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☼ Brussellsprout: 8 months - 3 antidepressants and 2 weeks klonopin


Brussellsprout

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Hi All,

I am back for help yet again.  I was finally improving last year after 3 months off the antidepressants when- blam- I got a concussion while exercising last August, 2017.  It made all my withdrawal symptoms increase 100 fold (or more).  I began for the first time ever, having suicidal thoughts and was in a very dark place.  After almost 6 months of the extreme hopeless hell, I gave in to trying a small amount of Pristiq (b/c it was the most similar to Effexor and my genesight said it was on my "green" list, whereas Effexor was not). On 2/1/18 I began a specially compounded 8 mg dose of generic Pristiq. I stayed on that dose for 9 weeks with significant improvement in my mental state, however- I started having interdose withdrawals with exacerbated dizziness and realized that there is a good chance the Pristiq is now hampering my brain's ability to heal from the concussion plus, I started having a lot of new symptoms dealing with false motion feelings, blurred vision, etc. SO, I decided to go off it and of course, I started going down to fast b/c I wanted off.  SO, I dropped by 1 mg, for a few weeks then another mg for a few weeks and once I reached 6 mg, I began dropping by 0.5 mg per week.  WRONG decision.  I am now on 3.5 mg for one week and think I need to go back up a bit to stabilize b/c everything is going downward quickly.  Here's my problem-the AD is causing waaaay worse dizziness/ imbalance feelings BUT those feelings get even worse when I drop dosage (after about 5-7 days it gets worse). I just don't know what to do and how to do it.  I can't do the 10% rule b/c my psych won't prescribe it in lower than one milligram capsules (I've been using a scale to weigh half the powder inside) and I'm pretty sure I'm not getting consistent dosing with my scale (plus accounting for the error from the compounding pharmacy b/c it's not a perfect science).  I can't switch to Effexor b/c I have terrible reactions to it as well.  SOOO...I know there's probably not much advice you all can give but what is the minimum time I need to hold after each drop to tell if I'm going to have worse withdrawals? BTW, my psychiatrist isn't keen on continuing to prescribe 1 mg at a time so I'm pretty sure I'm going to get off these sooner than I would otherwise.  Sigh. Thanks!

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • Administrator

Brussellsprout, when you cut up Pristiq, it has a very short half-life, so it makes sense you would have interdose withdrawal. Your psychiatrist should have thought of this.

 

You might do better if you took a low dose twice a day, such as 2mg, for a total daily dose of 4mg.

 

Your psychiatrist is being unreasonable. A compounding pharmacy can make the capsules up for any amount, even 0.01mg, if that's what the prescription is for. It doesn't take any additional work for your psychiatrist to do this.

 

Any doctor can write the prescription. Do you have another doctor you can work with? Perhaps this psychiatrist isn't the right doctor for you and needs to be fired.

 

Phone the compounding pharmacy: Do they grind up a tablet to make your capsules? If no -- if they get pure Pristiq powder (not sure if this exists), you can make a liquid from the powder. If they grind up tablets, you cannot make a liquid from the powder.

 

Effexor is a very close relative of Pristiq. Even if supposedly your genetics don't support it, at the very low dosage you're taking, making a liquid from immediate-release Effexor might be a way to taper.

 

Read this: Tips for tapering off Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

 

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I apologize for not giving thorough information. The pharmacy crushes the pills and adds the sustained release. Pristiq doesn’t come in a powder and can’t be suspended in liquid of any sort because it clumps, according to two compounding pharmacies I spoke to. I take my doses every 12 hours. I’ve Been taking 1.75 mg each dose for the past week but I think the prior drop from 4.5 to 4 a week ago is just now catching up to me. Sigh. I increased to 2 mg last night and will do the same for the next week to see if symptoms stabilize, does that sound right or should I stay at the 3.5 mg since I’ve already dropped? I’m so scared of what the future holds as I know what I went through last time (and that was MILD compared to now with a concussion). 

 

I’m waking with panic, body surges, muscle twitches and burning arms and legs. Joy. That adds to my constant dizziness. I’m afraid the longer I’m on this, the more addicted I am. As for Effexor, I took it prior and it set off this drama for me. It caused almost seizure like brain spasms and is why I have MDDS-like dizziness. 

I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. 

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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I should also mention that I’m taking 12 grams high quality fish oil per day (yes, grams!) for my concussion, 400 mg  p-5-p (b6), and the methylated version of b-12. I will also begin hyperbaric oxygen therapy again today (I’ve previously done 40 sessions with mental clarity improvement). I also am considering neurofeedback but admit I am afraid of too much tinkering with an already damaged brain (by drugs and concussion). 

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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@Altostrata, After one week at 3.5 mg b/c of increased dizziness, I went back up to 4 mg (2 mg am/ 2 mg pm) last night and this morning and things feel much worse.  My dizziness is waaaaay worse.  I don't know what to do.  Do I stay here at 2 am and 2 pm or do I go back down to 1.75 am and 1.75 pm.  I'm so scared that going up and then down will keep screwing with an already over-sensitized system.  Please advise if you will? Thanks so much.  I appreciate every bit of advice!

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • Administrator

It takes at least 4 days for a drug change to fully register in your system. You may be feeling the result of the 3.5mg dose now rather than the 4mg dose.

 

Is the dizziness worse or better at times in the day? Is there any pattern to your symptoms?

 

Please keep notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs and supplements, and their dosages.

 

Be sure you're getting at least 600mg EPA + DHA in each capsule of that fish oil.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thank you for replying!! The dizziness is definitely worse in morning around 9 before I take my medicine, then after meds it gets even worse for the rest of the afternoon and then improves around 7 pm until my pm dose around 9 pm. It’s at its best in the morning before meds and in the evening before meds. 

I keep some notes but will do better. 

I take 1 tsp fish oil each day at 8 am, noon and 5 pm. Each tsp has 1300 epa and 850 dha. 🙂 So, it sounds like I should try to stabilize at 4 mg.  I just can’t believe I’m back on this road after I ALLOWED myself to take pills again after the concussion. It’s like I somehow forgot this hell was worse than the concussion hell. 😞

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • Administrator

Hang in there, Brussellsprout. Your system will gradually rebuild itself.

 

That's good fish oil you're taking.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus
5 minutes ago, Brussellsprout said:

Hi everyone. I’ve been tapering off pristiq for 4 months after being on it for 2 months and 2 weeks at a special compounded dose of 6 mg (I took 8 mg for 1 week then dropped to 6 mg in the beginning) (lowest available dose Is 25 mg).   So, I’ve been on for a total of 6 months with tapering. I’ve had awful side effects which include hair loss in massive amounts. I’m down to 2.5 mg and know I’m stuck  going slow because I can’t just drop the drug as I have had awful withdrawals even dropping .25 mg at a time. So, does anyone have any recommendations for helping hair growth while still on the drug or am i basically stuck wearing a wig until I’m off? 😞

 

I've moved your new topic to an existing discussion:  hair-problems-hair-loss-poor-condition-body-hair-excessive-growth

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 4 months later...

Hi all, I am not here often but am looking for a bit of advice.  I am down to 1.25 mg of my pristiq and I absolutely cannot remember if I took my medicine this morning.  I don't know what to do? Is it better to wait and take it tomorrow and risk withdrawal or risk taking a double dose? I'm lost here.  Any suggestions? 

Thanks!

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Brussellsprout,

 

I am also taking Pristiq.  When I was due to reduce from 9.5mg to 9mg I picked up the wrong capsule dose and ended up reducing to 4.5mg for 5 days before I realised my error and went back on 9mg.  My anxiety did increase for a while but things settled down fairly soon.

 

If it was me, I would rather risk skipping a dose, especially at 1.25mg.  I would definitely not take what might be another 1.25mg.

 

One option, and this is a decision that only you can make.  You could take a smaller dose of Pristiq so that if you have taken 1.25mg the increase wouldn't be too much of an increase and if you have forgotten to take it at least you would have some Pristiq in your system.

 

If you only have 1.25mg capsules you will need to open a capsule and empty out some of the contents.  If you have small doses of capsule you won't need to do this.

 

As for the dose?  That, too, is up to you.  Again, if it was me I'd be thinking about 0.25mg or 0.5 mg.

 

The main thing will be is not to worry about it, this will add stress and will be confused with WD.  You don't know what you have done and need to accept the fact that you can't change it.  Just be prepared that you might feel additional discomfort over the next few days or so and use non drug coping techniques to cope.

 

BTW recently another member missed a dose and a different accidentally doubled their dose.  It happens, so don't beat yourself up over it. 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

What did you end up doing?

 

How are you feeling?

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 1 year later...

After almost 2 years of tapering an already small dose, I am done! I jumped off at 0.4 mg because I was more afraid of the pharmacy screwing up my compounded dosage and accidentally increasing it than I was of stopping at this point. I have lots of tools in my pocket now and felt ready. I will update everyone in a year when I will hopefully post a success story. 😁

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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Wow. Congratulations! 
 

I’ve just come off compounded Pristiq and switched to Prozac as I’ve been stuck at 12mg. 
 

In your experience did you feel that Effexor had more side effects compared to the Pristiq? I felt really terrible on the equivalent dosage of Effexor. 

Current Dose

0.5mcg Clonidine and 1.25 Diazepam PRN for treatment of iatrogenic hypertension. 

2010 .Prescribed Pristiq 100 mg in July by GP

2010 .Reduced to 50mg by splitting and weighing. Held at 50mg

2014. Reduced from 50-35 .Held at 35mg. 

2017. Taper from 35mg commenced using compounded Desvenlafaxine

2018. 23/06 13.5mg. 21/07  12.5mg. 25/08 11.5mg. 09/2018 10mg. 14/11 11mg (updose) 21/11 -12mg (updose)

2019. Still holding at 12mg and stuck. 

2020. January 2019 Prozac Bridge-- Prozac 2.5 to 10mg and

Pristiq 23rd Jan 6mg/ 27th Jan 5mg/ 28th Jan 3mg/ 30 Jan 0

Prozac 6th Feb 9.5mg. Vitamin D3 5000iu with K2

Magnesium Glycinate with Glycine and Passionflower  600mg 

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  • 3 weeks later...

I’m sorry I just saw this question, Andie.  Hands down the Effexor had more side effects for me. I’m on day 20 of freedom and so far, so good. I know it’s early but I’m feeling good about it. I wish you a smooth withdrawal from Prozac. 

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • 1 month later...

Day 57 off meds update. I am doing really good. Some random brain fog and periodic night “surges” through my body, some joint stiffness and vision annoyances but nothing intolerable. I know this is all part of my nervous system healing. 

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • Administrator

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

 

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

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 6 months later...

Update: 8 months off all meds and I am doing very good. I periodically have muscle twitches and headaches and light dizziness (nothing compared to the previous years and it doesn’t stop me), but overall I am feeling healthy and have been able to joyfully rejoin life   I finally feel love and happiness and peace and excitement again. 4 more months Until I write my success story but I’ve come so very far and am so much improved. 

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • Moderator

Wonderful news!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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I second Frogie - this is wonderful news....congratulations!!

-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

 

 

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  • 9 months later...

18 months off meds and I am healed!!!! I want to quickly update everyone that I am healed in every way. If you read through my story, you’ll notice that in addition to med withdrawal, I had vestibular migraine (original diagnosis that brought me to medication) and then a terrible concussion. I can’t begin (and frankly don’t want to) to describe the darkness I went through I’m those days and to be forthcoming, I continue to work through the trauma of those days and allow myself to forgive myself for my thoughts and uncharacteristic actions.  Now the good news, I am entirely healed.  My nervous system now expertly handles two incredibly stressful jobs, two small kids, volunteering and leading a school committee, being on a community HOA and many fun and exciting adventures.  I walk miles without issue, I lift weights, I laugh with friends, I drink lightly in social settings without repercussion, I can eat what I want again, and all my emotions have returned in normal amounts. My thoughts are mostly loving and grateful. I  smile a LOT. Life is so very good again. Hold on, please. Your day will come. I never thought I’d survive the anguish but I did. So will you. 

Celexa 20 mg 8/26/2016-11/3/2016 (tapered down to 10 and 0 over 2 weeks);

nortriptyline 20 mg 11/4/16-3/30/17. Tapered from 20-15-10-5 from 2/20-3/30;

Effexor 37.5 mg 3/1/17-4/20/17 (tapered up by 1/4 tablet each week from 4/2/17 until 4/21/17).  2 weeks at 37.5 mg dose

Concussion: 8/1/17 caused extreme thoughts and exacerbated withdrawal

Pristiq 8 mg (compounded w/ SR) 2/1/18- 4/15/18 (9 weeks); 6 mg 4/15-4/29/18; 5.5 mg 4/29/18-5/5/18; 5 mg for one week; 4.5 mg for one week; 4 mg one week; 3.5 mg starting 6/5/18

went down by 10% or less each month, splitting the dose between morning and evening.  2/8/2020- Jumped off at 0.2 mg twice a day = 0.2 mg continuous bloodstream concentration.  ZERO mg!! Hope to return with a success story on 2/8/21. Stay tuned

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  • 3 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Brussellsprout has written her Success Story.

 

Congratulations Brussellsprout!

 

As it SA's custom this topic will now be locked.

 

Brussellsprout's success story is here: 

 

 

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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