joy2730 Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Hi Many years ago I got off dothiepin while pregnant, 31 years ago now, and it was very difficult. The doctors then said the baby would feel the taper too, and some doctors now say the same thing, and advise holding the drug. In my second pregnancy I held the drugs steady and the baby was born a better weight. I have a friend who is pregnant and on Prozac and has been advised to stay on it. It is wrong to suggest someone stays on the drug, as in an ideal world no one would be pregnant and take these meds but we do not live in an ideal world and have to make compromises. It is important that you are relaxed and well so that the baby receives a good blood supply. If mum is not relaxed sometimes a premature birth can be triggered. I am so not qualified to say these things, but you need to change your thinking so that you are not too stressed about taking the meds. Both my babies were born early but both are extremely well adults now aged 30 and 28, and appear not to have been damaged in any way. I am glad I had them, although it was a struggle with the meds and withdrawal in the first pregnancy. In my second pregnancy I was told to take the meds alternate nights, which is so not recommended now. My babies and I survived and have had some great moments in life together even with meds. People know a lot more about these meds now, and that is both better and worse. Joy Jan 2023 to July 2023 250mg quetiapine Tapered off quetiapine again over 2 months - now weight problem Link to comment
mona11 Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Dear Rose9975 , great decision. Trust that you are doing the best you can.If you decide to taper, do it very slowly. I believe that you have to do it even slower than 5% per month. Maybe 1% per week. That is what I have been doing and I have almost no wd. Enjoy your pregnancy. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted March 24, 2018 Author Share Posted March 24, 2018 Wednesday:Thanks Joy for your message. I felt a slight improvment today but overall the blackdog persists. Got abused in my day job as a social worker nothing new there I am now sitting in front of my SAD lamp hoping ...praying for relief. Car broke down on the motor way ... car insurance ran out Friday as luck would have it then got pulled by the guards on the way home for no insurance or driving license with me for the car they gave me at the garage!! Tried to treat my self to massage but bank account was empty settled for a can of 7up & a bag of chips I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted March 24, 2018 Author Share Posted March 24, 2018 15mg Lexapro: It's Saturday & what a week it has been. I went for acupuncture on Thursday & just wailed crying by lunch time Friday the depression & nausea had lifted 🙏💞. I am going to attend this service weekly to help with my emotions & hormone changes etc. My shoulders are killing me particularly my right shoulder. Plan to go for a massage today and study for an interview on Tuesday. I need to study over the weekend for this and catch up on my case work from the week. My current child protection job certainly does not add to my mental health. Light & love all 💞 I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
joy2730 Posted March 24, 2018 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Oh no, child protection job, pregnant and withdrawing from ADs, what a stressful mix. Is the depression you are feeling withdrawal only, or situational, having said that it is probably a mixture of both. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Joy Jan 2023 to July 2023 250mg quetiapine Tapered off quetiapine again over 2 months - now weight problem Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted March 25, 2018 Author Share Posted March 25, 2018 I have suffered from Chronic depression most of my life. My job certainly does not support me. Today has been a really challenging day.Its me trying to manage depression & pregnancy.Acupunture is closed tomorrow & I have a job interview on Tuesday and I haven't opened a book!!!. Please God I wake tomorrow & the black cloud has lifted. “Hormones definitely contribute to the development of depression during pregnancy, there is no doubt about that. There was a greater focus on the sex hormones, but we are now looking at the stress hormones as the condition of pregnancy increases secretion of stress hormones gradually and incrementally as the pregnancy advances. We know that the stress hormones are high in people with depression. We do need some sort of heightened alert system during pregnancy to warn us of any danger to the foetus, but in some women, these hormones can lead to depression.” Lucky me 😢 I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted March 27, 2018 Author Share Posted March 27, 2018 O.k so went for the interview ...have to wait 2/3 weeks for a reply. Went to the G.P. today. I could see they wanted me to go back up to 20mg....feeling low now..angry & tired..nurse wanted to refer me to a Psychiatrist no way I said..who am I kidding I suffer from chronic depression. I have my acupuncture tomorrow thank God Mary & Joesph. Awaiting an appointment with the hospital. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 So depressed off my head today.Going to Acupuncture twice weekly.....Going to go back up to 20mg when the baby is born life is too short to feel this suicidal depressed and lethargic. I probably need a higher dose then 20mg I am always low.I wish all well on your tapering process & thanks for the support which I will be eternally grateful 😘💞 I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
joy2730 Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Hi sorry you feel so bad. Are you able to try breast feeding with your meds - the reason I ask it that I couldn't on the psychiatric meds I took and it was always a regret of mine but I think.people can with the modern meds. Joy Jan 2023 to July 2023 250mg quetiapine Tapered off quetiapine again over 2 months - now weight problem Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 Hi Joy, from what I read unfortunately I won't be in a position to breast feed the medication is transferred in the milk.The joys of depression! I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 9, 2018 Author Share Posted September 9, 2018 30 weeks Pregnant being on antidepressant medication (15mg Lexapro) Really was not aware of this fact that pregnancy because of blood increase decreases the amount of antipressant in the blood system. Even though I still take 15mg daily my brain is down I'd say to10mg. I have remained adament to not take more medication during pregnancy. Today I am having another depression day. Therefore, I have been tappering throughout my pregnancy.I would love to know if anyone has experienced this. News to me.There is a queue outside of the Psychiatric's office in the maternity hospital. He said he would increase my dosage to compensate for this & reduce my dosage before the baby is born.I went to him once & then stopped just did not feel he was going to offer me anything but medication. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 9, 2018 Author Share Posted September 9, 2018 https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/news/health/antidepressant-pregnancy-baby-brain-development-depression-ssri-serotonin-a8296271.html%3famp I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted September 16, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 16, 2018 Hello Rose. I'm so happy to read your update cause I've been thinking about you a lot. I will read the article you posted. I wrote to dr. Healy about pregnancy and drugs and although it said on the site he might not be able to reply I got his answer within an hour. You could give it a try. Please keep us post it and wishing you the best of luck! Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 24, 2018 Author Share Posted September 24, 2018 Hi Bubble, thank you for your response I know the administration is very busy but I would be so so grateful on any links on natural tappering while pregnancy.I was not aware of this phenomenona....naviely.... but am very aware of the tappering symptoms now coupled with the depression...I am nearly to the finish line 22nd November & am adamant not to take amend my medication (15mg Lexapro)...she is a big baby so I expecting to deliver her 2-3 weeks bless her. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 24, 2018 Author Share Posted September 24, 2018 I looked at Dr Healy website but I can't find the topic I am interested in "tapering while pregnant" ...it does not say the volume and number of antidepressants women were on & the correlation between that & with drawal symptoms & the new born baby.... I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 25, 2018 Author Share Posted September 25, 2018 I am so depressed today.Was thinking of killing myself last night & today the depressive cloud would not lift. I missed my antenatal class tonight planning coming out of work Friday & take four weeks pregnancy related sick leave.The biggest symptom is depression. I feel my brain is tapering from the the Lexapro.feel alone, hopeless & just want to sleep sleep sleep to make the pain go away I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 26, 2018 Author Share Posted September 26, 2018 Woke up at 5a.m and still feeling depressed.I have researched that some pregnant women are more prone to depression in the first and the third trimester. I am 33 weeks this week some people get a window at 36 weeks. Alot of discussion on forums discuss the damage to the foetus. There is little discussion how how I can get over this depressive state while having lots of other pregnancy symptoms e.g back pain, leg pain, tiredness, heartburn, hormonal changes etc. My stomach is really big & I find walking very uncomfortable. Coming out of work on Friday that's a positive.I will have to call into work tomorrow sick if this does not lift.I need to go for accupunture hopefully I will get a window to get dressed & leave the house.I feel so alone.Everyone is commenting on the pregnancy & my beautiful bump but I am dieing in side. Websites make me feel worse & guilty. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Bee5 Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 I CT'd my escitalopram when I found out I was pregnant. Although I was "ok" during the pregnancy, 6 days after baby arrived I was hospitalised due to a major crash (severe anxiety, tearfulness, akathisia and suicidal ideation). I almost think that the pregnancy had a 'protective effect' that wore off after delivery (I had a C-section). I have heard of mums hospitalised while pregnant, so it is possible to be depressed/anxious during pregnancy. Pregnancy is so tricky, but considering the fact that you are still on the escitalopram, I am holding thumbs for you that you will be ok when baby arrives. Whatever you do, do not feel bad about not being able to breastfeed. I had to stop breastfeeding on Day 6, because I was put back onto meds. Every mom does her best, and my best did not include breastfeeding. Please keep updating us. I empathise with you. Having a baby is hard enough without the cloud of depression on top of it. Sending light, Bee 7 months of prescribed polypharmacy in 2015-2016, including several classes of psych meds. 1st attempt at taper was too fast. 2nd attempt is underway. 1 Mar 2018: 37.5 mg paroxetine, 150 mg lamotrigine, 300 mg quetiapine 1 Oct 2020: 30 mg paroxetine, 150 mg lamotrigine, 37.5 mg quetiapine 15 May 2022: 25 mg paroxetine, 150 mg lamotrigine, 0 mg quetiapine 11 Jan 2024: 20 mg paroxetine, 118.75 mg lamotrigine Supplements: Iron, Vit D magnesium glycinate, omega 3 I am not a medical professional. All my posts are my opinions only, based on my experiences. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 28, 2018 Author Share Posted September 28, 2018 Hi Bee5, thank you for connecting with me. Its a lonely journey Everyone's experience is so different depression & pregnancy.I am 33 weeks pregnant this week. Chronic depression, intense fatigue, hormones, Seasonal Affective Disorder.... hard to see this lifting. I went for acupuncture Thursday I was so anxious & it helps only for a few hours. Suicidal thoughts are still intense today. I am stitting Infront my SAD for a few hours now & it is helping somewhat. I am off of work since Tuesday & got a sick certificate until Friday week. Stress affects hormones so trying to come back to some baseline...when my baby is born I will go up to 20mg Lexapro.I have to be more functional to mind a baby, hold down a relationship, a job, get back exercising etc. i miss going hill walking or doing some intense exercise to get relief from the depression. My baby bump is so big & I get tired tired I have been largely been inactive since finding out I have been pregnant.The hormones hit me strong. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 28, 2018 Author Share Posted September 28, 2018 I can't find mine or others signature in my iPhone for the new website. Guidance would be welcome d I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted September 29, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 29, 2018 9 hours ago, Rose9975 said: I can't find mine or others signature in my iPhone for the new website. Guidance would be welcome d I don't think signatures work on mobile phones. See this topic for more detailed explanation: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share Posted September 29, 2018 Thabk you I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted September 29, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 29, 2018 Sorry to hear things are so hard but you have come such a long way. Give yourself credit for that. And take as much time off as you can. I'm not too good with weeks and pregnancy but all pregnant women in my country get a leave 40 days before their due date... Even if you are in perfect health things just get so hard physically. Please keep on posting. It is so very important for women in similar situation. And we will be there with you through this journey. Just be gentle with yourself. Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted October 4, 2018 Author Share Posted October 4, 2018 Hi Bubble, thank you for your post 💞. I know this website has more to do with support with physical tapering. Mine at times can do with the management of depression, emotions ....now while 1st time pregnant & working in a stressful environment. The truth of the matter that since tapering only by 5mg my depression is not as stable as as when I was at 20mg. Today was good/productive day thank God & it's a better week. Think my body is still coming down from such a stressful job. I am going for acupuncture and physiotherapist/ Chiropractor for back support. I am out of work since Wednesday unapologetically. Gymnocologist offered me medication again on Monday. She promised me "no side effects" I just smiled & politely declined. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted October 7, 2018 Author Share Posted October 7, 2018 Am unsure how I going to get through life so depressed, suicidal ideation.. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
TreeElf Posted October 7, 2018 Share Posted October 7, 2018 Just wanted to say hello Rose, I live in Northern Ireland and grew up down south. So consider us neighbours. I'm sending you love and healing, you're doing amazing under such difficult circumstances. I try and remember that whatever we're given is because we can handle it. And another member really helped me recently by saying 'you don't have to get through the rest of your life, you just have to get through today, or the next hour.' Slow down, be here. Literally one moment at a time. You are not alone x 2008-2013 - Various meds on and off since age 18 incl. Sertraline, Prozac, Mirtazipine, Abilify. Prescribed for severe OCD. CT'd several times over these years and reinstated after subsequent psych hospitalisations. 2014-2015 - Clomipramine, quetiapine and Epilum 2015-Jan 2017 - Prozac 40mg (stopped contraceptive pill, most stable period of time) (Beginning of taper) Jan-October 2017 - Tapered Prozac to zero. 15 Jan 2018 - Reinstated Prozac at 2mg due to acute w/d symptoms February 2018 - tapered to 1.8mg May 2018 - reinstated at 5mg due to severe w/d symptoms. 9 month hold, stabilized well at around 6/7 months. March 2019 - Tapered to 4.9mg Current supplements: fish oils, probiotic, ashwaganda, colostrum powder, cannabis Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted October 7, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 7, 2018 On 9/27/2018 at 12:08 AM, Bee5 said: Although I was "ok" during the pregnancy, 6 days after baby arrived I was hospitalised due to a major crash (severe anxiety, tearfulness, akathisia and suicidal ideation). I almost think that the pregnancy had a 'protective effect' that wore off after delivery (I had a C-section). This is how I ended up on meds in the first place. Hormone levels drop off steeply around 5 days after the birth (I also had a C-section) which caused a major crash (severe anxiety and insomnia). On 10/4/2018 at 4:43 PM, Rose9975 said: Think my body is still coming down from such a stressful job. A stressful job can be a big part of the equation. I ended up getting out of mine, because I realised I'd never be able to get off ADs if I stayed. I've never regretted removing that stress from my life. On 9/29/2018 at 11:16 AM, Rose9975 said: My baby bump is so big & I get tired tired I remember this, by about 32 weeks I could hardly move. I worked up to 36 weeks and I remember very slowly waddling around the office! 1 hour ago, Rose9975 said: Am unsure how I going to get through life so depressed, suicidal ideation.. As Abby said, just get through this day, this hour or even this minute. If all you can do is sleep and eat, then do that. Please be kind to yourself, look after yourself as best you can. 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment
Bee5 Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 On 10/8/2018 at 1:34 AM, Songbird said: This is how I ended up on meds in the first place. Hormone levels drop off steeply around 5 days after the birth (I also had a C-section) which caused a major crash (severe anxiety and insomnia). No-one ever mentions how severe this can be during ante-natal classes. I wish I was warned, but instead it hit me like a train. @Rose9975, please try to surround yourself with supportive people in the first few weeks after baby's birth. 7 months of prescribed polypharmacy in 2015-2016, including several classes of psych meds. 1st attempt at taper was too fast. 2nd attempt is underway. 1 Mar 2018: 37.5 mg paroxetine, 150 mg lamotrigine, 300 mg quetiapine 1 Oct 2020: 30 mg paroxetine, 150 mg lamotrigine, 37.5 mg quetiapine 15 May 2022: 25 mg paroxetine, 150 mg lamotrigine, 0 mg quetiapine 11 Jan 2024: 20 mg paroxetine, 118.75 mg lamotrigine Supplements: Iron, Vit D magnesium glycinate, omega 3 I am not a medical professional. All my posts are my opinions only, based on my experiences. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted October 14, 2018 Author Share Posted October 14, 2018 Today Sunday 15th October first day depression has lifted. I received my Alpha-Sim cranial sacial Stimulator on Wednesday & all I can say that this is the first day in a long time I feel normal. The morning of the 7th I felt so low I was contemplating going back to my GP & request him to please up my medication. Thank you everyone for your support. https://www.alpha-stim.com/healthcare-professionals/treating-mood-conditions/ As I live in Ireland I purchased mine on Amazon. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted October 15, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 15, 2018 I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. The alpha-stim device sounds interesting. Please keep us updated. 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted October 23, 2018 Author Share Posted October 23, 2018 All I can say this machine is my lifesaver at the moment It's amazing so far & I have not dropped back into a deep depression. It's like having a glass of wine. If you suffer from anxiety this is an instant hit. So far I will be keeping it & not returning it after 30 days. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
powerback Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 Hi rose ,this is very interesting that it works so quick ,good for you .ile check it out ,I would give my left arm for relief from anxiety.its in my dreams and nightmares lately. Take care. Alcohol free since February 2015 1MG diazepam 4.5MG PROZAC. Link to comment
Mentor FarmGirlWorks Posted October 23, 2018 Mentor Share Posted October 23, 2018 14 hours ago, Rose9975 said: All I can say this machine is my lifesaver at the moment It's amazing so far & I have not dropped back into a deep depression. It's like having a glass of wine. If you suffer from anxiety this is an instant hit. So far I will be keeping it & not returning it after 30 days. That is so great for you, @Rose9975... I watched the video and made a make-shift one from a TENS unit that a friend loaned me. I just clothespin the pads on my earlobes. Where do you put yours on your body? Prozac | late 2004-mid-2005 | CT WD in a couple months, mostly emotional Sertraline 50-100mg | 11/2011-3/2014, 10/2014-3/2017 Sertraline fast taper March 2017, 4 weeks, OFF sertraline April 1, 2017 Quit alcohol May 20, 2017 Lifestyle changes: AA, kundalini yoga "If you've seen a monster, even if it's horrible, that's evidence of divinity." – Damien Echols Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted November 1, 2018 Author Share Posted November 1, 2018 Just recording no depression since purchase of machine with my strong pregnancy hormones amazing for me who suffers also from intense SAD during the Winter I don't even have to put on SAD lamp!!!! I am massive at the moment so long walking/intense exercise is out for me until baby is born. I had to undergo a sweep yesterday naturally was anxious....put on two small electric ear clips on my ears farmgirlworks prior to treatment & was so relaxed procedure was painless. My partner was so surprised as I was like too different people before I used the Alpha-Stim & afterwards.The real test is this Sunday as I am being induced will definitely have my best friend with me.There are 4 pads for the pain which I will place two lower & two higher on my back for the contractions & before & afterwards the electric ear clips for Cranial Sacral Stimulation for the anxiety before & afterwards. The sole purchase of the equipment for me was for depression (suicidal ideation) & anxiety. Feeling grateful xx http://www.themicrocurrentsite.co.uk/Press.aspx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted November 1, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 1, 2018 Very happy to hear that the device is helping so much! So the delivery is Sunday! Will be thinking about you and keeping my fingers crossed. Let us know how everything go. You've made it! Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted November 1, 2018 Author Share Posted November 1, 2018 Thank you bubble your a lovely person xx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
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