annelle Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Hello - I have just come off escitalopram (Cipralex) and am finding it rather difficult - but doing some searching yesterday realized that it is not so uncommon. I was just taken aback by it because it struck me so hard and sudden - the day after I took the last Cipralex - 5 mg - I spent most of the day crying and feeling panicky because it felt like it would never be better - maybe I went about it wrong - I thought I could handle it because I have been through it before, and as I recall it was not that bad at that time - about 6 years ago - but maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have been taking antidepressants - on and off but still fairly consistently - for appr 10 years. I am feeling a little better today - 12 days after I took the last one - but yesterday was terrible. Crying and also felt like throwing things. My reasons for stopping taking antidepressants are firstly I am hoping that it will better my terrible restless legs - and arms and almosst anything else - syndrome which started about 4 years ago - and secondly that I feel I do not need them anymore, and I do not want to be on this medication for the rest of my life - it makes me emotionally flat so to speak. In a way I am glad to learn that there are real withdrawal symptoms from this med because otherwise I would probably think that I was having a relapse of depression and start taking it again. I also took Seroquel for about 3 years - I stopped taking it because my GP said he thought my restless legs syndrome was due to too many medications - and he started me on pramipexole which is helpful - but just another chemical in my body - so I would love to be able to find the real cause of my restless legs, which is why I want to take as little medicine as possible. And I actually think I have a little less restlessness at night since I stopped with Cipralex - but instead I am on an emotional rollercoaster. I would love it if somebody out there could give me an idea as to how long this withdrawal syndrome is likely to last - for someone like me who have taken antidepressants for appr 10 yrs and sometimes in a rather high dosage - I took 20 mg for about 5 yrs, then 10 mg for appr 4 yrs - about 2 months ago I went down to 5 mg a day, then after about a month to 5 mg every other day, the last week I took 5 mg every three days until I finally took the last one on Oct 13, 2012. I should maybe mention that I before cipralex took citalopram for a few years, but my psychiatrist was certain that escitalopram was a better product. So I have been taking antidepressants for a long time. I suppose that my age - 60 - could make it more difficult for my body to adjust to being without the antidepressants compared to when I tried to do so some years ago. Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted October 25, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 25, 2012 Hi annelle, and welcome! Firstly, you will find lots of support here from lots of people who have gone through and asked exactly the same questions as you. You have probably tapered too quickly. If i were you I would reinstate back to 5mg. You are not long off and you should settle within a week or so. Once you have settled you should stay there for a month and then begin a slow 10% of your dose - so down to 4.5mg. You can find some info for tapering off cipralex here hints for tapering cipralex I know how hard it is to go back on when you have just come off, but withdrawal effects don't go away quickly, they are a sign that your nervous system is in distress. Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months laterBack on effexor for another 9 months.Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.Back on effexor - this time for 3 yearsReduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorterJan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years.... 4th March 2015 - 67.5mg; 31st March - 60mg; 24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg; 9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg; 1st Dec - 25.8mg; 28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus dalsaan Posted October 25, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 25, 2012 Hi Annelle, Welcome to the site. unfortunately its not possible for us to say how long your symptoms might last. I know personally I was off my meds for 3 months and experienced severe withdrawals that were unrelenting. They didn't ease one bit during that time. I reinstated and am now tapering off very slowly. You have to be gentle on yourself. There are many stories on here of people trying to 'push through'. This rarely works and in my experience makes even slow tapering more difficult that it otherwise would be because you have really sensitized your system. My advice, reinstate asap. Give your system a chance to adjust to change incrementally. Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist. Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014. Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September. Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015. Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15). Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past. DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017 >My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 26, 2012 Administrator Share Posted October 26, 2012 Welcome, Annelle. Thank you for joining us. When one develops withdrawal symptoms after quitting, the usual practice is to reinstate the medication, stabilize, and taper more slowly. Have you mentioned your withdrawal symptoms to your doctor? If I were you, I'd immediately take 2.5mg escitalopram and see if it helps. You may not need to go up to 5mg again. If it helps, stay at the low dosage for at least a month to allow your nervous system to settle down, then use the information in the link peggy gave you to make a liquid to taper. Were you taking an antidepressant before you got restless legs? 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
Administrator Karma Posted October 26, 2012 Administrator Share Posted October 26, 2012 Hi Annelle, Welcome to the forum. I agree with Peggy and Dalsaan, if I were in your situation I would reinstate at a small amount (5 mg), get stable and then taper off slowly at 10% for each decrement. See if you can get your escitalopram in a liquid solution which will make tapering at 10% much easier. I see that you tried skipping doses as part of your taper - that is a really bad idea because it doesn't allow a consistent amount of the medication in your system and it upsets your CNS, which can make your system hypersensitive. We are aware that many physicians recommend this as a tapering method; they are misinformed. When you feel up to it, please add your medication withdrawal history in your signature http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ - as you post questions and updates to this thread that will remind us of which meds you've been on and how you are tapering so that we can tailor our suggestions to your situation. Karma 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg; 7/31/24 16.25 Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers Link to comment
annelle Posted May 18, 2013 Author Share Posted May 18, 2013 Hello again. Sorry I have not responded before now to the nice advice and comments. I am a little ashamed to say that I have not taken the given advice because I still thought I could just toughen it out. And now I am actually feeling worse than I did 6 months ago. I am very emotional, have crying spells daily. It takes very little too set it off. And it feels as if the emotional lows are getting lower and more intense now. In addition to this as if it was not enough! I have for the last few months had some very strange sensations throughout my body that are very difficult to explain. I have not seen my doctor because I simply do not think that I will be able to explain this to him. It feels as if my sensory nerves have become more sensitive. I have a feeling in the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet and sometimes the inside of my elbows that I can best describe as a mix of an itching and tickling sensation. And sometimes it is in my breasts as well. It is almost unbearable when it is at its worst. In collaboration with a health practitioner (not my doctor) I have been taking various new supplements with herbs etc and for a while I have paused with these because I thought they might be the culprit. But it has not really made any difference. So I am now wondering if this is yet another sign that I have stopped Cipralex too abruptly. My restless legs syndrome is also as bad as ever. This syndrome started appr 4 to 5 years after I started taking Cipralex and about 3 years after starting taking Seroquel. So I feel that there must be some connection there with one or maybe both medications. I think it is now time that I started listening to people here who advise me to reinstate Cipralex although I have been off it appr 6 months. But since I am not getting any better, I will try reinstating and then after a month or so start slowly tapering off. Thank you so much for your response, and sorry I did not take your advice before. I guess I had to learn the hard way! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 18, 2013 Administrator Share Posted May 18, 2013 Yes, it sounds like you have prolonged withdrawal syndrome. Those symptoms are very familiar. To get ideas about what to do, see our Symptoms and Self-care forum. Be very, very careful with supplements -- you're right, you may be so sensitive you're reacting badly to them. 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
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 18, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 18, 2013 Hi Annelle, it's such a shame you tried to tough it out and ended up like this . I'm sorry I can't offer any advice personally but just wanted to say hi. Someone will be along soon who can advise what to do. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted May 20, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 20, 2013 Hello again. Sorry I have not responded before now to the nice advice and comments. I am a little ashamed to say that I have not taken the given advice because I still thought I could just toughen it out. And now I am actually feeling worse than I did 6 months ago. I am very emotional, have crying spells daily. It takes very little too set it off. And it feels as if the emotional lows are getting lower and more intense now. In addition to this as if it was not enough! I have for the last few months had some very strange sensations throughout my body that are very difficult to explain. I have not seen my doctor because I simply do not think that I will be able to explain this to him. It feels as if my sensory nerves have become more sensitive. I have a feeling in the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet and sometimes the inside of my elbows that I can best describe as a mix of an itching and tickling sensation. And sometimes it is in my breasts as well. It is almost unbearable when it is at its worst. In collaboration with a health practitioner (not my doctor) I have been taking various new supplements with herbs etc and for a while I have paused with these because I thought they might be the culprit. But it has not really made any difference. So I am now wondering if this is yet another sign that I have stopped Cipralex too abruptly. My restless legs syndrome is also as bad as ever. This syndrome started appr 4 to 5 years after I started taking Cipralex and about 3 years after starting taking Seroquel. So I feel that there must be some connection there with one or maybe both medications. I think it is now time that I started listening to people here who advise me to reinstate Cipralex although I have been off it appr 6 months. But since I am not getting any better, I will try reinstating and then after a month or so start slowly tapering off. Thank you so much for your response, and sorry I did not take your advice before. I guess I had to learn the hard way! Let us know how the reinstatement goes for you. Unfortunately after this much time it doesn't always help. But sometimes it does and maybe you will do great with it. If you don't feel better immediately, that's normal. Don't expect to suddenly feel much better. Improvement is not always so drastic. Sometimes it's enough to just feel a little better. And don't change meds up and down a lot; make only very few changes, with long time breaks between them, or preferably no changes at all until you're feeling stable and ready to begin a slow careful taper. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion. Link to comment
annelle Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 Hello again - and thank you so much for your response. I was just today thinking that I actually was afraid that I was getting worse after being on 5 mg Cipralex for three days - last night was terrible with restless legs - actually restless arms and trunk as well - so I started wondering if reinstating was not good idea after 7 months totally off Cipralex. But since I have now started taking the 5 mg Cipralex, I now feel that it will be best to continue, even if - as you mentioned - I may not feel better right away - or for some time. I can only hope that I have not left it too late - It would probably have been better to reinstate after 3 months or so - but I am giving it a chance now, and will continue on the same dosage for at least a month, maybe longer - till I - hopefully - feel stable. In addition to the restlessness I also feel a little hypomanic - overexcited and stressed out. I suppose that can happen when you reinstate after 7 months' time? It is difficult to know whether the 5 mg is the dose - but I figured that after this long off AD it would be better to take 5 mg than 2,5 mg for instance. I am taking pramipexole for restless legs - do you think that it could interfere with the level og Cipralex and my nervous system in general? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 20, 2013 Administrator Share Posted May 20, 2013 It sounds like you are sensitized to Cipralex. It sounds like 5mg is making your symptoms worse. It's too activating. If I were you, I'd take only 2.5mg and see if it helps. 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
annelle Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 Hello again! I just wanted to say thank you to you, Altostrata - and everybody else as well - because last night I slept really well, 7 hours almost in one stretch - wonderful! That has not happened for months. And as a whole I am feeling much better, almost feel like myself again. I went down from 5 mg Cipralex to 2,5 mg, which I have taken for three days now. Maybe it is a little early to tell after such a short time, but I do feel that I am on the right track at the very least. And for every good day - and night - I get a little bit more hope that I can really get better. I feel more emotionally stable and relaxed. And I did not have any restless legs or anything else last night - that does not happen very often either. Now I hope that I can convince my doctor to prescribe me liquid Cipralex - I think it is available in this country - because it is a little difficult to split a 20 mg Cipralex tablet into to 2,5 mg size. Now that I am convinced that it is very important to taper off very slowly with regard to AD, I started wondering, if maybe the same goes for some other meds that I have discontinued recently. I went off tramadol - which I took for severe pain in my lower back and left leg for three years - in Sept 2011. That was very very difficult to do, I had a lot of withdrawal symptoms for about a month, and my restless legs syndrome was very bad then. I also stopped taking Omeprazol August 2012 after taking it for acid reflux symptoms for appr 7 years. The symptoms are still difficult to handle, but I get by taking antacids of various kinds. I also stopped taking Seroquel after 3 years and 6 months - stopped after a quick tapering in April 2009 - which I suspect could be contributing to my restless legs syndrome still. And also I think I have some degree of parkinsonism - my movements are very slow and stiff - but I gather that also can be due to withdrawal from Cipralex. So all in all I have made many changes in the last 4 years or so - maybe to many for my body to handle, although I originally thought that they were good changes, and it was all for the best. Does anybody have any experience with discontinuing Seroquel, and perhaps Omeprazol as well? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 23, 2013 Administrator Share Posted May 23, 2013 I suggest going carefully off omeprazole first, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4361-tips-for-tapering-off-stomach-acid-blockers-esomeprazole-lansoprazole-omeprazole/ For Seroquel, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1707-tips-for-tapering-off-seroquel-quetiapine/ 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
annelle Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 Thank you for your advice, Altostrata. Just to make sure - do you think it would be best to go back on Omeprazole, and then start a slow tapering, even though I have not taken this drug for 10 months now? I read somewhere that the rebound reflux symptoms that you were bound to get, would improve after appr 12 weeks - but I must admit that I still have a lot of acid reflux symptoms both night and day - so much so that I am afraid it may cause permanent harm to my esophagus. Maybe it is my usual way of trying to 'push through' that is repeating itself with all my medications! There seems to be a pattern there! I took the last Seroquel in April 2009 - I forgot to mention the dosage - I never took more than 75 mg a day, and usually 50 mg daily - it was prescribed to me because I did not fall asleep until about 6 a.m. - so my psychiatrist chose this way to help me. In hindsight, there were a lot of better ways to improve sleep, I think. So, after 4 years off Seroquel, I feel it would be unwise to start again? Or is it still my 'push through' thinking talking? Also, I am not sure my doctor will think it will be a good idea to give my a prescription for Seroquel again. I will probably not be a problem to get a prescription for Omeprazole from him. Sorry, if I am a little confused - it still amazes me how potent almost all drugs really are, and how difficult they can be to get off - even if they are not considered 'addictive'! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
flower Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 you are in a good place to get help..I also quit tramadol..I'm glad to see someone else had WDs coming off that drug.My Doc made me feel like I was making it all up. It took me about a month to get over that too... Go slow and stay strong..I'm a good one to talk...I get soooo anxious it's hard to be strong. C/T Celexa and Trazadone on Jan.29th 2014 Prescribed 1mg of Klonopin every 6 hours on Jan.29th Began tapering Klonopin April 18th..stretching time between doses...at first one hour for 2 weeks then a half hour for app.10 days then another half hour 10days later. Presently at .25 three times a day..6 2 and 10pm. Trying to stabilize. Also still taking gabapentin 300mgs 2xs a day.. Link to comment
annelle Posted May 24, 2013 Author Share Posted May 24, 2013 Thank you Flower for your response - I am also very glad to hear from someone who has had the same experience with tramadol - my doctor did not think it was a very big deal to go off it - but it was really tough - one of the hardest things I ever had to do actually - did you get restlessness in your entire body? That and sweating was my worst symptoms - I hardly slept for a month and had to contact en emergency doctor twice to get some relief and some sleep. Do you think you have any withdrawal symptoms from tramadol still? I have a hard time telling which symptoms come from which drug withdrawal because I have gone off several during the last 6 or 7 years. First I stopped taking benzodiazepines - then I stopped taking Seroquel (quetiapine) - then I stopped tramadol - then I stopped taking Omeprazol - and finally I stopped taking Cipralex (escitalopram) - so it is probably a mixture of withdrawal of several drugs - although I now feel that withdrawal from Cipralex is the one giving me the most severe symptoms. Have you been taking other drugs besides tramadol? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
annelle Posted May 24, 2013 Author Share Posted May 24, 2013 Flower, now I see, of course, in your signature, that you did take other meds. How do you manage the pain for which you were taking tramadol - if you still have pain? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 24, 2013 Administrator Share Posted May 24, 2013 No, do not take omeprazole. This will only complicate your healing. Please look in the Symptoms and Self-care forum for suggestions to improve your gut health. 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
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted May 25, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 25, 2013 Annelle, I'm glad to see that the reinstatement of a very low dose of Cipralex is helping. Just in case you can't get the liquid, here are instructions on how to make your own: How To Make A Liquid From Tablets or Capsules Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
annelle Posted May 25, 2013 Author Share Posted May 25, 2013 Thank you Altostrata and Jemima. I think you are right, Altostrata, that adding Omeprazol again would be a mistake. I will look at the other options. Jemima, I talked to my doctor yesterday, and she did prescribe me oral drops of Cipralex - it did take some convincing - she did not quite understand why I wanted to get the liquid form of Cipralex, and why I wanted to take such a small dose - 2,5 mg. But she did give it to me in the end - now I hope that I can figure out how to use the liquid. I have not been to the pharmacist to get it yet, so I am wondering how it works - if I will need a syringe or there is a measuring cup of some kind. Since I reinstated, I have been bothered by a lot of cold sweat - which I recognize as a side effect from earlier - I take the medicine in the morning. Does anybody have any experience as to whether it would be better - with regard to sweating as an adverse effect - to take it in the evening? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
annelle Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 Hello again! I may be too impatient, but I am feeling rather bad, and had hoped to feel somewhat better by now, a week after reinstating Cipralex at a low dose. I have awful feelings in my palm and the soles of my feet and also in my breasts - it is almost unbearable today, which is disappointing, because it does not seem to get better - on the contrary. I guess it is a form of paresthesia or dysesthesia. It is even difficult to sit quietly because of the tingling or tickling feeling. I also feel very blue and scared - it comes in waves throughout the day - hardly sleeping is probably not helping. I just wondered if maybe I should updose to 5 mg Cipralex again - or maybe even more? Since it has not gotten any better in the 7 days I have taken this low dosage of Cipralex - after not taking any for 7 months - I had 4, and today is my 5th day of 2,5 mg Cipralex. What do think - should I updose or stick it out? This is almost unbearable. Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
annelle Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 Sorry - I meant to say that I had 4 days on 5 mg Cipralex, and today is the 5th day of taking 2,5 mg. Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
annelle Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 Hello again I am still very much in doubt whether the best dosage for me is 2,5 mg Cipralex - which I have taken now for 6 days, prior to that I took 5 mg for 4 days. I am still feeling awful - these strange and very unpleasant, almost unbearable tinglings and tickling in my hands, finger tips, soles of my feet and my toes, inside my elbows and in my breasts. And as that was not enough, I also had a terrible night with only 1-2 hrs of sleep, because I had some food stuck in my throat or the top of my esophagus - I could not cough/regurgitate it up, and could not swallow - it made it difficult to breathe. I have had this dysphagia from time to time in the past, but last night it was worse than ever before. Is this a typical symptom of withdrawal as well - or is something else going on? Please give some thoughts and comments - and advice on updosing to 5 mg again or staying on 2,5 mg? Altostrata - anybody? I am actually feeling rather desperate at this point! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus basildev Posted May 27, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 27, 2013 Hi Annelle, I also feel very blue and scared - it comes in waves throughout the day - hardly sleeping is probably not helping. What you've described here, and in your other posts, is completely normal and typical of the the non-linear nature of recovery when we reinstate medication. That is to say, you'll have some days where you feel great (almost like your old self). These are called 'windows'. Then, inexplicably you'll fall into a hole again and feel like you're back to square one. These are called 'waves'. But you're not really back to square one, this is just how your CNS heals itself - in fits and starts. Please see this thread for more detail: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-recovery/ As to whether you should go up or down, I'd advise you to stay put for a while. The more dosage changes you make the more you will confuse your CNS. This will further destabilize your situation. I know you're feeling horrible right now and I'm sorry you are suffering. However, I'm afraid there's no way to avoid these 'bad days' as this is part of the recovery process. I hope you feel better soon. July 2001 prescribed 20mg citalopram for depression;On and off meds from 2003-2006.February 2006 back on 20mg citalopram and stayed on it until my last attempt at tapering in September 2011.By far the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Reinstated to 20mg citalopramOctober 2012 - found this forum!Nov 2012 to Feb 2013 did 10% taper, got doen to 11mg - was going great until stressful situation. Cortisol levels hit the roof, hideous insomnia forced me to updose to 20mg.March 2016 - close to 100% back to normal!****** I am not a medical practitioner, any advice I give comes from my own experience or reading and is only my perspective ****** Link to comment
annelle Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 Oh, thank you so much Basildev for answering so kindly and quickly - it helps just to hear some kind words from someone who knows exactly what I am going through. Seeing it described like you did makes it easier to recognize that what I am experiencing is windows and waves. Sometimes it is just difficult to see it when you are right in the middle of it. I will take your advice and stay on 2,5 mg for a good while. I feel that I am getting worse than I was before reinstating, but I am confident that it will be worth it in the end. Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
flower Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Try to stay strong Anelle..Keep telling yourself "this is withdrawal" Celexa is difficult to taper too ..The liquid should be easier..Good luck ladybug{I call everybody that}....flower. C/T Celexa and Trazadone on Jan.29th 2014 Prescribed 1mg of Klonopin every 6 hours on Jan.29th Began tapering Klonopin April 18th..stretching time between doses...at first one hour for 2 weeks then a half hour for app.10 days then another half hour 10days later. Presently at .25 three times a day..6 2 and 10pm. Trying to stabilize. Also still taking gabapentin 300mgs 2xs a day.. Link to comment
annelle Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 Thanks Flower for the kind words - always nice to get a greeting from someone who is going through the same stuff! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted May 27, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 27, 2013 you are in a good place to get help..I also quit tramadol..I'm glad to see someone else had WDs coming off that drug.My Doc made me feel like I was making it all up. It took me about a month to get over that too... Go slow and stay strong..I'm a good one to talk...I get soooo anxious it's hard to be strong. I once took tramadol for about three weeks for severe dental pain and when I quit I had a terrible reaction that lasted for a couple of weeks. You're not making it up. Tramadol has serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor properties as well as acting on opioid receptors. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion. Link to comment
Nikki Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Hi Annelle This site is amazing in that we meet people from all over the world and feel connected. I have taken both Celexa and Lexapro. I am currently on Celexa. My taper from Lexapro was difficult and took two years. There were physical symptoms which I tolerated. It was the emotional aspect which was very difficult for me. When I was down to 11mgs. of Lexapro from 40mgs., I took a tricyclic as my PsychNurse suggested. When I totally finished my taper with Lexapro I had Protracted WD which lasted for a good year. In other words, I still had WD symptoms after finishing the drug and while on another one. It happens. These ssri's have a mind of their own and there are lingering effects after we are off of them. I don't know how to advise someone to reinstate, but alot of the others here do. I am gathering that reinstatement is done by adding a little bit rather then alot. Keep posting and keep reading thru threads, someone always comes along with help. Hugs Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
annelle Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 Thank you Nikki and Rhi for good comments. I think you are right, Nikki, that the SSRI's have a mind of their own I have noticed lately that it is as if the type of withdrawal symptoms alternate in the way that when the physical symptoms are bad, the emotional problems are a little better - as if the brain can only handle one 'area' at a time. I think for me right now the physical symptoms are worse than the emotional, but right after quitting Cipralex after the quick taper, the emotional symptoms were definitely worse. It was only after about 2 months the physical ones started - nausea, headache, and the weird tingling feelings in hands and feet etc. Yes, it is a very nice thing that we can connect with people all over the world who are going the same thing with these AD's. Interesting information on tramadol, Rhi - I did not know about the neurotransmitter inhibitor properties. Just makes me even more happy that I am off tramadol too. Yes, a very low reinstate dose and very slow tapering seems to be the way to go - it makes sense, but also requires a lot of patience! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 27, 2013 Administrator Share Posted May 27, 2013 Did the symptoms change from when you were taking 5mg or are they exactly the same? 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
annelle Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 Hello Altostrata! It is not a big change, but I do think my symptoms are a little worse now on 2,5 mg - I had a particularly bad day today, probably because I hardly slept last night. And the tingling in hands feet and breasts is killing me - it seems the physical symptoms are the worst ones right now. But I do have some anxiety as well. Should I stay at 2,5 mg, do you think? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 28, 2013 Administrator Share Posted May 28, 2013 I'm not a doctor and I can't tell for sure what's going on, but it sounds to me like you're highly sensitive to Cipralex. If I were you, I'd reduce by 0.5mg and see if that helps at all. 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
annelle Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 Thank you Altostrata! I will try that - today I am getting the liquid form of Cipralex - I hope that will make it easier to measure doses accurately, which I think is important, especially if one is hypersensitive to the medication. I have noticed in the past few months that I have had some OCD-like (I think) symptoms - they manifest as certain songs or tunes always playing in my mind - also when I am thinking of something else, it seems to always be playing in the background - strange and a little unnerving and unpleasant. I wonder if it is another withdrawal symptom? Also I am rather sensitive to sunlight and daylight - I try to get some daylight every day because I think it is helpful in terms of getting into a healthy sleep pattern, - but sometimes it feels like it is too much for me - too intense. I am also very easily tired - almost exhausted - when I try to exercise - just walking - and it takes very little - maybe just a phone call or discussion with somebody - to make me feel extremely stressed - with heavy sweating and heart palpitations. This seems to have gotten worse since reinstating. Does anybody else recognize these symptoms? I hope everybody is having a good day! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
annelle Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 Hello again! I was just thinking about the length and severity of withdrawal - which seems to be shorter and better after a very slow taper. That is one thing you can do to help the situation and the symptoms - also long-term. And then I wondered - is anything known about how age influences the severity and time of withdrawal? I would assume that it would be harder on the body and brain to cope with everything the older you are? I am 60 years old, and afraid that my age will make it all harder. It certainly seemed much harder to taper - quickly - last fall - than it was about 10 years ago. But it could also be due my nervous system being in distress by many changes in medications during the past decade or so - no matter what age, that would do it, would it not? Any thoughts anyone? Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
annelle Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 Hi again! I think I have been having some trouble finding the right dose of Cipralex upon reinstating. Now I am on 2 mg Cipralex, taken as oral drops. Since it seems that I am very sensitive to change, - first reinstating at 5 mg after 7 months of no Cipralex, then down to 2,5 mg, now down to 2 mg for 2 days, I feel that it would be good for my nervous system to stay on the same dose for a long time, so that it will have a chance to get used to this level. I just wanted to ask you, Altostrata - do you think it will create problems to stay on the 2 mg Cipralex for more than a month? - if I stay at this dose for for instance 2 or 3 months, will that make it more difficult long-term to taper and get off the medication in the end? Thanks! Alopam (benzodiazepine) first prescribed 1994Akarin (citalopram) from 2002 Mirtazepine for about 2 months for insomnia in 2003 or 2004Changed from Akarin to Effexor 2005Started Nexium 2005Changed from Effexor to Akarin 2006Stopped Alopam after slow tapering 2006Changed from Akarin to Cipralex 2006Started Seroquel (quetiapine) 2006Changed from Nexium to Omeprazol 2006Started tramadol 2008Started pramipexole for restless legs syndrome 2008Stopped Seroquel after quick tapering 2009Stopped tramadol 2011Stopped Omeprazol August 2012Stopped Cipralex (escitalopram) (after an appr 6 weeks taper) on Oct 13, 2012Reinstated Cipralex 5 mg on May 18 - on May 22 went down to 2.5 mg Cipralex - June 1 down to 2 mg Cipralex, oral drops - June 26 down to 1.20 mg - July 27 updosed to 1,30 mg - Sept 14 down to 1,00 mg of own tablet liquid - Oct 20 down to 0,90 mg Link to comment
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