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Rose9975: Irish person wishing to taper off 20mg Lexapro


Rose9975

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Hi All, weather change in Ireland has seen me getting severe migranes this week. This is a new experience for me. The only pain in my head would have been from tapering it would not be a symptom I would state I experience. Since Sunday I feel my energy had reduced. Anyhow's, today I decide to goto a G.P to get a full N.C.T. I got bloods taken to check my hormones, glucose levels etc etc she did abreast examination, smear text and an Ultra sound. I have two more appointments to get more bloods taken after my period next week.It cost €700. She asked me why I came to her & I cited 1) constant tiredness 2) want to check my hormones etc as I feel I am all over the place around premenstrual time etc. I await the results.She was concerned from the scan about about one of my overies which may indicate Polycystic Ovarian Sydrome & other symptoms like tiredness, feels like I will faint if I don'the eat, depression, feeling angry, heavy long & often painful periods.

 

Anyhows, I need advice from the moderators she gave me a prescription for 30mg Cripimal which she states is equilivalent to the 15th Lexpro.She would like to see if I can stabilise on it & then perhaps I may have an easier tapering process. She said that I'm 38 & time is not on my side if I wish to conceive a healthy baby (should I decide) I would love the pros & cons of her suggestion?? To be honest I am scared to change I need to stay functional. I think I will await the results from the tests & I will then be in a more informed place to make a better choice.

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%

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Cipramil contains citalopram, which is a 'cousin' of lexapro (escitalopram). 

 

I am a bit confused by the 1/15th lexapro being the equivalent to 30mg cipramil. Did you mean 15mg lexapro?

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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  • Administrator

Hello, Rose.

 

As it seems you are coping well with tapering Lexapro, if I were you, I would not try a switch to Cipramil. The dosage equivalents are dodgy and other things can go wrong. Best to stick with tapering Lexapro. Are you using a liquid to taper?

 

Are you planning to become pregnant soon? Is this doctor more concerned about getting you pregnant than you are?

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 have severe migrane pains again & menstrual cramps the joys of being a woman.I do not take the pill.I have started on one journey and now I found I have started on another. I was overcome by a huge wave of fatigue today & went to bed at 8.20p.m I have just woken up at 12.25p.m.

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%

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Hi Altostrata, Thank you so much for your comment.I respect your opinion.I am down to 15mg Lexapro which I can get in Ireland as a single tablet. The next taper will be a self made liquid suspension.Then I could get 10mg & 5mg tablet in Ireland. On my tapering journey I have been taken down another road. I am staying at 15mg to stabilise & get to the bottom of my hormone issues.I have chosen not to take the Cipramil.

 

I would like to have a child to be honest the way of am feeling now & taking Lexapro are inconductive to having a baby.Migrane pain coming on strong again now . In all fairness to the doctor she was the open minded G.P I have met in my life she is German a Gymacologist holistic praticitioner etc she gave me a diet sheet & we talked about Spirituality eating disorders etc she is extremedy well educated.... I am waiting the results of the my tests...until then I am riding this roller coaster. ...

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%

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Hi MammaP,Apologies I meant to type 15mg Lexapro a typo on my part.

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%

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  • Administrator

I found an ibuprofen or two before I got menstrual cramps made that part of my cycle much less disruptive.

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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  • 3 weeks later...

21st June 2017 last night & tonight observed myself falling into a drepressive shutdown state :(.Chronic fatigue came over me couldn't keep my eyes open. Partner made me go for exercise tonight & it was huge learning....I was so resistant  to movement....I did not wish to  connect with the darkness...Then I just walked yawned, walked  and yawned...thoughts of anger, desire to not live... I lay down in a bench in the forest & realised that I was depressed.....as I walked & walked my body lightened up ....it lifted .....I came out of the dark hole....jogged back to car....came home & emotional eating & eating for the sake of eating even though I am not hungry.I just want to record this thoughts.... I need to journal but feel unmotivated to locate diary  ...feeling angry irritable........

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%

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  • 2 weeks later...

I got my test results todays and  I am an extremely healthy individual. Only thing was B12 was slightly low. I cried & I cried.It's sad but I would prefer a physical rather  then a mental health issue.The secrecy of it kills me.

 

I am contemplating going  back up to 20mg Lexapro. I am feeling very low in myself. I am crying a lot & life is too hard. 

 

I don't think I can go ahead with tapering as I am struggling so much with tiredness, negative thoughts etc.

I went for acupuncture today & have a pounding headache. I feel lost. The G.P told me today that I need help..she is concerned for me.....a psychiatrist/CBT & I need less of defeatist attitude.She asked me if I wanted to be in the same place in 12 months. God she made me feel bad, pathetic, weak a victim.She seemed annoyed also that I did not take her advice & switch medication

#lost

 

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

Hi Rose ,

 

As a long term lexapro user I can empathize with you .  The tiredness lethargy emptiness feeling to name a few .  I did not read your whole thread just a few posts but I think you might be experiencing lexapro 'poop out' effect which basically means it does not work anymore as it used to .  I remember in my earlier lexapro days I was doing okay and functional but as years pilled up I was getting more tired more lethargic more indifferent and sad and depressed .  I think in these cases psychiatrists either up the dose or switch or add something else (I am not suggesting you do either or,  this is from my research ) .  It is very unfortinate what these medicines do   

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Rose, sorry things have been difficult for so long now, and especially with your long hold.  That's so frustrating for you, I imagine. 

 

If you did decide to up-dose, I would suggest a smaller step - say 1mg - than going right back to 20mg.  A large step can bring about it's own problems, whereas a small amount is often all that's needed to bring stabilisation. 

 

Your doctor is quite lacking in compassion, from the sound of her.  Funnily enough, if you followed her advice you might be in a bad place in 12 months time.  Perhaps she is trying to cover her own ineffective doctoring, by inferring you are the problem because you are weak or defeatist.  Very unethical (and just plain wrong!). 

 

What she should have said is that you're an incredibly strong woman to have got this far in dealing with a problem which has been greatly exacerbated by a drug she (or others of her profession) prescribed.   

 

Interesting what Blondie says about poop-out.  I might chat with the other mods about that possibility.  Can you hang tight before making a decision either way? 

Edited by KarenB

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

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

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

8 month hold.

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

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

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

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On ‎3‎.‎1‎.‎2016‎. at 6:03 PM, Rose9975 said:

Hi,

 

I have been taking Lexapro for 11/12 years now 20mg. One of the main side effects for me being on it is tiredness.Is it the Lexapro or is it one of the symptoms of depression. I'm in my late 30s & would like to start a family but feeling continuously tired / zapped deters me.To come to think of it anger & irritability are also part of the package. I clock up on average 9 hours sleep nightly.How could I cope with waking with a child in the middle of the night? My boyfriend has MS (on no medication) who experiences tiredness also.I live in rainy Ireland & feel less energetic in the winter.

 

Hello Rose,

 

I've been going through your early posts to see if you had any symptoms prior to starting your taper. And you do mention some side effects as in the post I quoted above. So going back to 20 mg will hardly address these issues since it seems you had them on 20 mg.

 

Poop out or no poop out drugs are not really a solution. Especially not long term.  

 

What caused you to take ADs in the first place? Did you address any of those issues in any other way except by taking Lexapro?

 

CBT  sounds like a very constructive suggestion to get to grips with what is really making us unhappy and other things. There is a whole lot of non-drug techniques and strategies that facilitate personal growth, help us deal with past traumas (if we had them) and in general help us to cope with ourselves and the world around ourselves better. Sometimes withdrawal is not the only culprit.

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 after
reinstated 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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi there Rose,

 

Just checking in - I wonder what you thought of Bubble's ideas for you?  I agree with her that it could be timely to look at some of those other aspects of healing, rather than increasing your dose. 

 

You've been doing w/d for a while now, and struggling to cope with various things so I imagine you're feeling quite tired and maybe just sick of it all.  It is at this stage that people sometimes do get drawn back in to seeing drugs as the way to cope. 

 

So, this is the time when it would help to get really clear in your 'big picture' views.  One pathway is drugs - up-dosing, switching, additional drugs etc.  The other path is the healing work we do in ourselves - learning coping tools and strategies, building up the amount of self-care you are doing, fostering supportive relationships etc.

 

When you know which way you want to go, you can start looking in that direction and strengthening your belief that that is the path that will get you through this.         

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

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

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

8 month hold.

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

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

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

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

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  • 7 months later...

Hi All, just back still on 15mg Lexapro.I feel I have stabilised as much as one can. This month hoping to start dropping tomorrow by 1mg hold for two months.Goal is to drop by 5mg during 2018. Winter is long & miserable in Ireland so heading into spring now.Welcome to the roller coaster one again !!!!

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

Welcome back, Rose.  I too am tapering Lexapro.  Your taper seems slow and safe, and no doubt you have figured out what works for you.  I'm glad you're not rushing it.  I hope your six-month hold helped.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Thank you for noticing my return 💞.I have had to go at my body's pace. I have am still doing emotional healing ( Theta healing & Access Consciousness) which can only help my process. Looking back at my posts I was in a bad place.The fatigue has passed. How are you doing?

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%

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Withdrawal symptoms :pain in the back of eyes especially my right eye ...pain in my head. At an Access Body Class today 

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

Sorry about your head and eye pain.  I am doing pretty well, getting lower on the Lexapro, going very slowly.  Actually over the last month or so my symptoms have improve, less anxiety and better sleep.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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That's great to hear.Well done you 🤗💞 My body is sensitive maybe I should taper .5mg one month  then .5mg the next month....ah well I have started the roller coaster now!!!!

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

Listen to your body and go as slowly as you need to.  No one has ever complained about a too-slow taper.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Today was such better day then yesterday.  ..LEARNING LESSON: Fiancée came home with a coffee for me & we sat down. Next thing I was overcome with a wave of Sadness. The other half asked was I o.k. I said I am fine.This not me.This is my brain healing.This is me in withdrawal from medication. I did not pull up a 'sad' life experience to match the tears. I released it non-judgmentally  & it passed.I was listening & honouring my body. Poor body 💞. I will go easier for the next cut in April to only .5mg. I will try to listen more to MY BODY. Grateful for having someone to kiss & hug.My body needs lots sleep again tonight. I will try to mother is better. 💖

 

💞All of Life Comes to me with Ease & Joy & Glory💞

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%

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Good work, Rose!

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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O.k weather is miserable in Ireland at the moment...cold & snow...Went to the pharmacy today & got one tablet Lexapro 10mg and one Lexapro tablet 5mg. I will now create a liquid suspension of the 5mg which hopefully be more accurate & will result in less withdrawal symptoms....then using my syringe take 1mg out it is more expensive but hopefully less destabiling on my nervous system.Today feeling over angry.. ...people annoying 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%

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

All is going well.

TIP: Since Tuesday I am now taking 10mg Lexapro Tablet and  I make a suspension out of the 5mg tablet. Again this enables more accuracy & less body distress.

 

What else is possible? 

 

Goal for this week is to move my body.What would it take to change this? Hoping to join Zumba class tomorrow. ..time to make friends 🤗💞💖

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

Rose, be careful of exercise that is too strenuous.  Many members find it to be a stressor and too activating to the nervous system.  It might be fine for you.  Just ease into it.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

O1/03/2018 felting v.low.... I have put on alot of weight since I have started the tapering process & at times I find I have less self control eating quickly....last Wednesday I took at 15mg tablet by mistake so I have taken them completely out of my container to avoid this occuring again...it's like I am in a Daze at times not fully present....on a positive note yesterday I went for 2walks in nature in the snow ..the more strenuous walk seemed to have really helped me.....brought back into my body & out of my thoughts....

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
  • 3 weeks later...

I am six weeks pregnant which was planned. I will be 39 this year the plan was to come off Lexapro beforehand but it was too much for my body.  Feeling scared, tired and excited. Hope to completely stop taking Lexapro in the 3rd trimester as I read babies are being born with withdrawal symptoms.I welcome some links on the topic in this forum 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
  • Moderator
3 hours ago, Rose9975 said:

I am six weeks pregnant which was planned. I will be 39 this year the plan was to come off Lexapro beforehand but it was too much for my body.  Feeling scared, tired and excited. Hope to completely stop taking Lexapro in the 3rd trimester as I read babies are being born with withdrawal symptoms.I welcome some links on the topic in this forum xx

Congratulations!

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.

Link to comment

Thanks Frogie 🐸 X. My head hasnt be good the last few days....bank holiday Monday in Ireland so off today head not great ...I listened to Sacred Activations on utube on mental health 2013...feeling abit better now thank God 🙏💞

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
10 minutes ago, Rose9975 said:

Thanks Frogie 🐸 X. My head hasnt be good the last few days....bank holiday Monday in Ireland so off today head not great ...I listened to Sacred Activations on utube on mental health 2013...feeling abit better now thank God 🙏💞

I'm glad you are feeling better.

 

I saw in Symptoms and Self care on page 5 there is an article about being pregnant while on meds. I didn't read it but though I would pass that information on to you.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

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.

Link to comment

Thank you Frogie xx I feel really depressed again 😢 ....I have a suck depression feeling.....hard to make a decision, tired, irritable..I am off work today travelling back from the UK .....#struggling. I am on 14mg Lexapro. I am afraid to drop again incase the symptoms get worse.

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
4 hours ago, Rose9975 said:

Thank you Frogie xx I feel really depressed again 😢 ....I have a suck depression feeling.....hard to make a decision, tired, irritable..I am off work today travelling back from the UK .....#struggling. I am on 14mg Lexapro. I am afraid to drop again incase the symptoms get worse.

You are welcome. I'm sorry you feel so lousy. I'm on 2.0 mg Lexapro. I just tried to taper my Xanax and it was a nightmare. I'm sure the mods can tell you more that I can. I hope you feel better soon. Take care, Frogie xx

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.

Link to comment

I am unsure ifs depression pregnancy hormones tapering/all of the above or what I have today.I am afraid to go to the GP as they will either put me back up to 20mg Lexapro or wean me completely off it with a tapering system that is too quick for my body.. .I am not due until November & work a very stressful job 

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

Rose. You are between a rock and a hard place :  if it were me -  I would do an accelerated taper, for the sake of the baby. That's just me and I'm sure others will have opposite opinions. It's up to you.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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As a mother and someone who went through the horrors of Withdrawal, I would keep tapering as slow as necessary. I would not do an accelerated taper. What about less than 1% a week? Have you tried that? I would do meditations everyday and I would read Claire Weeks books. I would not go back to 20 mg. It's definitely up to you, but why go back to 20 mg if you already got down to 15mg. You feel depressed because you are very worried about being pregnant and on the medicine. When you understand that it is not the best scenario, but it is what it is happening, maybe you can just trust that you are doing your best and tappering as much as you can handle. Give yourself a big hug because you already came down to 15 mg and will come down even lower before the baby is ready to be born. But that is just my opinion and I'm not a doctor. I just wanted to reach out to. 

Much love

 

 

 

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Thanks guys, I appreciate your feedback. I have researched alot of medical journals, informative sites etc last night so this morning I have gone up to 15mg ( was on 14mg). The tiredness was too overwhelming  & I feel depressed... suicidal thoughts present etc. It seems depression can be increased during pregnancy due to an increase in the stress hormone.I will try to supplement the medication with acupuncture. I am very concerned about the impact of the medication on the Foetus but I would not be able to live any quality of life tapering & being pregnant is too much for my head & body right now. 

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%

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