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☼ Molder: Symptoms at 3 months off Wellbutrin


Molder

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This is my first time posting on here. It has been three months since I tapered off of Wellbutrin. I have been on antidepressants for ten years and I attempted to get off of them twice. The withdrawal the first time was not as bad as it has been this time. I wake up in terror, panic, and dreadful overwhelming fear. I have had suicidal thoughts for several months now. I have so much anger inside that it scares me. I have graphic visions of hurting myself or others. I would not act on these disturbing thoughts but Every minute of every day seems difficult to deal with. When I stopped the first time my health went into absolute chaos. I got the shingles. This time stopping my body has these awful muscle spasms I try to get intimate with my girlfriend and it hurts me afterwards. I'm pretty much going through hell and taking everyone in my life there too. I guess I'm just hoping that someone out there can give me advice or asure me that I'm not going crazy.

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Molder, hello.

 

I want to take a moment to welcome you to the site. I'm glad you found us. The disturbing symptoms you describe sound withdrawal-related.

 

Another community member alerted me to your post, now several days old. I am sorry we weren't able to officially welcome you sooner. I've moved your post here, to Introductions and Updates. Please use this thread as your place to ask questions, post updates, and journal your progress.

 

I'd like to request that you complete your signature at the bottom of your thread. Detailing your signature with your drug history, any supplement use, etc. helps establish a timeline that puts us in a better position to lend you support. Here is how to get that signature fillled out.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

The graphic visions of hurting self or others was one of the most potent and terrifying aspects of my withdrawal. I felt impulses to do things that were completely against my character and these terrorized me for some time. But... as I healed, they went away. They were a symptom that came and went. But I really needed to hang in there to see them go.

 

If you could provide some more information, that would be good.

 

Not sure if you saw our general post on withdrawal syndrome, but this is a good overview of what you may be experiencing.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/603-what-is-antidepressant-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

I am happy to hear you didn't cold turkey from Wellbutrin, but could you expand on how slowly (or not) you proceeded with the taper?

 

Welcome to the board, others will most certainly be along to say hi as well. And hope to hear more of your journey and concerns.

 

Hang in there.

 

Dave

 

P.S. If you don't like the title of your thread as I modified it for you, please let me know and I will further modify.

1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Molder , welcome to the site.   

You'll find lots of support , information and advice here from people who understand what you're going through , because we've all been through it too.

 

Best wishes ,  Fresh

 

p.s. you're not going crazy , promise

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

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Hello, I have the same symptoms like you (graphic vision to hurt yourself and others). I am sorry you have these. But in some way I felt so good that someone other also have such. That I am not alone. I hope that you are ok and that you feel already better.

05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free-

symptoms OCD

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Molder, I know Ten said you haven't Cold Turkey'd, but I read your post 3 times, and can't see anywhere where you came off gradually.

 

I saw 2 attempts to get off - and the last one, 3 months ago, you said "taper," but we are used to hearing Doctors say "taper," and what they do is too fast for your nervous system to adjust.

 

When you do you signature, please let us know how you came down - was it over weeks or months?  Or even days?  Some people come here and say they've tapered, and what they mean is they cut it in half one day, and then a week later went off it entirely.  Thees are scary tapers, and many people in here have done them.

 

Your symptoms sound - sadly - typical.  What is antidepressant withdrawal syndrome?

 

And, you seem most concerned about this one:  Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction PSSD

 

You may be helped by Omega-3 fish oil and Magnesium, as they help your brain to rebalance and regenerate.

 

I'm sorry to hear you are having a rough time.  Hopefully, your time here in SA will help you find the solutions to help.

"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!

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Molder, hello.

 

I want to take a moment to welcome you to the site. I'm glad you found us. The disturbing symptoms you describe sound withdrawal-related.

 

Another community member alerted me to your post, now several days old. I am sorry we weren't able to officially welcome you sooner. I've moved your post here, to Introductions and Updates. Please use this thread as your place to ask questions, post updates, and journal your progress.

 

I'd like to request that you complete your signature at the bottom of your thread. Detailing your signature with your drug history, any supplement use, etc. helps establish a timeline that puts us in a better position to lend you support. Here is how to get that signature fillled out.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

The graphic visions of hurting self or others was one of the most potent and terrifying aspects of my withdrawal. I felt impulses to do things that were completely against my character and these terrorized me for some time. But... as I healed, they went away. They were a symptom that came and went. But I really needed to hang in there to see them go.

 

If you could provide some more information, that would be good.

 

Not sure if you saw our general post on withdrawal syndrome, but this is a good overview of what you may be experiencing.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/603-what-is-antidepressant-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

I am happy to hear you didn't cold turkey from Wellbutrin, but could you expand on how slowly (or not) you proceeded with the taper?

 

Welcome to the board, others will most certainly be along to say hi as well. And hope to hear more of your journey and concerns.

 

Hang in there.

 

Dave

 

P.S. If you don't like the title of your thread as I modified it for you, please let me know and I will further modify.

Hi Dave,

 

Thank you for the message. I did stop taking Wellbutrin in 2013 cold turkey after being on it for a month or so. I got back on it in 2014 a year later and I have been a wreck ever since. I am not sure if I had a reaction to it or am just experiencing withdrawal. I actually switched meds multiple times as you can see in my signature because they did not seem to be very effective once aia reinstated after stopping the Wellbutrin in 2013.

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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Hey Molder, I know Ten said you haven't Cold Turkey'd, but I read your post 3 times, and can't see anywhere where you came off gradually.

 

I saw 2 attempts to get off - and the last one, 3 months ago, you said "taper," but we are used to hearing Doctors say "taper," and what they do is too fast for your nervous system to adjust.

 

When you do you signature, please let us know how you came down - was it over weeks or months?  Or even days?  Some people come here and say they've tapered, and what they mean is they cut it in half one day, and then a week later went off it entirely.  Thees are scary tapers, and many people in here have done them.

 

Your symptoms sound - sadly - typical.  What is antidepressant withdrawal syndrome?

 

And, you seem most concerned about this one:  Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction PSSD

 

You may be helped by Omega-3 fish oil and Magnesium, as they help your brain to rebalance and regenerate.

 

I'm sorry to hear you are having a rough time.  Hopefully, your time here in SA will help you find the solutions to help.

Hi Jan Carol,

 

 

Thanks for your message. I got off of Wellbutrin in 2013. I took it for a month and quit cold turkey. I took it again a year later and it made me insane. So I weaned off it in 6 weeks after being on it for a little over a month. When I went through withdrawal after quitting cold turkey before it was not as bad as it has been this time after weaning off of it. You can take a look at my signature.

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

Link to comment

 

Hey Molder, I know Ten said you haven't Cold Turkey'd, but I read your post 3 times, and can't see anywhere where you came off gradually.

 

I saw 2 attempts to get off - and the last one, 3 months ago, you said "taper," but we are used to hearing Doctors say "taper," and what they do is too fast for your nervous system to adjust.

 

When you do you signature, please let us know how you came down - was it over weeks or months?  Or even days?  Some people come here and say they've tapered, and what they mean is they cut it in half one day, and then a week later went off it entirely.  Thees are scary tapers, and many people in here have done them.

 

Your symptoms sound - sadly - typical.  What is antidepressant withdrawal syndrome?

 And, you seem most concerned about this one:  Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction PSSD

 You may be helped by Omega-3 fish oil and Magnesium, as they help your brain to rebalance and regenerate.

 

I'm sorry to hear you are having a rough time.  Hopefully, your time here in SA will help you find the solutions to help.

Hi Jan Carol,

Thanks for your message. I got off of Wellbutrin in 2013. I took it for a month and quit cold turkey. I took it again a year later and it made me insane. So I weaned off it in 6 weeks after being on it for a little over a month. When I went through withdrawal after quitting cold turkey before it was not as bad as it has been this time after weaning off of it. You can take a look at my signature.

Every time I would switch meds the doctor would have me weaning off of one while starting the other as well. I am not sure if that contributed to the madness or if reinstating and switching so many times over a short period of time had some effect. I cold turkeyed which was a mistake. I reinstated with a different drug which may have been a mistake. I switched 3 times in 11months from Prozac to Lexapro getting off one drug while introducing the new one instead of getting off one waiting and introducing the other which was probably a mistake and I weaned off of the Wellbutrin in 6 weeks which may have been too fast. When I would get off on drug to get on another I would get off it in 2 weeks. Prozac and Lexapro for example.

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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  • Administrator

Welcome, Molder.

 

This is from your signature:

 

Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks
Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers ancient different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

 

 

It looks to me that, after going on and off many antidepressants for 10 years, you experienced poop-out while taking Lexapro.

 

How did you go from Lexapro to Wellbutrin?

 

My guess is you developed withdrawal syndrome from Lexapro while you were taking Wellbutrin, and the Wellbutrin either added its own adverse effects or made the withdrawal syndrome worse.

 

How often do you take benzos, and at what dosage?

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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Topic merged with original intro 

 

I have taken meds for 10 years and tried to get off twice, this being my second attempt. The first time I tried to get off was October last year. I was taking celexa and decided to switch to Wellbutrin because I felt celexa wasn't working as much. So I started taking Wellbutrin and didn't like the side effect so I decided I would just stop taking AD all together. After 3 months off not being on an antidepressant I started to feel depressed again and then I got muscle spasms along with isolating and not wanting to leave the house. At this point I went to the doctor and was put on 20mg of Prozac. That started to work after awhile but after a couple of months it stopped working and then I went antidepressant hopping way to much in a short time. It seemed like nothing was effective. I decided to get on Wellbutrin again after all the others didn't work and WOW!!! This one affected me in such a horrible way that I felt like I was seriously drugged. I took it for about 3 months then tapperd off and haven't been right ever since. I have been off antidepressants for 4 months and em experiencing constant suicidal thoughts, can't relax, can't stop moving at times, won't leave my house, can't work because I can't focus and my legs feel like they weigh a million pounds. I feel loss of breath when I try to speak. I am scared to death that I will never get better and that I'm peranently damaged. I feel anger and rage right when I wake up in the morning to going to bed. I just started to smoke a little bit of pot. It helps me eat and I'm able to laugh sometimes but I don't want to depend on that. I'm usually a very fit person and like a neat and clean living. And now I feel like I don't even care about showering or cleaning. My girlfriend has to make me. I just think to myself that I'm done with life and that I feel like I'm pathetic. Please if there is anyone who can give me hope or guidance. It could save my life. I have been to several doctors and they all say nothing is wrong. Help me please!!!!!!!! I'm so obsessed with what's going on with me I can't focus on anything else. I went to my psychiatrist and he told me to take celexa but I'm scared and don't want things to get worse than they already are.

Edited by mammaP

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Molder. Welcome to SA.

 

You're somptoms are consistant with someone in withdrawal. Everything you described, the suicidal thoughts, unable to relax and not being able to stop moving (AKA Akathasia), the not wanting to leave the house, exercise, bath, irritability, suicidal ideation, even the obsessive thoughts and fears. All of it. What is also very typical is that these hit you hard at the 4 month mark. The symptoms are so severe because you went off meds so quickly.

 

Most doctors know almost nothing about withdrawal or have a multitude of misconceptions, so that your docs find nothing wrong is not surprising.

 

Here's some info on withdrawal syndrome: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/603-what-is-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

A moderator will come a long shortly and provide you with more direction and guidance, but I will tell you this: What you're going through is not permanent. Reinstatement of a small dose of last medication you were on might be suggested to help alleviate some of your symptoms or bring them to a tolerable level where you can stabilize for awhile, but I'll let the moderators handle that discussion because it can be tricky.

 

You won't always feel how you're feeling. I know you probably feel your stuck with irreversible damage, but you're not. It's withdrawal, and it sucks. I encourage you to heed the guidance offered by the mods and administrators. You should also look around this site at some of the threads under "Symptoms and Self Care" as there are things that people have found to easy their symptoms. For instance I have found Magnisium helpful when I feel anxious.

 

You're going to be okay. It won't happen over night, but it will happen.

1988-2012: Prozac @ 60mg (with a few stops and starts)

Fall 2012: Returned to 40mg after discontinuing and horrid withdrawal 

Fall 2013: 40mg Fluoxetine, added 150mg Wellbutrin to treat fatigue 

Winter 2014: Attempting to taper both (too fast)

April 2014: 9mg Fluoxetine + 37.5 Wellbutrin 

Summer 2014: 8 mg Fluoxetine + 0 Wellbutrin (way too fast a drop)

Late summer/Early Fall 2014: Debilitating Withdrawal symptoms 

Fall 2014 - Wellbutrin successfully kicked to the curb but…

Oct- Dec 2014: Panicked reinstatement of Fluoxetine ->30mg - held for 5yrs

Jan 2021: taper to 20mg Fluoxetine  then tapering by 1mg every 2-3 months

Fall 2022 - held at 10mg->December 2022: 9mg->Feb 2023: 8mg ->March 2023: brassmonkey slide begins: 7.8mg -> 7.6 -> 7.4->2 week hold (April)->7.2->7mg->6.8->2 week hold->6.6-> 1-month hold ->(June)-6.5->4-week hold-> (July)-6.4 (discontinued brassmonkey slide and slowed taper)-> (Aug)-6.2->(Sept)-6.0->(Oct)-5.9->(Nov)-5.8->(Dec)-5.7->wave!->(Jan)-5.8->(Feb)-6mg and holding.

 

My 2014 withdrawal experience: https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-a-prozac-story/

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi  Molder ,    I'm so pleased for you that you've found you way here.   This place is a goldmine for support , advuce , and information on all things

antidepressant-related.

 

I agree with Addax that what you describe sounds exactly like withdrawal syndrome - a wide range od debilitating and fluctuating symptoms.

At 4 months since you stopped , reinstating is an option to explore.   Try reading "About Reinstating and Stabilizing To Stop Withdrawal Symptoms" , in Symptoms

and Self Care.

 

Intermittent use of benzos can help in the short-term , but addiction may develop quickly and they stop "doing their stuff".   You may find melatonin helpful - 1.5mg can

be quite sedating.

 

None of the symptoms you describe are permanent.   Despair and the inability to see your way past this are phases we've all passed through before beginning to recover.

You're in good company here Molder.

 

Best wishes ,  Fresh

 

p.s.  If you click FOLLOW THIS TOPIC at the top right , you'll receive an email each time someone posts.

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Molder ,  your patience with all the questions is important and appreciated.    Altostrata and the moderators are trying to nut out the best options for

you moving forward from here ,   and your journey so far has been pretty complex.

 

If you click FOLLOW THIS TOPIC at the top right , you'll receive an email each time someone posts.

 

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

All that switching around has probably caused additional confusion to your brain as well as withdrawal issues.  Why did you switch from Celexa to Welbutrin?  I'm thinking it is possible you may have been in withdrawal from Celexa and the Lexapro may have helped with this as they are almost the same.  It's hard to know what to suggest for you at this point, there are going to be a number of options, each with some potential risks.  I am interested to see what Alto suggests.  But I can definitely assure you that you are not going crazy.  This is all from the meds, it is not you.

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome, Molder.

 

This is from your signature:

It looks to me that, after going on and off many antidepressants for 10 years, you experienced poop-out while taking Lexapro.

 

How did you go from Lexapro to Wellbutrin?

 

My guess is you developed withdrawal syndrome from Lexapro while you were taking Wellbutrin, and the Wellbutrin either added its own adverse effects or made the withdrawal syndrome worse.

 

How often do you take benzos, and at what dosage?

Hi Molder, welcome to SA. I have merged your  topics into your original thread, this is your journal to post in whenever you like and ask questions. This keeps your progress in one place and easy to follow.  If you could answer Alto's questions above she will be able to offer the best advice for you. 

**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    :D 

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

 

 

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Welcome, Molder.

 

This is from your signature:

 

It looks to me that, after going on and off many antidepressants for 10 years, you experienced poop-out while taking Lexapro.

 

How did you go from Lexapro to Wellbutrin?

 

My guess is you developed withdrawal syndrome from Lexapro while you were taking Wellbutrin, and the Wellbutrin either added its own adverse effects or made the withdrawal syndrome worse.

 

How often do you take benzos, and at what dosage?

Hi Molder, welcome to SA. I have merged your  topics into your original thread, this is your journal to post in whenever you like and ask questions. This keeps your progress in one place and easy to follow.  If you could answer Alto's questions above she will be able to offer the best advice for you.

. Alto,

I was only taking 10 mg of Lexapro. I took 10 mg of Lexapro every day while adding 150 mg of Wellbutrin. After 2 weeks I discontinued the Lexapro and added 150 mg of Wellbutrin taking a a total of 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I take small doses of xanax. .5 mg as needed. I need some advice quickly. I am getting very desperate. I have 20 mg celexa and pristq from the doc. Can I reinstate with one of these

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I think Alto will be along as soon as she can - but my first response is to say  NO! to the celexa and pristiq.  When you go into withdrawal, your body is craving the original drug, and celexa and pristiq are not that drug.  Crossing over to another drug only complicates things, and your brain will bounce around like a basketball at a Harlem Globetrotter's exhibition game.  Not to mention that Pristiq in particular can be a nasty drug to withdraw from, and Celexa has its difficulties too (they all do, and the simpler the solution, the better it is.  Using these drugs will only complicate things)  I'd turn those drugs in to the pharmacy (never flush them down the toilet, as that puts all the fish and frogs and predators that eat them, on these awful drugs! No water treatment system filters out pharmaceuticals, they filter pathogens, but not pharmaceuticals!)

 

Alto believes that Lexapro is the original drug.  Wellbutrin is the most recent drug. 

 

If you reinstate, it should be one of those, and at a very very low dose so that you don't react.  Say 5 mg Lexapro, or 10-25 mg of Wellbutrin. Whatever you decide, you should stick with it, because on again, off again, on again and switching drugs only causes that basketball brain to bounce even more.

 

If Alto says differently, listen to her.  She has far more experience and knowledge than I do.

"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!

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I think Alto will be along as soon as she can - but my first response is to say  NO! to the celexa and pristiq.  When you go into withdrawal, your body is craving the original drug, and celexa and pristiq are not that drug.  Crossing over to another drug only complicates things, and your brain will bounce around like a basketball at a Harlem Globetrotter's exhibition game.  Not to mention that Pristiq in particular can be a nasty drug to withdraw from, and Celexa has its difficulties too (they all do, and the simpler the solution, the better it is.  Using these drugs will only complicate things)  I'd turn those drugs in to the pharmacy (never flush them down the toilet, as that puts all the fish and frogs and predators that eat them, on these awful drugs! No water treatment system filters out pharmaceuticals, they filter pathogens, but not pharmaceuticals!)

 

Alto believes that Lexapro is the original drug.  Wellbutrin is the most recent drug. 

 

If you reinstate, it should be one of those, and at a very very low dose so that you don't react.  Say 5 mg Lexapro, or 10-25 mg of Wellbutrin. Whatever you decide, you should stick with it, because on again, off again, on again and switching drugs only causes that basketball brain to bounce even more.

 

If Alto says differently, listen to her.  She has far more experience and knowledge than I do.

I hope she responds soon. I am getting desperate.

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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  • Administrator

Celexa and Lexapro are closely related. Since you have Celexa on hand, it can be a plausible substitute for Lexapro.

 

If I were you, I might take 5mg Celexa to reinstate. See Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram) for instructions on making a liquid for more precise dosing.

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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  • 10 months later...

I had a hard period of time when I was younger. From 16 to 22. I used drugs and alcohol to have a good time. When I stopped I got very depressed which is common. The depression would of gone away on its own with time. However I wanted a quick fix to make the depression go away.

 

Without doing any research I made the mistake of going to a psychiatrist. Instead of offering me natural ways to deal with depression the psychiatrist offered me his magic little pill. I tried a few and felt like I was drugged harder than any street drug I ever used. I finally found one that worked I think. I am not sure if the medicine actually ever worked or if the action I took at the time is what helped. I started to eat better work out stayed away from booze and drugs etc...so maybe the action I took is what actually helped while the pill did nothing. Either way I was told to continue to take the drugs for years when they are only supposed to be used short term.

 

Psychiatrists don't know ****. Neither do doctors. That is the bottom line. You go in there they don't really listen and say here try this. Their business is not about helping others it's about keeping you sick by giving you the most addictive drugs on earth to keep you sick and keep you coming back to them for more. I was bouncing around from drug to drug for years and eventually being knumb to the world and hating it because I was made to believe I am sick and had a mental illness. That's bull ****. They are the sick ones. We are the good people.

 

I attempted to get off 2 or 3 times going through hell the last time. I use to read stories about people taking years to get through the withdrawal. I am here to tell you it does not have to take this long so do not let the stories scare you. Reading a lot of the stories actually made me feel hopeless and worse at times. It's all I wanted to do though. I just wanted hope.

 

To end the withdrawal I got back on a medication to take a very small dose initially. Maybe 5 mg or so for maybe like a month. I cut that in half to take another 2.5 mg for Anothe month or so. I also went to see an integrative health doctor who can help combat the destruction the physiatrist and his pills had caused. The supplement she gave me was called Neurolink. After having every withdrawal symptom for months and going though hell on earth, getting back on a very small dose ad, weaning off correctly, and starting on the supplement the withdrawal symptoms disappeared rather quickly.

 

I believe I was in as bad as shape as you could be in but I am here to tell you it will not take as long as you think to go through withdrawal. I know it's hard to believe but true. Hang in there and do not give up. Go see an integrative health Doctor and explain to them what's going on. They won't look at you like you crazy like a psychiatrist or a medical doctor and just give you more drugs. They are in business to combat the destruction the medical field and pharm companies inflict on the world daily.

 

I hope this helps and please respond if you have any questions. Thank you to everyone on here that helped me when I was struggling.

Edited by Petunia
Added paragraph breaks for easier reading

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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Molder thank you for this wonderful post. And congrats to you! Can you please explain for us your timeline. What you were taking? How you quit (taper vs cold turkey)? How long before you reinstated? How long before it worked? What your symptoms were prior and once you stabilized which ones improved? Did you reinstate with the same drug ?

Lexapro: started in 2002 at 10 mgs.

Ambien: started as a as needed sleep aid in 2010.

Quit Lexapro cold turkey in June 20015 due to contributing to low sodium issues.

Restarted Lexapro in late November for a week (only 5 mgs) but quit due to dizziness side effects. Side effects worsened for 3 weeks until

12/24/15: Protracted WD hit, experienced extreme anxiety, insomnia lack of full concentration and social challenges.

Reinstated Lexapro on 1/1/16 at 5 mgs. Increased per Dr to 7.5 MG. Tapered off Lexapro in March 2016.

Started 50MG of Seroquel in late January 2016 for bedtime to help in eliminate Ambien. Tapered off both Seroquel and Ambien in March 2016.

2/14/16: Prescribed both Remeron (15 MG) and Temazapam (15 MG) for sleep. Also use Klonopin and Ambien again in place of Temazapam to avoid addiction. However I did take Temazapam 60 straight days

6/15/16: Stopped use of all benzo's and now use Belsomra 1-2 times a week. Still on 15 MG of Remeron

10/11/16: Off all psych medications

 

After kindling, trying to regain my strength suffering from severe mental and physical fatigue.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Molder , welcome back.  Good to hear you're feeling well.

 

I have moved your post from the Success Stories section , so that your update can be read in the context of your 

journey.  This will answer some of Christians' questions.

 

The Success Stories section is for when you're around12 months off all meds and travelling well.  I look forward to seeing your story there one day.

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome back Molder and thank you for updating. It sounds like you're doing really well now. Did you reinstate 5mg of Celexa back in March last year as Alto suggested? How long did you taper for, what dose did you stop from and how long have you been drug free now? Did you have any symptoms after you stopped taking it?

 

Is this the supplement you were taking:   Neurolink  are you still taking it?

 

Please would you update your signature.

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

 

 

 

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  • Administrator

Very happy to hear you're doing better. Are you about 6 months off all psychiatric drugs now?

 

I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol



to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

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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  • 3 years later...

Hi there, I am doing really good. I am completely cured from antidepressants and the withdrawals. God cured me. One night I was at the end of my rope crying and in complete torture I just dropped on my knees with my hands in the air reaching to the ceiling and yelled out to God to just give me one more chance and that I would do right in the world. A few days later I woke up and started crying because I could feel that the awful torture was gone. It has never came back. If your going through the torture of these horrible drugs turn to God and he will help. Turn to him for EVERYTHING!!! I will never take any antidepressants or drugs again. TRUST IN GOD!! 

Started on ad's at 23. Do not remember what I started with or what dose. I am 34 now

I know I did not not switch medications very often and only used an AD.

Celexa 40 mg (2011-2013)Switched from celexa to Wellbutrin 09/13 for 1 month( quit cold turkey)

1 month later withdrawal kicked in

Got on Prozac 10mg for 2 months 1/14-3/14 switched to Lexapro

Lexapro 10 mg for 6 months 3/14-9/14

Switched back to Wellbutrin 9/14. Started on 150 mg while tapering off of Lexapro. Took 150 mg daily for two weeks while reducing the Lexapro. Dose increased to 300 mg after last pill of Lexapro. Took 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks before deciding to stop. Weaned off of it in 6 weeks. 300 mg for 2 weeks 150 mg for 2 weeks 75 mg for 2 weeks

Not sure when withdrawal started or from which drug because I was ok on the Lexapro until depression returned and I switched to Wellbutrin which made it worse. I am now almost 4 months without an AD and it is very difficult to function. I have taken muscle relaxers and different benzos to deal with withdrawal problems.

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