NobodySpecial Posted August 10, 2018 Author Share Posted August 10, 2018 Update - 10/08/18 Not really much to update. I have been experiencing with PQQ recently, which seems to be a wonder supplement. It's helped my sleep, energy levels, everything. I wish I had more to update though. I have 4 - 5 weeks before my next taper, and I'm thinking of going down 5mg and holding until Feb next year! Taper commencing 14/06/18: Going down by 2.5mg per month from 35mg - once 2.5mg is bigger than the recommended 10%, I'll switch to a water solution. Planning to taper until October and then hold until 2019 - balancing study, work, life and holiday season. Medication / withdrawal history: Tapered July 2016 to October 2016, unsuccessful and reinstated to 30mg (didn't track specifics) Tapered March 2017 to August 2017, was unsuccessful and reinstated to 35mg (didn't track specifics). Current taper - started 1st January 2018 @ 32.5mg and 2.5mg per month until I reach a dose where 2.5 is > 10% of dose. Morning supplements: B complex, Niagen, COQ10, Black seed oil, Vitamin C, Zinc, Fish Oil, EGCG, Bosweilla Extract, Curcumin (Longvida), Vitamin D, R-ALA, NAC, Ashwagandha (occasionally), Epimedium / Icariin, Resveratol. Evening supplements: NatureCalm Magnesium, Glycine, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Schisandra, Melatonin. I also take Phenibut (maximum 3 times weekly at a dose that doesn't build tolerance) and Oleamide when required. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus composter Posted October 26, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 26, 2018 Hi @NobodySpecial! Thought I'd drop a line as I see that you are also tapering from Amitriptyline. Feel free to read my intro post on my experience so far (currently just trying to stabilize after reinstating due to a major withdrawal episode and too-fast taper). Perhaps we can provide some peer support as we are on the same drug. I think we are also around the same age. I similarly was started on it for insomnia/sleep (difficulty falling asleep due to several concussions). I'm impressed by your initiative and the time and effort you have put into addressing your sleep anxiety through healing tools and supplements. I think this will all be key for your recovery and successful taper. I'm especially interested in hearing which supplements and combos you have found to be most effective through the tapering process? Apr 2018: Began 10 mg Amitriptyline (for headaches & insomnia from concussion). Jul - Aug 2018: Fast taper to 5 mg and then 2.5 mg (too fast, hellish withdrawal at 2.5 mg). Sept 2018: Reinstated 10 mg (many symptoms improved). Oct 2018 - Apr 2019: Updosed & stabilized on 11 mg (2 waves at 3 and 5 months post-withdrawal). Apr 2019 - Apr 2020: Tapered 0.5-0.25 mg per month using compounded pills: 11 mg —> 6 mg. (2 waves at 12 and 16 months post-withdrawal.) Apr 2020 - present: Switched to a liquid taper at rate of 0.1 mg per month. Currently: 1.1 mg. No more waves. Supplements: Omega-3 fish oil, Vit B12, coenzyme Q10, Hawthorn extract (for tachycardia) Tools for insomnia/waves (as needed): Epsom salt foot soaks, 0.5 mg Melatonin, quality time, waves WILL PASS. Lifestyle: Eat real foods, mostly plants; sunlight, walking, yoga; symptom tracking on adapted Glenmullen chart. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted January 8, 2019 Mentor Share Posted January 8, 2019 just wondering how you are doing? PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
NobodySpecial Posted January 8, 2019 Author Share Posted January 8, 2019 Hey Happy2Heal, I'm doing really well. I have made huge strides in my recovery over 2018, and 2019 seems like the first time in YEARS that I've been able to really grow, and not just survive. I've been really slack with updating this though. I hope you are well :) Taper commencing 14/06/18: Going down by 2.5mg per month from 35mg - once 2.5mg is bigger than the recommended 10%, I'll switch to a water solution. Planning to taper until October and then hold until 2019 - balancing study, work, life and holiday season. Medication / withdrawal history: Tapered July 2016 to October 2016, unsuccessful and reinstated to 30mg (didn't track specifics) Tapered March 2017 to August 2017, was unsuccessful and reinstated to 35mg (didn't track specifics). Current taper - started 1st January 2018 @ 32.5mg and 2.5mg per month until I reach a dose where 2.5 is > 10% of dose. Morning supplements: B complex, Niagen, COQ10, Black seed oil, Vitamin C, Zinc, Fish Oil, EGCG, Bosweilla Extract, Curcumin (Longvida), Vitamin D, R-ALA, NAC, Ashwagandha (occasionally), Epimedium / Icariin, Resveratol. Evening supplements: NatureCalm Magnesium, Glycine, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Schisandra, Melatonin. I also take Phenibut (maximum 3 times weekly at a dose that doesn't build tolerance) and Oleamide when required. Link to comment
NobodySpecial Posted January 8, 2019 Author Share Posted January 8, 2019 @composter, sorry for the late reply. Are you still active? Love your idea and would love to support you in any way possible! Let me know and I can message through here, or share my email Taper commencing 14/06/18: Going down by 2.5mg per month from 35mg - once 2.5mg is bigger than the recommended 10%, I'll switch to a water solution. Planning to taper until October and then hold until 2019 - balancing study, work, life and holiday season. Medication / withdrawal history: Tapered July 2016 to October 2016, unsuccessful and reinstated to 30mg (didn't track specifics) Tapered March 2017 to August 2017, was unsuccessful and reinstated to 35mg (didn't track specifics). Current taper - started 1st January 2018 @ 32.5mg and 2.5mg per month until I reach a dose where 2.5 is > 10% of dose. Morning supplements: B complex, Niagen, COQ10, Black seed oil, Vitamin C, Zinc, Fish Oil, EGCG, Bosweilla Extract, Curcumin (Longvida), Vitamin D, R-ALA, NAC, Ashwagandha (occasionally), Epimedium / Icariin, Resveratol. Evening supplements: NatureCalm Magnesium, Glycine, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Schisandra, Melatonin. I also take Phenibut (maximum 3 times weekly at a dose that doesn't build tolerance) and Oleamide when required. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted January 8, 2019 Mentor Share Posted January 8, 2019 12 minutes ago, NobodySpecial said: Hey Happy2Heal, I'm doing really well. I have made huge strides in my recovery over 2018, and 2019 seems like the first time in YEARS that I've been able to really grow, and not just survive. I've been really slack with updating this though. I hope you are well so glad to hear from you! I am doing great! I hear you about the growing vs just surviving, it's wonderful eh? expect for those occasional growing pains of course lol PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
NobodySpecial Posted January 9, 2019 Author Share Posted January 9, 2019 Very happy to hear you're going well also @Happy2Heal. Hope 2019 is a thoroughly rewarding year for you! Taper commencing 14/06/18: Going down by 2.5mg per month from 35mg - once 2.5mg is bigger than the recommended 10%, I'll switch to a water solution. Planning to taper until October and then hold until 2019 - balancing study, work, life and holiday season. Medication / withdrawal history: Tapered July 2016 to October 2016, unsuccessful and reinstated to 30mg (didn't track specifics) Tapered March 2017 to August 2017, was unsuccessful and reinstated to 35mg (didn't track specifics). Current taper - started 1st January 2018 @ 32.5mg and 2.5mg per month until I reach a dose where 2.5 is > 10% of dose. Morning supplements: B complex, Niagen, COQ10, Black seed oil, Vitamin C, Zinc, Fish Oil, EGCG, Bosweilla Extract, Curcumin (Longvida), Vitamin D, R-ALA, NAC, Ashwagandha (occasionally), Epimedium / Icariin, Resveratol. Evening supplements: NatureCalm Magnesium, Glycine, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Schisandra, Melatonin. I also take Phenibut (maximum 3 times weekly at a dose that doesn't build tolerance) and Oleamide when required. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted January 9, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 9, 2019 Hi Somebody Special, Great to hear you’re doing so well. Sending hugs🤗 Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
JackieDecides Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 4 hours ago, NobodySpecial said: 'm doing really well. I have made huge strides in my recovery over 2018, and 2019 seems like the first time in YEARS that I've been able to really grow, and not just survive. so glad to hear this! Currently taking Ramapril (blood pressure) 5 mg twice a day Omeprazole 10 mg AM and 20 mg PM (the taper has gone nowhere after the first cut) Famotidine once a day (and I still needs tums sometimes) magnesium 200 mg at night as of yesterday 2 fish oil capsules "EPA-DHA 1000" off Lexapro as of 5/2018 - last dose had been 5 mg every other day for a couple years highest dose had been 20 mg at which point I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, which went away when I cut the lexapro down to 15 mg. I spent years on Paxil before Lexapro (can't remember dose), briefly on Effexor and Abilify and others I have forgotten. in fact, when I was diagnoses with BPII I was put on all kinds of things which made me feel so bad I stopped them cold turkey within maybe 3 or 4 weeks, thank goodness. since then I've known these pills were terrible and I weaned down the Lexapro with zero help or support over I'm not sure how many years. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus composter Posted January 11, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 11, 2019 @NobodySpecial what a generous offer. Amazing to hear of your progress. I am continually grateful for the resources and support on here. Yes I will send you a message! Apr 2018: Began 10 mg Amitriptyline (for headaches & insomnia from concussion). Jul - Aug 2018: Fast taper to 5 mg and then 2.5 mg (too fast, hellish withdrawal at 2.5 mg). Sept 2018: Reinstated 10 mg (many symptoms improved). Oct 2018 - Apr 2019: Updosed & stabilized on 11 mg (2 waves at 3 and 5 months post-withdrawal). Apr 2019 - Apr 2020: Tapered 0.5-0.25 mg per month using compounded pills: 11 mg —> 6 mg. (2 waves at 12 and 16 months post-withdrawal.) Apr 2020 - present: Switched to a liquid taper at rate of 0.1 mg per month. Currently: 1.1 mg. No more waves. Supplements: Omega-3 fish oil, Vit B12, coenzyme Q10, Hawthorn extract (for tachycardia) Tools for insomnia/waves (as needed): Epsom salt foot soaks, 0.5 mg Melatonin, quality time, waves WILL PASS. Lifestyle: Eat real foods, mostly plants; sunlight, walking, yoga; symptom tracking on adapted Glenmullen chart. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted April 4, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 4, 2019 Hi SomebodySpecial, Are you still doing well? Sending hugs🤗 Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
Ariel Posted April 24, 2022 Share Posted April 24, 2022 @NobodySpecial How are you doing? I greatly appreciate your posts site-wide. Thank you for your contributions. It would be awesome to hear how you're doing if you feel like stopping by to write an update, or maybe a success story... ? Hope you're well and enjoying life. Gratitude and best wishes, A. 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment
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