Himawari Posted April 10, 2022 Share Posted April 10, 2022 Has anyone seen Brett D Shurman, MD or UCLA Mood Disorder Clinic ? https://www.drshurman.com/services - 31 years old: Started taking Zoloft 12.5mg and increased to 62.5mg. - 33 years old: I noticed stiffness in my hands and started to sweat a lot. I reduced the Zoloft from 62.5mg to 37.5mg in 2 weeks. -36 years old: I reduced Zoloft from 37.5mg to18.75mg. -39 years old: I took 6 months to taper off the medication this time. When the medication became close to 0, my symptoms got worse. I wasn’t able to function anymore, so I had to increase the dose to 12.5mg. 41 years old: Started taking lithium 100MG. I felt slightly working on my depression, but it didn’t improve the rapid cycling and severe mood swings and agitation. 42 years old: I increased lithium to 200MG. 43 years old: Started taking Carbamazepine 100mg to suppress the symptoms. The medication worked and my mood swing got reduced, but depression and anxiety became bigger. years old: Added Lamotrigine 25mg to improve my depression and anxiety, but I started to wake up at night and had only 3 to 4 hours of sleep for a month and a half, so I had to stop taking Lamotrigine. I'm still suffering from a very sever depression, anxiety, agitation (mix state) and suicidal ideation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reshan30 Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 (edited) Antidepressant Tapering Physicians Tulsa, OK Hello, I'd like to come on here real quick and ask the community if they know of any physicians here in Tulsa, OK that understand and acknowledge withdrawal syndrome and assist with tapering off of antidepressants. Having trouble finding ones that don't have the western medicine mind set. Any help is greatly appreciated. 🙂 Edited May 11, 2022 by ChessieCat added topic title before merging with existing topic 2010–2022 paroxetine dosage has fluctuated between 40mg highest to 20mg lowest. Currently on 20mg once daily. I stopped taking drug in Sep, 2020 to beginning of April 2021 & had to get back on within the same month. No other drugs/medications being taken at this time. Prior drugs were Prozac for about a month while trying to come off of Paroxetine which didn't work. I don't remember exact date maybe 2019. "Stay hopeful, better days are coming". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariel Posted May 20, 2022 Share Posted May 20, 2022 On 6/17/2014 at 7:52 PM, Hexal said: Danish psychiatrist Lisbeth Kortegaard is opening a clinic September 1st, aimed at helping children and youths taper off psychoactive medicine. She confirmed this via email. ADMIN NOTE: Dr. Kortegaard is currently practicing in Hoejbjerg, Denmark. On 8/1/2011 at 3:04 AM, Ucfgemini said: ADMIN NOTE If you have any recommendations for doctors, therapists, or clinics knowledgeable about tapering or withdrawal syndrome, please add a post to this topic. DENMARK Lisbeth Kortegaard, MD, Hoejbjerg, Denmark To be added to providers in DENMARK: psychologist and therapist Olga Runciman Olga Runciman is available for in-person sessions as well as Skype/online consultations. Languages: Danish, English, Spanish 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg August 2021 - 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1mg melatonin March 31, 2023 - 0mg melatonin 2024 supplements update: electrolyte blend in water sipped throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil blend w/ morning meal (incl. vit. A+D+E); calcium; vitamin C+zinc Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liverstone1951 Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 Has anyone from the UK checked out CriticalPsychiatry.co.uk? These Drs seem quite aware of WD Specifically does anyone have experience with Dr Tom Stockmann? Jan 2020 - June 2021 Citalopram (1.5 years) June 2021 - Sep 2021 Citalopram gradual withdrawal (3 months withdrawal) Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 Sertraline (2 months) Dec 2021 Sertraline gradual withdrawal (1 month withdrawal) Dec 2021 - Feb 2022 Mirtazapine (6 weeks) Feb 2022 - May 2022 Attempted to come off Mirt 3 separate times (by skipping doses). Simultaneously started citalopram 10mg May 2022 Came off Mirtazapine (7.5mg 1 week, 3.75 1 week, stopped) Came off Citalopram (10mg 1 week, 5mg 1 week, 2.5mg 1 week, stopped). After stopping citalopram, experienced hypomania-like symptoms including: no urge to eat, no sleep, high mood, constant extreme anxiety June 2022 Citalopram re-instated (5mg). Hypomania-like symptoms mostly went away Experiencing "sensitivity" to citalopram - memory loss, brain fog, SI, headaches, pains in neck, blur vision Current Severe, ongoing Mirtazapine WD, kindling from Citalopram. Holding at 5mg Citalopram, failed attempts at reducing it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted June 29, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) 11 hours ago, liverstone1951 said: Specifically does anyone have experience with Dr Tom Stockmann? Joanna Moncrieff is also a co-chair with Tom Stockmann. See her research paper below: And a search in the Research Papers forum for Stockmann: Stockmann , 2019 What it was like to stop an antidepressant Stockmann , 2018 SSRI and SNRI withdrawal symptoms reported on an internet forum. Cosci, 2020 Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications ... Stockmann et al. Edited June 29, 2022 by ChessieCat * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liverstone1951 Posted July 2, 2022 Share Posted July 2, 2022 His research looks positive, he recognises withdrawal as separate from the original symptoms. He even quotes this website and knows the common symptoms. However there's not much more research than that. I don't know if this is enough? Or if I should search for someone with more expertse I desperately want to see a withdrawal doctor though. Jan 2020 - June 2021 Citalopram (1.5 years) June 2021 - Sep 2021 Citalopram gradual withdrawal (3 months withdrawal) Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 Sertraline (2 months) Dec 2021 Sertraline gradual withdrawal (1 month withdrawal) Dec 2021 - Feb 2022 Mirtazapine (6 weeks) Feb 2022 - May 2022 Attempted to come off Mirt 3 separate times (by skipping doses). Simultaneously started citalopram 10mg May 2022 Came off Mirtazapine (7.5mg 1 week, 3.75 1 week, stopped) Came off Citalopram (10mg 1 week, 5mg 1 week, 2.5mg 1 week, stopped). After stopping citalopram, experienced hypomania-like symptoms including: no urge to eat, no sleep, high mood, constant extreme anxiety June 2022 Citalopram re-instated (5mg). Hypomania-like symptoms mostly went away Experiencing "sensitivity" to citalopram - memory loss, brain fog, SI, headaches, pains in neck, blur vision Current Severe, ongoing Mirtazapine WD, kindling from Citalopram. Holding at 5mg Citalopram, failed attempts at reducing it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liverstone1951 Posted July 2, 2022 Share Posted July 2, 2022 Are there any US doctors who are willing to see patients remotely who are based in the UK? Some of the Drs here I have contacted said they're not allowed to see patients outside the US. Or just any doctors in general who are happy seeing foreign patients? Because the UK doctors here never respond to their emails and are retired 1 Jan 2020 - June 2021 Citalopram (1.5 years) June 2021 - Sep 2021 Citalopram gradual withdrawal (3 months withdrawal) Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 Sertraline (2 months) Dec 2021 Sertraline gradual withdrawal (1 month withdrawal) Dec 2021 - Feb 2022 Mirtazapine (6 weeks) Feb 2022 - May 2022 Attempted to come off Mirt 3 separate times (by skipping doses). Simultaneously started citalopram 10mg May 2022 Came off Mirtazapine (7.5mg 1 week, 3.75 1 week, stopped) Came off Citalopram (10mg 1 week, 5mg 1 week, 2.5mg 1 week, stopped). After stopping citalopram, experienced hypomania-like symptoms including: no urge to eat, no sleep, high mood, constant extreme anxiety June 2022 Citalopram re-instated (5mg). Hypomania-like symptoms mostly went away Experiencing "sensitivity" to citalopram - memory loss, brain fog, SI, headaches, pains in neck, blur vision Current Severe, ongoing Mirtazapine WD, kindling from Citalopram. Holding at 5mg Citalopram, failed attempts at reducing it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonRectangle Posted July 7, 2022 Share Posted July 7, 2022 (edited) Doctors in Sydney Australia Hi everyone. I'm starting to plan my taper from 30mg Mirtzapine in a few weeks now that I am feeling better after dealing with depression/anxiety for 6 months. I asked my GP for taper advice and she said split the tablet and take 15mg. Alarm bells went off for me straight away after hearing she wants me to do a 50% cut. I then went to my pharmacist asking for advice and he recommended the same as my GP. I want to minimise withdrawal issues and need a supportive GP to assist me in the process. Are there any Aussies in here that know of a GP in Sydney that isnt brainwashed by the Big Pharma recommended tapering? Although I want off the medication I dont want insomnia, anxiety and CNS issues that may get me back on benzos for sleep. I want to do taper safely and still function day to day. Edited July 7, 2022 by ChessieCat added topic title before merging with existing topic 1 Started Valdroxan (Agomelatine) December 2021 to April 2022 for anxiety and depression. Was not affective enough. No need to taper, no withdrawals. Started Mirtazapine April 2022 15mg first 10 days then up to 30mg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CmonAussie Posted July 8, 2022 Share Posted July 8, 2022 Hi @SimonRectangle I’m also in Sydney and looking for a knowledgeable doctor to help with tapering too. Any Aussies here know of anyone? Thanks - Jan 2020 - Oct 2022: Prozac 20mg - Cold turkey - Jan 2022: Prozac 10mg (bad reaction, emotional blunting and stomach issues but didn’t realise and continued to take for 2 weeks) - 2020 to 2022: Seroquel 25 mg PRN - Feb to Mar 2022: Domperidone - Feb 2022: Cymbalta 30 mg for 5 days - Mar 2022: Parnate 10mg for 4 days - Feb to Mar 2022 - Mirtazapine 15mg (cold turkeyed in March and took a few doses intermittently - bad rebound insomnia) Hospitalised in April 2022 and put on 5mg Olanzapine and Mirtazapine 15mg reinstated, which was upped to 30 mg for a week. Hospitalised in June 2022 - doctor wanted me to quickly come off these, by trusting the doctor I agreed and suffered big headaches and even worse emotional numbing. Current: 12.5 Mirtazapine and 0.75mg Olanzapine (compounded liquid) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariel Posted July 8, 2022 Share Posted July 8, 2022 @SimonRectangle @CmonAussie Please review this topic from the beginning. There's a list of practitioners in Australia. You might start by contacting those names and possibly asking for further referrals as needed. Please come back to share your findings here. 1 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg August 2021 - 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1mg melatonin March 31, 2023 - 0mg melatonin 2024 supplements update: electrolyte blend in water sipped throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil blend w/ morning meal (incl. vit. A+D+E); calcium; vitamin C+zinc Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanttofreemyself Posted July 31, 2022 Share Posted July 31, 2022 Anyone know of any doctors in Hawaii? - Late 2011/Early 2012? - Started celexa 10mg. - Sometime in 2012? - Due to doctors advice, jumped to 20mg. Not sure when but doctor suggested 40mg. Tried it for a bit, did not like it, felt flat and had low libido so doctor told me to go down to 30mg. - Started skipping 1 day or 2 days sometimes due to forgetting and hated being on drugs, felt it was a hassle. It became routine to skip one day and only take it when I felt withdrawal symptoms kick in like dizziness. Always took one 20mg pill and broke the second pill in half. - May 17 2022, finally talked to my doctor about tapering. Suggested I take 10 mg everyday. Tried taking only 10mg, started getting dizzy, took another half tablet, got horrible anxiety that night. Got scared, had to stop and reinstate back to 30mg that night. - May 18 2022 discovered and joined survivingantidepressants.org (woozy head and impaired balance lasted 1 week) - May 19 2022, began trying a reduction, (still skipping a day). Though had no scale so was inaccurately cutting my pills. No idea what dose I was taking, 25-27mg? - May 25 2022, bought a mg scale and started to better measure my dose. Tried 10% reduction, 27mg. (still skipping a day) - Ending of May was when I started having horrible anxiety - June 1 2022, finally started 13.5mg dose 8:15am, and began taking my dose everyday now - went to 13.7mg after a few weeks and still on it currently. Still taking my dose everyday. went up to 14 on 11/6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bp1961 Posted July 31, 2022 Share Posted July 31, 2022 Does anyone know a good doctor in the Atlanta GA area? 2000 -2013: various antidepressants. 2013 - 2019: Lexapro 20 mg 2019 - April 2021: Lexapro 10 mg (No withdrawal) April 2021 - March 2022: Lexapro 5 mg (No withdrawal) 2013 - April 2022: Vyvanse 50 mg Feb. 23 - April 3, 2022: Finasteride 1mg. March/April 2022 - Stopped Cold Turkey March 5, 2022 - Quit smoking CT after 30+ years July 20, 2022 - Quit coffee. Reinstatement: Escitalopram - July 5-10, 2022: 5mg; July 11-15: 10mg; July 16-31: 20mg; Aug 1-14: 15mg; Aug 15-22: 12.5mg; Aug 23-Sept 2: 12mg; Sept 3-8: 11.5mg; Sept 9-10: 11.4mg; Sept 11-18: 11mg; Sept 19-24: 10.5mg; Sept. 25-January 2024: 10mg; February - March 2024 - : 9mg; April 2024 - 8mg. Vyvanse - July 5-10, 2022: 40mg; July 11, 2022- June 12, 2023: 50mg; June 13, 2023 - December 2023: 40mg; January 2024 - Present: 30mg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bp1961 Posted August 1, 2022 Share Posted August 1, 2022 Unfortunately, Dr. Whitfield Charles L MD passed away last year. Does anyone know a good doctor in the Atlanta GA area? 2000 -2013: various antidepressants. 2013 - 2019: Lexapro 20 mg 2019 - April 2021: Lexapro 10 mg (No withdrawal) April 2021 - March 2022: Lexapro 5 mg (No withdrawal) 2013 - April 2022: Vyvanse 50 mg Feb. 23 - April 3, 2022: Finasteride 1mg. March/April 2022 - Stopped Cold Turkey March 5, 2022 - Quit smoking CT after 30+ years July 20, 2022 - Quit coffee. Reinstatement: Escitalopram - July 5-10, 2022: 5mg; July 11-15: 10mg; July 16-31: 20mg; Aug 1-14: 15mg; Aug 15-22: 12.5mg; Aug 23-Sept 2: 12mg; Sept 3-8: 11.5mg; Sept 9-10: 11.4mg; Sept 11-18: 11mg; Sept 19-24: 10.5mg; Sept. 25-January 2024: 10mg; February - March 2024 - : 9mg; April 2024 - 8mg. Vyvanse - July 5-10, 2022: 40mg; July 11, 2022- June 12, 2023: 50mg; June 13, 2023 - December 2023: 40mg; January 2024 - Present: 30mg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted August 12, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 12, 2022 This guy is not a prescriber. But it appears he is also an attorney (which might be useful for those under Community Treatment Orders) Therapist Dr. Bob Jacobs: https://theparentingcentre.com.au/philosophy-values/ I was reading his book, loaned to me by a neighbour, called "The Human Spectrum," and in the first chapter he quotes Thomas Szasz (!!!!) and proclaims, "There is no such thing as mental illness." (my neighbour was doubtful, but I will show her my bookshelves which back up everything he claims in his little 50 page book) His specialty is children / families in dealing with "spectrum disorders" (He doesn't really believe in "autism," either, only "variations") but also sees adults. I have a feeling that if one of our lot contacted him, he'd be most helpful. I am thankful to have his name, in the event that I need to start up therapy again. I don't know if he does tele-consults. He is American, transferred to Australia. (I find that the best medical practitioners are not trained here!) A good therapist can be helpful in making your pleas to prescribers - and that this guy is a lawyer as well tells me he might right a good letter. My own psychiatrist was dubious of my protocols, but when my psychologist wrote glowing letters of how improved I was - the psychiatrist had to go along with the program. (my psychologist is now retired - so I'm keeping Bob Jacobs on file.) Maleny, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. 2 "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted August 12, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 12, 2022 On 1/14/2021 at 6:22 PM, senseless said: Just thought id give some feedback in regards to: Rob Purssey, MD, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (will Skype in Brisbane) I'm not sure he should be on this list. Although he is aware of withdrawals and promotes non drug coping skills. He still seems very ignorant in regards to safe tapering. As he wanted me to cold turkey my 13.5mg of Seroquel and use temazepam to deal with withdrawals. I've run into this before with him. I'm in Brisbane. He seems to operate under the delusion that if you do ACT, you don't need to worry about the neurotransmitters. ACT should cover all the distress that happens when you withdraw the drugs. (uh, NO! therapy is great, therapy is good, but neurotransmitters are hard wiring, and ACT - or DBT - or mindfulness - or any other therapy, while they may help you survive the distress - are not the answer to the distress.) I seem to remember a suicide from his too-fast protocols. I no longer recommend him. He can prescribe - but he will not prescribe to our protocols. 1 "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bego82 Posted August 20, 2022 Share Posted August 20, 2022 On 7/2/2022 at 7:36 PM, liverstone1951 said: Because the UK doctors here never respond to their emails and are retired That’s so true, they never respond their emails. They must be so busy and have hundreds of patients I guess? I hope that you find the right one for you. I’m trying my 5th unlucky now, after a year and a half of withdrawal… losing hope. Would you share details if you find him/her? I most definitely will if I do. All the best x At 15 years old: unknown antidepressant.2005-2007: Venlafaxine. Overdosed on benzos. 2011- 2012: Fluoxetine. 2013: started Duloxetine. Overdosed on Zolpidem.2015: started Venlafaxine 225mg prolonged release after crashing from stopping Duloxetine.2021, 5th March: Venlafaxine crash from withdrawal begins (from 225mg to 37.5mg in 6 weeks then cold turkey by doctor’s advice). 2021 July: started taking 5HTP, GABA, LTheanine, LTaurine, multivitamin, fish oil, magnesium, holy basil and lithium Orotate, following Julia Ross’.2021 August: doctor put me on beta blockers 40mg twice a day as I refuse to touch any psych medication. Currently tapering from 10mg. September: hospitalised. 2021, 8th October: Mirtrazapine 15mg 2021, 18th October: Mirtrazapine to 30mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Erell Posted August 22, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 22, 2022 DENMARK Suggestions submitted by a member : -> Olga Runciman psychologist and psychotherapist who is herself a psychiatric survivor and has been through WD also does activist work, active in MIA and Hearing Voices network, runs training/educational initiatives website: https://psycovery.com/index.php/da/ Please note that the website is in Danish but Olga Runciman is a native English speaker and is available for Skype/online consultations -> Anders Sørensen psychologist did his PhD on WD and tapering runs WD support groups and contributes to scientific papers, also writes critically about psychiatry in the media native Danish speaker but also fluent in English website: https://psykologanders.dk 2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam. 2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg. 2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg). 25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details : topic/21457 Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil Current medication : * 7pm Diazepam : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020) * 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)/ 6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21) I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccb73 Posted October 13, 2022 Share Posted October 13, 2022 (edited) Hi. I’m poly drugged and need help from a taper sensitive doctor. I can’t seem to find any in the NY USA area. My current doctor is conservative with psych drugs and wants me off many off the meds but is employing a fast taper and aggressive personality I’m having difficulty dealing with. I’m feeling very horrible and need assistance. Please let me know how you can help. Thanks Edited October 13, 2022 by ChessieCat removed full name Latest med schedule and withdrawal (05/17/17): Seroquel On 125mg 10/28/16 (now, 125 mg), (9/2017, 200mg) Cymbalta On 27mg 10/28/16 (now, 27 mg), (9/2017, 90mg) Viibryd On 10mg 10/28/16 (now, 10 mg), (9/2017, 20mg) Klonopin On 2.5 Start 10/28/16 (now 1.5 night, 1 Morning), (9/2017 1.5 night, 1 morning, .5 midday, total 3mg) Diovan 160mg On 10/28/16 (now 160mg) Norvasc On 10mg 10/28/16 (now 0), (1/2017 10mg) Cytomel (T3 for thyroid) on 11/2017 25mcg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted October 13, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 13, 2022 2 hours ago, ccb73 said: Hi. I’m poly drugged and need help from a taper sensitive doctor. I can’t seem to find any in the NY USA area. My current doctor is conservative with psych drugs and wants me off many off the meds but is employing a fast taper and aggressive personality I’m having difficulty dealing with. I’m feeling very horrible and need assistance. Please let me know how you can help. Thanks Q: Did you read Post #1 of the current topic? You can also ask in the relevant topic: check-in-topics-survivingantidepressantorg-members-near-you And check out this topic too: how-to-talk-to-a-doctor-about-tapering-and-withdrawal-what-to-expect * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cauliflower Posted October 27, 2022 Share Posted October 27, 2022 I don't have enough money for private medical care, is there one that would take Medical insurance? <2014 - antidepressant, unknown, CT 2014 - cocktail of medication, unknown 2014> - Psychiatrist tapered everything and prescribed Seroquel 600mg, Latuda 80mg, Clonazepam 5mg 2020 - Seroquel 600mg 2022 - October: got prescribed Lexapro 5mg due to worsening symptoms, I only took it 2 to three times. I stopped due to severe side effects. Got prescribed Seroquel 700mg to help crisis. Took Fish Oil thrice the recommended amount and symptoms improved after suffering for 8 to 9 years. Reduced back to Seroquel 600mg. Now taking the recommended supplements of SA, Fish Oil and Magnesium. 2023 - Not taking Magnesium for now for side effects. Taking a lot of Vitamin D around 3000IU. Mental health significantly improved like night and day after a month. Not very hyper and mentally in chaos and finally able to feel peace. Taking 2000mg of Fish Oil a night. Seroquel - 15% Removed around 5% per 2 months. Slowing down to make sure. Proof of current medication: https://imgur.com/a/JTi423y Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leland Posted November 15, 2022 Share Posted November 15, 2022 Will say Cara Hoepner in SF is WONDERFUL. She is EXPENSIVE, but incredibly knowledgeable, and has gone through SSRI withdrawal herself! She turned me on to many good and healthy supplements, and taught me a lot about the inflammation that goes into the physical feelings of withdrawal. June 1 - June 8 2020: 10 MG of Prozac for Panic Attacks * June 9 - July 25 2020: 20 MG of Prozac * July 26 2020 - April 7 2021: 30 MG of Prozac April 8 2021 - May 8 2021: 20 MG Prozac * May 9 2021 - May 31 2021: 10 MG Prozac June 1 2021 - July 30 2021: 0 MG, withdrawal symptoms of brain zaps, fatigue, bodyache, headache, and fresh anxiety attacks near the end of July. August 1 2021 - 5 mg liquid prozac. Stabilized in November, had panic attacks and anxiety in December but tapered anyway. January 1 2022 - March 1 2022: 4.5 mg March 2 - Nov 5 2022: 4.05 mg Nov 6 2022 - December 15 2022: 4 mg in two syringes. December 15 2022 - January 1 2023: Attempted Tapering by .01 mg every 3 days, had very bad WD and anxiety symptoms. January 1 2023 - May 31 2023: Reinstated to 4 mg in two syringes. June 2023 - Present: 4 mg in one syringe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleepPls009 Posted December 7, 2022 Share Posted December 7, 2022 Hi all! Has anyone had any luck finding a doctor who has effectively treated protracted withdrawal symptoms (Ohio/midwest preferred, but anywhere in the US really - willing to travel if needed)? I was reading the (really wonderful) list of doctors in the introductory post for this thread, but it sounds like a lot of these docs might have experience treating withdrawal in the short term, but not necessarily in a case like mine, where I've been off of my meds for ~8 months. I'm in a bit of an odd situation where some of my symptoms have gotten better over time, but the hypersensitivity to medications that I developed after stopping my antidepressant has prevented me from taking meds I actually need for other, non antidepressant related health issues. It's becoming a real challenge as I try to address those other problems, and I would love someone knowledgeable who might be able to help me figure out how to get to a point where I can tolerate some of these other medicines. Thanks! SleepPls009 Current – Nothing but Aug-Oct -melatonin 2, nebivolol 2.5, amlodipine 2.5,, rosuvastatin, dayvigo 5mg, nefazodone 1x 25mg July 23 – Nebivolol 1.25 mg, amlodipine 2.5 mg, budesonide, omeprazole, rosuvastatin 5mg May-Jun 23–Nebivolol 2.5, Amlodipine 2.5, Budesonide, omeprazole, rosuvastatin 5mg April 23- Amlodipine 2.5 mg, Omeprazole 40mg, Budesonide nasal rinse 1/day, Feb 23-March 23- Bisoprolol 2.5 mg (1/24-2/1), Atenolol 5mg (2/12-3/1) Nov 22-Jan23 – Metoprolol 25 mg, Ranolazine 500mg (Nov), Coreg 1.125 (Dec-Jan) October 22 – Quviviq 25 mg, Lunesta 3mg, mirtazipine 30mg September22 – Melatonin 1mg, Ambien 5 mg, Ramelteon 8mg, Seroquel 50-125mg June 22 – Sertraline 100mg, seroquel 25-50 mg, Ambien 10mg, Amitryptiline 25 mg, July-Aug 22 –Melatonin 1mg nightly (July), Dayvigo 5 mg, Ambien 5mg ~2002-2022: Luvox 100mg daily until April 12, 2022, May 22: Prozac 20mg – May 12-June 1, Klonazepam, as needed, Trazedone (once) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor ShiningLight Posted December 15, 2022 Mentor Share Posted December 15, 2022 @SleepPls009have you thought about a neurologist? The neuro I saw is in an HMO so that wouldn't work for you but I was impressed by his understanding about hypersensitivities and the brain. Now: 100 mg Zoloft am, 50 mg Trazodone. Daily drug burden decreased from 2050 in 2018 mg to 150 mg 🐢🐢 Zoloft: 1/24/23 increased to 100 mg after suicide attempt 9/17/22 cut 6 mg, 8/14/22 cut 6.5 mg, 5/7/22 cut 12.5 mg 3/20/22 cut 12.5 mg 10/26/21 cut 6 mg 10/17/21 cut 5 mg, 9/17/21 Cut 3 mg, 9/13/21 cut 4 mg, 8/29/21 Cut 2 mg 8/8/21 Cut 3 mg 7/30/21 Zoloft: Converted 25 mg to liquid. Also take 100 mg pill & 25 mg pill=150 mg total🌞 Feb 28, 2021 0 mg Gapapentin 2021 Gaba each dose 4x/day: Feb 27 7 mg (one dose only), Feb 10, 7 mg, Jan 14 10 mg 2020 Current taper schedule from Aug 30-present: drop 8 mg every 2-3 weeks. Aug 20 31 mg, Aug 18, 33 mg, July 29, 35 mg, July 23 38 mg, July 22 40 mg Jun 24 42 mg, Jun 15 44 mg, Jun 9 48 mg, May 22 50 mg, May 14 54 mg, May 7 56 mg, Apr 16 58 mg, Mar 28 60 mg, Mar 18 62 mg. Feb 26 64 mg. Feb 19, 66 mg. Jan 23, 70 mg. 2019 Dec 19, 72 mg. Nov 14 ,76 mg. Aug 8, 80 mg. Aug 6, 85 mg. Jul 26, 90 mg. Jul 11, 95 mg. Jul 16 trazodone from 100 to 50 mg. Jun 17-July 10 Slowly changed gab fr pill to liquid at same dose 100 mg 4x/d. Apr 24 Stopped klon!!! 🌞 Apr 4 Decreased gaba to 400 mg (100 mg 4x/day)-Apr 4, 2019 0.25 klon March 11 Klonopin .5 mg twice daily, varied dose til Apr 15. Started Klon fast taper 25%, short use Mar 16, 450 mg gaba 3x/day cut 600 mg--not exact!--updose after learning w/d Feb 20, 2019 1800 mg gabapentin; MD taper; off 3 days=mvt disorder & autonomic instability. July 2018 temazepam 15 mg 1-2; prn several x/wk til Jan/Feb 2019 when cold turkey, flu illness for months July 2018 started gabapentin 100 3x/day; titrated up to 1800 mg (600 3x/day) Buspar, I forget how much, 2 pills a day Jan 2017-July 2018 cold turkey. On Zoloft since maybe 2004? After trying many. *I speak from my experience. Nothing I say is medical advice. I'm not a doctor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleepPls009 Posted December 18, 2022 Share Posted December 18, 2022 On 12/14/2022 at 11:13 PM, ShiningLight said: @SleepPls009have you thought about a neurologist? The neuro I saw is in an HMO so that wouldn't work for you but I was impressed by his understanding about hypersensitivities and the brain. @ShiningLightI've tried a couple neurologists so far, but neither seemed to really understand where the medicine hypsersensitivity was coming from, or how to treat it. What did your neurologist recommend? Did he manage to help you with those symptoms at all? SleepPls009 Current – Nothing but Aug-Oct -melatonin 2, nebivolol 2.5, amlodipine 2.5,, rosuvastatin, dayvigo 5mg, nefazodone 1x 25mg July 23 – Nebivolol 1.25 mg, amlodipine 2.5 mg, budesonide, omeprazole, rosuvastatin 5mg May-Jun 23–Nebivolol 2.5, Amlodipine 2.5, Budesonide, omeprazole, rosuvastatin 5mg April 23- Amlodipine 2.5 mg, Omeprazole 40mg, Budesonide nasal rinse 1/day, Feb 23-March 23- Bisoprolol 2.5 mg (1/24-2/1), Atenolol 5mg (2/12-3/1) Nov 22-Jan23 – Metoprolol 25 mg, Ranolazine 500mg (Nov), Coreg 1.125 (Dec-Jan) October 22 – Quviviq 25 mg, Lunesta 3mg, mirtazipine 30mg September22 – Melatonin 1mg, Ambien 5 mg, Ramelteon 8mg, Seroquel 50-125mg June 22 – Sertraline 100mg, seroquel 25-50 mg, Ambien 10mg, Amitryptiline 25 mg, July-Aug 22 –Melatonin 1mg nightly (July), Dayvigo 5 mg, Ambien 5mg ~2002-2022: Luvox 100mg daily until April 12, 2022, May 22: Prozac 20mg – May 12-June 1, Klonazepam, as needed, Trazedone (once) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangerous7 Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 Would anyone know of a psychiatrist(or any other doctor) based in India who supports tapering of drugs? I have been looking online for a while now, but no luck 😞 The one I found based on a blogpost published online(which made me think he was more aware of withdrawal and side-effects of anti-depressants) turned out to be a highly conventional psychiatrist who missed all the things going wrong with me during Prozac. Do any of these above doctors accept patients based outside US? Thanks much, trying so hard to get my life back in order. 2014-2019: Clomipramine 12.5mg to 50mg and Tramadol 100mg twice a week, 2019-2020: Clomipramine 50mg and Tramadol 150mg alternate day. 2021-2022: Clomipramine 50mg and Tramadol 150mg-200mg daily, 2022 mid-April: Stopped Clomipramine and Tramadol cold turkey 2022 mid-May: Started Amytriptaline 50mg and tapered over 2 weeks, 2022 mid-June: Took 40mg Cymbalta for 2 days and stopped 2022 mid-June: Taking Clonazepam .25mg to .5mg for sleep and anxiety for about a week., 2022 early July - present: Taking Clonazepam .25mg. 2022 Aug: Escitalopram 2.5mg titrated to 10mg (over 3 weeks), 2022 Aug: Escitalopram 5mg for 10 days, 4.5mg for 10 days, 4.25mg for 5 days 2022 Sep: Escitalopram 4.25mg for 5 days, 4mg for 5 days and then CT, Sep 2002: Fluoxetine 10mg for 5 days | Sep 2022: Fluoxetine 20mg for 9 days. | Oct 2022: Fluoxetine 30mg for 20 days. | Oct 2022: Fluoxetine 40mg for 46 days Nov to Dec 2022: Clonazepam(0.25mg morning, 0.5mg afternoon and 0.5mg night; TOTAL of 1.25mg) for 36 days Dec 2022: Clonazepam 'tapered' over a week. Replaced with Etizolam. Etizolam(0.5mg) for some days and then Etizolam(1.5mg CR and 0.5mg), Quetiapine(12.5mg) and Mirtazapine(7.5mg). Vortioxetine(10mg) for 6 days, Vortioxetine(20mg) for 22 days. Jan/Feb 2023: Admitted to psych ward for a month for excessive anxiety and suicidal ideation. Stopped Vortioxetine, Mirtazapine & Quetapine CT and started Venlafaxine 37.5mg, Olanzipine 2.5mg for weeks and then increased to 5mg and Etizolam 2mg. After 3 week, Venlafaxine CTed (due to random body jerks) and replaced with Clomipramine 25mg (due to new diagnosis of OCD). | Mar-mid 2023: Clomipramine gradually increased to 50mg & Etizolam slowly tapered to .75mg Early-mid 2023: Taper of all three started. Currently at Clomipramine ~42.5mg, Olanzapine ~3.382mg, Etizolam .75mg Sep 2023: Clomipramine ~42.5mg, Olanzapine ~3.382mg, Etizolam .625mg, Valium 1.25mg Feb 2024: Clomipramine 30.667mg, Olanzapine ~2.055mg, Etizolam .388mg, Valium 1.773mg April 2024: Clomipramine 27.7mg, Olanzapine 1.6 mg, Etizolam .346mg, Valium 1.648 mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattNNN Posted June 19, 2023 Share Posted June 19, 2023 (edited) Finding a Doctor who can prescribe How can I find a doctor who can both prescribe medication and give advice as to how to get off of it? There are so many doctors to choose from, and so few of them are on the same page as me about getting off meds. By the way, I am in Southern Florida. Edited June 20, 2023 by manymoretodays merged to topic,title added -First started taking Seroquel, Zoloft, and Lithium Carbonate in January of 2008 after mother's death. Continued to take these meds for several years. -Had two Zoloft induced manic episodes, one in March 2013 and another in October 2014. -Mostly off meds from October 2014 to April 2015. -Went back on meds (Seroquel, Lithium and Zoloft) in April 2015. Then started to also take Buspar. -Summer 2021: Buspar = 45mg, Lithium Carbonate = 750mg, Seroquel = 350mg, Zoloft = 175mg. // Summer 2022: Buspar = 0mg, Lithium Carbonate = 525mg, Seroquel = 300mg, Zoloft = 87.5mg. // Summer 2023: Buspar = 0mg, Lithium Carbonate = 0mg (replaced with Lithium Orotate), Seroquel = 162.5mg, Zoloft = 37.5mg. -Recent Zoloft Doses -Oct22 to May23: Z = 37.5mg -Jun23: Z = 50mg->37.5mg -Jul23: Z = 34.4mg, Aug23: Z=34.4mg->31.25mg, Sep23: Z= 31.25mg, Oct23: Z =34.4mg, Nov23: Z= 37.5mg, Dec23: Z = 37.5 (switched from night to morning) -Recent Seroquel Doses -Dec22: S = 200mg -Jan23 & Feb23: S = 175mg / -Mar23: S = 162.5mg -Apr23: S = 150mg / -May23: S = 156mg / -Jun23-Oct23: S = 162.5mg, Nov23: S = 162.5mg -> 156mg, Dec23: S = 156mg -Also taking: LTheanine, Fish Oil, VitC, D3&K2, GABA, Magnesium Glycinate. -Current Situation: Just finished decreasing Seroquel to 156mg. Have felt overstimulated recently. Am currently switching the timing of taking Zoloft from night to morning. Have become depressed as I adjust to new timing of Zoloft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted June 20, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 20, 2023 (edited) @MattNNN I moved your post to the topic we have, on providers who may be tapering friendly. You'll see your post above this now. You can scroll back to the first page to see the list. And then check this thread to see if there are further comments on them too. If you do find one, let us know how it worked out for you. You also could check the: Service Directory-Mad in America for a provider Most GP's can also prescribe what you need once you have a plan worked out. It can be difficult to find one who is "on the same page", yet not impossible. Sometimes if they are open minded, you can provide them with information, if they have time to read it. Not all are open minded, however...... I hope you find someone to work with. Edited June 20, 2023 by manymoretodays Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 25, 2023 Administrator Share Posted August 25, 2023 FYI in Brisbane, Australia Deprescribing of psychiatric drugs, with supportive ACT psychotherapy, in Brisbane Dr Robert Purssey MBBS FRANZCP Psychiatrist and ACT Therapist Director - Brisbane ACT Centre 7 Marie Street, Milton Q 4064 www.brisbaneactcentre.com.au 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabathil Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 AUSTRALIA Just booked in for my first appointment with Dr Shaun Tampiyappa from Conduit Health. Process was very simple - just required a GP referral, and they had avail abilities & approved my referral. Looks like it's fully funded by Medicare too - first impressions are great & I will update this post with my thoughts following the appointment. PS: I'm in NSW, he's in Vic but Conduit does Telehealth fortunately. Involuntary treatment history: 2015-2020 Abilify injection 400mg monthly, stopped cold turkey a number of times & experienced withdrawal psychosis. 2020-2022 Zyprexa 20mg tablets daily, randomly tapered to 5mg and couldn't sleep. Current involuntary treatment August 2022 Clopixol injection 400mg per fortnight (experienced cramping and stiffness of the tongue, severe akathisia) November 2022 Clopixol injection 300mg per fortnight January 2023 Clopixol injection 200mg per fortnight June 2023 Clopixol injection 200mg every 3 weeks (akathisia improved) 16 October 2023 Clopixol tablet 7.5mg daily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeaceInside Posted December 14, 2023 Share Posted December 14, 2023 Hi Everyone! Has anyone compiled a list OR does anyone know of an existing list of doctors (USA and/or globally) that are up to date on antidepressant withdrawal and PAWS and at the very least try to incorporate this information into their practice of medicine? Can be GPs or NDs or specialist MDs etc. (I am thinking of a similar list like this one on the Rxisk website for PSSD https://rxisk.org/pssd-doctors-specialists/). I know of and have compiled a list of the main academic researchers and advocates in this field but I am curious about practicing doctors. Even if you don’t have a list but have worked with doctors who were willing to be educated, were somewhat educated on the issue, or were actively engaged with this would be useful. Thanks! (also if there is a better place on this forum to move this topic please do, I wasn’t sure where it would best fit) 2012-2013: Sertraline (100mg) April 2013-May 2013: tapered completely off Sertraline (50mg for two weeks, then 25mg for two weeks, then none) May 2013-November 2013: experienced severe withdrawal effects November 2013-2018: Sertraline (100mg then up to 200mg then back to 100mg over this time) January 2018: abrupt switch to Effexor; extreme withdrawal side effects from switch; used Lorazepam for 2 days to cope February 2018-April 2018: abrupt switch to Prozac (maybe 30mg or 20mg?? do not remember) April 2018-September 2019: tapered off Prozac completely using liquid form (do not remember by what increments); experienced windows and waves pattern of withdrawal September 2019-January 2020: felt really great, better than ever before February 2020-April 2021: experienced severe withdrawal in windows and waves pattern April 2021-NOW: windows and waves pattern ended; experiencing drastic change in digestive, endocrine, autonomic, and immune system functioning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted December 27, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 27, 2023 "Met" this fellow on a medical blog: https://www.dynamispreventivemedicine.com/ He wrote in comments on the blog: James Writes Healthcare Expose Nov 29 Greg. Thank you for reaching out. I practiced Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry from 1991-2000, after which I began a transition to Integrative Medicine. That transition was more or less complete by 2009. I do accept patients who want to wean off psych meds. It has been a big part of my practice for 23 years. Rhode Island, USA, but may do telemedicine. 1 "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus ten0275 Posted December 27, 2023 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 27, 2023 On 11/20/2015 at 2:52 AM, JanCarol said: I just saw this on Shades of Awakening This is a RESIDENTIAL community, but they claim they will help withdrawal. If you look on the website: http://innerfire.us/ You will see that they have a psychiatrist on their consulting staff. I do not know their procedures, I cannot recommend them personally. This just seemed useful for someone who needs a safe place for emergencies, including psych drug withdrawal. Inner Fire Beatrice Birch Grace Brook Farm 26 Parker Road Brookline Vermont 05345 802-221-8051 I had the opportunity to travel to Inner Fire recently and meet with Beatrice, the founder. I wish that Inner Fire had been an option for me during my own withdrawal as it would have likely kept me out of the hospital. It is a lovely setting and Beatrice and her team are kind, compassionate people. I spoke with many of them at great length who were curious about my own withdrawal and asked insightful questions. They are deeply interested in how withdrawal impacts those who go through it, and sensitive to the fact that the mainstream medical community treat many withdrawal sufferers as fakers, exaggerators, or mentally ill. Their focus is working through the symptoms of withdrawal in a safe place via wise tapering and addressing any underlying psychological conditions through artistic expression and contributing to the self-sustaining nature of the farm it is located on (gardening, etc.) among other techniques. For me, "safety" was a huge part of my withdrawal experience. When I had intrusive thoughts, it was my concern for the safety of others and myself as well. The need for that assurance of "safety" was what drove me to check myself into a psychiatric hospital twice, only to of course be bombarded with more medications. Inner Fire offers that safety without the condition of signing on for more medications. I thought Inner Fire was beautiful, calming, and in line with my own ideas of psychiatric medication withdrawal. I feel there is a lot of forward vision there. This is not an endorsement per se, but more a reflection by someone who actually had "boots on the ground" there as it were. Hang in there, Dave 3 1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hibari Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 Hi, I wanted to share the name of the psychiatrist who helped me with my recent Mirt taper. Her name is Dr. Jennifer Giordano and her specialty is helping people off meds. She is very kind and supports a patient driven taper off psychiatric medication including benzos. She never rushed me and I got to choose how slowly I wanted to taper. She is located in Michigan but is licensed in 7 states providing sessions on line. She is fee for service. I highly recommend her. Hibari Dr. Jennifer Giordano https://www.trueyoupsych.com/ Practice Information https://www.trueyoupsych.com/faqs 9/2013-4/2014: After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro, Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs 1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs 7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021 Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize 10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6 6/16 3.4 6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7 7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0 9/5 1.8 9/16 1.6 9/30 1.4 10/13 1.2 10/26 1.0 11/9 0.8 11/22 0.6 12/6 0.4 12/23 0.2. 2024 1/4/24 Remeron/Mirtazapine free Additional Support: Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs, L-theanine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peach Posted April 1 Share Posted April 1 (edited) Two Scandinavian psychologists who will work with MDs/GPs to assist tapering and are very knowledgeable: Norway Birgit Valla https://www.birgitvalla.no/ Denmark Anders Sørensen, PhD https://www.psykologanders.dk/ Anders offers online consultations in English and does research on psych drugs and WD. Edited April 1 by Peach Added info Jan 2014-April 2023: 10 mg Lexapro April-June 2023: Too quick taper. Alternating 10 mg and 5 mg doses, then 5 mg and 0 mg doses (at GP's advice), then jumped off June-Sept 2023: Off meds, increasing WD symptoms, complete crash by mid Sept October 2023: Reinstated Lexapro at 10 mg (at GP's advice), probable kindling reaction - also tried alimemazine, mianserine, mirtazapine and different antihistamines for a week each for sleep but stopped due to "side effects" (adverse reactions) Jan 2024: Found SA. New taper 5-10% cuts, Jan 31 9 mg, Feb 19 8.5 mg, March 14 8.4 mg, March 29 8.1 mg, (reducing by 0.1 mg every 4th day or so) - April 2 8.0 mg (discovered and corrected syringe measuring mistakes) Supplements: B12, multivitamins, fish oil, other drugs: Alimemazine and melatonin occasionally for sleep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xcaretuk Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 On 9/12/2023 at 11:18 AM, Sabathil said: AUSTRALIA Just booked in for my first appointment with Dr Shaun Tampiyappa from Conduit Health. Process was very simple - just required a GP referral, and they had avail abilities & approved my referral. Looks like it's fully funded by Medicare too - first impressions are great & I will update this post with my thoughts following the appointment. PS: I'm in NSW, he's in Vic but Conduit does Telehealth fortunately. Hi, I am in Australia, I was wondering how your appointment went. Thank you 1998(approx.) 20mg Paroxetine, 1998 -2015 various unsuccessful tapers, 2015 app 6 month taper to 0, 2015 approx 6 months later reinstated original brand after debilitating neurological delayed WD symptoms. Made worse after surgery.2023 Famotidine, Cetirizine, New Generic, muscle relaxer. March/April19th June, 2023 - 23rd July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 20mg to 15mg (on 15mg for 35 days), no significant symptoms. 24th July, 2023 - 26th July, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 15mg to 12.5mg (on 12.5mg for 3 days), no significant symptoms. 27th July, 2023 - 3rd September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 12.5mg to 10mg (on 10mg for 39 days), no significant symptoms. 4th September, 2023 - 15th September, 2023: Paroxetine Dosage reduced from 10mg to 5mg i.e. 10mg every other day (on 5mg for 12 days), although not noted, must have experienced some symptoms, as I decided to return to previous 10mg dosage on the 16th September. 16th September, 2023 - 25th November, 2023: Dosage increased from 5mg to 10mg i.e. 10mg every day (on 10mg for 71 days), symptoms start dates: Late September sweating, shaking and right side upper back pain., 5th October 23: Upper back pain worsening,21st Oct 23: Night time symptoms: insomnia, nausea, sweats, headaches, some anxiety (predominantly in the mornings)27th Oct 23 admitted to hospital with 1st hypertensive crisis with severe frontal headache (now suspected of withdrawal ) BP 225/115. Admitted twice more with high BP . Doctors at a loss for cause. Given anti nausea, anti anxiety and sleeping tabs in hospital. . 1st Nov 23: , heart palpitations, some anxiety.. 7th Nov 23: Anxiety was now becoming more frequent (not severe). 26th November, 2023 Dosage increased from 10mg to 20mg possibly first time taking 20 mg of Extine, new manufacturer. 3rd Dec 23 - 18th Dec, 23: Started taking 7.5mg - 15mg of Oxazepam when anxiety became unbearable only took 8 in total now stopped. Symptoms now more severe have head pain rather than headache. .Electrical shocks through body overnight accompanied by head pain. Sheer terror,. Sore eyes. 23rd Dec 23: All symptoms remain the same i.e. severe except for the last 2 days where my anxiety levels have not been as severe/ extreme and somewhat manageable (later in the day).22 Jan 24 Have some windows now but still suffering from all day head pain, upper back pain, waking up inner restlessness and terror , nausea, intermittent feelings of fear and wake up 12.30 am every morning and sometimes up to 3 times a night with weird tingling down arms and back, pounding heart head pain and nausea. 2nd March 24, head pain/eye pain everyday and all day and & night wake ups.. Mild Akathisia early morning,, upper back pain, sweats. Anxiety much better. 21st April 24, drop 2.25% drop to 19.5 mg to test help with head /eye nerve pain and new symptom tinnitus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polzovatel Posted April 9 Share Posted April 9 On 7/2/2022 at 7:36 PM, liverstone1951 said: Are there any US doctors who are willing to see patients remotely who are based in the UK? Some of the Drs here I have contacted said they're not allowed to see patients outside the US. Or just any doctors in general who are happy seeing foreign patients? Because the UK doctors here never respond to their emails and are retired Does anybody know of any doctors / therapists in UK or elsewhere who will accept UK patients ? 2019 - Duloxetine, took for 4 months, tapered off for 8 months May 2023- Pregabalin- started 25 mg, then 50 mg , symptoms appeared on the first dosage of 75 mg, took for 2.5 weeks ,stopped after 3 days taper April 2024- 10.5 months after quitting, symptoms - fears, ideations , intrusive thoughts, nausea. Waves and windows pattern ( windows - slightly less symptoms) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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