MaryKA Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 hi Hudgeons, I find too being out and about outside the house, whether I'm with people or not, is good for me. I don't have social anxiety, exercise or talking, both good Must research this cortisol thing, it keeps on being mentioned and it has lots of effects. I think I'm sleeping OK despite being north Scotland and without total blackout but maybe waking at 6 am is too early? When I go to bed about now (11.30 pm). Glad to hear things continue to level out. Sorry about the flu, you've carried on doing well despite it Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 13, 2013 Author Share Posted July 13, 2013 Hi, Katie -so much for leveling out. Might have to wait awhile for that next drop. Hard to say though since things can change so quickly. Not a good day though, same pattern as last 4-5, but after the mid-day break of feeling normal, the flu-like symtoms came back much worse than usual. Used several varieties of mindfulness meditation, those worked well. They also worked well on the pure anxiety that the flu later turned into. Still, the whole thing was a little exhausting. Maybe I have hit a wave afterall. The bad symptoms didn't last all day the way they used to a year ago, but they were every bit as intense. Recovery is certainly non-linear. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Sorry to hear this. Keep on keeping on, as they say. I guess the waves come and go, 'pose it's inevitable. For the last 2 days I have not suffered from daytime sleepiness but ... Do you think that waves could ever go down to being called ripples? I'm hoping so ... :(pondering) Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 14, 2013 Author Share Posted July 14, 2013 Well, today started out bad--severe flu-like symptom again--a mindfulness relaxation technique reduced the pain by half, but it always came back again full strength a half hour or so later. Still, I'm very encouraged these days by the fact that I can do some things that affect the severity of these WD symptoms when they strike. That wasn't the case 13 months ago when there was nothing I could do or take that helped in the least. Thankfully, I started feeling much better starting at about 5 PM today, and still feel pretty much OK right now at bedtime. And despite the awful afternoon yesterday, I slept pretty soundly last night-no night sweats or anxiety or bad dreams. Looking for another peacful night's rest tonight. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
WhoAmI Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Thanks for keeping up the posts, it was helpful to read about your journey! My intro link: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4644-whoami-i-hope-to-find-out/?p=57607 I've taken antidepressants since 1997. From 1997-1999~I tried wellbutrin, paxil, prozac, and maybe some others I can't remember. 1999-2009~Effexor XR 150mg. 2009-2010~Cymbalta 30mg. 2010-present~Cymbalta 60mg. (Dates are rough estimates.) Began micro-taper Jul 13, 2013. As of May 19, 2014 removing 94 beads from 60mg capsule, approx 31.8mg. As of August 2014 removing 106 beads from 60mg capsule, approx 28.2mg. As of July 2015 down to approx. 23mg. (20mg capsule + 10 beads from a 60mg capsule) + .5mg Ativan as needed for anxiety/panic/generally crappy anxious no good feelings. Also taking: Omega3; Magnesium; Vitamins D, E, & B12; Calcium; Estrace 2mg. Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share Posted July 15, 2013 Thanks. Today was much better. Got a good night's sleep. There was some flu-like symptom from 5-7 PM, but it never got bad. Feeling fine now at bed time. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 Pretty good, peaceful night's sleep-although only about 4 hours. Never really felt tired during the day, however. Flu-like symptom in morning for about 3 hours, then eased to almost nothing until about 4PM, got a little uncomfortable around 7, has eased now once more at bedtime. Mood good all day. A lot of Mindfulness meditation to battle the Cortisol to keep the nervous system healing. If the symptoms-when they come-are not as bad as they once were-healing must be taking place. Also, I don't seem to get all the other symptoms I used to get. Most of it's just flu-like symptom, sometimes pure anxiety, and of course the partial insomnia (although that's improving overall: 4-6 hours instead of 2-3. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I continue to be heartened by your posts, Hudgens, thank you for staying in touch. You are doing a good thing. I shall try to use this forum like you, to keep a journal, if only to remember when I have felt so tired that I have had to sleep during the working day. Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Katie, do you live on the coast or inland? Another good night and no real symptoms today (a dull headache for a few hours). First symptom free day in about a week. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 Good night's sleep. OK all morning. Anxiety from 3-10 PM, but not enough to stop me from dining out with family and enjoying it. I also got a lot of work done today. I think I did a good job in keeping the anxiety to a minimum. There was some irritability too. Didn't do as good a job controling that, unfortunately. Feeling fine now at bed time. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 19, 2013 Author Share Posted July 19, 2013 Very good day--good night's sleep, no WD symptoms, lots of work done, some exercise, lots of bad food. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 Trouble falling to sleep last night-restless leg syndrom, but I also felt it in my arms and upper body. A heating pad and relaxation meditation got rid of it, but it kept coming back every few hours until I finally fell asleep around 5 AM. So it was kind of a rough night, 3-4 hours of sleep. Today, however, was very good, no WD symptoms, went out to lunch with a family member and went to baseball game and fireworks at night. Still feeling good at bed time. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 21, 2013 Author Share Posted July 21, 2013 No trouble sleeping last night. No WD symptoms today. Feeling good at bed time. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 22, 2013 Author Share Posted July 22, 2013 Today was a repeat of yesterday. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 Today was a repeat of yesterday. And that was a good thing! Glad to see you're chugging along. I've got a busy time now so not always here, hudgeons, or able to start keeping my journal properly. So it's really good I can check you out and see things staying the same and sometime getting better still. I'm on the coast, looking north over the Moray Firth. Why do you ask? Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 Well, I see on a map that your district or county is partly on the coast but then also goes pretty far inland. I was just wondering which part you lived in. Anyway, today was symptomless. I think this is 7 good days in a row. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 hee hee, yes, a long thin county is Banffshire. Now 'historic Banffshire' and not an administrative district. But I really enjoy living on the coast now: before I always felt it limiting to be on the boundary and to not be able to walk in all directions, but it is a boon to have another interface close by. And I paddle too ... good to hear of your continuing increase in comfort Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 Sounds pretty nice, though I don't know what an interface is. I don't live anywhere near the sea, but there are so many lakes I don't know all of their names. I think I had a full night's sleep last night, which is very rare. Didn't do a great deal today, I've got an ear infection which is slowing me down a little. Went to the grocery store. Watched a Fritz Lang movie "Spies" (silent). Not eating very healthfully lately. Starting to drink a cup of instant coffee in the mornings again. No real WD symptoms to report today. Mood is very good. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 24, 2013 Administrator Share Posted July 24, 2013 Hudgens, I look forward to yours among our success stories. 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
MaryKA Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 On interfaces: water/oil, soil/water, air/water ..., in my case, sea/land is dry ground/wet ground (I like ground to stand on, but being able to step into and out of different conditions of ground is quite fascinating) Do you have to know the name of the body of water that you have stepped/swam in? I learnt the other day about the 'cheek' of the bay! I see you're getting so relaxed you're abusing yourself with instant coffee. Good luck Ditto Alto's post. And would you know, I was browsing this site and there is indeed a section for success stories!!! Guess you missed that at the beginning of all this. But your record keeping is really valuable. Hope you've had a good day, Hudgens 8) Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus basildev Posted July 24, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 24, 2013 Sounds like you're doing really well Hudgens I hope you continue to feel even better:) 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
Hudgens Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 Thanks, Alto Basildev, and Katiemt. Only slept three hours last night, but didn't really feel tired today. Ear infection made me feel a little crummy for a few hours. That should be getting better soon. Glad to see that the antibiotic (Amoxicilin) didn't disagree with me. Went to group today, that always makes me feel better-I continue to get a lot of important infomation from these meetings. Can't seem to start eating properly-when I feel better I want to eat bad things, and lots of them. I automatically lost 10 pounds when I got down to 4-5 mgs of Effexor, and I don't seem to gain it back again even when I eat poorly. Still, I'm 30 pounds overweight. I expect a good night's sleep since I almost never have two bad nights in a row. No withdrawal symptoms today. Another two good weeks and I'l probably make another drop. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Glad that your stuff is positive, Hudgens. But yet, and sorry if I've missed this in your previous posts, but right now I just don't know .... what is the group that gives you important information? I clearly can't comment more without the context... So whatever it is, you get comfort and I'm glad for that. So enjoy and go forward. Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 Just a therapy group based on cognitive behavioral principles. I go once a week. It's helped me an awful lot. Still feeling good at bed time. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted July 25, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 25, 2013 Hudgens, I look forward to yours among our success stories. Me too! :-) 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
Hudgens Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 And me more than anyone else, but it's going to be quite a while yet. I'll wait for a full year of symptom free post tapper before writing one. Then maybe a yearly update after that. Feeling good this morning. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I've never been to group CBT sessions. Or individual ones either... Not had the chance. I imagine it's the sort of thing that you can get more out of it the longer you go. Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 28, 2013 Author Share Posted July 28, 2013 Yes, I do learn more and more, but I learned things I could immediately use the very first meeting. I'm beginning a new individual therapy next Thursday, the therapist is trained in both cognitive behavioral and acceptance therapy. I'm doing both because I can open up more in one to one therapy. I didn't write yesteday because I was so wiped out from my ear infection, but it's better today. Hadn't come down with anything since I started having trouble with withdrawal symptoms almost a year ago, so I'm happy to see that, at least in this case, the antibiotics and pain medication (Vicodin, Tylenol 3), and ear drops didn't adversly affect my Effexor tappering. Not so far anyway. The antibiotic is a combination of Amoxicilin (875 mgs) and Clavulanate (125 mgs). The ear drops are Neomycin, Polymyxin B Sulfates, and Hydrocortisone Octic solution, USP. Anyway, no withdrawal symptoms yesterday or today--even slept better than I usually do last night. Some night sweats, but I think that was from the pain medication. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
MaryKA Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 I hope everything is OK today with your ear. 've had counselling of various sorts and i've gained something valuable from the first or second session,but then I head into diminishing returns, never yet more than 2 months, which probably answers my next question as to how much more with time can you get ... So I'm jealous of your opportunity and admiring of your dedication! How long have you been going to group? I Started citalopram May 12, from 10 to 40 mg/d over 2 months Wanted to come off in May 13 and did it too quickly: decrease from 40 to 0 mg/d over 2 weeks; WD from then onwards, increasing in intensity to be unbearable at 4 weeks later; reinstated 10 mg/d for 2 days (WD severity halved); reinstated 20 mg/d (initial WD symptoms decreased but not gone entirely until after 8 weeks) Started 5--7% taper: Aug 13: 19 mg/d, mild WD on day 3; thereafter none notable; Nov 13: 18 mg/d, no WD; Dec 13: 17 mg/day, no WD for 3 weeks, then (at Christmas) tearfulness; Jan 14: 16.7 mg/d, Apr 14: 15.7 mg/d, Jun 14: 14.5 mg/d; Jul 14: 13.5 mg/d (6.9% reduction), Aug 14: 12.5 mg/d (7.4% reduction) Sharing experience makes a difference Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 My group therapist's knowledge about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Therapy and Mindfullness seems inexhaustable. All these therapies are complex and take a lot of time to fully understand. I've been going to this group for a bout a year. Beginning my new individual therapy this Thursday. Feeling much better, most of the pain from the ear infection is gone today. That's good because this is a particularly busy week from Wednesday through Saturday. No withdrawal symptoms, no reactions to more recent medications. Sleeping better, mood good overall. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 30, 2013 Author Share Posted July 30, 2013 Another good day. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted July 30, 2013 Author Share Posted July 30, 2013 Woke up last night after 2 hours of sleep in a state of confusion. It lasted for about 5 minutes. I couldn't remember why my ear would be hurting or why I would be feeling anxious. Couldn't remember about my recent ear infection or my almost 3 years of tappering Effexor. I've had these episodes 3-4 times before. They started with the withdrawal symptoms almost a year ago. They occur once every 3-4 months. They never happen 2 nights in a row. I'm sure they are withdrawal related and a sleep disturbance. I wake from a deep sleep, only half of me is awake and half is still in the deep sleep. As the rest of me wakes up, the confusion evaporates. The anxiety took a few more minutes relaxing in bed to disappeared, and I got back to a normal night's sleep. If this or something like it happens to anyone else on this site, I don't want them to be frightened. I think it's just another withdrawal symptom and harmless. Withdrawal causes all kinds of sleep disturbances. The rest of my day has been fine. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted August 1, 2013 Author Share Posted August 1, 2013 The flu-like symptom was with me throughout the day-mild most of the time, now, at bed time, a little worse. Tylenol seems to help, but I'm up to 6 in the last 24 hours. A good day in every other way. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Hudgens Posted August 2, 2013 Author Share Posted August 2, 2013 Woke up in the middle of the night with bad anxiety but abdominal breathing and a relaxation technique completely got rid of this in about 15 minutes and I got back to a normal sleep for the rest of the night. Met with my new therapist today, besides the individual therapy once a week, I'll be going to a Wellness Class-also once a week. I don't think you could get too much therapy during tappering and post tapering. The flu-like symptom I was feeling yesterday was with me most of the day again today, but was more mild. Didn't take any Tylenol for it today. Mood was good all day. My bad days just aren't so bad anymore. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Narcissus Posted August 2, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 2, 2013 My bad days just aren't so bad anymore. Wonderful Hudgens, glad to hear it! 3 Years 150 mgs Effexor 2 month taper down to zero 3 terrible weeks at zero Back up to 75 mgs 2 months at 75 6 or so months back to regular dose of 150 - was able to restabilize fine. 3 month taper back to zero 1 HORRENDOUS week at zero 2 days back up to 37.5 3 days back up to 75 One week at 150 - unable to stabilize. Back down to 75 mgs At 75 mgs (half original dose) and suffering withdrawal symptoms since October 2012. "It is a radical cure for all pessimism to become ill, to remain ill for a good while, and then grow well for a still longer period." - Nietzsche Link to comment
Hudgens Posted August 2, 2013 Author Share Posted August 2, 2013 Thanks Narcssus. I'm feeling like my old self again-the self of my early 30's--I'm 56 now. Waking up more and more as to what a strange trip it's been. There's no doubt that antidepressants changed my personallity for the 20 or so years I was on them, not for the better. I'm convinced only things like therapy can do that. Sept 12th 1992-began taking Imipramine (50mgs) for panic attacks. Stopped Imipramine after 4 months (cold turkey). 7 months later experienced "mysterious" bad flu-like symptoms, although, without upper respiratory problems or fever. Because of this and a day of panic attacks, was put on Prozac (20mgs?) for 2 months and then, when that didn't work-was put back on Imipramine, plus Xanax 1 mg (4Xdaily)-October 1993. March 1999-switched from Imipramine (50mgs) to Celexa. 2008-switched to Pristiq for 3 months, then back to Effexor XR (after bad reaction to the Pristiq). Sept 1st 2010-Switched from Effexor XR (75mgs) to Effexor Generic (solid form) in preparation for taper. Nov 15th 2010-Began tapering from 75mgs Effexor Generic. January 13th 2014-.06mgs April 17th 2014- .03mgs May 11th 2014- .02mgs Ended taper October 31st 2014 Oct 4th 2015-11 months post taper and completely back to normal! Link to comment
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