiences as well as many of live challenges , alongside an acute trigger led me to see a psychiatrist who after listening with zero empathy, declared from his august chair , with an august tone , that he will prescribe THE drug - fluoxetine was my first Nemesis. I did not lime the guy so went for a second opinion. This one was very jovial, so much so that he shared with me chuckling that his previous patient spoke very softly and as his hearing was somehow in decline so he’s not sure he heard half of what the patient said. You can’t make it up! Needless to say I had a hoarse voice after the appointment. I did not risk another third grade encounter so I took the prescription. Fluoxetine - very fashionable so felt rather cool. No guidance ,etc…as you all know I guess. Since then I took many other types as they all stoped working. I attempted many plainly stupid withdrawals - how could ai possibly know any better? It was harrowing and very different in quality from depressive symptoms. Is all in the signature. The main incentive for me is that I am emotionally numb. Yes, I’m not acutely depressed but I am empty. Motivation for anything is zero and there is a huge dissonance between million of things I want to do cognitively and the emotional motivation. Debilitating fatigue, I am often bed bound. So no brainer for me- I need to try. I am waiting for GP app in two weeks to get the liquid form of Escitalopram and read all I could get my hands on in terms of research article. Would appreciate any thoughts from ppl who were on meds for long time, and ppl who took escitalopram as well as ppl based in UK. Warmest to all. 2002 started Fluoxetine 20 ; increased gradually to 40mg 2004 diagnosed with ADD; prescribed methylphenidate 2004 later in the year methylphenidate aggravated depression so discontinued 2006 tried to taper too quick from AD ( over 3 weeks!) and terrible WD; 2006 later in the year doc changed to Citalopram (dont remember doze) 2009 (circa) as Citalopram did nothing good so back to 40 mg Fluoxetine 2017 due to situational anxiety Pregablin prescribed terrible side effects 201 8 tried again to taper fluoxetine 40 mg with tough WD so back on it 2020 changed to Escitalopram 20mg as no + effect of fluoxetine May 2023 prescribed Modafinil as fatigue intolerable mid July 2023 started tapering - down to 18 mg daily so far so good
Jools2816 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Posted August 23, 2023 I started tapering and reduced 10% from 20mg of escitalopram 3 weeks ago. No withdrawal symptoms so far, but I’m aware is very early days. I’m still confused or rather unsure what to predict or expect….. 2002 started Fluoxetine 20 ; increased gradually to 40mg 2004 diagnosed with ADD; prescribed methylphenidate 2004 later in the year methylphenidate aggravated depression so discontinued 2006 tried to taper too quick from AD ( over 3 weeks!) and terrible WD; 2006 later in the year doc changed to Citalopram (dont remember doze) 2009 (circa) as Citalopram did nothing good so back to 40 mg Fluoxetine 2017 due to situational anxiety Pregablin prescribed terrible side effects 201 8 tried again to taper fluoxetine 40 mg with tough WD so back on it 2020 changed to Escitalopram 20mg as no + effect of fluoxetine May 2023 prescribed Modafinil as fatigue intolerable mid July 2023 started tapering - down to 18 mg daily so far so good
Mentor Catina7 Posted August 24, 2023 Mentor Posted August 24, 2023 Hello @Jools2816 and welcome to the site! We are so glad you are here! Thank you for already providing your drug history in your signature. The thing is, none of knew any better as our doctors didn't know better themselves! Here are some helpful links to get you started: Tips for Tapering off Escitalopram (Lexapro) What is Happening in Your Brain?What is Withdrawal Syndrome? Apathy, Anhedonia, Emotional Numbness, Emotional Anesthesia I suggest you navigate your way around the site to familiarize yourself with all the topics. There is also a search bar at the top. We look forward to hearing any updates you post on your progress and are here if you have any questions! 😊 Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only. 1994 - 2017: Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien 2005-present: Trazodone 50 mg 2017: Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 2020 (March) - Began 10% monthly taper of 75 mg Effexor XR (in hindsight this was much too fast) 2021 (Sept) - Completely crashed at 12 mg with horrific symptoms. Went back up to 37.5 mg but kindled myself (held for two years) 2024 (Avg. # of beads per 37.5 mg capsule = 117) - 1/1: -6 (111) | 2/1: -5 (106) | 3/1: -5 (101) | 4/1: -2 (99) | 5/1: -3 (96) | 6/1: -4 (92) | 7/1: HOLD | 8/1 -4 (88) | 9/7 -4 (84) | Oct. HOLD | Nov. HOLD | 12/1 : -1 (83) 2025 1/1: -1 (82) Other medications: Levothyroxine 50 mcg 🔑 A Key to Survival: Turn outward, not inward. Use the art of distraction to focus on anything but how you're feeling inside. Never give up hope that you'll make it through and heal.
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