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LucyLou: switching to Prozac to taper from there


LucyLou

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Hi LucyLou, I've been following your posts and was concerned about your discomfort.   I'm glad to see you just up-dosed a very small amount.   Give is some time, try to stay in a comfort zone as much as possible even if you have to rearrange your schedule.   Best wishes to you.

G.

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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Thanks for feedback. The encouragement helps so much.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 2 weeks later...

Updose  has helped. Felt different/better more myself at school on Tuesday. Today was our 6th snow/weather day so no school!

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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Still feel better. Lots better. Disappointing that I am back to where I was in April, but rather go slow and function!

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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Hi LucyLou,  I'm so glad you are feeling better.   You haven't really lost anything and you've gained back some comfort.  

G.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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Thanks for replying. You are right! 😊

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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Still good. Relieved!

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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4 hours ago, LucyLou said:

Still good. Relieved!

 

Good!!!!   So happy for you.

G.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Lucylou, 

 

Lovely to hear you’re doing so well.💚

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

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  • 2 weeks later...

Feeling so much better after updose. I don't think my brain ever caught up when I dropped from 5.3 to 5.2 last summer. And then going down more in the fall really put me over the edge. I can handle my job now, smile again, laugh. I am going to hold a super long time now, six months or more. I think I'm at the drop off place with occupancy and just need to go really, really, slow. I have been on this stuff for like 20 years, so I guess that makes sense.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi LucyLou, 

 

That’s wonderful the updose has helped so much. 💚

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

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Now I have noticed I’ve been grinding my teeth in my sleep (pretty sure a side effect from updose) and have “spaced out” a few times.

 

But I don’t want to start dropping again yet because life was too unmanageable at lower dose. I don’t know if I should’ve waited to see if 5.2 ml /mg would’ve been enough to turn things around. I feel a little bit like when the shrink would bump up my meds and I would feel a lot better for awhile ... 😒 wondering if that means I overshot the updose, went beyond what my brain needed to stabilize and flooded it w/ extra serotonin. 

 

Even if I did, I should hold, right? I was dissolving into tears daily, was hopeless, hated my work, etc. and don’t want to mess more w/ my brain right now... maybe plan on doing super small drop in late May, right before summer vacay?

 

 

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 1 month later...

So haven’t noticed anymore grinding. Still occasional spaced out feeling, but otherwise still way, way better than before. Still wondering if a drop of .02 ml would be okay in a few weeks. I am so afraid of not being ok again like in the fall and winter. And last summer I was taking 5.2 (now back to 5.3) but my husband said he thought I was depressed even then. Of course, a drop of .02 is way less than 0.1. I would still be taking more than last summer (I’d be at 5.28 ml), but also be making small progress.

 

love to hear some thoughts on this.

 

I’d rather be happy and functional though, than taking a step down in meds and then suffering.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 2 weeks later...

So. Ran across info on a study linking maternal AD use to increased risk of autism. Of course now wondering if this has affected my son, who is 11. He doesn’t have ASD diagnosis and has had neuropsych testing which diagnosed ADHD in kindergarten (and person testing him had a specialty in ASD), so i think they would have diagnosed autism at that time if he had it?

 

His dad has some ASD-ish traits and so does my son, I know it’s a spectrum of traits and I think it’s present in my husband’s fam — his nephew has it and his father definitely has traits — but I have nagging worry I could have contributed problems with my AD use during pregnancy. And I know this is a fruitless worry and I should just let it go. Plus, my son is an awesome kid, super smart, kind, compassionate... yesterday when he was crying because the Ninjago cartoon series characters were changed and I was reading that AD and autism study I couldn’t help but wonder if his distress — which to me was ridiculous (he’s 11)— was related  to my taking lexapro and Wellbutrin when I was pregnant. A pretty useless line of thought as I am absolutely powerless over the past 🙄. Anyways, writing it here and then will let go and worry about something else🤣.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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Realized yesterday I didn’t take morning Wellbutrin on Fri—was rushing out the door. Saw this yesterday when I went to get am pills from container and saw Friday’s still there. I was in that weird irritable state w/ students 2nd hr Fri and attributed it to worry about state test score but think missing medicine was more at fault. So yesterday was down, depressed but sure it would pass b2c in the past missing Wellbutrin never had a really bad affect, but today feel worse. Depressed, maybe agitated depression and dread going to work tomorrow. Want to use sick day but a sub day won’t go well this late in the year and afraid I’ll regret it and have discipline mess to clean up—like detentions for not following sub directions.

 

right now have gone to sit in car by park to get out of house (the clutter and mess makes me nuts but feel like I can’t pick up and don’t want to get into fight w/ husband which often happens when I’m like this). So I guess it’s damage control. ☹️

 

I haf had been feeling so so much better and hope this passes soon 😢

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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Bad feeling passed. Whew. Much better again. 😀

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus
11 minutes ago, LucyLou said:

Bad feeling passed. Whew. Much better again.

 

Glad to hear it.  Missing a dose can create a lot of anxiety, but I've found that the situation resolves pretty quickly as it did with you.  Good luck on your 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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  • 3 weeks later...

Thinking of trying a 0.02 ml drop next Sunday. On summer vacation and son will be at a day camp for two weeks in a row so will have more time to take care of myself. Plus, I’m hoping my body doesn’t register the drop because it is so small. Will probably be only drop until next spring because I had such a bad experience last fall/winter when my tapering caught up with me...

 

Thoughts?

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 3 weeks later...

Have not yet dropped escitalopram dose by 0.02 ml. Scared to mess with my mood because I have been feeling so good. Laughing a lot and getting things done and more self-compassion. Have been experiencing some spaced out moments—not sure if that’s bad. I have been meditating daily with Calm app—daily Calm meditation usually. Would thAt cause spaciness? But really don’t see this spacing out as a problem, especially because otherwise feeling so good. So I don’t want to mess with this but also would like to continue making progress — but would be willing to hold a year at this dose if it keeps my life manageable and generally happy.

 

I am open to thoughts about this and recommendations or stories of experiencing being in a place like this.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Administrator

Why not rest from tapering for a while and enjoy feeling good? How much of everything are you taking now?

 

Thanks for checking in!

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 am taking 5.3 ml of escitalopram and 450 mg of Wellbutrin XL.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 5 months later...

So headaches have returned. Thought I was experiencing a persistent sinus infection—am prone to chronic type ones—and taking third antibiotic. Seemed to help at first... not sure if I am experiencing a recurrence of drug side effect headaches. They seemed to go away as I tapered but I have held at 5.3 mg escitalopram since Feb. to let my brain “catch-up” with drops. Is it possible that my brain caught up and now side effects have returned because of that? (Hopefully this question makes sense...)

 

Mood and functionIng since holding at 5.3 have been really good and now physical pain (head feels tons of pressure) bringing me down. My plan was to drop in spring because I always am more down and stressed in fall and winter and am a teacher so dropping in spring with the promise of summer vacay helps. But maybe if these headaches are side effects then a tiny drop now would help. But really scared to do that because I was struggling badly at doses below 5.3...

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Administrator

Are the headaches worse at any particular times of day? What times of day do you take your drugs, with their dosages?

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’ve have them most of the day. Sometimes they are better when I’m doing nothing like sitting and watching tv. Too much talking around me exacerbates it. Feels like pressure on face/cheekbones and above/between brows. Ears feel full and like balloon pushing inside my head, relief when they pop but they fill up right away w/pressure.
 

current meds: 5.3 mg escitalopram taken before bed, 450 Wellbutrin xl (300 on waking and 150 more around lunch), also taking amox-clav for sinus infection 2x/day

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 2 months later...

The headaches I was complaining about in December went away — thank goodness — and I have been holding Escitalopram at 5.3 ml for over a year now.

 

Will probably drop end of March and looking for advice about how much to drop. At these lower doses it really seems like 10% is too much for me (I think I’m hanging on that occupancy drop off). 
 

Would 5% be recommended? Less? I was thinking of doing just 0.1 ml because it’s a small amount and easy to measure. That’s around 2% I think. 

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • 3 months later...

Dropping to 5.2 ml of escitalopram tonight.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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So far good except maybe more reactive to my son—arguing w/ him—but hard to say If it’s more b/c we were arguing before I dropped dose of meds.  Hard to be w/ a tween who has social stuff cancelled due to COVID-19. 

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Moderator
12 hours ago, LucyLou said:

So far good except maybe more reactive to my son—arguing w/ him—but hard to say If it’s more b/c we were arguing before I dropped dose of meds.  Hard to be w/ a tween who has social stuff cancelled due to COVID-19. 

I hope it all works out for you.

 

 I think everyone is a little cranky and on their last nerve because of this virus and the world in general. I know I have my moments.

 

You have emotions coming out also. I remember having them just appear the lower I got in my taper also.

 

Sounds like you’re doing well. Hang in there. It will get better😊

 

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.

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Thanks for the encouragement Frogie. Just saw this after pretty much deciding to just return to 5.3 ml escitalopram ... have felt reactive (quick angry feeling) and irritable like I experience when I’ve dropped or forgotten a dose.

 

The last time I was at this level—summer 2018–I had a horrible year—did drop down to 5 ml during that year and then slowly up dosed. Didn’t feel better until I was back to5.3, and things have gone really well since. 


I’d rather feel stable and healthy right now than drop for dropping sake.  I did feel like the drop gave me some more energy, however. Will think on it. But not too long. And maybe this just isn’t the year to do this even though I’ve held for over a year.


And now I just remembered that it was my intention to drop .02 not .1 when I finally did drop😬
 

So, tonight I updosed and took 5.28. Hopefully I will feel pretty much back to normal and that bigger drop won’t have a longer negative effect.

 

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Moderator
9 hours ago, LucyLou said:

Thanks for the encouragement Frogie. Just saw this after pretty much deciding to just return to 5.3 ml escitalopram ... have felt reactive (quick angry feeling) and irritable like I experience when I’ve dropped or forgotten a dose.

 

The last time I was at this level—summer 2018–I had a horrible year—did drop down to 5 ml during that year and then slowly up dosed. Didn’t feel better until I was back to5.3, and things have gone really well since. 


I’d rather feel stable and healthy right now than drop for dropping sake.  I did feel like the drop gave me some more energy, however. Will think on it. But not too long. And maybe this just isn’t the year to do this even though I’ve held for over a year.


And now I just remembered that it was my intention to drop .02 not .1 when I finally did drop😬
 

So, tonight I updosed and took 5.28. Hopefully I will feel pretty much back to normal and that bigger drop won’t have a longer negative effect.

 

Maybe the updose will help and you can stabilize then try again.

 

 I had to updose a few times for different reasons. It was no fun at all.

 

Escitalopram is a hard drug to get off of. One of the mods told me once, don’t pull the tiger by the tail because it will fight back. Boy were they right. 5 mg is a tough spot too.
 

Just be kind to yourself and listen to your body. You will know when the time s right.

 

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.

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After taking 5.28 ml dose last night felt groggy. This morning felt a bit nauseous - not much - and maybe a bit spaced out. 
 

I know last week after dropping to 5.2 I was increasingly irritable and reactive and definitely didn’t want to stay in that. Now wonder if I updosed too much. But it has only been 6 days at lower dose ...

 

I’m frustrated that I didn’t drop to 5.28 rather than 5.2 last Monday. Can’t go back in time, I know, so I need to practice acceptance. 
 

If I did the math right, the drop from 5.3 to 5.28 is 0.4% and drop from 5.3 to 5.2 was 1.9%...

 

I guess I will just have to pay attention and hold here for ? I maybe should re-read the micro-taper info again. I don’t want to keep changing dose but don’t want to take more of the escitalopram than needed and master move backwards.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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Ok. I know this is probably too much messing around w/ dosage, but feel I overshot updose (b/c afraid of irritability and reactiveness and affect on my son and husband); think I should’ve done 5.26 instead of 5.28 and now want to do 5.26 tonight instead of 5.28, but then on the other hand, I think that is a reactive fear response, and I should stay at 5.28. I guess I could stay at 5.28 for a week and then go down to 5.26 in a Brassmonkey-ish slide....

 

(Choosing theses increments because they are measurable on my syringe, not super scientific but manageable and at least consistent.)

Thoughts, anyone?

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Moderator
29 minutes ago, LucyLou said:

Ok. I know this is probably too much messing around w/ dosage, but feel I overshot updose (b/c afraid of irritability and reactiveness and affect on my son and husband); think I should’ve done 5.26 instead of 5.28 and now want to do 5.26 tonight instead of 5.28, but then on the other hand, I think that is a reactive fear response, and I should stay at 5.28. I guess I could stay at 5.28 for a week and then go down to 5.26 in a Brassmonkey-ish slide....

 

(Choosing theses increments because they are measurable on my syringe, not super scientific but manageable and at least consistent.)

Thoughts, anyone?

I’m not a mod, but with my experience tapering Escitalopram, I found I waited 5-7 days to see if the symptoms faded before I did another dosage adjustment which I had to do a few times.

 

Just letting you know what worked best for me.

 

 I’m sure someone can help you with this though.
 

Good luck!

 

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.

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1 hour ago, Frogie said:

I’m not a mod, but with my experience tapering Escitalopram, I found I waited 5-7 days to see if the symptoms faded before I did another dosage adjustment which I had to do a few times.

 

Just letting you know what worked best for me.

 

 I’m sure someone can help you with this though.
 

Good luck!

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

 

 

Thanks! That’s helpful!😊 

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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  • Moderator
4 minutes ago, LucyLou said:

Thanks! That’s helpful!😊 

Good luck 😊glad I could help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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So I have been at 5.28 ml of escitalopram now for 7 days and have felt good. Glad I decided that 5.2 ml was too low for now & remembered my earlier idea to do a tiny drop.

Current: 300 mg Wellbutrin XL (was 450 mg 2005 to 12/18/2021); 5.22 mg Escitalopram

 

Escitalopram taper: 20 mg (2002? to 4/2016). Spring to Fall 2016: smooth taper to 8 mg. Winter 2016-l7: 7.8 mg Spring 2017: 6 mg. Fall 2017: 5.6 mg. Spring 2018: 5.2 mg. Fall 2018-Winter 2019: 5 mg, too big of a drop. 2/2019: 5.3 mg. 6/2020: 5.28 mg. 7/11/21: 5.26 mg. 11/21/21: 5.24 mg. 3/29/22: 5.22 mg. 4/10/22: 5.24 mg. 4/11/22: 5.23 mg. 5/8/22: 5.24 mg; April 7, 2023: 5.22 mg; 8/3/23: 5.24 mg

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