Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

☼ Glosmom: my daughter's taper


Glosmom

Recommended Posts

  • Moderator Emeritus

HI Sunnylou!

Thanks for stopping by and I really appreciate your kind words. Especially since you are actually going through this process.  Your words of encouragement mean alot.  Glo is actually doing well with her last drop so we plan to do another one early next week (after Halloween and a family event on Saturday). Will update her progress after a couple weeks.  I will send positive thoughts your way for a successful tapering process!  Best wishes and 'nice to meet you' :) Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi Glo's Mom,

Thank you for keeping us updated. I do follow you.  You are so capable, I'm impressed.  Here's to smooth sailing for the duration of her taper.

Warm wishes,

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
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi RachelSusan!

Thanks so much for your well wishes!  I wish the same for you in your tapering as well.  Peace to you, Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Update

 

Made the drop to 0.2 mg in early November.  Glo had pretty predictable withdrawal symptoms throughout the month with a couple of exceptions.  1) Three days during week 3 she had nightmares and increased anxiety that we hadn't seen in a while. It was during Thanksgiving and her older sister was in town and staying with us.  Not sure if it was due to her sister's menstrual cycle that increased her own hormones or maybe her awareness that she hasn't been able to travel to see her sister and stay with her (which she always loved to do) and so it increased her anxiety.  The good news is that after the three days were over, she was very calm with a happier affect and has been that way for the last 2 weeks.  So may be that bad struggle made for increased healing in a way.  2) She also has a little bit more disrupted sleep than last month.  She is getting in about 4 to 6 hours a night and does not seem to be affected the next day so we are just rolling with it.  We leave good snacks (apple slices, carrots, nuts etc) by her bed for when she is up during the night  If her anxiety ramps we have noticed that giving her harder food to chew, helps.  I know others have talked about mouth gards helping with jaw tenstion, but we are not sure she would understand why that is in her mouth so trying a little 'mother nature' food, seems to be working.

 

We are in week 5 after the decrease and seeing many good things.  She is watching / listening to her Ipad more, looking into our eyes and 'connecting' during conversations more, responding to requests more, singing more and just generally in less of a 'fog'.  It has been good to see.  We are planning on dropping her to 0.1 mg next week or the week after.  She has a birthday coming up at the end of the month and during one of our 'good moments' we were watching a Taylor Swift video and Glo commented how she liked her long, blonde hair.  I asked if she would like to get her hair (long, brown) highlighted for her birthday and her eyes lit up and she shook her head, "yes."  So my hair stylist is very aware of all the issues facing glo so she is willing to try and do this...couldn't get her scheduled until early January but hoping all goes well and she enjoys the experience. She always has loved getting her hair styled.... so fingers crossed.

 

We are aware that our decreases are larger than 10% but due to her predictable withdrawal pattern and good progress we believe we have made (and are making ) the right decision for Glo.  May be due to the fact that she is only on one med (an antipsychotic) and the fact that she had such a bad experience back in April, the decreases are what her brain and body needs. I will report back in January or February how it goes. We are thinking after we drop to 0.1 we will then go to .06 and then off.  If need be, we will add a decrease to .03 if anything untoward happens during the process.

 

Hoping those of you struggling through this Holiday Season can find a little nugget of hope in the good report about Glo.  Stay strong.....stay your course....it seems patience and perseverance are the answer.  Peace and Hope, Glosmom

 

 

 

 

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Hi Glosmom,

 

Many thanks for visiting my posts and your kind words of encouragement! :)

Go slow and steady is the key.  Hope you all can see the sun ☀️soon! 

 

Hope 2019 will be a better year for you and Glo! 🌻

 

Best Wishes,

 

jncs 😀

Nov 2013 - Insomnia. xanax, slept well 5 days. Insomnia returned. Lexapro, benzos (xanax or lexotan). Agitation starts. Jan 2014 - See Dr A, given Mirtazapine, slept better. Quetiapine, Lorazepam. Agitation, low mood, nervous, short yelling. Jul 14 - See Dr M. Mirtazapine. Sodium Valproate, Valdoxan, Sulpiride, Tianeptine, Effexor, Lyrica, Venlafaxine. Nov 14 - Mirt. Olanzapine 5mg. Dec 14 - Agitation worsens, morning yelling. Addicted to benzos. Warded for ECT. Jan 2015 - almost 90% recovered but only for 1 month, milder agitation and yelling returns. Apr 15 - Agitation returns, stop supplements. consulted TCM, took the wrong advice, stopped all meds. Hysterical yelling all day. May 15 - Mirt15mg (night), Olan 15mg, add Vortioxetine 10mg every am. Chlorpromazine 25mg 3x daily. June 15 - V Bad agitation, loud yelling AM to night. Addicted to benzos. warded for uni ECT. after 1 week, mild agitation and morning yelling returns. 4/8/15 - Mirt, Olan, Vort. Trifluoperazine 1mg 3x (replace Chlorpromazine). 18/8/15 - Olan 10mg, Vort 10mg am, Trifluoperazine 1mg 3x. Prozac 10mg (am). Mirt 7.5mg. 24/8/15 - Olan 10mg, Vort 10mg (AM), Trifluoperazine 3mg, Prozac 20mg (AM). Mirt11.25mg (Nite). 6/9/15 - Ditto, Prozac down to 15mg. V Bad am agitation and loud yelling. See Dr G, PART 1 TAPERING. 14/9/15 - ditto, Prozac 10mg.17 Sept - ditto, Trifluoperazine 1mg. Stop antihistamine Promethazine. 23 Sept - Trifluoperazine 1/2 mg. 28 Sept - Trif 1/4mg daily.1/10/15- Stop Trifluoperazine.2/10/15- Olanzapine 10mg, Vortioxetine 10mg, Prozac 5mg, Mirtazapine 12.8mg. 9 Oct - ditto. Prozac 2.5mg. Some good days, milder yelling. 16/10/15 - ditto. Stop Prozac. Yelling caused by restless agitation fr 7am - noon. 23/10/15 - Olan 9.5mg. up at 6am, takes AM walk daily to distract restless yelling. 31/10/15 - Olan 9mg. 6/11/15 - Yelling more aggressive and lasts longer for the week. Reinstate Olan to 9.2mg. Vort 10mg, Mirt 12.8mg. Hols 26/11 - 8/12/15, mild yellings 5/12 days, most days gd mood. 30/11/15 - Olan 9mg. 5/12/15 - Olan 8.8mg. AM agitation yellings 5/7 days. 10/12/15 Olan 8.4mg (Am 3.8mg, Nite 4.6mg, Vort 10mg, Mirt 12.8mg. 20/12/15 Mirt 12mg, Olan 8.4mg, Vort 10mg. AM yellings. Jan 2016 - see Dr L, up Mirt 30mg, Olan 10mg, stop Vort. zzz loud yelling 4pm. withdrawn. Feb 16 - See Dr D, adv to start tapering Olan. Yelling and agitation till late PM. Nervous, afraid to go outdoor. Mar 16 - Milder yelling on some days/mornings. Still nervous. 29/3/16- less nervous, more willing to go out. AM agitation, short yellings. 2/6/16 Shorter sleep, up by 6am. 1/8/16 - More good days. No yelling since mid Sept. milder AM agitation. (Hols 29/11-10/12, no agitation!). Dec 2016 - Agitation eased on most AM.

Feb 2016 - Olanzapine 10mg, Vortioxetine 5mg, Mirtazapine 15mg<p>

Off Olanzapine Apr 2017. 

Vortioxetine - 23/12/16 3.85mg.  Off Vortioxetine Aug 2017.

Mirtazapine - Off med Nov 2017.

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
On 9 December 2018 at 9:10 PM, Glosmom said:

Update

 

Made the drop to 0.2 mg in early November.  Glo had pretty predictable withdrawal symptoms throughout the month with a couple of exceptions.  1) Three days during week 3 she had nightmares and increased anxiety that we hadn't seen in a while. It was during Thanksgiving and her older sister was in town and staying with us.  Not sure if it was due to her sister's menstrual cycle that increased her own hormones or maybe her awareness that she hasn't been able to travel to see her sister and stay with her (which she always loved to do) and so it increased her anxiety.  The good news is that after the three days were over, she was very calm with a happier affect and has been that way for the last 2 weeks.  So may be that bad struggle made for increased healing in a way.  2) She also has a little bit more disrupted sleep than last month.  She is getting in about 4 to 6 hours a night and does not seem to be affected the next day so we are just rolling with it.  We leave good snacks (apple slices, carrots, nuts etc) by her bed for when she is up during the night  If her anxiety ramps we have noticed that giving her harder food to chew, helps.  I know others have talked about mouth gards helping with jaw tenstion, but we are not sure she would understand why that is in her mouth so trying a little 'mother nature' food, seems to be working.

 

We are in week 5 after the decrease and seeing many good things.  She is watching / listening to her Ipad more, looking into our eyes and 'connecting' during conversations more, responding to requests more, singing more and just generally in less of a 'fog'.  It has been good to see.  We are planning on dropping her to 0.1 mg next week or the week after.  She has a birthday coming up at the end of the month and during one of our 'good moments' we were watching a Taylor Swift video and Glo commented how she liked her long, blonde hair.  I asked if she would like to get her hair (long, brown) highlighted for her birthday and her eyes lit up and she shook her head, "yes."  So my hair stylist is very aware of all the issues facing glo so she is willing to try and do this...couldn't get her scheduled until early January but hoping all goes well and she enjoys the experience. She always has loved getting her hair styled.... so fingers crossed.

 

We are aware that our decreases are larger than 10% but due to her predictable withdrawal pattern and good progress we believe we have made (and are making ) the right decision for Glo.  May be due to the fact that she is only on one med (an antipsychotic) and the fact that she had such a bad experience back in April, the decreases are what her brain and body needs. I will report back in January or February how it goes. We are thinking after we drop to 0.1 we will then go to .06 and then off.  If need be, we will add a decrease to .03 if anything untoward happens during the process.

 

Hoping those of you struggling through this Holiday Season can find a little nugget of hope in the good report about Glo.  Stay strong.....stay your course....it seems patience and perseverance are the answer.  Peace and Hope, Glosmom

 

 

 

 

So how birthday been celebrated,off late Birthday wishes to Glo.

What's your good name?

I wonder, how you are able to feel and understand , not only your daughter's, but this forum!

Music came back?, then life came back.

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

HI Rupa,

Gloria's birthday was quiet but okay.  We knew December would be a low profile month for her since we did another decrease at the beginning of the month. Her hair appointment is next Tuesday and she is looking forward to that. It will be good to go then as that will be week 5 from her last drop and she has gotten through the worst of her withdrawals for this past month.  Yes, she started to listen to music and sing more about two months ago. Music is coming back for her!!  It was her favorite thing to do ( before her incident/meds) ...go to karaoke and concerts.  She still is not keen on going out much but we are glad she is listening to her music.  We look forward to her LIFE coming back once she is all the way off and this med is out of her system.

 

Since Glo has been mentally handicapped her entire life, i have had to learn many things about myself in my own journey to reach happiness.  Watching a defenseless soul have this happen to them brings about many emotions and lessons.  I am so grateful i found this site so that i could understand what others are going through.  It helps me to care for her and not get angry or confused about about all of the personality changes i have seen her go through in this process.  I don't know what i would have done if i had not found this site. It has been a blessing and a wealth of knowledge.  I just use empathy and compassion to move forward to deal with the tragedies that have befallen in my life and Glo's. We are always seeking to be joyful and positive though and your story give me hope that her life will return one day. :)

 

All the best to you!

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
1 hour ago, Glosmom said:

HI Rupa,

Gloria's birthday was quiet but okay.  We knew December would be a low profile month for her since we did another decrease at the beginning of the month. Her hair appointment is next Tuesday and she is looking forward to that. It will be good to go then as that will be week 5 from her last drop and she has gotten through the worst of her withdrawals for this past month.  Yes, she started to listen to music and sing more about two months ago. Music is coming back for her!!  It was her favorite thing to do ( before her incident/meds) ...go to karaoke and concerts.  She still is not keen on going out much but we are glad she is listening to her music.  We look forward to her LIFE coming back once she is all the way off and this med is out of her system.

 

Since Glo has been mentally handicapped her entire life, i have had to learn many things about myself in my own journey to reach happiness.  Watching a defenseless soul have this happen to them brings about many emotions and lessons.  I am so grateful i found this site so that i could understand what others are going through.  It helps me to care for her and not get angry or confused about about all of the personality changes i have seen her go through in this process.  I don't know what i would have done if i had not found this site. It has been a blessing and a wealth of knowledge.  I just use empathy and compassion to move forward to deal with the tragedies that have befallen in my life and Glo's. We are always seeking to be joyful and positive though and your story give me hope that her life will return one day. :)

 

All the best to you!

You seem not only the mother of substance but a human too.

It's good to know you have a partner in life and not alone for yourself.

 

 

 

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

Link to comment

Please do not wait more than four weeks to reduce next, she (Glo) may not communicate the difficulty she will face after using four weeks, its unbearable.After using exact four weeks, if we continue to use, that gives so many unbearable symptoms .Please understand this.

 

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Rupa!

We have sometimes noticed an increase in her anger spells after week four, but usually hold longer as they seem to pass.  The symptoms you speak of after four weeks can you describe some of them? I take very good notes about her symptoms each week and would be curious to compare.

 

I do know a couple other folks on here who were taking anti psychotics also spoke about something similar...

 

@risperdrawlin spoke about it this way..for week 6 and 7 after a taper. I wonder if this may be similar?

On 1/20/2015 at 9:37 PM, Risperdrawlin said:

As time has passed and my time holding at 0.375 mg has increased from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 and especially to 6 and 7 weeks, I have noticed myself become more like how I was on 2 mg. I have less anxiety. My affect is flatter. I appear calm. I've been acting a bit more like how I was acting on 2 mg. 

 

I sometimes spend time wondering who is the "Real Me". I feel a bit like this drug, which supposedly reduces agitation, is a bit like a steroid--a performance enhancer

On 2/5/2015 at 10:43 PM, Risperdrawlin said:

I was having trouble being on 0.375 mg and I was feeling similar to how I felt on 2 mg ("I cannot bear being on this dose and I need to cut it now").

Also @razmuk spoke about this....

On 8/2/2017 at 1:32 PM, Razmuk said:

Well it has been that way for most of the taper except dropping the morning dose completely..... I held for 2 months a couple times and both times my cognition got worse and worse and anxiety creeped up worse and worse then I taper and all is good for a 3 weeks to a month then it backslides again. Most of the time when that happens also my medicine makes me feel weird when I take it at night until I go to sleep. I honestly think my brain and body are rejecting the meds at this point. It is kind of a strange line to be walking because of all I have learned on here, but then again everyone is different. Like recently, I started losing sleep, got really nauseous, anxiety through the roof that kept ramping up over a week. I decided to taper and now my anxiety is going back down, my sleep is getting better, nausea is gone....... it is really strange

Definitely something interesting to ponder! I do appreciate your experience and story and am grateful for your insight.  Glo is doing well now with her last drop (almost 4 weeks ago) so we are watching her symptoms and behaviors and planning when we drop her next. I will be sure to report back on how it goes. 

 

Warmest Regards, glosmom

 

 

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
On 1/6/2019 at 8:35 PM, Glosmom said:

Hi Rupa!

We have sometimes noticed an increase in her anger spells after week four, but usually hold longer as they seem to pass.  The symptoms you speak of after four weeks can you describe some of them? I take very good notes about her symptoms each week and would be curious to compare.

 

I do know a couple other folks on here who were taking anti psychotics also spoke about something similar...

 

@risperdrawlin spoke about it this way..for week 6 and 7 after a taper. I wonder if this may be similar?

 

 

 

Also @razmuk spoke about this....

 

 

Definitely something interesting to ponder! I do appreciate your experience and story and am grateful for your insight.  Glo is doing well now with her last drop (almost 4 weeks ago) so we are watching her symptoms and behaviors and planning when we drop her next. I will be sure to report back on how it goes. 

 

Warmest Regards, glosmom

 

 

Dear,

My symptoms after 4 weeks of every drop is unbearableness throughout the body,wierdness in stomach,and in brain.

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Update

Glo is doing well with her last taper.  After the typical rough week three, she had a good week 4 and is happier and continues to watch her videos more and communicate better; still not her old self yet, but doing better and better.  She was happy to let me paint her finger and toe nails as last night she went to the Tim Tebow Night To Shine event on her dad's side of town. She looked so pretty in her pink gown!  I can't wait to pick her up this morning to hear all about it.

 

She dropped to .06 mg in early January.  So.....recent taper has been....decreased to .3 in September, .2 in October, .1 in December and .06 in January.  Her dad now wants to drop her to zero. Part of me wants to as well but I think to be safe, we will be dropping her to .02 and then her next stop is ZERO!  I can't believe how far we have come.   As i have said many times,  I don't believe Glo can fully heal until we get her off this med but being at the .06 dose give me hope that she really is still 'in there' and will come back to us soon.

 

So many people that post here have given me strength to plod along when the going was/is/gets tough.  I hope others can find comfort in knowing that the doses do decrease even though it feels like they don't.

 

I will update again in a couple months....hopefully with good news about zero.  We will continue to watch her behavior and body signals to guide us along the way.  Stay hopeful as there are only 39 days till Spring!!!!

 

Warmest Healing Wishes to All Who Are Suffering......Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment

Hello Glosmom,

 

I am glad know that your daughter is nearing the end of her taper.  You have clearly taken great care of her, and I applaud you for being so thorough and mindful of her.  I wish her the best for a life free of psych drugs, and for you to back to the normal task of parenting.

 

Take care.

PAST

Gabapentin:  about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin)

Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin)

Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months).

Seroquel:  June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months 

Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome.

 

CURRENT

Supplements: Vit D, turmeric

Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism

Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg;  10/01/16-  62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months)

                           Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi Glosmom,

Thank you for the update. I appreciate hearing from you and wish you and Glo well as you both go through this journey of withdrawal together.

Warm wishes for a bright future,

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
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you @Survivor1 @RachelSusan for your warm wishes and kind words!  Very thoughtful and much appreciated!  I read that it was your birthday yesterday, @RachelSusan  Hope that you can find peace and joy in your upcoming 'new' year.  Focus on your small successes and don't look too far beyond the current day to find them. 

Warmest Regards, Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Quick Update    Glo dropped to ZERO 4 days ago (February 27, 2019)!  So far she has had very typical withdrawal symptoms that mimic the last 6 decreases.   So won't write much for now as the first week is always tough. However, she is currently singing in the shower so that is a VERY good sign!!

 

So unreal that we don't have to worry about 5:30pm any more ( being home or carrying around her medicine wherever we go so that she won't miss her 5:30pm dose).   So much hope for a Spring and Summer to be full of the best healing she has seen in 3 years!! 

 

 

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Congrats, this is awesome. You have worked very hard to get Glo to this point.  I am so happy for both of 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
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Glosmom, 

 

That’s wonderful news that your daughter is off her meds now. Yes, it must be great not having to worry about giving her the meds each day, it sounds like freedom. Can’t wait until that day comes for me. I’m glad she’s singing in the shower too🎤🚿 😄

 

Please keep us updated as to how she’s going💚

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.

Link to comment

Wonderful, fantastic, heroic job, Glosmom, supporting your daughter through this entire tapering ordeal. You are to be commended for educating yourself about these poisons and ensuring that she did the taper correctly. Congratulations a million times for helping her get off the drugs. You and she are marvelous!

Let's pray for a completely smooth sailing for her, and you, from hereon in. 

Drugfree Prof

Psychologist and Psychotherapist

Prozac 20 mg for approx 3 months during 2000, withdrew, no w/d sx

Prozac 10 - 30 mg Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2014

Ritalin 30-40 mg Jan. 2008 - Mar. 2015

W/d sx from Prozac started around 3 months after cessation--crying spells, depressed mood, lethargy; resolved in 8 - 12 mos. post cessation

Used and continue to use a TON of alternative methods--meditation, mindfulness, nutrition. supplements, exercise, etc.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement @RachelSusan, @Carmie and @DrugfreeProf!!   Getting to zero really seems like the first step in the process for her true recovery.  She is not 'the old Glo' but getting this poison out of her system can be the only way for her to find her way back to herself......if it is even possible.  We have hope and I will be sure to update everyone when and if it happens.  Thanks again for your kind words!!

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
On 3/5/2019 at 1:15 AM, Glosmom said:

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement @RachelSusan, @Carmie and @DrugfreeProf!!   Getting to zero really seems like the first step in the process for her true recovery.  She is not 'the old Glo' but getting this poison out of her system can be the only way for her to find her way back to herself......if it is even possible.  We have hope and I will be sure to update everyone when and if it happens.  Thanks again for your kind words!!

 

Looking forward to reading the continued updates of how your daughter is going Glosmom, 

 

Wishing her all the best in her continued healing, she’s fortunate to have a loving mum like you. I’m from Australia, we use mum instead of mom.😁

 

Sending 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.

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Update

Well, I have been hesitant to post an update as I have been wrestling with myself and my expectations.  I had this unrealistic hope that Glo would jump to zero and be miraculously healed and return to her "normal", beautiful sweet self!!  But......not so much.

 

She has experienced over the last 4 weeks since she jumped to zero,  a fairly typical withdrawal pattern that she experienced after each drop during her taper.  We are seeing some good things......when she talks, her sentences are longer and her speech is more clear.  She continues to listen to her music and sing her songs. She continues to watch her TV shows and videos.  Her expression is clearer and she is laughing a lot more.  She sat outside with me in the sunshine last weekend when it was warmer, and she hadn't done much of that at all last Summer or Fall.

 

However, my Glo is still not herself.  She is no where near the girl she was before the prednisone incident in March of 2016.  She still struggles with insomnia (pretty much sleeps all night one or two days, then is up all night for on or two days...so at least she is getting a couple good days of sleep each week).  She continues to have crying spells (although not as often), anger spells (although they are much shorter and she is talking and expressing where her anger is coming from...although it doesn't always make sense) She is struggling with concentration and cognition (still not able to color or play games) and she spends a lot of time talking to herself (so she is having visual hallucinations/dreams/psychosis) although we are able to get her attention much more easily than we could in the past.  She is following tasks better but still needs assistance with taking care of herself.  She also must be having jaw tension as she is chewing on things and her fingers (so we give her carrots, apples, nuts to chew on to relieve pressure)

 

So even though i would say overall, she is definitely doing better.....we have a long way to go. We are continuing to deal with the realization that this is a long journey, even though she is off this med. We are hoping that the next couple months will show even more healing and improvement.

 

I will leave the post with a sweet and good story as it saved me from despair in the middle of the night last week when I was doubting my ability to be able to go on in life dealing with this situation...….

 

I was laying in the hallway (as I have done for many, many nights throughout the past 3 years)  in front of our master bedroom so that Gloria won't bust into our room and wake up her step-dad (he has to get up very early so I don't want to lock our door and keep her out..... but I need to be able to know she is safe) so I lay in the hallway to block her from messing with the door handle and I can see from my vantage point all the rooms she goes in and out of during the night and if she leaves TV's and Ipads on or lights in rooms on, etc. I was very, very sad and defeated as I laid there.... I was thinking a lot about the length of time our lives have been changed, and the suffering Glo goes through and the realization that my/our lives will probably never ever be the same as they were before March 2016. 

 

After quite a bit of time passed with me feeling sorry for myself and continuing with the negative thoughts...I decided to get up and go check on Glo in her bed as she had been quiet for awhile in her room.  I sat on her bed and saw her eyes were open and looking at me... but she wasn't saying anything or moving around or talking to herself and so I just started crying.....and I cried and cried then laid my head on her shoulder as I cried.   Well at that moment my beautiful Glo put her arms around me and said, "I love you so much, Mommy.  I love you so much.   It's okay, Mom.  It will be okay.  Shhhhh now, Mommy, don't cry."

 

I felt an angel had touched my soul. My crying stopped. I smiled deeply and gave her a kiss back and said, "Thank you, Glo. Mommy loves you too. I feel much better now. No more crying." I went back to my hallway sleeping spot and felt renewed. 

 

I can keep doing this, I will keep doing this.....and I will do it with joy and hope in my heart.

 

May healing find all who suffer here as soon as time will allow...…..Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
1 hour ago, Glosmom said:

I sat on her bed and saw her eyes were open and looking at me... but she wasn't saying anything or moving around or talking to herself and so I just started crying.....and I cried and cried then laid my head on her shoulder as I cried.   Well at that moment my beautiful Glo put her arms around me and said, "I love you so much, Mommy.  I love you so much.   It's okay, Mom.  It will be okay.  Shhhhh now, Mommy, don't cry."

 

I felt an angel had touched my soul. My crying stopped. I smiled deeply and gave her a kiss back and said, "Thank you, Glo. Mommy loves you too. I feel much better now. No more crying." I went back to my hallway sleeping spot and felt renewed. 

 

Ok, I shouldn't have read this at work because now I am crying with so much peace and joy for you both. I need to run to the restroom and touch my face up now.

 

You both have come so far and are on the road to recovery. Bless your family. 

 

xox

Celexa 10mg: 2007 to June 2018, stopped CT

No meds: June 2018 to December 2018

PROTRACTED WD-- major depressive episode for 2+ weeks

Lexapro 10mg: December 12, 2018 to January 19, 2019, severe adverse reaction

Celexa 10mg: January 20, 2019

June 24, 2019: 9mg

July 22, 2019: 8.5mg

Jan 8, 2020: 8mg

Aug 25, 2020: 7.2mg

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Awww thank you for such kind words @puthappinessfirst!!  It has been, and continues to be, a journey but we are not giving up.  I wish the best for you in your recovery journey as well.  Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
On 3/29/2019 at 12:45 AM, Glosmom said:

 

 

I will leave the post with a sweet and good story as it saved me from despair in the middle of the night last week when I was doubting my ability to be able to go on in life dealing with this situation...….

 

I was laying in the hallway (as I have done for many, many nights throughout the past 3 years)  in front of our master bedroom so that Gloria won't bust into our room and wake up her step-dad (he has to get up very early so I don't want to lock our door and keep her out..... but I need to be able to know she is safe) so I lay in the hallway to block her from messing with the door handle and I can see from my vantage point all the rooms she goes in and out of during the night and if she leaves TV's and Ipads on or lights in rooms on, etc. I was very, very sad and defeated as I laid there.... I was thinking a lot about the length of time our lives have been changed, and the suffering Glo goes through and the realization that my/our lives will probably never ever be the same as they were before March 2016. 

 

After quite a bit of time passed with me feeling sorry for myself and continuing with the negative thoughts...I decided to get up and go check on Glo in her bed as she had been quiet for awhile in her room.  I sat on her bed and saw her eyes were open and looking at me... but she wasn't saying anything or moving around or talking to herself and so I just started crying.....and I cried and cried then laid my head on her shoulder as I cried.   Well at that moment my beautiful Glo put her arms around me and said, "I love you so much, Mommy.  I love you so much.   It's okay, Mom.  It will be okay.  Shhhhh now, Mommy, don't cry."

 

I felt an angel had touched my soul. My crying stopped. I smiled deeply and gave her a kiss back and said, "Thank you, Glo. Mommy loves you too. I feel much better now. No more crying." I went back to my hallway sleeping spot and felt renewed. 

 

I can keep doing this, I will keep doing this.....and I will do it with joy and hope in my heart.

 

May healing find all who suffer here as soon as time will allow...…..Glosmom

“she spends a lot of time talking to herself (so she is having visual hallucinations/dreams/psychosis)”

I still have it one or two times in the day,Try giving her tasks ,which involve staying beside you and conversate with you or anyone else.This will reduce self talk when alone.Using gadgets make her hallucinate talking with the person which she sees through gadget.For others it may seem hallucination,but her it’s not.Try to see the root cause ,instead of labelling as you are not understanding.💚

How old is she?

 

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

HI Rupa,  Thank you for your insight!

We are finding that she is talking more about what she is visualizing, so that is a good thing.  For example the other day she said that she saw Taylor Swift sleeping but then running from a fire. Well last week she watched Taylor Swift's concert on Netflix which has fire all over the place. So she conflated some things there but at least it was based in something real she saw. 

 

It is a puzzle to get her to speak about what she is seeing so we can help her realize what is real, what is fantasy and what may be dreams or memories from things she has seen in the past.  Gloria is 23 years old, but is mentally handicapped.   She likes the things that teenage girls like (shows, movies, clothes, songs) but has the learning capability of approximately a 6 year old ( in some areas....math she would be more like a 3 or 4 year old)  

 

At least she is verbalizing more. When she does talk we can work with her (through gadgets or other ways) to truly get a better understanding of what is in her head and how she is feeling. 

 

Thank you, again, for your insight and your inspiring posts about recovery!  💗Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment

I appreciate very much.

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Update

 

It has been 8 weeks since Glo jumped to zero. The below quote is from my 4 week post ......

 

On 3/28/2019 at 3:15 PM, Glosmom said:

She still struggles with insomnia (pretty much sleeps all night one or two days, then is up all night for on or two days...so at least she is getting a couple good days of sleep each week).  She continues to have crying spells (although not as often), anger spells (although they are much shorter and she is talking and expressing where her anger is coming from...although it doesn't always make sense) She is struggling with concentration and cognition (still not able to color or play games) and she spends a lot of time talking to herself (so she is having visual hallucinations/dreams/psychosis) although we are able to get her attention much more easily than we could in the past.  She is following tasks better but still needs assistance with taking care of herself.  She also must be having jaw tension as she is chewing on things and her fingers (so we give her carrots, apples, nuts to chew on to relieve pressure)

 

Things that have improved since then.... 

 

Her insomnia is getting better.  Now she typically sleeps 5 out of 7 days and only has 2 days of very little sleep.  Her sleep pattern is now something like this..  one day she will finally fall asleep at 4am and sleeps till 8am (4 hours), next 2 days falls asleep at 2 or 3am and sleeps till 8am (5-6 hours), next day falls asleep at 11pm or 12 and sleeps till 8am or 9am, (8 or 9 hours), next night similar (has even had a 10 and 11 hours sleep night), next night....zero sleep, up all night, next night very similar, up all night....then the cycle again. So sleeping 5 out of 7 nights  instead of sleeping 2 out of 7 nights 4 weeks ago.

 

Her crying spells are decreasing and now only seems to have crying for very brief periods of time during the week and are easily cured with words of encouragement, hugs and kisses.

 

Her anger spells are down to once a week and I actually think they are now related to head pain or head aches (or her menstrual cycle).  It is very curious that @rupa who mentioned headaches after she jumped to zero.  I even noted Rupa's headaches on certain days (especially on day 56 and 58 after jumping to zero) which is where Glo is today (day 56) and she had an anger spell /bad headache in the middle of the night last night.  Might be coincidence … but maybe not.  Any way, these spells are occurring less than they did 4 weeks ago. 

 

Things that are about the same....

 

She is still struggling with cognition and memory and still spends time talking to herself.  We are however, now using videos from the past (and current videos) to show Glo things she has done or show her what she looks like on video when she is either 'fully with it and talking with us" or when she is talking to herself. She seems to be fascinated with seeing herself in videos and we are able to ask about what she is doing in each of them.  She is fully aware when she is watching the videos and is able to tell us things about past videos but she is unable to articulate what is going on when we video her when she is talking to herself. She usually says "I don't know" when we ask her who she is talking to.  But none the less, it is a new way to work with her and so that is a good thing.

 

She is also continuing to watch movie/tv shows/ videos and sing her songs. She is also dancing and singing on music days at her day program she attends.

 

I am taking her on a trip (first time in 3 years) and we are leaving on Friday for the beach.  Wish me luck as I am sure this will be a crazy ride :)but I am keeping a positive attitude that it will be a good experience for her (and me) and hopefully the warm weather and the ocean will be soothing to our souls.  

 

I will continue to update her progress as the months move along.  We continue to be hopeful that one day our Glo will return to us.

 

Peaceful Healing to All, Glosmom

 

 

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • Mentor

This is very encouraging. Thank you for the update.

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

I just loooove these updates, Glosmom! 

They always come at the perfect time for me, make me so happy. 

 

She sounds like she is doing amazing for just 8 weeks post meds. She will continue to have a great recovery! 

It also sounds like she is gaining more insight into her behavior, which is awesome. 

 

Have an amazing time at the beach, you 2 deserve it <3 

Celexa 10mg: 2007 to June 2018, stopped CT

No meds: June 2018 to December 2018

PROTRACTED WD-- major depressive episode for 2+ weeks

Lexapro 10mg: December 12, 2018 to January 19, 2019, severe adverse reaction

Celexa 10mg: January 20, 2019

June 24, 2019: 9mg

July 22, 2019: 8.5mg

Jan 8, 2020: 8mg

Aug 25, 2020: 7.2mg

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Glosmom, 

 

It is so good to read about Glo’s progress.  You are such a courageous mom.🏆

 

Have a good WE!

 

Careful 

My psychiatric drug history goes back, on and off, to 1999.  This is my taper chronology:

Jan. 2018:                        900 mg  Lithium                      1 mg Risperidone               250 mg Lamotrigine 

Jan. 2018:                        0 mg  Lithium*                        1 mg Risperidone               250 mg Lamotrigine 

Jan. 2019:                        0 mg Lithium                           0.625 mg Risperidone       175 mg Lamotrigine

Jan. 2020:                       0 mg Lithium                           0.260 mg Risperidone       175 mg Lamotrigine

Feb. 2021:                        0 mg Lithium                           0 mg Risperidone              175 mg Lamotrigine

August 2021                    0 mg Lithium                           0 mg Risperidone              0 mg Lamotrigine

*I had to cold turkey lithium because of life-threatening side effects.

Measuring doses: The Withdrawal Project at the Inner Compass Initiative website, which explains how to do the microtaper to make it as smooth as possible   Nutrition: The Clean Gut Diet by Alejandro Junger, MD, and Viva Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements.  Psychological: "Dr. Bruce H. Lipton Explains How To Reprogram The Subconscious Mind" (on YouTube) and PSYCH-K (an alternative healing modality).  

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks @RachelSusan, @puthappinessfirst and @carefulprayerful! I so appreciate your kind words of support!

 

Update

 

So Glo is coming up on finishing week 13 since jumping to zero......

 

Sleep

We were thinking her sleep was getting better and better, but she hit a snag last week and started not sleeping as much (going to bed later ...or should I say in early morning) but the good news here is that she is calm and quiet all night.  No night terrors, no pacing, no anger spells.  She just wants the TV on (light) and then ultimately falls asleep anywhere between midnight and 6am (depending on the night)  Once she falls asleep she is usually good to stay asleep between 5 and 7 hours. So I have not had to sleep in the hall way in a long time!! yay for me :)

 

Good Things To Report

Glo made it to and from 8 day trip to Florida (12 hour drive each way) and a 3 day trip to Chicago to see her sister (3 hour trip each way).  Florida had some bad moments and good moments but we made it through, so I am calling it a success. Glo was very calm for her trip to Chicago to see her sister, so I was proud of her there.

 

Glo is verbalizing ALOT more.  Now....she doesn't always make sense but she is talking so much more. She seems to be talking about things from the past (intrusive memories?)  A lot of her memories seem to make her mad or sad but at least she is getting the words out of her mouth.  We are able to respond to what she is saying. We can help her understand that she is having memories and now she is 'safe', 'with mom or dad' ,'she is a good girl', 'she is healing', 'those things are over with now.' So the listening and redirection seems to be helping her.""

 

Her anger spells are much less and seem to be again, related to memories or a song she can't get out of her head or head aches.  She is much calmer during these spells and we can more times than not....talk through them by her telling us 'where she is.' She seems to have anger about school moments (she isn't in school any more) or about things in the past. But this is all getting better.

 

She is having more moments when she is actually seeing her surroundings and commenting on things.  This seems to have occurred just in the last week.  I hear, "Wow that is pretty." "I like your glasses, mom."  She rode with me to go to one of my friend's children's Graduation Party yesterday.  She didn't get out of the car when we got there but my two friends came to the car to say hi to her.  And Glo was able to say 'hi'  and " I don't want to go in to the party, I am fine staying in the car"  So THAT was big that she told them that in the moment. Don't worry, I didn't stay long at the party. Just enough to drop off the present, say hi to a few more people and then we came back home.  She is also more consistent with recognizing colors and items.  She can count a little better (up to 3 to 5) when she sees her orange, apple slices or certain items.  She is also doing some sign language with me (we did this when she was a baby before she could talk...so we used to sign with her a lot when she was little...but haven't done that in years....but now she seems to be able to communicate via signing a bit if she doesn't want to talk.) So I have to surmise that her cognition is improving.

 

Hearing my sweet daughters voice so much more, is just simply wonderful.  She is speaking in sentences now...not one and two word answers.  So that is very nice....even if what she is talking about is confused, from the past or mad.  I'll take the voice!!

 

Things that are the same or for which she still struggles

 

She still is not my 'normal Glo.'  I will take the improvements I am seeing but, realistically she is still not back to herself.  However, I have to confess I am more hopeful than I have ever been that this might be possible.

 

She still 'talks to herself' a lot.  So she is still spending time in her own head...not sure if it is psychosis...or intrusive memories...or cognition/brain fog but it is still there.  It is better but can't say it is gone.  She still has crying spells and the anger I mentioned above....although getting less and we can talk through them more.  She is not motivated to want to do the things she used to love (swimming, shopping, going to movies) although she is easier to get in the car.  I think this is related to anxiety or fear about going places, but not entirely sure.  Hoping she will want to actually do things in the future.  Outdoor free concert series in the park starts this week...and Glo used to love to go...so if I can get her to go to those...then I will be super happy!

 

She started having morning nausea.  This is a new symptom...she used to get this after a decrease in med...but glo has been at zero for 13 weeks..so not sure why this is occurring but hopefully this stage won't last long.

 

Conclusion  to Update

Glo has gone through some very rough times since she jumped to zero.  If she were a 'normal person' and not a special needs person....I can see how some of her experiences would have been so rough and scary that a person would have wanted to jump back on meds (I had many times in the last 13 weeks where I wasn't sure if we should put her back on a small dose)  All I can say is, I am so glad we/she made it through those tough times without doing so.   Glo seems happier and calmer. And although she is not normal by any means....things are better than at any time she was on Risperdal.  I still believe it was/is poison and that we should not have ever put her on it after the prednisone incident.  My instincts tell me she just needed more time (maybe a year or two) to get over the psychosis she was experiencing from the iatrogenic event of taking prednisone for hives. I am not spending time in anger about this but do believe it is true.

 

I will continue to update in future months and I am keeping a very hopeful heart that Glo will continue to see improvements.

 

May all those who are tapering, going through withdrawal or are suffering find Peace soon.  Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment

You literally always post updates on the days I need them the most. Bless you! 

 

Everything sounds really great, great improvements. The memories that bring up negative feelings... have you read the Neuro Emotions thread under symptoms and self care? It sounds exactly like what Glo is going through. Others have mentioned this upsetting symptom of WD. So don't worry about that, it seems "normal." 

 

Also, the not wanting to do her normal activities that make her happy like swimming, concerts, etc. seem par for the course as well. I am an avid concert goer, I love music, but I have only been to 1 once WD hit hard. Everything is very stimulating in such a sensitive state and even simple things like going to the movies can feel a lot to take on. 

 

I am so happy to hear that you've taken some great trips together AND that you're no longer in the hallway. Such progress! Makes me very happy to hear. It really does sound like she is on the mend. Much love to you both! 

Celexa 10mg: 2007 to June 2018, stopped CT

No meds: June 2018 to December 2018

PROTRACTED WD-- major depressive episode for 2+ weeks

Lexapro 10mg: December 12, 2018 to January 19, 2019, severe adverse reaction

Celexa 10mg: January 20, 2019

June 24, 2019: 9mg

July 22, 2019: 8.5mg

Jan 8, 2020: 8mg

Aug 25, 2020: 7.2mg

 

Supplements: Magnesium, Fish Oil

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Wonderful news Glosmom!

 

R

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement @puthappinessfirst!  and thank you, @RichT for stopping by with support!  

 

Another brief bit to add.....Glo went to her dad's last night. He said she fell asleep at 630pm and slept till 6am!!  11 1/2 hours of sleep!  Hopefully some brain healing went on then....especially since she just had 4 nights with not a lot of sleep. whew!!

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Glosmom,

Hi!  And many thanks for the article over on DMV64's introduction.

And oh, so nice to see Glos progress, as well as your devotion to your daughter.

 

Many thanks and hugs,

L, P, H, and G,

signed: mmt and a fellow Mama bear type! B)

Edited by 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

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy