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Using a scale to weigh and measure doses


JoLe

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One could weigh 6 or 10 tablets at once, perhaps.

Yes, that would definitely be possible. Most people I know who use the scale method just used several pills to get their average weight, not the whole bottle like I did. So you could probably just put six pills on the pan and divide by six to get an average weight. Of course I like to make things more difficult than they have to be lol. I guess I figured the more pills you used, the more accurate your average weight would be.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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You are correct. You could weigh a group of 6 tablets 5 times, to average the weight of 30 tablets.

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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  • 4 months later...

Funnel Recommendation for Ease of Refilled Capsules

 

We've discovered an easy method for refilling capsules with one's new, lower amount of beads. It involves using a specific mini funnel and "00" size empty capsules. You want a funnel with the outside diameter able to fit into the capsule opening.

 

Here's what we are using (both ordered from Amazon):

1) Now Foods Veg-Capsules Double "00" Empty Capsules

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Now%20Foods%20Veg-Capsules%20Double%20%2200%22%20Empty%20Capsules

2) 1.5 " Darice Heavy Duty Plastic Mini Funnel, 2 pc per Pack (The opening at the narrow end measures 1/16-inch)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Darice%20Heavy%20Duty%20Plastic%20Mini%20Funnel%2C%202%20pc%20per%20Pack

 

They fit like "hand and glove", and make it REALLY EASY to pour beads into the empty capsules.

 

Put the open capsule into your eye-dropper stand. Stick the funnel into the open capsule. Our funnel stays standing there on it's own, right in place while you measure out your beads on the scale. After you measure out the beads, simply pour directly into the funnel. Pull funnel off while you hold the capsule base, and then stick your other capsule end on it. Done!

 

Also, we use a rectangular gem scoop for pouring loose beads onto the scale. This tool makes it much easier to pour out loose beads in small amount because of the 90 degree angle to the scoop edge. You can use the tweezers that come with the Gemini scale to incrementally push beads onto the scale. We use the #2 size scoop.

 

Here's a link to some on Amazon if you are interested:

http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Shovel-Scoop-Prospecting-Silver/dp/B00FEKJ57A/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1429371087&sr=8-6&keywords=smALL+gem+scoop+%232

 

 

(Not sure if this all has already been suggested by others in previous posts; if so, oops!)

post-3759-0-42432900-1429373162_thumb.jpg

post-3759-0-79963900-1429373177_thumb.jpg

post-3759-0-77399600-1429373192_thumb.jpg

Please note that I am supporting my PARTNER'S withdrawal process:

No previous history of prescription drugs

Early 2014:  Prescribed Ativan 1.5mg/day (on first ER visit), then Effexor XR to stablize (first 75mg then upped to 150mg after 2 weeks)

Summer 2014:  Did a 3 month titration off of Ativan (going down 10% each week), finished early fall 2014

No withdrawal symptoms

Nov 2014:  About to start reduction-toward-elimination of the Effexor following the precise 10% method that this SA site suggests; started w/4 week intervals 2x, then 3 week intervals 2x, now sticking with 2 week intervals per reduction

April 2015:  Down to 58mg Effexor XR (From 150mg) using slow tapering method recommended in SA; progressing at 2-week 10% reduction intervals of current dose.

Aug 2015:  22.5 mg Effexor XR

Dec 2015:   9.7 mg Effexor XR Continuing the above 10% reduction schedule every 2 weeks (no withdrawal symptoms)

June 2016: switched to beads when weight of current dose was approx. equal to number of beads (10) and scale became inconsistent measuring at this low weight

Aug 2015: down to 4 beads, reducing by 1 bead every 2 weeks

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Very creative, using jeweler's tools to handle the beads!

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...

No, I don't think the funnel fits into the size "0" caps. The "00" caps have a larger opening than the "0" caps. They are bigger than most capsules, which is good news given the size of the funnel end.

 

Bonus is that your dosage of medicine looks small relative to the size of the capsule, and has the positive psychological impact of affirming the titration process--ie, "wow, look how little I'm taking now!"

Please note that I am supporting my PARTNER'S withdrawal process:

No previous history of prescription drugs

Early 2014:  Prescribed Ativan 1.5mg/day (on first ER visit), then Effexor XR to stablize (first 75mg then upped to 150mg after 2 weeks)

Summer 2014:  Did a 3 month titration off of Ativan (going down 10% each week), finished early fall 2014

No withdrawal symptoms

Nov 2014:  About to start reduction-toward-elimination of the Effexor following the precise 10% method that this SA site suggests; started w/4 week intervals 2x, then 3 week intervals 2x, now sticking with 2 week intervals per reduction

April 2015:  Down to 58mg Effexor XR (From 150mg) using slow tapering method recommended in SA; progressing at 2-week 10% reduction intervals of current dose.

Aug 2015:  22.5 mg Effexor XR

Dec 2015:   9.7 mg Effexor XR Continuing the above 10% reduction schedule every 2 weeks (no withdrawal symptoms)

June 2016: switched to beads when weight of current dose was approx. equal to number of beads (10) and scale became inconsistent measuring at this low weight

Aug 2015: down to 4 beads, reducing by 1 bead every 2 weeks

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The problem with this gemini scale is that it keeps reseting if you don't use it straight away.

 

Also, does this funnel work with 000 size capsules? I am counting the beads in my AD, so will this scale method work with weighing beads?

I'd think it would, since the capsules get larger with more "0"'s (as I understand it).

 

However, the "00" size snuggly fits the funnel, so the funnel stays standing in place tucked right into the capsule half while you are weighing your next bead amount on the scale. I'd recommend the "00" capsules; you'll be doing the transfer of beads into the capsules for weeks & months, so keeping it easy seems worth it.

Please note that I am supporting my PARTNER'S withdrawal process:

No previous history of prescription drugs

Early 2014:  Prescribed Ativan 1.5mg/day (on first ER visit), then Effexor XR to stablize (first 75mg then upped to 150mg after 2 weeks)

Summer 2014:  Did a 3 month titration off of Ativan (going down 10% each week), finished early fall 2014

No withdrawal symptoms

Nov 2014:  About to start reduction-toward-elimination of the Effexor following the precise 10% method that this SA site suggests; started w/4 week intervals 2x, then 3 week intervals 2x, now sticking with 2 week intervals per reduction

April 2015:  Down to 58mg Effexor XR (From 150mg) using slow tapering method recommended in SA; progressing at 2-week 10% reduction intervals of current dose.

Aug 2015:  22.5 mg Effexor XR

Dec 2015:   9.7 mg Effexor XR Continuing the above 10% reduction schedule every 2 weeks (no withdrawal symptoms)

June 2016: switched to beads when weight of current dose was approx. equal to number of beads (10) and scale became inconsistent measuring at this low weight

Aug 2015: down to 4 beads, reducing by 1 bead every 2 weeks

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  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator

The ones many of us use are the Gemini-20.  They are available on Amazon or Ebay for about $35.  The next step up runs in the $150 range and the reviews don't indicate that they are any better.  I've been using mine now for almost 4 years without any problems.  If you order them be sure to also order a bag of "0" gel caps, they will make it a lot easier to make up your doses.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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I've been having issues with the Gemini-20. Even in a room with no fan on, no A/C on, no noise, not breathing on it, not leaning on counter.. I can't get an accurate reading from the scale. I'll weigh the pill content 3x and each time it's totally different (like .201mg vs. .190mg). I even calibrated it and the scale said it was fine. I've stopped using it and just took an average of how many beads I've left out over the last 13 days and am now just taking out that many beads each day. I know I'll have to measure once the dose gets small though, wish it was more accurate.

History: Began suffering from panic attacks when my father passed away in 2005. Been on and off SSRIs (Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor XR), and therapy since then.

2009 - Started Effexor XR 75mg. Consistent therapy starting Oct 2013

Feb 2014 - Therapist and I felt I was ready to come off Effexor - went to half dose (37.5mg) for a week and then off completely by advice of psychiatrist - bad w/d for a week then gone

May 2014 - bad protracted w/d came out of nowhere.. constant dizziness, agoraphobia(never had before), intense headaches, fatigue for 3 months, all tests (brain MRI, inner ear tests, blood tests, etc.) normal. could not drive, grocery shop, or live life.

Aug 2014 - back on Effexor XR 75mg as neurologist thought these symptoms were my anxiety coming back, all w/d symptoms disappear within 2 weeks. I should have went back on at a lower dose, but I hadn't discovered this site yet. I finally did discover this site, and gave myself a year to stabilize.

July 2015 - Started tapering from 75mg. 5% cuts every 3 weeks. From July 2015 - March 2016, reduced to 37.5mg (half dose). In March 2017, down to 18.3mg (quarter dose). April 2020 - down to 0.38mg.

 

Now: Finally med free as of Oct 31, 2020 after 5.5 years of tapering. Still med and withdrawal free, January 2023. ☀️

Supplements during tapering and now: Meditation, daily exercise, fish oil, clean diet, working from home (more sleep!)

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One trick for getting more accurate readings is to keep the calibration weight in the pan while weighing our dose.  Put the weight in the pan and press the "TARE" button.  This will zero the scale but put the electronics in the middle of their range where they are the most accurate.  Now weigh your dose as usual.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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I'm looking for recommendations, wondering if anyone knows some that are good.

 

I'm willing to spend hundreds of dollars. The cheapo one that's popular is driving me crazy, I want to smash it on concrete.

 

I think making my own solution is too much of a hassle, and liquid is too expensive, so I rather invest in a good scale cause I'm not getting off these pills anytime soon.

-On SSRI since April 2006.
-December 2007: SSRI discontinuation and withdrawal start.
-February 2008: SSRI reinstatement... improvement, yet withdrawal symptoms remains to this day.
-Currently taking: 16mg Citalopram, 1mg Risperidone (for insomnia).
-Current issues: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), insomnia, exaggerated physical symptoms of anxiety, muscle fatigue, weight gain, high prolactin/low testosterone

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Making own solution may seem daunting, but it's actually quite easy..

2000 - sertraline for job anxiety low confidence (17 years old) ..which turned the next 16 years into nightmare!

 

On/off sertraline severe withdrawals every time. 2014 - felt better as reduced dose of sertraline no more inner restlessness. Doctor rushed off again. Hit severe withdrawal. Lost the little I had in life. Couldn't get stable again on 12.5mg. Was switched to prozac. Had severe reaction to prozac..came off in November 2015 at 6mg as felt more confused and damaged on it..Even more withdrawal ..rage, depression, dyphoria, near constant suicidal ideation, self harm impulses, doom, concrete block in head, unable to do much of anything with this feeling in head..went back on 6mg of sertraline to see if would alleviate anything. It didn't..reduced from December to June 2016 came off at 2.5mg sertraline as was hospitalised for the severe rage, suicidal impulses, and put on 50mg lofepramine which in 2nd week reduced all symptoms but gave insomnia which still have..psych stopped lofepramine cold turkey..no increased withdrawal symptoms new symptoms from lofepramine except persistant insomnia which has as side effect.

 

Taking Ativan for 8 months for the severe rage self harm impulses 1-3 times a week (mostly 2 times a week) at .5mg. Two months (I'm unsure exactly when the interdose started to happen) ago interdose withdrawal seemed to happen..2 days I think after the Ativan.

 

 

Nightmare that could have been avoided!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Reading this thread, I thought I'd add my situation since it involves the use of a digital scale and trying to ascertain as precise cuts as possible.

 

Having some difficulty starting out on my taper the last couple days (sorry, haven't had time to update my sig line). I know most on his board are using liquid tapers of various kinds; I chose to stick with a dry cut microtaper since I am using a 0.0001g scale. 

 

Since it is still questionable in my mind as to whether my generic Clonazepam tablets are truly homogenous (the active med being evenly disbursed), I first started out by ascertaining an average of several tablets (since they vary in weight by 3-5%), pulverized the tablets, mixed the powder, weighed it (using a 0.0001g scale), encapsulating the powder, then reweighed, keeping the dose the same as my original dose, just to test my metabolism. I felt a bit funky after a few days of the capsules, stopped, and am now filing the tablet (much less time consuming and fussy), however, the concern is still whether the tablets are homogenous (you ask one pharmacist he says yes, since it's scored, no problem, you ask another, he says no guarantee, you ask the mfg, and even they cannot give me a straight answer). If not, then I would think working with tablets is a risky bet when it comes to w/d symptoms. And now, since my starting cuts are so tiny, they are sometimes either too much or not enough to get the tablet weight to the desired amount because of the weight variance per tablet. 

 

Any and all insight to assist me in determining what taper road is best would be greatly appreciated. I would rather iron out these measurement issues now than too far into the taper when w/d symptoms may be more of an issue.

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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If you are pulverizing the tablets, I would not worry about the homogeneity of any individual tablet. They are all supposed to carry the same amount of the active ingredient. Unless you do chemical analysis tests of every part of a tablet, you'll have to work with that assumption.

 

When you pulverize the tablet, you can mix the powder around so the active ingredient is also mixed throughout the powder.

 

Many, many people have done this (as well as making a liquid) and tapered successfully.

 

Finally, if you still distrust your measurements, you could get a good compounding pharmacy to do the work. For some drugs, they can work directly with the powder.

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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If you are pulverizing the tablets, I would not worry about the homogeneity of any individual tablet. They are all supposed to carry the same amount of the active ingredient. Unless you do chemical analysis tests of every part of a tablet, you'll have to work with that assumption.

 

When you pulverize the tablet, you can mix the powder around so the active ingredient is also mixed throughout the powder.

 

Many, many people have done this (as well as making a liquid) and tapered successfully.

Right, but I did not seem to react well to the capsules so I stopped. Then again, I only tried them for 4 days. Should I give them a longer shot? They are a ton more work to process, but, yes, they would eliminate the concern over homogeneity.

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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Yes, give them more time. It takes at least 4 days for a dosage change to fully register.

 

It could be you're losing some powder in the process. You may wish to make the change to DIY capsules when you want a dosage reduction.

 

Also, be sure to weigh the powder for your dose outside of the capsule.

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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Yes, give them more time. It takes at least 4 days for a dosage change to fully register.

 

It could be you're losing some powder in the process. You may wish to make the change to DIY capsules when you want a dosage reduction.

 

Also, be sure to weigh the powder for your dose outside of the capsule.

Yep, made sure my powder weight was exactly the same weight as my original tablet weight average + re-weighed it and made adjustments once encapsulated. My concerns over the way I was feeling were more to do with the nuances of powder and capsule metabolism vs. the tablet to which I've been accustomed for the last 9 mos. Or do you think that's getting too "OCD? In other words, unlikely the change from tablets to capsules would've caused any reaction in the first couple days and more likely placebo?

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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It seems to me you might have a habit of overthinking as well as perfectionism.

 

I would not be a bit surprised if some anxiety was clouding your self-observations when utilizing your homemade capsules.

Cannot disagree with that at all.  Paranoia/OCD about this "horrible" med from day one, procrastination knowing yesterday is the time to actually take action + having way too much time to develop a good case of cyberchondria  :wacko: , reading all the horror stories from that of Stevie Nicks to the forums (the only ones that seem to post) to the recent research showing benzos in general contributing to Alzheimer's, blah-blah-blah. Nonetheless, In my 9 mos. on K, I cannot say it has been altogether unpleasant physically, moreso, the daily mental anguish over the thought of poisoning myself, having to hold until I tapered my other psych med (and I realize I'm a small fish here compared to the multi-decade poly-drugged veterans). More than once, and over time, I find myself needing to be put in check. Thanks. Again. :rolleyes:

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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If you reweigh the capsules after you fill then and make adjustments, then you are throwing the dose weight off by the variance in the capsule weights.  The weight of the capsule makes no difference in the overall scheme of things.  Are you actually using a microgram scale (.0001g)?  Trying to manipulate that small an amount of powder without true lab equipment is fruitless. If you really need to make your doses that accurate then it would be best to either buy or make your own liquid.

 

Any change in dose, be it brand name to generic, tablet to liquid, tablet to powder etc. runs the risk of some symptoms being caused by the change.  Also any dose change takes a minimum of 4 days to become steady state in the blood, after which you need to let any resulting symptoms settle out before you can tell if there are any problems. The first sign being that the symptoms don't settle out given enough time. And by time we need to think in terms of geologic not glacial.

 

Don't discount the placebo effect, it's very powerful, especially when dealing with these sorts of drugs and WD.

No, am adding/factoring the weight separately of the capsule & not altering the powder weight. And yes, am using semi-micro scale (it is actually a .00001g scale which was far too sensitive for my non-lab environment, so I had to re-program it to 4 decimals - lots of trial and error) to get a stable reading. I actually have it set to read in mg (0.0mg) instead of g now which is nice. I may convert to a liquid taper on down the road as my dosage become much less and where accuracy becomes even more an issue.

 

I have learned from tapering my prior psych med, Lamictal, that the 4-day "rule" is valid and has been documented in my log during my taper of it. My taper "training" on L taught me the basics of tapering and was never w/d-free. I had many times following cuts that I would become noticeably symptomatic, but after a few days of holding or updosing, would acclimate rather nicely, and, after what some folks who've been on that med have reported, it's no cake walk either.

 

The placebo has been in effect even BEFORE I began my taper! :lol:

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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I'd like to ask the same question. I don't like the Gemini 20 scale and I've even used the tips suggested. Can't seem to find a more expensive one with decent reviews for measuring tiny amounts, however.

History: Began suffering from panic attacks when my father passed away in 2005. Been on and off SSRIs (Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor XR), and therapy since then.

2009 - Started Effexor XR 75mg. Consistent therapy starting Oct 2013

Feb 2014 - Therapist and I felt I was ready to come off Effexor - went to half dose (37.5mg) for a week and then off completely by advice of psychiatrist - bad w/d for a week then gone

May 2014 - bad protracted w/d came out of nowhere.. constant dizziness, agoraphobia(never had before), intense headaches, fatigue for 3 months, all tests (brain MRI, inner ear tests, blood tests, etc.) normal. could not drive, grocery shop, or live life.

Aug 2014 - back on Effexor XR 75mg as neurologist thought these symptoms were my anxiety coming back, all w/d symptoms disappear within 2 weeks. I should have went back on at a lower dose, but I hadn't discovered this site yet. I finally did discover this site, and gave myself a year to stabilize.

July 2015 - Started tapering from 75mg. 5% cuts every 3 weeks. From July 2015 - March 2016, reduced to 37.5mg (half dose). In March 2017, down to 18.3mg (quarter dose). April 2020 - down to 0.38mg.

 

Now: Finally med free as of Oct 31, 2020 after 5.5 years of tapering. Still med and withdrawal free, January 2023. ☀️

Supplements during tapering and now: Meditation, daily exercise, fish oil, clean diet, working from home (more sleep!)

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I'd like to ask the same question. I don't like the Gemini 20 scale and I've even used the tips suggested. Can't seem to find a more expensive one with decent reviews for measuring tiny amounts, however.

I originally used the Gemini and found that unless you are cutting at weights >10mg, it will not give you accurate enough readings, especially if you intend to use a microtaper. Expensive is a relative term and I don't know what your budget will allow, but I use a Radwag AS 82/220 R2. http://radwagusa.com/en/as-82-220r2-analytical-balance,w1,IN4,

I found it to be is the most economical way to go to get a mg measurement because it is a dual range semi-micro balance (the full micro balances are far too expensive and a moot point point unless used under strict lab conditions). Pricing varies depending on the distributor ($1200-$1500). Unless you're using it in a lab, you won't ever get stable readings at the full 5 digits (0.00000g) as it is highly sensitive to temperature, humidity, light, etc. and will have to adjust it to 4 digits (0.0000g) or 0.0mg which is where it's working fine now and is more than enough for microtapering. It took me an entire month to troubleshoot this before I started my taper.

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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I couldn't find this topic anywhere so I am going to ask my question here. Is it okay to save the extra powder from a capsule after weighing out your dose?

I am not a medical professional. My comments and posts are based on personal experiences. Please consult appropriate medical professionals for advice. 

I was started on psych drugs back in the late 80's. You name it. I probably was on it. Tapered off final cocktail 2013-2019. For Hashimotos and high blood pressure I take Levothyroxine. Liothyronine. Spironolactone. Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan. B12 hydroxy. Fish oil w/D3. Bee pollen. Magnesium Glycinate.

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Yes, save it in a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting cap. A colored container from the pharmacy, often green or amber, will help protect it from the light, which is important. Keep it in a cool, dark place, as many drugs can be degraded by light or heat.

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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Hi all,

 

I've got a question about digital scales. I use the Myweigh Gempro-250 digital scale for more than 3 years now and am very happy with its performance (fast, accurate weighing. If i weigh the same thing 5 times, it's 5 times the same weight. On the previous scale i used, this was not the case...). 

 

The 'problem' i now encouter however, is that below 15mg, the scale takes a lot af time to weigh... If i weigh something that is 14mg, then the scale starts at 11mg, after 5-10 seconds 12mg, another 5-10 seconds later 13mg and another 5-10 seconds later 14mg... I find this very annoying and time consuming... (especially cause i weigh all my pills 3 time, just to make sure the weight is accurate...). I wonder how other scales perform at these low weights?

 

Thx in advance!

Since 2005 50mg of Serlain (Zoloft).
After several failed attemps of tapering on doctors advice (way too fast), in 2012 begun with slow taper. In 09/2014 on 4.5mg(=9%) of initial dose crashed and upped a bit (6.5mg; =13%) and stayed there for more than a half year

Lost my job in 06/2015, but was doing OK

My goal: to super slow taper further down and finally come off these meds.

Since 1/1/2016 on 3.9mg (=7,7%)

 

 

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I have never used a scale and just in case no one here uses that particular model, I found the pdf for the scale and see it has 2 different 'divisions' that it can use:

 

Press to select 0001, this means the division is 0.001g/
0.005ct.
Press to select 0002, this means the division is 0.002g/
0.01ct.
 
I wonder if it would read faster or slower if you change it to the division you aren't using?

What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878

 

July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site.

 

Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.

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The electronics involved in the scales is very sensitive and finicky.  They tend to be the most accurate in the middle of their work range.  One trick is to put the calibration weight into the pan and then "tare" it out before making your measurements.  This will put the scale into the middle of its range and make it easier to work with.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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WoodNymph46 posted a very good description about how to calibrate the scale here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/283-tips-for-tapering-off-cymbalta-duloxetine/?p=176968

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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Hi all,

 

I've got a question about digital scales. I use the Myweigh Gempro-250 digital scale for more than 3 years now and am very happy with its performance (fast, accurate weighing. If i weigh the same thing 5 times, it's 5 times the same weight. On the previous scale i used, this was not the case...). 

 

The 'problem' i now encouter however, is that below 15mg, the scale takes a lot af time to weigh... If i weigh something that is 14mg, then the scale starts at 11mg, after 5-10 seconds 12mg, another 5-10 seconds later 13mg and another 5-10 seconds later 14mg... I find this very annoying and time consuming... (especially cause i weigh all my pills 3 time, just to make sure the weight is accurate...). I wonder how other scales perform at these low weights?

 

Thx in advance!

The problem is in the technology of the scale. In my search for finding the right scale to meet my microtaper needs, I quickly learned the difference in technology between the Gemini-20 and scales like the Myweigh (which are strain gauge load cell balances better utilized for static weighing) and the lab quality scales (which are electromagnetic force restoration balances more suited to trickle weighing powders which is better suited for our microtapering purposes). Here's an excellent youtube video that explains the differences in both scales:

 

The bottom line: Milligram strain gauge digital scales were developed to meet a price point but they do sacrifice accuracy at weights <15mg compared to a magnetic force restoration balance.

 

The increase in expense is considerable, so it's a question of whether the added accuracy is worth the expense, not to mention, a personal financial decision. I look at anything to do with my health as an investment, so cost (up to a certain point I feel comfortable), is not an issue. My decision was to go with a lab quality scale which uses force restoration and measure in the 0.0000g range as I posted upthread.

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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Many people have used the Gemini scale to taper. It is not as accurate as a more expensive laboratory scale, that is true.

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...

I'll try that thanks lexy-

 

This is the scale I got

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011J88S8M/ref=nav_timeline_asin?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

It's the smart weigh high precision digital jewelry scale

 

*Currently at 8.2-8.5 mg of my 10mg pill of Paxil (they actually weigh 12.5mg) 

january 2023 I began reducing my med again. I was a 9mg weight for years, I went to 8.9 in January, went to 8.6mg in February, and in March 2023 I went down to 8.5-8.2 mg ( my scale varies, so I stick within that .3 range because of that) 

*No other supplements or vitamins 

*Taper schedule in the pdf 

Blank.pdf

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5vShtJtwAOGA30OxIP87steLmMdFzD29F0fzAPD564

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  • 3 weeks later...

Wanted to share some tips on using the Gemini scale.

  • I always leave the 10g weight in the scale that came with it because it apparently does better at the higher weights
  • I've been using 3 dixie cups as they fit perfectly in the scale - 1 to put all of my beads in, a 2nd to put the beads in that I'm removing, and then the 3rd to finally weigh the beads that I'm taking out (always resetting the scale when switching cups since the dixie cups weigh differently too. So there's 3 weights that I care about - the weight of the total pill, the weight of what I'm taking, and the weight of what I'm removing. I keep track of all 3 of these
  • I find that picking up the dixie cup and setting it back down after I remove or add beads helps to 'check' the weight

This has made it a more reliable scale for me. Hope that helps!

History: Began suffering from panic attacks when my father passed away in 2005. Been on and off SSRIs (Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor XR), and therapy since then.

2009 - Started Effexor XR 75mg. Consistent therapy starting Oct 2013

Feb 2014 - Therapist and I felt I was ready to come off Effexor - went to half dose (37.5mg) for a week and then off completely by advice of psychiatrist - bad w/d for a week then gone

May 2014 - bad protracted w/d came out of nowhere.. constant dizziness, agoraphobia(never had before), intense headaches, fatigue for 3 months, all tests (brain MRI, inner ear tests, blood tests, etc.) normal. could not drive, grocery shop, or live life.

Aug 2014 - back on Effexor XR 75mg as neurologist thought these symptoms were my anxiety coming back, all w/d symptoms disappear within 2 weeks. I should have went back on at a lower dose, but I hadn't discovered this site yet. I finally did discover this site, and gave myself a year to stabilize.

July 2015 - Started tapering from 75mg. 5% cuts every 3 weeks. From July 2015 - March 2016, reduced to 37.5mg (half dose). In March 2017, down to 18.3mg (quarter dose). April 2020 - down to 0.38mg.

 

Now: Finally med free as of Oct 31, 2020 after 5.5 years of tapering. Still med and withdrawal free, January 2023. ☀️

Supplements during tapering and now: Meditation, daily exercise, fish oil, clean diet, working from home (more sleep!)

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

Pulverizing or dissolving Effexor XR beads will remove the time-release coating. Then you have immediate-release Effexor.

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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that was a very insightful video, thanks for posting.

 

I have a question about pulverising - what should i use? I have a mortar and pestle but am worried that some with get stuck on the pestle and i will miss it - the beads are so small anyway...do i grind it and then pour the water into the mortar and leave it there to ensure i get it all? 

 

 

Beads shouldn't be pulverized. Just weigh the beads and remove as necessary until you get the weight you want. I don't even pulverize my tablets, I don't see the point and, as you mentioned, the powder that is left behind could affect the dosage.

 

i was considering making a solution to help make accurate dosing more reliable - i have found that my gemini scale is not accurate despite putting the weight on the scale as described above.

 

 

When my scale is acting up I calibrate over and over until it improves. If it's still off I change the batteries, using lithium batteries that are specially made for digital devices. If it's still acting up and the reading are significantly off then I just get a new scale. 25 bucks is nothing when it comes to something as important as tapering safely.

 

When it comes to Effexor I've heard of people counting beads instead of weighing, however I know the beads are not uniform in size so that could interfere with getting an accurate dosage.

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Pulverizing or dissolving Effexor XR beads will remove the time-release coating. Then you have immediate-release Effexor.

yes, i realise i would need to dose twice daily

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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If I were you, I'd experiment with beads that are not pulverized. Offhand, that seems like an unnecessary step to me.

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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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi everyone

Does anyone know where I can order Satorious Az313 from? Would love this item ASAP but don't know if u can buy it in Australia. I watched the youtube video the it's the 1 on the right. Awesome

 

Thanks guys

 

This description shows it only measures in the gram range and rounds off to 1mg (.001g) which is no different than with the much cheaper (and less accurate) Gemini: https://www.scalesgalore.com/product/?product_id=25469#Features

Although Sartorius is the Rolls Royce of balances and has an excellent reputation, I was able to find a dual-action balance that measures in the sub-milligram range (.0001g) for about the same amount of expense (see my posts upthread for details). This would give you an even more accurate weighing during a taper, but it all depends on your needs and the type of med(s) you are tapering. Hope this helps.

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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Hi csm2014 Hi. Could you please kindly tell me the exact name of the scale you are using? I'm having trouble finding your thread. I'm not very great with this technology apologies! If it's working for you id like to buy the exact one and give it a try. Thank you so much. Much appreciated!

Sure. It's on this same thread, page 3, post #101, and here is the link to the model. Took me some time to use it, but so far, so good:

http://radwagusa.com/en/as-82-220r2-analytical-balance,w1,IN4

If you get it, let me know how it works for you.

MEDS SUMMARY:

1) Valium: 10mg avg prn from 09-06-14 to 10-20-14
2) Xanax: 0.75mg avg prn from from 09-19-14 to 10-16-14
3) Lexapro: 5mg q.d. from 10-06-14 to 10-16-14
4) switched immediately to Clonazepam: 0.5mg average/day for 2 weeks (10-17-24-10-30-14); titrated to 1mg (0.5mg bid) on 10-31-14 to present; started microtaper @ .625% (.0031250mg x 2) from 08-09-15 to 08-15-15; .800% (.0038750mg x 2) from 08-16-15 to present; destabilized 08-19-15 (due to change from original tablet); reinstated, on day 54, and have tapered a total of 14% as of 09-30-15 with zero symptoms (knock on wood)!
5) Lamictal: 100mg q.d. from 10-23-14 to 12-04-14; started tapering 12-05-14, 25mg every 2 weeks; destabilized 01-15-14; reinstated 01-22-15 at 25mg q.d. from 01-24-15 to 02-19-15; cut approx. 3-4mg every 5-10 days until 03-22-15, then cut 2mg every 5-6 days until 05-12-15; holding at 4mg q.d. from 05-13-15 to present.
Detailed Analysis - Lamictal history: https://app.box.com/s/rnermghleue9aemyhd57l1a00gsk2i4u

6) Also taking meds for blood pressure (Coreg @ 6.25mg b.i.d. and Losartan @ 50mg b.i.d.) + for blood clot I had back in 2012 (Xarelto @ 10mg) + for hypothyroidism (Armour Thyroid @ 1grain q.d.)

 

HISTORY & SUPPLEMENT LIST: https://app.box.com/s/mc9mch8za2lbizgs9z8j4mzhz2oswn8l

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