caro123 Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 Its only been a week since I started to tapper from 75mg Effexor-xr; am reducing 10% by removing 10 beads at at time. Only problem my memory generally is really bad. So I got a system going blue plastic container so I could see the tiny white beads; a small glass bottle to contain the unused beads. I take my tablet at night. I have just realised this morning that I have missed a capsule. I am shocked. So my question is what do you do when you realise you've missed a dose? Do you just keep on track and be aware that there might be a reaction ? (at some point?) and just keep going, maybe add a few more days to the end before tappering again? Thanks!!!!! 1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months. 1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child. 2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean. 2006 75mg. 2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg 1/6/12 = 72 mg 2/7/12 = 69 mg 16/7/12 = 67.5 mg 1/8/12 = 60 mg 19/8;12 = 52.5 mg 4/9/12 = 45mg 2/10/12 = 37.5 mg
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 7, 2012 Administrator Posted June 7, 2012 Take your dose as soon as possible, at the reduced dose to keep dosage consistent. Tonight, you may wish to delay taking your dose, if it doesn't bother you, so as not to "double" up on the amount of Effexor in your bloodstream from your morning dose today. 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.
caro123 Posted June 8, 2012 Author Posted June 8, 2012 Thanks Alto, will do. This site is amazing, very helpful, so much helpful information!!! 1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months. 1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child. 2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean. 2006 75mg. 2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg 1/6/12 = 72 mg 2/7/12 = 69 mg 16/7/12 = 67.5 mg 1/8/12 = 60 mg 19/8;12 = 52.5 mg 4/9/12 = 45mg 2/10/12 = 37.5 mg
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 9, 2012 Administrator Posted June 9, 2012 How are you feeling now, caro? 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.
caro123 Posted June 9, 2012 Author Posted June 9, 2012 Hi alto, Thanks for checking in on me!! I am ok. The only sympton is needing to go to bed, really tired, maybe because its winter and raining, I want to quilt but dont have the energy? Thanks once agin. I spend la lot of time reading info, stories and comments on this site its so very helpful, and positive!! Caro 1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months. 1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child. 2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean. 2006 75mg. 2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg 1/6/12 = 72 mg 2/7/12 = 69 mg 16/7/12 = 67.5 mg 1/8/12 = 60 mg 19/8;12 = 52.5 mg 4/9/12 = 45mg 2/10/12 = 37.5 mg
caro123 Posted September 20, 2012 Author Posted September 20, 2012 (edited) Have been doing ok. Just got over being sick with flu and helping a friend with her custody issues which has stressed me out. I have been missing a dose here and there in the last month - not good. I have just realised I have just missed 2 doses of my effexor. I have just taken last nights dose and will take tonights dose as per usual. My question is do I take the other missed dose in the morning ? and then another dose again that night. Also my menstral cycle has suddenly appeared after being absent since I started tapering. I was on hormonal creme for testoserone (low) and estrogeon (low) progesterone tablet (high) but stopped taking not long after starting to tapper. It may not be related but i was taking the creme etc because of frequent and heavy cycle. I just mention it because its odd. Forgive my spelling I am sooo tired sleep deprived. I need spell ck Thanks Caro :blink: Edited May 30, 2016 by KarenB merged similar topics 1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months. 1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child. 2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean. 2006 75mg. 2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg 1/6/12 = 72 mg 2/7/12 = 69 mg 16/7/12 = 67.5 mg 1/8/12 = 60 mg 19/8;12 = 52.5 mg 4/9/12 = 45mg 2/10/12 = 37.5 mg
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 20, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 20, 2012 Hi Caro, no I definately wouldn't take another dose in the morning, because that means tomorrow you will have a dose in the morning and the evening which could really mess you up. I've forgotten doses on odd occaisions or taken a bigger dose by mistake, the best thing is to get back into a strict evening routine. Perhaps stick a big note on the fridge or cupboard to remind you? *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido.
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted September 20, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 20, 2012 Hi Caro, Looks like you are reducing slowly and steadily! I concur with strawberry - just take your dose when you remember and try to get back to your regular schedule ASAP - when i am reducing, i notice much earlier if i miss a dose - I take my dose in the morning - i don't forget very often, but i have gone out and remembered that i didn't take it, i would start to get a funny head feeling about 4 hours later - i have a little pill box in my handbag and keep a capsule in my bag so i can take as soon as i remember. Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months laterBack on effexor for another 9 months.Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.Back on effexor - this time for 3 yearsReduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorterJan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years.... 4th March 2015 - 67.5mg; 31st March - 60mg; 24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg; 9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg; 1st Dec - 25.8mg; 28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg
caro123 Posted September 20, 2012 Author Posted September 20, 2012 Thanks Strawberry and Peggy, I will have to be more careful! Going camping this week-end start of school holidays. Its a byo toilet and shower camping on the beach type of camping definately not glamping so looking forward to getting back to nature. A good way to destress. Hope you guys r doing well!! I have been ok even with this missed dose. Got a bit teary the other day but that might be because my son turned 18 and was organising his bday. Plus as you know sorting out how to co-ordinate the disfunctional in-laws. My husband had 2 x 21st bdays because of his mum vs his dad. I swore I would only have 1 engangement party but nooooo of course not!! we had 2 and so it goes - thats life selfish people dont care and those that care end up stressed on ending up on medication ha rant rant rant I am cross!!!! 1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months. 1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child. 2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean. 2006 75mg. 2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg 1/6/12 = 72 mg 2/7/12 = 69 mg 16/7/12 = 67.5 mg 1/8/12 = 60 mg 19/8;12 = 52.5 mg 4/9/12 = 45mg 2/10/12 = 37.5 mg
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 20, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 20, 2012 I'm doing fine thanks! My oldest turned 18 this year as well, made me feel old. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido.
caro123 Posted September 20, 2012 Author Posted September 20, 2012 Thats great Strawberry see you're down to .9 mls good news. Its takes time and patience. Next month I am down to 37.5mg I keep in mind that as the dose gets smaller to be very careful. Amazing itst it to have an 18yr my youngst is 9yrs old so I don't have time to feel old. Caro 1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months. 1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child. 2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean. 2006 75mg. 2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg 1/6/12 = 72 mg 2/7/12 = 69 mg 16/7/12 = 67.5 mg 1/8/12 = 60 mg 19/8;12 = 52.5 mg 4/9/12 = 45mg 2/10/12 = 37.5 mg
Sparrow Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Briefly: I'm tapering Lexapro (using liquid) and got down to 2.5 mg. Because I need to do a prolonged hold, and have trouble sticking to holds because it's so tempting with the liquid to drop that dose just a little bit more, I asked my doctor to prescribe 2.5 mg tablets instead. She did, and I started taking the tablets ten days ago. This morning I looked at the bottle and saw for the first time that the pharmacy had dispensed 5 mg tablets instead, with instructions on the bottle to take 1/2 tablet per day. So I've been taking a double dose for the past ten days. And I'm freaking out because it's taken me all of 2014 to get from 5 mg down to 2.5. Have I just lost an entire year of tapering? What do I do now? Have I been taking the double dose too long to just drop back down to 2.5? I'm really freaking out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sparrow edited to correct year. 2009-2011: tapered off Trazodone, Namenda, Lamictal, Dextroamphetamine, Zyprexa; cold-turkeyed Pristiq; reduced Lexapro dose 50%.On clonazepam since 2004, 0.5 - 1.0 mg daily PRN. Three failed (too rapid) partial tapers, 2010 - 2011.Dec. 2011 - March 2013: Tapered off 0.5 mg clonazepam (Klonopin) August 2013: Switched to liquid escitalopram (Lexapro) and began tapering from 10 mg. January 2014: 4.5 mg escitalopram March 2014: One year off benzos May 2014: 3.0 mg escitalopram June 2014: severe depression, updosed to 4.0 mg Sept 1, 2014: 2.7 mg Dec 7, 2014: Can't get below 2.5 mg without unbearable symptoms. Doing an extended hold (I hope) March 2015: TWO YEARS POST-BENZO
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 17, 2014 Member Posted December 17, 2014 Hi Sparrow, Since 2015 hasn't happened yet (I think you meant 2014) this is what I would do: I would quickly decrease back down to the dose you want and do it within about a week or so and do your best to cope with the fallout in symptoms. When you get down to the dose you want, plan on staying there for a long time, only you will know how long that might be (I would guess several weeks). What I am suggesting is that you attempt to sneak this unwitting updose past your system by cutting quickly and not thinking about it. It just might work. You just need to get your mind to cooperate. Act as if nothing has happened. No freakout. What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.
Sparrow Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Yes, I meant 2014. Thanks CW. I did take only the 2.5 mg this morning...but is my body going to feel that as a sudden 50% dose reduction? That could be a very, very bad scene. I'm really scared. 2009-2011: tapered off Trazodone, Namenda, Lamictal, Dextroamphetamine, Zyprexa; cold-turkeyed Pristiq; reduced Lexapro dose 50%.On clonazepam since 2004, 0.5 - 1.0 mg daily PRN. Three failed (too rapid) partial tapers, 2010 - 2011.Dec. 2011 - March 2013: Tapered off 0.5 mg clonazepam (Klonopin) August 2013: Switched to liquid escitalopram (Lexapro) and began tapering from 10 mg. January 2014: 4.5 mg escitalopram March 2014: One year off benzos May 2014: 3.0 mg escitalopram June 2014: severe depression, updosed to 4.0 mg Sept 1, 2014: 2.7 mg Dec 7, 2014: Can't get below 2.5 mg without unbearable symptoms. Doing an extended hold (I hope) March 2015: TWO YEARS POST-BENZO
Meimeiquest Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 That is definitely a mod question. If I was on a desert island,I would reduce by a fourth of the difference every day for four days. I think trying to find something that feels right to you might help, you know yourself. We all have plenty of experience on where freaking out takes us. I hope you get it sorted out soon...you have been doing so well! 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 17, 2014 Member Posted December 17, 2014 (edited) I think it is possible you will not feel any change in symptoms and I base this on the fact that when we are first prescribed medication (a LONG time ago) we are given a gradual dosage increase to a therapeutic level. As far as I know, no one is ever given the maximum dosage of a med straight off. That is why I counseled you to avoid freaking out. If your mind is not worried your body will follow its lead. Think of it as sort of a 'reverse placebo' effect. If you don't see (or think) it as not doing any harm, well it just might not happen. I think there has not been any harm done seeing as how it has been such a short time. Cells are born and die on a much longer timetable than 10 days, you see. I think Meimei's estimate for a reduction is conservative. Whatever you decide to do, do it as quickly as possible (you already started today, that is good!) and don't look back. I think you will be all right and it will not affect your taper long term. It may extend it by only the few weeks you decide to increase your hold. Remember, whatever your body 'feels' your mind is the master of. Do not freak out in your mind and your body will follow suit. Ah, think of kittens instead. Have you seen this? I think it is adorable!!! Look at this image whenever you are tempted to think about your med. purritos Just in case you think this is a dumb idea, may I remind you that Alto herself has told people who are having problems to distract themselves with images of kittens and puppies. So there! Edited January 15, 2020 by Altostrata fixed link What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.
Sparrow Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 I myself have long been a propronent of Cute Kitty Pictures Therapy, and practice it on a daily basis. "Purritos" were exactly what I needed! 2009-2011: tapered off Trazodone, Namenda, Lamictal, Dextroamphetamine, Zyprexa; cold-turkeyed Pristiq; reduced Lexapro dose 50%.On clonazepam since 2004, 0.5 - 1.0 mg daily PRN. Three failed (too rapid) partial tapers, 2010 - 2011.Dec. 2011 - March 2013: Tapered off 0.5 mg clonazepam (Klonopin) August 2013: Switched to liquid escitalopram (Lexapro) and began tapering from 10 mg. January 2014: 4.5 mg escitalopram March 2014: One year off benzos May 2014: 3.0 mg escitalopram June 2014: severe depression, updosed to 4.0 mg Sept 1, 2014: 2.7 mg Dec 7, 2014: Can't get below 2.5 mg without unbearable symptoms. Doing an extended hold (I hope) March 2015: TWO YEARS POST-BENZO
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 17, 2014 Administrator Posted December 17, 2014 Those purritos did a lot for me, too. Thanks, CW! Sparrow, this is a tough one. I think meimei made a good guess. Sorry you're in this pickle. Quick, look at kitties! 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.
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 17, 2014 Member Posted December 17, 2014 You've got to look at the original page on buzzfeed. I found it this summer and it is what got me through a 24/7 month long bout of depression with suicidal thinking. I had it as a desktop picture. It starts with a tutorial video on how to make said purritos. God bless the long suffering kitties everywhere! (And isn't that a guy making them????) What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 17, 2014 Administrator Posted December 17, 2014 Maybe kittens like to be swaddled, like babies? The ones above look like they're asleep. 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.
LexAnger Posted December 21, 2014 Posted December 21, 2014 I had a very similar incidence, twice. The first time up from 2.7 to 5 for one week, got back to 2.7 in the following week successfully without trouble. The second time from 2.7 to 4.5 for one week, tried to get down to 3.7 in one week , hit the wall, had to go back to 4.5, tried again down to 3.7 hit the wall again, so went back again to 4.5. Lots problems almost disabled. Been micro tapering since then by 0.5% reduction for the past 4 months, eventually shakedown off quite a few bad SE but still suffering lots others. Drug free Sep. 23 2017 2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks. 2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg 2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain 2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain; 2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain 2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg, 2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on 2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks. 2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR 2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg 2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,
Moderator Emeritus areyouthere Posted December 21, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 21, 2014 This happened to me for one day. I accidentally took a double dose of my lexapro. I was raking leaves when suddenly I felt "not right" , dizzy, weak, and pretty awful. That day was a total loss. But it did show me just how medicated I had been. My doubled dose equalled nearly 20 mg. that day and I had been on 20 mg for a year!! Lucky for me my body recognized the mistake and the next day & thereafter I remained at the lowered dose. I'm very sorry that this happened to you and I can understand how easily that mistake could be made. As with everything in this game, all that we can do is try a strategy and then judging by our bodies reaction, respond in a a way that is the most tolerable. This too shall pass!!! Kittens!! RU Fall 1995 xanax, zoloft. switched to Serzone 1996- spring 2003serzone/ xanax/ lightbox. b]Fall 2003- Fall 2004? Lexapro 10 mg. Light box /4 mg. xanax.[/b] 2004 - Fall of 2009 10 mg Lex, 150 mg Wellbutrin XL % 4 mg xanax November 2009- Sept. 2011 10 mg lex., 300 Well. XL, 4 mg Xanax [/b Sept.2012- July 2012 20 mg Lex 300 Well. XL, 4 mg Xanax My mantra " go slow & with the flow " 3/2/13.. Began equal dosing 5 Xs /day xanax, while simultaneously incorporating a 2.5 % drop ( from 3.5 mg/day to 3.4 mg/day) 4/6/13 dropped from 300 mg. Wellbutrin XL to 150 mg. Difficult but DONE! Down to 3.3 mg xanax/ day / 6/10/13 3 mg xanax/day; 7/15/2013 2.88mg xanax/day. 10/ 1/2013...... 2.5 mg xanax… ( switched to tablets again) WOO HOO!!!!!! Holding here… cont. with Lexapro. 1/ 2/2014.. tapered to 18mg ( by weight) of a 26 mg ( by weight) pill of 20 mg tab. lexapro. goal is 13mg (by weight OR 10 mg by ingredient content) and STOPPED. Feeling very down with unbalanced, unpredictable WD symptoms. 1/2/2014- ??? Taking a brain-healing break from tapering anything after actively tapering something for 1.5 years. So… daily doses as of 2/2/2014: 18 mg by weight Lex, 150 mg Well. XL, 2.5 mg xanax, down from 26 mg by weight Lex., 300 mg well. XL, 4 mg xanax in August, 2012. I'll take it. 5/8/14 started equivalent dose liquid./ tabs. 5/13/14 1.5 % cut.
Sparrow Posted December 21, 2014 Posted December 21, 2014 I decided to be brave (or reckless, depending on your point of view) and immediately went back down to 2.5 mg. Today's the fifth day. Other than some episodes of dizziness, it's been okay so far, but probably it's too soon to know whether I'm out of the woods yet. I'm also really pissed off that neither my doctor nor the pharmacy alerted me to the fact that Lexapro/escitalopram is not available in 2.5 mg tablets and that they would be dispensing 5 mg instead. Yes, shame on me for not checking the bottle -- hard lesson learned, thank you very much -- but still. I asked for 2.5, the doc said she'd call in 2.5, and I had no reason to think I'd be given something different without notification of any kind. 2009-2011: tapered off Trazodone, Namenda, Lamictal, Dextroamphetamine, Zyprexa; cold-turkeyed Pristiq; reduced Lexapro dose 50%.On clonazepam since 2004, 0.5 - 1.0 mg daily PRN. Three failed (too rapid) partial tapers, 2010 - 2011.Dec. 2011 - March 2013: Tapered off 0.5 mg clonazepam (Klonopin) August 2013: Switched to liquid escitalopram (Lexapro) and began tapering from 10 mg. January 2014: 4.5 mg escitalopram March 2014: One year off benzos May 2014: 3.0 mg escitalopram June 2014: severe depression, updosed to 4.0 mg Sept 1, 2014: 2.7 mg Dec 7, 2014: Can't get below 2.5 mg without unbearable symptoms. Doing an extended hold (I hope) March 2015: TWO YEARS POST-BENZO
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 21, 2014 Member Posted December 21, 2014 Sparrow, I was pretty sure you wouldn't have a problem. Because hey, you didn't notice any change bodily when you doubled your dose, you only realized it happened when you looked at the bottle. To pharmacies, 2.5 is available, yes (by splitting a 5 mg tablet of course). We always have to be vigilant and I bet you never do that one again, amirite? What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.
Meimeiquest Posted December 21, 2014 Posted December 21, 2014 I agree, Sparrow. My pharmacy has a reputation for making some mistakes, but they always tell me if the form is different from "take one pill." But if you made it to day five, you may be "home free." 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted December 27, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 27, 2014 Just a note: We've seen this before, accidental updoses, it happens. Realistically, I would expect you to experience some wobbles from it, but they should pass. Just hang in there. It sounds like you were planning to do a long hold anyway so it's not going to change your plans. Love the purritos! OMG!!! Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.
Sparrow Posted December 28, 2014 Posted December 28, 2014 Eleven days back at 2.5 mg and doing just fine. So how is that I can be so sensitive that a normal tapering cut (from, say, 2.5 mg to 2.3 mg) results in a major wave of w/d symptoms -- but going from 2.5 to 5.0 and then back down to 2.5 over the course of a few weeks produces no noticeable effects at all? Now that is weird. 2009-2011: tapered off Trazodone, Namenda, Lamictal, Dextroamphetamine, Zyprexa; cold-turkeyed Pristiq; reduced Lexapro dose 50%.On clonazepam since 2004, 0.5 - 1.0 mg daily PRN. Three failed (too rapid) partial tapers, 2010 - 2011.Dec. 2011 - March 2013: Tapered off 0.5 mg clonazepam (Klonopin) August 2013: Switched to liquid escitalopram (Lexapro) and began tapering from 10 mg. January 2014: 4.5 mg escitalopram March 2014: One year off benzos May 2014: 3.0 mg escitalopram June 2014: severe depression, updosed to 4.0 mg Sept 1, 2014: 2.7 mg Dec 7, 2014: Can't get below 2.5 mg without unbearable symptoms. Doing an extended hold (I hope) March 2015: TWO YEARS POST-BENZO
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted December 28, 2014 Member Posted December 28, 2014 I may have an odd way of looking about but here goes: Your body recently remembers how to 'feel' with 5.0 mg of the drug but going from, say 2.7 to 2.5 (looking at your sig) freaks it out a bit because it doesn't remember that environment. And you may be expecting it to balk because of it doing so previously. You'll have to get over that hump somehow. The other answer is "I don't know, but it's cool". What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted December 30, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 30, 2014 I think probably all the adaptations and brain changes that happen in response to the artificial chemistry induced by these drugs, just don't happen that fast. Like I'm always saying, it takes time to grow a new brain. So when you went up on dose, your brain didn't have time to make all those changes in the short time you were on the higher dose. It was still basically structured/adapted to the 2.7 or so that you were on. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.
MarkNth Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 Last night I accidentally took 40 mg of Celexa instead of the 30mg I weaned down to. It was a horrible day! I'm hoping that returning to the 30mg tonight is not going to be a problem. I know the half-life for Celexa is long. Not sure if I should just skip a day or take the 30mg. Thanks everyone :-) 1978 (15 years old) started various types of benzos for anxiety off and on. 1993 HIV diagnosis started Prozac 40mg and Klonopin 1mg 2x daily 1993 Depakote, Doxipin, Neurontin and others I forget. Stopped them all later in 1993, but, stayed on Proxac and Klonpin. 1994 tapered Klonopin down to .05mg 2x daily and finally to .05mg once daily. 2000 Proxac reduced to 20mg and 20mg Celexa added. 2006 dropped Prozac and upped Celexa to 40mg and increased Klonopin to .05mg twice daily. 2103 Ambien 10mg. Decreased to 5mg. Quit CT after a few months. 2014 increased Klonopin to .05mg 1 1/2 mg bedtime after a heart attack December 2015 started slow taper from Celexa. 5mg every month. Got down to 20mg and had to go back up to 30 mg because of withdrawal. Still have withdrawal which is mainly anxiety and lack of appetite. Staying where I am until withdrawal subsides. Tried Lexapro for three days and had to stop. Am now on Zoloft 50mg. Ativan PRN added to Klonopin because my attacks have been so bad on Zoloft. "Know Thyself."
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 5, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted May 5, 2015 I would think taking your regular dose as normal would be best. 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
ikam Posted May 10, 2015 Posted May 10, 2015 Once I thought I took a double dose...I was so terrified... I guess, just get back on track, I mean follow your normal procedure next day...this is what I did... - 12.03.2021- doxepin- 50mg - 6.11.2020- 75mg - 16.10.2020- 100mg - 30.09.2020- doxepin- 125mg - May 2020, omeprazole 40mg switched to esomeprazole 20mg - 2012 re-started Doxepin 75mg, evening. Increased to 150mg - 2012, Atenolol 25mg, twice a day - 2016, Low dose of HRT in evening, Sandrena and Utrogestan - Long term of Nasal spray Otrivine - 2012, PPI Omeprazole 40mg-evening 24.10.2014- Started ESCITALOPRAM-first 5mg and then 10mg; due to the adverse symptoms reduced on 5.01.2015- Escitalopram- 2.5mg 22.07.2016- re-started reduction by 1% at a time. Completed tappering on 19.03.2020 😇
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 10, 2015 Administrator Posted May 10, 2015 Take your regular dose as normal. You may or may not have a rocky few days, but it will even out. 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.
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 10, 2015 Administrator Posted May 10, 2015 Being organized is one way to reduce anxiety. 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.
btdt Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 I organised around how you take the pills and keep track of taking them. There are pill containers that have the day of the wk on them so if it is empty you know you took it. You could make our own containers if you like right the 7 days of the wk on them and it would work just as well. Writing on a calendar our in you own thread here when you got a new bottle of pill and the time you started taking them .. say got the new bottle on Monday .. April 1st took the first dose from this bottle April 2 then you can always count the pills against the days passed to see if you have taken the daily dose. I have used both of these as my memory is bad too I wish it was as easy for other memory related issues. I hope you not having any fallout or if you do that is is short lasting. peace WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in
quads Posted January 15, 2020 Posted January 15, 2020 Hello everyone So I just did something really silly. I've tapered down to 15mg from 20mg citalopram over the past few months. I've been taking 15mg since 1st January and am doing a hold with it until the 21st January when I resume my next 2.5% reduction. I just accidentally shot my whole 20mg tablet without drawing my 5mg out to get the correct dose. It's strange as I've been following the same routine now for months regarding taking my medication but somehow I just slipped up and just stirred my 20mg and forgot to syringe out the 5mg. I'm kind of prone to panic so just looking for reassurance that this will be ok? Should I just take 15mg again tomorrow as always, and continue to do so until the 21st and continue my taper as planned from there? I'm following the brassmonkey slide method for what it's worth. Thanks for any responses in advance and I hope you are all doing well. Tapering off Citalopram January 2009 - 29th March 2017: 40mg Citalopram 30th March 2017 - 1st November 2017: 30mg Citalopram 1st November 2017 - 1st September 2019: 20mg Citalopram tablet 2nd September - 7th October: Transition to dissolving 20mg Citalopram in liquid 7th October - 4th November: 19.5mg--->19mg--->18.5mg--->18mg 4th November 2nd December- 17.55mg--->17.1mg--->16.65mg--->16.2mg Other drugs: 15mg lansoprazole daily, Dymista nasal spray twice daily Supplements: 2x omega 3 fish oils per day, 2x200mg magnesium citrates per day
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