Hazel Posted May 4, 2018 Author Share Posted May 4, 2018 I am still struggling with high anxiety that feels like it will never end. I was reading through some other threads and am now wondering if I have gotten to tolerance with paroxetine or am having an adverse reaction to it? I know it is probably the anxiety making me freak out about it, but I just don't understand why I am having such a bad wave now this far into the process. There doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted May 4, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 4, 2018 Hi Hazel, I'm so sorry you are still struggling. It is so hard to know what is causing anything and that tends to cause a lot of repetitive thoughts and worry. Your brain is trying to problem-solve by thinking, but it just goes around and around never finding the answer. That in itself is a withdrawal symptom. I'm wondering if you've ever read (or listened to) any of Dr. Claire Weekes? I've found her stuff really brilliant for learning to deal with anxiety. A lot of her method is really a form of mindfulness, but written specifically for anxiety. For more info see here: 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment
Cheeky Posted May 4, 2018 Share Posted May 4, 2018 Hey Hazel, I’ve been reading your posts lately and feel so sorry your going through this. I know too well how terrible the sufffering is and the desperation to feel better. I”m no doctor at all and I don’t like giving advice on what people should do, but I know that your were on Zoloft 50mg for a long time and then you tried different antidepressants the last year and a half, so your CNS would be extremely sensitive and the dose of Paxil your on is less then half the dose 50mg of Zoloft you were on for all those years. 50mg of Zoloft = 20mg of Paxil So basically no wonder your feeling the way you do. You will get better it’s just going to take your cns time to level out. i had times we’re I thought I was doomed but eventually I got better. you have to just ride through the wave and remember your brain is remodeling. hugs to you cheeky 1995 started Paxil 20mg slowly increasing to 50mg 2014 I decided to tapper myself not knowing how too and crashed , DR added 50mg of Seroquel Through the years made many mistakes tapering Started Tapering Both drugs at the same time 7.5% per month Paxil 9% Seroquel doing daily micro-taper Guided by Mark Horowitz 31/3/24 Paxil 10.31mg 31/3/24 Seroquel 9.9mg Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 4, 2018 Author Share Posted May 4, 2018 43 minutes ago, Songbird said: Hi Hazel, I'm so sorry you are still struggling. It is so hard to know what is causing anything and that tends to cause a lot of repetitive thoughts and worry. Your brain is trying to problem-solve by thinking, but it just goes around and around never finding the answer. That in itself is a withdrawal symptom. I'm wondering if you've ever read (or listened to) any of Dr. Claire Weekes? I've found her stuff really brilliant for learning to deal with anxiety. A lot of her method is really a form of mindfulness, but written specifically for anxiety. For more info see here: Thank you Songbird. I have 2 of Claire Weekes books on Audible and find them to be very helpful. It’s just when the anxiety is so intense nothing seems to help. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 4, 2018 Author Share Posted May 4, 2018 23 minutes ago, Cheeky said: Hey Hazel, I’ve been reading your posts lately and feel so sorry your going through this. I know too well how terrible the sufffering is and the desperation to feel better. I”m no doctor at all and I don’t like giving advice on what people should do, but I know that your were on Zoloft 50mg for a long time and then you tried different antidepressants the last year and a half, so your CNS would be extremely sensitive and the dose of Paxil your on is less then half the dose 50mg of Zoloft you were on for all those years. 50mg of Zoloft = 20mg of Paxil So basically no wonder your feeling the way you do. You will get better it’s just going to take your cns time to level out. i had times we’re I thought I was doomed but eventually I got better. you have to just ride through the wave and remember your brain is remodeling. hugs to you cheeky Thank you Cheeky. You are right. I have put my poor brain through so much over the past 18 months or so. I’m sure it is just working really hard to find balance. I’m glad to hear that you’ve had times like this and gotten better. It gives me hope😊 Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 4, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 4, 2018 Hazel, I might try 7.5mg in the morning and 0.5mg later, an increase per day to 8.0mg. 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
Hazel Posted May 4, 2018 Author Share Posted May 4, 2018 50 minutes ago, Altostrata said: Hazel, I might try 7.5mg in the morning and 0.5mg later, an increase per day to 8.0mg. I am feeling a little better today as time goes on, so I think I might stay with 7 mg in the morning and .5 mg later. I just hope this relief from the horrible anxiety lasts! Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Rosetta Posted May 4, 2018 Share Posted May 4, 2018 I'm glad you are feeling some relief, Hazel. Anxiety of this degree is really difficult. How w I nderfu when we get a break. Maybe yours will last with the new plan to avoid interdose issues. https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
wantrelief Posted May 4, 2018 Share Posted May 4, 2018 18 minutes ago, Hazel said: I am feeling a little better today as time goes on, so I think I might stay with 7 mg in the morning and .5 mg later. I just hope this relief from the horrible anxiety lasts! I am so glad you are feeling a little better today, Hazel. -1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD) -10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot -Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram -Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015 -8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?) - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg). Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin Citalopram taper: 2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg; 3/29/24: 1.17 mg; 4/5/24: 1.14 mg; 4/13/24: 1.11 mg Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 4, 2018 Author Share Posted May 4, 2018 Thank you-I’m trying not to get too excited as I know it could change in a heartbeat. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted May 4, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 4, 2018 5 hours ago, Hazel said: I am feeling a little better today as time goes on, so I think I might stay with 7 mg in the morning and .5 mg later. I just hope this relief from the horrible anxiety lasts! Hi Hazel, I’m so glad that you’re getting some relief. Here’s hoping that you get lots more windows, sending hugs🤗 Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 4, 2018 Author Share Posted May 4, 2018 Thank you Carmie😊 Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Rabe Posted May 5, 2018 Share Posted May 5, 2018 Hi Hazel...even your recent posts sound happier and calmer! SO happy that you are getting some relief from the anxiety. Sometimes for me just knowing that I have options calms me a bit...think its knowing Im not stuck, which I often feel. Just happy to 'see'/hear yours eyes lighting up a bit! -Nardil 1976 < year, stopped. React to AD's. Klonopin .5BID 1990, 2.5mg til 2016 -Klonopin doubled Jan '16. Taper to 2.25mg May to Nov '16. Bad react to Lexapro, stop. React to Prevacid too, taper off. -November '16 Tapered .25mg Klonopin in hospital. Jan '17 started Viibryd, 20mg from Feb to June '17, -20mg to 10mg Viibryd from 3/25 to 6/10 2017, 12/15 10% Viibryd taper...back up next day -Clonazepam 2mg to 1.85mg 4/14 '17 to end November; taper to 1mg Clonazepam in hospital 9/1 tp 9/14 '17 -Feb '18 Amiloride .25mg 5/18 off Amiloride d/t react. Clonaz compounded -4/27 '18 Viibryd 9.5mg, 6/11 9.0 mg, 1/27 '19 Viibryd 8.75mg, ; Clonazepam .2mg 530pm and .7mg 1130pm, Premarin .3mg 830PM CARAFATE QID 2/27/19 to 3/5/19 -July 6'19 1/2 10mg Claritin 230pm, stopped it about July 18, started Oct 11 '19, -7/27 Viibryd 8.5, 8/29 8.25, 10/24 8.0, 12/19 7.75, Feb '20 7.50, 3/20 7.25, 5/20 7.0, 6/20 6.75, 7/20 6.5, 8/20 6.25, 10/2 20 6.0, 11/25'20 5.75, 1/9/21 5.5, 2/23 5.25 -1015 AM Viibryd, vit D 4,000IU 130, 415 Clonazepam .2mg, 815 Premarin .3mg, 1015 Clonaz .7mg, 1115 3t fish oil+D 1145 Castor Oil 650mg(4) 1230 Carafate 1/2GM,Methylated B Vit 1/week,Reacted Mag prn Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 5, 2018 Author Share Posted May 5, 2018 Thank you so much Rabe😊 Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 5, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 5, 2018 So far, so good. Please be very, very regular with the dosing and let us know how you're 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
Hazel Posted May 5, 2018 Author Share Posted May 5, 2018 9 hours ago, Altostrata said: So far, so good. Please be very, very regular with the dosing and let us know how you're doing. Thanks Altostrata, I will. The anxiety came back last night and is hanging around this morning, so I didn’t get much sleep. I’m hoping the anxiety will dissipate as the day goes on like it did yesterday, but who knows? Morning anxiety has always been very typical for me though. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 5, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 5, 2018 It will take at least 4 days for your system to recognize the additional dosage in the evening. 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
Hazel Posted May 5, 2018 Author Share Posted May 5, 2018 6 hours ago, Altostrata said: It will take at least 4 days for your system to recognize the additional dosage in the evening. Alto, is this inter dose withdrawal common with SSRIs? Should I keep the dose at 7mg in the morning and .5 mg in the evening until I stabilize? Thanks Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 5, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 5, 2018 It's not common, Hazel, but your metabolism might be processing Paxil faster at low doses. We had someone here who had a similar experience with Celexa, as I recall. I would keep the split dose at 7mg and 0.5mg for a few more days, at least. Please let us know how you're 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
Hazel Posted May 5, 2018 Author Share Posted May 5, 2018 Okay thanks. Today I've had more anxiety, but not as high as it was a few days ago. I will give it a few more days at least. I just wanted to make sure this won't make things worse. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 6, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 6, 2018 Sounds like you have had some improvement. 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
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 A little, yes. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 I wanted to give a little update. Sorry to say, things are not going in the direction I had hoped. Last night I woke up with a panic attack. I haven’t had one of those in a long time and it was really scary. The anxiety has been high all day so far. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know how long I can function like this. Thankfully I don’t work today, but I don’t see how I will be able to work tomorrow if I feel this way. I’m sure people are getting tired of me complaining, but this is just so hard right now and I don’t know what to do. I just want to be able to function-even if it is to the degree I did a few weeks ago. These last two weeks have been pure torture. I wish I could understand why this is all happening now. I just don’t get what I did to make things so much worse. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 6, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 6, 2018 Hazel, you are going through waves and windows. Please stay as calm as possible. Your body may take 4 days or so to get used to the new Paxil schedule. Please consider taking 7mg in the morning and 1mg in the evening, an increase of 0.5mg per day. 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
Rosetta Posted May 6, 2018 Share Posted May 6, 2018 I'm here for you, too, Hazel. Try to get some sunlight today. That helps to calm me, usually. Are you taking the magnesium every day? How much? https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 51 minutes ago, Altostrata said: Hazel, you are going through waves and windows. Please stay as calm as possible. Your body may take 4 days or so to get used to the new Paxil schedule. Please consider taking 7mg in the morning and 1mg in the evening, an increase of 0.5mg per day. Hi Alostrata, I am too afraid to try increasing at this point. I just feel like it will make me worse. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 41 minutes ago, Rosetta said: I'm here for you, too, Hazel. Try to get some sunlight today. That helps to calm me, usually. Are you taking the magnesium every day? How much? Thanks Rosetta. I am sitting out in the sun right now. I take about 500 mg of magnesium daily. I know some people have had reactions to magnesium as well, so I am thinking of stopping all supplements at this time to see if that helps. I try to stay calm, but it’s really hard right now. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 I have been thinking about it, and I am going to try increasing by .5 starting today as Alto suggested. I will take 1mg this evening instead of .5mg. I hope to God that helps. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
wantrelief Posted May 6, 2018 Share Posted May 6, 2018 I hope it helps too, Hazel. You are in my thoughts. -1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD) -10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot -Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram -Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015 -8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?) - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg). Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin Citalopram taper: 2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg; 3/29/24: 1.17 mg; 4/5/24: 1.14 mg; 4/13/24: 1.11 mg Link to comment
Rosetta Posted May 6, 2018 Share Posted May 6, 2018 Hugs https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 6, 2018 Administrator Share Posted May 6, 2018 It may be rocky for a few days, Hazel. Don't expect miracles. FYI, magnesium is better absorbed in smaller doses taken throughout the day. 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
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 37 minutes ago, Altostrata said: It may be rocky for a few days, Hazel. Don't expect miracles. FYI, magnesium is better absorbed in smaller doses taken throughout the day. I am already freaking out thinking about increasing, but I know I have to do something. I can’t keep going like this. I will try smaller amounts of magnesium throughout the day. Thank you Alto for your help. Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Songbird Posted May 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 6, 2018 (edited) Hazel, are you able to do some relaxation exercises two or three times a day? Progressive muscle relaxation, or very gentle yoga? They can really help to calm the nervous system. Edited May 6, 2018 by Songbird 2001–2002 paroxetine 2003 citalopram 2004-2008 paroxetine (various failed tapers) 2008 paroxetine slow taper down to 2016 Aug off paroxetine2016 citalopram May 20mg Oct 15mg … slow taper down2018 citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg 18 Nov 3.8mg 2019 15 Mar 3.6mg 21 May 3.4mg 26 Dec 3.2mg 2020 19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg 2021 29 Aug 2.4mg 15 Nov 2.3mg Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 I do deep breathing and have been going for walks in the woods, which usually seems to help. I’ve also been taking baths with Epsom salts, which seems to calm me down as well. All of these things help for a little while, but the anxiety ends up coming back. Oh-I also like the legs up the wall pose when anxiety is high and have tried faster EFT that Carmie recommended . Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 4 hours ago, wantrelief said: I hope it helps too, Hazel. You are in my thoughts. Thank you! Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
Hazel Posted May 6, 2018 Author Share Posted May 6, 2018 3 hours ago, Rosetta said: Hugs Hugs to you too Rosetta😊 Zoloft 50 mg Fall 2003-October 2016 I went up to 150 mg for several months during the winter of 2016 after going through a tough time trying to stabilize. Lexapro 5 mg and then 10 mg October 2016-December 2016 Paxil December 2016 to present. Started at 10 mg went up to 20 mg for three weeks and started reducing by 5mg every 2 weeks per doctors orders. Got down to 7.5 mg and ran into trouble, found this website and updosed to 10 mg. 9mg paroxetine June 18-6.5 mg in am 2.5 mg pm. July 20 began switch to Citalopram-9 mg Paxil and 5 mg citalopram July 24-7.5mg paroxetine and 7.5mg Citalopram July 27-5mg paroxetine and 10 citalopram July 30-2.5 paroxetine and 10 of Citalopram August 2-2mg paroxetine and 10mg Citalopram, dropped paroxetine Aug. 3 August 8 increased to 15 mg citalopram Take 1mg lorazepam as needed and 3mg melatonin at night. Link to comment
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