JayPea Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 I have been on ad's since about 1994. Paxil first then Celexa. About 7-8 years ago, I went up to 40 mgs of Celexa and it is time to come back down. I have multiple sclerosis in addition to depression and have not plans to come all the way off the drug, just back down to a lower level that is not blunting me. I am ready to take this VERY slowly since my nervous system is already taxed with MS. I am afraid of causing more damage and want to proceed ever so carefully. Thanks for being here neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted February 3, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 3, 2015 Hello JayPea , Welcome to the site. There is lots of information here that will be helpful , there's a whole section on tapering. Good attitude to want to go slow. Any specific questions you have can be posted here on your thread. Best wishes for your healing , Fresh 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg
Moderator Emeritus dalsaan Posted February 3, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 3, 2015 Hi JayPea Welcome to SA. Here is a thread on tapering Celexa http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2023-tips-for-tapering-off-celexa-citalopram/ As Fresh said, if you have any questions come back here to post them. This is your own personal thread to seek support and record your progress etc Dalsaan Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist. Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014. Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September. Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015. Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15). Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past. DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017 >My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan
LoveandLight Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 I wish you the best 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!
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted February 3, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 3, 2015 Hi Jaypea, welcome from me too. You might want to look at micro tapering so as not to upset things with the MS. It is tapering by smaller amounts so less shock to the nervous system. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2878-micro-taper-instead-of-10-or-5-decreases/ Celexa/citalopram is available in a liquid which is easier to taper, and you might find that you feel better and clearer as you get to a lower dose. The most important is the 3 KIS http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6632-the-rule-of-3kis-keep-it-simple-keep-it-slow-keep-it-stable/ It seems to be slow but even snails get where they want to be eventually. Let us know how it is going, any questions fire away. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
JayPea Posted February 6, 2015 Author Posted February 6, 2015 Day 5 slight headache and very nauseated. lots of fatigue I took a 2.5 hour nap today. neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
JayPea Posted February 7, 2015 Author Posted February 7, 2015 I am just 6 days into my celexa cutback and doing ok. I am a visual person and need to 'see' what is happening. I created a spreadsheet to track the gradual dose reduction. Understanding that there is no way that this can be it accurate, and is based on my assumptions only, it still serves as a nice guide and reassurance to my journey Knowing that celexa has a half life of 35 hours, I used 36 instead since it is an even number and works well with 24. I plotted out the half life over a 10 day period. And added up the cumulative dose. These results serve as a guide to show the gradual level reduction. I am 6 days in. That is 5 full 36 hour periods neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted February 7, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 7, 2015 Hello JayPea, I have merged the new thread you created with your introductory thread: there is one thread per person here so that it is easier to follow one's progress since everything is in one place. Whenever you want to post an update, just look for your thread and it will immediately move up on the board. I'm glad you are doing fine 6 days into the cut. And the spreadsheet you created sounds interesting. When I looked at you signature I couldn't see that you are tapering Celexa and that you started at 40 mg. It would be good to add that information too. Wishing you calm waters. 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.
JayPea Posted February 11, 2015 Author Posted February 11, 2015 240 hours/10 days in. Doing ok for the most part. For the first time, having MS might have its benefits. maybe some of the drugs I take for MS and seizures are helping to cushion this process. Mostly scared about delayed w/d s/e. I plan on keeping at this dose 37.5 thru the end of Feb and then going down 2.5 to 35 in March. neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
luv2knit Posted February 11, 2015 Posted February 11, 2015 Hi, JayPea. Thought I would stop by and lend my support. Thanks for stopping by my thread! Zoloft 100 mg. daily for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since Oct. 1994 / Synthroid 88 mcg. daily / Supplements: Neptune Krill Oil-1,000 mg. twice daily/Astaxanthin 10 mg. twice daily/Ubiquinol 100 mg. twice daily (These 3 have allowed me to discontinue (approved by doctor) bp meds I was on. Calcium Citrate 500 mg. daily/Vitamin D3 2,400 iu daily/K2 (MK7) 100 mcg daily (osteopenia and fam. hist. of severe osteoporosis). Stress B Complex (1/2 dose)/Quercetin (for allergies/asthma)/Magnesium (400 mg. oral glycinate and about 50 mg. magnesium chloride spray oil a day, divided throughout day). Tapered Zoloft about 6 wks. Totally off since the end of July (25-29, 2014). 3 wks. vertigo at end of taper, then 3-4 wks. OK, followed by withdrawal symptoms increasing in severity (nausea, gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, jitters, anxiety, agitation--jumping out of my skin--possible akathisia?) Seem to have paradoxical reactions to everything new, even Vitamin C. Severity of akathisia comes and goes, but is constant to some degree. Hard to leave house, and cannot be home alone. (Retired)
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted February 11, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 11, 2015 Glad it's going well for you JP, slow and steady will get you there in the end, there may be some slight symptoms but ride them and they will settle down. Don't make any further cuts if you feel any withdrawal symptoms, hold until they have settled. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
Administrator Altostrata Posted February 20, 2015 Administrator Posted February 20, 2015 Welcome, JayPea. You absolutely can control the amount of your decrease, with a liquid form of the drug. Celexa comes in a liquid. You could take part of your dosage as a tablet and part as a liquid, to make it more convenient. 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.
JayPea Posted February 21, 2015 Author Posted February 21, 2015 Thanks AltoS. I hope it comes in brand name sine I know I will be needing that over generic. neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted February 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 21, 2015 Hi JayPea , You might find it helpful to create a spreadsheet to track symptoms , indicating range and intensity. This is a good way to see your progress over several weeks / months. I'm really glad I had records of my process to help me remember afterwards. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg
JayPea Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 Hi JayPea , You might find it helpful to create a spreadsheet to track symptoms , indicating range and intensity. This is a good way to see your progress over several weeks / months. I'm really glad I had records of my process to help me remember afterwards. good idea thank you... Tuesday will be the next 'drop' day. Will drop from 37.5 to 35 neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
JayPea Posted February 24, 2015 Author Posted February 24, 2015 getting ready to drop to 35 tomorrow. Have a concern about today's dose. I think it's possible that I mistook a 2.5 for a .25. So instead of taking 37.5 I may have taken 40. Does that undo ALL THE PROGRESS that I made in the last 3 weeks, or do you think it'll be ok to drop to 35 tomorrow? I am trying to coordinate the drop with my weekly acupuncture and as it would happen, she is in this week and out next week. So it is either drop to 35 this week or 2 weeks from now. thoughts? neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted February 24, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 24, 2015 No, that is not a major setback, just go back to your usual dose tomorrow. We all making dosing mistakes at one time or another. It may be important for us to know what anti-seizure medicines you are on, in case you have symptoms. We consider those to be "psych drugs" too, since the prescribers treat them as such (off label, but in your case it might actually be an on label use). Yes, most anti-seizure meds, like lamotrigine & neurontin, etc., will be cushioning some of your withdrawal symptoms. I'm proud of you, that you are approaching this so carefully, so wisely! "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted February 24, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted February 24, 2015 even snails get where they want to be eventually. LOL, love this! Yay for snails! 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine 2016-2017 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down to 4.8mg 2018-2023 Feb 4.6mg slow taper down to 1.0mg 2024 Jan 0.9mg Mar 0.8mg May 0.7mg Aug 0.6mg Oct 0.5mg
JayPea Posted February 24, 2015 Author Posted February 24, 2015 even snails get where they want to be eventually. LOL, love this! Yay for snails! Yay for snails and turtles too! I am a turtle for sure. So I went ahead and dropped to 35 today. we will see. thanks everyone for your support. it is greatly appreciated. neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
JayPea Posted March 6, 2015 Author Posted March 6, 2015 SFSG (so far so good) my first drop was 40 to 37.5 on Feb1 and then 37.5 to 35 on Feb 24 holding at 35 now I think I am still in the saturation zone ,so it is going ok. Also my weekly acupuncture and monthly crania-sacral treatments are good support neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
JayPea Posted March 23, 2015 Author Posted March 23, 2015 quick update. Have been on 35 for a month and getting ready to drop to 32.5 One of the side effects at the 40 mg dose was that I couldn't cry. It'd well up in me and go back down. Today I watched an Upworthy video and I cried!! Yay!!!!! neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
JayPea Posted April 6, 2015 Author Posted April 6, 2015 March 24 dropped from 35 to 32.5 sfsg neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted April 12, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted April 12, 2015 Good to hear JayPea. Looks like the turtle might win this race. Please feel free to post here if you have any symptoms, physical or psychological. There's lots of wise and experienced people here who will be happy to support you. You don't have to be crazy to have symptoms (but it helps? no . . . wrong poster) I'm glad your anti-seizure is an older one. It still has some effects of concern, but until you complain - I won't explain. It's been around since 1908, I think the bugs are mostly ironed out on that one! And it should cushion your withdrawal somewhat. Again, I respect your patience and concern for being gentle with yourself. You're a rare turtle! "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!
JayPea Posted April 24, 2015 Author Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks for your kind words. Dilantin has resulted in excessive gum overgrowth and required many surgeries. In the past they were barbaric, but now it is a much simpler procedure with a laser. neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
JayPea Posted August 29, 2015 Author Posted August 29, 2015 Update. My withdrawal from 40 to 20 celexa can be deemed a success! Because of my fragile nervous system-seizures and MS, I took it very slowly, reducing only 2.5 mg each time. The second to last drop- from 25 to 22.5 was a full 10% and the final drop from 22.5 to 20 was 11.1%, but all the other drops were less than 10%. I attribute my success to 2 things, 1. the extremely slow taper, and 2, the fact that I am on other meds that may have helped soften the taper. The bigger challenge ahead, should I decide to do it, will be to withdraw from 20 to 0. That will require a lot of thought and is a big decision, given my situation. neurologically challenged Copaxone, Baclofen Oxybutynin and L.D.N. for multiple sclerosis and on Dilatin for seizure disorder Celexa 20 then 40 for at least 7 years Started first reduction in Jan 2015, but with generic- bad idea. Lasted 3 days Started again Feb 1 2015. Feb 1- 40 to 37.5 Feb 24- 37.5 to 35 March 24- 35 to 32.5 April 28- 32.5 to 30 June 9- 30 to 27.5 July 1- 27.5 to 25 July 27-25 to 22.5 Aug 18- 22.5 to 20
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 29, 2015 Administrator Posted August 29, 2015 Very good to hear, JP. Minimizing your drug burden is a worthy goal. 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.
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