Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted December 21, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 21, 2023 What @Onmywaysaid. 1 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Casper Posted February 15 Author Share Posted February 15 On 12/21/2023 at 1:38 AM, Onmyway said: @Casper if I were you I wouldn't change my dosage at all for a good two months. Jumping up and down is very bad for the brain. You may then consider Brassmonkey's taper. You need to learn to tolerate some discomfort. If you do keep jumping up and down, we won't be able to help you. Omw Hey guys, want to give you an update. Between 24th december to 11th january I went down to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. I officially get how really stupid that is. I now understand and accept that it's gonna take a long time before I'm done, probably around a year even from now. But I've stayed on 1mg now since 11th january, so almost 5 weeks now - and I still have huge swings. A few weeks ago I was all good, then 1 week ago I had what would feel like withdrawals for 3 days, and the last couple of days I have this nausea, dizziness and disgust in my body (I can feel it just minutes after intake). I take it same time everyday and have done so for 5 weeks, and obviously I'll have to stay on this dose until no swings, my guess is another 4-6 weeks. It also creates some kind of insomnia, just yesterday it took me 3 hours to fall asleep, which is really frustrating. Lots of days it's like that, 1-2.5 hours. Try my best to keep my head up, but by lightyears far the toughest sh*t I'ver ever experienced. Also concerned about my gut and what health impacts all this have, it can't be healthy. My sleep is often bad too. Just wanted to update you because I really appreciate your guidance and support, and will let you know once swings disappears. Which they should right lol? Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
Casper Posted February 22 Author Share Posted February 22 @getofflex @Onmyway I had some withdrawals alike symptoms today, although not super bad. But before this and my latest comment I was good. I'd assume it's still due to the dosing switches I did 6 weeks ago, but it's just weird that it comes like this. Like 5 days I'm good, then 3 days withdrawals symptoms, then some time good, then symptoms. Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
Administrator Emonda Posted February 23 Administrator Share Posted February 23 6 hours ago, Casper said: Like 5 days I'm good, then 3 days withdrawals symptoms, then some time good, then symptoms. Sounds just like windows and waves to me. Did you see that link back at the start by LotusRising? Please don't send me PMs. I am not a doctor. My comments are based on my personal experience with ADs and tapering. Consult your doctor about your own medical decisions. 2017 – 2022: Vortioxetine 15mg, Jan ’22, 15mg->5mg over 4 weeks, Feb ‘22 5mg -> 7.5mg due to WD, July ’22 6.75mg (found SA website), Aug 6.07mg, Sep 5.46mg, 11 Oct 5.00mg, 18 Oct 4.88mg, 25 Oct 4.75mg, 1 Nov 4.63mg, 8 Nov 4.5mg, 3 Jan ’23 4.39mg, 10 Jan 4.28mg, 17 Jan 4.06mg, 13 Feb 3.95mg, 20 Mar 3.85mg, 3 Apr 3.75mg, 10 April 3.65mg, 31 May 3.58mg, 8 June 3.50mg, 15 June 3.43mg, 22 June 3.35mg, 12 Jul 3.29mg, 19 Jul 3.22mg, 26 Jul 3.15mg, 3 Aug 3.09mg, 30 Aug 3.02mg, 7 Sep 2.96mg, 14 Sep 2.89mg, 21 Sep 2.82mg, Oct 11 2.75mg, Oct 19 2.70mg, Oct 26 2.64mg, Nov 2 2.59mg, Nov 23 2.53mg, Nov 30 2.48mg, 7 Dec 2.43mg, 17 Dec 2.38mg, 19 Jan 2.33mg, 26 Jan 2.28mg, 2 Feb 2.24mg, 8 Feb 2.19mg, 29 Feb 2.15mg, 7 Mar 2.10mg, 14 Mar 2.06mg, 21 Mar 1.99mg, 10 Apr 1.95mg, 17 Apr 1.91mg, 24 Apr 1.87mg, Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted February 23 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 23 I assume you know about windows and waves by now. Please only tag me for urgent questions about tapering. 1 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
KimMk Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 On 2/22/2024 at 6:10 PM, Casper said: @getofflex @Onmyway I had some withdrawals alike symptoms today, although not super bad. But before this and my latest comment I was good. I'd assume it's still due to the dosing switches I did 6 weeks ago, but it's just weird that it comes like this. Like 5 days I'm good, then 3 days withdrawals symptoms, then some time good, then symptoms. I relate to this a lot. My **** is all over the place but I like to tell myself that its because my brain has a lot of neuroplasticity and it is just going through the merry-go-round of recalibrating. July 2008: Began 150mg Effexor. January 2014: Five week taper off effexor. Off for four months before hospitalization and reinstatement May 2014: 150mg Effexor and added 150mg Lamictal. March 2018: Five week taper off Effexor but stayed on 150mg Lamical. Mass destabilization began in July. Was trialed on celexa, remeron, latuda, and pristiq over six weeks. Added 1mg Ativan only as needed. September 2018: Restarted 150 mg Effexor and still remained on 150 mg Lamictal. January 2022: Up to 187.5 of effexor, still on 150mg lamictal October 2022: Down to 150 mg of effexor. March 2023: Down to 112.5 of effexor and down to 125 of Lamictal. May 2023: Bad break up triggers a wave, went up to 150mg of lamictal but stayed at 112.5 of effexor. Septmeber 2023: Down to 75 mg of Effexor. January 16: Bad wave after smoking weed. January 30: 76.2 mg of effexor. February 10: 77.4 of effexor. Link to comment
Casper Posted March 6 Author Share Posted March 6 On 2/23/2024 at 6:20 AM, Emonda said: Sounds just like windows and waves to me. Did you see that link back at the start by LotusRising? Yes I figured haha. How long will this go on for? It's still going on for me, and it's almost 2 months ago that I've been on same dose. Although definitely more frequent and worse in the beginning than now Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
Casper Posted March 6 Author Share Posted March 6 On 2/24/2024 at 1:15 AM, KimMk said: I relate to this a lot. My **** is all over the place but I like to tell myself that its because my brain has a lot of neuroplasticity and it is just going through the merry-go-round of recalibrating. How are you doing now? Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
Casper Posted March 6 Author Share Posted March 6 On 2/23/2024 at 6:20 AM, Emonda said: Sounds just like windows and waves to me. Did you see that link back at the start by LotusRising? Yes I read it now Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
KimMk Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 6 hours ago, Casper said: How are you doing now? Still on the roller coaster. I had two days where I felt semi-normal and then a terrible day and I’m so-so today. Mostly feeling terrible that I’m such a burden on my support system. I’m trying not to think like that but it difficult not to. How can I explain that sometimes even taking the dog out is next to impossible? July 2008: Began 150mg Effexor. January 2014: Five week taper off effexor. Off for four months before hospitalization and reinstatement May 2014: 150mg Effexor and added 150mg Lamictal. March 2018: Five week taper off Effexor but stayed on 150mg Lamical. Mass destabilization began in July. Was trialed on celexa, remeron, latuda, and pristiq over six weeks. Added 1mg Ativan only as needed. September 2018: Restarted 150 mg Effexor and still remained on 150 mg Lamictal. January 2022: Up to 187.5 of effexor, still on 150mg lamictal October 2022: Down to 150 mg of effexor. March 2023: Down to 112.5 of effexor and down to 125 of Lamictal. May 2023: Bad break up triggers a wave, went up to 150mg of lamictal but stayed at 112.5 of effexor. Septmeber 2023: Down to 75 mg of Effexor. January 16: Bad wave after smoking weed. January 30: 76.2 mg of effexor. February 10: 77.4 of effexor. Link to comment
Casper Posted April 6 Author Share Posted April 6 Hey guys. It's almost been 3 months now being on 1mg, and still having symptoms. It's pretty much like a week with withdrawals, then a week with lots of energy to the point of insomnia. How long can these windows and waves last for? Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted April 6 Moderator Share Posted April 6 I'm on year 5 at 0.3mg,without tapering for almost a year. "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
Casper Posted April 6 Author Share Posted April 6 2 hours ago, Onmyway said: I'm on year 5 at 0.3mg,without tapering for almost a year. Wow, how come? Citalopram have 2-3x half-life of what cymbalta have We have different backgrounds, so what would be your estimation on my history? You've been helping me in this forum for some time. Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
Casper Posted April 8 Author Share Posted April 8 Hey guys, would appreciate your opinion on this. I want to explore my options here. It's probably gonna be another 2 months before I can start tapering, then considering I'd reduce 0,05 every 3 weeks, that'd be 6,6% a month (below the 10% rule), that'd be another 15 months BEST CASE, not accounting for extra holds/pauses etc. Please share a good reason why I dont just go cold turkey in 3 months. Then I'd have been on 1mg for 6 months (aka zero changes in doses for half a year) The withdrawals will be hell for what 3-6 months, and like another 6-10 months of recovering time. But I'll have myself back, my feelings and my thoughts, and I'll actually be OFF this hell drug. In a 15-20 month tapering I'll be a zombie feeling like sh*t, so why not just be myself feeling like shi*t. Last time I cold turkeyed I followed the doctors instructions. I dont remember or have the exact numbers, but my estimation/assumption would be that I went from 10mg to 0mg in 3-4 months. The withdrawals were horrible on one side, but wow it was a relief feeling my thoughts coming back, no sleeping issues and my energy was back. It's just like at what point is it even worth another 1,5-2 years of dose reductions, insomnia, withdrawals, the uncertanity of not knowing how I feel tomorrow + the side effects of just being on the drug (zombie mode, cant feel anything, thoughts slowed down and blurry, tired) Duloxetine from 2018 to 2024 January 2018 to Jan 2022: 120mg *The following timeline from 30mg to 0mg are estimations based on memory (I dont have records)* June 2022: 30mg ---> November 2022: 5 or 10mg ---> Januar 2023: 0mg (last dose probably between 1-2mg) 2023: January - april: 0mg (horrible withdrawals: crying spells, completely sad/agony, couldnt work normal hours) April - july: 1mg (good) ---> August: 7th aug: 0,75mg 15th aug: 0,7mg 22th aug: 0,65mg 29th aug: 0,6mg (no withdrawals) September: 7th septembr: 0,55mg Then got the flue for a month 26 september: up to 0,6mg due to withdrawal reaction on 0,55mg October: 15th october: Healthy again 16th october: 0,65mg 24th october: 0,675mg 29th october: 0,7mg. 31th october: 0,725mg Nov/Dec: 7th: November: 0,75mg 15th november: 0,8mg 25th november: 0,875 8th december to now: 1mg (intense dizziness 24/7) 24th december to 11th january: Multiple dose changes from 1mg to 0,7mg and back up to 1mg. 2024: 11th january ---> now: 1mg. Windows and waves until now, worse during january though. Link to comment
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