Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted August 25, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 25, 2019 Hello Matisse, thank you for telling us your success story. I'm mostly off of my Lexapro, but finding getting off this last little bit (0.3 mg) the hardest. Luckily today I'm feeling OK. Reading the success stories on here is very encouraging, and gives me much hope. Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
India Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 @Matisse Would love to hear an update? 1999: Paroxetine (20mg). Age 16. 2007-2008: Fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1.5 years (age 25) Citalopram 20mg 2002-2005, 2009: Escitalopram (20mg), 2 weeks, (age 26) (adverse reaction)/*Valium 5mg/Temazepam 10mg 2010: Mirtazipine (Remeron)( do not remember dosage) 2010, 5 months. 2010-2017: Citalopram (20mg) (age 27 to 34) 2016: i.1st Sept- 31st Oct Citalopram 10mg , ii.1st November 2017-30th November 2017, Citalopram 5mg iii.1st December 2017- 4th February 2018, Citalopram 0mg, iv.5th February 2018- March 2018 Citalopram 5mg (10mg every other day) 28th February- tried titration of 5mg ( some adverse effects) 2018: 1st March 2018- 1st June Citalopram 10 mg (tablet form) /started titration 8mg , then 7 mg.2018: June 15th- 10th July Citalopram 10 mg pill every other day 2018: 10th July - 13th Sept Citalopram- 0mg (CBD oil first month of 0mg, passiflora on and off) 2018 13th Sept Citalopram 2mg , approx 16th Sept 4mg , approx 25th Sept 6mg held. 2019: 11 Feb 19: 7mg (instant bad rxn) 12 Feb 19 6mg held 1 May 19 5.4mg held 5 Oct 19 5.36mg 22 Oct 19 5.29mg 30 Oct 19 5.23mg 4/NOV/19 5.18mg 12 Nov 19 5.08mg 20 Nov 19 4.77mg 7 May 22 2.31mg 17/09/2023 0.8mg (Herbal/Supplements since 1st September: Omega Fish Oil 1200mg, 663mg of EPA- 2 tablets a day, magnesium and magnesium bath salts) I did not die, and yet I lost life’s breath - Dante Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matisse Posted December 30, 2019 Author Share Posted December 30, 2019 Hey everybody, just a quick update it's around 4 and a bit years into this withdrawal from my last paroxetine tablet and things have been relatively the same with more improvements in mood and just feeling good. Yes I still have my chemical sensitivity but I'm doing more and just living my life. I was recently in an exhibition in London at mall galleries which was amazing, plus am currently exhibiting at a local gallery in Derby. I got back into my art after years of being scared to draw again due to this fear and grief. Over the past 5 months I draw everyday and have over 1000 followers on Instagram now which is amazing. I am planning on selling prints of my drawings and just enjoying it. I also have a small business which keeps me busy at home. I learned to work around my limitations of being housebound due to the sensitivity and just do what I love. Anywho just want to remind you all that everything changes. One day your world can be falling apart but if you hold on for just a day, a month, a year something amazing will happen you never expected. If I hadn't I would have missed out on loving my partner, listening to music again, being with my family, laughing, loving and now doing what I have over since I was a child. Love be to you all! and... Keep pushing forward, keep going, you are already stronger than most! 7 13 years on 20mg paroxetine (Within those years did change to fluoxetine, citalapram for short periods but always went back to paroxetine) June/July 2015 switched to fluoxetine After a month severe symptoms had to stop doctors advice. Severe withdrawal tried reinstating 5mg for 5 days after 5/6 months but nothing so stopped. Symptoms in waves and windows. Tinnitus, body shakes spasms, intense migraines and brain ripping apart with hallucinations type things, Akathesia internal vibrations, pins and needles,dp and Dr, and more Feb 2016 8 months off anhedonia, severe depression, constant crying, neuro emotions etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentor Cocopuffz17 Posted December 30, 2019 Mentor Share Posted December 30, 2019 Thanks for the update! Glad you are getting better each month! What is your Instagram? Thanks! I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 2008 to 2019 - 20 mg Paroxetine Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful. 2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matisse Posted December 30, 2019 Author Share Posted December 30, 2019 Oh i don't know if I'm allowed to? As it is more personal plus I think I want to keep it seperate Sorry if if that sounds weird! Wonder if I can upload one on here to show... maybe in the future? Or maybe you will happen upon me lol 😁 1 13 years on 20mg paroxetine (Within those years did change to fluoxetine, citalapram for short periods but always went back to paroxetine) June/July 2015 switched to fluoxetine After a month severe symptoms had to stop doctors advice. Severe withdrawal tried reinstating 5mg for 5 days after 5/6 months but nothing so stopped. Symptoms in waves and windows. Tinnitus, body shakes spasms, intense migraines and brain ripping apart with hallucinations type things, Akathesia internal vibrations, pins and needles,dp and Dr, and more Feb 2016 8 months off anhedonia, severe depression, constant crying, neuro emotions etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa5000 Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 Thanks for your update and story. Did you notice any improvement in your chemical sensitivity yet? Do you still have to go out with a mask? On 12/30/2019 at 1:16 AM, Matisse said: Yes I still have my chemical sensitivity but I'm doing more and just living my life. Do you notice small improvements in the chemical sensitivity so that you can do more now? Or is it just as bad and are you pushing yourself more? I read that very modest exposure to chemicals for a short time combined with thinking about something nice/distraction can help reduce the sensitivity. 2019 2.1 mg amitriptyline ,15th july 2.1 mg, 22-7 2.09 mg, 29-7 2.08 mg, 5-8 2.09 mg , 7-8 2.1 mg . 2020 Holding at 2.1 mg 2019 125 mg lyrica, 15th july 124,5 mg, 22-7 124 mg, 29-7 123,5 mg, 4-8 124 mg 2020 holding at 124 mg 2015 january building up my medication to 450 mg lyrica and 50 mg amitriptyline for face ache after a rootcanal treatment at the dentist. 2016 february start tapering lyrica from 450 mg to 200 mg 2016 october tapered 25 mg amitriptyline to 25 mg 2017 tapered lyrica from 200 mg to 100 mg 2017 september tapered my last tablet of 25 mg amitriptyline to zero (horrible muscle pain started) 2018 february tapered lyrica from 100 mg to 75 mg (my muscle pain got worse and I have a lot of nervepain in my arms and legs, sometimes all over musclepain and nerve pain and burning pain) 2018 may reinstated 25 mg lyrica. My current dose is 100 mg lyrica. My pain is still very bad but a little less intense, my mood improved. 2018 since 22th may updose amitriptyline. 9 beads. 2018 june updosing lyrica. 2018 16 th june 125 mg lyrica and 9 beads amitriptyline ( 2mg) Now I'm doing a long hold. I can't taper anymore. Too much pain. I hope to stabilize and improve while holding. I'm trying graded activity to get rid of my pain. 2019 1 jan. Lyrica 125 mg (holding) 2019 1 jan. Amitriptyline tapering from 9 beads to 8 beads (1 jan. 2019), 8,5 beads (5 jan 19), 9 beads (16 jan 19) tapper attempt failed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planifolia Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 Hello Matisse, your story is inspirational. It gives much hope to people as you cold turkeyed, suffered horrendous symptoms and made it! Thank you so much for sharing your story and still updating it from time to time I just wanted to ask was there any coping methods you found particularly effective or helpful to get through such a difficult time? I also noticed you didn’t mention anxiety in the list of symptoms, but i’m guessing you must have experienced incredible terror throughout your withdrawal? Clonazapam: 01/2015 - 03/2015 2mg; 03/2015 Cold Turkey Lexapro: 07/2007 - 08/2018 10-20mg; 08/2018 - 10/2018 Tapered to 0mg; 10/11/2018 Reinstated 7 days taper up to 20mg (took 3mg xanax/day first 3 days of reinstatement); 17/11/2018 20mg; 2/12/2018: 15mg; 3/12/2018 10mg; 5/12/2018 Developed violent spasms, back to 15mg; 6/1/2019 13.5mg; 27/3/2019 13mg; 2/4/2019 12.5mg; 11/4/2019 10mg; 25/5/2019 9mg; 8/7/2019; 8.75mg; 15/7/2019 8.5mg; 22/7/2019 8.25mg; 5month taper of 10%/month to 5mg on 12/2019; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superwoman Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 @Matisse, Thank you for being so selfless to come back and share your success story. It is probably hard to come back here with your PTSD. Have you ever heard of or tried Total Body Modification? Maybe It could help you. It is a type of energy work. My chiropractor does this technique and it has helped me a lot with my multiple sensitivities and allergies. I tried allergy shots, but it really didn’t help. At first I was skeptical that this would work because he just places his hand on my shoulder and does not seem to be doing anything. It really has helped though. I think it depends a lot on the skill of the practitioner. I have noticed it is harder to get me harmonized to things since withdrawal. It still works. It just takes longer and sometimes I have to get reharmonized. I have tons of allergies, so it will take a long time to get through all of them. Anyway, I just wanted to share. It can’t hurt. 1993-2000: Zoloft few months CT, Prozac 1-2 yrs, Ritalin PRN 2002/2003: Wellbutrin, Paxil 25mg FT, and Xanax PRN CT (all 3 to 6 months), Adderal 40mg, Strattera 40mg 2003- 2016: Effexor XR 75 mg to 150 mg., Strattera (2002-2008) 2017: Effexor XR 225 mg. Gabapentin 300 mg. Elavil 25 mg. 2018: (Sept.) Effexor XR 187.5 mg, Zoloft 10 mg. (OCT.) FT off Gabapentin (NOV.) FT off Elavil (DEC) FT Effexor to 150 mg. 2019: (JAN.) D/C Zoloft, added Viibryd 10mg (FEB) CT Viibryd, (MAR) Prozac bridge, Effexor xr 112.5mg, (Sept.) Effexor XR 112.5 mg + 0.4 mg (1 bead), (Oct.) Effexor XR 112.5mg, (Dec.28) start 10% taper Effexor XR 101.25 mg, 2020: (Jan. 25) Effexor XR 91 mg., (Feb. 22) Effexor xr 82 mg., (Mar. 21) 75 mg. Supplements: Vitamin D 5000 IU topical, Probiotic 6 billion CFU, Epsom salt bath 1C 2 to 3 X week, California Poppy 2 droppers, various essential oils https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21446-superwoman-effexor-taper/page/8/?tab=comments#comment-475779 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maui Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Matisse, Thank you so much for your progress story. When I read about it, I felt better. I know you had many symptoms. Do you ever recall reading problems? I'll be reading something, and I read is when the word is isnt. Or stuff like that. Then I reread it and it's fine. I know it sounds crazy. Just wondering. Thanks June 2007- w/d from Paxil 20mg (various w/d symptoms on & off for over a year ) 2014- started Citalopram 10mg 2019- Citalopram no longer working, random symptoms popping up. Dec. 2019- starting weaning off citalopram. End of Feb. 2020-completely off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Aeroman Posted January 15, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 15, 2020 On 8/25/2019 at 2:16 PM, getofflex said: Hello Matisse, thank you for telling us your success story. I'm mostly off of my Lexapro, but finding getting off this last little bit (0.3 mg) the hardest. Luckily today I'm feeling OK. Reading the success stories on here is very encouraging, and gives me much hope. hang in there. I went through the same thing and recovered from Lexapro use. I am fully recovered. It will get better, give it time. Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method. Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Aeroman Posted January 15, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 15, 2020 20 hours ago, Maui said: Matisse, Thank you so much for your progress story. When I read about it, I felt better. I know you had many symptoms. Do you ever recall reading problems? I'll be reading something, and I read is when the word is isnt. Or stuff like that. Then I reread it and it's fine. I know it sounds crazy. Just wondering. Thanks not crazy. Had the same issue and it resolved. Lexparo 10mg user for 2.5 years. Last dose was 2/27/2008 after a fast 1 month taper. Recovered around 2011. Had issues with depression, anxiety, akathasia, inner restlessness, vertigo, insomnia, loss of appetite, eye floaters just to name a few. Basically rode it out, employing the Dr. Claire Weekes method. Took Cipro in July of 2014 and have been having set backs with nausea, vertigo, anxiety (racing thoughts), and depression the last half of 2014. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maui Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 3 hours ago, Aeroman said: not crazy. Had the same issue and it resolved. Thank you Aeroman. June 2007- w/d from Paxil 20mg (various w/d symptoms on & off for over a year ) 2014- started Citalopram 10mg 2019- Citalopram no longer working, random symptoms popping up. Dec. 2019- starting weaning off citalopram. End of Feb. 2020-completely off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted January 16, 2020 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 16, 2020 21 hours ago, Aeroman said: hang in there. I went through the same thing and recovered from Lexapro use. I am fully recovered. It will get better, give it time. Thanks for the encouragement! Jennifer Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baquejohn Posted January 22, 2020 Share Posted January 22, 2020 do you think you will be 100% recovered in another year or so? it's not uncommon for full recovery to take 5 years Prozac january 2010 to october 2016 dose started at 10mg and went up to 80mg welbutrin october 2014 to october 2016 dose up to 400mg effexor october 2015 to march 2016 150mg geodon january 2016 to july 2016 80mg i did a rapid taper off everything in 8 months time span from march 2016 to october 2016 drug free for 2 years and 7 months Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozon1 Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 I just have one question. Looking back at it you said you would have tapered but if you were 2 1/2 months out, would you reinstate then taper or would you of just stayed off of them. Example: 2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018 2019 January, 2nd - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize) 2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5 2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release 2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg) 2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering. 2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimboslice Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 Hi @Rozon1.. I’m 1 year out cold turkey.. I decided not to reinstate and now wish I did.. it just makes sense that doing so is less stressful on the brain and body. My recommendation would be to sort some advice from a moderator on how they would advise to do so and make your decision from there. OCT 2016 - I quit Sertraline 50 mg CT after a family bereavement had turned my life upside down .. as a result it felt the drug was totally ineffective. MAY 2017- After what had been an appalling 6 months (which i thought was horrific grief but now realise it is likely withdrawal is the more likely culprit) I reinstated Sertraline at 50 mg before raising the dose to 100 mg due to not feeling any effect (again this is something that makes sense now). In time i had started to feel normal again and presumed it was because I had worked my way through my prolonged grief. FEB 2019 - Life was now back on track and decided it was time to try and rid myself of the shameful daily pill pop that is AD's. I quit Sertraline Via a fast taper... but may aswell have been a CT. JUN 2019 - I found SA . .. realised i was withdrawing .. and had inadvertently made multiple mistakes along the way. NOV 2019 - I'm roughly 8-9 months into withdrawal & STRUGGLING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozon1 Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 @Kimboslice how are your symptoms? Example: 2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018 2019 January, 2nd - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize) 2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5 2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release 2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg) 2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering. 2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimboslice Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 @Rozon1 intense anxiety & constant head pressure caused by my dwindling brain function and what I’d regard a negative shift of my overall personality, intelligence, memory & cognitive ability. Physically I currently have non stop tinnitus, fatigue pssd and a constant overall feeling of being under the weather. There has been minir improvement but in turbulent circumstances and I now believe it’s likely I could have had a more progressive, less encompassing journey with a sensible taper. OCT 2016 - I quit Sertraline 50 mg CT after a family bereavement had turned my life upside down .. as a result it felt the drug was totally ineffective. MAY 2017- After what had been an appalling 6 months (which i thought was horrific grief but now realise it is likely withdrawal is the more likely culprit) I reinstated Sertraline at 50 mg before raising the dose to 100 mg due to not feeling any effect (again this is something that makes sense now). In time i had started to feel normal again and presumed it was because I had worked my way through my prolonged grief. FEB 2019 - Life was now back on track and decided it was time to try and rid myself of the shameful daily pill pop that is AD's. I quit Sertraline Via a fast taper... but may aswell have been a CT. JUN 2019 - I found SA . .. realised i was withdrawing .. and had inadvertently made multiple mistakes along the way. NOV 2019 - I'm roughly 8-9 months into withdrawal & STRUGGLING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozon1 Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 @Kimboslice what if I Reinstate and get worse? Just quit? What would you do? Hold it out? Example: 2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018 2019 January, 2nd - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize) 2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5 2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release 2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg) 2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering. 2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimboslice Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 @Rozon1 I’ve actually withdrawn previously unwittingly, not understanding that my suffering was SSRI withdrawal related and reinstated at full dose 6 months out from quitting. I did stabilise with time and with little ill effect once doing so. If your only 2 1/2 months I’d like to think you’d be okay. The advice on given on this site is to reintroduce a small amount and if all sits well to go from there. If I was you I’d message a moderator. They will be able to advise you on what is action is most appropriate. Sorry I can’t be more help. OCT 2016 - I quit Sertraline 50 mg CT after a family bereavement had turned my life upside down .. as a result it felt the drug was totally ineffective. MAY 2017- After what had been an appalling 6 months (which i thought was horrific grief but now realise it is likely withdrawal is the more likely culprit) I reinstated Sertraline at 50 mg before raising the dose to 100 mg due to not feeling any effect (again this is something that makes sense now). In time i had started to feel normal again and presumed it was because I had worked my way through my prolonged grief. FEB 2019 - Life was now back on track and decided it was time to try and rid myself of the shameful daily pill pop that is AD's. I quit Sertraline Via a fast taper... but may aswell have been a CT. JUN 2019 - I found SA . .. realised i was withdrawing .. and had inadvertently made multiple mistakes along the way. NOV 2019 - I'm roughly 8-9 months into withdrawal & STRUGGLING Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozon1 Posted February 4, 2020 Share Posted February 4, 2020 @kimbo74 how do I go about messaging a moderator? How do I find out which ones are moderators? Example: 2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018 2019 January, 2nd - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize) 2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5 2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release 2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg) 2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering. 2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armorall Posted February 5, 2020 Share Posted February 5, 2020 @Rozon1 you can message the moderators or ask a question on your own thread and tag the moderators into it. If you skim through people's threads, you can see who the moderators are, ones off the top of my head are Shep, Altostrata, Brassmonkey, Gridley, Manymoretodays... 3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg 3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg 7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone 7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg 7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects 8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg 8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. Message me here if you want: https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/ I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yazz Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 Dear Matisse, did you also suffer from intrusive doom thoughts, feeling not wanting to wake up and cannot think of future plans , that's part of ahedonia right, do they fade by time ? I'm so glad to have read your post as ahedonia and loss of life zest is the worst for me , I have 4 kids and rarely engage with them . I want these thoughts to vanish . I'm not sure is it the ahedonia causing these thoughts about death or vice versa . I have faith and believe that's the rope that's keeping me positive although my emotions are totally the opposite. I have only been on medication for 6 month and fast tapered 2 month ago but still on benzo Bec it slows down the rumination . I'm very hopeful; but in search for answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappilyDerailed Posted February 20, 2020 Share Posted February 20, 2020 Wonderful. We had very similar symptoms. Glad to see you're recovering! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sani Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 On 3/30/2018 at 10:07 PM, Matisse said: Hi, yes I forgot brain zaps, just added to list. ive heard of people who were put on different meds to ease withdrawal who had a reaction. Can't remember what they call it. its advised not to go on any drug because it can cause this. People have returned to the drug they originally went off to ease withdrawal but that can also cause reactions. i hope you find help on here from lots of others who have been through it. Be patient with yourself, it can take months and years but you will heal. i thought the same as you that it would never end but the symptoms gradually went, sometimes symptoms went overnight never to return. its all individual and your so strong for going through it x Did you face stomach issues? May 2018: 10mg Lexapro (once a day), and etizolaam 0.5 mg with proponolol 20mg twice a day July 2018: got completely of etizolaam and proponol by weaning and using only once per day in June October 2018: tapered Lexapro to 5mg using klonopin 0.25 mg as needed to reduce withdrawal symtoms December 2018: quit Lexapro 5mg cold turkey and has to reinstate in three weeks used etizolaam to reduce symtoms as needed March 2019: quit etizolaam 0.5mg cold turkey September 2019: last does of Lexapro November 2019: took klonopin 0.25 mg as needed to over come withdrawal symtoms sometimes 0.5mg. maximum dose of 0.75 mg per week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 27, 2022 Administrator Share Posted August 27, 2022 Hello, @Matisse How are you? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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