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LucyLou: switching to Prozac to taper from there


LucyLou

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  • Moderator
9 hours ago, LucyLou said:

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.

That’s great that you were able to do a small taper and feel good.

 

 I hope it continues for 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.

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 6/22/2020 at 7:17 AM, Frogie said:

That’s great that you were able to do a small taper and feel good.

 

 I hope it continues for you.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

Thanks, Frogie! Still doing well. 😊

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...

Have held Lexapro dose since June because of the crazy world but doing great and feel so much better overall since before I started dropping down on the med. I will keep on working on lowering my dose at my slow, slow rate in spring.
 

So glad to read the New Year update and the great progress that has been made.

 

So grateful to all who helped make this resource work. It has changed my life.❤️

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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  • 6 months later...

Held Escitalopram over a year. Dropped 0.02 ml today. Have been feeling a tired, low grade depression. Sometimes I actually feel better after dropping. Hope that’s the case. Would’ve probably dropped sooner but lost my dad in January which has been really hard, so I didn’t want to change anything. But now, I have a gut feeling a super small drop would help because the way I feel down feels different than the sadness I have been experiencing. Hope it goes well.

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, so good. More energy overall, I think. No noticeable withdrawal symptoms.

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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Tonight I feel like I’m experiencing some withdrawal symptoms—which is weird because it’s been awhile since my drop. I feel dizzy and a bit nauseous. I think it might have been triggered by cigarette smoke? I was sitting outside next to my cousin and she lit up (I’m never usually around smoke) and it bothered me and I moved away but it still bugged me and them I got nauseous and dizzy. 

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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Dizziness and nausea didn’t last. Feel pretty okay. Overall energy is up from before drop. Glad I did the mini 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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  • 3 months later...

Dropped to 5.24 ml Escitalopram today.

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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Monday morning felt better than I’ve been feeling. I was really agitated when I started a new bottle of escitalopram a week or so ago, and I think the bottle I was taking before that had expired and I had inadvertently dropped and then the new, not expired bottle updosed me and I was agitated. Anyways still feel good. I’m hoping this is a med correction and not really a drop because I do no t want to experience withdrawal right now. It’s probably tooo soon to tell if withdrawal symptoms will occur, but it really felt like the agitation lifted immediately so hoping all stays well.😬.

 

 

 

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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Dropped to 5.22 ml escitalopram. I think when I was trying to correct possible accidental updose after possibly taking expired meds I did not drop enough because I was feeling dizzy and spaced out today.

 

my husband, who is very helpful and supportive thought so, too. If I feel any unmanageable withdrawal at 5.22, I will return to 5.24.

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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Well felt kinda unmanageable today. Agitation and anxiety. Snapped at son and husband. Extreme over-reactions. Going back to 5.24 ml of escitalopram for a long hold.

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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Today I’m feeling way better. Hope the trend continues.

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
1 hour ago, LucyLou said:

Today I’m feeling way better. Hope the trend continues.


Glad to see you’re having a good day LucyLou🧡

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...

My anger (think it’s neuro-anger) has been coming in waves - since having issues from possible expired escitalopram -  and today I’m really agitated/angry. I have a suspicion that the Wellbutrin I take is causing some of this - that it has a more powerful effect on me since I’ve lowered my escitalopram dose over the years. I didn’t have my 150 mg lunch dose the other day and felt calmer.

 

I take 300 mg of Wellbutrin XL in the a.m. and 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL at lunch. (the 150 at lunch was added by doc years ago to combat is recurrence of depression, before that it was 300mg in am only). 

 

I am wondering if it might help me to cut the lunch dose in half. That’s a 16.66% reduction. I know it will be IR if I do this though. Honestly, it’s weird that I take 150 at lunch anyways. 
 

Any feedback/ideas from moderators is welcome.

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

What dose of escitalopram are you currently taking?

 

Your drug signature is in mL not mg.  This is very confusing because different liquids are different strengths and we do not know what strength your liquid is.

 

Please change the mLs in your drug signature so they read mg.  Thank you.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus
3 hours ago, LucyLou said:

I didn’t have my 150 mg lunch dose the other day and felt calmer.

 

Missing doses is not a good idea, especially when it is 1/3 of your regular dose.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator
19 hours ago, LucyLou said:

Honestly, it’s weird that I take 150 at lunch anyways. 

 

This does seem excessive. But you've been taking it for years, so we have to assume you're physiologically dependent on it and need to taper it.

 

What drugs are you taking now, at what times o'clock and dosages? How do you feel before and after taking each dose?

 

What symptoms emerged after your last reduction of escitalopram November 21? How have these changed in the last 2 weeks?

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 take 300 mg Wellbutrin XL in am, 6:30ish (but on weekends more like 8:30/9 am

 

5.24 mg escitalopram at bedtime (9 or 10 pm)

 

I take Garden of Life Women’s Probiotic;

 

Hair, Nails, Skin vitamin (Nature Made Hair, Skin & Nails with 2500 mcg of Biotin Softgels, 120 Count Value Size for Supporting Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D6AQR7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YH7Z5D7ZR6DPYRH8G09R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

 

and 2000 mg Vitamin D,

 

and recently last three days fish oil—I took it regularly but it ran out a few months ago and I just got more).

 


The vitamin/supplements I’ve been taking steadily for years except for recently not taking fish oil for a bit.

 

 

The symptoms I’ve been experiencing are waves of bad anxiety that I feels uncomfortable in my skin if that makes sense, waves of neuro-anger (very hair trigger and super small things going wrong cause a big angry feeling).

 

I think symptoms were better but then exacerbated by pms, and I always get anxious and more angry right before my period. I am in perimenopause, though, so pms, like my period, is unpredictable. I felt relief of symtoms yesterday when my period started.

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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One more thing: I take all vitamins/supplements when I take escitalopram before bed.

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

Your drug signature is too long.  Please condense it.  Thank you.  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Wellbutrin XL 450 mg (2005ish to now)

Escitalopram:  20 mg (2002ish? to April 2016).

Spring to Fall 2016. Pretty smooth taper down to 8 mg from April 2016 to Oct. 2016:

  • April 1: 18 mg; May 4: 16 mg; May 25: 14 mg; June 29: 12 mg; Aug. 1: 10 mg; Sept. 15: 9 mg; Oct. 19: 8 mg; Nov. 23: 7 mg

Winter 2016-17.Then things got trickier from  November 2016 to Jan. 2017 and finally stabilized at 7.8 mg and held there until spring:

  • 11/23/16: 7 mg; 11/25/16: 8 mg; 12/7/16: 7.8 mg; 12/14/16: 7.6 mg; 1/29/17: 7.8 mg

Spring 2017. April 2017  started tapering again and held at 6 ml at the end of June; felt really good at this dose and didn't want to push it:

  • April 1: 7 mg; May 19: 6.3 mg; June 20: 5.7 mg; June 26: 6 mg

Fall 2017:  Dropped and then updosed and did a long hold for winter because winter has always been harder emotionally

  • Oct. 10: 5.4 mg; Nov. 9: 5.6 mg

Spring 2018:

  • March 28: 5.2 mg; April 11: 5.3 mg

Spring 2018:

  • June 24: 5.2 mg

Fall 2018-Winter 2019

  • Sept. 26: 5 mg; Nov. 20: 5.1 mg; Jan. 4: 5.2 mg; Feb. 11: 5.3 mg

June 8, 2020: 5.2 mg; June 14, 2020: 5.28 mg

July 11, 2021: 5.26 mg

Nov. 21, 2021: 5.24 mg

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Took 133 mg magnesium glycinate with other vitamins yesterday evening and tonight. I think it helped that weird anxious feeling maybe.

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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Today: really angry reaction in evening and didn’t feel like calming down in the midst of it. But then it passed and I felt kind of detached from shame though I know I was experiencing shame for my reaction and then sadness and a bit hopeless. 
 

I hope my anger/reactivity fades the longer I hold dosage.

 

stiil taking magnesium which I think helps. 

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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Wanted to put my long history of drug taper before shortening my signature. So posting it here:

 

Wellbutrin XL 450 mg (2005ish to now)

Escitalopram:  20 mg (2002ish? to April 2016).

Spring to Fall 2016. Pretty smooth taper down to 8 mg from April 2016 to Oct. 2016:

  • April 1: 18 mg; May 4: 16 mg; May 25: 14 mg; June 29: 12 mg; Aug. 1: 10 mg; Sept. 15: 9 mg; Oct. 19: 8 mg; Nov. 23: 7 mg

Winter 2016-17.Then things got trickier from  November 2016 to Jan. 2017 and finally stabilized at 7.8 mg and held there until spring:

  • 11/23/16: 7 mg; 11/25/16: 8 mg; 12/7/16: 7.8 mg; 12/14/16: 7.6 mg; 1/29/17: 7.8 mg

Spring 2017. April 2017  started tapering again and held at 6 ml at the end of June; felt really good at this dose and didn't want to push it:

  • April 1: 7 mg; May 19: 6.3 mg; June 20: 5.7 mg; June 26: 6 mg

Fall 2017:  Dropped and then updosed and did a long hold for winter because winter has always been harder emotionally

  • Oct. 10: 5.4 mg; Nov. 9: 5.6 mg

Spring 2018:

  • March 28: 5.2 mg; April 11: 5.3 mg

Spring 2018:

  • June 24: 5.2 mg

Fall 2018-Winter 2019

  • Sept. 26: 5 mg; Nov. 20: 5.1 mg; Jan. 4: 5.2 mg; Feb. 11: 5.3 mg

June 8, 2020: 5.2 mg; June 14, 2020: 5.28 mg

July 11, 2021: 5.26 mg

Nov. 21, 2021: 5.24 mg

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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Today took my 150 mg Wellbutrin afternoon dose at 12:40 and by 2:15ish had shaky hands and everything was irritating me. This feeling reminds me of how I felt when I took generic Wellbutrin like 13-14 years ago and then had to get prior authorization to get name brand. At that time, the switch to name brand alleviated this feeling. Which brings me back to the idea of lowering the afternoon dose. 
 

So do people first switch to immediate release, then be sure they are stable and then drop dose? My thinking would be only get IR for afternoon dose and dropping that down.

 

Right now, my goal is to feel better and I am not too concerned about how much Wellbutrin I drop or even if I drop any. I just have a hunch Wellbutrin is causing this feeling, so want to take action to feel better.

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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I think this feeling I’m experiencing is akathesia.

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
4 hours ago, LucyLou said:

So do people first switch to immediate release, then be sure they are stable and then drop dose? My thinking would be only get IR for afternoon dose and dropping that down.

 

This information is in Post #1 of the Tips for Tapering Wellbutrin topic:

 

On 7/17/2011 at 6:28 AM, Altostrata said:

 

After you are down to 150mg per day, you may wish to make your next decrease by getting your prescription filled with 100 mg Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release) tablets and 100mg Wellbutrin IR (immediate-release) tablets. (The prescription would be written for "one 100mg Wellbutrin SR tablet in the a.m. and one 100mg Wellbutrin IR tablet in the p.m., for a total of 200mg per day.")
 
Then you would make a liquid from the 100mg Wellbutrin IR tablet to make further reductions of 10% (based on current dosage; the amount of the decrease gets smaller and smaller) until you are down to one 100mg Wellbutrin SR per day.
 
After you are down to 100mg per day, you may wish to make your next decrease by getting your prescription filled with 100mg Wellbutrin IR (immediate-release) tablets (or use the ones you have left) and make a liquid from them to continue tapering at 10%.
 
To make a liquid from immediate-release bupropion:

 

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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It’s time to take afternoon Wellbutrin and I am honestly afraid. Feel calm right now and notice increased agitation after this dose. I had jumped down from 450mg to 300 mg in the past and found that over time depression crept back in, but no radical withdrawal. Then when depression returned I went back to 450 mg. That was before tapering escitalopram, but I think escitalopram has interacted w/ Wellbutrin and now that I’m taking only 5.24 mg (vs 20 mg), but have kept Wellbutrin at 450 mg, I think Wellbutrin’s agitating side effects have emerged. So, I’m stopping the afternoon dose. I know that’s not the recommendation, but I have talked it over w/ husband and the agitation is bad. 

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,

 

23 hours ago, LucyLou said:

I think this feeling I’m experiencing is akathesia.

 

23 hours ago, LucyLou said:

Today took my 150 mg Wellbutrin afternoon dose at 12:40 and by 2:15ish had shaky hands and everything was irritating me. This feeling reminds me of how I felt when I took generic Wellbutrin like 13-14 years ago and then had to get prior authorization to get name brand. At that time, the switch to name brand alleviated this feeling. Which brings me back to the idea of lowering the afternoon dose. 

 

You are using the Wellbutrin XL for all your doses now?

If so, can you tell us how you have been splitting your dose of Wellbutrin XL up to now?

You might even try a simple note format, I'm guessing that you've seen them here, but here is the link to how to format one:  Notes/Daily drug and symptom log

 

Be sure to note the date, and then times on the left throughout the day.

On the right you note drug(s) by full name and dose taken at that time, and also any supplements, and especially symptoms that you seek better control over.  Some will rate symptoms.

And then post a day or 3 here in a reply.

 

So reading your narratives, yes, it does sound like you are worried sick about the inner irritability and restlessness.  I see it described below-

On 12/15/2021 at 9:20 PM, LucyLou said:

Today: really angry reaction in evening and didn’t feel like calming down in the midst of it. But then it passed and I felt kind of detached from shame though I know I was experiencing shame for my reaction and then sadness and a bit hopeless. 

 

And now you want to make a fairly extreme cut to your Wellbutrin XL, from what I have read above.

I'm not sure if that is the best idea right now.

Would you consider a lesser than 30% cut to your dose?

And then what exactly are you working with......type and form of Wellbutrin now?

 

How are you doing with getting the gist of it all in the Wellbutrin tapering topic, or understanding?

 

I would like to make sure that you are consistent now with times and doses of both your WellbutrinXL and Lexapro now......before you make drastic cuts.

 

If the magnesium glycinate is helpful and tolerable for you, you might consider using that or adding a dose of it just prior to, or when you feel so totally incomfortably agitated.  I'll pop the Magnesium topic in here too, as you don't want to overdo it, but it looks/sounds like you might be able to use a bit more of that for right now, when needed.  Or try a different type.  Lot's of options with magnesium for calming.

Magnesium, natures calcium channel blocker

 

Let your fears go......acknowledge those thoughts, and then just don't let them overwhelm or spiral or take the stage completely.  You can do this.

 

Oh, your last Lexapro micro taper was when?  Date.  And percentage, or from what mg to what mg did you go?

 

And it does sound like you have looked at the interactions between Wellbutrin and Lexapro already, but go ahead and run the Interaction check at Drugs.com and share it in a reply, copy and paste, or share the link.

Thanks.

 

I expect it is chilly where you are at right now too.  And bundling in blankets might help a bit with irritability and agitated feelings now.  Even better and great are weighted blankets.  I actually saw some at Wallmart for not hugely expensive.

Weighed blankets and bed tents for restlessness, akathisia, insomnia, and anxiety

(if you are up to it, you can even consider making one yourself)

 

Okay sweetie, hang tight and snuggle or soak,

Try some Notes/daily drug and symptom logs and do keep us updated too.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

Edited by manymoretodays
bolding

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

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

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

 

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2 days without afternoon dose of Wellbutrin XL (150mg). Feel better than I have. Agitation is gone. Even had a dog ate chocolate crisis tonight—got her to the vet to vomit and she will be fine—but I stayed calm through it. So far only possible w/d symptom is one minor dizzy feeling and maybe more tired in afternoon. Also started taking 500 mg of fermented chlorella tablet when I would normally take the afternoon Wellbutrin dose. Stopped taking Hair, Nails, Skin supplement that had different B vitamins in case it was activating and as I said added magnesium glycinate.

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...

Still feel better with afternoon dose of Wellbutrin XL. Was scary to reduce that much, but the side effect I was experiencing - neuro-rage - was too damaging to my family. 

 

Grateful for this community. Happy 2022. May this year be a better one. ❤️

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 drop in my Wellbutrin dose from 450mg to 300 mg alleviated anxiety symptoms well. It was a risk to do such a big drop, but my past experience with Wellbutrin suggested it would not cause worse effects than those the damaging agitation was causing not only me but those close to me.

 

I think I am ready to drop my escitalopram dose again—the minimal manageable dose with the tools I have available to me now(from 5.24 mg to 5.22 mg). This is less than a 5% drop, so hopefully not too much. I am feeling sluggish and slightly depressed and this feeling has lifted with previous small drops of escitalopram.

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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Dropped to 5.22 mg 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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Dropped to 5.22 mg 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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This morning feel like brain fog and sluggishness lifted. Huh. Too soon? Placebo effect? I’ll take it!

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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Achy, tired after researching stuff on computer.

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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Did some stretching yesterday which helped. Vigilant for any feelings of withdrawal. Maybe slightly numb lips? I small sense of maybe anxiety that feels kind of like a physical sensation. But nothing standing out as problemic.

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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