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☼ ChessieCat: so I'm not the only one (Pristiq / desvenlafaxine)


ChessieCat

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  • Moderator Emeritus

And another thing that I've thought of.  I have been keeping my homemade liquid made from the contents of a compounded capsule for several weeks.  It might be deteriorating.  So I will make a new batch and only keep for a few days from now on to eliminate that possibility.

 

Even though it is not recommended to keep it for more than 4 days, I've been doing this because I didn't want to have to get more capsules made.  But I now have plenty so can make a fresh batch more often.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Update:

 

I'm feeling a bit foggy headed this morning but not as bad as yesterday morning.  However it is not as good as it was late yesterday.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi ChessieCat, 

 

I was amazed to hear that you keep your mixture so long before getting rid of it. You’ve done okay with tapering in the past, I wonder how it kept that long?🧡

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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So I did make a new batch which I started using today.  And I will only use for 4 days.

 

I have not been as foggy headed today but I am still experiencing dizziness which seems to be happening more often.  To start with it was only when I went to lie down or get up.

 

I am continuing to take 0.00625mg Pristiq instead of the planned 0.005mg.

 

My plan, if the dizziness continues, is to see the doctor early next week and request a blood test for low platelets.  The reason I'm leaving it until then, unless it gets really bad, is because it will be 2 weeks after my 2nd vaccination.  I'm trying to make sure that I have good immunity before going out and about amongst people.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Feeling about the same today as yesterday.

 

Also remembered that about 2 weeks ago I stopped taking Omega 3 fish oil capsules.  The reason I stopped them was because I know that they were thinning my blood, which was proven when I upped the dose from 2 capsules to 3, and I was having the bleeding in my nose.

 

The nose bleeding seems to have stopped over the 3-5 days.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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just wanted to add that I expected to have a setback with the v@ccine b/c I am so sensitive..I did great at first, but would not doubt if my current state just might have been propelled by it. No matter, I was going to get it no matter what...but just a thought!

 

zoloft 50 mg 1998  , 1999 switched to Celexa 20mg
2000 switched to Neurontin, Xanax 2 mg, Depakote  .May 2001, cold turkeyed all 3 drugs
reinstated Celexa in the middle of pregnancy, august 2001
after birth of child switched to Prozac weekly september 2002
2008 ..added  Lamictal..dropped after 1 month , switched from Prozac weekly to Effexor 75mg
2010,  upped dose to 150 of Effexor
.tapered down to 20mg over 8 months January to December 2012, started Lexapro 2012 10mg
upped it to 20 mg eventually...Spot treated randomly with .25 of Klonopin once or twice a month
2017  Did not want to switch meds again, tried Lamictal again...c/t after 4 weeks.

added 3.75 mg of Remeron...started researching...found the groups...started taper Sept. 2018.

current doses 4.5 Lexapro, 1.6 Remeron ...updosed Remeron to 2.2 October 2021

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I've made an appointment for tomorrow morning and will be able to get a blood test at the same place.  Hopefully the doctor will take my concern seriously.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus
3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

I've made an appointment for tomorrow morning and will be able to get a blood test at the same place.  Hopefully the doctor will take my concern seriously.

All the best at the doctors 🧡

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Carmie.

 

My doctor visit did go very well.  I explained my timeline of onset of the nose bleeding and the dizziness related to the AZ vaccines x 2.  I also stated that I realised that it may not be that but I wanted to eliminate it as a cause.  And she took me seriously.  She was also very thorough and checked a few things.  She said that it may be postural blood pressure (from Mayo Clinic:  Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.) 

 

When I saw the pathologist for the blood test, she told me that the doctor had stated that it was urgent.  So, yes, she is taking it seriously.  And the results should be available tomorrow.

 

I did not mention anything about ADWD.

 

Note to self:

 

Just noting here that my BP med has been different recently, perindopril arginine, whereas before it was usually perindopril erbumine, and the dose has been double.  The difference is the salt not the drug.  But it is something that I need to keep in mind.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I’m so glad to hear that the doctor took you seriously ChessieCat🧡

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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I hope the results come back positive. 👍

 Starting ds 2 (12.5 CR'S) = 25 MG PAXIL CR 1/21/15: 1 Pill + 10mg liquid (2 weeks) 2/4: 1 Pill + 9mg Lq (3 weeks) 2/25: 1 Pill + 8 mg lq (1 week) 3/4: 1 Pill + 6 mg lq (2 weeks) 3/18/15 1 Pill + 4 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/1/15 1 Pill + 3 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/14/15 1 Pill + 2 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/29/15 1Pill + 1 mg lq (16 days) 5/15/15 1 12.5 mg Pill ONLY (9 days) 5/24/15 12 mgs liquid (8 days) 6/1/15 11mg lq (12 days) 6/13/15 10 mg.  12/3/15 Drop from 8mg to 7.6 (24 days to) 12/27/15 7.2mgs 8/4/16 6.8mgs,  11/1/16 6.4mgs, 2/5/17 6 mgs  4/3/17 5.6mgs, 4/24/17 5.2mg, 6/13/17 4.8mgs, 9/20/17 4.4mgS, 11/23/17 4 mgs, 1/1/18 3.6 mgs, 2/15/18 3.2 mgs. 4/13/18 2.8mgs, 5/11/18 2.4mgs, 6/10/18 2.0 mgs, 8/4/18 1.6mgs,  9/27/18 1.2mgs, 12/24/18 0.8mg, 3/24/19 0.64 mg,(syringe change issue date?) 4/22/19 0.60 mg, 5/24/19 0.60 mg, 7/7/19 0.52 mgs, 8/4/19 0.44mgs, 11/4/19 0.36mgs, 2/1/20 0.28mgs, 3/1/20 0.24mgs (crash April 6) Compound started 6/28/21: 0.24mgs, 8/29/21: 0.22mgs, 10/31/21: 0.20mgs, 1/03/22: 0.18mgs, 3/5/22: 0.16mgs, 5/5/22: 0.14mgs.

 

Original Wellbutrin Dose: 6 months from 9/14 to 3/2015, 300 XL 3/15/15: Half to 150 XL ( severe symptoms started on day 12) 4/16/15: 125mg   for 20 days to: 5/6/15:   100mg  for  15 days to: 5/21/15    75mg  for  10 days to: 6/1/15:  56.25mg      13 days to: 6/13/15: 37.25mg    7 days to: 6/20/15  28.12mg   14 days to: 7/4/15  18.75mg, 7 days to: 7/11/15; RAISE BACK TO: 28.12 to 8/14/15: 18.75mg  20 days to :9/3/15 : 12.5mg, 8/4/16 9mg 1/9/17: 8.5mg 2/8/17 8mg, 3/9/17: 7.6  4/9/17  7.2  5/27/17 6.4 6/24/17 5.8, 8/1/17 5.0, 8/29/17 4.2mgs, 10/2/17 3.5mgs, 12/28/17 2.5mgs, 2/27/18 1.7mgs,  4/19/18 0.8 mgs, LAST DOSE: 6/11/18:  3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS, 27 DAYS...

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks guys.

 

I ended up doing the full week of 0.00625mg.

 

Today I have reduced to 0.005mg.

 

Spoke to the doctor and my blood platelets are okay, haemoglobin normal and blood clotting is okay.

 

D-dimer (which can indicate presence of a clot) is not bad but she spoke to the head doctor and he said to have another blood test on Monday.

 

So I’m going to have a full fasting blood test done, including B12, for which my sister and mother both require/d B12 injections.  So that includes blood sugar and cholesterol.  I figured I might as well have all of them done at the same time instead of  going back and forth trying to solve the mystery.

 

One thing that I realised yesterday is that my dizziness doesn't just happen when getting up from lying down, it happens when I lie down, which to me seems to indicate that it is not postural hypertension.  The dizziness from postural hypertension happens because there is a bit of a delay in blood flow because the heart has to pump harder.  I wouldn't think that this would cause dizziness the other way around.

 

I’ve also realised that dizziness can be caused by diabetes.  And yes, I am overweight.

 

Anyway, over the last couple of days I have noticed that I seem to be getting tired during the day and I have had a nap on both days.

And if anyone is wondering I'm about to turn 64.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Just finishing 1 week of 0.005mg Pristiq.  And yes, I have been making a new liquid every 3 or 4 days.  I do not feel like I am experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.

 

The dizziness has not got any worse and I think it might have improved.

 

My 2nd d-dimer test came back with the same reading as the first.  So the good news is that I don't appear to have had any issues after the AZ vaccine.

 

However, the results of my fasting blood test have confirmed what I was suspecting.  My cholesterol is up and my blood sugar is up, the highest number is 8 and mine is 7.  I'm having another blood test on Monday, which will include a genetic test for familial hypercholesterolemia because my father died at 54, and he wasn't overweight, ate very little fat, did not smoke and didn't drink, but he had a stressed personality, which I don't have.

 

And of course a statin was suggested, which I am very strongly against taking. 

 

And the possible side effects?  As far as I am concerned, they are all major issues.

 

From mayoclinic.org

  • Muscle pain and damage
  • Liver damage
  • Increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes
  • Neurological side effects

 

And I wonder why I am cautious about pharmaceutical drugs.

 

BTW I have informed my doctor that I am very cautious about prescription drugs and my reasons why (only results of 2 clinical trials required by FDA but pharma can do as many as they like, almost taking a fluoroquinolone see below, having taken 6 years to taper off Pristiq, and about the pharma rep of 15 years writing about how they are trained and "teach" doctors about the drugs - wow, I wonder what she thought of that lot!)

 

A couple of years ago a doctor wanted me to take a fluoroquinolone antibiotic without proof positive that I needed it.  The FDA has issued 3 major warning about this drug (tendinitis and tendon rupture especially in older people).  Anyway I refused to take it (she was shocked and even said that the % chance of it was very small; however my thought is that there is no knowing how many people have had this happen and the connection has not been made that it was caused by the antibiotic) and asked for something different.  She (a different doctor to my current one) said to wait a couple days and have another blood test to measure the infection level.  By that time the result showed that the infection had either gone or was going.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator

I had endless pre diabetic problems from that blasted drug the goblin prescribed.  I'd be infirm for sure if I hadn't learnt fasting.  Only thing I know that can temper and sometimes reset type 2 diabetes.  Bloke on Koori FM talking about that stuff this morning actually.  So glad I found this radio station.

 

Dr Jason Fung's book on fasting isn't terrible...I don't have much else to suggest.

 

Nearly there eh!

I am not a health professional - your actions are your own.  

Please do not seek tapering support via private message - "Any reason to hold is a good one"

My taper visualised as a graph   |   My intro thread

Backdrop:  2003 10mg olanzapine | 2004 2-3mg risperidone | end 2014 3wks aripiprazole

2015: olanzapine  10 -> 7½ -> 6⅔ -> 5mg  by crude pill cutter

2018:  Mar 5.00mg -> water titrated taper -> Aug2.5mg tablet and hold

Jan 2019 2.50mg water titration -> Jan 2020 1.214  -> Jan 2021 0.44 -> 2 Oct 0.205 ->3 Oct ZERO🥂

Jun 2023 💉150mg paliperidone "loading" depot shot, 100mg 1wk after Jul 100mg Aug-Dec 75mg/4wks

Jul 2023 2.50mg aripiprazole/day attempt to lower prolactin^

Jan-Feb 2024 cross taper off shots to 1mg risperidone

 

Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country did to you"  -- KMFDM

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  • Moderator Emeritus

My antidepressant use is not the cause of the diabetes.  I am an emotional eater and have experienced many major life stressors since the age of 20.  Since the age of 30 after having my children, I have had trouble with my weight.

 

Decisions:

 

Tapering

 

I realise that 0.005mg is a very low dose, however I sped up my taper from March this year going to weekly reduction from end of June.  It is difficult to know if the head symptoms I am getting are related to withdrawal.  But knowing that at the start I had these types of WD symptoms I realise that there is a possibility that they might be WD.

 

I'm also a bit (a lot) stressed by the blood test results.

 

So I've decided that I'm going to continue taking 0.005mg.  I have enough for 6-8 weeks at that dose.  I'm erring on the side of caution.  If it is WD then I think it is better to keep taking a tiny dose and let my brain catch up which will make hopefully make the post 0 a bit easier.  If it is not WD, then it's not going to make any difference.

 

Health

 

I am fairly certain that I will not be taking a lipid drug, at least at this time.  I think the sensible thing to do is to concentrate first on diet.  If I take a lipid and at the same time change my diet, and my cholesterol readings improve then it will be impossible to know what caused the improvement.  And there is a possibility that diet might make enough of a difference that I won't need to take a drug.  However, I can always reconsider it after I have tried to change my diet.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Quote

So I've decided that I'm going to continue taking 0.005mg.  I have enough for 6-8 weeks at that dose.  I'm erring on the side of caution.  If it is WD then I think it is better to keep taking a tiny dose and let my brain catch up which will make hopefully make the post 0 a bit easier.  If it is not WD, then it's not going to make any difference.

 

This sounds very sensible. It will either help or at worst not hurt, and either way it's only another few weeks.

 

 

 

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
33 minutes ago, bubbles said:

This sounds very sensible. It will either help or at worst not hurt, and either way it's only another few weeks.

 

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.  And it's what I'm thinking too.  There's no need for me to hurry to get off.  It will happen.  Just not tomorrow like I had planned.

 

But I must admit that it still feels good to be taking such a small amount even though I'm not off. 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Mentor

I believe that is Good decision on the taper! 
 

years ago they gave me pravistatin. I don’t take it now. When I eat right only -that keeps level in range. 


also my sugar has been climbing a little Dr tried to give me metformin in 2020 . I’m like 🤨 no. Sugar was 6.1 Sent me to dieting training for diabetes. And they told me “no matter what I will have to take the drug” 🤨.  So I took the valuable knowledge gained and applied and sugar came on down to 5.7.  
basicly what I did was lower my carb intake. I counted the carbs I ate. 
 

 I have also been told by other drs in past that clorestoral and sugar go together. Drop one and the other will drop. I have noticed this maybe true. 
 

my problem is I like to eat what I want I’m learning different as I get older ! 
 

you are right start with diet! And yes the dietitian had some good info! 

 

I would love to have seen that dr after you told them about why you are being cautious 😂

2000-2013 Paxil - 1 year fast taper

2013-2018 merry go round
zoloft, cymbalta, lamictal, Prozac.

 Nov. 2018 lexapro 15 mgs, Dec. 2019 to Mar. 2020 taper to 10mg. Jul 2020 to October 2020 taper to 8.5 ml.
Oct 2020 reinstated to 9 ml.
Apr 2021 to Jul  taper to 7ml. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 taper to 5.9ml, Mar 5 2022 5.8 ml, Mar 12 5.7ml, Mar 20 5.6ml, Mar 27 5.5ml, April 23 5.4ml, April 30 5.3ml, May 7 5.2ml,  Jul 9 2022 5.4ml, 

Klonopin prn, Allegra 180 for 3 seasons, aspirin 81 mg, plavix , nitroglycerin 0.4 mg prn, 2k mg  turmeric Qunol, 4- Trader Joe’s omega 3 -2400 mg, Pepcid 20mg,  Prilosec 40 mg, Tylenol arthritis 4 tablets daily, 350mg calm magnesium citrate, melatonin 2.5- 5mg as needed to sleep. Saline spray as needed. 

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I'm not sure of your age, but my understanding is that higher cholesterol is favorable for post-menopausal women. They lump everyone together in the statistics but if you separate out post-menopausal women, those with higher cholesterol aren't associated with negative effects in the same way that younger people are. Good luck! (PS, lowering carbs helped my blood sugar a lot).

---

Lorazepam: (2014-15 1-1.5 mg lorazepam [aka Ativan] at night; 2016 to Nov 2018: 0.75 mg lorazepam at night; Dec 2018: divide dose into 3x a day. Jan 2019: taper 5% every 15 days; Held 9/2019 - 2/2020 at 0.35 mg). March 2020 started 2.5% taper every 15 days. Nov 2020 tapering 5% every 15 days. Dose divided into 2x a day. Now at 0.008 mg March 2023. Sertraline:  Jan 2017 25 mg: began 10% per month taper. Went on "exit strategy" at 0.084 mg Nov 2020 for 8 weeks, 0.042 for 4 weeks, 0.028 for 2 weeks starting 2/25/21, then 0.014 for 2 weeks, then .007 for a while, Done May 4, 2021. Unfortunately due to circumstances I restarted at 25 mg January 2022. New taper began January 2023. 

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Hi Chessie,

 

I joined around 2016-17 I think when you were taking 45mg in your signature.

 

It is very encouraging to see how close you are to finishing your Tapering journey. Kudos to you 👍👍

2008-2012: Cymbalta, Zyprexa, Valium (5 days supply),

2012 - Seroquel x 4 weeks C/T. 

2014 - Seroquel x 2 Weeks C/T. Crossed to Risperidone 3mg for 6months until December.

2014 - Stopped Risperidone. Xfer > Anti-Depressant 200mg Zoloft and 6mg Clonazepam. 

2018 - 150mg Clomipromine changed Anti-depressant. Tapered Benzo to 1mg Clonazepam. 2019 - xfer to 20mg Diazepam. 

 

Currently:

Anafranil: 75mg. 17th Dec 2022 70mg. 27th Dec 22: 75mg, 14 January 23': 70mg. 16-26th January: 50mg (too fast drop no sleep). Jan 28th 2023: 70mg. 20 Feb 2023: 65mg. 11/06: 60mg 9/08: 55mg 15/08/23 : 50mg
3/03/2024: 60mg (Updose)

 

        Diazepam (V): 25th Oct 2019' 20mg. 22 Dec 19' 19mg. 04 Apr 2020' 18mg,  30 September 20' 17.5mg , 13 Nov 2020' 17mg. 01 January 2021: 16mg, 13th Aug 21' 15mg. 1st Nov' 2021 14.5mg. 1st Dec' 2021 14mg. 13 January 2022: 13.5mg, 11 Feb: 13mg.  11 April 22' 12.5mg, 12 May 22': 12mg, 6th September 2022: 11mg Valium. 9th October: 10.5mg, 25th Oct 10mg. 12 March 23: 9.5mg 2 April: 9.25mg 23 April: 9mg 12/05: 8.75 26/05: 8.5 12/09: 8.25 21/09: 8.5. 3/10: 8.25 17/10: 8mg 20th Nov Brassmonkey: (7.9.,7.8, 7.75) 5 Feb: 7.25mg. 23 Feb: 7mg 

*.      Have tried to go at faster rate than 0.5mg but is currently too fast. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 10/24/2021 at 7:51 AM, Tattycorum said:

I'm not sure of your age

 

64 in a couple of weeks.  Thank you for that info.  Doctors seemed to be indoctrinated by the pharmaceutical companies to introduce drugs from the get go.  See my next post.

 

On 10/23/2021 at 5:30 AM, Heath said:

I believe that is Good decision on the taper! 
...

 

I counted the carbs I ate. 

 

Thank you for your input.  See my next post.

 

15 hours ago, Ryder said:

Kudos to you 👍👍

 

Thanks Ryder.  It's taken a back seat now.  In fact I'm almost forgetting to take my dose.  See my next post.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Tapering update:

 

I do not seem to be getting foggy headed like I had been.  Perhaps it is at times but it is not bothering like it had been.

 

Things are settling down/I'm adjusting regarding my other medical issues.  I've noticed that I'm almost forgetting to take my Pristiq dose.  That might be the sign that it is time to stop.  However, I think I'll just plod along on 0.005mg for now.  Because I'm changing my diet I don't want to confuse things.

 

Other issues:

 

Very pleased.  Got my second blood test result this morning and my blood glucose level has gone down.  And that was only after 3 days of reducing my sugar intake.

 

In the process of arranging to see a dietician.  I've told the doctor that starting a drug and changing diet at the same time does not make sense and that I will work on diet at this time and reassess after a blood test in mid January.  I've explained to her that I like to do my own research so I can make an informed decision.  She in an intern and will be moving on at the end of January next year.  At least I will be able to get the first stage of this done under the one doctor and not have to repeat what I have told her. 

 

I didn't get the gene test done.  They were not able to guarantee that it would be covered by Medicare so I might have ended up paying AU$1,200.  If my cholesterol continues to be an issue I will get it done and will make sure that the doctor provides the correct reason for the test so that I do not have to pay for it.  I do not think it will be necessary because previous tests have not indicated an heriditary connection.

 

I am very glad that I am able to self advocate.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I've just remembered that I got the doctor to update my dose on the GP Management Review document for the dietician (and it can also be spelled dietitian).  When I said that it was 0.005mg she double checked and said 0.05mg and I said no.  Then she asked how did I manage to get such a low dose.  So I told her that I make a liquid using compounded capsules. 

 

I'm hoping that she might make a comment to the head doctor about this.  I imagine that if she does it will be because she is skeptical.  He is the one who told me that not many people can get off their psychiatric drug without issues.  I told her the previous visit that it had taken me 6 years to get off Pristiq.  Combining that with my insistence on not immediately starting a drug for high cholesterol and high blood sugar, she probably thinks I'm a bit whacko.  I do not care.  She seems "willing" to let me do it my way so that's all I need.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator

@ChessieCat the best bit is when they watch you do it successfully over time.  I'd like to think that goes on to help others coming through afterwards.

I am not a health professional - your actions are your own.  

Please do not seek tapering support via private message - "Any reason to hold is a good one"

My taper visualised as a graph   |   My intro thread

Backdrop:  2003 10mg olanzapine | 2004 2-3mg risperidone | end 2014 3wks aripiprazole

2015: olanzapine  10 -> 7½ -> 6⅔ -> 5mg  by crude pill cutter

2018:  Mar 5.00mg -> water titrated taper -> Aug2.5mg tablet and hold

Jan 2019 2.50mg water titration -> Jan 2020 1.214  -> Jan 2021 0.44 -> 2 Oct 0.205 ->3 Oct ZERO🥂

Jun 2023 💉150mg paliperidone "loading" depot shot, 100mg 1wk after Jul 100mg Aug-Dec 75mg/4wks

Jul 2023 2.50mg aripiprazole/day attempt to lower prolactin^

Jan-Feb 2024 cross taper off shots to 1mg risperidone

 

Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country did to you"  -- KMFDM

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3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

I do not care.  She seems "willing" to let me do it my way so that's all I need.

 

@ChessieCat

Inspiring post!

💜

1997 Prozac ?mg

1991 Sertraline ?mg

2002 Escitalopram 10 mg

2018 2.5 mg - stopped by Dr./Reinstated, up-dosed to 7.5 mg

04/19 Began BM slide @7.5 mg

CURRENT  0.36 mg 🌼

 

"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

Mark 9:23

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  • Mentor

This all sounds so positive - congratulations on almost completing your taper. I’m at the other end having started in June this year and expecting it to take 5-6 years to get off 15mg mirtazepine. Great to see how the experience has helped you advocate for yourself and make informed decisions.

 

I just read in The Guardian (10.44am) that an anti depressant, fluvoxamine, has shown signs of helping with covid symptoms. I found this quite worrying knowing what I do now about how dangerous ADs are. Link to the Lancet paper here.  

am not a medical professional. I provide information and make suggestions based on my own experience and SA guidelines. I am unable to respond to private messages. 

Mirtazepine 15mg Nov 2018 -April 2019  April - Sept 2019 Mirtazepine down to around 6mg - skipping days to taper

October 2019 - Dec 2019 unwell from failed taper including jumping about in doses 

15 December 2019 to 13 June 2021 15mg Mirtazepine 

14 June 2021 started brass monkey Slide.  
2021: 23 August 12.3mg, 28 October 11.1mg, 6 Dec 10mg

2022: 12 Feb 8.5, 25 Oct 4.5mg

2023: 16 Jan 3.6mg, 28 Sept 1.8mg

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Thank you everyone for your comments and support.  It is appreciated, even if I don't respond to them.

 

Update:

 

I've been feeling quite good over the last few days.  So much so that I have considered just stopping my Pristiq 0.005mg. 

 

It's been about 10 days since I started changing my diet, eliminating the majority of sugar (added sugar and lollies/sweets have been stopped) so I feel that I am over the withdrawal and shock from doing that.  In the last few days I have also greatly reduced my carbohydrates.  And overall my food intake has been reduced dramatically.  I'm ensuring that what do eat I enjoy.  If I don't do that I'm not going to stick to it.

 

I have also been trying to increase my physical activity.  Thankfully I am not needing to use my walking stick very much now, but do use it when out and about as a "just in case" to stop me stumbling and causing more issues.

 

So because there might still be changes happening due to my lifestyle changes I keep taking the Pristiq.  I am sure that I do not need it any more but as SA says only make one change at a time.  Usually that is so we can see the WD issues, but in my case it's really the opposite.  I want to be sure that it isn't related to my diet changes.  Two variables make it difficult to know the cause if an issue arises.  I don't need that added stress.  It's easier to stay on the Pristiq at this time.

 

And the good thing is that even though I want to stop the Pristiq I am not letting it annoy me.  Yes it bugs me a bit but I don't think it is causing any or at least very much stress.  Possibly because my focus is on getting my sugar levels down.  And I have a really good incentive.  I want to prove to my doctor that it can be done.

 

I have an appointment with a dietician in 1 week.  She wants me to keep a food diary.  I've been doing a lot of research on what foods a diabetic should not eat and there are some discrepencies.  Apparently in the early 2000s they were saying the carbs were okay whereas in the last 10 or so years they say to eliminate carbs.  Carbs turn into sugar.  I have reading a book by Michael Mosley who managed to get his sugar levels down and has managed to keep it down.  He has done a lot of research and includes this information in his book.

 

https://thebloodsugardiet.com/michaels-story/

 

There is also a recipe book based on this diet.  I managed to get it from my library:

 

8-Week-Blood-Sugar-Diet-Recipe-ebook

 

When I looked in my kitchen cupboards most of the stock is carbs and sugars, so changing to a low carb, very low sugar diet is a huge change for me.  But thankfully I am adapting really well.  And I am very thankful that we are going into the warmer seasons here in Australia because I don't eat as much in summer and I enjoy salads.  And it will give me time to gather some recipes for winter.

 

And I will tell you something funny, a good thing, that happened.  Two days ago I picked up a "healthy" nut bar, and yes they are genuinely healthy, good quality.  I looked at it and thought about non-nut added ingredients. And I put it back!  For me that is a really big thing.  Usually I would eat first and think later.  Yesterday I bought some unsalted nuts.

 

 

 

 

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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My aunt was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a good few years ago. Her doctor was great - he told her that she didn't need tablets, she would be able to control it with diet. She regularly tested her blood (I want to say 2 hours after eating but I'd have to ask) and worked out what she could and couldn't eat without spiking. She couldn't eat the way recommended by the dietitian and Diabetes Association, basically - too many carbs. She drastically cut her carbs - she'd been eating huge amounts of fruit, and cut that back to twice a day. She still eats bread (thinks she needs it for energy, but I disagree based on my own experience becoming fat adapted). She will still eat birthday cake, but infrequently and a small piece. Anyway, she kept her blood levels so good they were non-diabetic levels. Much better than most people are happy with - truly normal levels. Recently (she's nearly 80) she has been sleeping badly and that seems to have affected the levels. Myself, I feel better on a low carb and higher fat diet anyway - mood is better, which is an interesting thought considering what brought us to this point in the first place.

 

Anyway, that's a long winded way of saying that you can absolutely make a difference with diet and it's worth experimenting. 

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Taper Update:

 

I have decided to drop to 0.0025mg tomorrow.

 

Non Taper Update:

 

It's been 2 weeks now since I started changing my diet (low carb & low sugar).  First week was step 1 where I reduced/eliminated what I thought I should (wasn't aware of carbs converting to sugar) and I was using things that I had in the pantry, but after doing research during that time and going shopping for the permitted foods I then went to step 2 and am now only eating a very small amount of carbs and hardly any sugar.  At this time I am not really concerned about calories because I was consuming a lot before so any reduction is good and I don't want to be too strict at this time otherwise I might give up.  I need to make sure that I am enjoying what I eat as well as eating enough so that I don't get too hungry and feel miserable.

 

To start with I found I was having to have a morning or afternoon snack but this week I haven't been needing it.

 

About 4 days ago I introduced the exercise bike.  I do 5.5 minutes at a time, and try to do 3 times a day.  I do not use any resistance because of the torn meniscus in my knee.  For every minute I cycle for 20 seconds as fast as I can, and the other 40 seconds I just do a comfortable speed.  It ends up being about a 2km / 1 mile distance each time.  Nothing earth-shattering, but more movement than I have been doing, especially since lockdown back in June this year (no 3 x a week hydro).

 

And a bit of good news, I have been managing to walk around the house without my walking stick.  My trigger thumbs (I think I mentioned them before) are finally feeling much better.  Every now and then they might click, and sometimes they get a bit sore at the base but there has been a huge improvement.

 

Woohoo!!!  I've just measured around my waist and it is less than it was.  Wow!  I cannot believe it.  I didn't expect it to be different.  And I even put the tape measure at the measurement that it had been and relaxed my tummy as much as I could and the tape was looser than the first measurement.  Ooooo I am so pleased.  I have lost a bit of weight but not as much as I would have expected.  At least they are both heading in the right direction.  Very encouraging.  Just wish I had a blood glucose tester to see what is happening on the inside.  

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Congratulations! Low-carb (and grain-free) has done wonders for my blood sugar and general health. I'm glad it seems to be working well for you. It is a big transition.

---

Lorazepam: (2014-15 1-1.5 mg lorazepam [aka Ativan] at night; 2016 to Nov 2018: 0.75 mg lorazepam at night; Dec 2018: divide dose into 3x a day. Jan 2019: taper 5% every 15 days; Held 9/2019 - 2/2020 at 0.35 mg). March 2020 started 2.5% taper every 15 days. Nov 2020 tapering 5% every 15 days. Dose divided into 2x a day. Now at 0.008 mg March 2023. Sertraline:  Jan 2017 25 mg: began 10% per month taper. Went on "exit strategy" at 0.084 mg Nov 2020 for 8 weeks, 0.042 for 4 weeks, 0.028 for 2 weeks starting 2/25/21, then 0.014 for 2 weeks, then .007 for a while, Done May 4, 2021. Unfortunately due to circumstances I restarted at 25 mg January 2022. New taper began January 2023. 

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Yes, I did go to 0.0025mg this morning.  Not necessarily because I have to but because I can get such a low dose.

 

Thanks Tatty, I love hearing about how this type of diet has helped people.  It really encourages me.

 

Amazingly ironic.  My friend phoned me yesterday and when I mentioned my change of diet she asked if I had seen the 3 part series on an experiment to reverse diabetes.  I had not.  But it was the same guy whose book I had found and read and am following his diet. 

 

His name is Michael Mosley.  He and another person got together and helped some people change their diet and include exercise.  During the 8 week period they measured the different things.  They even did a scan of their internal body fat before and after.  The results were fantastic.  Some of the participants  were able to stop their drugs, diabetic and/or blood pressure.

 

Michael Mosley even did a "reverse test" and did 14 days on an Australian type diet which included some take away meals.  He tested his blood glucose along the way.  At the end of the 14 weeks he got all the initial tests done again and it was amazing how quickly he ended up becoming pre or full diabetic (can't remember which).  Then after the 14 days he went on the diet and was retested and reversed it very quickly.

 

It is on the SBS website channel in Australia.  I am hoping that it might be available for overseas viewers.

 

The title of the series is Australia's Health Revolution with Dr Michael Mosley.  It might get moved to a different area of the site after a while, since it has only recently been on TV.  If this link doesn't work I suggest you search for the title.  Hopefully it will be available online until about Sept/Oct 2022.

 

https://www.sbs.com.au/programs/australias-health-revolution-with-dr-michael-mosley 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

And I discovered something very interesting the other day.

 

Since the age of 19 I have had many major life stressors.  I have always had a problem with "emotional eating".  I knew I was like that but didn't understand it.  I always thought it was just a "feeling" thing.  Eating diverted my attention and tasted good and the action of eating I thought helped to relieve the stress.

 

Was I wrong.  So very wrong.  It is a physical / metabolic issue and I have found out why it happens. 

 

Stress raises the cortisol level, and the raised cortisol level causes the body to crave sugar and carbohydrates, which convert to sugar (a bit more slowly than pure sugar).  And you need to keep eating the sugar and carbs.

 

So it's not just lack of will power.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Taper Update:

 

Went to 0.0025mg last Saturday.  Didn't notice any difference.  Didn't expect to.

 

Non Taper Update:

 

I saw the dietician this morning.  She says I am not eating enough carbs.  She also only expects me to lose 2kgs / 4.4lbs in the next 5 weeks (I have made an appointment to see her again then, but I can always cancel it).  She also wants me to get to the stage that I am cycling on the exercise bike standing up.  Yer right!  I have 2 meniscus tears in my left knee and arthritis.  Hmmm.  I don't have to agree with her or do as she suggests.  I am very thankful that we have the internet.  The good news is that she did give me some good food suggestions and also some excellent websites for recipes and other helpful information.

 

I also got a copy of the blood test results and my blood glucose level had gone from 7 to 6.4, with 7 being the cusp of diabetes.  That was only 3 days of removing sugar and eating a little bit more healthily and still eating lots of carbs.  And the doctor was talking about Metformin.  Really looking forward to the next blood test.  Did I just say that?  Yes I did.  Probably should have said I am looking forward to getting the results of the next blood test in mid January.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator
3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

Went to 0.0025mg last Saturday.  Didn't notice any difference.  Didn't expect to.

 

Now that's an encouraging sign :-)

I am not a health professional - your actions are your own.  

Please do not seek tapering support via private message - "Any reason to hold is a good one"

My taper visualised as a graph   |   My intro thread

Backdrop:  2003 10mg olanzapine | 2004 2-3mg risperidone | end 2014 3wks aripiprazole

2015: olanzapine  10 -> 7½ -> 6⅔ -> 5mg  by crude pill cutter

2018:  Mar 5.00mg -> water titrated taper -> Aug2.5mg tablet and hold

Jan 2019 2.50mg water titration -> Jan 2020 1.214  -> Jan 2021 0.44 -> 2 Oct 0.205 ->3 Oct ZERO🥂

Jun 2023 💉150mg paliperidone "loading" depot shot, 100mg 1wk after Jul 100mg Aug-Dec 75mg/4wks

Jul 2023 2.50mg aripiprazole/day attempt to lower prolactin^

Jan-Feb 2024 cross taper off shots to 1mg risperidone

 

Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country did to you"  -- KMFDM

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Well after posting the above update on my taper I have decided this morning that I will stop at the end of the 7 days on 0.0025mg.

 

And I changed my drug signature to reflect this.  I wish now that I had kept copies of what I have included in it before.

 

Now only a hop, skip and then the jump!

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator

Awesome!

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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