Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

☼ CJAJ16: So scared and lost - Escitalopram withdrawal


CJAJ16

Recommended Posts

  • Moderator Emeritus

CJ - you may want to search the site to find topics relevant to a question you have. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a web search engine (google, bing, duckduckgo, etc.). To get topics from this site at the top of the results, just include site:survivingantidepressants.org with the keywords when you search.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Thank you, I will try that. I've tried to search on the site but can't find anyone describing it like me. Maybe doing in that way I will. And hopefully they can suggest how to stop this pain ????

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

Please don't despair! I am sure you habe experienced some other weird symtomps that have passed again in your withdrawal, right? There is no quick fix to make this go away, only time and patience!you can get there! Have you by any chance read "A life at last" by Paul (can't remember his last name right now).. he writes about how to get rid of panic attacks but I found his words very inspiring and true for all WD related symptoms as well! I read it a few times and always felt new hope!!

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

So I've just spent the bight hours down A&E (ER) because of a pinching pain and fluttering in my calf that's been there just over a week. Thankfully everything is ok, all tests were clear and he couldn't explain the pains and sensations I'm having...

So I've just thought could this be another delightful withdrawal symptom? I'm 9 months off Escitralopram now.

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

Can anyone relate to this??

I'm nearly 9 months off of escitralopram...

Before Christmas I had 2 weeks of chronic pain on the right side of my head, it was a burning stabbing pain, i couldn't even touch my scalp because it was so painful, it left me bed ridden. It thankfully eased off from the acute level it was at but it's left me with pain in the top right hand side of my head that sometimes radiates onto my forehead or the back of my head. It almost feels like an ice cream headache. Then at times my scalp becomes so sore and tender I can't even brush my hair. I still also get the insect crawling feeling on my face and head but it's not painful.

I've had a MRI scan which is normal. So what is this?? Can anyone PLEASE shed some light on this?

Thank you x

I had it along with whatever the type of weird pain and sensation you read online from whoever poisoned by these drugs. Literally all my symptoms and health issues are caused by the same dank drug, and I quit thinking any other causes, or wasting money and time going to doctors or hospitals. I would say it's safe most of the symptoms you are getting in WD are drug related

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

CJAJ16 you can count on every weirdness being based in WD! For SURE! I know it's scary and as soon as we have a new sensation we ask ourselves again: Can this really be WD or is it something else? It ain't! you're only making things harder if you drive yourself crazy. And look.. even if it would be something else- the diagnosis would be taling some psychodrug again... breathe in breathe out and blame it all on wirhdrawal!

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Hello Everyone

 

I just wanted to share this... i was very honoured to be interviewed by the inspiring James Moore last week to share my withdrawal story. My story is part of a new weekly global podcast that will focus on sharing sufferers stories and expert interviews.

It's a wonderful idea and I hope it brings hope and comfort to others suffering.

If you'd like to listen or get involved in anyway here's how you can...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

 

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

 

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

 

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello Everyone

 

I just wanted to share this... i was very honoured to be interviewed by the inspiring James Moore last week to share my withdrawal story. My story is part of a new weekly global podcast that will focus on sharing sufferers stories and expert interviews.

It's a wonderful idea and I hope it brings hope and comfort to others suffering.

If you'd like to listen or get involved in anyway here's how you can...

 

CJAJ16,

 

Thank for sharing this. I just listened to the 2 podcasts to date and the intro and love that he is doing this.  Looking forward to hearing your podcast.

 

This could be a very useful thing for a lot of people who are feeling so isolated by this process. 

 

It would be great if we could get someone like Alto to tell her story and the story behind SA to James.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment

that is amazing, I'll definitely listen to this today!

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment

Thank you both!

Andy my interview is there now to listen too.

 

I think it's wonderful what James is doing, this weekly podcast is going to be so helpful in supporting those of us suffering but also in raising awareness!

 

I wish there was a way I could share its existence with all the members of this website because it would help so many!

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Just listened to these.  Really great!  And well done Claire.

 

You could put a link in your signature.  I'm going to.

* 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

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Andy my interview is there now to listen too.

 

I listened, Claire.  You did great and it was a very good interview.

 

I love that he's doing that.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

Link to comment

Thank you Andy.

It's wonderful what James is doing! He's truly inspiring!

I know his podcast will bring a lot of hope and comfort to many!

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment
  • Administrator

!!!!!!!! Congratulations!

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

Hi CJAJ,

 

Thanks for the I of about the post!

I scanned your posts again and don't see your tapering info before you stopped at 1mg.

When did you start the taper and how long did it last?

 

Have you seen improvements in any areas being off for 9 months?

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

Link to comment

That is one really good interview! you sound very professional:) I think I might habe cried talking about such hard times! very well structured, easy to follow, understand. really great! I hope that many many more interviews will follow, it felt good, listening to you and the orher two interviews! Kind of a little more personal than writing. What a great project

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Things aren't going well...

 

I don't know how to do this anymore ????

I'm literally existing and dragging myself through each day until I can go back to sleep. Tapering off was hard, battling the physical symptoms of discontinuation syndrome was hard but putting myself and my life back together is hardest of all.

Emotionally I'm broken. My anxiety is awful, I have intrusive thoughts and depression. I'm in therapy to try and help but it's just making me realise why I've always had anxiety problems and if I've had them all my life then what's going to change now!? Only difference is I've not longer got the drugs doing whatever they were doing to "level me out".

I literally don't know what to do everything feels frightening and too hard for me. Do I just go back on the drugs now? I can't carry on like this and I don't know how to get me back or at least enough of me to be functioning again instead of living like a hermit that needs babysitting 24/7.

Sorry I just don't know where else to turn, I'm so lost and so desperate. I should be celebrating 1 year off the drugs in 3 weeks instead I'll just be reflecting on the worse year on my life that feels like it's never going to get any better ????

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

Hi there,

so sorry to hear this:( how was your life before meds and while you were on them? You were on medication for a very long time. Compared to you mine was very short but I am still not healed and I am off meds almost 1,5 years now. It's horrible to be suffering this way soooooo long I know but I believe that it "just takes a long time". Where you a lot better on medication?

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment

I was on them 19 years. My life was good before them but I developed adolescent anxiety and depression and became agoraphobic and didn't leave the house for two years. I became reliant on my parents for everything. It feels like I'm back there now.

I've not been able to work for the last year and I don't think they'll give me much longer so I think I'm going to lose my job.

It's taking too long ????

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

:( And you developed this anxiety and not leaving the house before you started taking ADs or while? 
It´s so heartbreaking to hear these stories from so many people because once you know those sorrows and fears - you can really rely. 
Have you been able to lead a normal life while being on Ads? You were working and everything? 
 

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment

That all happened before I started AD. They are what gave me the push to get out the house and get better. Whilst on them I was fine, had no problems. It was during tapering I experienced withdrawal symptoms but not in a disabling way. It was 5 days after taking the final dose that I developed discontinuation syndrome and that's when I became physically very very poorly. I've spent the last year recovering because I was determined to stay off them. The physical symptoms have eased greatly but emotionally I'm broken. I'm terrified to take them again but I sometimes think I should start again then maybe I can function without this anxiety ????

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

It is a really hard decision to make, I understand. I think the only way is to find a balance between rationality, believes and hard will. For me, antidepressants never made any significant change. I had ups and downs no matter if I was taking any or not. 
But generally I was better without them. I think in my case they made more damage than good. For me it was the same..tapering was hard but somehow manageable but after taking my last dosage hell broke lose. WD is very disabling, concerning work I had to cut back a lot but I was lucky because I am self dependent, have my own office, so at least I could do my best to have a calm surrounding. I would´t have lasted in a big office or working with many other people around me. If you can - I´d push through as much time without them as possible because otherwise you might always question "how would it have been if I had stayed off for longer". Have you had better windows since being off? 
 

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment

Yeh I have had some windows. I felt stronger before I began therapy 7 weeks ago, I now feel worse cause it's bringing up stuff I'm finding hard to process and deal with.

I have nothing to look forward to being this broken, it feels never ending.

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

ohhhh ok - if I were you I´d try quitting therapy sessions and see if you get better after a few weeks. WD makes dealing with any kind of emotional stress a lot harder. You are not yourself so to speak:) I can guarantee that´s true as I handle any emotional situations very weird since being on WD. Stress at work, people being sick, parents of friends dying, my cat soon to be put to sleep ...all of that is a lot harder to deal with than usually. I have read in a book by Baylissa Frederik that she would´t advise therapy in WD because it is too hard to handle. If any therapy than more of a CBT where you learn how to handle your situation - not talking about painful past events. 
Sounds logical? Maybe you could try that and see how you feel before making a decision? I wish you all the best and strength! 

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment

Thank you yes that does make sense to me but I have to go to therapy because I waited 7 months for it and my employers need to see I'm doing something. I had thought maybe it was too much but I guess I thought that WD was over because the physical symptoms are so much better?

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment

Maybe you can ask your therapist for a  more behavioral coaching style? Does he / she know about withdrawal or has more experience to it? The physical symptoms were first to get better as well . Maybe you can try to openly tell the therapist that you think this might be too much at the moment and if you could "take it easy on traumatic past stuff"? 
 

2005-2006: Cipralex 5 mg

2009-2010: Cipralex 5 mg

2012-2015: Cipralex 5mg, 10mg 

tapered 10mg-7.5mg-5mg-2,5-0 (I always waited for a few weeks on the current dosage until I felt stable. Steps were too big I realized too late)

Completely drug free since August 2015

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi CJ, I can empathise with the feelings about therapy. I had this type of therapy years ago and it didn't help me one bit. It was like reliving every trauma all over again at the same time and I did not cope with it at all. I was also suffering terrible effects from the multitude of drugs they were experimenting with. 

It seems to be the wrong type of counselling , or the wrong therapist.  Maybe you could explain that you are not beneffitting from this right now and maybe try CBT as Pepita suggested. The reply could be that you need to open the wounds in order to heal them but personally that did noit help me. I saw a CBT therapist some years after that and she was brilliant, that really helped. I told her I was niot prepared to delve into my past and she explained that CBT is about the present and moving into the future. Changing thought processes and behaviour. It was fascinating and helped much more than the 'trauma' therapy. 

 

Brassmonkey has written an excellent series of essays, Dealing with emotional spirals, and I highly recommend it, it is spot on and very interesting. It has helped me to see how my own thoughts and feelings from the past affect me day to day without even realising it. 

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/13492-dealing-with-emotional-spirals/

 

Also check out Nik and Eva Speakman, they are in the UK and help many people with past traumas and phobias without reliving them. I saw them live last year and they really are good if you listen with an open mind. 

 

Take a look at their youtube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/user/nikandevaspeakman/videos

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

 

 

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

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

2002  effexor. 

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

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

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

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

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator

Hi :

 

I haven't heard from you forever!

 

Just thought I would check in and see how you are doing?

 

Hope well. :)

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment
  • 11 months later...
  • Moderator

How are you doing?

 

I hope well.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment
  • 2 years later...
  • Administrator

Hello, @CJAJ16, how are you doing?

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
  • 1 year later...

Can you please help a survivor share her story?

 

Hello Everyone, 

 

6 years ago this month this amazing forum became my lifeline as I was plunged into the darkness of withdrawal, I can never thank you all enough for guiding me through! I am well, almost fully healed, happy, and drug free!! It is possible! 
I want to share my 25+ year journey on, and recovery from psychiatric drugs! I’ve written a book that not only tells my turbulent story but also is a self-help guide from my experience to achieve such healing and recovery. BUT that’s as far as I’ve got, it’s written but I’ve no idea what to do next. 
 

I’m scared of being sued or legally in trouble because the pharmaceutical companies will not take lightly to me not speaking kindly of their drugs. 
Does anyone have any advice or experience of publishing a book with such content? I don’t know where to begin! All I know is our voices need to be heard, we need to read stories of hope and success and I’m eager to share mine but in a way that protects me whilst helping others. 
 

I’d be so grateful for any guidance or advice please. Thank you all 🙏🏻

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with intro topic

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

 

Please see this topic:  How to write your success story

* 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

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi CJAJ,

 

Thank you for coming back to let us know how you are doing.  I'm assuming from your drug signature that you have been off psychiatric drugs since 2016 and that you feel that you are fully recovered.  Writing your success story will give many other members still trying to get off their drug/s a lot of encouragement.

 

Please see the link in the above post about How to Write Your Success Story.

 

SA is more than just a site to help people get off their drugs safely.  We do know that medical professionals visit this site.  Some research papers have been written using information gathered from the members' experiences.  See the following:

 

On 5/15/2011 at 5:22 AM, Altostrata said:

This site is also a research project. The personal stories on this site are documentation of an iatrogenic condition -- suffering caused by medical treatment -- that is almost always ignored, misdiagnosed, or denied by the medical establishment. Given the widespread prescription of antidepressants to tens of millions of people worldwide, withdrawal syndrome probably affects hundreds of thousands if not millions -- including newborns and children.

Antidepressant withdrawal syndrome can last weeks, months, or years. It can be distressing, debilitating, or even disabling. It may be adding to an increase in what is termed disabling mental illness.

With our documentation of antidepressant withdrawal syndrome, we hope to educate the medical establishment about this problem. Case studies are essential; they are evidence understood by doctors, the psychiatric industry, and government regulatory agencies. The have already informed numerous articles in major publications and scientific papers.

Our hope is, eventually, antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs will be prescribed rarely, and only in cases of extremely severe mental illness after less invasive treatments have been tried.

Please join Surviving Antidepressants in its mission to support, document, and educate about psychiatric drug withdrawal syndrome.

 

* 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

Link to comment

Thank you so much for your reply and advise! I will definitely be reading all you’ve  shared. 
 

Can I please check has my post requesting advice on my book been shared as an individual post or added to my posts from 6 years ago? To me it appears to be under the original heading from years ago but I may be mistaken? I hoped it to be a new post so the heading and question could be seen. Thank you 😊 

You can hear my story on the Let's Talk Withdrawal podcast. Its a global weekly podcast created by James Moore that interviews experts and others suffering from the awful effects of psychiatric medication. Here's how to listen...

 

If you have an iPhone, iPad or PC/Mac with iTunes, this link will take you to the iTunes Store where you can subscribe so each new episode will download automatically...

https://goo.gl/Yz7Zmp

Or you can also listen and download each episode here on any device...

http://jfmoore.libsyn.com/

 

Started AD aged 14 (1997)

Stopped AD Escitralopram aged 33 (May 14th 2016) weaned down from 20mg to 1mg

10 months SSRI free since May 2016

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Good to hear you're feeling so much better, @CJAJ16

 

13 hours ago, CJAJ16 said:

I’m scared of being sued or legally in trouble because the pharmaceutical companies will not take lightly to me not speaking kindly of their drugs. 

 

Drug companies probably will not notice you've published a book. I wouldn't worry about them. If you mention any doctors by name, they may object.

 

Please do summarize your healing journey in a Success Story topic! You may, of course, mention you've written a book. People might have suggestions about how to publish it in Off-Topic (members-only forum) or Events, Controversies, Action (public forum).

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

Hi @CJAJ16

Congratulations on your recovery!

 

Yes please, do write up your success story to post in our recovery forum. I am one of the myriad members for whom these success stories are like oxygen during the difficult times. 

 

Awesome that you've written a book -- wow! I imagine you tell your story in depth there. What an important contribution to the world to get your story out there. 

 

On 5/21/2022 at 12:38 PM, ChessieCat said:

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

 

Please see this topic:  How to write your success story

 

On 5/22/2022 at 12:14 AM, Altostrata said:

Please do summarize your healing journey in a Success Story topic! You may, of course, mention you've written a book. People might have suggestions about how to publish it in Off-Topic (members-only forum) or Events, Controversies, Action (public forum).

 

I agree with Altostrata and ChessieCat about the significance of success stories. 

Also, Alto makes a good point that when you share your success story on SA, people might have ideas/knowledge/experience how to approach publishing your book. SA members come from many different backgrounds, incl. some from literary, publishing, writing, creative fields!

 

Well done on all your hard work! I look forward to reading your story. 

Respect and kind wishes,

A.

1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs)

2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?)    Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg  -->  July 2018 - 0mg

2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg    2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg  -->  July 2021 - 0mg

March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT)  -->  April 28th, 2021 - 0mg

supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin 

August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin

 

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.  - Karle Wilson Baker

love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.  - Rev. angel Kyodo williams

Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are.  - text on homemade banner at Afiya house

 

I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. 

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy