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How to talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal? What to expect.


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I noticed that I was “running out of scripts” quickly which was very odd as I don’t get them filled every month any more.  The chemist keeps them and said that the 12months were up, and that was why.  That means either a visit to the Dr. just to get a script (more money and time) or ring up (and they still charge a fee for it).  So I got annoyed about that!  But then my script “ran out” again and the 12 months was definitely not up!  When I checked it, I saw that the Dr. had only given me 1 repeat instead of the usual 5.  This means having to go back more often more scripts, so I’m not impressed.  I already resent paying for the rotten drug that has been killing me and now extra drs visits!  In all fairness to the Dr it could be because I am only taking ¼ of a tablet now, and don't need so many scripts, but I began to wonder if it was a way of making me go back for more visits!

 

He has had me go back recently more often for a visit, just to get results from tests which I also find annoying.  Then when I told him about doing the hold, he wanted me back in a month.  This is quite absurd because for 6 years now I don’t go to him about withdrawal, only for regular tests or check-ups (which is not very often at all) if something is wrong.  Also, it would have made more sense to have regular check-ups during tapering, not during holding.  However, I thought perhaps he cared about my progress, but no, after today's visit I think he still does not get it.

 

Back from my Drs. visit today and feeling quite annoyed again because I took my comparison chart from previous taper showing what had improved and what had worsened and he wasn’t very interested!  I thought he might keep it and put it with my file, but no.  I thought he wasn’t even listening, but he was because he suggested I “take some Endep to help with the head issues.”  That sounded to me like: “this is a special med/painkiller that helps with head issues.”  No mention of it being another a/d.

 

I realise now more than ever what I have been reading all along – that is that Drs. are there to sell you drugs, just like the butcher wants to sell you meat and the baker wants to sell you bread! Perhaps that is why he is so nonchalant, because he sees it as his job to give me drugs.  He wanted me to switch to Prozac last year which I declined because when I researched this site, I couldn’t find sufficient evidence that it was successful.  He says it is successful because of its longer half-life.  However, that is only half the story, as we know here so I asked about the guarantee that withdrawal symptoms wouldn’t worsen by going right off the Paxil!   I now realise now he has to make money somehow – and that’s to keep you coming back to him.

 

Now if I was tapering I would be even more tempted by the Endep but at this point, where I am holding and hoping to see some improvement, I don’t think it is a good idea, but if others think it wouldn’t do any harm, let me know!  My rationale is that my brain is now trying to adjust to a hold after getting worse and worse from previous couple of tapers (and the first 4 weeks hold have been worse than the previous drop for many symptoms) and to add more serotonin would only confuse the issue I suspect.

 

It does make sense to take something to help and the desire to feel “normal” and the temptation to take something artificial to alleviate my suffering is definitely a strong pull.  I can see now that his job is to help alleviate pain and he does that with drugs – that’s his line of business.  He earns a living selling drugs.  I think this is just one of the issues I (and all of us) have to come to terms with!  So at last I get it!

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

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GrandmaD,

 

I definitely hear your frustration.

 

In my opinion, even if doctors aren't profiting by prescribing meds, they do it because it is the only language they know.   And in my cases , it is sadly the standard of care.   So if something happens to you, as long at they followed the procedures, they can't get sued.

Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010
Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006
Finished taper on June 10, 2010

Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016

Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week

April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia

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  • 2 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

I have a friend who got put on Paxil, generic. (face palm - I thought this drug was off the favored list)

 

It was claimed that the reason it was paroxetine, was that the other drugs interfered with her Voltaren (diclofenac) for pain (????)

 

Anyhow, the doctor (Australian) is conscientious enough that she will start tapering after 6 months of use.

 

I wanted to give my friend (and her doctors) the very basics of information in a form that she can use - and that will not take up too much of the doc's time.  So I made up a single page as to "why we taper 10%"  (with the exception that the first cut, under a doctor's care, can be 25%, like Dr. Brogan does)

 

It's probably the most concise thing I've ever written!

 

* * *

Tapering Primer.

Low doses of drugs affect a higher percentage of receptors than high doses of drugs.

In a curve, like this:

Plasma%20Concentration%20Fluoxetine_zpsj

 

https://ils.unc.edu/bmh/neoref/this.dir.unneeded/schizophrenia/review/tmp/352.pdf

 

This drug is similar in strength to your drug.  (Yours, paroxetine, is slightly stronger)

 

So you see, you get a lot of change from 0-10 mg of the drug.  (That goes for going on, and more importantly, coming off)

 

If you were start at 60 mg, the first 40 mg will taper easily.  Then, when you hit around 20 mg, there’s an “Ut-oh” point where the Concentration of the drug on the Receptors drops off rapidly.

 

So sometimes it’s okay (under doctors’ care) to cut 25% the first cut for the first month.  We wait a month for symptoms to settle down before deciding how to continue the taper.

 

But after the first big cut, it is important to slow down, if you wish to minimize symptoms.  Harm reduction (fewest symptoms) practice recommends a 10% of previous dose taper per month, to match these curves.  And we hold, or stop tapering, any time the symptoms flare up.  The goal is a symptom free taper.

 

From information at:  http://www.survivingantidepressants.org

 

Please feel free to show this to your doctor.

Edited by JanCarol
Edited to add Surviving Antidepressants link for doctors

"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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David Healy had a delightful blog post this week,

I really like number 4.

 

 

Surrendered doctor

  1. Accept that when it comes to the side effects of treatment the patient (or the in-laws) are likely to know best.
  2. Accept that my job would be more interesting if I learned to co-ordinate the research efforts of my patients rather than continued to dictate to them.
  3. Accept that patients continue to come to me not because I am good at my job but because society has made it impossible to get medicines except through people like me.
  4. Accept that my actions are dictated by ghostwritten articles and inaccessible data mediated through guidelines that I haven’t the guts to stand up to.
  5. Recognize that far from being founts of wisdom and compassion my colleagues and I can get incredibly nasty if questioned. I am an obstacle to work around more often than a source of support.
  6. Medically Unexplained Symptoms point to limitations in current medical knowledge or perhaps my medical knowledge. The term is not a euphemism for hysteria.

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

This is correct just had an another awful experience at the ER . I've had trouble breathing for almost 3 weeks. I suspect it's from body producing extra acid inflaming my esophagus from my last wave which lasted 3-4 months. After being in the ER for the second time in a week. The person that took me to hospital thought it was a good idea to say that I've been under extra stress from side effects of antidepressants. She later felt very bad about doing this as my care completely changed. I was pushed back for hours as I struggled to breathe and had my throat CT scan which was clear but nobody checked my esophagus. Than I was told the usual this is anxiety and he needs a physchiatris and more meds. . Eventhough I've still not been checked in my esophagus yet. You absolutely cannot mention anything about WD in an emergency room. This is very important. U can say u had a bad reaction to drugs years ago, but probably don't even say a brain med. The standard of care is very reckless. I now have to wait another week to be scoped and I haven't been able to eat properly or breathe properly for 3 weeks.

Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant  30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently.  using zantac as needed.  Benzo is currently 0.10mg 

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Unfolding Sky . You're kidding - right ?  :)

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Unfolding Sky . You're kidding - right ?  :)

 

And they will be telling us to Chewbaccy too! ;)

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

First feedback on my little "info sheet" (now I wish I had put the survivingantidepressants.org link on it!):

 

Daughter of the woman I wrote it for took it to her doctor, who was impressed.  Daughter is pregnant, on lexapro.  

 

Doctor said - this is good - where did you get this?  (hence I wish I'd put our link on it)

 

So - feel free to use what I wrote if you need to teach a doctor how to taper, and why.  It is just short enough, and just scientific enough that a doctor can "get it."

"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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Hi Jan,

 

Can I suggest that you add in the website for SA with no hyperlink so that it is written out in full instead of truncated?  That way it will print out.

 

Maybe also take out the line with reference to Paxil.  You could possibly draw attention instead to the graph being for fluoxetine but that other drugs are similar.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 2 months later...

On talking to your doctor about protracted withdrawal from Dr. Shipko.  

 

Ugh. The last time I mentioned "protracted withdrawal" to a doctor, he said, "I never heard of that."  He asked me to describe my symptoms. I did. He said, well, that just sounds like depression." I got angry and emotional. Bad. I said, "Yeah, but it was 10 times worse than my original illness/symptoms!"  Discussion over.

 

https://www.madinamerica.com/2015/09/shooting-the-odds-part-iii/

 

Protracted withdrawal needs a better name.  The term “protracted withdrawal” does describe the time sequence  of symptoms after stopping serotonin based antidepressants, but is a poor choice of language when discussing this with your doctor.  Medicine does not recognize such a thing as protracted withdrawal.  Withdrawal is considered something that goes away within days or weeks of stopping a drug.  If you are going to talk to your doctor about these sorts of problems, then it is best to describe the problem as symptoms that happened after stopping the drugs.  I realize that many physicians will declare these new symptoms the start of a new mental illness – usually bipolar – but calling it protracted withdrawal just confuses the doctor.  Although I refer to protracted withdrawal as drug neurotoxicity, it is still a bad idea to give the doctor a diagnosis rather than to present symptoms.  It’s just the way that doctors work.  They want to make the diagnosis and often feel put off by patients who present with a complaint and a diagnosis.

2005-2008: Effexor; 1/2008 Tapered 3 months, then quit. 7/2008-2009 Reinstated Effexor (crying spells at start of new job.)
2009-3/2013: Switched to Pristiq 50 mg then 100 mg
3/2013: Switched to Lexapro 10mg. Cut down to 5 mg. CT for 2 weeks then reinstated for 6 weeks
8/2013-8/2014: Tapering Lexapro (Lots of withdrawal symptoms)
11/2014 -8/2015: Developed severe insomnia and uncontrollable daily crying spells
12/2014-6/2015: Tried Ambien, Klonopin, Ativan, Lunesta, Sonata, Trazadone, Seroquel, Rameron, Gabapentin - Developed Anxiety disorder, PTSD, and Psychogenic Myoclonus
7/2015-1/2016: Reinstated Lexapro 2 mg (mild improvement, but crying spells still present)

1/2016-5/2017: Lexapro 5 mg ( helped a lot, but poor stress tolerance & depressive episodes)

5/20/2017 - Raised dose to Lexapro 10 mg due to lingering depression(Total of 2 failed tapers & severe PAWS)

9/11/2018 - Present: Still on 10 mg Lexapro and mostly recovered.(Anxiety still triggers Myoclonus.)

10/7/2022 - 20 mg Lexapro (brand only) Plus occasional Klonopin for anxiety and Ambien for insomnia.

 

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Doctors recognize the existence of PAWS when it comes to alcohol and drug addiction. I remember seeing flyers in a psychiatric facility. It seems that PAWS - post-acute withdrawal syndrome is almost the same as protracted withdrawal. Everything except drug cravings. Maybe when it comes to talking to doctors, we should start with what is already known. Especially since now, at least in this article, opioids, benzos, and antidepressants are part of the list.

 

http://drugabuse.com/library/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

Symptoms of PAWS

 

There are a myriad of symptoms associated with PAWS. Though each of these is fairly common among people withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, the exact number, combination, and timing of specific symptoms is different for each person. Physical differences between people, as well as differences in the types of drugs used and the amount and frequency of use all affect each individual’s experience of PAWS.

 

Mood swings: The brain of a chronic drug user, including patients taking medications under their doctor’s supervision, has become adapted to a constant supply of a mood-altering substance. When that substance is removed, periods of mania or depression can occur for no apparent reason while the brain rebalances itself.

 

AnhedoniaAlthough they work in different ways, virtually all addictive drugs, and many medications like antidepressants, have the end result—in the short term, at least—of boosting neurotransmitters and neural pathways that make the user feel good. Otherwise, why would people take them? Once these drugs and medications are stopped, however, it can take some time for the brain to produce normal levels of these feel-good chemicals on its own again. Until it does, an individual may find that nothing seems fun or interesting anymore – even activities they used to enjoy.

 

AnxietyFor addicts and patients alike, cessation of a drug or medication is a major life change. Therefore, it is understandable that there can be a great deal of anxiety, and even panic attacks, that accompany this shift. Additionally, drugs such as alcohol and BZDs that chronically inhibit brain activity result in a hyperexcitable, anxiety-prone state when they are stopped.

 

InsomniaMany psychoactive drugs and medications affect sleep patterns, and the brain adapts to long-term use. Once these drugs are stopped, it can take time to re-establish healthy sleep patterns.

 

Sleep disturbancesSubconscious desires to take alcohol or drugs, or to resume some aspect of the drug-using lifestyle, can manifest themselves in vivid, realistic dreams. Though such dreams may be very disturbing to a person in recovery, they are not a warning of impending relapse, but simply a reflection of how deeply the drug-taking compulsion can be ingrained in the mind.

 

Cognitive impairmentLike mood changes, this is another symptom of neurotransmitter imbalance. It is important to remember that difficulties in thinking clearly and maintaining concentration are usually temporary and not a sign of permanent brain damage.

 

Depression and fatigue: Many people who stop chronic drug habits or long-term medications experience such intense feelings of depression and fatigue that they fit the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Unlike these conditions, however, these symptoms are a phase of readjustment in the brain and generally diminish without treatment over time.

 

Drug cravings: People with PAWS often have intermittent cravings for the drug or medication that they took before. Because the most intense physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided, the individual may feel physically healthy but continue experiencing negative psychological symptoms which make the return to drug use seem appealing.

 

Sensitivity to stress: Many people dealing with the effects of PAWS find that their threshold for daily stress is very low. Trivial irritations or setbacks can feel like the end of the world. Considering that these individuals have given up what has been, for months or years, their primary tool for coping with life’s stresses, this difficulty is easy to understand. New life skills must be learned, and even dealing with normal emotions brought on by stress can take time.

These are some of the most common manifestations of PAWS but not an exhaustive list. One unifying theme among these symptoms is that they all impair various facets of an individual’s emotional state, or their “affect." Another common aspect of these symptoms is that they are intermittent and may come and go over days and weeks, and they generally do not impact a person to the same extent over the entire course of their withdrawal.

 

2005-2008: Effexor; 1/2008 Tapered 3 months, then quit. 7/2008-2009 Reinstated Effexor (crying spells at start of new job.)
2009-3/2013: Switched to Pristiq 50 mg then 100 mg
3/2013: Switched to Lexapro 10mg. Cut down to 5 mg. CT for 2 weeks then reinstated for 6 weeks
8/2013-8/2014: Tapering Lexapro (Lots of withdrawal symptoms)
11/2014 -8/2015: Developed severe insomnia and uncontrollable daily crying spells
12/2014-6/2015: Tried Ambien, Klonopin, Ativan, Lunesta, Sonata, Trazadone, Seroquel, Rameron, Gabapentin - Developed Anxiety disorder, PTSD, and Psychogenic Myoclonus
7/2015-1/2016: Reinstated Lexapro 2 mg (mild improvement, but crying spells still present)

1/2016-5/2017: Lexapro 5 mg ( helped a lot, but poor stress tolerance & depressive episodes)

5/20/2017 - Raised dose to Lexapro 10 mg due to lingering depression(Total of 2 failed tapers & severe PAWS)

9/11/2018 - Present: Still on 10 mg Lexapro and mostly recovered.(Anxiety still triggers Myoclonus.)

10/7/2022 - 20 mg Lexapro (brand only) Plus occasional Klonopin for anxiety and Ambien for insomnia.

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi.

 

So thanks to cysteine I was able to reduce Abilify for depression and anxiety from 20mg to 7.5mg as I have written previously. However, my pdoc still thinks I am on 15mg. Because I have side effects equivalent to dose of 15mg again, I quite need to consult with them, even if it is not urgent. So my question is, how mad do you think they will be with me for not informing them? Has anyone been in my shoes? What should I do?

 

Thanks in advance for hearing me out.

Currently, I have been on 100mg of Luvox, 100mg of Seroquel /for sleep maintenance insomnia/, and I have lowered the dose of Abilify from 20 to 7.5mg /for severe anxiety and depression/ thanks to cysteine - 2000mg a day.

 

Other than that I had been taking 1mg of Risperidone.

 

Since I have a bad quality of sleep and because of that I sleep 10 hours a day and feel tired all the time, I started taking taurine and huge amount of theanine and it improved. Plus my objective is to try D3 vitamins /google connection between quality of sleep and D3/

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And I have forgotten the most pressing question: Should I even tell them?

Currently, I have been on 100mg of Luvox, 100mg of Seroquel /for sleep maintenance insomnia/, and I have lowered the dose of Abilify from 20 to 7.5mg /for severe anxiety and depression/ thanks to cysteine - 2000mg a day.

 

Other than that I had been taking 1mg of Risperidone.

 

Since I have a bad quality of sleep and because of that I sleep 10 hours a day and feel tired all the time, I started taking taurine and huge amount of theanine and it improved. Plus my objective is to try D3 vitamins /google connection between quality of sleep and D3/

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shinrinyoku

If you are going to taper off your medication, you need to learn how to do it properly and be willing to take responsibility for everything that entails, including managing any withdrawal symptoms you might experience, and being prepared to slow your taper or updose if withdrawal symptoms become unmanageable. What you are experiencing now may be withdrawal from dropping your dose too fast.

 

Whether you tell your doctor or not is your decision. If you think they will be be cooperative and supportive, then its probably a good idea to work with your doctor and let them know your plans.

 

Unfortunately, very few doctors understand withdrawal and if you seek help for increased symptoms, most doctors will put your dose back up, possibly even higher than before or even try and start you on a new drug.

 

I'm not on any medication now, but if I was and wanting to taper off. With everything I have learned, I would consider it best to taper myself off safely and would only need my doctor to cooperate with writing prescriptions so that I could taper properly.

 

If you write about your symptoms and other details of your situation on your introduction thread, we may be able to make some suggestions for you there.

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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Hi Jan,

 

Can I suggest that you add in the website for SA with no hyperlink so that it is written out in full instead of truncated?  That way it will print out.

 

Maybe also take out the line with reference to Paxil.  You could possibly draw attention instead to the graph being for fluoxetine but that other drugs are similar.

 

Hey Chessie, thanks.  I don't know how to not get SA to truncate what it thinks is a web link....

 

I am working on a more formal letter which is not specific, but includes the information in this one.  I'll be ready to post it soon.

"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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Jan & Chessie, the link to SA will be written fully when Jan prints the info sheet from a word processing application (Word, Wordpad, etc.).

 

Jan, to clean up your post for future users who may copy this information, it's easy to fix:

delete the link you've posted and copy and paste this: SurvivingAntidepressants.org.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Yes, that's what I was meaning.  Thanks Scally.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 3 months later...
On 2015-08-22 at 8:05 AM, JanCarol said:

So - I was reading this book on Narcissitic Personality Disorder (NPD) of which I have been a victim of, and still struggle with the trauma to my self esteem, belief system, etc.  The clever book is by Eleanor Payson, "The Wizard Of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship,"  uses the tales of the Wizard of Oz, and Dorothy's desire to please the "Great and Powerful" (and special) "Oz" until she finds the little man behind the curtain, as metaphors for dealing with narcissists.  CLEVER book.

 

Anyhow, I'm reading along about the "covert narcissist," and she uses this example:

 

OMG  anyone else know this guy/woman?  I think we've all seen this doctor at one time or another.

 

And I've read Mad In America, and Anatomy of an Epidemic - I know how psychiatry evolved from its treatments.  But this goes deeper - this is in the whole MD profession - the One-Way Relationship - of "I know what is best for you, better than you do."  How did that evolve?

 

I remember as a young girl, hearing the adults talk, "Oh, the doctors think they are Gods, they have the power of life and death in their hands."  This statement filled me with great awe.  As if every time you went to a Doctor, he could save you or kill you right then and there.  But here's the catch:  he's more likely to kill you than save you - and THINK that he's saving you.  

This has been every dr. I have ever been to?  I keep thinking that the next one will be different~

 

 

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  • 2 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi!

 

In my country we have a kind of economical support you can get if you can't work. Not really sick-listed, but similar I suppose. 

Now I'm at the point where I've finally met a good psychiatric doctor who is very respectful and actually listens to me. But she did find it weird that I still feel unwell after being off the meds for so many months. Making them believe me, mainly the psychologist I'm about to meet in the near future, will determine if they will give me economical support or not I believe. Because I suspect they might give me a permanent Bipolar disorder instead (because of the manic-depressive symptoms) when they don't understand the situation.

 

Right now I live with my parents, and to not be able to provide for myself adds a lot of worry and feelings of guilt, even if my parents are very supporting. It just doesn't feel right to me. Do any of you have experiences of how to deal with people from psychiatric hospitals who don't seem to understand this ad withdrawal stuff? Because I don't want to seem like a know-it-all and give them a bunch of papers and links. I mostly want to present it in a way that makes me not seem crazy first of all :P. I lost my train of thought now - as usual, but you get the idea. How would I go about approaching the issue in the best way possible without seeming condescending/know-all/crazy?

 

Thank you

 

Edited by ChessieCat
moved from another topic

2011-2015: Escitalopram (Cipralex) 20 mg, Voxra 300 mg (quit Voxra in late 2015, no issues)

2016: Started tapering Escitalopram 5 mg at a time, every fourth week

July 24th, 2016: Escitalopram 5 mg

April 2nd, 2017: Quit last dosage (WD worsened a lot)

Ca 6 last months of 2017: Taking Diazepam 15-25 mg irregularly, less than once a month

Ca Dec 2017: Out of Diazepam, i.e free from all prescribed drugs

Now: Still drug free

Supplements: Irregular intake of Omega-3, magnesium, vitamin D.

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  • 2 months later...

Anyone been to a doctor during withdrawal and how did it go?

 

I have an appointment next Thursday as I cannot get rid of heightened anxiety. I'm 2.6yrs off citalopram and whilst I thought I was improving I don't know anymore.

In 2001 - started on Carbamezapine (can't remember dose), Fluoexitine 20mg, Clanozepam (low dose) after a nervous breakdown.

In 2004 - abruptly stopped carbamezapine after falling pregnant.  

In 2009 - changed from Fluoexitine to Citalopram 20mg.

In 2014 - tappered off clanozepam.

In Aug 2015 - cold turkey off Citalopram :o

From Aug - Dec 2015 I had mostly flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping. From Jan - April 2016 Emotional nightmare ensued, paranoia, excessive anxiety and tormenting thoughts, basically trying to manage these emotions and thoughts which are exhausting.  Lots of intense emotions followed by tears, at times howling when Im alone.In March 2016 I tried Choline & Inisitol, Vit B Complex, Using Aromatherapy, like Lavendar, Clary Sage and others.

In April STOPPED Choline & Inositol as I beleive it was giving me shakes and making me more anxious.  It also made me feel like i'd taken a benzo tablet making me feel sedated.  Reading - The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (recommended by a member on this group).

Symptoms - extreme low self esteem and insecurity, intense emotions and tearfulness. This is so so hard.  But im going to keep pushing.  Feel bad for my 2 girls and husband.  I don't want to be seen in this way, especially by the girls. Self-help : praying, meditating, breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Ceterizine (antihistamine) - I've been taking this for many years now for itchiness in my palms and feet.  I take them as and when I need them. JULY 2016 Dr Bach homeopathic remedies and 'rescue remedy'

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Hi MD ,I have and its mostly a waste of time.about 15  months  ago I went to him in a serious distressed state and all he had for me was a note for a psychiatric hospital and a prescription for Zyprexa .looking back now I think this is an abhorrent reaction to my state that day ,it is infuriating me now just writing this [I'm ok lol].I cant wait to write him a letter when I get better .I simply never needed Zyprexa .I personally will never go near the medical model of todays capitalistic model ever again .I went back to him after suffering months of him saying it is ok to half a 75mg dose ,it took months for me to snap and have a breakdown .

I feel confident to write this because ive lived and practiced the opposite from what he wanted that day .

Be very careful what you tell him you could come out having to come off stronger drugs further down the line .

 

I hope a mod can give you advice because I think you should take this visit very serious .

Of course I cant tell you not to go to the DR and its totally your choice ,I haven't been near one In 10 months now I think it is and I'm simply empowered by this . 

Our quest to be well and feel ok will bring us to DRs but they  simply kick the can down the road in my opinion .

Read and learn and empower yourself is the best way out of this .DRs have 15mins to evaluate us ,you have all day and all year so you keep the power in lap.

Exhaust all non drug  help for anxiety ,there's loads on YouTube  .if your determined to be drug free.

I totally empathise with you about the anxiety .  

Bit of a rant but I love it :).

Take care .

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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Most doctors will have absolutely no idea how to help. I went to so many, including naturopathic, regular MDS, specialists, etc and spent SO MUCH MONEY. The only thing that really helped was time! I can truly say time has helped heal a lot!

Current age - 29

 

At Ages 16- 20 Celexa 40 mg 

 

2014- September through February of 2016 ( 18 months) Celexa 20 mg

 

Tapered for Several months

 

Celexa free since February of 2016

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Hi power back, I hear exactly what you are saying. It really sucks.

Thank you for the empowerment! Made me smile :-).

In 2001 - started on Carbamezapine (can't remember dose), Fluoexitine 20mg, Clanozepam (low dose) after a nervous breakdown.

In 2004 - abruptly stopped carbamezapine after falling pregnant.  

In 2009 - changed from Fluoexitine to Citalopram 20mg.

In 2014 - tappered off clanozepam.

In Aug 2015 - cold turkey off Citalopram :o

From Aug - Dec 2015 I had mostly flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping. From Jan - April 2016 Emotional nightmare ensued, paranoia, excessive anxiety and tormenting thoughts, basically trying to manage these emotions and thoughts which are exhausting.  Lots of intense emotions followed by tears, at times howling when Im alone.In March 2016 I tried Choline & Inisitol, Vit B Complex, Using Aromatherapy, like Lavendar, Clary Sage and others.

In April STOPPED Choline & Inositol as I beleive it was giving me shakes and making me more anxious.  It also made me feel like i'd taken a benzo tablet making me feel sedated.  Reading - The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (recommended by a member on this group).

Symptoms - extreme low self esteem and insecurity, intense emotions and tearfulness. This is so so hard.  But im going to keep pushing.  Feel bad for my 2 girls and husband.  I don't want to be seen in this way, especially by the girls. Self-help : praying, meditating, breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Ceterizine (antihistamine) - I've been taking this for many years now for itchiness in my palms and feet.  I take them as and when I need them. JULY 2016 Dr Bach homeopathic remedies and 'rescue remedy'

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Just now, Kalinia said:


Most doctors will have absolutely no idea how to help. I went to so many, including naturopathic, regular MDS, specialists, etc and spent SO MUCH MONEY. The only thing that really helped was time! I can truly say time has helped heal a lot!

Hi Kalina, so sorry you spent so much money. I'm yet to meet anyone who has had a positive experience in this particular area with medical professionals. Thank you :-)

In 2001 - started on Carbamezapine (can't remember dose), Fluoexitine 20mg, Clanozepam (low dose) after a nervous breakdown.

In 2004 - abruptly stopped carbamezapine after falling pregnant.  

In 2009 - changed from Fluoexitine to Citalopram 20mg.

In 2014 - tappered off clanozepam.

In Aug 2015 - cold turkey off Citalopram :o

From Aug - Dec 2015 I had mostly flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping. From Jan - April 2016 Emotional nightmare ensued, paranoia, excessive anxiety and tormenting thoughts, basically trying to manage these emotions and thoughts which are exhausting.  Lots of intense emotions followed by tears, at times howling when Im alone.In March 2016 I tried Choline & Inisitol, Vit B Complex, Using Aromatherapy, like Lavendar, Clary Sage and others.

In April STOPPED Choline & Inositol as I beleive it was giving me shakes and making me more anxious.  It also made me feel like i'd taken a benzo tablet making me feel sedated.  Reading - The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (recommended by a member on this group).

Symptoms - extreme low self esteem and insecurity, intense emotions and tearfulness. This is so so hard.  But im going to keep pushing.  Feel bad for my 2 girls and husband.  I don't want to be seen in this way, especially by the girls. Self-help : praying, meditating, breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Ceterizine (antihistamine) - I've been taking this for many years now for itchiness in my palms and feet.  I take them as and when I need them. JULY 2016 Dr Bach homeopathic remedies and 'rescue remedy'

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Just now, MaryDavid said:

Hi power back, I hear exactly what you are saying. It really sucks.

Thank you for the empowerment! Made me smile :-).

Your welcome MD ,sometimes all we need is a big hug and be told we will be ok ,that's what we are striving for . but watch your behaviour carefully and don't let a MD tell you you have a treatable illness ,when it is really a side affect of meds .

 

I will say again that its your choice if you want to go DRs and don't let anyone put pressure on you either way , but I wanted to tell you my DR  story .

I was as bad as it gets that day and a couple more times since  but I learned to tough it out , it was dam hard but I could well up with emotion with how proud I am of myself .I started to learn and empower myself not long before that visit to the DR, then a few weeks later I joined SA .

Informed consent is the future ,learn= empowerment .hence my screen name :).

Take care MD 

 

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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Definitely  do what feels right and best for you! Maybe you'll find a great doctor. Never lose hope because things WILL get better. 

Current age - 29

 

At Ages 16- 20 Celexa 40 mg 

 

2014- September through February of 2016 ( 18 months) Celexa 20 mg

 

Tapered for Several months

 

Celexa free since February of 2016

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1 hour ago, powerback said:

Your welcome MD ,sometimes all we need is a big hug and be told we will be ok ,that's what we are striving for . but watch your behaviour carefully and don't let a MD tell you you have a treatable illness ,when it is really a side affect of meds .

 

I will say again that its your choice if you want to go DRs and don't let anyone put pressure on you either way , but I wanted to tell you my DR  story .

I was as bad as it gets that day and a couple more times since  but I learned to tough it out , it was dam hard but I could well up with emotion with how proud I am of myself .I started to learn and empower myself not long before that visit to the DR, then a few weeks later I joined SA .

Informed consent is the future ,learn= empowerment .hence my screen name :).

Take care MD 

 

 

:-) I'm curious to hear what they will say when I tell them about my noise and light sensitivity since the medication, and how it was hell coming off them. They sent me to counselling 1 year ago but it didn't really help me. I'm going to ask for psychotherapy and tempted to ask for a brain scan. Will come back and update.

Thanks again power back

 

In 2001 - started on Carbamezapine (can't remember dose), Fluoexitine 20mg, Clanozepam (low dose) after a nervous breakdown.

In 2004 - abruptly stopped carbamezapine after falling pregnant.  

In 2009 - changed from Fluoexitine to Citalopram 20mg.

In 2014 - tappered off clanozepam.

In Aug 2015 - cold turkey off Citalopram :o

From Aug - Dec 2015 I had mostly flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping. From Jan - April 2016 Emotional nightmare ensued, paranoia, excessive anxiety and tormenting thoughts, basically trying to manage these emotions and thoughts which are exhausting.  Lots of intense emotions followed by tears, at times howling when Im alone.In March 2016 I tried Choline & Inisitol, Vit B Complex, Using Aromatherapy, like Lavendar, Clary Sage and others.

In April STOPPED Choline & Inositol as I beleive it was giving me shakes and making me more anxious.  It also made me feel like i'd taken a benzo tablet making me feel sedated.  Reading - The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (recommended by a member on this group).

Symptoms - extreme low self esteem and insecurity, intense emotions and tearfulness. This is so so hard.  But im going to keep pushing.  Feel bad for my 2 girls and husband.  I don't want to be seen in this way, especially by the girls. Self-help : praying, meditating, breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Ceterizine (antihistamine) - I've been taking this for many years now for itchiness in my palms and feet.  I take them as and when I need them. JULY 2016 Dr Bach homeopathic remedies and 'rescue remedy'

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2 minutes ago, Kalinia said:

Definitely  do what feels right and best for you! Maybe you'll find a great doctor. Never lose hope because things WILL get better. 

Thanks Kalinia, I'm 2.6yrs off but some symptoms are still persisting. I'm going to resist any medication and see if I can get psychotherapy and tempted to ask for a brain scan. Will come back with an update

 

Thanks again Kalina

In 2001 - started on Carbamezapine (can't remember dose), Fluoexitine 20mg, Clanozepam (low dose) after a nervous breakdown.

In 2004 - abruptly stopped carbamezapine after falling pregnant.  

In 2009 - changed from Fluoexitine to Citalopram 20mg.

In 2014 - tappered off clanozepam.

In Aug 2015 - cold turkey off Citalopram :o

From Aug - Dec 2015 I had mostly flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping. From Jan - April 2016 Emotional nightmare ensued, paranoia, excessive anxiety and tormenting thoughts, basically trying to manage these emotions and thoughts which are exhausting.  Lots of intense emotions followed by tears, at times howling when Im alone.In March 2016 I tried Choline & Inisitol, Vit B Complex, Using Aromatherapy, like Lavendar, Clary Sage and others.

In April STOPPED Choline & Inositol as I beleive it was giving me shakes and making me more anxious.  It also made me feel like i'd taken a benzo tablet making me feel sedated.  Reading - The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (recommended by a member on this group).

Symptoms - extreme low self esteem and insecurity, intense emotions and tearfulness. This is so so hard.  But im going to keep pushing.  Feel bad for my 2 girls and husband.  I don't want to be seen in this way, especially by the girls. Self-help : praying, meditating, breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Ceterizine (antihistamine) - I've been taking this for many years now for itchiness in my palms and feet.  I take them as and when I need them. JULY 2016 Dr Bach homeopathic remedies and 'rescue remedy'

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  • Moderator Emeritus

MaryDavid,

 

The vast majority of doctors, including psychiatrists, don't believe in extended withdrawal and haven't even heard of it.  They believe what the drug reps tell them.  Be prepared for your doctor to say it is the return of the underlying condition and to suggest you go back on the old drug or a different one.

 

The information and suggestions in these links should be helpful.

 

How to talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal
 
What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Best,

Gridley

Edited by getofflex
repair broken link

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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54 minutes ago, Gridley said:

MaryDavid,

 

The vast majority of doctors, including psychiatrists, don't believe in extended withdrawal and haven't even heard of it.  They believe what the drug reps tell them.  Be prepared for your doctor to say it is the return of the underlying condition and to suggest you go back on the old drug or a different one.

 

The information and suggestions in these links should be helpful.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?
 
What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Best,

Gridley

Hey Gridley, thanks for that!

In 2001 - started on Carbamezapine (can't remember dose), Fluoexitine 20mg, Clanozepam (low dose) after a nervous breakdown.

In 2004 - abruptly stopped carbamezapine after falling pregnant.  

In 2009 - changed from Fluoexitine to Citalopram 20mg.

In 2014 - tappered off clanozepam.

In Aug 2015 - cold turkey off Citalopram :o

From Aug - Dec 2015 I had mostly flu-like symptoms and trouble sleeping. From Jan - April 2016 Emotional nightmare ensued, paranoia, excessive anxiety and tormenting thoughts, basically trying to manage these emotions and thoughts which are exhausting.  Lots of intense emotions followed by tears, at times howling when Im alone.In March 2016 I tried Choline & Inisitol, Vit B Complex, Using Aromatherapy, like Lavendar, Clary Sage and others.

In April STOPPED Choline & Inositol as I beleive it was giving me shakes and making me more anxious.  It also made me feel like i'd taken a benzo tablet making me feel sedated.  Reading - The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk (recommended by a member on this group).

Symptoms - extreme low self esteem and insecurity, intense emotions and tearfulness. This is so so hard.  But im going to keep pushing.  Feel bad for my 2 girls and husband.  I don't want to be seen in this way, especially by the girls. Self-help : praying, meditating, breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Ceterizine (antihistamine) - I've been taking this for many years now for itchiness in my palms and feet.  I take them as and when I need them. JULY 2016 Dr Bach homeopathic remedies and 'rescue remedy'

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I've finally finished Lexapro and I'm very upset with the doctors.  And also upset with people who seem to just want to tell you to speak to them.  Well... I knew what he was going to say.  But I did anyway.  I told my doctor I am still having dizziness and he said discontinuation symptoms should stop after a couple days.  That's it.  This is simply not my experience.  Why don't they look into this more?    I don't understand.

 

29y.o.  Started Lexapro, 15mg in 2013 for anxiety and depression.

9/28/15- Started taper, went down to 10mg, then 5mg by 10/31/15. 

1/2016-  anxiety, nausea, fatigue, crying spells, sadness, by January. Reinstated back to 10mg.  Leveled out.   1/1/2018- Began further taper, down to 0mg by 1/31/2018.  Last dose was 2.5mg. Feelings of dizziness during taper recommended by pdoc.  Slowed down taper, but still had symptoms of stomach upset.

2/12/18 - Dealing with symptoms of dizziness, anxiety, sadness, stomach upset.  2/20/18 - Reinstating medication with .6mg.  2/21/18 - Emotionally feeling better.  Dizziness much improved.  2/24/18 - Went to sleep with extreme feeling of chills.  No fever.  Fatigue.  3/19/18 - Increased anxiety.  5/1/18- Began therapy.  Have trouble with anxiety and GI symptoms.  9/22/18 - Decrease to .5mg.  Anxiety, GI, chills.  9/26/18 - back up to .6mg.  10/31/18 - app Curable, feeling distinct change in outlook and anxiety levels decreased.

2/1/19 - not seeing improvement in anxiety.  started 10mg Prozac  2/7/19 - up to 20mg Prozac, experiencing chills, tiredness  2/21/19 - tapering down to 10mg

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  • 4 months later...
  • Administrator

Please read post #1 in this topic for pointers to highlights.

 

Like other people, some doctors, are resistant to learning new things. If your doctor or psychiatrist absolutely refuses to assist you in tapering, and you cannot get prescriptions from anyone else but this doctor, you might stop talking about tapering during your visits and report you're doing fine on the dose you're taking. See Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ for information about how to taper specific drugs.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

It's very likely your doctor will not know anything about tapering a psychiatric drug. If you find that a doctor is not cooperating with your tapering plan, you might show him or her the package insert for your drug. The insert for almost all psychiatric drugs except the oldest contain a warning about withdrawal syndrome and advise tapering.

 

For example, here is the section about tapering from the package insert in Prozac capsules, in small type on page 10

 

Quote

 

5.12 Long Elimination Half-Life

Because of the long elimination half-lives of the parent drug and its major active metabolite, changes in dose will not be fully reflected in plasma for several weeks, affecting both strategies for titration to final dose and withdrawal from treatment. This is of potential consequence when drug discontinuation is required or when drugs are prescribed that might interact with fluoxetine and norfluoxetine following the discontinuation of fluoxetine [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.13 Discontinuation of Treatment

During marketing of PROZAC, SNRIs, and SSRIs, there have been spontaneous reports of adverse reactions occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania. While these reactions are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of serious discontinuation symptoms. Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with PROZAC. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate. Plasma fluoxetine and norfluoxetine concentration decrease gradually at the conclusion of therapy which may minimize the risk of discontinuation symptoms with this drug.

 

 

To find the package insert for your drug, do one of these:

 

1. Save the package insert from your prescription.

 

2. If your package does not contain an insert, or if you have thrown yours away, request one from the pharmacist.

 

If you get a package insert in your drug packet or from the pharmacist, it will be in tiny type on thin paper.

 

3. Use search on the Web to find your drug insert -- in Google, put "[name of your drug] package insert". You will see the package insert offered by various sources.

 

To find the official version, choose a link from the site from the manufacturer of the drug, the FDA (US government Federal Drug Administration), drugs.com, or your country's government agency.

 

Most likely, the insert will download as a very long pdf. Print out the page containing the section about discontinuation of treatment.

 

 

Whether you have the original package insert or print out from the Web, look carefully for the section about discontinuation of treatment. It probably will be somewhere after adverse effects. Circle the section -- example from Prozac shown above -- and take this to your doctor. Request that it be included in your medical records.

 

Point out, calmly and firmly, that official instructions recommend gradual tapering, which you would like to accomplish over a long period of time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

 

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

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  • 6 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Yes, I have experienced just this.  When I tried to get off trazodone and Lexapro in the past, my psychiatrist just kept putting me right back on them.  He saw it as evidence that my original issues were resurfacing. It's amazing to me that these docs can prescribe these terrible drugs, and not know the implications and far reaching consequences in their patients' lives.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Long story short - visit with my GP regarding taper did not go well.  at first he wanted nothing to do with it, since he was not original doctor to prescribe (not happy with my psych nurse and didn't want to go back to him).   He also told me he has never heard of compounding and would not listen any further (this I find hard to believe?).  

 

After he calmed down a bit, he did say he would help me , but gave me HIS taper schedule, which is:

 

25 mg current of luvox is what I am tapering. 

 

he says:

 

for a week do 25 on day , then 12.5 next day, alternating these strengths. 

 

next week, do 12.5 for a whole week

 

next week, 12.5, then 6.25, alternating these strengths.

 

next week 6.25 for a week. 

 

next week 6.25, then 0, alternating these

 

then off. 

 

off course he said I could go slower and do longer than a week. 

 

 

This method seems odd to me.  He says "this is what I do with all my patients". 

 

I have no idea what I am going to do now.  :( 

 

 

 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

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So I went to the Psych nurse yesterday.   that went even worse.  once again another medical professional telling me they have never heard of compounding.  I cant believe that.  Its a long story, but he was condecesing and made me feel like anything I said wasn't valid.  I don't even feel like he was listening half the time as he typed stuff about me in his computer.   Even at one point told me why don't we up the Luvox (the one I want off of!) and lower the others because I am not on the "therapeutic dose".  why does one have to be on the "therapeutic dose just because that is what they determine it to be?  It was once again oh your symptoms are just your anxiety, etc.  not the meds.  "come back in a month".  no I don't think so.   

 

I am so discouraged at this point.   And I am nervous about crushing and weighing myself. I feel like I will mess it up.  :( 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

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