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Dabhob33: introduction


Dabhob33

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The interesting thing is that the Tylenol ES has been alleviating the burning. 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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I want to keep moving on the drops so badly.  That’s where the anxiety lays.  Anticipating the next one...

 

not sure if raising will stabilize me.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
38 minutes ago, Shep said:

From your journal, you only took 10 mg of Valium (5 in the morning and 5 at night).

 

Question - Is this correct or did you forget to write down that 1 mg dose? 

 

Please answer. It's important we have your journal correct when we're giving taper advice. 

 

 

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18 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

The interesting thing is that the Tylenol ES has been alleviating the burning. 

 

 

On 2/25/2018 at 11:45 PM, Dabhob33 said:

Read the info on pain killers.  The Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg has been helping with the burning.   It does make me a bit anxious, which I’ll take in the meantime until hopefully the burning subsides.  I hope taking the Tylenol doesn’t hinder my wd   

 

On 2/26/2018 at 3:01 AM, Dabhob33 said:

230 - woke up burning - I can’t handle this - is Tylenol making matters worse?

 

 

I just quoted the above posts you made a few days ago about the Tylenol causing anxiety and the next day, asking if it's possibly making things worse.

 

On 2/27/2018 at 3:18 AM, Dabhob33 said:

Is this akathisia?

 

 

4 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

Is this akathisia?

 

Since you started taking the ES Tylenol, you've posted twice asking about akathisia, which can be felt at varying degrees as anxiety.

 

I would not recommend extra strength doses of even OTC pain relievers to get you through this long term but rather, a reinstatement of the AD or a small updose of the benzo (please see my earlier posts on how to do either of these changes). 

 

 

 

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4 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Please answer. It's important we have your journal correct when we're giving taper advice. 

I took the 6mg.   My mistake.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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Good point.  Could I try the reg dose 325mg?

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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I’ll go up 1mg.   The interesting thing is that I feel the burning after I take the valium as well.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
1 minute ago, Dabhob33 said:

Good point.  Could I try the reg dose 325mg?

 

Tylenol - in addition to causing the side effects you already mentioned - used long term can effect your liver. I would use it sparingly and try some of the non-drug techniques that Ali listed in her post here.

 

2 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

I’ll go up 1mg.   The interesting thing is that I feel the burning after I take the valium as well.  

 

Please let us know how you do. Please note it takes 4 days for your nervous system to register a change and a week or longer to fully stabilize. 

 

BenzoSupport.org - Notes on Updosing

 

You may also find information in this thread to be helpful:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

 

 

 

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11 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Tylenol - in addition to causing the side effects you already mentioned - used long term can effect your liver. I would use it sparingly and try some of the non-drug techniques that Ali listed in her post here.

 

****have tall fan blowining on me every night since 2/20,  towel and packs on me as well for past few days.  Also soaking.   But can’t do it as much as I like with work environment.   They do help.   But the deep burn is rough.  And I don’t have it in the extremities as much as others I have read.

 

11 minutes ago, Shep said:

Please let us know how you do. Please note it takes 4 days for your nervous system to register a change and a week or longer to fully stabilize. 

 

BenzoSupport.org - Notes on Updosing

 

You may also find information in this thread to be helpful:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

****take 6mg and 6mg?

 

11 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Tylenol - in addition to causing the side effects you already mentioned - used long term can effect your liver. I would use it sparingly and try some of the non-drug techniques that Ali listed in her post here.

 

 

Please let us know how you do. Please note it takes 4 days for your nervous system to register a change and a week or longer to fully stabilize. 

 

BenzoSupport.org - Notes on Updosing

 

You may also find information in this thread to be helpful:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

 

 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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15 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

****take 6mg and 6mg?

 

No, this would mean adding an additional 1 mg to your morning dose and it would be best to keep as much as your Valium as possible at night, per previous discussions due to the fatigue and dizziness you reported earlier. 

 

Sorry, I know this can get confusing going back and forth between your two threads, but since you're working with the benzo now, I've responded here in your benzo thread:

 

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/17135-dabhob33-valium-taper/?do=findComment&comment=337209

 

 

 

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What should I do about sleep.  I doze off and a few seconds to min later I wake in a panic.  I don’t have apnea. This is really getting out of control.  7 nights.  I do the hygiene.   I’m a mess. 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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The only thing that changed was the dose or liquid valium on 2/21 the first night of sleeplessness.  I’m getting paranoid now where I’m petrified to take anything.   Even the Tylenol and doxylamnine.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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My doctor wants me to go to the ER for 7 days no sleep.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

My doctor wants me to go to the ER for 7 days no sleep.  

 

No sleep at all or just very little? 

 

5 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

****have tall fan blowining on me every night since 2/20,  towel and packs on me as well for past few days.  Also soaking.   But can’t do it as much as I like with work environment.   They do help.   But the deep burn is rough.  And I don’t have it in the extremities as much as others I have read.

 

Are you able to take some sick time from work for a few days? I would try that before going to the ER. 

 

It's going to take awhile to get your nervous system stabilized after a rapid AD withdrawal, as well as too quickly coming down from the Valium. 

 

But in time, your nervous system will heal.

 

 

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No sleep past 1am.  Fall asleep around 11p

 

i work from home.  Flexible. 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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I’m starting to panic 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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My doctor suggested I go on Luvox for a period to help control the ruminating thoughts.   I can’t get my mind to stop.  Causing me to wake up in panic.   Need it to slow down.   I’m so conflicted bc I don’t want to be on meds, but also believe there may be some merit like a situation like this.   Otherwise, continue to use the coping skills in lieu of meds?   Coming up on day 8 no sleep.  Although I’m hopeful.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
23 hours ago, Shep said:

We don't recommend drugs to help with withdrawal. 

 

Two options we can recommend: 

 

1. A slight updose in Valium.

 

OR

 

2. A small reinstatement of your AD. Please read the thread Tips for tapering off Pristiq. As written in that thread, due to Pristiq's difficulty to taper, you may want to try a very small reinstatement of Pristiq's older sibling drug, Effexor. A reinstatement dose would only be 5 beads of Effexor, just to see how you do. 

 

 

Dabhob, please see the above post about the two options, including a small reinstatement of your previous AD. We don't recommend adding in new drugs (such as Luvox). 

 

The point of reinstating the AD is to help with withdrawal symptoms, not that ADs "work" in the sense your doctor is talking about. Please see:

 

Again, chemical imbalance is a myth. Stop the lies, please.

 

Are you able to ask your doctor for Effexor so you can do a small reinstatement? 

 

 

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8am - 5mg valium  / eye drops

9 - Tylenol ES 500mg

Nap - zero sleep - anxiety in stomach/chest, heavy head, awake in panic - No burning all day

In bed all day.  No sleep.   Meditated with continuous soft music, listened to affirmations

Noon - lunch

6 - dinner

8- 900mg Lithium / eye drops

10 - 7mg valium 

11 - 25mg doxylamine / Tylenol ES 500mg

Pray for sleep tonight... 

3/1/18 

2am - Woke 

4am - fell back to sleep

630am - woke up with burning, slight panic- ice pack 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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1 hour ago, Shep said:

 

Dabhob, please see the above post about the two options, including a small reinstatement of your previous AD. We don't recommend adding in new drugs (such as Luvox). 

 

The point of reinstating the AD is to help with withdrawal symptoms, not that ADs "work" in the sense your doctor is talking about. Please see:

 

Again, chemical imbalance is a myth. Stop the lies, please.

 

Are you able to ask your doctor for Effexor so you can do a small reinstatement? 

She disagreed on the Effexor.  Updosing Valium is our option.   Started last night. 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
20 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

10 - 7mg valium 

11 - 25mg doxylamine / Tylenol ES 500mg

Pray for sleep tonight... 

3/1/18 

2am - Woke 

4am - fell back to sleep

630am - woke up with burning, slight panic- ice pack 

 

It's good you were able to fall back to sleep, but the additional drug doxylamine makes it hard to tell if it was that or if it was the updose. 

 

I know this is hard when you've hardly slept in a week, especially since you work, but in the long run, the fewer variables you throw into the equation when you are making these kinds of drug changes, the better off you'll be.

 

I do hope the additional sleep brings you some relief.  

 

 

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15 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

She disagreed on the Effexor.  Updosing Valium is our option.   Started last night. 

 

Could you explain a little more?  It seems like you are getting a lot of support from your Doctor.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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2 hours ago, AliG said:

 

Could you explain a little more?  It seems like you are getting a lot of support from your Doctor.

Her thinking are based on my reaction to that “class” of drug pristiq, Cymbalta, etc

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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2 hours ago, Shep said:

 

It's good you were able to fall back to sleep, but the additional drug doxylamine makes it hard to tell if it was that or if it was the updose. 

 

I know this is hard when you've hardly slept in a week, especially since you work, but in the long run, the fewer variables you throw into the equation when you are making these kinds of drug changes, the better off you'll be.

 

I do hope the additional sleep brings you some relief.  

I will not take doxylamine tonight. 

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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8am - 5mg Valium /eye drops

Minimal burning and head heaviness / anxious

Noon - lunch

Spent a lot of time on couch meditating and reading. 

Cancelled lunch with friend.  Feeling very down

Seems that appointments, picking up kids, flare up my nerves and burning

2 - burning picked up

3 - extreme burning in body and head

330 - 500mg tylenol ES

Burning subsided

6 - dinner

8- 900mg Lithium / eye drops

Burning came back 

10 - 7mg valium 

1130 - woke up from burning!

*it seems the longer I hold the worse I’m feeling

3/2/18

3am - woke up from burning

6am - woke up

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
22 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

Her thinking are based on my reaction to that “class” of drug pristiq, Cymbalta, etc

 

Thanks for continuing to update your journal, Dabhob. I noticed that you are able to return to sleep now, although your sleep is still broken and fragmented. It takes 4 days for your nervous system to notice the change and may take a few weeks for the full effect and benefit. 

 

I quoted your comment about your doctor because it sounds like she's thinking in terms of an AD "working", but we're looking at the AD staving off withdrawal symptoms.

 

You may want to see if you can find a doctor that's more knowledgeable about psychiatric drug withdrawal. Here are a couple of resources to check out:

 

BenzoSupport.org - Benzo-wise doctors

 

Mad in America website - Provider Directory 

 

Tips on talking to doctors:

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?
 
What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Please keep updating. 

 

 

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Thanks.  I’ve tried both those sources in the past.  No benzo wise doctors near me.  I’ve tried 10 psychiatrists in last 6 months and none of them acknowledge Benzo Withdrawal issues. 

 

I will keep trying.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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This is terrifying that no professionals nearby understands this.   I’m feeling hopeless.   I miss my life.   

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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If I’m going to feel miserable I might as well restart the taper and get to zero.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment

The dr keeps telling me I feel this way bc I’m not on an AD.  Wants me on Luvox for ocd.  Thinks all the obsessing I’m doing with benzos is ocd.  My ruminating and obsessing wasnt an issue before benzos.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus
22 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

If I’m going to feel miserable I might as well restart the taper and get to zero.  

 

Just a couple of thoughts:

 

1. The rapid reductions of the AD and benzo are WHY you feel miserable. It's not about "being" on the drug, but about the rate that you've come off the AD and were coming off the benzo. 

 

2. It looks like you are sleeping better since you updosed the benzo - you are able to fall back to sleep. Granted, your sleep is still poor, but isn't it a bit better over the past couple of nights? 

 

I would give yourself time to stabilize on the benzo updose and try to find a doctor to prescribe a small amount of Effexor. 

 

15 minutes ago, Dabhob33 said:

The dr keeps telling me I feel this way bc I’m not on an AD.  Wants me on Luvox for ocd.  Thinks all the obsessing I’m doing with benzos is ocd.  My ruminating and obsessing wasnt an issue before benzos.  

 

Please have a read of these links. They are good for explaining why doctors say things like that. Doctors speak in the language of mental illness but we speak in the language of withdrawal. So there's a communication barrier.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?
 
What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

 

Edited by Shep

 

 

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2 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Just a couple of thoughts:

 

1. The rapid reductions of the AD and benzo are WHY you feel miserable. It's not about "being" on the drug, but about the rate that you've come off the AD and were coming off the benzo. 

 

2. It looks like you are sleeping better since you updosed the benzo - you are able to fall back to sleep. Granted, your sleep is still poor, but isn't it a bit better over the past couple of nights? 

 

I would give yourself time to stabilize on the benzo updose and try to find a doctor to prescribe a small amount of Effexor. 

 

 

Please have a read of these links. They are good for explaining why doctors say things like that. Doctors speak in the language of mental illness but we speak in the language of withdrawal. So there's a communication barrier.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?
 
What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

 

Thanks

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
3 hours ago, Dabhob33 said:

Thanks.  I’ve tried both those sources in the past.  No benzo wise doctors near me.  I’ve tried 10 psychiatrists in last 6 months and none of them acknowledge Benzo Withdrawal issues. 

 

I will keep trying.  

 

Any doctor can prescribe.  You don't need to find a benzo wise doctor or a psychiatrist.  You need to find a doctor who is can and will prescribe Effexor.  You don't even need to tell them that you want to taper off it.  As Shep suggested, read through the topics she linked to about how to talk with medical professionals.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Frankly, I’m terrified of going on - albeit tapering - any AD.   What would be the plan with the Effexor?

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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  • Moderator Emeritus

The information has been provided in your Intro topic.  I was able to find where it was mentioned by searching for Effexor (top right) and then using Ctrl+F and typing in Effexor to search on the page.

 

On 16/02/2018 at 11:26 AM, Altostrata said:

Pristiq, though, is difficult to titrate. Have you ever taken Effexor? Effexor is a sibling of Pristiq and is somewhat easier to take in a small dose. You may wish to try reinstating 5mg Effexor and see if that helps.

 

Effexor XR comes in capsules containing tiny beads, you can open up a capsule and take some number of beads. (For a more exact milligram dosage, you'd need a scale to weigh the beads.)

 

Immediate-release Effexor is easier to handle, you can make a liquid out of a tablet. But it has a short half-life and you may have to take it twice a day.

 

This topic explains how to take a small amount of Effexor Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

On 28/02/2018 at 10:26 PM, Shep said:

2. A small reinstatement of your AD. Please read the thread Tips for tapering off Pristiq. As written in that thread, due to Pristiq's difficulty to taper, you may want to try a very small reinstatement of Pristiq's older sibling drug, Effexor. A reinstatement dose would only be 5 beads of Effexor, just to see how you do. 

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Ok.  I’ll get Effexor.   I do have Prozac left if that would help.  They gave me that for a week to extend the pristiq taper.  

Dabhob33

- Pristiq  25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017.  Last dose 25mg  December 20, 2017  - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg.

- 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper)

- 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium)  started May 1 2017.  Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper.  Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018).  Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper.  

Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg

Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018

Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017  Tested on July 13, 2018  .60 mmol/L result.  Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L

 

Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg).  Last taken on July 5, 2018.  Don’t plan on continuing to take.  

 

I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI).   Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me.   Is it still affecting me?

 

 
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