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Nikki74: Lexapro mirtazapine diazepam akathisia


Nikki74

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Nikki, 

 

Think about you lots. Akathisia is terrible.

 

I can’t take away your pain but I just wanted to send you BIG, BIG hugs💚💚💚

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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Hi can any mod help me out with how I go about a microtaper off 5mg lexapro please? Well it’s 4.9mg as I made a tiny cut in Feb.

 

I need help with going over to liquid and if I make my own or risk changing to one by a pharmacy.

 

Thank you

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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1 hour ago, Carmie said:

Hi Nikki, 

 

Think about you lots. Akathisia is terrible.

 

I can’t take away your pain but I just wanted to send you BIG, BIG hugs💚💚💚

Thank you Carnie ❤️

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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21 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

Hi can any mod help me out with how I go about a microtaper off 5mg lexapro please? Well it’s 4.9mg as I made a tiny cut in Feb.

 

I need help with going over to liquid and if I make my own or risk changing to one by a pharmacy.

 

Thank you

Hi can someone please advise me on tapering the lexapro? 

 

I am getting distressing and obvious akathisia response when I take the pill. Even though it’s always with me, when I take the lex it really surges and I’m at the point I wish I didn’t ever have to take it again.

 

Currently I have scales I could use.

 

Thank you

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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Hi

I know it’s the weekend and mods are probably not around but thought I’d post what’s on my mind a lot. Please also see my posts above.

 

I am seriously limited in my life by the constant akathisia especially in combination with my pre existing CFS. 

 

I’ve been reading about how potent lexapro is. I ct’d it last June and fell into hell and the akathisia started and was made worse by being messed around on/off more drugs and dose changes.

 

If I then taper the 5mg reinstated Lex dose I’m on, does that mean double whammy lex wds and possibly worsening the akathisia?

 

I know I had akathisia before the cts, now I know what it is.

 

I feel so poisoned on this cocktail.

 

I so so want to give my brain the best chance to heal from all this and to ‘get clean’. I long for the akathisia to go or at least to have a window.

 

I am concerned about both the lexapro and benzo.

 

Q. Do I use the scales I have to reduce the 5mg lexapro? 

 

I’ve cut some of the benzo. Ive never reached a stable place in almost a year. What do I do? I’m terribly ill and limited. I do sleep which I’m thankful for. 

 

Just some thoughts and questions.

 

 

 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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  • Mentor

Hi Nikki,

 

First off, I am very sorry to hear about the horrible symptoms you are having.  So much suffering, it's just not fair. I am no mod so I can only share with you my personal experience.  I am tapering Zoloft with liquid that I get from the pharmacy. It's a lot more expensive because my insurance does not pay for it, however I think it's worth it because tapering with a liquid lets me do the micro cuts I need. I sounds like that's what you are looking for so maybe purchasing liquid or making your own is the way to go for you as well?

 

Now about transitioning from hard pill to liquid. I didn't do a slow transition and I'm very sorry I didn't, I got very sick.  It threw me back into withdrawal symptoms for a month or more.  Perhaps you can start off with taking 75% of your current dose with hard pill and 25% with liquid?  Then if after a few weeks you find you don't have an increase of symptoms you can go to 50% and 50%, and so on until you are completely on the liquid?

 

I have read on this site to cut the anti depressant first and completely, and then go to work on the benzo.  Somewhere on here is a entire thread about what to cut first. There is also another thread which discusses only cutting one drug at a time. Below is the link to that thread.  You might want to read the post in that thread dated Aug 11, 2011, by Altostrata. I'm sorry I couldn't find the other thread for you, you might want to look around a bit and see if you can find it, or maybe a mod will come by and tell you where it is.

 

It's looks like you have been changing medications or amounts of medication rather frequently except for a period of time  from Oct 2017 to Feb 2018, when it looks like you didn't make any changes. If I am reading it correctly, how did you feel during that period? Again, I am not an expert, not a doctor, and anything I say is only based on my own experience, but what do you think of trying a hold for a quite a while, like maybe 6 months?

 

Nikki, I hope that relief comes your way soon. If I had a magic wand believe me I would use it on you and make you all better.

 

Rachel

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • Mentor

Hi Nikki,

I found the link for which drug to taper first. It may influence you decision as to what you want to do next. Good luck to you.

Rachel

 

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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30 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Nikki,

I found the link for which drug to taper first. It may influence you decision as to what you want to do next. Good luck to you.

Rachel

 

 

Thank you Rachel.

 

ive read all those links.

 

I held Oct- feb and experienced constant and fluctuating debilitating symptoms including the constant akathisia but at times I had semi windows where things lowered, maybe half a day here and there. Or a few days with lowered symptoms and akathisia then suddenly mid January everything went severe, it felt like I’d ct’d again but worse and the akathisia went off the charts. I coped three weeks before ending up in er. Where I was taken off diazepam and regretfully put on the Klonopin. This stopped the constant pacing and hysteria but of course the akathisia was still there and now I had constant severe depression on the new drug. So I started to taper it not wanting to be on it. And here I am.

 

I would hold for 6 months but after my experience of holding and being hit so severely I’m not sure.

 

I have never been stable since June and actually was not stable before that for many months but I was functioning.

 

Interested in your thoughts based on that.

 

Nikki

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Nikki,

 

It seems like not matter what you do you have debilitating symptoms, which stinks. Again, I am so sorry you going through this. A lot of the symptoms you described I have had, pure h*ll. 

 

I am thinking over your choices, stay where you are, go up on a medication, go down on a med, or change a med.  Just my thoughts, if it were me, and again based on nothing but my own experience, I wouldn't budge until I felt confidant that I was I was changing something with a specific purpose. For example, if you believe that the Klonopin is causing your depression then that is a very good reason to try and go off it or transition back to the diazepam, but the question I would be asking myself is am I sure that it was that the initial transition from one to the other is what caused the depression. The problem with these drugs is nobody knows for sure what to do once we hit the horrible world of withdrawal. So, I since I have been tapering I have tried to ask the same questions you are asking, and I listed to to the people that had the most experience with this situation, but then I thought about everything everybody said and I ultimately did what I believed was best me. My motto became, "when in doubt, don't do anything." Which is why I was suggesting a hold, because you seemed not be sure of what caused the upswing of symptoms in January. But it is just an opinion. Again, I don't have any experience, I only know what worked for me. 

 

It looks like Baroquep, ChessieCat, Shep, and Altostrata were helping you, have you thought about addressing your post to one of them? They are really sharp and pick up on small things that a lot of us don't see.

 

If you feel comfortable sharing I would like to know what you are thinking about doing? What do you think would work best for your situation?  Whatever you do I hope that you get relief soon. 

 

Rachel

 

 

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment
22 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

Nikki,

 

It seems like not matter what you do you have debilitating symptoms, which stinks. Again, I am so sorry you going through this. A lot of the symptoms you described I have had, pure h*ll. 

 

I am thinking over your choices, stay where you are, go up on a medication, go down on a med, or change a med.  Just my thoughts, if it were me, and again based on nothing but my own experience, I wouldn't budge until I felt confidant that I was I was changing something with a specific purpose. For example, if you believe that the Klonopin is causing your depression then that is a very good reason to try and go off it or transition back to the diazepam, but the question I would be asking myself is am I sure that it was that the initial transition from one to the other is what caused the depression. The problem with these drugs is nobody knows for sure what to do once we hit the horrible world of withdrawal. So, I since I have been tapering I have tried to ask the same questions you are asking, and I listed to to the people that had the most experience with this situation, but then I thought about everything everybody said and I ultimately did what I believed was best me. My motto became, "when in doubt, don't do anything." Which is why I was suggesting a hold, because you seemed not be sure of what caused the upswing of symptoms in January. But it is just an opinion. Again, I don't have any experience, I only know what worked for me. 

 

It looks like Baroquep, ChessieCat, Shep, and Altostrata were helping you, have you thought about addressing your post to one of them? They are really sharp and pick up on small things that a lot of us don't see.

 

If you feel comfortable sharing I would like to know what you are thinking about doing? What do you think would work best for your situation?  Whatever you do I hope that you get relief soon. 

 

Rachel

 

 

 

Thank you Rachel.

 

i think when things got so severe in January after holding it was possibly a delayed hit from the cts. Like acute peaking.

 

I don’t want to change any meds or go up for sure. I want to be free of them to give me the best chance of healing especially from akathisia. 

 

I could hold for a bit I’m not sure. 

 

Its balancing the despair I feel at having to take these drugs and living with constant akathisia (plus other symptoms) with trying to get off and experiencing worsening symptoms.

 

I am desperate. Nikki

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Nikki,

 

I know you are desperate. You mentioned that January might be because of a delayed hit from the cuts.  You might be onto something there.   I did some really good cuts for three months with no symptoms and then wham, I got hit and had symptoms for three to four months even though I had stopped tapering.

 

I know you want to get off, and you will.  I hope you stabilize soon. Sometimes we want to find a way to fix this right away, like now. I know I did, but then we realize the only fix is time.  What a nightmare. Have any of the mods given you any suggestions?  What does you doctor say, or do you involve him or her?

 

I do know you are suffering. I do believe though that better days are coming for you.

 

Rachel

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment
2 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Nikki,

 

I know you are desperate. You mentioned that January might be because of a delayed hit from the cuts.  You might be onto something there.   I did some really good cuts for three months with no symptoms and then wham, I got hit and had symptoms for three to four months even though I had stopped tapering.

 

I know you want to get off, and you will.  I hope you stabilize soon. Sometimes we want to find a way to fix this right away, like now. I know I did, but then we realize the only fix is time.  What a nightmare. Have any of the mods given you any suggestions?  What does you doctor say, or do you involve him or her?

 

I do know you are suffering. I do believe though that better days are coming for you.

 

Rachel

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Rachel. I really need to hear one day things will be better.

 

I think Id have to hold for a year to get anywhere near stable whilst the akathisia is unlikely to go and I’ll still be taking harmful drugs.

 

Ive been polydrugged for two years almost and never been well on any of it. Turns out it was all to try to cover up sx or wds as things progressed.

 

My doctor does what he can. He’s told me not to cut anything for now. 

 

I will ask ask the mods.

 

Am housebound with the akathisia and CFS and am a shell of who I was.

 

I cling to the hope one day it’ll all be done and healed.

 

Nikki x

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Akathisia stinks, big time. I found this quote on Wikipedia:

 

Neuro-psychologist Dennis Staker had drug-induced akathisia for two days. His description of his experience was this: "It was the worst feeling I have ever had in my entire life. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

 

I do agree with your doctor, however see what the mods say, then take it all in and make your decision on what to do. It's hard because we want to know which decision is the best, which one will lead to the right outcome, but we don't know.

 

When I was going through my worst withdrawal days I couldn't believe it would ever clear up. It did. Yes, there were months where I couldn't go out, where I couldn't function.  I still get symptoms but it is running in the background of my life. Nikki, I do believe you will heal. 

 

I know it's difficult, but are you taking notes? I mean really good everyday notes?  It helps to look back and locate patterns that are difficult to see without notes.

 

xo

RS

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment
26 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Akathisia stinks, big time. I found this quote on Wikipedia:

 

Neuro-psychologist Dennis Staker had drug-induced akathisia for two days. His description of his experience was this: "It was the worst feeling I have ever had in my entire life. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

 

I do agree with your doctor, however see what the mods say, then take it all in and make your decision on what to do. It's hard because we want to know which decision is the best, which one will lead to the right outcome, but we don't know.

 

When I was going through my worst withdrawal days I couldn't believe it would ever clear up. It did. Yes, there were months where I couldn't go out, where I couldn't function.  I still get symptoms but it is running in the background of my life. Nikki, I do believe you will heal. 

 

I know it's difficult, but are you taking notes? I mean really good everyday notes?  It helps to look back and locate patterns that are difficult to see without notes.

 

xo

RS

 

Yes I’ve had akathisia nearly a year now, no windows. It lowered considerably for a few days in Dec and Jan then boom, all hell broke loose. 

 

I keep notes on here but not for a few days now as it’s the same. But I will keep notes again in my journal. I have a tick list of my 36 symptoms that don’t occur all at once but the constant is aka and fear.

 

i just feel so poisoned. 

 

The depression that hits an hour after my evening clon dose is so heavy.

 

X

 

 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment

6.30 woke

7 got up with agitation 

8.15 lex sleepy 

9 agitation rising

9 clon 

depression, no sedation, agitation just as bad

10.30 shaking; lower back pain

11.30 internal aka agitation horrible, nausea with it, have to lie in bed under weighted blanket and with heated towel on legs to try to get a little relief but just miserable.

12 same 

12.30 bath to try to find relief in hot water.

Exhausted and need to lie down again, shaking. 

Lie with feet up the wall, a brief interlude in the internal agitation.

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment

Agitation all afternoon, rocking, leg movements. Nausea. Lower back pain sort of around kidneys. 

 

I feel very ill with the akathisia. 

 

 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator
Just now, Nikki74 said:

Agitation all afternoon, rocking, leg movements. Nausea. Lower back pain sort of around kidneys. 

 

I feel very ill with the akathisia. 

 

 

I'm so sorry you feel this way.

 

I wish all of this WD would leave all of us alone.

 

Hope you feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment
5 hours ago, Frogie said:

I'm so sorry you feel this way.

 

I wish all of this WD would leave all of us alone.

 

Hope you feel better soon.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Thank you dear Frogie. Not sure how to cope with the akathisia I just fight minute by minute. 

 

Warmth to you, Nikki x

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator
59 minutes ago, Nikki74 said:

Thank you dear Frogie. Not sure how to cope with the akathisia I just fight minute by minute. 

 

Warmth to you, Nikki x

Can you get a weighted blanket? I know I get akasthisia in my knees of all places. I rub magnesium cream on them and put the weights you buy for your ankles and lay them open on my knees. That helps. Or a magnesium bath? I've never taken one but hear lots of people say they help. Try taking magnesium? I'm not a dr or a mod, just someone that's giving you my opinions.

 

Hopefully something will help.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment

7 am wake, moderate agitation, nausea, dizziness, low pain in lower back

8.15 lex, dozy

9am clon akathisia explodes within minutes of swallowing the pill. Crying, kicking, twisting, rocking, hard to breathe with it.

10am same, shaking also and skin burning from the akathisia 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment

Akathisia continued intensely until about 1pm when things eased enough to sit still.

2-3.30 high intensity agitation and rocking etc, felt like I might explode

lowered a little from 3.30-5pm

exhaustion and depression 5pm

5pm reluctantly took clon dose 

6.30 restless and tearful, need to bounce legs. 

 

Feel I’m never going to be free of these drugs and akathisia 

 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi Nikki,

I'm sorry you are suffering so. It is indeed h*ll. I wish I could fix it for you. Hang in there. 

xo

RS

 

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

Link to comment
49 minutes ago, RachelSusan said:

Hi Nikki,

I'm sorry you are suffering so. It is indeed h*ll. I wish I could fix it for you. Hang in there. 

xo

RS

 

Thank you Rachel.

 

Only way for akathisia to heal is get off drugs or as much as possible. 

 

Not one window ever.

 

I can’t do this for years xx

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment

Q. I would like to try a cut of the lexapro. I’ll be using the 5mg pill and jewellery scales. Any advice?

 

I have read the thread on reducing lexapro/ escitalopram.

 

Thanks, Nikki 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
On 5/1/2018 at 11:28 PM, Frogie said:

Can you get a weighted blanket? I know I get akasthisia in my knees of all places. I rub magnesium cream on them and put the weights you buy for your ankles and lay them open on my knees. That helps. Or a magnesium bath? I've never taken one but hear lots of people say they help. Try taking magnesium? I'm not a dr or a mod, just someone that's giving you my opinions.

 

Hopefully something will help.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Thank you Frogie.

 

I have a weighted blanket, use a heat pad, and have those weights too that you describe. I’m cautious about magnesium and magnesium baths 😕 just so nervous to make things worse.

 

Kind of you to suggest things xxx

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
13 minutes ago, Nikki74 said:

Q. I would like to try a cut of the lexapro. I’ll be using the 5mg pill and jewellery scales. Any advice?

 

 

You may want to use the Brassmonkey Slide:

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-Tapering

 

You can modify for less than 2.5% cuts every week.

 

On 4/22/2018 at 3:07 PM, brassmonkey said:

A reduction of 1.25% a week will yield a total drop of 5% or a reduction of 0.625% would give a total drop of 2.5%.  A very popular method is to reduce by 1% a week. 

 

Since you are struggling so much, please consider doing a micro-taper. 

 

 

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30 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

You may want to use the Brassmonkey Slide:

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-Tapering

 

You can modify for less than 2.5% cuts every week.

 

 

Since you are struggling so much, please consider doing a micro-taper. 

Thank you Shep.

 

I’ve read through the brassmonkey link. 

 

When you say since I’m struggling so much, is the brassmonkey micro taper what you recommend but making the smallest cuts? 

 

Or is it best to keep holding? 

 

I have this idea reducing the lexapro might help eventually but yes I am very bad off with the akathisia. 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

This is a really tough call, which is why I mentioned a modified Brassmonkey micro-taper with cuts as little as 0.625% a week. 

 

If you think you would benefit with less Lexapro (as the akathisia may be coming from the Lexapro), than it would be good to give a micro-taper a try.

 

However, if you think that the akathisia is coming from having an overall destabilized nervous system more so than the Lexapro, than holding would be best.

 

This is something that really is hard to narrow down, so if you do make a reduction, I would stick to the very small micro-taper. 

 

Sorry, wish there was a better answer. 

 

 

Link to comment
37 minutes ago, Shep said:

This is a really tough call, which is why I mentioned a modified Brassmonkey micro-taper with cuts as little as 0.625% a week. 

 

If you think you would benefit with less Lexapro (as the akathisia may be coming from the Lexapro), than it would be good to give a micro-taper a try.

 

However, if you think that the akathisia is coming from having an overall destabilized nervous system more so than the Lexapro, than holding would be best.

 

I suppose i do feel ‘fried’. The akathisia is almost burning at times though so it’s hard to tell if it’s the experience of it making me feel my cns is just massively destabilised or if it actually is the case. I guess I’ve had almost 2 years of drug changes. With only that 4 month hold when everything suddenly ramped up beyond words mid-late January which could have been a delayed hit from the cts and am probably still experiencing.

37 minutes ago, Shep said:

This is something that really is hard to narrow down, so if you do make a reduction, I would stick to the very small micro-taper. 

 

Sorry, wish there was a better answer. 

It’s ok, I wish there was a way out of this pain. 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Nikki,

I just thought that I would check and see how you are doing?

 

Any decisions yet as far as a very small taper in your Lexapro/escitalopram ?  I wasn't sure if you had just decided to hold or not.

 

Have you decided to go with liquid or to try with your new scale?

 

Here is what we have on making your own liquid using your 5 mg. Lexapro:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules

 

 

I did make my own liquid with Trileptal/oxcarbazine.  I only briefly used the Lexapro pharmacy liquid but would be happy to help you with whatever method.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

manymoretodays

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

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

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

 

Link to comment
7 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi Nikki,

I just thought that I would check and see how you are doing?

 

Any decisions yet as far as a very small taper in your Lexapro/escitalopram ?  I wasn't sure if you had just decided to hold or not.

 

Have you decided to go with liquid or to try with your new scale?

 

Here is what we have on making your own liquid using your 5 mg. Lexapro:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules

 

 

I did make my own liquid with Trileptal/oxcarbazine.  I only briefly used the Lexapro pharmacy liquid but would be happy to help you with whatever method.

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

manymoretodays

Thank you manymoretodays

 

Am really stuck for what to do.

 

Ive had extreme terror every other day the last few days, severe depression and of course the relentless akathisia but less pacing. I have to spend most of the time in my room away from stimuli.

 

I thought I’d hold for another week or so.

 

I am keen to taper the lexapro but scared what it’ll unleash. Also wanted to get off the benzo so I don’t know.

 

Ive done some research into making the liquid lexapro and see I need to order some syringes. As it’s 5mg I’d dilute it in 5ml? I don’t know what syringes to order to be able to take out minuscule amounts?

 

Really scared and low living like this. They did a lot of damage to me the last year but it’s been two years of instability really. 

 

Hope is not with me much. 

 

Nikki x

 

ps I have ordered a new scale as the one I’ve got seems to fluctuate on the last .000  I made a 2% lexapro cut in February and the amount I cut off seems to vary slightly due to the scale readings so I’m worried I’m all over with what I’m taking though it’s such small amounts.

Edited by Nikki74

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

 

6 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

Ive had extreme terror every other day the last few days, severe depression and of course the relentless akathisia but less pacing. I have to spend most of the time in my room away from stimuli. 

  

I thought I’d hold for another week or so.

 

 I had to do that too.......the decreased stimuli and pretty home bound off and on for long periods.

And okay good.......HOLD........until we've done some practice with the homemade liquid.  How does that sound?  Are you able to get the 5 mg. tablets of escitalopram fairly readily?

And can you just clarify for me what you are on right now.

  • Klonipin(clonezepam) split doses .5 mg. 9am and .375 mg. 5pm  You've worked hard with Shep on this already and are feeling ready to go with the Lexapro now.  Now meaning after we get some practice in.  Just the Lexapro.
  • Lexapro(escitalopram) 5 mg.  You have shaved a teeny bit off recently while working with your old scale.  When do you take it?
  • Remeron(mirtazepine) 15 mg.  11pm

 

6 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

I am keen to taper the lexapro but scared what it’ll unleash. Also wanted to get off the benzo so I don’t know.

 

Ive done some research into making the liquid lexapro and see I need to order some syringes. As it’s 5mg I’d dilute it in 5ml? I don’t know what syringes to order to be able to take out minuscule amounts? 

 

My best guess Nikki........is that........nothing worse than what you may have already experienced will be unleashed.

And of course, yah,  you want to get off the benzo.   I encourage you to try to stop second guessing and just stay with a taper of Lexapro.  If in the course of tapering, we have concerns that your symptoms are due to your benzo more than the tapering of Lexapro........we can make adjustments then.  I can't, however........help you to taper both at once.  It's outside of our general protocols and philosophy here........which has been gained by many others experiences.

 

If you can.......get a variety of syringes.  Let's start with 10 ml syringes.   We can dilute at a greater than 1/1 solution.   And then just have to draw up what you need and discard the rest and take it directly from the oral(by mouth) syringe to start or add it to the contents of a juice or something to drink all at once.  (I'm going to have to check on this)

 

6 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

Really scared and low living like this. They did a lot of damage to me the last year but it’s been two years of instability really. 

 

Hugs.  Try and think in terms of healing as much as possible.  I know.  I know.  Sending hope and faith.........and perseverance.   None of ask for this kind of journey........yet, we are on it now........and it does.......yes, it does get better.

 

7 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

ps I have ordered a new scale as the one I’ve got seems to fluctuate on the last .000  I made a 2% lexapro cut in February and the amount I cut off seems to vary slightly due to the scale readings so I’m worried I’m all over with what I’m taking though it’s such small amounts.

 

And okay.......hmmmm.  If I were you I would just decide what method you would like to go with and then stick with it.  It's only going to get more confusing if you are weighing AND liquifying.  I would encourage a decision.  Buying supplies can be fun if you have the money and are struggling and can't do much else........yet not real productive.  It's up to you.  Try not to worry about everything and it's brother all the time.  Go on out of your room for short periods as tolerated and do some human interaction just in small bursts at first and gradually build. 

 

Okay, best, and all for today,

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

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

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

 

Link to comment

Nikki,

 

im so sorry you're suffering with akathesia, I have experienced it, and it's terrible.

 

Did you know there is an SA Southwest Support Group?

 

We usually meet near Bristol (Ham Green, Gordano) once a month.

 

Hugs,

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

 

 

 I had to do that too.......the decreased stimuli and pretty home bound off and on for long periods.

Yes it’s been a long time I’ve been home bound (since September) unless on the odd occasion someone takes me for a drive and I’m up to it.

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

And okay good.......HOLD........until we've done some practice with the homemade liquid.  How does that sound?  Are you able to get the 5 mg. tablets of escitalopram fairly readily?

Yes I am prescribed the 5mg tablets. Ok I don’t have a jar but I guess I can dissolve in a glass using tap water?

 

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

 

And can you just clarify for me what you are on right now.

  • Klonipin(clonezepam) split doses .5 mg. 9am and .375 mg. 5pm  You've worked hard with Shep on this already and are feeling ready to go with the Lexapro now.  Now meaning after we get some practice in.  Just the Lexapro.
  • Lexapro(escitalopram) 5 mg.  You have shaved a teeny bit off recently while working with your old scale.  When do you take it?
  • Remeron(mirtazepine) 15 mg.  11pm

 

That’s correct with the drugs and timings. 

Well I don’t know if I’m ready to go with the lexapro as I’m so unstable and always have been but I want to move forward with getting off it! I take it at 8.15am and yes I shaved off 2%.

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

 

My best guess Nikki........is that........nothing worse than what you may have already experienced will be unleashed.

I pray so. Thank you.

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

And of course, yah,  you want to get off the benzo.   I encourage you to try to stop second guessing and just stay with a taper of Lexapro.  If in the course of tapering, we have concerns that your symptoms are due to your benzo more than the tapering of Lexapro........we can make adjustments then.  I can't, however........help you to taper both at once.  It's outside of our general protocols and philosophy here........which has been gained by many others experiences.

 

Ok

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

If you can.......get a variety of syringes.  Let's start with 10 ml syringes.   We can dilute at a greater than 1/1 solution.   And then just have to draw up what you need and discard the rest and take it directly from the oral(by mouth) syringe to start or add it to the contents of a juice or something to drink all at once.  (I'm going to have to check on this)

Ok I’ve now ordered 10ml syringes pack of ten, I’m guessing you can reuse them?

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

 

 

Hugs.  Try and think in terms of healing as much as possible.  I know.  I know.  Sending hope and faith.........and perseverance.   None of ask for this kind of journey........yet, we are on it now........and it does.......yes, it does get better.

 

Thank you.

 

All I’m able to see is more suffering especially with the akathisia never going but I pray and pray it will all get better in time.

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

And okay.......hmmmm.  If I were you I would just decide what method you would like to go with and then stick with it.  It's only going to get more confusing if you are weighing AND liquifying.  I would encourage a decision.  Buying supplies can be fun if you have the money and are struggling and can't do much else........yet not real productive.  It's up to you. 

 

I ordered a new one as I weigh the Klonopin right now. But will do liquid for the lexapro.

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Try not to worry about everything and it's brother all the time.  Go on out of your room for short periods as tolerated and do some human interaction just in small bursts at first and gradually build. 

 

I have to do this as I have a son to care for and I do get taken out maybe once a week for a couple of hours. 

 

I have cfs (before all this) and coupled with the constant akathisia I’m very weak a lot of the time. And the agitation makes it so hard to be around anyone/ anything it’s truly disabling in that way (just so horridly uncomfortable). But thank you and I try.

12 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Okay, best, and all for today,

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

Thank you very much mmt for your help and encouragement.

 

My syringes should arrive tomorrow so hopefully I can try the liquid very soon.

 

Blessings and gratitude, Nikki 

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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12 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

Nikki,

 

im so sorry you're suffering with akathesia, I have experienced it, and it's terrible.

 

Did you know there is an SA Southwest Support Group?

 

We usually meet near Bristol (Ham Green, Gordano) once a month.

 

Hugs,

JC

Hi JC

 

Thank you. 

 

Oh did you? Yes it’s the worst and never a window just varying levels of it but constant. I hope it goes away one day.

 

I didn’t know that about the SW group! That’s so cool. I’m quite far from Gordano (do you meet in the services?) and can’t drive but maybe one day I can make it! Are there many on SA from the region? I’m in South Devon.

 

Nikki x

2009-2011 mirtazapine 45mg plus clonaz as needed. Start Lexapro Nov 2011. 

June 2016 Zopiclone, July-Sept Trazodone 50mg, adverse reaction, ct, started pregabalin, reduced Lexapro from 20 to 15mg

Start of 2017 on 15mg lexapro, 100mg pregablin. April added 15mg mirtazapine. End May.  Start June stop pregablin after two week taper.  End June.  Stopped Lexapro 15mg 3 wk taper. Start July Mirt 30mg + Diaz daily 2-4mg End July  returned to mirtaz 15mg + lexapro at 10mg reinstated. 4th Aug - 19 Sept Zopiclone (3.75 then 7.5 then 3.75 at the end)

diazepam 7-8mg day since then. 16 Sept cut lex to 5mg. 5-6 Oct swapped 5mg lex to 8.15am and 15mg mirtazipine to 11pm

8 Oct onwards sticking to 6mg diazepam p/day 3 doses/ 2 Feb start 1mg clonazepam, stop Diaz. 21 Feb 2% cut lex. 8 March 12.5% clon cut. Now take .5 clon 9am, .375 5pm(0.875 mg daily clonazepam) 16 May  @8% clon reduction so 9am dose .43(0.805 mg daily clonazepam)

2 July 10% Lexapro reduction to 4.5mg. 9 Aug .25mg lex cut  to 4.25mg/ 13 Aug 4.5mg

2018 October Lexapro 4.5 to 4.25 mg  clonazepam 0.80 mg  mirtazapine 15 mg

2019 October present drugs:  Lexapro 2.75 mg(tapers of 0.25 increments in last year at 5 -9 week intervals),  clonazepam 0.78 mg(taper of .02 mg November 2018),  mirtazapine 15 mg

2020 January 5th Lexapro taper to 2.57 mg(2%drop), total clonazepam 0.78 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg

previous signature here  recent dosing and symptom logs here

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Nikki,

When did you start the 2% decrease of escitalopram or approximately 4.9mg ?

Are you on the generic form then or the brand called Cipralex in the UK ?

 

I need you to take a really good read through and study of this link below, especially the first couple of posts:

 

Please watch the video as well as pay good attention to what Rhi has to say in that first post.  I did a dissolve type of liquification with my last medication...... in which I let the coated tablet dissolve by swirling it around in solution and then it was a bit milky as well.  When I got to lower doses I could save the mixed solution for 3 days worth of doses.

17 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

Ok I don’t have a jar but I guess I can dissolve in a glass using tap water?

Some form of graduated cylinder might be better and/or a tinted type pharmacy container with a lid might be good going forward.  Read the link ^   Most of the answers are there.  And then this:

"Escitalopram oxalate occurs as a fine, white to slightly-yellow powder and is freely soluble in methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), soluble in isotonic saline solution, sparingly soluble in water and ethanol, slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, and insoluble in heptane."

(taken from rxlist.com) 

"sparingly soluble in water" might be okay......I've asked the other mods to weigh on in on this.  The pharmacy made solution that's available in the UK might be too concentrated to work with.  Unless it can be further diluted.  Something else that you or I could look into.

  @Junglechicken

Did you just cut your tablet?  Any experience with the Lundeback liquid that the UK uses?  TY in advance.

 

17 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

Ok I’ve now ordered 10ml syringes pack of ten, I’m guessing you can reuse them?

Yes you can reuse them.  Sometimes the markings on them wear off however.  We have one member who uses duct tape with a permanent marker to avoid that.

17 hours ago, Nikki74 said:

Well I don’t know if I’m ready to go with the lexapro as I’m so unstable and always have been but I want to move forward with getting off it! I take it at 8.15am and yes I shaved off 2%.

Nikki........that's fine.  I understand.  I went back and reviewed your intro here and also your benzo forum journal..........you've been through a lot, including recent medication changes,  and it does appear that you have made much progress, even with the present symptoms.  Much applause for your willingness to keep it simple, slow, and as stable as possible.

 

Have you been able to try some of Shep's suggestions?  The yoga, Claire Weeks, and other suggestions on your benzo thread?  That may really help with some of your discomfort now.  And you may be more able to try it now than ever before.

 

I'm also wondering if switching your escitalopram to the evening hours might benefit you now.  I think this was mentioned before.......possibly not.  Before doing anything though if you could try and give us a couple days worth of daily notes for us.  I'll just copy the basic format again for you in the next post.

 

Thanks so much Nikki and so glad for your progress overall.  I know it's tough.  Hugs to the little one.  ❤️

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by manymoretodays
some grammar, punctuation, formatting additional

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

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

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

 

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