Moderator Onmyway Posted November 6, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 6, 2023 (edited) On 11/2/2023 at 8:25 PM, Redman401 said: Yes, a psychiatry resident gave me trazodone 50mg on my doctor visit 9/14 when I told him I wanted off Seroquel, I guess as a replacement for it and give me something to take as a sedative/hypnotic. He said he gave me enough to bump it up or down if I needed to! To him, getting off Seroquel was no big deal and not something to be feared since it's not addictive or a problem to come off! Trazodone seems to be something they give out like candy for insomnia since they won't give you a benzo or Ambien, of which I would be terrified of any way. And I didn't think it was significant until you asked. I can't bear the thoughts of going to bed and lying awake after being miserable all day. So I'll almost do anything to get a good sleep. I know these meds need to be pruned back from what you are saying, though. Your question makes me think and I need to use the symptom diary I have seen here on SA. I think my symptoms come on in an hour or so after I take my AM dose of Seroquel. I feel drunk or doped up, and "woozy-headed", which I don't want or enjoy. Around 4-5PM I get anxiety for which I often take magnesium, L-theanine, valerian or hydroxyzine 25mg for relief. I know, I'm awful. @Redman401 you need to put all your drugs, including hydroxyzine and all your supplements into your signature. From it you can cut the narrative of the symptoms. Have you ever taken a course in CBT-i? Do you have a CPAP machine? Omw Edited November 6, 2023 by Onmyway "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
Redman401 Posted November 9, 2023 Author Share Posted November 9, 2023 Thank you for asking. 1) Yes I was recommended "CBT-I Coach" that is a free app and course, sort of, that is offered through the Veterans Administration. I have played around a little on it, so far and have some hope in it as well as a book, "Say Goodnight to Insomnia", which a doc recommended to me and which I have started on. The first part goes into prescription sleep drugs, side effects, the marketing thereof, etc. and is a horror story since I have used Ambien, very rarely Xanax, and even Lortab to help me sleep! To which I now say STAY AWAY HORRIBLE DRUGS!!! 2) Yes I have a CPAP machine. Actually it is an Adaptive Servo Ventilation machine which is a fancy type of Bipap for Central Sleep Apnea which I unfortunately have been married to for 13 years. Currently I am stuck on my horrific cocktail of meds to go to sleep and I am afraid I will never get off of them, although I am trying. I am afraid I am too broken to fix. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Mentor littlebird Posted November 9, 2023 Mentor Share Posted November 9, 2023 1 minute ago, Redman401 said: Currently I am stuck on my horrific cocktail of meds to go to sleep and I am afraid I will never get off of them, although I am trying. I am afraid I am too broken to fix. Polydrug solidarity! It is more complicated to figure out a cocktail, but it's not impossible. Pronouns: they/them/theirs Started on Prozac in early 2000s to treat cPTSD, been on various cocktails ever since. 2002-2004, 2017-2022: Buspar, tapered down to 0 2016-present: 100mg Seroquel for sleep -> May 2023: 90mg -> June 2023: 81mg -> September 2023: 72mg -> switched to brand name, much too strong, down to 60mg -> October 2023: 54mg -> November 2023: 50mg -> January 2024: 45mg -> April 2024: 40.5mg 2016-Present: 100mg Wellbutrin SR -> January 2023: 75mg IR (37.5mg 2x a day) -> February 2023 (33.75mg 2x a day) -> July 2023 (30.37mg 2x a day) -> August 2023: 27.33mg 2x a day 2018-present: 25mg Pristiq 2015-present: 600mg Gabapentin (200mg 3x a day) -> December 2022: 300mg Gabapentin (100mg 3x a day) per GP's recommendation after side effects -> March 2023: 90mg 3x a day (switched to liquid suspension) -> April 2023: 81mg 3x a day -> September 2023: bad generic, switched back to homemade liquid; too strong after bad generic, down to 70mg 3x a day, still bad. Adjusted slowly till at 60mg 3x a day, much better. Long hold till -> December 2023: 54mg, still feels too high after November Seroquel switch from brand name to generic, doc recommended 50mg which feels better -> January 2024: When Wellbutrin went down, Gabapentin started putting me to sleep, went down to 45mg, then 41mg to stay awake, so far so good -> February 2024: 36mg, still too high, 34mg -> March 2024: 31mg, STILL too high, 30mg Supplements: Multivitamin w/magnesium, probiotics, digestive enzymes, anti-viral nitric oxide nose spray as needed Link to comment
Redman401 Posted November 14, 2023 Author Share Posted November 14, 2023 I am having some difficulty thinking and slow processing that seems to be worse for the past couple of weeks. And weakness. I cannot even tolerate a very long ride in a car and not much help around the house, but I do what I can. This worries me where it's headed. At 62 and with my other physical and mental problems I wonder if I am strong enough even to come off these drugs after just over 3 months, as I have noted that some do not. I recently had the Genesite testing which I hope gives me some clue as to what kind of processor of my drugs that I am, if any help. Fear of not being able to sleep has kept me on my PM dose of Seroquel and it may be an intermidally long time in getting off it, if ever. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted November 14, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 14, 2023 @Redman401 The symptoms you are feeling are the effects of being on 3 different downers. As long as you are on these drugs this is inevitable. They dampen your nervous system causing exhaustion and slower cognition. These are the drugs working as expected. Omw "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
Redman401 Posted November 14, 2023 Author Share Posted November 14, 2023 Thank you for your comments. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted November 14, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 14, 2023 @Redman401 Can you pls update your signature with all the changes you've made in the last month. We need to have a record of that. Pls include the dates on which you made them. Pls keep the current schedule at the end as well. "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
Redman401 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 I'm sorry but I am deeply discouraged. I was just looking at some of the excellent information on SA talking about receptors and how Seroquel is at the top of the list of antipsychotics being problematic at coming off of. Even at my low dose and being on it for just four months I think I've become dependent on it physically and psychologically for sleep, but I still want off it. My primary doc and I have been back and forth about getting off. He/they at that office want me to take the 25mg tablet at night only and not be cutting pills up, specifically. They are really down on me cutting pills and tapering on my own. Thanks for any and all help. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Redman401 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 Please don't be angry with me. I've really been having it hard. A pharmacist, my primary docs, and a psychiatrist all had me decreasing my Seroquel to once a day at bedtime, only, despite what I was recommended to do here on SA. My body refuses, though. Since 10/4 this year I have tried several times for a week or two at a time, and had to go back to twice a day dosing, just like the recommendation I received here. The strain and pain are too great. So I had to decide whether I wanted to be functional or just in distress and pain. I can't tell my docs the truth or I'm afraid they will bump me off and I'm dependent on these horrible drugs(quetiapine, gabapentin, trazadone, mirtazapine)that just put me to sleep and disable me. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Moderator FireflyFyte Posted November 30, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 30, 2023 15 hours ago, Redman401 said: My primary doc and I have been back and forth about getting off. He/they at that office want me to take the 25mg tablet at night only and not be cutting pills up, specifically. They are really down on me cutting pills and tapering on my own. If you read through this site, you will find that the vast majority of doctors know absolutely nothing when it comes to tapering. In some instances, it is best to continue getting the medication from your doctors but not tell them about your tapering plan. Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022. Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg Link to comment
Redman401 Posted December 1, 2023 Author Share Posted December 1, 2023 Thank you for your comments. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Redman401 Posted December 7, 2023 Author Share Posted December 7, 2023 After over three months of bitterly difficult tapering I had just gotten to 31.6mg of Seroquel at night. I had found a psychiatrist who would let me have liquid Seroquel that is 10mg/ml. In my impaired mental state I drew up and took 3ml then 1.2ml thinking I was taking 31.2mg(actually 42mg). I didn't realize it until this morning. This is scary and feels like a terrible failure. I'm afraid to tell my psychiatrist. Strangely my body feels relief and less pain. Can I just go back to my taper? I don't know what to do now. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Moderator LotusRising Posted December 7, 2023 Moderator Share Posted December 7, 2023 Hi @Redman401, Try to give yourself some grace here. Many of us have made the same mistake. Although you may notice a few bumps, I would carry on with your usual dose. 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods, Ativan prn 2010-2011 Ativan, up to 1.5mg/day - tapered off without issue 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month, daily starting Oct 21 to help with buspar WD 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months 2021 Aug Wellbutrin 150mg for 5 days (ADR), then MIrtazapine 7.5mg for 7 days (ADR) Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! Supplements: omega-3, mag-glycinate "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, my suggestions/comments are based on my own personal experiences. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's *** Link to comment
Redman401 Posted December 7, 2023 Author Share Posted December 7, 2023 Bless you! Thank you for your comments and encouragement. 1 August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Redman401 Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 I updated my signature to reflect where I'm at tapering. I finally got a psychiatrist to order Seroquel liquid and am trying to do a micro-taper with that. He persuaded me to drop my AM dose of Seroquel and just take the PM dose. As it was before I was only taking crumbs in the AM sporadically trying to get off the AM entirely. I fear insomnia so badly. I thought as I reduced these drugs that I would feel better, trying to reduce my dose and trying to eliminate most any other drugs or supplements that I just don't have to take now. But it's the opposite. My symptoms seem more intense and are a daily broken record of: fatigue, impaired thinking, low mood, generalized pain, balance problems("woozy-headed" if you will), headache, despair. I believe I had a "window" on 12/21 for a few hours when I felt almost normal, and was very grateful! None since. I have hoped that ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation, psilocybin mushrooms or something would save me. Or, just avoid doctors and more drugs as much as possible? Please, any recommendations or suggestions are welcome. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Administrator KenA Posted January 2 Administrator Share Posted January 2 1 minute ago, Redman401 said: I fear insomnia so badly I used to be the same way. I would get such bad anxiety even thinking about going to sleep that I would cause myself to have insomnia. What worked for me was to stop caring about it. Insomnia wasn't going to kill me and as long as I was alive, then it was ok. I have a huge collection of DVD's so I would just start watching movies. If I didn't sleep, then oh well. The more nights I had of insomnia in a row, the closer I was getting to having a huge crash and sleeping for 8 hours or more. Once you stop fighting against the symptoms and just accept them as a part of healing, it gets easier to cope with them! Hang in there! You are going to be ok! 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment
Redman401 Posted January 3 Author Share Posted January 3 Thank you so much. 1 August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Redman401 Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 I have Seroquel compounded liquid 30mg/ml and trying to reduce by 0.01ml/ per nightly dose. My taper has come to a crawl and stop as symptoms seem to come harder with each reduction. So I have tried reducing then holding for several days and thought that I could hold for a while, maybe a week or two, then try again. It is very disappointing that I'm not able to go at even a 5%/month reduction. Please help with any suggestions or recommendations. Thanks. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Moderator FireflyFyte Posted February 14 Moderator Share Posted February 14 It can be difficult to pinpoint what drops are causing an issue for you with daily decreases so you might want to look into the The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering to see if smaller drops with longer holds will be easier for you. Pre- October 2022: Wellbutrin, Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, Adderall IR, Vyvanse, Propranolol, Buspar, Ativan, and Latuda Oct 13, 2022 - Oct 24, 2022 and Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Zyprexa (2.5 mg). Jan 14, 2023 -> Began transition to liquid suspension. Jan 29, 2023 = 2.375mg -> Feb 12, 2023 = 2.25mg -> Feb 27, 2023 = 2.14mg -> Mar 12, 2023 = 2.025mg -> Mar 27, 2023 = 1.93mg -> Apr 10, 2023 = 1.82mg -> Apr 23, 2023 = 1.74mg -> May 7, 2023 = 1.64mg -> May 21, 2023 = 1.56mg -> June 4, 2023 = 1.48mg -> June 19, 2023 = 1.4mg -> July 2, 2023 = 1.33mg -> July 16, 2023 = 1.26mg -> July 31, 2023 = 1.2mg -> Aug 13, 2023 = 1.14mg -> Aug 27, 2023 = 1.08mg -> Sep 13, 2023 = 1.02mg -> Jan 22, 2024 = 0.97mg -> Feb 4, 2024 = 0.92mg -> Feb 19, 2024 = 0.87mg -> Mar 3, 2024 = 0.83mg -> Mar 17, 2024 = 0.78mg -> Mar 31, 2024 = 0.74mg -> Apr 14, 2024 = 0.7mg -> Apr 28, 2024 = 0.66mg Oct 14, 2022 - Present: Prozac (40mg) upped from 20mg on Nov 1, 2022. Oct 31, 2022 - Present: Gabapentin (300mg 3x day) -> May 3, 2023 = 300mg 2x day -> Oct 1, 2023 = 570mg -> Oct 15, 2023 = 540mg -> Oct 29, 2023 = 510mg -> Nov 13, 2023 = 484mg -> Nov 27, 2023 = 460mg -> Dec 9, 2023 = 436mg -> Dec 24, 2023 = 414mg -> Jan 7, 2024 = 400mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted February 14 Moderator Share Posted February 14 3 hours ago, Redman401 said: I have Seroquel compounded liquid 30mg/ml and trying to reduce by 0.01ml/ per nightly dose. My taper has come to a crawl and stop as symptoms seem to come harder with each reduction. So I have tried reducing then holding for several days and thought that I could hold for a while, maybe a week or two, then try again. It is very disappointing that I'm not able to go at even a 5%/month reduction. Please help with any suggestions or recommendations. Thanks. Hi @Redman401unfortunately some of us are that sensitive. I'm also one of those cases. Going as slow as possible is the only solution in this case. Is your signature up to date? Might help us give suggestions. Omw "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
Redman401 Posted February 15 Author Share Posted February 15 Thanks Onmyway. Yes, I updated my signature with this post. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Redman401 Posted April 13 Author Share Posted April 13 I thought I could lower my mirtazapine from 0.020gm to 0.019gm without much difficulty while leaving the others alone. I've done this for the last three nights at 0.019gm. Yesterday I woke feeling well rested and was fairly functional but had spells of dizziness. This morning woke not feeling well rested and in a black dark depressed mood. I want to avoid up-dosing again if possible and see if I can ride it out. I may ask my provider if I can try a liquid mirtazapine to taper with but I'm already working with Seroquel liquid. That would give me two liquids to work with and potentially more errors. I thought when I got to lower doses I would feel better, not worse! Please: any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. August first 2023: Seroquel 25mg twice a day. August 20 started tapering. October 4 to present trying to take only PM Seroquel, start and stop, unsuccessfully. Now at 31.25mg at 9P and "crumb" at 9A. Mirtazapine 7.5mg daily at bedtime. September 21 started taper with decrease to 3.75mg, now at 3mg at bedtime. Gabapentin 200mg three times a day . August 20-Decreased afternoon dose to 100mg. Now taking three times a day: 9A-100mg; 2P-100mg; 9P-200mg. 9/15-Trazadone 50mg at 9P, tapered to 42mg at bedtime now. Prior to August 1 '23: Long history of depression since 1984. Had counseling for years off and on. Took Zoloft since around 1997 off and on but not very well due to my dislike of side effects. Since then I was given and tried, but not for very long, all the SSRI's and usual antidepressants from A-Z, no MAOI's or anything. I never took any one long enough or at normal doses to have major problems, until now. I was taking hydrocodone inappropriately April-May '23 until I thought I was "hooked". May 26, '23 took half a Suboxone 8mg thinking it would help me get off hydrocodone, foolishly, not knowing what I could expect, which caused a violent reaction and destroyed my nervous system. This set off my problems which have lasted for the past 5 months. I cannot take a nap during the day. 9A-2P-9P Gabapentin 100mg-100mg-200mg 9P mirtazapine 1.875 9P trazodone 35.6 9P quetiapine 26.9 16 April 2024: As for now, about eight months in, my taper has devolved into a reduction by reduction taper. Neither Seroquel nor Mirtazapine will let me budge as before. Trazodone I try to reduce by 0.001 gram every so often, now at 0.197gm. I believe I have pushed my nervous system too far for too long and will need to do a prolonged hold as advised here on SA for "two months or some months" . I wish had the capability to follow the recommendations on SA from the start. But I was too frantic or desperate or in a hurry and just jumping around trying to grab a piece of information here and a piece of information there looking for help online, on Youtube, etc.. I believed it would be possible if I just followed the advice I read. But tapering has been extremely hard for me. Being sick and impaired all the time is no fun. Wishful and magical thinking don't work. Now my thinking is so impaired it is so difficult. Link to comment
Tweed9674 Posted April 13 Share Posted April 13 48 minutes ago, Redman401 said: I thought when I got to lower doses I would feel better, not worse! I'm by no mean an expert, and I don't know the severity of the new symptoms you have but I think I'd give it at least a week or two before deciding on the next step. Best wishes 1 Supplements: Vit D3, Fish oil, Magnesium bisglycenate 200mg (when needed), Melatonin 2.5mg, Camomile tea (1 - 2 times a day) Started effexor in 2011. Stopped effexor in 2012 (fast tamper). Got back on effexor in 2012. Tried stopping effexor again in 2014 (I'm not sure?), fast tamper again. Started effexor again in 2014. Switched to Escitalopram in 2016 I believe Stopped Escitalopram 10mg cold turkey on January 3 2024. Reinstated Escitalopram 5mg on april 2 2024. Down to 1mg on april 3 2024, 1.25mg on april 11 2024 Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted April 13 Moderator Share Posted April 13 @Redman401I it would help to see an updated signature with the rate of cuts for all the meds. Pls have a look at mine as an example. "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
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