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Cipramillion ☼ Cipralex


Cipramillion

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I'm glad Lexapro didn't impact you badly on that part. I'm like a walking body without a head.

I am supposedly work in office three days each week and from home the other two days. I haven't been able to make to office until like noon time in the past whole year since drug reaction-- too sick physically and mentally to get out, I even pushed to office today, all I did is one simple email of one line which took lots time to draft. Had a 1-1 meeting with one of my direct reports in a total DR and mental confusion, don't know how I made the conversation though, caught up more serious stuff addressing comments from reviewers on a document I prepared a while back-- in a total DR again. Somehow even in severe DR, my subconcesnes took over to talk, work like I did today in the meeting and on the document. It's very Barrier. And that was how I managed to do some work in the past year most of the time. I have postponed a presentation for several months as I am afraid I will suddenly collapse then everyone will know I'm a total crap. I can't go to meetings in person, while dialing in for meetings, it's also my subconcesnes talks.

 

When in severe pain, I still have some confidence, but when my brain is not own, confused and in DR, I lose every bit confidence.

 

I want to tell you that you are an aspiration, strong, determined, calm even in so much pain! Your strength will carry you over this misery!

 

Big hugs!

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,

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It pains me to hear about the all the suffering you are going through. No sane person would take the risk eating Lexapro If they knew about stories like yours.

 

I feel like Im burning up from the inside. Constant pain and intense uneasiness. Psychic torture is the right word, i think. Mindfullness and acceptence is the only way i can stand this suffering. like a messed up monk, waiting for a small window, which Im sure will come soon.

 

Hang in there, friend!

 

Hugs!

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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One month off Lexapro as im writing this.

 

Im struggling with a sinus infection at the moment, so hard to say whats what, but i def have experienced a lot of WD symptoms since i jumped off. My sleep is improving which is a good sign i guess.

 

4 weeks is nothing in the long run, but every improvement or sign is a blessing these days

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Nice to hear you are having better sleep! That is really a great news, first step of healing! I am still struggling with my sleeping issue, too, I never experienced these before.

2006 October Zoloft 50mg for anxiety.

2013 March Lexapro 10mg for 18 months to 2015 September.

2015 September increased to 20mg for 7 weeks but getting worse. 3rd November dropped back to 10mg

2016 11th November taper to 9mg

2017 3rd March Taper to 8.8mg, then Fast taper start: 10th-8.6mg, 12th-8.2mg, 17th-8.0mg, 22rd-7.7mg, 27th-7.4mg.

April 2nd- 6.9mg (WD start), 19th-6.5mg. Failed one day Cymbalta trial, took back Lexapro, much worse Akathisia torture. Keep holding. 

May 22nd- 6.3mg, June 10th- 5.7mg, Nov- 4.4mg, Dec- 4.3mg,

2018 Jan- 4.1mg 

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Hi Cipromillion,

 

How are you doing?

Has the akathesia lessened some? I have been thinking of you today during my most severe bugs crawling -- real hell!

 

Hope you are having more improvement since the sleep got better.

 

Lex

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,

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Thx for asking me, Lex! Sorry to hear about the akathisia crawling. Nasty stuff! ????

 

Im in a wave with worse akathisia. I've been drinking decaf coffee lately, and was shocked to find out that it actually contains a substantial amount of caffeine! That explains why my akathisia has skyrocket this last week ???? Im so sensitive to food, and lifestyle is everything at the moment. My sleep is still improving and my vivid dreams/nightmares are almost gone completely.

 

Im allergic to pollen, and the season are starting now. Need to take my nasal corticostereoid spray soon. Hopefully my system will handle that smoothly.

 

How are you feeling yourself these days?

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Hey mate, just come in and say hello, hope you are better today! 

 

Rain

2006 October Zoloft 50mg for anxiety.

2013 March Lexapro 10mg for 18 months to 2015 September.

2015 September increased to 20mg for 7 weeks but getting worse. 3rd November dropped back to 10mg

2016 11th November taper to 9mg

2017 3rd March Taper to 8.8mg, then Fast taper start: 10th-8.6mg, 12th-8.2mg, 17th-8.0mg, 22rd-7.7mg, 27th-7.4mg.

April 2nd- 6.9mg (WD start), 19th-6.5mg. Failed one day Cymbalta trial, took back Lexapro, much worse Akathisia torture. Keep holding. 

May 22nd- 6.3mg, June 10th- 5.7mg, Nov- 4.4mg, Dec- 4.3mg,

2018 Jan- 4.1mg 

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Cipramillion.  It must feel great to be drug free. How are your symptoms ? Has anything changed ?  If I were you I would avoid the usual steroid nasal spray and perhaps stick to a saline salt spray which is side effect free.

 

You may want to look into green tea and cacao . They are a great way to come off caffeine but they also have health benefits that are worth pursuing.

 

Have you tried Melatonin for sleep ? I have found it to be helpful in withdrawal at a low dose to start with :  0 . 25 mg.

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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I hate to hear you are still in the wave! It's so unfair and heartbreaking after all you did the slow and smooth taper, it still hit badly jumping off this poison!

 

Your strength and determination will carry you over to the other side with full freedom and recovery!

 

Much love and hugs,

Lex

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,

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  • Mentor

 

 

You may want to look into green tea and cacao . They are a great way to come off caffeine but they also have health benefits that are worth pursuing.

 

 

just know that green tea is not caffeine free. there is a decaf green tea but just like with decaf coffee, there's still a small amnt of caffeine in it, however it is usually less than what's in decaf coffee.

I think how you brew it/steep it may also make a difference.

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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Thanks H2H.  :)  It is an important distinction . I was thinking of it more in a stepping off  fashion -  coming off the caffeine slowly so as not to have withdrawal etc. with the view of phasing it out altogether, eventually.

 

However, for a totally caffeine free tea you could try Rooibos or any of the herbal teas. Rooibos is an African tea that is naturally caffeine free therefore avoiding the chemicals involved in the decaffeinate process.    

 

C. I hope this wave ends for you soon. I understand how tiring this process can seem at times but you are moving in a positive direction and it can only get better from this point on .

 

Edited by ChessieCat
changed member name

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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  • Mentor
On 4/28/2017 at 7:30 PM, AliG said:

Thanks H2H.  :)  It is an important distinction . I was thinking of it more in a stepping off  fashion -  coming off the caffeine slowly so as not to have withdrawal etc. with the view of phasing it out altogether, eventually.

 

However, for a totally caffeine free tea you could try Rooibos or any of the herbal teas. Rooibos is an African tea that is naturally caffeine free therefore avoiding the chemicals involved in the decaffeinate process.    

 

C. I hope this wave ends for you soon. I understand how tiring this process can seem at times but you are moving in a positive direction and it can only get better from this point on .

 

oh yes rooibos tea is great, I drink that hot and then for a cold drink, I use a high antioxident tea made with hibiscus leaves (celestial seasons has several like Wild berry zinger) that I cold brew in the fridge

 

 

 

Some brands of tea don't use chemicals to decaf their tea, they use water, but to avoid the expense, you can decaffeinate your own teas by first pouring boiling water over it, just enough to cover, then pour that water off, most of the caffeine is washed off and then you add water to the washed out tea bag/leaves and drink that. A little trick I learned about when trying to find ways to save money 🙂

 

Cipramillion, I hope you are doing better.

as Ali mentioned you might want to skip the steroid nasal spray and look into using a saline one or neti pot or something.

I'm going to try to go with out my Flonase this summer, I sure hope the saline stuff works!

unfortunately a lot of allergens can still enter thru other places besides your nose, so we'll see how that goes.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
changed member name

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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Thank you for all the support and advice, friends. I will never forget this! 

 

Been a few busy days so sorry for the late reply.

 

Im happy to say that i`ve been experiencing a few windows this week. My akathisia has improved a lot, to the point that im almost not noticing it at all! Sleep is ticking in at 7-8 hours every night, and i excersise (running) at a regular basis now. I know this probably not gonna last for long, but still im enjoying every second of these windows. It gives me a lot of hope now that i know my CNS is healing. 

 

Started my treatment for season allergy yesterday. Its a nasal spray (avamys). I did take it last year, a point where my WD was at its hight. It went pretty well, so hoping this is the case now also. My symptoms are really nasty. This spray is the only thing that works for me. Without it im just a wreck. Will not use it for more than a few months at the time as corticostereoids might cause som systemic effects, even at small doses. 

 

I have to stay away from all stimulants. No coffe and tea at all. Caffeine turns into havoc in my CNS. But thx for the advice. I will look more into it when im feeling even better later. 

 

Wish you all the best. We will win this battle! 

 

Big hugs!

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Wow! Such a great news! I'm happy for you mate!

2006 October Zoloft 50mg for anxiety.

2013 March Lexapro 10mg for 18 months to 2015 September.

2015 September increased to 20mg for 7 weeks but getting worse. 3rd November dropped back to 10mg

2016 11th November taper to 9mg

2017 3rd March Taper to 8.8mg, then Fast taper start: 10th-8.6mg, 12th-8.2mg, 17th-8.0mg, 22rd-7.7mg, 27th-7.4mg.

April 2nd- 6.9mg (WD start), 19th-6.5mg. Failed one day Cymbalta trial, took back Lexapro, much worse Akathisia torture. Keep holding. 

May 22nd- 6.3mg, June 10th- 5.7mg, Nov- 4.4mg, Dec- 4.3mg,

2018 Jan- 4.1mg 

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How wonderful with those windows! Believe and put your trust in those, C.

Keep on, many hugs!

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

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  • Mentor

glad to hear that things are improving.  :)

who knows, maybe it will be ALL windows from here on. that would be wonderful, eh? :)

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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You risks Cipromillion!

 

So happy the wave is tiding down! More bigger windows are on the way!

 

Looking forward to more hearings from you!

 

Lex

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,

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  • 2 weeks later...

Omg, just found the many bad typos in my previous post above. Apology cipromillion!

 

How are you doing lately?

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,

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Omg, just found the many bad typos in my previous post above. Apology cipromillion!

 

How are you doing lately?

Dont worry about typos. My english is far from perfect ????

 

Im feeling better and enjoying a holiday in spain. A week in the sun cant hurt. I was attacked by a swarm of mosquitos last night. Almost 30 bites! Got some pretty nasty reaction, and my skin has swollen a lot. Feel a bit weak from that, but nothing i cant handle. After the experience with akathisia i feel i can handle whatever comes at me at this point.

 

Ive noticed the Weather really affects me more than i first thought. Low pressure makes symptoms much worse. This week the akathisia has faded out almost completely. Gotta love the sun and high pressure weather!

 

Im an optimist again ????

 

How are you feeling? Hope you are doing Ok.

 

Hugs!

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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I love your optimism. Deep (really deep...) down I am an optimist myself, it´s just hidden somewhere :)

 

Enjoy the sun! I long for it myself. Sweden has been so cold this spring.

I hope the mosquito bites calm down quickly. Compared to akathisia I bet it's nothing.

Hugs!

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

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You are a true warrior cipromillion !

It gives me lots hope and streghth to continue and look forward!

 

Sorry about the bites. My body always reacts to mosquito bites in a huge way, oh mine, 30 bites can be very distressing. But like you said, after experiencing akathesia and the nasty issues caused by these drugs, everything else is not a big deal.

 

Enjoying the sun in Spain, what a great way to mark the milestone of freedom from this poison!

 

wish you all the best,

Lex

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,

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  • 2 weeks later...

Update. 8 weeks off Lexapro. 

 

Im happy to say that my symptoms have improved a lot over the last couple of weeks. My akathisia is almost completely gone. Its such a huge relief, and i have to pinch my arm sometimes, just to remind myself this is real. 

My sleep is also better (7-8 hours every night). I can tolerate caffeine and sugar now, and it wont trigger akathisia like before. I`ve gained some weight lately because all those lovely deserts and chocolate  :P

 

The fatigue is still present, but comes mostly in short waves (usally a few hours), and then it will pass again. The corticol spikes are less intense, but still a problem in the morning. I need my sleep mask every night, and it helps a lot with this problem. The vivid dreams/nightmares are present, but less intense than before.

 

I still dont feel like myself, and that bothers me even more these days. Its hard to put my finger on it. Just feels like im a different person than i was before i took the drug. It makes me sad to thin about this fact, and its hard to accept. It also makes me angry and scared sometimes. Seems like the psychological symptoms are creeping in on me more than before.

 

Im just gonna focus on the positive side of things, which is a huge improvement from where i was one month back. This window sure feels good right now :) 

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

Link to comment

Thankyou for the update, C. It is so good to see that you are doing better.

Dont be scared, you are still recovering and is going in the right direction. Things will continue to change for the better. You are doing so right to focus on the positive.

Hugs!!

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

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Cipromillion, this is such a wonderful update! I'm truly happy for you and hear your declaration of freedom from this most dangerous poison!

 

Your determination and streghth is an aspiration to all of us!

 

I have full faith that you will get your emotion back like scottly999 did.

 

I wish we can throw a big celebration for you for winning this horrodous war! Hats off to you!!

 

Lex

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,

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Thank you so much for those beautiful and encouraging words, friends. I will never forget this. I dont even want to think about where my life would have been without the support and information i found on this site. A difference that makes a difference!

 

I see now how important the micro taper was. The last part is hard, but on a regular or higher dose, this would end up a disaster. I consider myself lucky at this point, even tho my symptoms are not fully healed. 

 

You are in my thoughts and i will support you all the way in this battle. We`re gonna win!

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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<3 Stay strong.

Love, Amy

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

Link to comment
  • Mentor

you're doing great! you've got this!

;-)

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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  • 2 weeks later...

Update:

 

Im 3 months off Lexapro now. Its clear to me that this medication has been giving me terrible reactions even at microscopic doses. The worst WD after jumping off 0.04mg has faded, but the waves are still there (more mild). Some neuro emotions. I can tolerate coffee and sugar now :D Have not tested alcohol yet, but prob will try a glass of wine soon. I actually think my WD mostly is related to my first CT episode, and not a consequence of the final jump now. All in all i have improved a lot after my last dose. Hope this is good news to all of you suffering on ultra low doses. Just know the reaction could be far more significant than you think. Hopefully the WD after the final jump will not last for that long. Im amazed how strong this drug is.

 

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Cipramillion, this is so wonderful to hear!

happy tears in my eyes for you getting your life back!!!

 

May I suggest to hold a bit longer for alcohol?

enjoy the rich flavor of a warm cup of coffee with sugar:)

 

lex

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,

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Thank you so much, Lex! Your words always cheers me up, friend :D 

 

You are completely right about the alcohol. I tend to get excited when im in a good window. It has made me do some stupid things before, so i need to learn to hold back until im ready. Thank you for reminding me! The taste of coffee in the morning sure is awsome! I appriciate the small things of everyday life even more now than before. Being in WD- hell for many months/years sure gives us some perspective on life.  

 

What is your current dose?

 

Im gonna cheer on you all the way to the finishing line! Stay focused and stick to your plan. I believe in you!  

 

Big hugs!


 

 

 

 

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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  • Mentor
On 6/10/2017 at 5:05 AM, Cipramillion said:

Im amazed how strong this drug is.

 

 

I hear you on that!! It's shocking to me that a tiny reduction has such a huge effect.

 

I am so glad to hear that you're doing better. May things only improve from here on out!!

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
1 hour ago, Happy2Heal said:

 

I hear you on that!! It's shocking to me that a tiny reduction has such a huge effect.

 

I am so glad to hear that you're doing better. May things only improve from here on out!!

 

Thank you, Happy2heal. Im fairly optimistic when it comes to further healing from this terrible drug. It just takes a lot of time to get there. 

 

How are you doing these days? You still in Lamictal 12mg?

 

Best whises!

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

Link to comment
  • Mentor
10 minutes ago, Cipramillion said:

Thank you, Happy2heal. Im fairly optimistic when it comes to further healing from this terrible drug. It just takes a lot of time to get there. 

 

How are you doing these days? You still in Lamictal 12mg?

 

Best whises!

 

 

Boy does it take a lot of time!! It's taking far longer than I ever expected- but I've decided that it's time for me to face the fact that I need to slow things down even more.

I had this idea early on that I'd be one of those lucky few who could breeze thru this, If I just had the "right" attitude and "believe" hard enough, like believing it would go fast  would make that happen. Wishful thinking is all it really was. I was banking on "mind over matter"- but the "matter" (chemicals) in these drugs are just too freaking strong.


I think I need to hold for a long time, maybe 6 mos or more. I have "decided" this in the past, and then after a few good days, gotten reckless and gone down in the dose, only to go thru a bad wave. Like the one I am just now getting over. :P

What gets me confused is that I believe that the improvements I've made have to do with having less of the drug in my system, so I am eager to get to the point where I'm totally off it.

 

but rushing it, it's just not working out that well.

 

I am doing ok today so far, thanks for asking! going day by day, sometimes hour by hour or minute by long agonizing minute, on bad days :/

 

yes, I am still taking 12.5 mgs of lamictal. I don't plan to stop that til after I'm off the lexapro completely, UNLESS I notice that I'm having issues with it. It's a tiny dose and I do believe it's not anywhere near as strong as lexapro is, plus it's not an SSRI.  it's an anti seizure med so I guess it's just slowing down electrical signals in my brain.......? I don't know. I bet the drug manufacturers and doctors don't really know 100% what it's doing, either :(

but it's made the past few months bearable so I"m sticking with it for now.

 

 

 

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
7 hours ago, Happy2Heal said:

 

 

Boy does it take a lot of time!! It's taking far longer than I ever expected- but I've decided that it's time for me to face the fact that I need to slow things down even more.

I had this idea early on that I'd be one of those lucky few who could breeze thru this, If I just had the "right" attitude and "believe" hard enough, like believing it would go fast  would make that happen. Wishful thinking is all it really was. I was banking on "mind over matter"- but the "matter" (chemicals) in these drugs are just too freaking strong.


I think I need to hold for a long time, maybe 6 mos or more. I have "decided" this in the past, and then after a few good days, gotten reckless and gone down in the dose, only to go thru a bad wave. Like the one I am just now getting over. :P

What gets me confused is that I believe that the improvements I've made have to do with having less of the drug in my system, so I am eager to get to the point where I'm totally off it.

 

but rushing it, it's just not working out that well.

 

I am doing ok today so far, thanks for asking! going day by day, sometimes hour by hour or minute by long agonizing minute, on bad days :/

 

yes, I am still taking 12.5 mgs of lamictal. I don't plan to stop that til after I'm off the lexapro completely, UNLESS I notice that I'm having issues with it. It's a tiny dose and I do believe it's not anywhere near as strong as lexapro is, plus it's not an SSRI.  it's an anti seizure med so I guess it's just slowing down electrical signals in my brain.......? I don't know. I bet the drug manufacturers and doctors don't really know 100% what it's doing, either :(

but it's made the past few months bearable so I"m sticking with it for now.

 

 

 

 

 

I think you are doing the right thing not rushing it. The fast route is not worth it If the price is prolonged WD. Always smart not to taper more than one drug at the same time. The world is not black/white, and sometimes even a small dose can be helpful for many people. 

 

I was in the same boat, stuck in the reaction and WD-chain. I jumped from a ultra low dose (0.04 mg), and even then WD did hit me pretty hard. The symptoms subsided after a couple of months, so hopefully that might be the benefit of tapering down to microscopic doses. 

 

What is your current dose of Lexapro? 

 

Keep up the good work. Lokking forward to follow your journey towards Further recovery! 

 

Hugs! 

 

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Just to chime in, happy2heal, using cipramillion thread.

 

You said:

What gets me confused is that I believe that the improvements I've made have to do with having less of the drug in my system, so I am eager to get to the point where I'm totally off it.

 

from your signature, you were on and off Lexapro a few times with breaks as long as 5 months before RI in October 2015. I read many who RI or updosed lex often face the risk of drug reaction. How much did you RI initially? It says 0.05 ml what is the mg in it? 

 

Giving that you were around 20 mg about two years back, and now at 0.18mg, it's a good idea to stretch as long as possible for the brain to catch up. I found even a tiny dose 0.01 mg can make a huge difference. I had similar experience that when I drop more, often times I felt better overall even with WD worsening as the reaction symptoms are the ones really tourturous and debilitating. But again, WD can be bad too. So a dance between the two evils is what we are dealing with.

lex,

 

 

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,

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  • Mentor
15 hours ago, Cipramillion said:

What is your current dose of Lexapro? 

 

Keep up the good work. Lokking forward to follow your journey towards Further recovery! 

 

Hugs! 

 

 

thanks Cip, hugs to you too.

my current dose of lexapro is 0.18mgs

 

one thing I will not do is go up in the dose, I tried that back in the fall and it only made things worse.

so I'll hold for now and try to see if that smooths out the remaining WD symptoms. I'd love to be able to sleep more (now still only getting 3 to 5 broken hours per night) and I'd like less daytime anxiety, and I think I have some mild depression...? not sure. just not feeling too great, but not really bad either.

I have no motivation to do things and no interest in my old hobbies. Sometimes I get racing thoughts, other times, I can't concentrate. It's an odd mix of symptoms, all fairly mild, but annoying in that there seems to be no break from them.

 

It's a ton better than severe symptoms with no break but it's draining, you know?

:/

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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