Mentor ang Posted July 12, 2016 Mentor Share Posted July 12, 2016 Welcome, so lovely to read your thread. So planned and positive. Well done. 1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression. Serotonin syndrome, oh yes! seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol. Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly) pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby). 98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout.... Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol, and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg tegretol 400mg. Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.Mid 15 .... 75mg seroquel, 3 x 1800mg SJW 2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW:::: 28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::; 18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump. 23/9 3mg....., 27/9 0mg. Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg............. LIGHTBULB MOMENT, I have MTHFR 2x mutations. CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it. Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues. Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 12, 2016 Author Share Posted July 12, 2016 DAY 21 Thanks as always to the members who've encouraged me thus far! The w/d effects of dropping from 100mg to 75mg had virtually gone to zero. So I took a deep breath and went to 67mg on 7/10/16. Insomnia the first night was the worst of the problems. I have had some bloating in the stomach, forgetfulness, and some slight difficulty in choosing the right words. Tinnitus was worse day one and two but not as bad today. Focus at work has also been affected. I am scattered for sure. Interestingly, there were no headaches with this taper. It was very good not to have them again. I do feel significantly more awake and alert, less brain fog. My typing probably could be better!! Anxiety (panic attacks) was my original reason for being on Zoloft, and those haven't appeared either!! No major change in mood. Pushing forward, praying for this journey to go well. Pressing on to the prize that is being SSRI free!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 DAY 22 Today has been a bit ugly. I went to the gym, pretty good effort. But I have a shooting 'fire flash' down my left leg--at the end of it, the left foot tingles. Like a nerve impulse that is warm, shooting and tingling at the end of it. Also, I am still confused, scattered, non-focused mentally. I am working, but it is taking more effort to get small tasks accomplished. Mind/hand controls are off. Slight tremor in my hands. No true anxiety attacks, just feeling on edge. Sleep was ok, but was a little light headed upon waking. Interestingly, Mr. T is noticeably better!! I will take the improvement there any day! I still feel good about the journey. It hasn't been a good day, but I am further along now and I am proud of myself to have begun and to take the risks involved with detoxing from Zoloft. If you don't try anything, risk anything, then your life is stuck. I refuse to be complacent with being on meds for life. I am pressing on to the goal I have set before me! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted July 13, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 13, 2016 Interestingly, Mr. T is noticeably better!! I will take the improvement there any day! Steve, Congrats on maintaining your positive attitude even as you feel more symptoms. Your frame of mind will be a big positive for you on this journey, What you noted is something I and others have also noted. It seems that symptoms tend to "rotate" and some wax while others wane. It has been likened to restoration of a building where one part gets shut down while others are worked on and once that part is done being worked on the other parts are addressed. Kind of like the brain knows it can't deal with all the issues at the same time so it does them serially. I tell you this so you don't get upset if "Mr. T" comes back at some point. Just keep up the good fight and your faith. 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
wareagle82 Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 Thanks Andy! I am following your progress as well. I watched the windows/waves video you recently posted. Thanks for sharing it. I will pray for you to have a very long window that will open soon. It isn't pleasant today, but I fully realized what I was up against. I am looking forward to acupuncture next week. She will help the healing process too. Just have to press on. None of us will get better without determination. Have a great rest of your day! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 14, 2016 Author Share Posted July 14, 2016 DAY 23 Gym as usual this morning--good sweat level, and it is much easier now to get a "fitness aerobic zone" heart rate on less meds!! Today is better! Slept well, woke with some dizziness. It passed pretty quickly. I have been more settled today. Less scattered. More focused. More like the old me. No anxiety today either. Mr T is there again but back to the volume I get in windows. Better tolerated at this volume. My head feels too heavy for my shoulders. Weird. Fat headedness!! But I can manage that ok. I am thinking normal thoughts, nothing weird or obtrusive. My nerve "fire" has passed as well. GI is normal, no bloating today. I am only a few days into the taper, so all in all, pretty pleased with things. Still Winning!!!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
mFrustrated Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 War Eagle, just found your feed today after seeing your comment to another person on my feed. You can read my whole story in my feed, but it appears I've had a bad reaction to trying antidepressants after some minor anxiety issues earlier this year. Your feed has been very encouraging to me simply because you mention that you believe the Lord is helping you through your withdrawals. I am hopeful that one day I will feel like myself again and I too believe that God has his hand on me. I wish someone would have told me how difficult it would be if I tried an ssri and had a bad reaction, but they didn't and I know God will bring me through this desert season. Thank you for sharing your story on here. mFrustrated Celexa- 2 days (February 2016) Paxil- 5 days (February 2016) Zoloft- 11 days (February 2016) BuSpar-2 days (June 2016) Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 mFrustrated, Thanks for your kind response to my thread. I read your story as well, and I am so sorry for what happened to you. I think you were treated criminally by the doc. Once he had established your problems with SSRI's why in the world would he have put you on ANOTHER SSRI??! I really think these docs are not to be trusted. It seems like you weren't even a great candidate for any meds at all. They rarely suggest you go a different path for treatement. My own doc did give me his blessing for acupuncture, which has been life changing for me (no exaggeration). But he is probably exceptional. We can't dwell on the initial problems--just focus on the healing. It will happen. Be patient with yourself. Talk to God about it. When a wave comes, try prayer at that moment. I believe it helps me. If you start having those weird thoughts, just repeat your favorite Bible verse or tell yourself it is just your brain working on healing your brain. You will make it. The good news is that you have faith in God. This trial may be God's way of bringing you into something new and wonderful, that you wouldn't receive without the suffering you are now experiencing. It is amazing how He works all these things for our good!! Don't be afraid. Listen and believe the Voice of Truth. Praying for you right now, Steve Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 DAY 24 Sleeping was unremarkable, and woke up a little dizzy. Went to the gym. I phoned it in today, but still sweated a little. I am having some issues with obsessing on old problems that have long been resolved. I have had vivid dreams that bring up past hurts and stuff too. The brain is hopefully rewiring itself, healing itself. Still having some shooting nerve impulses down my left leg, but it is becoming less noticeable. I have a little "fire" in my hands, like tingling. Fat head is better today too. Mr T still a bother but no worse--just trying not to think about it. No anxiety, and I am really feeling mostly like my "normal" self. No panic attacks ( ) !! On hold and doing well overall. Winning!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted July 15, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 15, 2016 No anxiety, and I am really feeling mostly like my "normal" self. No panic attacks ( ) !! On hold and doing well overall. Steve, You ARE doing really well. The fact that you feel "normal" is great. The advantage of being on the drug for "only" 5 years is that you can remember what "normal" feels like. Those of us on it for closer to (or greater than) half our lives wonder what that really means. Keep your attitude where it is and you will be just fine. 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
wareagle82 Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 DAY 27 Sleep was exceptionally good--no awakening from 10:30pm until 5 am. Had a symptom free weekend for the most part. Hit the gym at 6:30am. 50 minutes into it I got nauseated. I thought I might hurl at one point. Sat down, cooled off. Went home, showered, and had english muffin for breakfast. Still feeling nauseated at 1pm. Kind of have a non stop upset stomach. I have worked anyway and had a very light lunch. Hopefully it will pass soon. Re phrase-- Go away soon! Just a little on edge otherwise. No panic attacks or high anxiety. Somewhat lower mood as well. Still kind of have a shooting impulse down my left leg from hamstring to my foot. Like a nerve tingle. Poorest day since the taper. I know it is w/d and it will pass. Keeping my eye on the prize. I will make it!!!!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 DAY 28 Slept well again last night. Awoke with some nausea, but it went away after acupuncture this morning. She was happy with my progress in tapering. She could tell from tongue inspection that my anxiety was much better, as my "heart crack" down the centerline of my tongue had healed. I told her I was surprised that w/d didn't bring that monster back out of the closet. She explained her theory as to why--my blood deficiency has been corrected. It took four months to do it, but I can check that box now. Acupuncture treatment focused on nausea symptoms-- and some suggestions on how to make that easier to bear. Needling my shin bone started my stomach gurgling!! Crazy how that stuff works! We are both curious to see if the taper/eventual discontinuation of Zoloft will put Mr T back in his closet! Prayers that it will go away! After treatment nice calm relaxed feelings overcame me. Peace. Confidence. I really look forward to the treatments, and it was good to get her validation that I am indeed WINNING! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share Posted July 20, 2016 DAY 29 Great sleep and workout. Felt good. No anxiety. No nausea either But something new. Forgetfulness is driving me crazy today. I'll start to do something and within seconds, it's gone. Can't remember what I was about to do. It's frustrating. I hope it goes away soon. I feel good otherwise!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 DAY 30 Wow! I have made it a month! Sleep last night was good-but as I was waking up, it finally happened. Brain Zaps! Just a couple of them. Once I was at the gym, I didn't notice anymore. I got a little wave of nausea today as well. Acupuncturist suggested small meals, and a few almonds as a snack when the nausea begins. Memory is better today, not as much forgetfulness. Overall I am functioning well with no major problems. Still have Mr T and a little fogginess at times. I was reading the thread here on the effect of SSRI usage on family and relationships. I believe SSRI usage caused me to be less loving with my wife, and just numb to a lot of emotions. In work situations, I was much more of a risk taker than before. Almost to the extent of being a gambler. I guess I was craving dopamine from the "placing of bets." I am definitely healing from that as well. I don't feel nearly as compulsive/impulsive as I did on the full dose of Zoloft. Let my brain continue to heal, and thus, my soul too. So far so good! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
bromor Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 My numbness toward my husband was the reason I did my first cold turkey off of Zoloft ~ and began 2 years of WD symptoms. My emotions have returned with the lowered dosage ~ I cry WAY more than I use to! But in good ways ~ I went through biblical counseling and that brought me ever closer in my relationship with God & my husband. Anyway, didn't mean to talk so much about myself. I enjoy your posts. I don't get on here much but always make sure to stop by & read. Blessings to you! On Zoloft for 10 years (50 mg) for GAD & panic attacks Weaned off fall of 2013, terrible set back in Feb '14 back on 100 mg & trazadone to sleep. Did CT off of Zoloft in May 2014 - bad decision! Back on 50 mg Zoloft & Xanax as needed (was upped to 75 mg by doctor in Feb 2015) Started to wean off of Zoloft in April 2015 ~ totally off Zoloft in Oct 2015 and now am on Buspar 11.25 mg to help. I was on a 50 mg pill & 25 mg pill - I cut the 25 mg pill in half (12.5) and took that with the 50 for 6 weeks - 1st week June 2015 50 mg for another 6 weeks. 25 mg in half and the 50 mg in half (37.5), 25 mg mid Sept for about 2 weeks.,1/2 of the 25 mg last week of Sept/1st week of Oct then off. Update** 9 mg Zoloft reinstated early Nov 15, along with 1.5 mg Buspar daily. On .50 of Buspar & 9 mg of Zoloft. Oct '16 - off of Buspar, Nov '16 - down to 7.5 mg Zoloft. March'17 - 4 mg Zoloft. July'17 - 2 mg, Sept 1 mg. Oct'17 - off! Done! I also take magnesium, L theanine, Gaba Calm, L Glutamine, Vit B complex(for methyl issues), Liver & Gall bladder support, Zinc, Whole Food Vit C & Fish Oil. DARE & the bible are the tools I use to help navigate this process. Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 22, 2016 Author Share Posted July 22, 2016 DAY 31 Bromor, thanks for your comment. Especially from a fellow Alabamian!! I am also finding my spiritual self again and feeling good, normal life emotions. Many blessings back to you too. Well this one has sucked. Woke up with the same splitting headache I went to bed with. Went to the gym and LIGHTLY exercised. Nausea is back, bloating, gas, and just generally feel bad. Got a bit of road rage with a guy on the way home from the gym. Very much a w.d symptom. Wife asked me a question and I had a difficult time answering. Simple question about one of two paths for tomorrow. Foggy, low mood, the whole mess today. Went and bought some fish oil. I am going to add that to the arsenal. This is a long fight, I understand. But IT is winning today. Not me. The good news is that I feel so rotten I don't even know if MR T is there or not!! Praying for it to be better soon. And intellectually I know it will be. Non addictive they say?? Eh, no. Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted July 26, 2016 Author Share Posted July 26, 2016 DAY 35 The poor day went away as quickly as it came. I have had several good days in a row, with only the odd intrusive thought. The digestive issues are still there, as is Mr T. Feeling so good I don't mind it as much. True test is tomorrow. I have a plane to catch early in the morning. My original issue was with anxiety related to travel. I expect to conquer it with no problem!! I am trying to be realistic, but my optimism about this journey continues to grow. I think I will be ready for another taper in a few weeks. A side note--I am feeling less impulsive, and more creative in my work. That is huge for me as I am gaining back my confidence. I have to make a lot of decisions and I think the med made me kind of complacent and not as much of a free thinker. Brain re wiring is in process!!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 DAY 41 My plane trip (business) was a huge success!! I sailed through it (sorry for the mixed metaphor!) with no problems. No anxiety, no panic attacks, no problem. I kicked its butt. No waves, all windows since since two weeks back. Mr T is still a bother, and occasionally I will get a random obtrusive thought. But I just attribute it to the w/d and move on. I am feeling more optimistic in general. I am also beginning to get my libido back a little bit. That is something new and different. I've been dead from the waist down for many years. I had hopes of losing sertraline induced weight, but so far nothing happening on that front. I am thinking of another taper, to 50mg tablets, and holding there for a while. That is more than the recommended 10% but I feel like it will work out okay. I want to build on my success but not jeopardize the process. It is great to be WINNING! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted August 1, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 1, 2016 I am thinking of another taper, to 50mg tablets, and holding there for a while. That is more than the recommended 10% but I feel like it will work out okay. I want to build on my success but not jeopardize the process. It is great to be WINNING! Steve, Congrats on a great start to your taper! You are, indeed, WINNING! In the interests of keeping you from LOSING, may I suggest that you not fall prey to one of the greatest equalizers of all time in tapering -- overconfidence. Things have gone well so far which is awesome. It is, however, a very delicate balance. I would not want to see you having difficulties because you decided to be too aggressive and go too quickly. The 10% recommendation has a lot of experiential data behind it. At the end of the day it is your decision, and it might well be that you could make a larger cut and be fine. It would not be a good idea in my view. 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
bromor Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Agree with Andy ????. It's very easy to feel as though things are great & you can do a big cut. I've felt that way myself ~ but listened the wisdom of others. Glad I did! Anyway, glad to hear you're doing well! On Zoloft for 10 years (50 mg) for GAD & panic attacks Weaned off fall of 2013, terrible set back in Feb '14 back on 100 mg & trazadone to sleep. Did CT off of Zoloft in May 2014 - bad decision! Back on 50 mg Zoloft & Xanax as needed (was upped to 75 mg by doctor in Feb 2015) Started to wean off of Zoloft in April 2015 ~ totally off Zoloft in Oct 2015 and now am on Buspar 11.25 mg to help. I was on a 50 mg pill & 25 mg pill - I cut the 25 mg pill in half (12.5) and took that with the 50 for 6 weeks - 1st week June 2015 50 mg for another 6 weeks. 25 mg in half and the 50 mg in half (37.5), 25 mg mid Sept for about 2 weeks.,1/2 of the 25 mg last week of Sept/1st week of Oct then off. Update** 9 mg Zoloft reinstated early Nov 15, along with 1.5 mg Buspar daily. On .50 of Buspar & 9 mg of Zoloft. Oct '16 - off of Buspar, Nov '16 - down to 7.5 mg Zoloft. March'17 - 4 mg Zoloft. July'17 - 2 mg, Sept 1 mg. Oct'17 - off! Done! I also take magnesium, L theanine, Gaba Calm, L Glutamine, Vit B complex(for methyl issues), Liver & Gall bladder support, Zinc, Whole Food Vit C & Fish Oil. DARE & the bible are the tools I use to help navigate this process. Link to comment
DaddyCee Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Hi, Another agreement here as well. Withdrawal has a nasty habit of biting you after a period of time where you feel well, and taking a bigger cut could be storing up trouble in the future. Taking it slow and steady wins the race. Namaste, DC. 1997 - 2001 Seroxat 10mg 2001 - 2013 Escitalopram 10mg Gradual taper from 10mg to 5mg over 2.5 years (between 2011 - 2013) Last taper from 5mg to 0 under advice from doctor done in 1 month (too damn fast!) - included missing out days. Have been drug free since Oct 2013. - Yep 5 years drugs free Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 Great advice, Andy, DC, and Bromor. I have no urgency to taper rapidly. Not worth the chance of a problem down the road. I'll just drop it down to 61mg for a few weeks. Thank you all for keeping me from "irrational exuberance." Steve Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 DAY 52 It has been going just fine at the 61mg level. No significant issues with the exception of the morning headache, and today flu like symptoms of sneezing and some bowel distress. Anxiety level is low/normal, no panic attacks, but the tinnitus is still a bother. Sleep is fine, and I am continuing to exercise each day. No depressive symptoms at all; to the contrary, I feel like my mood is better than it was on 100mg Zoloft. I can tell my creativity is coming back at work as well. I am more effective at work instead of sitting here like a "walking dead" character. I have a trip to NYC coming up next week, so definitely on hold for awhile. I have a "booster shot" of acupuncture coming up before that trip; I always look forward to those sessions. Good luck to all. Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share Posted August 23, 2016 DAY 63 Things are going along well. I went to NYC over the weekend and was a little anxious on the airplane, but I was able to push through it ok. Great visit with my son and then back to work today. No other real side effects, no brain zaps, no insomnia or shaking. Tinnitus still present but lower volume on the left side. Libido is improving from 0 interest to about a 3, using a ten point scale. I am tapering beginning tomorrow to 54mg using liquid Sertraline. I have seen more improvement in outlook, creativity and well-being for the past three weeks on 61mg. I expect it to just get better and better! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted August 23, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 23, 2016 Great news wareagle. When you switch formulation, solid to liquid, we suggest keeping the dose the same for a few weeks. The liquid is usually absorbed faster and has different excipients/fillers. Some people have a reaction because of either factor. 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 IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted August 23, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 23, 2016 Steve, You are doing just great. Stay the course and keep checking in with yourself and with us. Scally gives good advice regarding the switch in medium for the meds. I definitely felt different when I went to the liquid form. 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
wareagle82 Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 DAY 70 The taper is going well. I am having some brain zaps as I awaken in the morning. They pass once I am fully awake. I haven't noticed any obtrusive thoughts, panic attacks or depressive symptoms. Creativity and optimism are coming back quite nicely. It is ironic to feel LESS depressed on a lower dose of a medicine that is supposed to help the patient overcome depression!!!! Solution to depressive symptoms: Don't take antidepressants!!!! Brain fog is disappearing which feeds into the better creativity and outlook on life. I am having some hip pain (bilateral) that may be wd related. Tinnitus is still there, but maybe a little lower in volume. I did have stomach upset the first few days of the latest reduction, as has happened upon beginning a new dose. All in all still doing well. I have my taper checkup with primary care doc in the morning. I plan to ask for 25mg tabs for future use along with the liquid sertraline. That is an exciting idea! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus apace41 Posted August 31, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 31, 2016 Steve, This is all very positive to hear! Very pleased for you. Hope your appointment went well. Interested in hearing more about your hip pain as I've been suffering from that for a while now and I've vascillated between thinking it was arthritis and thinking it was withdrawal. I can't see myself doing anything about it until after I'm done with getting off the meds (e.g., replacement or resurfacing) because (1) don't want to deal with the meds needed for pain, etc. and (2) it may well be another "gift" of withdrawal. Your input welcome on that subject. 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
wareagle82 Posted August 31, 2016 Author Share Posted August 31, 2016 Hi Andy, Thanks for the comments. BTW, I am a former soccer ref (HS and club matches) so I like seeing your avatar! It's a great sport! The appointment went well, and he was fine with my taper thus far. He gave me all the CYA warnings about possibly needing the meds for my "original condition". I took that well, and I diplomatically said that if I should need treatment for panic attacks, then I would look into other modalities. I mentioned meditation and EMDR. He actually offered to give me practitioner referrals in those areas. About the hip pain, it may be coincidental, but it began about 3-4 days after the last dose step down. It is sort of an uncomfortable ache coming from the hips and radiating slightly downward into the quadriceps. The discomfort is worse when sitting for me. I notice it less when standing or walking. One other anecdote--the hip pain doesn't seem to respond much at all to ibuprofen. I have Meloxicam too--but I haven't felt so bad as to try a Cox II inhibitor. I too am somewhat cautious about what additional meds might do at this stage of the game. Hope yours (and mine) improves. Probably a random AD withdrawal deal... Steve Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted September 8, 2016 Author Share Posted September 8, 2016 DAY 79 Progressing well, with more positives than negatives right now. POSITIVES 1. The early morning brain zaps have subsided. 2. Hip Pain has diminished, with only mild pain at the present. 3. Mental clarity has continued to improve, and it is shocking how foggy I have been on 100mg Zoloft!! The creativity at work and my general problem solving has greatly improved. My sentences are more coherent and complex, and I am able to fluidly find the right word without stopping my thought to find it. This is something I was afraid might be totally gone. Onward and upward, I hope!! 4. No rebound anxiety, no panic attacks, and for the most part, my mood has been pretty even keeled. 5. Food tastes a lot better now. (this may end up being a negative. ) NEGATIVES 1. I wish I had done this taper SOONER. 2. I am somewhat sluggish in the mornings, a kind of sedation I wasn't experiencing on 100mg Zoloft. 3. Step downs in dose always are accompanied by bloating and GI distress, and a mild irritability. 4. This is the easy part. I have a lot of difficult work to do as the dose rolls off to levels where the SERT Occupancy is much lower. I am on a good path, being careful to keep everything in the proper perspective, and mentally preparing for whatever the future holds. Best to all! This beast can be defeated!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
LexAnger Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Love the positive energy and update! Best luck to the rest of journey! 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
mFrustrated Posted September 10, 2016 Share Posted September 10, 2016 So glad to hear you're doing well war eagle! Love your positivity! mFrustrated Celexa- 2 days (February 2016) Paxil- 5 days (February 2016) Zoloft- 11 days (February 2016) BuSpar-2 days (June 2016) Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted September 22, 2016 Author Share Posted September 22, 2016 DAY 93 So it has been awhile. I may be a unicorn! Mythical person who can taper successfully without too much pain and suffering. Last dose reduction was a couple of days back, and I have had the typical GI response...you probably know how that feels. It is improving already, thankfully. I haven't had any remarkable incidents--maybe a little more on edge than normal, but this too has, in the past, moved on pretty quickly. My tinnitus is different now--lower volume, higher pitched, so that has been a positive. It seems somewhat less noticeable now. I plan a good long hold here to see what develops. It can be done, and I am checking in to keep up the faith of all who are struggling. It may be me in the future! Best wishes to all. Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
wareagle82 Posted October 3, 2016 Author Share Posted October 3, 2016 DAY 104 Quick update: Mood continues to be good, no panic or anxiety. Positive outlook, looking forward to continuing the taper. Tinnitus is still a bother, but better as noted in the last post. GI problems are still an issue, and I am going in for acupuncture in the morning to address the GI gas, bloating and occasional loose stools. It may be unrelated to withdrawal, but each step down has been consistent in GI sensitivity for the following two weeks. I am working well, fun with family and friends, enjoying life, have had no issues that would make me want to pause in the taper at all. I have a high stress job as well; I am probably handling it better with lower meds than I was WITH full dose medication!! Humbly following the path, and excited about the future!! You can do it too!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
LexAnger Posted October 6, 2016 Share Posted October 6, 2016 So far so great! Happy for you! 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
wareagle82 Posted October 31, 2016 Author Share Posted October 31, 2016 DAY 132 It has been awhile since my last update. I am doing very very well overall. The pros are still very much outweighing the cons in this process. Mentally, I haven't had a single panic attack. I have had some days of lower mood, but who doesn't? Those are fleeting and tend to happen 3-5 days after a taper in the dose. Then, my mood rebounds to normal. I personally feel fine with these swings, as they are indicative of less influence of the sertraline. The tinnitus is still bothersome, although I am having windows of lower volume in it. I am hoping that it will pass once I am med free. I had a spike in my blood pressure after the last taper, so I am paying more attention to that. I am also adding daily meditation to aid the withdrawal process. I am continuing the acupuncture, which is phenomenally helpful in so many ways. I am finding that my Iron Supplementation is contributing to the improved mood. When I've discontinued Floradix, I have had a decline in mood. I wonder now if my main problem oh so many years ago might have been slight anemia, which triggered palpitations, which in turn lead to the panic attacks... thank you doctors!! I may have been one of the many that they misdiagnosed! I want to say that the tone of the posts on here is still a little on the negative side; it may be that the typical poster is having serious withdrawal and those like me don't post much as we aren't having many problems, thank God. Nevertheless, I will continue to update periodically because balance and fairness in this forum is also important to those readers or lurkers who may be afraid to take the steps necessary to safely withdraw from the medications. I am trying to be proof that it can be done with minimal side effects and symptoms, even though I am only one case, and I may be atypical. Moving forward with God's help, to zero meds!! Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011. 75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016. 20 mg began 12/03/2016. 12.5 mg began 12/22/2016. DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!! Began daily meditation 12/01/2016. Very helpful!! Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph! Link to comment
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