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nick1990: citalopram crap


nick1990

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Thank you Ali. Im feeling really worried about the future. Like I only tapered from 50mg to 40mg in 4 weeks and im still dealing with crap, 8 months later (6 months after the updose to 45mg) this is soooo tough and im reading about how the lower doses are even more difficult. I really feel concerned. I cannot fathom dealing with this for years. And to get tougher on lower doses ? I couldn't handle it .

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Nick - 

 

It does get better.  Just because you have to be more careful at lower doses - doesn't mean that you won't feel exponentially better at those lower doses.

 

Be patient and kind to yourself.  Take your time.  It does get better.  

"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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Thank you jan. Today started off a bit better but moderate anxiety again. Its really horrible. Real teary and want to see mum but im at work again. It really feels like ive worked so hard to get better and have. And now Im scared and hopeless again . I have to ask though, can I avoid this crippling anxiety during the remainder of my taper if I go slowly?

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Nick,

The reasoning behind tapering slowly and carefully is so you can avoid symptoms and remain functional, so the answer is yes.

 

The idea is to pay attention to your body and symptoms and adjust the taper accordingly. Some people need to really slow down as the dose gets lower. Possibly making cuts between 1% - 5%.

 

Here are some related topics:    The slowness of slow tapers

 Micro-taper instead of 10% or 5% decreases

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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Hey thanks Petunia! Yesterday and todAy very much better. Still anxious thoughts but just applying cbt and stay busy till they pass.

 

I want to take this time to apologize for my crazy desperate behavior when in a panic stAte. My whole reality shifts and logic is out of the question. Sorry for being such a pain and here's hoping I wont need to do it for much longer :)

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Rainy day here today. Working in probably the busiest cafe north of Auckland. It sucks. Lol. Anx/panic hasn't arisen for the last 4 days. But in a low mood. Depressed and having derealisation and over thinking. This seems to be the common theme after a panic attack. Not in a good head space but able to function which is nice. The other day I mentioned I was having these tingling feelings run through me when I listened to music/ had a meaningful interaction with someone. I realised that its chills down my spine. Good feeling but happening too often. Has anyone had this before? Having very long sleeps too

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Alright, so has been 2 weeks since last panic attack. This seems to be a common theme. Long spells of no panic. The last week has been o.k . Life wise, I did a massive trip down south with my mate and surfed for 3 days after working all week. Now im back at work today after 5 hours of driving home last night. Been having some mild wd symptoms pop up now and then. Especially when im tired. Get about 2-3 seconds of tinnitus every second or 3rd day. Getting the odd headache too. But very infrequent. Still feeling a little bit of derealisation but better than it had been. Sleeping really well. All in all wd symptoms are very mild, but I am still getting good doses if anxious thinking, and a slightly depressed mood. These two things are what im really struggling with. Im thinking of going back to cbt but not sure if that will help. I normally feel better by lunch and feel almost fine in the evening's. Will this anxious, irrational thinking and depression lift as I completely stabilize? Its really making me quite miserable. I know that alot of people on here are literally fighting for their livesband I feel like a bit of a nancy complaining but this type of thinking and depression scares me. Its not me, and I didn't have this consistently when stable on drugs. Will it pass? Its really bringing me down :( thanks all

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

It does pass Nick.  It's just a hell of a lot slower than we'd like.  I like to think of the fact that healing is happening in my brain all the time - and w/d symptoms are signs of this.  So hard to accept when you're feeling down, so thank god for windows :)

 

I'd try lots of stuff for anxiety - CBT, dancing, singing, meditating.  Whatever appeals.  That way something is more likely to work, and also I really think these things work in an integrative way, each enhancing the others.  Whenever I sing I picture little bits of my brain being soothed, and I also think anything that can soothe us will contribute to our healing. 

 

Nick you're actually doing really well - nothing in nature ever stays the same, so be encouraged, and just keep finding your way along.  Your brain would be working to heal itself even if you weren't trying to get it to happen.  It's like a forest after a fire, when all the little green sprouts push through.  Nature knows what it's doing. 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey all. Just posting a brief update. I feel I have turned a corner ( a good corner) over the last couple weeks. Im still having odd waves but very manageable. Most of the time im calm now. And generally my mood is good. Feeling a lot more hope and excitement for life in general. I think im really on the verge of stabilizing. Not planning on tapering for a good while still just to give my system a well deserved rest. Thanks all . Nick.

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Hey all. Little wave this week. Less intense than last one :) felt panic arrising but it didnt come! Seem to clear within a couple days. Then I enter normal for a few weeks. Im calling them normal as I feel like they're me. And every so often im having a wave. So its normal and waves for me now instead of windows and waves.

Something on my mind though - this all started from making a 10% drop followed by another 10% drop 4 weeks later. Isn't this whats recommended? Is it possible that if id held that first drop for say 8 weeks I may have avoided this all together?

 

The reason that I think this has taken so long is cause I reinstated after 3 months, even though I was seeing significant improvements beforehand. I think that if I has just waited on the reduced dose I would have been better off for it.

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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The reason that I think this has taken so long is cause I reinstated after 3 months, even though I was seeing significant improvements beforehand. I think that if I has just waited on the reduced dose I would have been better off for it.

 

Hi Nick,

 

what I learned from my lex experience is: During tapering, each time I increase dose, regardless how tiny (even 1%), I would start a huge decline of the entire wellbeing with tons very severe new symptoms (core ones are mentioned in your signature after your reinstate with 'immediately tired, drowsy, fuzzy and cloudy').

 

I increased dose before my taper without problems.

So what I now believe is, once my system is sensitized by the WD, I should NEVER reinstate. The damage is way too greater than just going through WD alone.

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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Hi Lex. Again I dont believe our experiences were/are similar. I didnt have an adverse reaction to my updose - I felt foggy and drugged. Because thats how these things make you feel when they're introduced (just read npanth blog) .. im saying that I think that updosing just destabilized me further and hence still having the odd wave 7 1/2 months after the updose. I feel im nearly there though..

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Something on my mind though - this all started from making a 10% drop followed by another 10% drop 4 weeks later. Isn't this whats recommended? Is it possible that if id held that first drop for say 8 weeks I may have avoided this all together?

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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You are right Nick. Just to share my experience in case you may think it's helpful.

We know the best of what is going on with each of us.

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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Thanks lex :) sorry if that came across harsh at all

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Not at all. Our goal is same for you to get off with least pain.

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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  • Moderator

Hey Nick-- I'm so glad to hear that you're stabilizing.  The 4 weeks we recommend is the minimum time a person should hold between drops. Some people can get away with it, while others have trouble.  Anything less is almost sure to cause problems.  Unfortunately, the only way to fine tune a taper is by painful trial and error, which is why we stress to never rush things.  There is a chance that a longer hold could have prevented your crash, but it is just a likely that the 10% cuts were just too big a bit to take.  There are so many variables and unpredictable reactions it's impossible to second guess.  

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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Thank you Brass :) I think that i will taper the way you did but maybe with an extra week or two in between. Im hoping this will result in minimal withdrawal symptoms. Its like i never really even felt the first 3 different 10% drops that were well spaced out but then got smashed by the 4th one 4 weeks after the 3rd reduction. Or do you think once stable a 5% drop would suffice? I just want to do everything in my power to avoid putting myself in this situation again. I want to taper comfortably and safely

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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And the way that you drop brass - the 2.5% every week, would that affect the brain/nervous system differently than doing a 10% drop every 4 weeks? Obviously it would be a slower and more subtle way for your brain to adapt but would the difference between the 2 methods be significant? Had you ever tried a 10% taper?

Many thanks, Nick.

 

P.s one thing i haven't mentioned in my WD journal is that i have been having REALLY vivid dreams (odd nightmare) almost every night for the last 2 weeks. Still sleeping really well but waking up once or twice. Get back to sleep quickly though . Its not really a hinderance, more just interesting how vivid they are. Last night i had like 5 different dreams!

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator

The whole point of the Brassmonkey Slide is to minimize the symptoms.  My thinking was that a 10% drop will give you a certain amount of symptoms because of the shock it gives your system. By cutting the size of the drop you cut the amount of shock and that cuts the amount of symptoms. Sorta like pulling the bandaid slowly instead of fast.  I think the less shock to the system the better, by staying stable the body has an easier time recovering from each drop. It doesn't have to fight as hard.  

 

I only started doing straight 10% drops when I got to 0.8mg (1mgpw = 0.08mgia) because I could only weigh out doses in 1mg increments. When I got to 2.9mg I had to switch from 4 cuts per slide to 3, then at 1.9mg switched to 2 cuts per slide. The percentages got all strange because of the limitations of the scales, and now that I'm under 0.8mg the cuts are progressively bigger than 10%. But I never tried a full 10% drop at the higher doses.

 

To be honest I really miss the vivid dreams.  There was the occasional nightmare, which was pretty upsetting, but the rest of the time they were pretty interesting, and sometimes pretty darn hot.  It did take some doing to distinguish them from reality sometimes, but when I thought about them I knew that I really couldn't have been in those situations IRL.

 

Once you're good and stable and ready to taper I think a 5% slide would be a good place to start. 1.25% a week for 4 weeks and then a nice hold.  See how that goes a couple of times and then make adjustments if necessary.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey all. Not reallly a wd question here but I think you guys are most knowledgeable on these subjects so I will ask.

Its been clearly established that these meds lead to increased depression and anxiety. Now, I have what ive been told is Ocd. Im not compulsive really. But I have obsessive quAlities. For instance, I feel bad or worried about something and I can reallly dig myself into a MASSIVE hole. Feel anxious about the thought or the idea. Which we know leads to more anxiety. Just an example. A few years ago I went through a stage of "imagining" I was gay. It was triggered by something - cant remember what exactly, and then spirals into obsessive thought. Constant checking and reassuring, which really does nothing but feed the cycle. It caused me great discomfort for a couple of months. Then I got distracted by life and it passed. Looking back on it now - the idea that id feel anxious or concerned about such a thought seems laughable, but at the time, it was sooo real. This has happened now for the last 7 years on and off, about a whole variety of things which ive turned into a big deAl in my head. I have found distraction and living ( lol) to be the cure for this. Too much spare time, being inactive and its like I go in to "ocd" mode. Its funny, my bro has the same issue too, but not to my degree, he also takes citalopram. Me and him have been told that we need to keep busy forever in order to keep this from popping up.

What do you guys think? Is this a real thing? Or is it a creation of the drugs? Are the drugs and their anxiety promotion leading to this? And could the SLOW removal of these things result in a lessening of "ocd" symptoms? I don't mind keeping active constantly but it just doesn't seem like the answer ..

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

We all have such different journeys Nick.  Being able to keep busy and just living life is obviously important, but it is equally important to be able to quietly sit with yourself and your thoughts and just 'be' with what is.  Otherwise you're just running all the time.

 

For myself, sometimes what comes up is uncomfortable, but it's still important for me to sit with it, recognise it, and add it to my overall view of myself. And then, instead of running off to distract from it, I try to practice living my life with those uncomfortable understandings in mind.  Not easy!!  I do a kind of commentary as I go, eg 'Okay, I've been sitting in my room, I'm upset because I don't want to acknowledge that there is still a lot of pain in my life, it's making me irritable, and here I go into the kitchen and now I'm cooking tea, and yes, I'm still acknowledging that there is pain in me.  Chopping carrots, aware of that pain, carrots in the bowl, aware that I have skills to deal with it, peeling spuds, I can live and be in pain at the same time.."  And so on. 

 

After some time - days, weeks, months? - of being aware I usually find I don't need to run from it anymore because it loses the power to scare me.  It can still be uncomfortable, or painful of course, but it's manageable. 

 

You would need to find your own way to integrate your issues, but it sounds like you have become aware than constantly running won't work forever.  That's a good first step. 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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cheers Karen :) Some very valid points. I have found that its only when I'm in an Anxious/Depressed mood that i feel any OCD thoughts. When I'm not, I'm fine. But i think my Anxious/depressed moods are from the drugs. In fact I'm 99% sure of it. Hence why I'm so excited to get rid of these things. I have had a "mini" wave this week. As in a little low/depressed mood and felt anxious today for the first time in weeks but it was maybe 1/10 severity.  Im still going to wait a bit longer to see these waves fade completely. Then restart a safe, slow taper. 

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Nick.  We all have our own individual reactions to these drugs, but there is also a lot of common ground that seems to be quite universal , so it can be helpful in a lot of ways to learn from others' experiences .

 

I can only speak from my own experience in that as I have moved further away from the drugs, I find that the anxiety, neuro- emotions and depression that they caused are gradually receding into the background of my life. Previously, they were very much " front & center". I too, can look back now and think what was I "on about " in certain situations. It was the drugs !

 

As I have gone forward , it has become abundantly clear to me that it all came from the A/D 's. It  continues to drop away the longer I'm off them. These drugs do indeed create the symptoms they were meant to be a treatment for. 

 

As you said , it can feel so real at the time but in retrospect as you've already experienced, it is " smoke & mirrors". It's the drugs. I think as you drop further down in your dose some of your OCD symptoms might slowly start to regress. They were probably brought on by the drugs anyway, and possibly it's just transitory. In the meantime, distraction can be a good thing.

Ali 

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 like you Ali! Its like you reinforce what I already thought I knew. Thanks for that.

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Hey Team!

 

So - WD has finally "almost" come to an end (i think) , Its been a LONNNNGGGG time coming but i feel I'm pretty much back to where i was before i tapered too quickly. 

Had a tiny hiccup of mild anxiety about 2/3 weeks ago but was 1/10 severity. Im still going to wait a few more weeks at least to make sure no symptoms arise. 

 

I was hammered by a flu/cold bug this week - which made me feel crap. physically and mentally. Very foggy. Anyway thats almost gone now...

I feel foggy still but its like brain fog and I've had it for years. Im trying to discern between the brain fog being from presence of drugs or from wd. Still having some days of low mood and anxious thinking. But i too had this before my fast taper. So its all very confusing - telling the difference between the wd and the drug side effects.. Either way i know I've gone from a REALLY bad place of 9/10 panic, anx and depression to 1/10 on a bad day. 

 

I have noticed when i started experiencing WD and was on a lower dose that when the symptoms weren't present (windows) i felt so much more clarity. more passion for life . I am lacking that now, I want clear thoughts , i want clarity and passion. Of coarse I'm hoping and expecting these things will start to come back and the fogginess/ hungover feeling to dissipate as i start tapering slowly.

 

I don't want to start tapering yet as i want to give my body a rest for a bit - but I'm also eager to start reducing this poison from my system. I have to say I'm certainly anxious about resuming tapering. But from all the good info i have now got, i think i have no need to be. Still - i do feel underlying worry.,

 

Anyway thanks for all the help through the WD journey. It was LIFE CHANGING. Here's to hoping the rest of my taper is a lot more positive 

 

<3

Nick

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Nick.  It's nice to see that you are feeling positive and that some of your symptoms are lessening.  Holding is probably a very wise move until you're fully stable and then a slow taper : possibly 5% as previously mentioned. 

I'm hoping that if you take it slow , some of your brain fog will lift as well as a resurfacing of your clarity and passion. It all takes time but it is infinitely worth it , in the long run as you're already experiencing.

I hope it continues to go well.

Ali 

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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  • 2 weeks later...

Pretty much 11 months to the day that this all began. Not much to report. Maybe feeling a bit more normal that a few weeks ago. Had about 3 hours sleep on Monday night - only cAuse I had a bad back. I dont know if its related to lack of sleep but had a bit of a wave on Tuesday. Minor anxiety but was short lived. I booked flights to the gold coast for a week . Going at the start of July. This is again a big sign that I have mostly recovered from WD. 4 months ago - the thought of going overseas was scary ! Now im excited! Will be back by July 11th so going to see how it all goes and very possibly resume tapering once home :) planning on meeting up with my best 3 mates in Bali in September for 4 weeks. So just working hard saving money ..

Hope your all well

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Great news and enviable travel plans, nick! Thanks for letting us know.

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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Hi Nick

 

Came across your thread and it is interesting that we have had so many similar experiences with taking, too fast tapering and stabilising on  Citalopram.

 

I was like you, a bit scared to start tapering and I didn't do it for a year until I felt ready.

 

I also had great improvements in anxiety and started to travel again. It wasn't always easy but made me feel so good that I had done it! I started to get my confidence back.

 

I think you are doing absolutely the right thing taking things so slowly. I too want the drugs out of my body but only if my body is ready!

 

I started tapering a few months ago now and am doing 5% cuts  each month (or longer if I feel it is necessary). So far things are going well.

 

It was great to read that you are feeling so much better - enjoy your travels and old friends. You are getting your life back!

 

Best Wishes.

15 yrs on 20 to 30 mgs CITALOPRAM.  MAY 2014 Increased to 40 mgs per day.SEPT/NOV 2014 tapered in 6 weeks down to 10 mgs as per Dr instructions due to violent nightmares/palpitations.Given Noctamid (lormetazepam) to help with anxiety. On average took 2mg per day for 8 weeks.No taper was advised.DEC 2014 WD severe. Nervous tic in eyes and limbs, muscle pain,fluct  temp, weakness, dep and anxiety, nausea, giddy, unstable when walking. Different Dr suggested taking 20mgs CIT. BROMAZEPAM 3mgs up to 3 x daily for anxiety.DEC 9 2014 Updose CIT to 30mgs. Only taking BROMAZEPAM in emergency.DEC 31 2014 Settling at 30mg CIT - helping with depression. No Brom for 2wks.Found SA.APR 2015 Trying to stabilise on 30mgs CIT.  JAN 2016 Started Cit Taper reducing by 5% per month.  28.5 mgs 
FEB  Taper held bereavement. APR Taper resumed 27mgs . MAY 25.50 mgs .  JUNE 24 mgs .  JULY I stupidly mixed up my BP meds with CIT. Consequently took no CIT for 3 days and doubled my BP meds. Waiting for the fallout....Holding for a while until any chance of repercussions have abated. SEPT taper resumed to  22.5 mgs . OCT 21 mgs .NOV 19.95 mgs DEC crashed. 2017: FEB 3rd updose to 20.5 mgs to try to stabilise.FEB.switched over to 75mgs of Venlafaxine XR for 3 weeks.Too stimulating so switching back to Cit. 12 March 37.5 Ven and 20 Cit. 21 March 18mg Ven 20mg Cit. 4 April 9mg Ven 20mg Cit. Xanax .50mg when needed.  13 April 0 mgs Ven, 20mg Citalopram. Xanax .50 mg per day. 5 May reinstated a small amount of Ven to stabilize  1 mg twice a day. 20 mg Citalopram at night. Xanax .25 mg twice per day.Other Meds: Losartan (BP)Started 1993 at  50 mgs at night.  Seretide (Asthma) Started 1996 at 1 puff twice a day. Jan 2019 Antibiotic Ceclor 500mgs twice a day for bronchitis and  Atrovent 2ml capsules twice a day for asthma. Finished the course of both Jan 17. 

XANAX  Jan 27  - Feb 3 2019 Failed Valium Crossover.   Feb 14 2019  Updosed Xanax by .0625  Feb 17 2019 Decreased Xanax by .0625. Back to .50mg daily.  Update Xanax 28.2.20 tapered to .1250 mg 8am .25 mg midnight. Update Xanax 11.8.21 tapered to .25 mg at night. 

Current Meds 28.2.19: CITALOPRAM  20mg  taken at midnight. VENLAFAXINE  .9 mg twice a day at 8am and 10pm.  XANAX .50 mg split into 4 doses per day. 10am .0625mg / 2pm .1250mg/ 6pm .0625mg / midnight .25mg.Update 10.8.22 .25 mg at night.  LOSARTAN 50 mgs taken at midnight.  SERETIDE 1 puff taken at 8am and 10pm.   7.7.19 VENLAFAXINE UPDATE: Started tapering 10% every 4 weeks. Currently .4 mg twice a day at 8am and 10 pm.  2.9.19 .36 mg x 2. 1.10.19  .32 mg x 2. 26.11.19 .29 mg x2. 26.12.19 .26 mg  x 2. 23.1.20  .23 mg x 2.  20.2.20 .21 mg x2.20.3.20  .19 mg x 2. 21.4.20 .17 mg x 2. 19.5.20 .13 mg x 2.  18.6.20 .11mg  x 2 .18.7.20.10 mg x 2.1.9.20.09 mg x 2. 30.9. 20 .08 mg x 2. 1.11.20 .07 mg x 2.  2.12.20 .06 mg x 2.  8.1.21 .05 mg x 2.  4.2.21 .04 mg x 2. 9.3.21 .03 mgx2.  7.4.21  .02 mg x 2.  9.5.21 .01 mg x 2.  21.6.21 .01 mg x 1.  11.8.21 ZERO!

 

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Hey Flowers.

Thankyou so much for your message. Its so good to hear from someone else with such a similar drug story. Awesome to see that your doing well with your taper. May it continue to the last drop!

 

Have you noticed any subtle changes since your dose has been reduced?

When I tapered too fast I had some AMAZING windows. Clear headed, mood better, more passion and humour as well as better social interactions :)

 

Unfortunately that all ceased as I had to updose..

 

Anywat, starting to look forward to tapering :)

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Really good to hear how things are going Nick - enjoy your travels and come back rested :).

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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Hi Nick

 

Well, like you I felt so much better when I did the too fast taper until I got down to 10mgs per day. That's when the trouble started and I just got worse until I updosed and thankfully eventually stabilised.

 

At the moment, and it is early days,  I am feeling good! I have been able to live a fairly normal (?!!!) life and am enjoying socialising and seeing a little more of Spain and managing to travel alone to UK to see friends and family. I must admit in the depths of WD I never thought I would ever be this well again.

 

Emotionally I feel a little more in touch with my feelings that were numbed by Citalopram for so long.

 

I only have positive vibes about the slow taper. 

 

You are doing so well. Enjoy what your summer travelling will bring.

 

xxxxx

15 yrs on 20 to 30 mgs CITALOPRAM.  MAY 2014 Increased to 40 mgs per day.SEPT/NOV 2014 tapered in 6 weeks down to 10 mgs as per Dr instructions due to violent nightmares/palpitations.Given Noctamid (lormetazepam) to help with anxiety. On average took 2mg per day for 8 weeks.No taper was advised.DEC 2014 WD severe. Nervous tic in eyes and limbs, muscle pain,fluct  temp, weakness, dep and anxiety, nausea, giddy, unstable when walking. Different Dr suggested taking 20mgs CIT. BROMAZEPAM 3mgs up to 3 x daily for anxiety.DEC 9 2014 Updose CIT to 30mgs. Only taking BROMAZEPAM in emergency.DEC 31 2014 Settling at 30mg CIT - helping with depression. No Brom for 2wks.Found SA.APR 2015 Trying to stabilise on 30mgs CIT.  JAN 2016 Started Cit Taper reducing by 5% per month.  28.5 mgs 
FEB  Taper held bereavement. APR Taper resumed 27mgs . MAY 25.50 mgs .  JUNE 24 mgs .  JULY I stupidly mixed up my BP meds with CIT. Consequently took no CIT for 3 days and doubled my BP meds. Waiting for the fallout....Holding for a while until any chance of repercussions have abated. SEPT taper resumed to  22.5 mgs . OCT 21 mgs .NOV 19.95 mgs DEC crashed. 2017: FEB 3rd updose to 20.5 mgs to try to stabilise.FEB.switched over to 75mgs of Venlafaxine XR for 3 weeks.Too stimulating so switching back to Cit. 12 March 37.5 Ven and 20 Cit. 21 March 18mg Ven 20mg Cit. 4 April 9mg Ven 20mg Cit. Xanax .50mg when needed.  13 April 0 mgs Ven, 20mg Citalopram. Xanax .50 mg per day. 5 May reinstated a small amount of Ven to stabilize  1 mg twice a day. 20 mg Citalopram at night. Xanax .25 mg twice per day.Other Meds: Losartan (BP)Started 1993 at  50 mgs at night.  Seretide (Asthma) Started 1996 at 1 puff twice a day. Jan 2019 Antibiotic Ceclor 500mgs twice a day for bronchitis and  Atrovent 2ml capsules twice a day for asthma. Finished the course of both Jan 17. 

XANAX  Jan 27  - Feb 3 2019 Failed Valium Crossover.   Feb 14 2019  Updosed Xanax by .0625  Feb 17 2019 Decreased Xanax by .0625. Back to .50mg daily.  Update Xanax 28.2.20 tapered to .1250 mg 8am .25 mg midnight. Update Xanax 11.8.21 tapered to .25 mg at night. 

Current Meds 28.2.19: CITALOPRAM  20mg  taken at midnight. VENLAFAXINE  .9 mg twice a day at 8am and 10pm.  XANAX .50 mg split into 4 doses per day. 10am .0625mg / 2pm .1250mg/ 6pm .0625mg / midnight .25mg.Update 10.8.22 .25 mg at night.  LOSARTAN 50 mgs taken at midnight.  SERETIDE 1 puff taken at 8am and 10pm.   7.7.19 VENLAFAXINE UPDATE: Started tapering 10% every 4 weeks. Currently .4 mg twice a day at 8am and 10 pm.  2.9.19 .36 mg x 2. 1.10.19  .32 mg x 2. 26.11.19 .29 mg x2. 26.12.19 .26 mg  x 2. 23.1.20  .23 mg x 2.  20.2.20 .21 mg x2.20.3.20  .19 mg x 2. 21.4.20 .17 mg x 2. 19.5.20 .13 mg x 2.  18.6.20 .11mg  x 2 .18.7.20.10 mg x 2.1.9.20.09 mg x 2. 30.9. 20 .08 mg x 2. 1.11.20 .07 mg x 2.  2.12.20 .06 mg x 2.  8.1.21 .05 mg x 2.  4.2.21 .04 mg x 2. 9.3.21 .03 mgx2.  7.4.21  .02 mg x 2.  9.5.21 .01 mg x 2.  21.6.21 .01 mg x 1.  11.8.21 ZERO!

 

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Wasn't going to post but may as well. Had a bit of a wave last few days. When I say bit I meen minor. Still some mild depression/ anxiety. But not "stop me in my tracks" symptoms. Glad I hadn't tapered yet as obviously there's a little more healing to get through. Still having vivid dreams and had a two second burst of tinnitus the other day. Have started up b vitamin multis and iron again. As well as high dha fish oil. I want to wait until I felt pre wd before I resume tapering. Is that feasible do you all think? I know that if the journey is done right from the start it can be much easier. Considering I made a big muckup last year I now am waiting til I go back to pre wd before tapering - essentially doing it right from the start is what im aiming for

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Glad to hear that your symptoms continue to be minimal and tolerable, Nick.
 

I tried to see what your current dose is and when you made the last cut.  Would you take a minute or two to update your signature? When your introduction thread gets to 3 pages and more, it can be difficult for the moderating team to get the full picture; without an updated signature we have re-read your entire thread. Thanks in advance. :)

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

Link to comment

Done Scallywag. Thanks for that

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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