Snowyowl16

[Frogie]

Just wanted to stop by and say hi and see how you were doing.

 

Hope well.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Hi Frogie, thanks for stopping by! I have stopped my taper for now and am holding at 10 my. I still have bad days. The nausea is still the worst of it. I was hoping it would settle down if I held. 

How are you doing?

[Frogie]

10 hours ago, Snowyowl16 said:

Hi Frogie, thanks for stopping by! I have stopped my taper for now and am holding at 10 my. I still have bad days. The nausea is still the worst of it. I was hoping it would settle down if I held. 

How are you doing?

I’m doing well, thanks for asking.

 

I’m sorry you are having nausea. That was the worse for me. I had it bad. I hope it lets up soon for you.

 

Probably a good idea to hold at 10mg for a while. That’s when my problems started. I was dumb though and cut my 20mg in 1/2 because I didn’t know how to taper. Once I got on the right track it went better.

 

Please keep me posted on how you are doing.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

So happy for you Frogie.

I have been taking my dose at night to try to minimize daytime nausea and now am nauseous during the night. I had a very expensive GI work up that did now show a lot. My Dr has recommended I go lactose free for 2 weeks to see if I feel better but I am confident it is the celexa as the nausea starts within an hour or so of taking the dose. I know I have to start the taper again but dread it worrying I may feel even worse. 

You give me hope of a light at the end of this very long tunnel. 

Great to hear you are finally moving. Enjoy your new home!😄

Snowy

[Frogie]

On 8/13/2019 at 8:59 AM, Snowyowl16 said:

So happy for you Frogie.

I have been taking my dose at night to try to minimize daytime nausea and now am nauseous during the night. I had a very expensive GI work up that did now show a lot. My Dr has recommended I go lactose free for 2 weeks to see if I feel better but I am confident it is the celexa as the nausea starts within an hour or so of taking the dose. I know I have to start the taper again but dread it worrying I may feel even worse. 

You give me hope of a light at the end of this very long tunnel. 

Great to hear you are finally moving. Enjoy your new home!😄

Snowy

Thanks Snowy.

 

 I didn’t think I would ever see the day I was Lexapro free. Now working on the Xanax. Oh boy, not fun lol...

 

Nausea was a HUGE side effect for me. I was sick for a week or two after I would taper. I tried everything. But the Nauzene seemed to help and it was over the counter. You might try it. But, I’m not a dr or mod. Do what’s right for you.

 

We are almost done moving. We didn’t plan on selling our property. But we had someone make us an offer we couldn’t refuse. We have one more trip to the old property to clean out the barn. Then don’t ever have to go out there again unless we want to visit my fiancé’s brother. I’ll be glad when it’s all over.

 

Now just taking it very slow unpacking. I’m not going to overdue it and end up in worse condition.

 

 I hope you can find some relief from the nausea. Just remember, it will go away eventually.

 

Keep up the good work. It was nice to hear back from you. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

 

Let me know how you’re doing😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Well, I have been on 10 my citalopram for 4 months and still having episodes of intense anxiety with nausea. I feel like the drug is causing my symptoms and not withdrawal. I have decided to start my taper again. The problem is that I have to go to liquid or dissolve my tablet in water because the tablet is too small to cut accurately. I know it is recommended to use part tablet and part liquid to transition. Any input out there? Is it better to make a solution with my tablet than using a commercial liquid,? The tablet dissolves very quickly in water so I can't see how it would make a difference how it's taken.

[Snowyowl16]

Well, another month has gone by and I am now stable. Well, as stable as I can be on this horrid drug. I am terrified of restarting my taper as I must continue to function😪

[Matti]

Hey Snowyowl,

 

I've been struggling with citalopram as well. Currently I'm on 4mg after updosing from 1.5mg and now I'm waiting to stabilize. I tapered too fast and worked too much at the same time so I had a bit of a crash a couple months ago.

 

I have 20mg tablets that have a score line. I take half a tablet and dissolve it in water and a few ml of strong vodka since I read that citalopram dissolves better in ethanol. Many people use only water and before taking the daily dose they just stir the solution well. I think using a commercial solution would be easier, although it could be more expensive.

 

Have you read these topics:

 

You could try holding a month longer to see if you stabilize further? Just a suggestion, maybe a mod would have a better opinion about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Frogie]

On 9/28/2019 at 3:01 PM, Snowyowl16 said:

Well, another month has gone by and I am now stable. Well, as stable as I can be on this horrid drug. I am terrified of restarting my taper as I must continue to function😪

Thinking of you and wishing you good luck on your taper.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Thanks Frogie, your success getting off Lexapro gives me hope. 

 

[Snowyowl16]

Thanks for checking in Matti. Yes, I actually have liquid and have also tried dissolving my tablet in water. I am still working part time and the symptoms happen so randomly it is hard to plan. I have random panic attacks with major anxiety and nausea.

Congratulations on getting down to 4 mg! We will all get there in time.

[Frogie]

28 minutes ago, Snowyowl16 said:

Thanks Frogie, your success getting off Lexapro gives me hope. 

 

You will do it. Just a nice slow taper and you’ll be surprised that you are done one day.

 

Believe me that’s how I felt.

 

Now, Xanax is another story ugh, another struggle. But I’ll make it.🍀hopefully lol...

 

Keep positive. You are doing wonderful 😊

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Well, I did it. I started my taper again after a 7 month hold. I am dissolving my 10 mg tablet in 10 ml water and decreasing very slowly. I am down to 9.5 mg but at week 3 I had a couple of days of severe anxiety and panic attacks lasting several hours. I may hold again until after the holidays. I have seemed to stabilize now. 

[Frogie]

2 hours ago, Snowyowl16 said:

Well, I did it. I started my taper again after a 7 month hold. I am dissolving my 10 mg tablet in 10 ml water and decreasing very slowly. I am down to 9.5 mg but at week 3 I had a couple of days of severe anxiety and panic attacks lasting several hours. I may hold again until after the holidays. I have seemed to stabilize now. 

It just takes time, but you will do it!

I'm glad you’re doing better, slow and steady. I know it’s frustrating, but that’s what I finally learned.

 I’m very proud of you.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Well, it took 3 months but I am down to 9 mg. Feeling ok with good days and bad. Still with anxiety and nausea and recently some insomnia. I have been taking doxylamine 12.5 mg for sleep and it works great. My Dr gave me hydroxyzine for anxiety but I have only tried it once. I am not sure it did too much as it is only 10 mg but I am hesitant to take more. I only take the doxylamine occasionally. It does seem to help with appetite and nausea as well as sleep. 

 

 

 

[Frogie]

1 hour ago, Snowyowl16 said:

Well, it took 3 months but I am down to 9 mg. Feeling ok with good days and bad. Still with anxiety and nausea and recently some insomnia. I have been taking doxylamine 12.5 mg for sleep and it works great. My Dr gave me hydroxyzine for anxiety but I have only tried it once. I am not sure it did too much as it is only 10 mg but I am hesitant to take more. I only take the doxylamine occasionally. It does seem to help with appetite and nausea as well as sleep. 

 

 

 

Sounds like you’re doing pretty well. I always had nausea, unfortunately. Hopefully yours will ease up soon.

You are getting there, I’m happy for you.

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Thanks Frogie. Did your nausea get better as your dose went down? I don't have it daily but I do have frequent IBS.  At the rate I am going it will take me years to get off this stuff. I would rather do that and minimize withdrawal effects though. 

Anyway, thanks for checking in. Sending you encouragement as well with the benzo taper.

 

Snowy

[Frogie]

45 minutes ago, Snowyowl16 said:

Thanks Frogie. Did your nausea get better as your dose went down? I don't have it daily but I do have frequent IBS.  At the rate I am going it will take me years to get off this stuff. I would rather do that and minimize withdrawal effects though. 

Anyway, thanks for checking in. Sending you encouragement as well with the benzo taper.

 

Snowy

My nausea did get better the lower I went. I would have it about 4 days after I tapered and last sometimes a couple of weeks non stop. Your’s doesn’t sound like it’s as bad as mine was. I hope it goes away for you eventually. It took me 4 years to come off 10 mg, but I made lots of mistakes. You’re doing really well. They say nice and slow wins the race. Thanks for the encouragement on my benzo taper. It’s a lot tougher than the Lexapro taper. I don’t wish it on anyone. Sending you lots of encouragement!

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Well I finally had to stop working for a while as the anxiety was out of control. I was out for around 3 months and plan to start back soon. While out I was able to taper without fear of consequences as I did not have to go to work. I am now down to 6.2 my of citalopram and while I don't feel great I get through the day.I am determined to be off this poison by the end of 2021. I will continue to taper by approximately 10% monthly in 0.2 my increments. 

 

Happy New Year all and happy healing,

Snowyowl

 

 

[manymoretodays]

Hi Snowyowl, @Snowyowl16 and great update, and right back at you to have the best year ever in 2021,

 

Not so great when anxiety is through the roof, but so good that you came through it all, did what you needed to, and are now just about ready to go back to work.

 

 

And hey, I just merged your last post back up here with your main Introduction topic.  And it's been awhile, so welcome back too!!

Good to keep everything together, and in one place, for your updates and also when you might have questions too, so that it's all in context.  And then I see some great responses here too, to you, with some non-drug coping practices.

 

Did you find any thing that helped the most, in the way of non-drug coping?

If so, do please share as others can and do so often benefit from it.

 

On 1/2/2021 at 4:37 PM, Snowyowl16 said:

I am now down to 6.2 my of citalopram and while I don't feel great I get through the day.I am determined to be off this poison by the end of 2021. I will continue to taper by approximately 10% monthly in 0.2 my increments. 

 

This is good Snowy, slow and steady like the turtle wins the race around here.

What are you working with, as far as the citalopram goes?  Liquid or tablet?

 

To do a 10% reduction from 8 mg(that's what listed last in your signature, so using that as an example):

8 mg X .90 = 7.2 mg, which represents a 10% reduction from the 8 mg dose

7.2 mg X .90 = 6.48 mg

 

And then so on, to do 10% reductions

If you want to reduce by less, then the number you multipy by would change.

 

To do a 5% reduction you multiply present dose by 0.95

 

Please update your signature for us too.  Just go to AccountSettings/signature

 

Are you still on the other medications and supplements listed in your signature too?

 

Okay, and welcome back Snowy.  Do check in more often if you'd like, and ask away, right here, if you have questions at all.

 

Best, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Edited January 15, 2021 by manymoretodays

[Snowyowl16]

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Sorry, I can't for the life of me find the right string to update my profile. Thanks for fixing it. I am dissolving 10 mg tablet in 10 ml of water and using a 10 ml oral syringe to measure my dose. I am not going beyond 1 decimal point so I round my dose. For example In was at 6.4 at my last hold so going down by 0.6 ml for this month. I will be at 5.8 for this month and will also go down 0.6 ml next month. At 5.2 mg I may only go down 0.4 mg but over 3 weeks instead of 4 depending on how I feel. 

Hope all is well with everyone at SA. I will try to keep in better touch. Returned to work at only 1 to 2 days a week. Will see how it goes.

Snowy

[manymoretodays]

Hey Snowyowl,

I think you got it and thankyou.  I'm seeing this update and addition to your signature.

decrease by approx. 10% a month to 6 mg/day Jan. 2021.

And okay......best to you, on getting back to work too.  I sure many can relate to you, and the difficulties sometimes, while tapering and in WD, and working.

 

So yes, stick around. ❤️

 

L,P, H, and G,

mmt

 

[Frogie]

Hi!

 

It’s so good to see you on here!

 

I had a lot of anxiety and nausea when tapering Lexapro so I seem to think it’s pretty common. I’m sure you will stabilize and be back to yourself in no time.

 

You’re doing really well and a very smart taper. Keep up the good work!

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Just stopping in and thought I would give a quick update. I am down to 5 mg celexa and have been holding since January 2021. I have decided I can't continue to work and taper at the same time so I am holding for now. I hate to do it as I know how toxic this drug is but I may have to wait until I retire to taper the rest of the way off. Between the anxiety flushes and nausea I just can't work when tapering. That being said I have been pretty stable. IBS still a problem. I have had a couple random anxiety flushes but otherwise have been able to eat and gained all of the weight I had list back. Hand tremors are getting worse however, which concerns me. Anyway, keep up the good work..you are all an inspiration.

 

Snowy

[Frogie]

Sorry to hear you’re having a hard time. But that is a good idea to take a break and hold until you can retire. There is no time limit on getting off the meds as long as your dr will renew your prescription. 
 

You need to do what’s right for you.

 

Keep us posted please.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

[Snowyowl16]

Thanks Frogie. Seems I may have spoken too soon. Had a relatively good summer but once fall hit I am now having anxiety and panic attacks with GI upset and nausea. It is hard to believe it is withdrawal as I have not reduced my dose since January. So disappointing. I sometimes feel I will never get off this drug.🙁

[Frogie]

Keep the faith. You will get there😊

[manymoretodays]

Hey there again Snowyowl16,

 

Are you still holding at Citalopram, 5 mg, since January 2021?

 

On 11/21/2021 at 5:54 PM, Snowyowl16 said:

Thanks Frogie. Seems I may have spoken too soon. Had a relatively good summer but once fall hit I am now having anxiety and panic attacks with GI upset and nausea. It is hard to believe it is withdrawal as I have not reduced my dose since January. So disappointing. I sometimes feel I will never get off this drug.🙁

 

Do you think it might be the season affecting you?  I'm currently thriving, but I do know that many do get stressed or into some nervous system instability during the darker days, and holidays.

Is your paid work going okay?

Non drug coping that helps or gets you through?

 

Sometimes, when on a drug for so long, we hit tolerance or poop out.

Tolerance or "poop-out" or Tachyphylaxis

Tachyphlaxis, Reaching Tolerance, or as it's lovingly known "Poop Out"

take a scan through ^ and see what you think, or if you think you might just be in a "Poop Out" stability now? 

 

 

And best,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[ChessieCat]

5 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Sometimes, when on a drug for so long, we hit tolerance or poop out.

Tolerance or "poop-out" or Tachyphylaxis

Tachyphlaxis, Reaching Tolerance, or as it's lovingly known "Poop Out"

take a scan through ^ and see what you think, or if you think you might just be in a "Poop Out" stability now? 

 

I posted this to another member recently:

 

As a general "rule" withdrawal symptoms usually occur shortly after making a reduction and reduce within a reasonable amount of time afterwards if you have made a conservative reduction (ie no more than 10% of the current dose).

 

With poop out, the worsening of symptoms comes on gradually and it feels like the drug is no longer working.  The difference with poop out is that when a reduction is made, the person can actually feel a bit better for a while and then gradually they start to feel worse again.

 

What can happen when a drug poops out is that the dose is increased, the person feels improvement and then as the drug poops out again things get worse again and the drug might be increased again.

[Snowyowl16]

Yes I have been on 5 my since January. I was finding it hard to work feeling such high anxiety all the time. I felt good over the summer but funny you mention feeling worse with the change of seasons. It is currently cold where I am and I hate the cold. I am still working only 1 or 2 days a week as that's all I can do right now. 

So regarding "poop out" what is the solution? Should I go down on my dose? I am considering taking a small dose of tryptophan at night to help me through the worst of it.

[Snowyowl16]

Thanks for the encouragement Frogie!

[ChessieCat]

I do NOT think adding tryptophan is a good idea.

 

My suggestion would be to try a small reduction.  Perhaps 2.5%.  If you don't feel any different or you feel improvement it may "prove" that it is poop out.

 

Please carefully read Post #1 of this topic:

 

5-htp-5-hydroxytryptophan-and-l-tryptophan

 

[Frogie]

8 hours ago, Snowyowl16 said:

Thanks for the encouragement Frogie!

You're going to do this. Slow and steady wins the race😊

[manymoretodays]

21 hours ago, Snowyowl16 said:

So regarding "poop out" what is the solution? Should I go down on my dose? I am considering taking a small dose of tryptophan at night to help me through the worst of it.

 

Hi Snowyowl16,

I agree with the others.  I wouldn't add tryptophan now, if it were me.

 

And I think you might consider a taper.  Sure.  Just go down by less than 10% next taper.

And keep working on non-drug coping and healthy balance in your lifestyle.

That may be the best solution.

 

You got this!!!  Turtles are the best!  Slow and steady does it.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[Snowyowl16]

Thanks. I have read the links on poop out and it does indeed sound like what I am experiencing. I have been on this med at least 15 years maybe longer. When I think back I have had these intense anxiety waves before I started my taper. I am going to reduce to 4.8 mg tomorrow and see what happens. I have been decreasing about 2.5% per week like brass monkey as the full 10% was starting to be too big a drop all at once. Once again thank you soon much for the valuable information on this site. It has been a life saver.

 

Snowy

[Snowyowl16]

Day 3 of 4.8 mg and had a lot of nausea today with morning anxiety. The feeling of buzzing all over is gone. Had some insomnia last night which I usually do not have. Had a nice window yesterday afternoon. I am trying to think positive as I am pretty sure I have experienced poop out so I need to continue to taper despite working. I am down to 1 or 2 days a week which still is not easy as I don't know when the symptoms will hit me. I am also due for a covid booster and had extended anxiety with dose 2. May have been in my head.