Hannahspannah21 Posted December 28, 2013 Posted December 28, 2013 I've recently attempted another withdrawal from seroxat/ Paxil. When I dropped from 11.5 to 10 I totally crashed, this was 8 weeks ago. Since then I have up dosed to 11.5 then 15 but got no relief am now back on original dose - 20 mg as well as 15 mg mirtazipine to help me sleep. Last time this happened to me this combination got me stable and i was able to discontinue the Mirtazapine after a couple of months with no,problems. I've been on 20mg for nearly 4 weeks now and although I had a brief period of having some good days the week before last, since then I've been feeling worse. I feel so desperate my anxiety is sky high and I'm not sure how much longer I can go on. I've got 2 young kids, so wouldn't do anything drastic but actually that just makes me feel trapped. I've been referred to the mental health team who I saw in the week I'd had some good days so they were saying likelihood is will feel even better by this week but I just don't. Is it just a case of riding it out and waiting to feel better or is there something I can do? After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Zoe Posted December 28, 2013 Posted December 28, 2013 I am so sorry that you are feeling so bad. Someone with more knowledge than me on this subject will come by soon. Just know that I am sending hugs & prayers your way. It will get better. Jan. 1994 Pamelor 2000 switched to Zoloft 2011 Zoloft pooped out- Dr. switched me directly to Lexapro15mg -had a horrible 6mths 2013 upped Lexapro to 20 mgs-pooped out June 2013 Dr. added 150 Wellbutrin to Lexapro. July 2013 Switched back to Zoloft 100mgs.Was still taking Wellbutrin. Lots of anxiety from the Wellbutrin July 2013 Started to wean Wellbutrin- off by Sept. Oct. 2013 added 400 mgs of Neurotin to the Zoloft Jan 2014 Tapered off of the Zoloft and onto Prozac 30 mgs. Also still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Feb 2014 Reduced Prozac to 13 mgs. Still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Aug. 2014 Prozac 13 mgs. Finished with Neurotin. .7 Risperadol
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 28, 2013 Administrator Posted December 28, 2013 Welcome, Hannahspannah21. It sounds like your taper was too fast for your nervous system, and it became destabilized. You are suffering withdrawal syndrome as a result. The reinstatement of Paxil may help after a while, maybe even 6 months. These things are unpredictable. Your nervous system will take as long as it needs to stabilize. Please try not to make any big changes in your medications. The nervous system thrives on stability. Your history of going on and off drugs has made your nervous system more vulnerable and less tolerant of drug changes. Once you do get stable, you might be able to sneak off Paxil and mirtazapine. To be extra-careful, we recommend a 10% taper, based on the last dosage. The amounts of decrease keep getting smaller. See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/405-tips-for-tapering-off-paxil-paroxetine/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5301-tips-for-tapering-off-remeron-mirtazapine/ 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.
Hannahspannah21 Posted December 28, 2013 Author Posted December 28, 2013 I cannot feel like this for 6 months tho. I can't work, I'm having trouble coping with the children, just getting through each day is an ordeal. I've got a psychiatrist appt 6 jan, I'm betting they'll want to do something with the meds. Do I really just stick with it & hope for some relief soon? After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 28, 2013 Administrator Posted December 28, 2013 Unless the psychiatrist is unusually well-informed, my expectation is that you will be doused with prescriptions. If your nervous system has been sensitized, loading additional drugs on it probably will make it worse. However, there's no predictability as to what will work. Reinstatement has a fair track record, but isn't guaranteed. This may be something you or your psychiatrist cannot control. It's a real drawback of psychiatric drugs. 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.
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted December 28, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 28, 2013 It definitely won-t be horrible all 6 months. There will be windows and waves and gradually symptoms will abate. I immediately felt relief after reinstating my drug and over a period of 3 months gradually felt better and better. I definitely wouldn't listen to a psychiatrist because unfortunately they have no clue about any of this and make things a lot worse.. their ignorance is dangerous which we learn at a great cost of suffering. The advice I got here was very helpful and Alto is a great expert studying these issues for many, many years, working with people on this forum and most importantly having her own painful history with these drugs. I would always trust her more over any psychiatrist. There are very, very few who understand withdrawal and how these drugs really work. You will get better and I'm so happy for you you came to this forum where you will get best advice, lot of understanding and support. best, bubble Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading.
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 28, 2013 Administrator Posted December 28, 2013 I'd see what the psychiatrist has to say, but not expect much and be skeptical of any additional drugs. 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.
Nikki Posted December 28, 2013 Posted December 28, 2013 Hi Hannah..... I agree about being inundated with prescriptions. It has happened to most of us. Have you ever tried Rescue Remedy? Jude used to use it all the time with her Seroxat taper. There is the beta blocker propanolol which stops anxiety. It may be like bubble said, if you had a few good days, maybe that is the first sign of stabilizing. I don't know how Mirtazapine is dosed....is 15mgs. considered a low dose? Look it up before you see the doctor. 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
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted December 29, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 29, 2013 Hi Hannah, I'm so sorry you are going through this, but you have come to the right place to get good advice and support. Its not unusual for it to take longer than 4 weeks for a reinstatement to work, especially if your nervous system has become significantly unstable. How did you taper down from 20mg to 11.5mg. It would be helpful if you put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature, instructions are here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ We generally don't recommend adding any more drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, I took propranolol when I was in early withdrawal and it caused rebound depression. Many people find that magnesium and fish oil are helpful: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/ Psychiatrists write prescriptions, that's their business, that's what they are trained to do - they diagnose and then based on that diagnosis, select what they consider the appropriate medication/s. Most of them will not be interested in someone who wants to come off medication, that would be like a butcher encouraging a customer to become a vegetarian. I hope your psychiatrist is helpful and will support you in coming off your meds, please don't agree to take more. Let us know what happens and I hope you start to feel better soon. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted December 29, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 29, 2013 Petu, this is such a gem of a statement: that would be like a butcher encouraging a customer to become vegetarian. so true! great way of putting it, just loved it Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading.
Hannahspannah21 Posted December 29, 2013 Author Posted December 29, 2013 At the moment I'm not even bothered about getting off the meds I just want to feel better. Ive chucked that goal out of the window, my goal now is to get better and get my life back. I was absolutely fine taking 20mg and enjoying life. I just decided to withdraw as I didn't want to take it forever. I wish I'd never bothered now.... After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Hannahspannah21 Posted December 29, 2013 Author Posted December 29, 2013 Petu "I'm so sorry you are going through this, but you have come to the right place to get good advice and support. Its not unusual for it to take longer than 4 weeks for a reinstatement to work, especially if your nervous system has become significantly unstable. How did you taper down from 20mg to 11.5mg." I will do a signature when I feel I've got the energy for it but basically I started reducing in feb 20-18-16-14.5-13-11.5-10 I got to 10 mid oct I left 4-6 weeks between each drop. Looking back on it the drop to 11.5 was hard and I dropped to 10 about 2 weeks after that eased off and also in amongst a lot of stress at work & home, so prob wasn't best time to do that drop, but I had a silly goal in mind to get to 10 and stay there for the winter, as I find winter hard anyway, then I was going to start again in spring. I've been on paroxetine since I was hospitalised with post natal depression nov 2009, so I definitely needed it & actually it probably saved my life. I attempted withdrawal in spring/ summer 2011, dropping 2mg every 2 weeks as advised by a psychiatrist! Got to 8mg & crashed. Tried up dosing then but ended up back on 20mg with Mirtazapine for sleep which I managed to stop after 3 months. When you say it's not unusual for it take longer than 4 weeks for reinstatement to work, does that mean it could still work? Do you know of people wo have taken longer to stabilise but have managed to stabilise? I'm just terrified that its not going to & I'm going to feel like this forever. However having said that it did work last time, I can't remember exactly how long it took but it probably was over 4 weeks..... After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Sweetcreature Posted December 29, 2013 Posted December 29, 2013 Hi Hannah, Feel free to look at my intro. It has been a tough ride for me and stability is not yet here. I don't want you to lose hope- I think stability will happen for you and for me but it is hard to tell how long it will take - can you get extra support with the children at the moment? May 2001 - age 24 given 20 mg seroxat. Tried to reduce myself after a year. Told by GP to take on alternate days and I would be fine. FAIL. Assumed 'wrong time' due to university stress and that my 'depression' must be worse than I thought.Increased dose to 30 mg December 2002. Tried the same technique as before to reduce- made it down to a quarter tablet but couldn't stand symptoms, had a sneaking suspicion that it was due to tablets but never considered dependency - 'depression is a diseased brain after all' (is what I was told) Continued until October 2010 - tried to CT and managed to last five months - assumed the depression was really bad but had no understanding of the reason for awful anxiety. Ran back to GP started Prozac- went crazy thought I was going to die. Stopped Prozac after two weeks.April 2010 Started sertraline. Stablished but felt numbed.September 2010 Asked for seroxat again. Upped my dose to 30 after three weeks. Felt hyper, caffeinated, but functional. Glad to be over what I thought was 'depression'..Realised it is the meds, want to be free at last - July 2012 started 10% taper from original dose and took supplements. Took suppliments sporadically and despite the temptation the taper, wanted it 'over with'. Taper took exactly six months and 10 days.Reductions were as follows:First 2 weeks- 27 mgNext 2- 24mgNext 2- 21 mgNext 2- 18mgNext 2 15 mgNext 2 12 mg (held for four weeks due to house move from London back to Ireland)Next 2 weeks- 9 mgNext 2 weeks- 6 mgNext 2- weeks 3 mgNext 2 weeks 1.5 mg (held for 5 weeks as scared)10th February 2013 Jumped to zeroWithin 3 weeks sadness, led to anxiety. Restarted suppliments - helped a bit. Stressful move to London. A lot of fatigue and DEEP emotions. Crying LOTS. Took suppliments on and off, moved back to Ireland after being back in London for only eight weeks as felt too sad and unsettled. No suppliments when moved back. Unhappy at being back, scared I wouldn't ever find happiness - deep deep sadness, anger, STUPIDLY went back to doctor and decided I must just be a 'depressive'. Given Citalopram/Celexa 20mg. Took it for seven days, changed my mind, decided to be 'strong' and put it behind me. (No particularly adverse effects that I recall, save for day 5 having inner vibrations in arms and legs) Still had pack of tablets however and every time emotions got hard felt I had to 'go back onto tablets'. I did this from July until November. (On them off them on them off them) ........ Started to get body vibrations and told myself it was 'anxiety' and I was 'giving myself panic attacks. I continued to cry as I 'started' the tablets again and again - not wanting to go back there but not sure what else to do. More vibrations - but didn't make the connection that I had a compromised CNS - thought it was anxiety....chest started to pound in Sept, vibrations continued...lost weight, became anxious, sleep was awful and I tried a variety of remedies to replace the tablets and calm my anxiety and lift my mood. I think they made things worse. (These included, St.Johns Wort, Rescue Remedy, Homeopathic treatments, Chinese herbs, Passiflora, and suppliments from the online company who state they are experts in assisting people get off meds) Also did the following: Talking therapy Human Givens Therapy Homeopathy Narcotics Anonymous October 23rd took Citalopram (20mg) for 12 days - no relief November 6th Started Seroxat 10 mg (to be safe) stupidly upped to 20 the next day. Stayed on 20 for 18 days, no relief, stopped for two days suddenly, relief came - short lived, vibrations and torture came after 72 hours. Suicidal for days. Upped to 30 thinking it would improved. Even more suicidal. Dropped to 20 again (December 9th) not suicidal, but not better. Started liquid 28th December reduced to 18 mg in effort to reduce and stabilise. Don't know where to go from here. Living with parents who are supportive beyond words. Sweetcreature
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 29, 2013 Administrator Posted December 29, 2013 I hesitate to suggest this because it doesn't always work -- switching to Prozac is a fairly well-known way to go off Paxil or Effexor. Don't do this unless you have confidence in the doctor. Information here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1463-the-prozac-switch-or-bridging-with-prozac/ In my opinion, overlapping 10mg of Prozac with Paxil for several days, then dropping Paxil, is the best method. 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.
wulfgar Posted January 1, 2014 Posted January 1, 2014 At 15 mg for a female mirtazapine is in the upper limits. Please do not let any doctor prescribe any higher dose of this drug. Good effectiveness for sleep starts at 7.5 mg:s (male 15mg) and do not usually get better at higher dose, and might become worse. (Due to double half life in females 15 mg is the same as 30 mg in males.) 2010: Mirtazapine 30mg followed by Zopiclone 7.5 mg for sleep post surgery due to pain.2012-> Tapering Mirtazapine and Zopiclone at different rates unsuccessfully.2013: Hospitalized 10 days due to complete Insomnia. Forced back up to 45mg Mirtazapine, 7.5 mg Zopiclone and also Theralene 1 ml.2013-03: Lab showed Vitamin D deficient. Found the vitamin d and insomnia connection. Supplementing vitamin d. Sleep improved by 1-2 hours2013-04: Dropped mirtazapine to 30 due to severe side effects. Quit Theralene. Zopiclone 7.5.2013-05 - 2013-11: Mirtazapine taper monthly 25 20 15 11 8 4 2.5 mg2013-12 Holding M at 2.5. Need to taper Zopiclone due to daytime nausea and vomiting. Taper zopiclone 1/4 red every 5 d. Last Z 2013-12-192013-12-31 M:2.5. Reinstated Zopiclone 3.75 due to Insomnia2014-01-06 M:2.5. Taper Z 1.9 ... 2014-01-14 M:2.5. Z 1 mg.Jumped of Zopiclone 01-20. Jumped mirtazapine 02-16. Theralene: 10mg 02-09. 8mg 03-09. 5mg 03-15. 4mg 03-24. 3mg 04-08. Jumped 04-21.Zopiclone free for 251 days. Mirtazapine free for 224 days.
Hannahspannah21 Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 I posted in back in Dec/ Jan 13/14 when I crashed after reducing seroxat from 11.5-10mg. To cut a long story short I ended up on Effexor as well as 20mgs Seroxat, but after asking for change of psych who agreed with me that all the drugs were making me worse, I finally began to stabilise (6 months after I began to feel unwell). Since then I have reduced Effexor from 225 to 112.5mg with no problems at all. Reduced by 37.5 each time and did it because it was obvious there was too much serotonin in my body - went through periods of kind of mania and unable to sleep, when reduced the dose this stopped. I have reduced the Seroxat slowly also leaving 4-6 weeks between reductions. However most recently I reduced from 11mg to 10.4 thinking this was a much smaller drop than the last one that made me crash...well I got it wrong. I can't function properly, having trouble eating, going out, massive anxiety, especially in the mornings etc etc. This was 5 weeks ago. I have gone back up in dose to 11mg but not much improvement yet. The added complication is that a very close family member committed suicide a couple of weeks ago. Before that happened I had had a few 'better' days but now I just feel like I'm getting worse. I have a psych now who is willing to consider this is a withdrawal problem but is saying it should have improved by now if it is and perhaps it's a 'relapse'. She's suggesting I consider slightly increasing the Effexor. I'm just so confused and feel so alone, I just want some relief from the daily hell that feels like the pit of depression I was in when I was initially put on the drugs (hospitalised for post natal dep). Should I just hold on & hope to stabilise on 11mg? Will this ever happen? After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted July 21, 2015 Member Posted July 21, 2015 A moderator will come by and join this post to your Introductions topic here, and that will put all of your updates in one place (there is only one topic per member in the Introductions topic), where you can continue with your updates, ask questions pertinent to your situation, and receive comments and helpful suggestions from moderators, admins and other members. You may wish to bookmark it so you can find it easily in the future. It is also easier to read posts if they are sectioned off into paragraphs separated by a blank line, a 'wall of text' is very hard to read on a computer screen or the tiny screen on phones or tablets. Instructions for adding a 'signature to your posts are here: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.
Aliwill Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Welcome Hannah I haven't enough experience to answer your questions but just wanted to welcome you. My anti depressant journey also started with PND. Someone will be along shortly to answer your questions and give you some advice, but in the mean time have a look around, you will find lots of helpful information here. Hope you feel better soon. Ali. 2003 Zoloft for PND. No other Psych history before this. 2009 CT. Huge withdrawal. Voluntary hospital admission. Successfully stabilized on 40mg Prozac. 2012 CT after 2 years of tapering to 10mg. Another Disaster. No hospital admission. Stabilized 40mg Prozac 2014 CT after 2 years of tapering to 5mg. Destabilized but not as bad as previous. Found this site. Reinstated 5mg. Stabilized quickly but held for 6 months. Feb 2015 4mg Prozac March 2015 Tramadol for Pain after an OP. Didn’t realize it was an SNRI. March 2015 3 mg Prozac April 2015 2.5mg Prozac May 2015 2mg Prozac June 2015 Destabilized (After research believe it was delayed withdrawal due to the Tramadol) July 11th 2015. Updosed to 2.5mg
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 22, 2015 Administrator Posted July 22, 2015 Merged Hannah's Intro topics. Hannah, you've gone off both drugs too fast, particularly the Paxil. Yes, you have withdrawal symptoms. Your nervous system has become destabilized again. Welcome, Hannahspannah21. It sounds like your taper was too fast for your nervous system, and it became destabilized. You are suffering withdrawal syndrome as a result. The reinstatement of Paxil may help after a while, maybe even 6 months. These things are unpredictable. Your nervous system will take as long as it needs to stabilize. Please try not to make any big changes in your medications. The nervous system thrives on stability. Your history of going on and off drugs has made your nervous system more vulnerable and less tolerant of drug changes. Once you do get stable, you might be able to sneak off Paxil and mirtazapine. To be extra-careful, we recommend a 10% taper, based on the last dosage. The amounts of decrease keep getting smaller. See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/405-tips-for-tapering-off-paxil-paroxetine/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5301-tips-for-tapering-off-remeron-mirtazapine/ (We also recommend 10% decreases of Effexor.) If I were you, I would updose back to 11mg Paxil. You may have to hold on reducing either drug until your nervous system settles down. The prescription of Effexor with Paxil is bizarre and dangerous. I would file a complaint about the doctor who did that. 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.
Hannahspannah21 Posted July 22, 2015 Author Posted July 22, 2015 Thanks for responding, I already have up dosed back to 11, over 4 weeks ago, no improvement yet....of course the situation isn't helped by the suicide in the family, which has been very shocking and upsetting. I don't know whether I'm coming or going. I had a terrible psych who practically bullied me into Effexor and Paxil. When I got a new psych she agreed it wasn't a great combo and the idea was to get off the Paxil first. She thought the Effexor might 'hold me' but that hasn't happened. At least I've kind of proved to them that I do have an issue with w/d from Paxil. Re the Effexor, I reduced it as I clearly had too much serotonin in the body. Those drops were made around about July 14, Dec 14 and February 14. I've had no issues with that at all, maybe because I wasn't on it that long? The Paxil I've done really slowly and not noticed any major problems apart from a few weeks of low energy/ interest in things, after each drop. It's the tiny drop from 11 to 10.4 that seems to have done it, it always seems to be that I crash around the 10mg mark. I know David Healy has a theory about people having 'shelves' where they hit particularly hard problems. This theory seems to fit me as the last 2 times I've tried to come off, I've hit real problems around the 10mg mark. I'm beginning to think that I'm one of those unlucky ones who will never be able to get off...In the meantime, I just need to get some stability back. I've got a young family and it's the school holidays here. Any idea how long that might take with the updose? (How long is a piece of string I guess!) can it take longer than 4 weeks, I'm beginning to lose hope that it will ever happen. My psych is also saying that as my symptoms are so much worse in the morning, this is a classic sign of major depression and therefore this could be a relapse and I may need to consider increasing the dose of one of the meds... After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
LoveandLight Posted July 22, 2015 Posted July 22, 2015 Aww so sorry to hear about the death in the family. 2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare! On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect. Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan. Nightmare that could have been avoided!
Hannahspannah21 Posted July 23, 2015 Author Posted July 23, 2015 Last night I slept well and today I have managed to do some things I haven't been able to do before - going to shops and making decisions. Some of the physical symptoms such as hot flashes have subsided, I'm finding it easier to eat as well, not having to force food down. I'm still very tearful all the time but it seems to be more linked to how I feel about the suicide in the family, rather than how I feel. Am hoping maybe I'm starting to stabilise a bit.... After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 23, 2015 Administrator Posted July 23, 2015 That's good, reinstatement may be finally taking hold. To help us out, see these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature 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.
Hannahspannah21 Posted July 24, 2015 Author Posted July 24, 2015 I have done my signature and done a bit of reading of your info. My first time on Paxil I was only 21 - probably before the brain had finished developing? Although I managed to get off no probs. I had brief episode of depression in late 20s and took citalopram but only for a month or so and just stopped. Then PND with first child - Paxil, tried to come off few times following docs method of halving dose, always had to go back on. Managed to get off via Prozac to get pregnant with 2nd daughter but did it too quickly was suffering w/d effects for few months until got pregnant when I was fine. After 2nd daughter had severe post natal depression tried Sertraline as really didn't want to go back on Paxil, really bad reaction suicidal after 2 doses! Tried Citalopram after 3 weeks was hospitalised as not functioning at all. Switched to Paxil, also taking lorazepam and zopiclone whilst in hospital and Olanzepine for 3 months. Ended up on 40mg - way too high for me, settled on 20mg. Since then had 2 more failed w/d attempts, when Mirtazapine was added. First time stabilised on reinstatement to 20mg and stopped Mirtazipine after few months. Last time was utter hell and was when I last posted. Those last 2 times and this time I crashed around the 10mg mark. After reading some of your information, I've realised that my brain/ nervous system has had to deal with a lot of different medications, esp since the birth of my second child who is now 5. I was fairly young when first took anti d. I guess this means I have a very long slow road ahead of me if I ever want to get off these drugs. Looking back at my signature, I realise I probably should have held at 11 for a lot longer since I did have a big wobble there? At the moment I just want to get stable and functioning again but looking forward to the future, I'm wondering about maybe focussing on reducing the Effexor as this seems to cause me less problems for some reason, before tackling the Paxil again. At least now I've shown my Psych that it won't 'hold' me while I reduce the Paxil so really there's no point in me taking it. Although if I do this I will do it slower than I've done so far. Thank you for providing this site, it's a great help After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 24, 2015 Administrator Posted July 24, 2015 Right, your history of going on and off drugs, plus the "wobble," means it might take some time for your nervous system to settle down. 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.
Hannahspannah21 Posted July 26, 2015 Author Posted July 26, 2015 So I'm functioning much better I think, able to get on with the everyday stuff but I'm massively lacking in energy and enthusiasm. I'm also feeling very sad/ low most of the time but my thoughts now are more pre-occupied with the death of my brother rather than with myself. Could this be a sign that the updose is starting to help and maybe I'm 'just' grieving? Due to go on hol next week after the funeral, not sure if I can cope with it but also equally don't want to deny my family their summer holiday...any advice? After last withdrawal attempt ended up on 225mg Effexor & 20mg Paxil (Bullied by Psych) May 14 New Psych - agreed with me too many drugs making me worse. 20-18mg Paxil July 14 trouble with too much Serotonin 225-187.5 Effexor August 14 18-16 Paxil, Oct 14 16-14.5 Paxil Dec 14 - more probs with side effects from Effexor 187.5-150 Jan 14 14.5 -13 Paxil. Mid Feb - more probs side effects Effexor 150 - 112.5 March 15 13-12 Paxil Mid April 15 12-11 Paxil - all previous drops caused slight issues with head zaps, tiredness low mood for few weeks, more noticeable at 11mg & lasted longer June 1st 11-10.6 immediate drop in energy and mood, then insomnia, intense anxiety, hot flashes, head zaps, feeling unable to cope with kids, work etc June 19th back to 11mg All dates approx, didn't keep record, left 4-6 weeks between drops though. No effects from Effexor drops apart from relief of side effects & reduction of slight mania caused by too much serotonin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 27, 2015 Administrator Posted July 27, 2015 Yes, it sounds like your nervous system is settling and you may be having normal grief. 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.
tgirl Posted October 5, 2015 Posted October 5, 2015 Hello Hanna, How are thing going for you? Tgirl April 2014 remeron 45mg. June 2014 abilify 2.5 remeron wasn't working so abilify was then added September 2014 woke up with anxiety x 100!!!! Pdoc then took me from 45 to 7.5 within a month and took abilify from 2.5 to 0 Currently Remeron 7.5 Vitamin d 5,000 iu taking for about 3 years October 2014 added fish oil/omega 3 1000 mg per day Levothyroxitine 100 10 years or so Dec 2014 started tapering 10% every 10 days-no problems. August 2015 down to 0.1 mg Woke up with severe anxiety-sleep issues-racing thoughts-depression. 9/9/15 up dose 1 mg.
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