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JayUT: my story - a multi-faceted problem


JayUT

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Latest medical history since my last posts:

1. Antibiotic treatment for suspected Lyme disease from Dec 2015 thru Oct 2016. Didn't appear to help.

2. Oct 2016, given the gift of post antibiotic C Difficile. One of the worst experiences of my life.

3. Then bounced around different doctors trying to figure out what's wrong. In Oct 2017, a new doctor suggested I might have Dysautonomia POTS.

4. Nov 1, 2017: diagnosed with POTS based on tilt table test. Lying HR was 60 bpm. Standing HR was 120 bpm.

5. Been "managing" POTS ever since and was seeing improvements.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Mentor
9 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

This SERT Occupancy graphs makes such a difference in my understanding of why a slow taper is so important. Especially towards the end of the taper.

Hi JayUT,

 

Your post on Sert Occupancy caught my on another thread, so I came over here.  Your post was really well thought-out and very good.

 

I want to wish you luck on your taper. Since my drug of punishment is also Zoloft I will be very interested to see how you go about your taper and at what speed.  Or should I say at what slowness? I looked at your signature but I am not sure if you are tapering from 12.5 mg or from 5.0mg as stated in your post about Sert occupancy.  Either way I wish you a graceful and smooth taper.

 

Warm wishes,

Rachel

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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On 2/23/2019 at 3:35 AM, ChessieCat said:

Please update your drug signature:  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Done. Anything else I should do?

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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Perhaps this is too early to say, but I am struggling to differentiate between a flair in my Dysautonomia POTS symptoms and SSRI withdrawal/RI symptoms.

 

I am guessing it's both combined. I am hoping time and patience will shed some light on this. 

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Administrator

Hello, JayUT.

 

How are you feeling on 5mg Zoloft?

 

As you know, we recommend a taper of 10% per month to go off psychiatric drugs. You have been tapering far faster. At this point, are you ready to taper more gradually -- once you stabilize again?

 

Withdrawal can indeed aggravate a pre-existing POTS condition. Or, your POTS could be a legacy from your earlier going on and off psychiatric drugs too fast. Either way, if you're experiencing POTS, I wouldn't take any big risks in going off Zoloft, you could get a lot worse.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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14 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Hello, JayUT.

 

How are you feeling on 5mg Zoloft?

 

As you know, we recommend a taper of 10% per month to go off psychiatric drugs. You have been tapering far faster. At this point, are you ready to taper more gradually -- once you stabilize again?

 

Withdrawal can indeed aggravate a pre-existing POTS condition. Or, your POTS could be a legacy from your earlier going on and off psychiatric drugs too fast. Either way, if you're experiencing POTS, I wouldn't take any big risks in going off Zoloft, you could get a lot worse.

 

I am feeling better after reinstating the 5 mg, but far short from where I was prior to Jan 26 when I CT'd at 6.25 mg.

 

I do wish to taper off Zoloft; however, I do not want to aggravate my POTS in anyway. At this point, I am not even sure if this is possible.

 

At times, I wonder if I will be on a small dose of Zoloft for the rest of my life, because my body is too weak to ever completely stop. Otherwise, I risk making my POTS far worse if I get off of Zoloft.

 

However, with that said, I have felt increasingly better as I have moved from 50 mg --> 37.5 mg --> 25 mg --> 12.5 mg --> 6.25 mg. Overall, I felt my best at 6.25 mg Zoloft. It's the jumping off at 12.5 mg and again at 6.25 mg which has caused the biggest problems.

 

Zoloft was prescribed to me, because I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety; however, I think my true diagnosis should have been POTS.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Administrator
1 hour ago, JayUT said:

I am feeling better after reinstating the 5 mg, but far short from where I was prior to Jan 26 when I CT'd at 6.25 mg.

 

What we've seen is that there is slow, gradual improvement when you supply this crutch of a small dose to your shaky nervous system. If I were you, I'd expect to stay at 5mg for some months. You may still get waves and windows of symptoms as your nervous system stabilizes. Be sure to take Zoloft at the same time each day. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

See

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Are We There Yet? How Long is Withdrawal Going to Take?

 

"Is it always going to be like this?"

 

The importance of recognizing you're feeling good

 

Withdrawal dialogues & encouragement

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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I think I am going through the windows and waves pattern. Is it normal for a window to wave transition to happen in minutes?

 

Also, where can I find a list of sypmtoms that are common during a wave?

 

Also, it seems like every wave is different. Sometimes it's emotional symptoms. The next time it might me flu like symptoms. Then nausea, vomiting, no appetite. It's honestly very difficult for me to figure out what's going on. You'd think I would have this figured out based an past unsuccessful tapers.

 

It seems like any form of rationalization is impossible during a wave.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
36 minutes ago, JayUT said:

Is it normal for a window to wave transition to happen in minutes?

 

Yes.
 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Here's some additional information which might help you to understand what is happening:

 

Recovery isn't linear it happens in a Windows and Waves Pattern

 

Withdrawal Normal Description


When we take a psychiatric drug, we are adding chemical/s to the brain.  The brain then has to change to adapt to getting the chemical/s.  It might have to change something to do with A and then once that change has been made it affects B so another change has to be made and so on down the line.  It is a chain reaction, a domino effect.

 

The same thing happens when we take the drug away.  That's why it's possible to experience such a vast array of withdrawal symptoms, and they can change, and be of different intensity.

 

are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

These explain it really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

On ‎8‎/‎31‎/‎2011 at 5:28 AM, Rhiannon said:

When we stop taking the drug, we have a brain that has designed itself so that it works in the presence of the drug; now it can't work properly without the drug because it's designed itself so that the drug is part of its chemistry and structure. It's like a plant that has grown on a trellis; you can't just yank out the trellis and expect the plant to be okay. When the drug is removed, the remodeling process has to take place in reverse. SO--it's not a matter of just getting the drug out of your system and moving on. If it were that simple, none of us would be here. It's a matter of, as I describe it, having to grow a new brain. I believe this growing-a-new-brain happens throughout the taper process if the taper is slow enough. (If it's too fast, then there's not a lot of time for actually rebalancing things, and basically the brain is just pedaling fast trying to keep us alive.) It also continues to happen, probably for longer than the symptoms actually last, throughout the time of recovery after we are completely off the drug, which is why recovery takes so long.

 

AND

 

On ‎12‎/‎4‎/‎2015 at 2:41 AM, apace41 said:

Basically- you have a building where the MAJOR steel structures are trying to be rebuilt at different times - ALL while people are coming and going in the building and attempting to work.

It would be like if the World Trade Center Towers hadn't completely fallen - but had crumbled inside in different places.. Imagine if you were trying to rebuild the tower - WHILE people were coming and going and trying to work in the building!  You'd have to set up a temporary elevator - but when you needed to fix part of that area, you'd have to tear down that elevator and set up a temporary elevator somewhere else. And so on. You'd have to build, work around, then tear down, then build again, then work around, then build... ALL while people are coming and going, ALL while the furniture is being replaced, ALL while the walls are getting repainted... ALL while life is going on INSIDE the building. No doubt it would be chaotic. That is EXACTLY what is happening with windows and waves.  The windows are where the body has "got it right" for a day or so - but then the building shifts and the brain works on something else - and it's chaos again while another temporary pathway is set up to reroute function until repairs are made.  

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 2 weeks later...

It's been 1 month since I reinstated at 5 mg. Feeling a bit better but still experiencing windows and waves. My nervous system seems very sensitive. I have to be very mindful not to overdue life.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

The windows and waves are still happening after reinstatement. It's very frustrating. I have had windows lasting just a few hours of almost feeling normal. But at the moment I just got hit hard with a wave about 2 hours ago. It's been 1.5 months since re-instating 5 mg. I am beginning to wonder if this might take several months to stabilize. How can the medical community be so blind to how bad SSRI withdrawal can be? I have been through benzo withdrawal and it was hell. I honestly feel this is just as bad.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Administrator

It might take several months. Have you been continuing to gradually improve, or did you hit a plateau?

 

Do you get a wave or other symptoms at any particular times of day?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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16 hours ago, Altostrata said:

It might take several months. Have you been continuing to gradually improve, or did you hit a plateau?

 

Do you get a wave or other symptoms at any particular times of day?

 

I don't think I have plateaued. 

 

Not always, but I seem to get most of my waves in the late afternoon.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Administrator

Let's see if something is causing those waves.

 

What's your drug schedule? Do your symptoms follow any daily pattern?  Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms. You can post them in this topic with a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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I experience symptoms throughout the day, but they definitely vary from hour to hour.

 

5 AM to 6 AM: I have a wave which wakes me up and I become very fidgety and restless.

7 AM: Florinef 0.15 mg for dysautonomia POTS management. Increases blood volume and fluid retention.

3 PM: It seems like most of my symptoms start to increase at this time. It's not everyday, but most days. 

6 PM: Zoloft 5 mg with dinner.

8 PM: I seem to start feeling my best about this time.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Administrator

This probably explains the early morning symptoms

 

Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing cortisol spikes

 

What are those symptoms around 3 p.m.?

 

It appears 5mg Zoloft is working.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
fixed link

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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"What are those symptoms around 3 p.m.?"

 

Tough question...

 

It varies, but it seems like 75% of the time it's an increase in chest pressure, palpitations, racing heart, agitation, brain fog, easily frustrated, nausea, low appetite, hypersensitivity to sound, smell, and light.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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On 4/5/2019 at 3:07 PM, Altostrata said:

This probably explains the early morning symptoms

 

Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing cortisol spikes

 

What are those symptoms around 3 p.m.?

 

It appears 5mg Zoloft is working.

 

 

Alto, what leads you to the conclusion, "It appears 5mg Zoloft is working."?

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Administrator

Because JayUT's symptom pattern has changed, for the better and he feels best after he takes 5mg Zoloft.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Things continue to progress. May latest wave started 2 weeks ago and very slowly simmered away. The afternoon flair in symptoms still exists, but seems less severe at this time. Also, the last two days I felt almost normal. At lunch, I was sitting in a restaurant with my wife and little girl, and felt tremendous peace. Peace I hadn't felt in a while. During the drive home I felt the urge to do yard work, because the day was so beautiful. I resisted, because I had to remind myself not to over due it and let the healing continue. Then wham, at 4 PM I got hit by another wave. It was terrible timing, because we were stuck in heavy traffic on the freeway. Luckily, my wife was driving and able to get me home. My wife tries to remain so strong. Unfortunately, she has been a very innocent bystander along for this terrible ride. My heart hurts for our loved ones as they see us go through this.

 

I find escaping to a very quiet and dark room seems to be my best antidote when a wave initially hits. Does anyone else feel this way?

 

By the way, I have started experimenting with the following for the last 10 days:

  1. Oral GABA - I have been trying in divided doses throughout the day. 500 mg or 750 mg 2 or 3 times per day.
  2. Oral Mg Glycinate - I have to take this in small doses 4 times per day. I reach bowel tolerance with anything more than 120 mg in a single dose.
  3. Trytophan 500 mg twice per day.

With that said, the first few times I took Mg Glycinate and GABA it felt like I took some kind of sedation or calming drug. It was a very strange feeling. I'll try to refrain from a conclusion for at least 1 or 2 months of testing.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • 1 year later...

Without much thought, I decided CT Zoloft 5mg in December 2019, contradicting the wisdom of this group. It actually seemed okay until August 2020 when I did a trial of cyclobenzaprine for neck pain and stiffness, but it was far too sedating. Then on day 4, of cyclobenzaprine, I started having symptoms very reminiscent of Zoloft withdrawal. It appears that cyclobenziprine acts on serotonin receptors. Is it possible that I agravated something with cyclobenziprine or could this be the dreaded 6-9 month delayed SSRI withdrawal phenomenon? Also, are there any thoughts on choline supplementation with regards to SSRI taper or withdrawal?

 

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00924

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Delayed Withdrawal Symptom Increase and Possible Triggers

 

Without much thought, I decided CT Zoloft 5mg in December 2019, contradicting the wisdom of this group. It actually seemed okay until August 2020 when I did a trial of cyclobenzaprine for neck pain and stiffness. Then on day 4, of cyclobenzaprine, I started having symptoms very reminiscent of Zoloft withdrawal. It appears that cyclobenziprine acts on serotonin receptors. Is it possible that I aggravated something with cyclobenziprine or could this be the dreaded 6-9 month delayed SSRI withdrawal phenomenon? Sadly, I have had an increase in dystonia and akathisia after the cyclobenziprine 4 day trial.

 

Overall, I continue to suffer with POTS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and now appear to be having wide spread body pain and muscle aches similar to fibromyalgia. All of these above conditions started with benzos and Zoloft. My only health complaint prior to these medications was headaches and facial pain. Against my gut, a doctor convinced me I was suffering from anxiety and depression. These drugs made me far worse. 

 

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00924

Edited by manymoretodays
titled added, merged introduction topics

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi JayUT, @JayUT welcome back and thank you for the update(s),

 

I think, if I were you, I would focus on any improvements since the cyclobenzaprine 4 day trial.

Yes, it does act on the CNS(central nervous system) and may have aggravated things a bit. 

Keep in mind, going forward,  that "we" the past users of these psychotropic drugs, or any drug that effects the nervous system in anyway, tend to be pretty sensitive to them.

 

And yes, you could be into a Wave now, as well.  Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

Could be a little of both really.

We do, often see WD rear it's ugly head, many months after a CT.  Unfortunately, it isn't often that you can find a professional to support this concept in the U.S.

 

And good that you only did 4 days with this one. Less likely that any prolonged taper would have changed the outcome, in my opinion.

 

I'm looking back through your history and it does appear that you have done many experiments with varying supplements, both on and off the Zoloft.

We generally only endorse the Magnesium and Omega 3's here.  It does seem that most other supplements added in, don't really do much, and some often do seem to hinder or aggravate WD.

I noticed in your first post, several years back you were taking Magnesium and Calcium together and unfortunately, they tend to cancel out each others effect when taken this way.  Best to use single ingredient supplements, and split your Calcium and Magnesium dosing up by at least 2 hours. 

Important topics about tests, supplements, treatments, and diet

 

Oh, are you still on the Doxepin?  Or any other drugs now?

 

You'll find more about the autonomic nervous system dysfunction that occurs in WD, in these links:

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Protracted psych drug withdrawal syndrome, chronic illness, CFS, fibromyalgia: it's autonomic nervous system dysfunction

 

I found a little bit about choline here:  What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and How Do I Deal With It?

And edited in:  I just want to be clear too, that we are not "addicts", as this article is targeted at those in the "addiction community".  Most of us were unaware of the dependencies incurred with our drugs, when they were prescribed.  And did not misuse, abuse them in anyway..   Certainly, there are similarities in our recoveries from, and healing though.

It seems that you can get choline from eggs.  And I also like the part, of which I'll excerpt for you, about how any drug or alcohol use, can reset the clock on brain healing.

View any drug or alcohol use as resetting the clock on brain healing and PAWS symptoms – just as would be day one again for your recovery in general.

2. Exercise

Exercise improves your brain health and helps speed healing. Studies show that it has also:

Improves your ability to control your impulses

Improves the blood flow in your brain

Helps white matter integrity, an important factor in maintaining cognitive stability(Fjell et al., 2011) (a reduction in white matter integrity causes cognitive instability with symptoms including memory loss, lack of coordination, confused state, and more)

(“The Brain in Recovery – Recovery Research Institute”, n.d.)

How you get the exercise you need is up to you. It can start with just walking 20 or 30 minutes several times a week. As you gain strength, you can move on to weight training, running, swimming and more. The body’s response to exercise will amaze you. In a few months, you could be doing things you never thought you’d do.

3. Feed yourself well

The right food can help your brain recover. We can see this with traumatic brain injury sufferers. The following have been shown to aid in brain healing:

Magnesium – pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds, cashews, peanuts, black beans, edamame, dark chocolate, peanut butter

Antioxidants – dark chocolate, pecans, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, artichokes, kale, goji berries

Omega-3 fatty acids – salmon, sardines, trout, soybeans, walnuts, kale spinach, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed oil

Choline – eggs

Oleic Acid – avocados

Berries – especially blueberries

Zinc – red meat (moderate amounts), chickpeas, beans, lentils, squash seeds, soybeans

 

And hey JayUT,  I get the neck pain and upper back pain too.  I've found great relief though from swimming, and doing some basic range of motion exercises for my neck area.  Lately though, my swimming has been decreased and I may go try a chiropractor.  For me, I'm not entirely sure if it's due to protracted WD, or from a car accident- I got rear ended back in 2013.  I just stick with non-drug coping for this........as I've been quite aware of my hypersensitive state, post drugs, for quite some time........and basically avoid almost any medication, that could even remotely affect my CNS.  I figure that unless it's an emergency......I'll be much better off this way.

 

Anyway.......focus on healing and coping.  And again.  Thank you for the update! 

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

Edited by manymoretodays
@notification, since I didn't quote anything :-)

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment
2 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Oh, are you still on the Doxepin?  Or any other drugs now?

@manymoretodays

 

I don't recall taking Doxepin. Did I say that somewhere? Nevertheless, I'm currently tapering off phenergan as my last perception drug. I'm at 6.25 mg once at night. I tried it for headaches, but it didn't seem to help.

 

Also, I tried fioricet last week but that seemed to back fire also. It helped for the 2 days I took it, but I'm not allowed to take more, because of the risk of medication overuse headache and butalbital addiction. Apparently, butalbital also acts on gaba and my prior ct of benzos makes me nervous about butalbital.

 

I also continue to experiment with supplements looking for some relief. As of this post, I take magnesium glycinate, omega-3, phosphatidylserine, vitamin c, taurine, b1, b2, b3, multi-vitamin, and melatonin.

 

Sadly, in this moment I'm feeling defeated and not sure how to get out of this pots, CFS, fibromyalgia hole, which I also theorize was triggered by benzo ct and subsequent Zoloft Rx.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

Link to comment
21 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Keep in mind, going forward,  that "we" the past users of these psychotropic drugs, or any drug that effects the nervous system in anyway, tend to be pretty sensitive to them.

@manymoretodays

 

Yes, this seems to be the case for me. Even a pediatric dose (12.5 mg) of phenergan at bedtime was far too strong for me. It would leave me tired, drowsy, and hungover until noon the next day. I have tapared down to 6.25 mg on Sept 25. The 6.25 mg at bedtime leaves me feeling hungover until 10-11 AM. I will taper down to ~3 mg tonight and hold for approximately 8 days. Half life is 12-15 hours. So I think my blood level should reach steady state at 3 mg in ~4 days (~October 13) . Sadly, I wonder if this short half-life is causing interdose issues which is confusing my CNS and ANS.

 

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01069

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Documenting a few things before I forget:

1) I stopped phenagren around 10/15/2020. I don't remember the exact date. It made me feel loopy, drunk, hungover. I didn't think I felt any withdrawal.

2) I went back to my dependable doxylamine Succinate for sleep and nausea. I don't like that I take it, but it helps.

3) For a completely unrelated reason, I tried 400 mg TID SAM-e on 11/10/2020 and 11/11/2020 not knowing it is used as an antidepressant. It felt like a drug when I took it. It seemed to level me and give me energy instantly. Then I discovered that it may not be a benign OTC like many seem to think.

 

http://www.depressionblog.com/archives/000027.shtml

 

 

 

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

It's a good idea to research any new thing BEFORE you start taking it.

* 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

Link to comment

SAM-e appears to have given me two days of improvement. However, I have read ancedotal reports of withdrawal symptoms from SAM-e. According to the below study SAM level is directly correlated with BMI.

 

"Overfeeding raised serum SAM in proportion to the fat mass gained. The increase in SAM may help stabilize methionine levels, and denotes a responsiveness of SAM to nutrient state in humans."

 

"In vitro, glucose increases MAT activity and SAM concentration,7 suggesting that SAM synthesis increases with nutrient abundance."

 

Prior to my cold turkey withdrawal from benzo+gabapentin and prior to SSRI, my BMI was 22.3. After, benzo+gabapentin+ssri debacle my BMI bottomed at 16.0. I'm currently at BMI 18.8.

 

BMI Categories:

Underweight = <18.5

Normal weight = 18.5–24.9

Overweight = 25–29.9

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4742722/

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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