Beach65

[Beach65]

I have some questions about withdrawing the slow taper way. I have tried 3 times to get off SSRI's and don't experience any issues until 3-6 months later. I have withdrawn by cutting pills in half, quarter and realize that is not the way to go. The withdrawal symptoms that I experience 3-6 months later are the feeling like I am crawling out of my skin or depersonilziation. Is this normal and will I experience the same thing when I start the 10% slow taper?

 

thank you.

[Catwoman73]

Hi @Beach65, and welcome to SA!  We are a community of volunteers providing peer support in the tapering of psychiatric medications and their associated withdrawal syndromes. 

 

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It does sound like what you have been experiencing is protracted withdrawal from tapering too fast- I've been there too!  It looks like you've already discovered our recommended method of tapering- no more than 10% of your current dose, no more often than every four weeks (so- 10mg, 9mg, 8.1mg, 7.3mg and so on).  This is hyperbolic tapering, and not only does it make your symptoms more tolerable as you taper, it drastically reduces the likelihood of developing protracted withdrawal.  There are no guarantees, of course, but success is certainly much more likely with this method.  Read more about hyperbolic tapering here:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Given your history, you might consider choosing to taper even slower, with longer holds, or smaller cuts.  Microtapering may even be a good option for you.  I am currently using the following method to taper, and having a relatively easy time of it!

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Microtapering

 

As you taper, and even in protracted withdrawal, it is very normal to have periods where you feel better, and periods where you feel terrible.  This is what we call the windows and waves pattern of stabilization.  This is actually a good sign of healing!  Read more about windows and waves here:

 

Windows and waves pattern of stabilization

 

There are a few things you can do to help your brain and body heal from the physiologic and genetic changes that these drugs have made over the years.  Most are intuitive- eat a balanced, whole foods diet, stay well hydrated, get adequate rest/sleep, and engage in gentle exercise.  Avoid all neurologically active substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs- these things will make your withdrawal symptoms worse.  Definitely avoid taking other psychiatric medications to deal with the withdrawal effects from psychiatric medications.  When in withdrawal, these medications have unpredictable effects, and can actually make you worse rather than better.  Not to mention, you will have to taper other psych meds down the road, thereby prolonging your tapering/withdrawal journey. 

 

We only recommend two supplements here at SA, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.  Do be mindful though- it is very common for those in withdrawal to develop hypersensitivities to all sorts of things, including medications, supplements, and even foods!  So if you decide to try a supplement, even those we recommend here, start with a very low dose.  If you tolerate it well, you can increase the dosage slowly over time.  

 

You may benefit from starting a symptom journal as you begin your taper.  Track each of your symptoms every day, rating them on a scale of 1-10 for severity.  This can help you identify your windows and waves, and will allow you to see how far you've come, which is helpful on the rough days.  If you choose to also track your foods and activities, this may allow you to identify things that trigger symptoms as well!  Using this method, I have identified sensitivities to coffee (even decaf), chamomile, refined sugar, intense exercise, and magnesium (it's supposed to be calming- it acts paradoxically in me, giving me brain zaps and insomnia!).  You can use the following list of typical withdrawal symptoms as a template for a journal, if you wish:

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

In terms of coping with symptoms, we have many, many threads on this subject here at SA- I will link some of them below.  It is extremely important that you start working on some non-drug coping mechanisms early in your journey, in order to maximize your chances of getting off of these drugs and staying off of them for good!  Personally, the most important thing I have done to help me cope is develop a mindfulness practice.  I also use guided meditations/yoga Nidra/nature sound recordings to help with sleep and anxiety.  I use CBT techniques for anxiety as well- box breathing and challenging and replacing my negative thoughts are good examples.  And distraction is the most fun coping technique of all- find things to occupy your mind and your time that make you feel joyful.  I love to swim (I feel normal in the water- it's amazing), cook, write, and engage in all sorts of artistic projects.  If you work on finding some good techniques early in your journey, you will be well-prepared to use them when things get tough, at lower doses. 

 

Apathy, anhedonia, emotional numbness, emotional anesthesia 

 Derealization or Depersonalization

 Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

"Change the channel" - dealing with cognitive symptoms

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

Symptoms and self-care

Getting Started With Mindfulness

 

In summary, a hyperbolic taper drastically reduces the chances of developing protracted withdrawal, as you have in the past.  It will help you succeed, as long as you treat your body and mind well along the way.  

 

Do keep the hope alive!  Many here have successfully tapered, and are living drug-free lives now!  It takes some work, and some time, but it's well worth the effort. ❤️‍🩹

 

This is your introduction topic.  Each member gets one intro topic- please post updates and questions here, in this thread.  But don't hesitate to explore the rest of the forum.  There's lots of good info here!  And do read and comment on the intro threads of other members!  This is how you build a community here- a community of people who fully understand your struggles.  It makes the journey much less lonely! 

 

I look forward to following your journey, and helping out in any way I can!