Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted January 18, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 18, 2016 Wishing you the best of luck and keep us posted. 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
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted January 18, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 18, 2016 Now I checked what these drugs are: Seroplex is yet another name for escitalopram also known as Lexapro Olanza is Olanzapine, an antipsychotic also known as Zyprexa. I don't want to confuse you further but why is she putting you on 2 (heavy duty) drugs? What's the dose you will be taking? I suppose she will put you on a 'therapeutic dose' I guess. I don't know why that would be less harmful than a small amount of deroxat (paroxetine)... 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
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted January 18, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 18, 2016 Hey Ouarezki, It's good to hear from you again, though I'm sorry you have not had the improvements you were hoping for. I'd been wondering how things were going for you. Keep in touch if you ever want further help or support, or for when it's time to taper again - we're open 24/7 . I wouldn't want to step on your doctor's toes when you've decided to take her advice, but perhaps a low dose of those new drugs would be better than high? Perhaps find the lowest level that you get relief from? Wishing you and your baby well, Karen x 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. Link to comment
Ouarezki Posted January 19, 2016 Author Share Posted January 19, 2016 Hello, I'm on 10mg of Seroplex and 2.5 mg of Olanza I reaaally deseperatly needed relief, i had to get up and move and EAT !! Do you think the doses are too high? 2009 August: started on 20mg Deroxat + half a pill of remeron for insomnia (stopped remeron in 6 months) 2011- failed attemp at stopping meds 2012- miserably failed attemp at stopping (weaned waaay too fast) Febuary 2013- made switch to Anfralin 75mg March 2013- raised dose to 150mg 2014- back on 75mg 2014-2015- slow taper June 2015- on 10mg every 5 days August- September- back on 10mg every day September- breakdown October- switch to deroxat December- went cold turkey due to pregnancy Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted January 19, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 19, 2016 Hi Ouarezki , it's best to be on the smallest dose possible that give you some symptom relief. Can you clarify for me , did you get worse last week when you reinstated deroxat? What dose did you take? The olanza (antipsychotic) will stimulate your appetite , but can be very sedating. Have you felt any improvement since you started taking them? 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted January 19, 2016 Administrator Share Posted January 19, 2016 10mg escilatopram is equivalent to 20mg-30mg cilatopram or fluoxetine. It's not a small dose. You might be able to get by with 5mg. My own personal opinion is that giving a pregnant woman olanzapine, an antipsychotic that is very disruptive to sugar metabolism, for appetite stimulation is very misguided. Aside from effects on the baby, which include withdrawal symptoms upon birth (also true of escilatopram), pregnant women are at risk for pregnancy-related diabetes. Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and copy and paste the results in this topic. Also see cautions and side effects for olanzapine here http://www.drugs.com/pro/olanzapine-tablets.html Also see Olanzapine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings 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. Link to comment
Ouarezki Posted January 20, 2016 Author Share Posted January 20, 2016 Hello All So according to my doctor the Olanza is only temporary, to easen the anxiety a bit. I've been taking the doses stated above for 5 days and already I'm feeling some relief. Would it be wise to taper to 5mg of Seroplexe now? I ABSOLUTLY DO NOT want to take the drugs throughout the whole pregnancy and wish to God this won't be the case I should add that there are outside events that add t my anxiety. Being alone in this country without my family and friends and a dead-end 10 hour shift job where i do nothing all day. I believe this lack of motivation is what started my horribe morning anxiety. Also I've always had a feeling I'll never recover, i don't know maybe the shock of so many relapses but i don't believe recovery is for me. 2009 August: started on 20mg Deroxat + half a pill of remeron for insomnia (stopped remeron in 6 months) 2011- failed attemp at stopping meds 2012- miserably failed attemp at stopping (weaned waaay too fast) Febuary 2013- made switch to Anfralin 75mg March 2013- raised dose to 150mg 2014- back on 75mg 2014-2015- slow taper June 2015- on 10mg every 5 days August- September- back on 10mg every day September- breakdown October- switch to deroxat December- went cold turkey due to pregnancy Link to comment
Ouarezki Posted January 20, 2016 Author Share Posted January 20, 2016 Altostrata I've looked at the website I'm scared to death I know of the consequences but what else can I do? I can hardly eat and this feeling of disconnection and the horrid anxiety is really too much for me! Here's the info you asked: Using OLANZapine together with escitalopram may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of OLANZapine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with OLANZapine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of OLANZapine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of escitalopram such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with escitalopram. Do not use more than the recommended dose of escitalopram, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 2009 August: started on 20mg Deroxat + half a pill of remeron for insomnia (stopped remeron in 6 months) 2011- failed attemp at stopping meds 2012- miserably failed attemp at stopping (weaned waaay too fast) Febuary 2013- made switch to Anfralin 75mg March 2013- raised dose to 150mg 2014- back on 75mg 2014-2015- slow taper June 2015- on 10mg every 5 days August- September- back on 10mg every day September- breakdown October- switch to deroxat December- went cold turkey due to pregnancy Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted January 20, 2016 Administrator Share Posted January 20, 2016 If I were you, I would stop taking the olanzapine. It is unnecessary. Since you started the two drugs together -- which is NOT a best practice in psychiatry -- you don't know which is helping. We often see when people have antidepressant withdrawal syndrome, reinstatement of a low dose of the antidepressant ALONE reduces the symptoms. Very, very few doctors know this or anything at all about withdrawal syndrome. Too many think olanzapine is a good drug for all kinds of things, including sleep and anxiety. It is not, it is a dangerous drug for anyone. Your confusion and sense of hopelessness is very typical of people with withdrawal syndrome. 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. Link to comment
Ouarezki Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 Yes you are right, I don't think its having an effect on me at all. I'm feeling even more disconnected now and though my appetite is back and my anxiety has decreased dramatically i feel numb. Like a zombie almost I just want to enjoy the baby and this pregnancy but none of that is happening, do you think I'll get better? I'm really worried about this feeling of disconnection 2009 August: started on 20mg Deroxat + half a pill of remeron for insomnia (stopped remeron in 6 months) 2011- failed attemp at stopping meds 2012- miserably failed attemp at stopping (weaned waaay too fast) Febuary 2013- made switch to Anfralin 75mg March 2013- raised dose to 150mg 2014- back on 75mg 2014-2015- slow taper June 2015- on 10mg every 5 days August- September- back on 10mg every day September- breakdown October- switch to deroxat December- went cold turkey due to pregnancy Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted January 22, 2016 Administrator Share Posted January 22, 2016 I don't know. What drugs are you taking now? 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. Link to comment
Ouarezki Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 Currently I'm just taking Seroplexe 10mg, which is the equivalent os Lexapro... 2009 August: started on 20mg Deroxat + half a pill of remeron for insomnia (stopped remeron in 6 months) 2011- failed attemp at stopping meds 2012- miserably failed attemp at stopping (weaned waaay too fast) Febuary 2013- made switch to Anfralin 75mg March 2013- raised dose to 150mg 2014- back on 75mg 2014-2015- slow taper June 2015- on 10mg every 5 days August- September- back on 10mg every day September- breakdown October- switch to deroxat December- went cold turkey due to pregnancy Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted January 25, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 25, 2016 How long have you been taking it and how are you feeling? Hope things get better soon. 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
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