LizzieTish Posted August 14, 2023 Share Posted August 14, 2023 Mark, you're in my thoughts and prayers. 💗 Dear Lord, you are our refuge in good and in bad times. In your infinite mercy, bring peace and comfort to those of us who face days sometimes filled with pain, anxiety, and depression. Help us to realize that through you there is joy and the promise of lasting peace. Help us through the rough times. Walk before and beside us so that we may walk in your footsteps and reach out to you in our journey on this earth. Help us to focus on our blessings rather than our misfortunes, dear Lord. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. Amen 3 Lexapro: 2002-2006 (dose unknown) Sertraline: 2006-April 2021 (50 mg/day) with exception of 2 failed discontinuation attempts in previous 5 years. April - Aug 2021 (25 mg/day [half tablet]). Experienced flu-like symptoms in April. Also experienced insomnia and rage/irritability, which eventually subsided. Sept 2021 - Jan 2022 (12.5 mg/day [quarter tablet]). Feb 1-12, 2022 (~10 mg/day). Experienced depression and new onset acute anxiety. Discovered SA.org and realized I was tapering too fast. Feb 13, 2022, dose increased back to 12.5 mg/day to mitigate symptoms. April 2022 (~10 mg/day; switched to liquid formulation). May 2022 (~9 mg/day). Jun-Jul 2022 (~8 mg/day). Aug 2022 (~7 mg/day). Oct 2022 (~6.5 mg/day). Nov 2022 (~6 mg/day). Dec 2022 (~5 mg/day). Holding dose for at least 2-3 months due to crying spells and poor appetite/weight loss. Began taking Mg and fish oil supplements. March 17, 2023 - increased dose to 6 mg/day. Feeling better. May 17, 2023 - decreased dose to 5.5 mg/day. July 22, 2023 - still haven't stabilized. Experiencing excruciating and unrelenting suffering. July 28, 2023 - increased dose to 6/6.5 mg/day August 2, 2023 - increased dose to 7 mg/day due to persistent dread and panic attacks. October 2023 - increased dose to 10 mg/day. January 2024 - Still feel bad despite 10 mg/day dose. Link to comment
Chlo Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 @Mark840 @LizzieTish Hello ♥️ I just want y'all to know that the Lord, our God, is carrying us through these rivers of difficulty. And some day, SOME DAY, we will be skipping through the fresh grass, blue skies, pouring rain, crisp cool air, and so on. Our senses, feelings, heart, and soul will be so full of joy and peace that nothing...and I mean NOTHING will bring us down. So during these hard times of suffering we must not forget that God is with us, carrying us in his arms every step of the way. Lord, thank You for the protection promises available in Psalm 91. Help us to learn to put our total trust in You as we speak Your Word aloud and believe it in our heart. You are our refuge. In the name of Jesus. Amen 1 Chlo❤ •Celexa 40mg 1999-2021•COVID August 2021•Celexa stopped working•Zoloft 100mg Sept21'-Oct21'•Zoloft did not work •Lexapro 10mg Oct21'-Nov21' •Lexapro did not work •Lexapro 5mg Nov21'-1/17/22 switched to Lexapro liquid form 5mg 1/18/22•4.75mg 1/19•4.5mg 1/25•4.25mg 2/1•4.0mg 2/8 •3.75mg 3/28•3.5mg 5/23 •3.25mg 5/30•3.0mg 6/19 •2.75mg 6/26•2.50mg 7/10•2.45mg 7/18•2.40mg 7/25•2.35mg 8/1•2.33mg 8/26•2.27mg 9/15•2.21mg 9/23•2.16mg 9/30•2.10mg 10/14•2.04mg 10/24•1.99mg 11/18•1.95mg 1/02/23•1.90mg 1/09•1.80mg 1/27•1.75mg 2/21•1.70mg 3/6•1.65mg3/14•1.60mg 4/07•1.52mg 4/30•1.48mg 5/07•1.40mg 6/08•1.36mg 6/17•1.32mg 6/27•1.28mg 7/17•1.20mg 8/18•1.15mg 9/13•1.12mg 10/15•1.06mg 1/20/24•1.02mg 2/16•1mg 2/27•.98mg 3/02•.96mg3/20•D3•C• •Magnesium Glycinate Zinc•Omega3•Probiotic •Mirtazapine 15mg I don't know much, but 3 things I do. There is a God. His word is true. Stay close to Him and He will bring you through. Amen🙏 Link to comment
gigi63 Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 Chlo!!!! Very well said and thank you so much!!!!! 1 Link to comment
Mark840 Posted August 17, 2023 Share Posted August 17, 2023 Amen. Thank you @LizzieTish @Chlo Dear Lord, thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ who can support one another in this fallen world. 1 Sep-Dec '12: Cymbalta (60mg), Zyprexa (1.25 mg), Lexappo (5 mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg); Dec '12-Apr '13: Lithium Carbonate Tab (150mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg), Rivotril (1mg); May '13-Feb '15: no record; Mar '15-Aug '21: Cymbalta (60mg), Seroquel XR (50mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg); Jul-Sep '21: switched from private to government psychiatrist who changed my drugs to Cymbalta (60mg), Quentiapine (50mg)(IR); however, Quentiapine (50mg)(IR) led me to poor sleep; Oct '21: Due to poor sleep, I requested Cymbalta (60mg), Olanzapine (2.5mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg, when needed) Critial Stage: Nov '21-Jan '22: ceased drugs voluntarily in Nov '21. No major issue until a remark triggered my anger. Anger was intense and lasted for weeks. End of Jan-Feb '22: Doctor reinstated me with Cymbalta (30mg) only on 29 Jan '22. However; without Olanzapine (2.5mg), it resulted in poor sleep; End of Feb-Jun '22: after too much poor sleep, doctor replaced Cymbalta (30 mg) with Remeron (15 mg); Jul '22: attempted to tapper off slowly by 10% of last dose. It resulted in weird dreams and poor sleep; Aug-17 Nov '22: Resumed 15 mg dose. My sleep restored and no more weird dreams; 17 Nov-11 Dec '22: Started to wake up after 2-4 hours of sleep, suspected I built tolerance to the drug's effect; 12 Dec '22-May 23: 3-6 hous of sleep, partly due to work stress; Jun-Aug '23: 3.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep; Sep '23-present: take mirtazapine in morning and it resolves my insomnia. Link to comment
ryuusei86 Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 I appreciate everyone contributing to this thread. I am a Christian but don't feel as close to God as I would like, partly because of being on five different psych meds. I found this forum and am ready, God willing, to start tapering one of these meds. I will check in on this thread frequently and will pray for others. I appreciate your prayers too since the realization that I'm dependent on five psych meds has hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. 1 2012 Zoloft 100 mg, Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 1 mg Lunesta instead), 2015 add Seroquel 100 mg 2019 Change to Paxil 20 mg and Geodon 60 mg due to weight gain, stayed on Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 2 mg Lunesta instead) 9/22 Trazodone pooped out, switched to Seroquel ER 150 mg 10/22 hospitalized for 9 days, switched to Luvox 100 mg, Latuda 40 mg (2x20 mg per day), and Lunesta 3 mg On release from hospital, switched Lunesta back to Seroquel ER 150 mg over fear of getting addicted to Lunesta 10/22 to 12/22 gradually increased Seroquel ER 150 mg to 350 mg, strangely did not gain weight, in fact lost appetite completely 12/22 added Lunesta 3 mg back in due to trouble sleeping 6/23 tapered Seroquel ER quickly from 350 mg to 150 mg 7/23 added Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, also tried unsuccessfully and too quickly (on doctor's orders) to taper Luvox and Seroquel 7/23 discovered that 75 mg Seroquel ER is the minimum dose required for me to sleep, stayed on 75 mg since then 20 Sep 2023 Switched from Wellbutrin XL to Wellbutrin IR 150 mg (2x75) Currently tapering Wellbutrin 6 Oct 2023 131 mg Link to comment
Mentor mstimc Posted August 24, 2023 Mentor Share Posted August 24, 2023 26 minutes ago, ryuusei86 said: I appreciate everyone contributing to this thread. I am a Christian but don't feel as close to God as I would like, partly because of being on five different psych meds. I found this forum and am ready, God willing, to start tapering one of these meds. I will check in on this thread frequently and will pray for others. I appreciate your prayers too since the realization that I'm dependent on five psych meds has hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. @ryuusei86 One thing that's stuck with me is that God gives us what we need at the exact right moment; never a second before or after. Maybe He helped you find this site to put you on a path to healing. We are here for you! Tim C Started Paxil for GAD in 1999 Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006 Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009 Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety Link to comment
LizzieTish Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 @ryuusei86 I'm praying for you. I hope your tapering goes smoothly. 💗🤗 Heal me, LORD, and I'll be healed. Save me and I'll be saved, for you are my heart's desire. — Jeremiah 17:14 Lexapro: 2002-2006 (dose unknown) Sertraline: 2006-April 2021 (50 mg/day) with exception of 2 failed discontinuation attempts in previous 5 years. April - Aug 2021 (25 mg/day [half tablet]). Experienced flu-like symptoms in April. Also experienced insomnia and rage/irritability, which eventually subsided. Sept 2021 - Jan 2022 (12.5 mg/day [quarter tablet]). Feb 1-12, 2022 (~10 mg/day). Experienced depression and new onset acute anxiety. Discovered SA.org and realized I was tapering too fast. Feb 13, 2022, dose increased back to 12.5 mg/day to mitigate symptoms. April 2022 (~10 mg/day; switched to liquid formulation). May 2022 (~9 mg/day). Jun-Jul 2022 (~8 mg/day). Aug 2022 (~7 mg/day). Oct 2022 (~6.5 mg/day). Nov 2022 (~6 mg/day). Dec 2022 (~5 mg/day). Holding dose for at least 2-3 months due to crying spells and poor appetite/weight loss. Began taking Mg and fish oil supplements. March 17, 2023 - increased dose to 6 mg/day. Feeling better. May 17, 2023 - decreased dose to 5.5 mg/day. July 22, 2023 - still haven't stabilized. Experiencing excruciating and unrelenting suffering. July 28, 2023 - increased dose to 6/6.5 mg/day August 2, 2023 - increased dose to 7 mg/day due to persistent dread and panic attacks. October 2023 - increased dose to 10 mg/day. January 2024 - Still feel bad despite 10 mg/day dose. Link to comment
Joanette Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Prayers to everyone🙏I need prayers also for someone to help me personally get off these horrible poison named antidepressants. im new and not sure how to navigate in this group. I met someone very nice the other day to help find my signature. Don’t know all these names Didn’t know what a signature page meant? 2003: Prozac (I think I was on this and Maybe something else)2021:cymbalta 30mg,escitalopram,10mg hydroxyzine 25mg,zolpidem 5mg,trazadone 50mg,quetiapine 25mg,mirtazapine 7.5 mg,irbesartan 300 mg,gabapentin 100mg,2022:paroxetine 10mg,2023: duloxetine 20,30,60mg,trazodone 50,100mg,quetiapine/mg25mg,supplements:cod liveroil,zeolite,d3k2 150mg turmeric 300mgprobiotic,iodine,lithium orotate,d3 2000 units,Thorne niacinamide 50mg,coenzyme b complex,chelated magnesium,cod liver oil 1 tsp,butter oil 1 tsp/day Currently as of 9/12/23 I am taking the supplements I listed. Cymbalta 60mg in am trazodone 100 mg/hydrozyzine 25mg at pm Link to comment
ryuusei86 Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 @Joanette I just prayed for you that God would lead you on your journey to find health, and that He would bring helpful people alongside you in this journey. As always I appreciate everyone else's prayers too. I am on so many meds that I'm overwhelmed. But I am grateful to God for leading me to new friends on this forum. 2012 Zoloft 100 mg, Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 1 mg Lunesta instead), 2015 add Seroquel 100 mg 2019 Change to Paxil 20 mg and Geodon 60 mg due to weight gain, stayed on Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 2 mg Lunesta instead) 9/22 Trazodone pooped out, switched to Seroquel ER 150 mg 10/22 hospitalized for 9 days, switched to Luvox 100 mg, Latuda 40 mg (2x20 mg per day), and Lunesta 3 mg On release from hospital, switched Lunesta back to Seroquel ER 150 mg over fear of getting addicted to Lunesta 10/22 to 12/22 gradually increased Seroquel ER 150 mg to 350 mg, strangely did not gain weight, in fact lost appetite completely 12/22 added Lunesta 3 mg back in due to trouble sleeping 6/23 tapered Seroquel ER quickly from 350 mg to 150 mg 7/23 added Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, also tried unsuccessfully and too quickly (on doctor's orders) to taper Luvox and Seroquel 7/23 discovered that 75 mg Seroquel ER is the minimum dose required for me to sleep, stayed on 75 mg since then 20 Sep 2023 Switched from Wellbutrin XL to Wellbutrin IR 150 mg (2x75) Currently tapering Wellbutrin 6 Oct 2023 131 mg Link to comment
modelarz71 Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Before AD, for 7 years when I had my so-called depression, I functioned well, maybe I avoided certain things, but I lived normally. In the evenings I prayed the rosary and I needed it. i loved the evenings. AD took everything from me when they activated me I didn't need quiet evenings and in WD I forgot about prayer. Maybe someone will pray for me for a while. I remember the priest saying that every day of suffering may be sacrificed for someone and that's what I did sometimes in my mind before AD, At that time I did not know the suffering of WD, because in this suffering there is tgought the artificial drugs that I put myself in my mouth led to this. 2022 escitalopram from July 25 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg August-December- 7.5 mg, 5 mg, (1 month) 2.5 mg - C/T WD 2023 Short reinstatement from WD date: escitalopram May 25-June 12 5 mg, 2.5 mg plus interrupted Reinstatement 24 07.23 0.5mg escitalopram, 18.08.23 0.22 escitalopram, 07.09. 0.28 Now 0.30 mg escitalopram Last year 6 months on escitalopram, I was very agitated, hypomaniacal and with little need for sleep. Since July 2023 reinstated and reduced from 0.50 mg to 0.30 mg Lexapro - difficulty sleeping and lack of sleep, eye pain and IBS. Anhedonia. November 2023 - 0mg Link to comment
gigi63 Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Hello. My name is Gigi. I just read your note. I am and will pray for you. We are in a suffering situation and a very deep trial. Our Lord will carry you. I your sister will pray for you. For all of us. I believe you are Polish? I am American polish. I can see by your tag at the bottom of your note explaining your AD history. Bóg cię kocha 1 Link to comment
KoiGaya Posted September 1, 2023 Share Posted September 1, 2023 I was raised Catholic but after leaving the family home 10 years ago for college, it's been hard to keep my faith alive and well. One day, I picked up my rosary, and started praying, but I felt like a complete fraud. I've been trying to reconnecting to God, but the anxious thoughts make me feel like I don't deserve any of His blessings. 1 April 2021 - September 2021 Escitalopram, 5mg September 2021 - July 2023 Escitalopram, 10mg July 2023 - Now Escitalopram, 5mg (based on the discussion with my psychiatrist, and before I found out about this forum and the recommended tapering %) Supplements : Omega-3, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Chaste Tree (for PMS) Link to comment
ryuusei86 Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 I know what you mean about feeling like a fraud. I too struggle with not feeling like I deserve any of God's blessings. But God promises in James 4:8 that He will draw near to us if we draw near to Him, and in John 6:37 that whoever comes to Jesus He will never cast out. And He loves us so much that He promises in both Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (I had to look up all these references as I don't have them memorized.) So cast yourself on the Lord, and ask for His mercy. Go to Jesus and He will never cast you out. I have trouble remembering these things too, but I ask God to help me rely on Him every day. And I ask Him that He will help me to love Him more today than I did yesterday. I have prayed for you, KoiGaya, that God will draw near to you and remind you of how much He loves you. I appreciate everyone's prayers too as I am on a great many medications and overwhelmed at the task before me. Yet I know that God has brought me here, and He will lead me where He wants me to go. 2 2012 Zoloft 100 mg, Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 1 mg Lunesta instead), 2015 add Seroquel 100 mg 2019 Change to Paxil 20 mg and Geodon 60 mg due to weight gain, stayed on Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 2 mg Lunesta instead) 9/22 Trazodone pooped out, switched to Seroquel ER 150 mg 10/22 hospitalized for 9 days, switched to Luvox 100 mg, Latuda 40 mg (2x20 mg per day), and Lunesta 3 mg On release from hospital, switched Lunesta back to Seroquel ER 150 mg over fear of getting addicted to Lunesta 10/22 to 12/22 gradually increased Seroquel ER 150 mg to 350 mg, strangely did not gain weight, in fact lost appetite completely 12/22 added Lunesta 3 mg back in due to trouble sleeping 6/23 tapered Seroquel ER quickly from 350 mg to 150 mg 7/23 added Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, also tried unsuccessfully and too quickly (on doctor's orders) to taper Luvox and Seroquel 7/23 discovered that 75 mg Seroquel ER is the minimum dose required for me to sleep, stayed on 75 mg since then 20 Sep 2023 Switched from Wellbutrin XL to Wellbutrin IR 150 mg (2x75) Currently tapering Wellbutrin 6 Oct 2023 131 mg Link to comment
eje91 Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 @KoiGaya Have you ever been born again? There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and being raised going to a church meeting, and actually knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I was born again at the age of 5 years old. But I am still learning more about how to follow Christ better and obey Him. We all are born sinners, and need to repent of our sins and ask Jesus Christ to forgive us and turn to Him as Savior and Lord. Even though I grew up in a Christian family, that did not automatically make me a Christian. I will be praying for you. I would suggest reading the book of John for more answers. If you have any questions, feel free to message me! July 2008. 1st Psychotic episode. April 2016. 2nd Psychotic episode. August 2018. 3rd Psychotic episode. Hospitalized. Fall of 2018. Started Risperadone after the hospital. April 2019. Stopped Risperadone and replaced it with Abilify. I forget the dosage. 1st try tapering off Abilify, (Fall 2020) got down to liquid Abilify (maybe .25mg or lower, I forget exact dosage) and almost went back into psychosis. Reinstated Abilify to stop psychosis. 2nd try tapering off Abilify (2021) Failed. But did not go into psychosis this time. Reinstated Abilify at high dose. 3rd try tapering off Abilify (2022) Went into psychosis June 2022. Self harm, hallucinations. Hospitalized after almost 4 years hospital free! 10 mg Abilify (morning) and 15 mg Abilify (night) in June 2022 at hospital. 4th try tapering off Abilify: September 2022. back down to 5mg. Abilify. January 2023: down to 4mg. Abilify. March 2023: down to 3mg. Abilify July 2023: went back up to 4 mg Abilify. Link to comment
eje91 Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 I would like to request prayer. Does anyone else seem to have more trouble falling asleep in the summer, when it is hot outside? I have been sleeping fine, but I feel that my quality of sleep is not as good as it could be. I stopped taking Magnesium about a month ago, maybe that is a reason. Thank you! I had a minor setback in July where I had to increase my dose from 3mg. to 4mg. of Abilify. I was thinking I had akathisia again, but after talking to my psychiatrist I realized I did not have it, just some boredom at work. Praise the Lord! I was sad to have to increase my dose, but I am hopeful to decrease it again after a trip. I am about to start studying 1 Peter with the saints at my church meeting. Exciting! It's a great book. Please pray that I can get high quality sleep at night. Thank you. July 2008. 1st Psychotic episode. April 2016. 2nd Psychotic episode. August 2018. 3rd Psychotic episode. Hospitalized. Fall of 2018. Started Risperadone after the hospital. April 2019. Stopped Risperadone and replaced it with Abilify. I forget the dosage. 1st try tapering off Abilify, (Fall 2020) got down to liquid Abilify (maybe .25mg or lower, I forget exact dosage) and almost went back into psychosis. Reinstated Abilify to stop psychosis. 2nd try tapering off Abilify (2021) Failed. But did not go into psychosis this time. Reinstated Abilify at high dose. 3rd try tapering off Abilify (2022) Went into psychosis June 2022. Self harm, hallucinations. Hospitalized after almost 4 years hospital free! 10 mg Abilify (morning) and 15 mg Abilify (night) in June 2022 at hospital. 4th try tapering off Abilify: September 2022. back down to 5mg. Abilify. January 2023: down to 4mg. Abilify. March 2023: down to 3mg. Abilify July 2023: went back up to 4 mg Abilify. Link to comment
ryuusei86 Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 I have prayed for your sleep quality and for your Abilify taper. I can relate to the sleep problems since I have a phobia of insomnia in spite of being on both Seroquel and Lunesta for 9 months. I am trying to trust God with my sleep, but the fear is unfortunately very strong. 2012 Zoloft 100 mg, Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 1 mg Lunesta instead), 2015 add Seroquel 100 mg 2019 Change to Paxil 20 mg and Geodon 60 mg due to weight gain, stayed on Trazodone 100 mg (1-2x per week use 2 mg Lunesta instead) 9/22 Trazodone pooped out, switched to Seroquel ER 150 mg 10/22 hospitalized for 9 days, switched to Luvox 100 mg, Latuda 40 mg (2x20 mg per day), and Lunesta 3 mg On release from hospital, switched Lunesta back to Seroquel ER 150 mg over fear of getting addicted to Lunesta 10/22 to 12/22 gradually increased Seroquel ER 150 mg to 350 mg, strangely did not gain weight, in fact lost appetite completely 12/22 added Lunesta 3 mg back in due to trouble sleeping 6/23 tapered Seroquel ER quickly from 350 mg to 150 mg 7/23 added Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, also tried unsuccessfully and too quickly (on doctor's orders) to taper Luvox and Seroquel 7/23 discovered that 75 mg Seroquel ER is the minimum dose required for me to sleep, stayed on 75 mg since then 20 Sep 2023 Switched from Wellbutrin XL to Wellbutrin IR 150 mg (2x75) Currently tapering Wellbutrin 6 Oct 2023 131 mg Link to comment
ChristopherC Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 Hello everyone. I came here 3 months ago having terrible Fluoxetine WD that has now gotten severe. I am trying to reinstate but not having success (Alto is on it + others I trust). I just wanted to see if 1) I can add myself to any prayer group but also 2) know who I can pray for each day? My faith in God is all I have and I trust/believe in him + have surrendered to his will on this as I am fighting like I have never had to fight the pure torture of AD WD. I do believe when we suffer, our prayers for others are strongest as we are being selfless & trusting in him along with his ability to heal & bring good out of bad. Being Catholic, I have had saints always as a part of my spiritual journey. This is St. Therese who a saint of mental healing. A priest who I love & trust suggested "tweaking" some of language and I wanted to share with everyone here that we can say for all of us. Here is more about her https://www.littleflower.org/st-therese/ along with daily prayers to her for your own healing: St. Therese and Mental Healing Jesus, our brother, we need Your healing touch. There are areas of our mind that are wounded; that are now plagued with fear, depression, anxiety, and so many other symptoms; that are crippled due to damage by medication; from that we expect disaster and defeat. We have limitation to our vision, sense, and wisdom; others cannot touch or minister to us; a need to have the mental control of understanding, which escapes us; a brain which does not balance or operate as God intended. We are so ill we no longer can laugh or find any pleasure in life but rather fear and torture. Heal us, our minds, and bring us peace amid this storm which rocks our mental stability and our lives. Calm us to carry the crosses You send us to refine and draw us closer. Heal us of our self-reliance so that we can be more dependent on Your love and presence, deep within and around us. We ask You this, through the intercession of St. Therese, who teaches us confidence and trust in Your love. 2023 Moved to .5mg in 8/2023 2023 Moved to 1.5mg in 7/2023 2023 Moved to 2.5mg in 7/2023 2023 Reinstated Fluoextine 5.0mg in 7/2023 to stabilize 2023 Stopped Fluoextine after .1mg in 1/2023; Significant w/d symptoms started 6-8mths of last dose 2021-2023 Tapered off Fluoextine starting at 5.0mg (cuts averaged around 40%) 2018 Switched to Fluoextine 5.0mg 2016 Started Effexor 18mg (Dr. advice to offset Ativan w/d). Effexor eventually "pooped out" 2016-2017 Ativan stopped cold turkey after using for 3mths; Severe w/d symptoms for 9mth 2015 Started .625 Amitripyline for GI condition (still on this) 2012-13 Quit Effexor 37.5mg (cuts averaged 20%...tried a two week taper at first that was hell); No w/d symptoms & quit in 2013 with zero problems 2002 Started Effexor 37.5mg for ADD (Dr. switched from Ritalin for ADHD) Link to comment
Joanette Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 Beautiful prayers 🙏 Has anyone know or heard of Dr. Neil Nedley? He is known for specializing in anxiety and depression and has a retreat in California. Thanks to all who are trying to help us through these severely hard times 🙏 2003: Prozac (I think I was on this and Maybe something else)2021:cymbalta 30mg,escitalopram,10mg hydroxyzine 25mg,zolpidem 5mg,trazadone 50mg,quetiapine 25mg,mirtazapine 7.5 mg,irbesartan 300 mg,gabapentin 100mg,2022:paroxetine 10mg,2023: duloxetine 20,30,60mg,trazodone 50,100mg,quetiapine/mg25mg,supplements:cod liveroil,zeolite,d3k2 150mg turmeric 300mgprobiotic,iodine,lithium orotate,d3 2000 units,Thorne niacinamide 50mg,coenzyme b complex,chelated magnesium,cod liver oil 1 tsp,butter oil 1 tsp/day Currently as of 9/12/23 I am taking the supplements I listed. Cymbalta 60mg in am trazodone 100 mg/hydrozyzine 25mg at pm Link to comment
ChristopherC Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 On 1/6/2015 at 9:28 PM, chicken said: Please keep me and my mom in your prayers through our taper. My mom started her taper of trazadone tonight. Prayers sent On 1/5/2015 at 2:21 PM, Wildflower0214 said: Father, Please help your daughter. She is filled with fear and worry about her suffering, about its meaning, anbout what the future holds. Please fill her with peace. Please give her the strength to turn to You in her moments of panic. Bring her rest, bring her comfort, bring her restoration. In the name of Your Son, Amen. Prayers sent 2023 Moved to .5mg in 8/2023 2023 Moved to 1.5mg in 7/2023 2023 Moved to 2.5mg in 7/2023 2023 Reinstated Fluoextine 5.0mg in 7/2023 to stabilize 2023 Stopped Fluoextine after .1mg in 1/2023; Significant w/d symptoms started 6-8mths of last dose 2021-2023 Tapered off Fluoextine starting at 5.0mg (cuts averaged around 40%) 2018 Switched to Fluoextine 5.0mg 2016 Started Effexor 18mg (Dr. advice to offset Ativan w/d). Effexor eventually "pooped out" 2016-2017 Ativan stopped cold turkey after using for 3mths; Severe w/d symptoms for 9mth 2015 Started .625 Amitripyline for GI condition (still on this) 2012-13 Quit Effexor 37.5mg (cuts averaged 20%...tried a two week taper at first that was hell); No w/d symptoms & quit in 2013 with zero problems 2002 Started Effexor 37.5mg for ADD (Dr. switched from Ritalin for ADHD) Link to comment
Mark840 Posted September 12, 2023 Share Posted September 12, 2023 Previously, I compalined of sleep issue. I would wake up about 2 or 3 am. I suspect the mirtazapine drug taken at night could be the culprit that is disruptting my sleep after reading this site: https://www.meded101.com/mirtazapine-for-insomnia-are-you-using-it-correctly Quote If the patient is taking mirtazapine doses of 30-45mg/day and is experiencing insomnia, the medication should be taken in the morning to allow for activating noradrenergic effects to decrease by bedtime. So, I tried taking in the morning since 2 Sep and I would wake up about 5 or 6 am. This is great after almost a year of poor sleep. I thank everyone for your prayers and I thank God for this big improvement in my life. I expect to sleep well tonight and the coming days. So far, taking mirtazapine in the morning doesn't' disrupt my mood (at least nothing has trigerred or that I am aware of) except the first few days of drowsiness. Strange drug which aids is suppoosed to aid sleep but can disrupts my sleep instead. Praise God! Sep-Dec '12: Cymbalta (60mg), Zyprexa (1.25 mg), Lexappo (5 mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg); Dec '12-Apr '13: Lithium Carbonate Tab (150mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg), Rivotril (1mg); May '13-Feb '15: no record; Mar '15-Aug '21: Cymbalta (60mg), Seroquel XR (50mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg); Jul-Sep '21: switched from private to government psychiatrist who changed my drugs to Cymbalta (60mg), Quentiapine (50mg)(IR); however, Quentiapine (50mg)(IR) led me to poor sleep; Oct '21: Due to poor sleep, I requested Cymbalta (60mg), Olanzapine (2.5mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg, when needed) Critial Stage: Nov '21-Jan '22: ceased drugs voluntarily in Nov '21. No major issue until a remark triggered my anger. Anger was intense and lasted for weeks. End of Jan-Feb '22: Doctor reinstated me with Cymbalta (30mg) only on 29 Jan '22. However; without Olanzapine (2.5mg), it resulted in poor sleep; End of Feb-Jun '22: after too much poor sleep, doctor replaced Cymbalta (30 mg) with Remeron (15 mg); Jul '22: attempted to tapper off slowly by 10% of last dose. It resulted in weird dreams and poor sleep; Aug-17 Nov '22: Resumed 15 mg dose. My sleep restored and no more weird dreams; 17 Nov-11 Dec '22: Started to wake up after 2-4 hours of sleep, suspected I built tolerance to the drug's effect; 12 Dec '22-May 23: 3-6 hous of sleep, partly due to work stress; Jun-Aug '23: 3.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep; Sep '23-present: take mirtazapine in morning and it resolves my insomnia. Link to comment
PrayingForRestoration Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 Please put me on the prayer list, too. I'm 3.5 years into this journey and my sleep went bad (again) many weeks ago. I'm battling on all fronts: physical, emotional and spiritual. I wake up early with much guilt and regret. I have a family but can do almost nothing. Does anybody else go through lonesome phases even when people are in the same house? For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 Celexa: 2002-2014, 20mg; 2014 0 mg (converted to Lexapro); Lexapro/Escitalopram: 2014 - 2020, 20mg; 01/01/2021, 0 mg; 05/11/2021, 20 mg; 06/20/2021, 15 mg; 07/20/2021, 10 mg; 08/20/2021, 5 mg; 10/01/2021, 4 mg; 0 mg;Zoloft/Sertraline: 06/01/2020, 50 mg; 08/10/2021, 0 mg;Amitriptyline: 07/10/2020, 20 mg; 07/14/2020, 0 mg;Trazodone: 07/14/2020, 50 mg; 08/06/2020, 0 mg;Temazapam: 08/10/2020, 15 mg; 08/11/2020, 0 mg;Seroquel/Quetiapine: 10/15/2020, 200 mg; 04/11/2021, 150 mg; 05/09/2021, 100 mg; 05/23/2021, 50 mg; 06/06/2021, 25 mg; 06/20/2021, 12.5 mg; 07/20/2021, 0 mg;Paxil/Paroxitine: 10/17/2020, 40 mg; 10/18/2020, 0 mg;Wellbutrin/Bupropion: 10/21/2020, 75 mg; 10/24/2020, 150 mg; 11/18/2020, 300 mg; 04/11/2021, 200 mg; 04/25/2021, 100 mg; 05/09/2021, 0 mg;Lithium: 12/02/2020, 300 mg; 12/15/2020, 600 mg; 12/28/2020, 900 mg; 01/27/2021, 600 mg; 02/10/2021, 300 mg; 02/24/2021, 150 mg; 03/10/21, 0 mg; Link to comment
gigi63 Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 Dear Praying for Restoration, ohhh how I understand. As most of us do. This is a very very difficult journey. Continue to seek our gracious Lord. He knows every cell and fiber of your being and the huge amount of work our bodies are going through to adjust to the necessary changes. He is with us and He will give us exactly what we need to endure and live in our current circumstances. Stay in the moments if now with great hope in Him and His word. yes, of course, I do feel so alone even with others around. There is no way to explain to others, or for them to comprehend our journey through this. I ask daily for His awesome grace to do in me each and every day in me, what is required to walk in victory through yet another day of protracted WD syndrome. And thus far He has been ever true and faithful. I will pray for you as I have been praying for all who suffer this and all afflictions. our best choice is to cling to our Savior. “ persevering cling to Jesus Christ, when and if you cannot rejoicingly hope at this time “. He is faithful. He will get us through this. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 2 Link to comment
jeffelmexicano Posted November 10, 2023 Share Posted November 10, 2023 Just pray people AND damage Will go away ! Amén ! 2021 - Seroquel 250mg and lorazepam 4,75 mg i was tapering 12,5 mg every 3 weeks and I was fine start tapering 2022 November or December I can remember now im on 187,5 mg Seroquel on hold on January on 187,5mg of Seroquel I skipped a dose of lorazepam of my 3 intakes and enter into wd. im on hold of both meds my dose of lorazepam is still on 4,75mg 03.7.23 Holding both doses May 25, 2023 - lorazepam reduced from 1,34 MG to 1,20 MG at night (total lorazepam: 1.25 morning, 1.25 afternoon, 1.20 mg evening = 3.7 mg), Seroquel still at 187.5 mg June 23 2023 down seroquel to 151 ,8 MG July 7 136 mg seroquel -july28 123 MG seroquel Hold on all meds Down from 1,25 MG to 1,20 MG lorazepam 8 am dose _8.22.23 _ Hold both meds very unstable currently 1,20 MG am 1,25 MG 2 PM 1,20 MG 8 PM 123 MG seroquel 10 pm_ total lorazepam 3,65 MG Link to comment
Chlo Posted November 11, 2023 Share Posted November 11, 2023 6 hours ago, jeffelmexicano said: Just pray people AND damage Will go away ! Amén ! Lifting you up in prayer right now @jeffelmexicano Chlo❤ •Celexa 40mg 1999-2021•COVID August 2021•Celexa stopped working•Zoloft 100mg Sept21'-Oct21'•Zoloft did not work •Lexapro 10mg Oct21'-Nov21' •Lexapro did not work •Lexapro 5mg Nov21'-1/17/22 switched to Lexapro liquid form 5mg 1/18/22•4.75mg 1/19•4.5mg 1/25•4.25mg 2/1•4.0mg 2/8 •3.75mg 3/28•3.5mg 5/23 •3.25mg 5/30•3.0mg 6/19 •2.75mg 6/26•2.50mg 7/10•2.45mg 7/18•2.40mg 7/25•2.35mg 8/1•2.33mg 8/26•2.27mg 9/15•2.21mg 9/23•2.16mg 9/30•2.10mg 10/14•2.04mg 10/24•1.99mg 11/18•1.95mg 1/02/23•1.90mg 1/09•1.80mg 1/27•1.75mg 2/21•1.70mg 3/6•1.65mg3/14•1.60mg 4/07•1.52mg 4/30•1.48mg 5/07•1.40mg 6/08•1.36mg 6/17•1.32mg 6/27•1.28mg 7/17•1.20mg 8/18•1.15mg 9/13•1.12mg 10/15•1.06mg 1/20/24•1.02mg 2/16•1mg 2/27•.98mg 3/02•.96mg3/20•D3•C• •Magnesium Glycinate Zinc•Omega3•Probiotic •Mirtazapine 15mg I don't know much, but 3 things I do. There is a God. His word is true. Stay close to Him and He will bring you through. Amen🙏 Link to comment
Mark840 Posted November 20, 2023 Share Posted November 20, 2023 @PrayingForRestoration I used to wake up with an unknown fear in the middle of night. I tried to sleep again as the urge to sleep was there. But there the fear/anxiety kept me awake from falling asleep. I felt restless and sleepy at the same time. It was an awful experience. I pray God will keep you calm, give you emotional support, and bless your days. Hang in there. Prayer is one of the ways we must always do to thrive. I pray we all would recover soon. Amen. 2 Sep-Dec '12: Cymbalta (60mg), Zyprexa (1.25 mg), Lexappo (5 mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg); Dec '12-Apr '13: Lithium Carbonate Tab (150mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg), Rivotril (1mg); May '13-Feb '15: no record; Mar '15-Aug '21: Cymbalta (60mg), Seroquel XR (50mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg); Jul-Sep '21: switched from private to government psychiatrist who changed my drugs to Cymbalta (60mg), Quentiapine (50mg)(IR); however, Quentiapine (50mg)(IR) led me to poor sleep; Oct '21: Due to poor sleep, I requested Cymbalta (60mg), Olanzapine (2.5mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg, when needed) Critial Stage: Nov '21-Jan '22: ceased drugs voluntarily in Nov '21. No major issue until a remark triggered my anger. Anger was intense and lasted for weeks. End of Jan-Feb '22: Doctor reinstated me with Cymbalta (30mg) only on 29 Jan '22. However; without Olanzapine (2.5mg), it resulted in poor sleep; End of Feb-Jun '22: after too much poor sleep, doctor replaced Cymbalta (30 mg) with Remeron (15 mg); Jul '22: attempted to tapper off slowly by 10% of last dose. It resulted in weird dreams and poor sleep; Aug-17 Nov '22: Resumed 15 mg dose. My sleep restored and no more weird dreams; 17 Nov-11 Dec '22: Started to wake up after 2-4 hours of sleep, suspected I built tolerance to the drug's effect; 12 Dec '22-May 23: 3-6 hous of sleep, partly due to work stress; Jun-Aug '23: 3.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep; Sep '23-present: take mirtazapine in morning and it resolves my insomnia. Link to comment
Mark840 Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 Prayer for everyone feeling troubled to continue staying strong in the new year: Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 3 Sep-Dec '12: Cymbalta (60mg), Zyprexa (1.25 mg), Lexappo (5 mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg); Dec '12-Apr '13: Lithium Carbonate Tab (150mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg), Rivotril (1mg); May '13-Feb '15: no record; Mar '15-Aug '21: Cymbalta (60mg), Seroquel XR (50mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg); Jul-Sep '21: switched from private to government psychiatrist who changed my drugs to Cymbalta (60mg), Quentiapine (50mg)(IR); however, Quentiapine (50mg)(IR) led me to poor sleep; Oct '21: Due to poor sleep, I requested Cymbalta (60mg), Olanzapine (2.5mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg, when needed) Critial Stage: Nov '21-Jan '22: ceased drugs voluntarily in Nov '21. No major issue until a remark triggered my anger. Anger was intense and lasted for weeks. End of Jan-Feb '22: Doctor reinstated me with Cymbalta (30mg) only on 29 Jan '22. However; without Olanzapine (2.5mg), it resulted in poor sleep; End of Feb-Jun '22: after too much poor sleep, doctor replaced Cymbalta (30 mg) with Remeron (15 mg); Jul '22: attempted to tapper off slowly by 10% of last dose. It resulted in weird dreams and poor sleep; Aug-17 Nov '22: Resumed 15 mg dose. My sleep restored and no more weird dreams; 17 Nov-11 Dec '22: Started to wake up after 2-4 hours of sleep, suspected I built tolerance to the drug's effect; 12 Dec '22-May 23: 3-6 hous of sleep, partly due to work stress; Jun-Aug '23: 3.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep; Sep '23-present: take mirtazapine in morning and it resolves my insomnia. Link to comment
Bailey Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 Thank you @Mark840. I'm in desperate shape. I need hope. 1996 Effexor XR 1996-2012 Prozac and Klonipin 2012: physician took me off Prozac rapidly. Severe (unrecognized) withdrawal. Went inpatient and was poly-drugged -- rapid changes of SSRIs, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. 2012 Paxil 40mg 2012 Xanax XR 6mg 2019 Xanax XR .5mg (tapered down to this level since being prescribed in 2012) 2014-2022 Gabapentin (tapered down to zero from 1800mg) May 2023 HRT - estriol, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone. Dec. 8, 2023 - stopped progesterone pill (started having awful reactions); inconsistent with estrogen and testosterone combined cream in confusion of severe withdrawal symptoms. Dec. 14, 2023: Estrogen/testosterone cream: Back on about 1/4 amount I was taking previously of estrogen and testosterone cream (1.5 pumps out of 4 -- full amount seemed to ignite some kind of fire in my hyper sensitive state); did not resume progesterone (b/c of bad reactions after taking in WD) December 2022: Paxil 40 to 30mg (went OK); May 2023: Paxil 30 to 20 mg (went OK); Oct. 14, 2023: Paxil 15mg; Oct. 21, 2023: Paxil 10mg Nov. 9, 2023: tried reinstating to 20mg but reacted very badly (kindling?) November 18, 2023: 7.5ml (15mg equivalent) *switch to manufacturer's liquid, Novatium* Conventional psych doc switched me to 7.5ml liquid b/c tiny pills were splitting unevenly - further destabilization by both switching to liquid and changing dose at same time. November 2023 - present: *severe* withdrawal symptoms, akathisia Dec. 6 - manufacturer change on alprazolam er (further destabilization?). Normal mfr very difficult to find now. Jan 6 2024 - stopped coffee and all forms of caffeine. Eliminated dairy, processed foods, sugar. Gluten intolerant so no gluten. Low fodmap diet for gut issues, daily leafy greens, a lot of protein to avoid blood sugar spikes after meals and also for akathisia. Feb 27 2024 - doc had me stop hormone cream. FDA-required formulation had changed and she was worried about my transition to something new. She also said that the estrogen/testosterone hormones are activating. I had already dropped a good bit in dose early in withdrawal (Dec 14 2023 above) b/c it got lost in the chaos of early withdrawal. March 2024 - doctor having me try propranolol for akathisia. First as needed starting around Mar 7 and then daily starting around Mar 23. (aka very bad in morning especially) Apr 2 2024 - stopped propranolol. Think it was interefering with sleep and causing other side effects. May keep on as prn. Link to comment
ChristopherC Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 A great daily devotional book on healing is Teresa Houghteling’s book “Set Your Sights: Change Your Focus, Receive Your Healing”. All about belief and faith in Gods healing…amazing book. Her book the “Unhealed Believer” is also awesome. God wants us well…Jesus healed all of us on the cross…Faith, Belief in his promises is what our job is…he can get us through this and heal us. 2 2023 Moved to .5mg in 8/2023 2023 Moved to 1.5mg in 7/2023 2023 Moved to 2.5mg in 7/2023 2023 Reinstated Fluoextine 5.0mg in 7/2023 to stabilize 2023 Stopped Fluoextine after .1mg in 1/2023; Significant w/d symptoms started 6-8mths of last dose 2021-2023 Tapered off Fluoextine starting at 5.0mg (cuts averaged around 40%) 2018 Switched to Fluoextine 5.0mg 2016 Started Effexor 18mg (Dr. advice to offset Ativan w/d). Effexor eventually "pooped out" 2016-2017 Ativan stopped cold turkey after using for 3mths; Severe w/d symptoms for 9mth 2015 Started .625 Amitripyline for GI condition (still on this) 2012-13 Quit Effexor 37.5mg (cuts averaged 20%...tried a two week taper at first that was hell); No w/d symptoms & quit in 2013 with zero problems 2002 Started Effexor 37.5mg for ADD (Dr. switched from Ritalin for ADHD) Link to comment
Chlo Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 8 hours ago, ChristopherC said: A great daily devotional book on healing is Teresa Houghteling’s book “Set Your Sights: Change Your Focus, Receive Your Healing”. All about belief and faith in Gods healing…amazing book. Her book the “Unhealed Believer” is also awesome. God wants us well…Jesus healed all of us on the cross…Faith, Belief in his promises is what our job is…he can get us through this and heal us. Thank you for this suggestion. I am not much of a reader, or Journaling. The most I read it with my Bible, and devotionals. I will give this a try though. I have bought Joice Meyers Battlefield of the Mind 8 months ago and still have yet to read it. I'm hanging on to his promises. God bless! Chlo❤ •Celexa 40mg 1999-2021•COVID August 2021•Celexa stopped working•Zoloft 100mg Sept21'-Oct21'•Zoloft did not work •Lexapro 10mg Oct21'-Nov21' •Lexapro did not work •Lexapro 5mg Nov21'-1/17/22 switched to Lexapro liquid form 5mg 1/18/22•4.75mg 1/19•4.5mg 1/25•4.25mg 2/1•4.0mg 2/8 •3.75mg 3/28•3.5mg 5/23 •3.25mg 5/30•3.0mg 6/19 •2.75mg 6/26•2.50mg 7/10•2.45mg 7/18•2.40mg 7/25•2.35mg 8/1•2.33mg 8/26•2.27mg 9/15•2.21mg 9/23•2.16mg 9/30•2.10mg 10/14•2.04mg 10/24•1.99mg 11/18•1.95mg 1/02/23•1.90mg 1/09•1.80mg 1/27•1.75mg 2/21•1.70mg 3/6•1.65mg3/14•1.60mg 4/07•1.52mg 4/30•1.48mg 5/07•1.40mg 6/08•1.36mg 6/17•1.32mg 6/27•1.28mg 7/17•1.20mg 8/18•1.15mg 9/13•1.12mg 10/15•1.06mg 1/20/24•1.02mg 2/16•1mg 2/27•.98mg 3/02•.96mg3/20•D3•C• •Magnesium Glycinate Zinc•Omega3•Probiotic •Mirtazapine 15mg I don't know much, but 3 things I do. There is a God. His word is true. Stay close to Him and He will bring you through. Amen🙏 Link to comment
Mark840 Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 @Bailey Dear Father, help Bailey in his situation. Give him strength, endurance, and wisdom in everything he does to get through the day. May he feel Your presence and comfort. Allow Bailey to feel calm and see You are with him that he can see hope. You have plans for our lives even before we were born. Let Bailey know Your plans for him and that You know his struggles. Guide him to Your joy. May Bailey find rest in You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 1 Sep-Dec '12: Cymbalta (60mg), Zyprexa (1.25 mg), Lexappo (5 mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg); Dec '12-Apr '13: Lithium Carbonate Tab (150mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg), Rivotril (1mg); May '13-Feb '15: no record; Mar '15-Aug '21: Cymbalta (60mg), Seroquel XR (50mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg); Jul-Sep '21: switched from private to government psychiatrist who changed my drugs to Cymbalta (60mg), Quentiapine (50mg)(IR); however, Quentiapine (50mg)(IR) led me to poor sleep; Oct '21: Due to poor sleep, I requested Cymbalta (60mg), Olanzapine (2.5mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg, when needed) Critial Stage: Nov '21-Jan '22: ceased drugs voluntarily in Nov '21. No major issue until a remark triggered my anger. Anger was intense and lasted for weeks. End of Jan-Feb '22: Doctor reinstated me with Cymbalta (30mg) only on 29 Jan '22. However; without Olanzapine (2.5mg), it resulted in poor sleep; End of Feb-Jun '22: after too much poor sleep, doctor replaced Cymbalta (30 mg) with Remeron (15 mg); Jul '22: attempted to tapper off slowly by 10% of last dose. It resulted in weird dreams and poor sleep; Aug-17 Nov '22: Resumed 15 mg dose. My sleep restored and no more weird dreams; 17 Nov-11 Dec '22: Started to wake up after 2-4 hours of sleep, suspected I built tolerance to the drug's effect; 12 Dec '22-May 23: 3-6 hous of sleep, partly due to work stress; Jun-Aug '23: 3.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep; Sep '23-present: take mirtazapine in morning and it resolves my insomnia. Link to comment
Bailey Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Thank you so much @Mark840. By the way, I'm a "she" but that doesn't really matter. One of those names that could go either way. I really appreciate the prayer. Again, thank you. 1 1996 Effexor XR 1996-2012 Prozac and Klonipin 2012: physician took me off Prozac rapidly. Severe (unrecognized) withdrawal. Went inpatient and was poly-drugged -- rapid changes of SSRIs, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. 2012 Paxil 40mg 2012 Xanax XR 6mg 2019 Xanax XR .5mg (tapered down to this level since being prescribed in 2012) 2014-2022 Gabapentin (tapered down to zero from 1800mg) May 2023 HRT - estriol, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone. Dec. 8, 2023 - stopped progesterone pill (started having awful reactions); inconsistent with estrogen and testosterone combined cream in confusion of severe withdrawal symptoms. Dec. 14, 2023: Estrogen/testosterone cream: Back on about 1/4 amount I was taking previously of estrogen and testosterone cream (1.5 pumps out of 4 -- full amount seemed to ignite some kind of fire in my hyper sensitive state); did not resume progesterone (b/c of bad reactions after taking in WD) December 2022: Paxil 40 to 30mg (went OK); May 2023: Paxil 30 to 20 mg (went OK); Oct. 14, 2023: Paxil 15mg; Oct. 21, 2023: Paxil 10mg Nov. 9, 2023: tried reinstating to 20mg but reacted very badly (kindling?) November 18, 2023: 7.5ml (15mg equivalent) *switch to manufacturer's liquid, Novatium* Conventional psych doc switched me to 7.5ml liquid b/c tiny pills were splitting unevenly - further destabilization by both switching to liquid and changing dose at same time. November 2023 - present: *severe* withdrawal symptoms, akathisia Dec. 6 - manufacturer change on alprazolam er (further destabilization?). Normal mfr very difficult to find now. Jan 6 2024 - stopped coffee and all forms of caffeine. Eliminated dairy, processed foods, sugar. Gluten intolerant so no gluten. Low fodmap diet for gut issues, daily leafy greens, a lot of protein to avoid blood sugar spikes after meals and also for akathisia. Feb 27 2024 - doc had me stop hormone cream. FDA-required formulation had changed and she was worried about my transition to something new. She also said that the estrogen/testosterone hormones are activating. I had already dropped a good bit in dose early in withdrawal (Dec 14 2023 above) b/c it got lost in the chaos of early withdrawal. March 2024 - doctor having me try propranolol for akathisia. First as needed starting around Mar 7 and then daily starting around Mar 23. (aka very bad in morning especially) Apr 2 2024 - stopped propranolol. Think it was interefering with sleep and causing other side effects. May keep on as prn. Link to comment
Mark840 Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 @BaileyOops! Sorry I mistook you as a male. Hope you were encouraged and are coping better. Hang in there. "God will make a way" when there seems to be no way. Perhaps that is a good worship song to encourage and sooth our pain for some. 1 Sep-Dec '12: Cymbalta (60mg), Zyprexa (1.25 mg), Lexappo (5 mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg); Dec '12-Apr '13: Lithium Carbonate Tab (150mg), Wellbutrin SR (150mg), Rivotril (1mg); May '13-Feb '15: no record; Mar '15-Aug '21: Cymbalta (60mg), Seroquel XR (50mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg); Jul-Sep '21: switched from private to government psychiatrist who changed my drugs to Cymbalta (60mg), Quentiapine (50mg)(IR); however, Quentiapine (50mg)(IR) led me to poor sleep; Oct '21: Due to poor sleep, I requested Cymbalta (60mg), Olanzapine (2.5mg), Rivotril Tab (0.5mg, when needed) Critial Stage: Nov '21-Jan '22: ceased drugs voluntarily in Nov '21. No major issue until a remark triggered my anger. Anger was intense and lasted for weeks. End of Jan-Feb '22: Doctor reinstated me with Cymbalta (30mg) only on 29 Jan '22. However; without Olanzapine (2.5mg), it resulted in poor sleep; End of Feb-Jun '22: after too much poor sleep, doctor replaced Cymbalta (30 mg) with Remeron (15 mg); Jul '22: attempted to tapper off slowly by 10% of last dose. It resulted in weird dreams and poor sleep; Aug-17 Nov '22: Resumed 15 mg dose. My sleep restored and no more weird dreams; 17 Nov-11 Dec '22: Started to wake up after 2-4 hours of sleep, suspected I built tolerance to the drug's effect; 12 Dec '22-May 23: 3-6 hous of sleep, partly due to work stress; Jun-Aug '23: 3.5 to 4.5 hours of sleep; Sep '23-present: take mirtazapine in morning and it resolves my insomnia. Link to comment
Administrator KenA Posted January 9 Administrator Share Posted January 9 Prayers for all still going through the healing process! 3 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment
Bailey Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 @KenA Thank you. I'm praying, too. 2 1996 Effexor XR 1996-2012 Prozac and Klonipin 2012: physician took me off Prozac rapidly. Severe (unrecognized) withdrawal. Went inpatient and was poly-drugged -- rapid changes of SSRIs, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. 2012 Paxil 40mg 2012 Xanax XR 6mg 2019 Xanax XR .5mg (tapered down to this level since being prescribed in 2012) 2014-2022 Gabapentin (tapered down to zero from 1800mg) May 2023 HRT - estriol, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone. Dec. 8, 2023 - stopped progesterone pill (started having awful reactions); inconsistent with estrogen and testosterone combined cream in confusion of severe withdrawal symptoms. Dec. 14, 2023: Estrogen/testosterone cream: Back on about 1/4 amount I was taking previously of estrogen and testosterone cream (1.5 pumps out of 4 -- full amount seemed to ignite some kind of fire in my hyper sensitive state); did not resume progesterone (b/c of bad reactions after taking in WD) December 2022: Paxil 40 to 30mg (went OK); May 2023: Paxil 30 to 20 mg (went OK); Oct. 14, 2023: Paxil 15mg; Oct. 21, 2023: Paxil 10mg Nov. 9, 2023: tried reinstating to 20mg but reacted very badly (kindling?) November 18, 2023: 7.5ml (15mg equivalent) *switch to manufacturer's liquid, Novatium* Conventional psych doc switched me to 7.5ml liquid b/c tiny pills were splitting unevenly - further destabilization by both switching to liquid and changing dose at same time. November 2023 - present: *severe* withdrawal symptoms, akathisia Dec. 6 - manufacturer change on alprazolam er (further destabilization?). Normal mfr very difficult to find now. Jan 6 2024 - stopped coffee and all forms of caffeine. Eliminated dairy, processed foods, sugar. Gluten intolerant so no gluten. Low fodmap diet for gut issues, daily leafy greens, a lot of protein to avoid blood sugar spikes after meals and also for akathisia. Feb 27 2024 - doc had me stop hormone cream. FDA-required formulation had changed and she was worried about my transition to something new. She also said that the estrogen/testosterone hormones are activating. I had already dropped a good bit in dose early in withdrawal (Dec 14 2023 above) b/c it got lost in the chaos of early withdrawal. March 2024 - doctor having me try propranolol for akathisia. First as needed starting around Mar 7 and then daily starting around Mar 23. (aka very bad in morning especially) Apr 2 2024 - stopped propranolol. Think it was interefering with sleep and causing other side effects. May keep on as prn. Link to comment
Chlo Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 56 minutes ago, KenA said: Prayers for all still going through the healing process! Thank you! This is so unbelievably hard, Ken. 1 Chlo❤ •Celexa 40mg 1999-2021•COVID August 2021•Celexa stopped working•Zoloft 100mg Sept21'-Oct21'•Zoloft did not work •Lexapro 10mg Oct21'-Nov21' •Lexapro did not work •Lexapro 5mg Nov21'-1/17/22 switched to Lexapro liquid form 5mg 1/18/22•4.75mg 1/19•4.5mg 1/25•4.25mg 2/1•4.0mg 2/8 •3.75mg 3/28•3.5mg 5/23 •3.25mg 5/30•3.0mg 6/19 •2.75mg 6/26•2.50mg 7/10•2.45mg 7/18•2.40mg 7/25•2.35mg 8/1•2.33mg 8/26•2.27mg 9/15•2.21mg 9/23•2.16mg 9/30•2.10mg 10/14•2.04mg 10/24•1.99mg 11/18•1.95mg 1/02/23•1.90mg 1/09•1.80mg 1/27•1.75mg 2/21•1.70mg 3/6•1.65mg3/14•1.60mg 4/07•1.52mg 4/30•1.48mg 5/07•1.40mg 6/08•1.36mg 6/17•1.32mg 6/27•1.28mg 7/17•1.20mg 8/18•1.15mg 9/13•1.12mg 10/15•1.06mg 1/20/24•1.02mg 2/16•1mg 2/27•.98mg 3/02•.96mg3/20•D3•C• •Magnesium Glycinate Zinc•Omega3•Probiotic •Mirtazapine 15mg I don't know much, but 3 things I do. There is a God. His word is true. Stay close to Him and He will bring you through. Amen🙏 Link to comment
Administrator KenA Posted January 9 Administrator Share Posted January 9 30 minutes ago, Chlo said: Thank you! This is so unbelievably hard, Ken. Hang in there Chlo. If He brings you to it, He will see you through it! 1 2010-2011 - Tramadol - Can't remember dosage 2011 - CT Quit Tramadol 2011-2019 - St Johns Wart - Started out at 3 Pills a day (300 MG) and increased to 6 per day over the years August 2019 - CT Quit St Johns (Told by Hospital Dr to Stop Taking due to increased BP) September 2019 - Citalopram 10mg - Approx 2 weeks - CT Quit September 2019 - October 2019 - Clonazepam .5mg - Approx 3 weeks - CT Quit Drug Free Since October 5th 2019 Link to comment
Recommended Posts