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Fenrir

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I found out I have very low testosterone. What should I do? I am still on paxil and don't know what to do..I had high t while on full dosage? is this damage?

end of 2010, prescribed paxil 20mg

1 year off cold turkey  september 2011- september 2012 (nightmare) escitalopram for 4 months (didn't help).

RI september 2012 20mg

october 2013 crash reaching 10mg

10/31/2013 updose to 14mg

1/3/2014-13mg

2/23/2014-12mg

4/6/2014-11mg

august 2014-10mg

November-December 2014 Big mistake, skipping doses BIG Crash

January 2015- 12 mg

 

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Its 2 oclock in the morning i now suffer insomnia as  current wdl symptoms. Saw your thread.

Sorry you are not stable yet. was wondering how you were doing.

 

Unfortunately at this stage you are still on the drug and so this concern although real will just have to wait until you are off the drug.imo In other words there is nothing you can do about it.

 

I know on pp we couldnt use the 'p' word.

I am not sure what word we can or cannot use here but i will put my neck on the line and say yes in my case i believe it is permanent.

I am currently a 7 .1 ,normal males should be 8-22 if aged between 20 and 100 from memory just recently had a relative 20 yrs older than me go for a blood test i asked him to get the T done it came in at 18.  I have done blood tests annually for 3 years now and caught it as it was falling shortly after i came off the drug it was 12.5 at that stage...since fallen to 7 which is where it has been for the last 2 years .I am now not going to get anymore blood tests.

Doc said my 7 is very normal i had to disagree with him on that these people dont like it if you disagree with them. .

 

In your case we dont know if this is damage until you are off the drug. imo

 

Its not rocket science but to get off you must go down not up in dose. Sorry if you are not stable.

Clearly recent chopping and changing doses has upset the applecart. ok so you have updosed to 14 draw  a line in the sand and say no more updoses hold here for 2-3 months until stable then start the taper at perhaps 5% at least to start with that is my opinion. 

 

I really hope you can stabilize soon

Try not to let this T thing bother you at this time it is out of your hands.

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

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I forgot to udate my signature, I'm still at 12 not 14....

end of 2010, prescribed paxil 20mg

1 year off cold turkey  september 2011- september 2012 (nightmare) escitalopram for 4 months (didn't help).

RI september 2012 20mg

october 2013 crash reaching 10mg

10/31/2013 updose to 14mg

1/3/2014-13mg

2/23/2014-12mg

4/6/2014-11mg

august 2014-10mg

November-December 2014 Big mistake, skipping doses BIG Crash

January 2015- 12 mg

 

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I have to add that I had testicular pain and burning from november to january. The last ultrasongraphy on december shows nothing wrong, having another exams and appointment with urologist soon.

end of 2010, prescribed paxil 20mg

1 year off cold turkey  september 2011- september 2012 (nightmare) escitalopram for 4 months (didn't help).

RI september 2012 20mg

october 2013 crash reaching 10mg

10/31/2013 updose to 14mg

1/3/2014-13mg

2/23/2014-12mg

4/6/2014-11mg

august 2014-10mg

November-December 2014 Big mistake, skipping doses BIG Crash

January 2015- 12 mg

 

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  • 1 month later...

 How low is your testosterone? Have you have your test levels checked by a doctor? My test levels were sky high when I was younger like they should be, but even during this time, my test levels were so high i would experience almost manic anger, aggression, levels of confidence so high, out of control libido, you get the picture. I believe my test levels crashed because of SNRI's. There are natural supplements that are practical in increasing free test levels but not overall test levels.

 

I sometimes supplement, longjack or tongkat ali 100:1, 1 gram, Stinging nettle, 2 grams, Zinc 50 mg and a few others. Again these don't solve the issue though. Low test and high estrogen especially high E2 levels can cause a lot of mental disorders for males.

trintellix 1 mg and rexulti .5mg

 

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Well, I know I'm not really commenting on low T as a man, but I have high T and low estrogen from this. It's fantastic.

:( it seems like everything just goes the wrong way with all of this in WD.

2005-Zoloft bad reaction.....2006-Lexepro......2012-Upped Lexepro.......2013-Upped Lexepro......2/2014- Attempted Taper Lexepro...2/2014- Updosed Lexepro.......3/2014-Ativan.....5/2014- CT switch from Lexpro to Effexor.....

5/2014-7/2014-Tapered Ativan from 1mg to .25mg.....6/2014-Bad reaction to Effexor........7/2014- Rapid taper Effexor every other day......7/5/2014- Off Effexor.......7/2014-12/2014 - Ativan .25mg.......12/25/2014 -Taper Ativan by 4% due to paradoxical reaction .24mg...11/18/2015-Taper Ativan 1% CURRENTLY ON: .2376mg Ativan taken in 6 .0396mg doses.

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Hi Fenrir,

I only got mine checked after I'd been on SSRIs for 5 years and my T levels were low.

I think however they were always low.

But it didn't seem to stop my sex drive (or fathering 2 children).
 

I think there is a wide range of normal.

 

But well worth following up with the urologist.

 

Cheers

 

Damien

Off all SSRIs as at November 2016.

 

Been on SSRIs (mainly Lexapro) for around 15 years.

failed attempts to go cold turkey before I got proper info on it.

Over last 2 years I've slowly gone from 20 mg Lexapro to 2.5 mg Lexapro.

on 25th Jan 2015 I've now moved to home made liquid Lexapro.

Plan is to drop roughly 0.2 mg per month over the next 1-2 years.  

25th Jan 2015 2.5 mg Lexapro liquid.

24th Mar 2016 1.0 mg lexapro (crushed tablet mixed and refilled into capsules)

Planned to be at 0.0 mg lexapro by about October 2016. 

I also take 50-100 mg modafinil per day, no short term plans of stopping/tapering modafinil but will re-evaluate after I'm off lexapro. 

 

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  • 2 years later...

Not sure if this has been asked before. Did a search but didn't find what I'm asking. It's difficult to find any definitive proof that ssri's cause hormone disruption. I was tested for low testosterone 3 different times and got low results every time. My doctor admits that my testosterone is low for my age but have no explanation for it other than the fact I'm on zoloft. Unless I was tested before starting zoloft, there is no way of knowing this is the cause. Anybody ever wonder this as well?

April 26th - 36.5>32.8mg Z.

Feb 4th - 40.5>36.5mg Zoloft.

Jan 5th - 45>40.5mg Zoloft.

Dec 6th - 50>45mg Zoloft.

Nov 1st - 53>50.0mg Zoloft. Sep 22/17 - 50.0>53.0mg Zoloft. Sep 18/17 - 59.0>50.0mg Zoloft.

Aug 7/17 - 65.6>59.0mg  July 18/17 - 72.9>65.6mg. June 18/17 - 81>72.9mg 

May 28/17 - 90>81mg.  May 8/17:  Started my taper. 100>90mg

1995 to May 8/17:  100mg Zoloft/day.  Working well but suspecting some signs of Tolerance this past year.

4/5/17:  Started Testosterone Replacement Therapy via T pellet insertion.  Diagnosed with Secondary Hypogonadism.

Supplements:  1000mg fish oil, 10,000iu Vit D3 with K2, 400mg Magnesium.

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  • 1 month later...

Crickets......Anybody out there experience low testosterone while on a SSRI?

April 26th - 36.5>32.8mg Z.

Feb 4th - 40.5>36.5mg Zoloft.

Jan 5th - 45>40.5mg Zoloft.

Dec 6th - 50>45mg Zoloft.

Nov 1st - 53>50.0mg Zoloft. Sep 22/17 - 50.0>53.0mg Zoloft. Sep 18/17 - 59.0>50.0mg Zoloft.

Aug 7/17 - 65.6>59.0mg  July 18/17 - 72.9>65.6mg. June 18/17 - 81>72.9mg 

May 28/17 - 90>81mg.  May 8/17:  Started my taper. 100>90mg

1995 to May 8/17:  100mg Zoloft/day.  Working well but suspecting some signs of Tolerance this past year.

4/5/17:  Started Testosterone Replacement Therapy via T pellet insertion.  Diagnosed with Secondary Hypogonadism.

Supplements:  1000mg fish oil, 10,000iu Vit D3 with K2, 400mg Magnesium.

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Although this post was in topic "PMS and menstrual cycle issues during withdrawal" and is about female hormones I think the same applies to male hormones (or hormones generally) too:

 

On 4/6/2013 at 7:20 AM, Altostrata said:

A lot of women seem to find antidepressants affect their cycles, in different ways.

 

They're hormonal disruptors. Some people find the disruption beneficial, others not so much.

 

In Jan 2011 started Lexapro 10 mg after 10 minutes consultation with doctor telling him I felt anxious in confined spaces and had an anxiety attack on plane and underground. Remained on that dosage until Sept 2014. Tapered following a doctor's schedule on 2.5 mg drops every three weeks. Once stopped I developed severe withdrawals. Three weeks of Prozac beginning of Oct 2014 but had adverse reaction and stopped CT. Protracted withdrawals since. Supp now - magnesium, fish oil, turmeric, vit D, melatonin (but recently it's made me depressed), castus vitex capsule with ginger, Withania, Vit E, zinc, Lutein for PMS.
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  • 8 months later...

I'm just curious if getting off ssris will make your testosterone go back to normal if get off of them. Assuming they lower it.

History:

Trazodone:  150mg -> 0mg

Wellbutrin: 300mg - > 0 mg a day

Fluoxetine: 60mg  -> 40 mg

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  • 4 months later...

can testosterone therapy worsen w/d symptoms.i have low t .

March-2017-Dec-2017 ativanCT /reinstated ativan 1mg tapered 2 months/June 2017-April 2018 zyprexa 10mg switched to seroquel 200-300mg in april 2018/dec-2017-present zoloft 100mg/ quit seroquel 200-300mg cold turkey May 6 2018 reinstated seroquel 100mg around May 25 2018 since then tapered to 50mg zoloft and 50 mg of seroquel presently other medications Testosterone cypionate 2oomg every 4 days

UPDATE -August 20 2018--october 20 2018 tapered off Testosterone/Nov 7 2018 --Dec 20 2018 Lamictal micro dose 2.50mg 1 1/2 weeks then reduced to 1.25 then fast tapered as it became paridoxial.nausea- racing thoughts- agitation and insomnia.

August 28 2018 to Present Cannabis indica micro dose PM bedtime only.

Presently Seroquel 37.5 mg bedtime /Zoloft 47mg morning

May 2018-Present Multivitamin/ Bcomplex/Vit C 1000MG/B12 1000MCG/Fish oils 2grams/

Jan 2019-Trace mineral liquid low dose

Update dec 2019 -29mg of zoloft tapering/Seroquel 37.5 holding/1 or 2  ativan 1mg a month as needed if that.

Black seed oil-caprylic acid-/b complex/b12/multi/D/E/melatonin

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Testosterone therapy during WD
  • 4 weeks later...
  • Altostrata changed the title to Testosterone therapy
  • Administrator

Combined similar topics.

 

In general, I would be careful with any steroid therapy during withdrawal (or any other time). Bumping up one hormone tends to imbalance everything else, because the body depends on self-regulation.

 

There seems to be a lot of overselling of testosterone treatment right now, with much near-quackery, playing on male insecurities. Be very cautious.

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.

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55 minutes ago, Galmond said:

Great question. I hope someone has some advice im in the same boat.

I'll just give you my experience so far being on to testosterone during withdrawals. I don't feel like there is much of a negative effect I'm getting more positive effects. That's just me though. I have 20-plus years of experience taking them so I know how they feel and work in my body. You have two choices you can taper off of them or continue taking them. Never cold turkey. As long as I'm having Windows here and there I'm going to continue on. I'm not a happy guy when my hormones are out of balance I can tell you that . I have mine tested very frequently by a urologist. I couldn't imagine having high levels of estrogen right now. This is truly an experimental  thing taking them while going through withdrawals. We'll see how it goes I'll keep you updated.

March-2017-Dec-2017 ativanCT /reinstated ativan 1mg tapered 2 months/June 2017-April 2018 zyprexa 10mg switched to seroquel 200-300mg in april 2018/dec-2017-present zoloft 100mg/ quit seroquel 200-300mg cold turkey May 6 2018 reinstated seroquel 100mg around May 25 2018 since then tapered to 50mg zoloft and 50 mg of seroquel presently other medications Testosterone cypionate 2oomg every 4 days

UPDATE -August 20 2018--october 20 2018 tapered off Testosterone/Nov 7 2018 --Dec 20 2018 Lamictal micro dose 2.50mg 1 1/2 weeks then reduced to 1.25 then fast tapered as it became paridoxial.nausea- racing thoughts- agitation and insomnia.

August 28 2018 to Present Cannabis indica micro dose PM bedtime only.

Presently Seroquel 37.5 mg bedtime /Zoloft 47mg morning

May 2018-Present Multivitamin/ Bcomplex/Vit C 1000MG/B12 1000MCG/Fish oils 2grams/

Jan 2019-Trace mineral liquid low dose

Update dec 2019 -29mg of zoloft tapering/Seroquel 37.5 holding/1 or 2  ativan 1mg a month as needed if that.

Black seed oil-caprylic acid-/b complex/b12/multi/D/E/melatonin

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59 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Combined similar topics.

 

In general, I would be careful with any steroid therapy during withdrawal (or any other time). Bumping up one hormone tends to imbalance everything else, because the body depends on self-regulation.

 

There seems to be a lot of overselling of testosterone treatment right now, with much near-quackery, playing on male insecurities. Be very cautious.

Very true Alto .Its like any drug there are side effects and W/D.It is being sold to everyone.I've tried without it.My T levels are always at rock bottom and stay there with high estrogen for many years.These are powerful medications that effect mood and body.The W/D is bad on these too.

March-2017-Dec-2017 ativanCT /reinstated ativan 1mg tapered 2 months/June 2017-April 2018 zyprexa 10mg switched to seroquel 200-300mg in april 2018/dec-2017-present zoloft 100mg/ quit seroquel 200-300mg cold turkey May 6 2018 reinstated seroquel 100mg around May 25 2018 since then tapered to 50mg zoloft and 50 mg of seroquel presently other medications Testosterone cypionate 2oomg every 4 days

UPDATE -August 20 2018--october 20 2018 tapered off Testosterone/Nov 7 2018 --Dec 20 2018 Lamictal micro dose 2.50mg 1 1/2 weeks then reduced to 1.25 then fast tapered as it became paridoxial.nausea- racing thoughts- agitation and insomnia.

August 28 2018 to Present Cannabis indica micro dose PM bedtime only.

Presently Seroquel 37.5 mg bedtime /Zoloft 47mg morning

May 2018-Present Multivitamin/ Bcomplex/Vit C 1000MG/B12 1000MCG/Fish oils 2grams/

Jan 2019-Trace mineral liquid low dose

Update dec 2019 -29mg of zoloft tapering/Seroquel 37.5 holding/1 or 2  ativan 1mg a month as needed if that.

Black seed oil-caprylic acid-/b complex/b12/multi/D/E/melatonin

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 8/12/2018 at 6:06 PM, RusTW said:

I'll just give you my experience so far being on to testosterone during withdrawals. I don't feel like there is much of a negative effect I'm getting more positive effects. That's just me though. I have 20-plus years of experience taking them so I know how they feel and work in my body. You have two choices you can taper off of them or continue taking them. Never cold turkey. As long as I'm having Windows here and there I'm going to continue on. I'm not a happy guy when my hormones are out of balance I can tell you that . I have mine tested very frequently by a urologist. I couldn't imagine having high levels of estrogen right now. This is truly an experimental  thing taking them while going through withdrawals. We'll see how it goes I'll keep you updated.

Rus

How's things going with your taper and TRT therapy?

Was wondering do you use cream or injections for your TRT. And where youalreadyon TRT when you decided to taper from your med?

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I had testosterone injections years ago while on my ad. It upped my libido a bit but it just wasn’t worth all the extra anxiety and angry moods .

 

Quote

Dosulepin 75 mgs per night since 1993.           Dosulepin March 16  2018   75mgs and 50 mgs alternate nights.             Dosulepin. March 30. 2018.  50 mgs per night

Dosulepin. May 2. 2018. 50mgs and 25 mgs alternate nights

Dosulepin. May 27 2018. 50 mgs per night ( increased )

Dosulepin. July 11 2018. 45 mgs per night

Dosulepin. August 13 2018  40 mgs per night

Dosulepin  October 10 2018. 37.5 mgs per night

Dosulepin. October. 24 2018. 35 mgs per night

Dosulepin. December 5 2018. 32.5 mgs per night

Dosulepin.  January 2. 2018  30mgs per night   February 14 2018  29 mgs per night

Dosulepin February 27  28 mgs per night

 

 

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  • 1 year later...

Hi all and wish the Coronavirus crisis to pass soon and life will start again. 

I posted several days ago to ask about the slow release testosterone nebido injection I took six and a half months ago. I just took one injection. Now I think I am having withdrawal symptoms from that injection. Will these symptoms go away. Does anyone in this site have experience with Trt. Please if you have any knowledge please help me. I am in hell right now. 

Thanks to all

Ibnabu 

My drug history:

Cipralex 10mg for two months from February 2015 to April 2015. Tapered for one month 

Cipralex 20mg for six months from February 2016 to August 2016. Tapered for 5 weeks.

From October 2016 till fourth of April 2018 I am drug free.

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  • 4 months later...

So when i crashed my doctor tested my hormones and it came back with extremely low testosterone numbers....189 ng/ml.  She advised testosterone pellets  to get me in the normal range which is 300-1000.  I am tenative however.  Has anyone had experience with low testosterone and trt?  

For context i am 37 yo and have been on 20mg paxil since 18 yo.  

2001 paxil 20mg

2012 abrupt taper off ending in hospitalization 

2012 20 mg paroxetine 150mg trazodone for sleep  2mg ativan as needed 

2018 completely off trazododne and began slow taper from 20mg paroxetine. 

2020 June- Hit snag at around 60% of 20mg paroxetine dose.  Now I'm here. Taking ativan as needed again.

June 8 2020 -back up to full 20mg paxil

Already tapering off trazadone 

Stopped ativan completely.  Only on 1 week.

 

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Testosterone
  • 4 weeks later...

How are you making out Thehardway?

Would like to compare notes.  Seems like we may have a similar story.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed unnecessary quote

Lexapro 2008-2014 - 10mg, 2014-Feb 2020 20mg, Tapered by 5mg steps from 20mg down to 0mg by May 2019 approx. took 6 months, went back to 20mg since it did not accomplish my objective but not due to withdrawal symptoms, Feb 2020 went down to 10mg from 20 mg to Aug 17 '20, Aug 18 2020 dropped to 5mg to Sep 1 2020, Sep 2 back to 10mg due to wd symp.

Ativan - 1mg daily in morning, over 2yrs at this dose

Cetirizine - Dec 2019 std otc dose at bedtime, Aug 30 2020 stopped taking til Sep 8 2020, Sep 9 2020 1/2 tablet til Sep 13 2020, Sep 14 2020 full tablet til present

Lexapro 10% taper started 11/1/2020 from a starting point of 10mg, so 9.1mg (or 0.130gpw), to 8.2mg (or 0.117gpw) 12/6/2020, to 7.4mg (or 0.105gpw) on Jan 10, 2021

Stopped Ativan 12/20/2020

Cetirizine at bedtime 5mg as of Feb 15, 2021

Tapered Lexapro 0.095gpw on Mar 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.086gpw on Apr 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.077gpw on May 2, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.070gpw on May 30, 2021

Ativan 1mg daily as of Mar 24, 2021 (reinstated since decided not to taper 2 drugs at once)

Fish oil, 1tsp daily as of Mar 4, 2021 from Natural Factors RxOmega-3 EPA 1500 - DHA 500, Vitamin D 4000IUs daily

Lexapro updosed to 0.077gpw on Jul 11, 2021, Stopped Cetirizine July 31, 2021, Updosed to 0.086gpw on Aug 17, 2021, Updosed to 0.095gpw on Aug 23, 2021, Updosed to 10mg on Aug 27, 2021

 

 

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  • 11 months later...

Low T, low libido after SSRI abrupt cessation

 

After being practically forced to quit Lexapro after two episodes of serotonin syndrome, I abruptly went off of Lexapro after twelve years at a high dosage (35 mg daily). This initiated a year and a half of extreme depression, anxiety and suicidality. I spent 5 1/2 weeks inpatient and reinstated the meds. Currently taking 15 mg Lexapro and 300 Wellutron daily. No depression and only mild anxiety for three years. However, my libido is down around zero since this event and I was diagnosed with low testosterone. (I even lost a lot of leg hair)! Wondering if anyone has dealt with similar things after going off of an SSRI abruptly. In my case, it is not PSSD, as I never had any sexual problems on the medication until I did the abrupt cessation. I am in a long-term intimate partnership and feel really desperate, somewhat hopeless, profoundly frustrated and angry.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with existing topic

2005 to July, 2014: Lexapro 40 mg daily

July, 2014 to October, 2017: Lexapro 30 mg daily

September 21 and September 30: 2 serotonin syndromes interrupted by one week on Lexapro at 30 mg

October 1 to October 31 2017: cold turkey no Lexapro

November 1 to December 15 2017: reinstate Lexapro from 1.25 mg to 20 mg

2017-2018: 1200 mg lithium, 30 mg Lexapro, 300 mg Wellbutrin
CURRENT, 2018 to now (12/2021): 10 mg Lexapro, 300 mg Wellbutrin daily

 

 

 

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  • 2 months later...

Hi All,

I looked through this thread and wanted to share my experience and seek advice. Tapering off Lexapro, currently at 5 mg, down from 15 over 2 years. .At the end my previous failed taper I discovered that my T was very low, most likely the effect of SSRI use. Was put on T injections in 2019. Did not really notice much difference with wd symptoms other than being less tired. Stopped T in April 2021. In July my Lex tapering came to a grinding stall, with depression, brain fog cognitive symptoms becoming even worse than my "Normal" in wd. Decided to make an injection of T to see if it is a factor and felt noticeably better immediately. So had been in T withdrawal as well!  However T injections are not helping me long term, they make me feel much better a few hours after the shot but I crash with even more wd symptoms the next day. So exploring T gels that are supposed to provide a steadier dose. 

 

Anyone successfully implemented T replacement to help with SSRI taper? Thoughts?

LD 

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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LeoD: Why do you say "most likely from the effect of SSRI use"?  I have looked and looked and the evidence is scant for this connection.  The only study I found that seems to show the connection is this: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18626269/?fbclid=IwAR11TI6nkmurwcRDGkgfQLt3WKfgl1A6Wgw4phtI6bO38PY1akunvMOM13s 

 

But it is limited in size and scope.

 

I've looked at your drug history.  What happened from Oct 17 at 7.5mg to Oct 5mg?  That's a very big decrease.

 

My T supplementation is varied.  I've taken the injections and the gel.  Both raised my total T in proportion to supplementation I was taking at the time.  With the gel I did receive some relief from low T symptoms for about 3 months.  But I was using a brand name at first and a generic was substituted and my TT went down and my symptoms returned.  The injections did not give me any symptom relief.  It is important with the gel to apply it in a certain way for maximum effectiveness.  Try not to overlap the areas that you apply the gel to and maximize the skin space that receives the gel.  In the readings I have done about T supplementation methods, the gel and injections get about the same percentage symptom relief.  I have received a prescription order for HCG from my health's doctor, but have not started it yet.  

 

What is your total T?

 

Why are you tapering the lex?  The greatest chance for severe wd from the lex is in the 5mg to 0 range.  You probably should lower the dosage percentage decrease in that range, perhaps to 2% and hold until stable.

Lexapro 2008-2014 - 10mg, 2014-Feb 2020 20mg, Tapered by 5mg steps from 20mg down to 0mg by May 2019 approx. took 6 months, went back to 20mg since it did not accomplish my objective but not due to withdrawal symptoms, Feb 2020 went down to 10mg from 20 mg to Aug 17 '20, Aug 18 2020 dropped to 5mg to Sep 1 2020, Sep 2 back to 10mg due to wd symp.

Ativan - 1mg daily in morning, over 2yrs at this dose

Cetirizine - Dec 2019 std otc dose at bedtime, Aug 30 2020 stopped taking til Sep 8 2020, Sep 9 2020 1/2 tablet til Sep 13 2020, Sep 14 2020 full tablet til present

Lexapro 10% taper started 11/1/2020 from a starting point of 10mg, so 9.1mg (or 0.130gpw), to 8.2mg (or 0.117gpw) 12/6/2020, to 7.4mg (or 0.105gpw) on Jan 10, 2021

Stopped Ativan 12/20/2020

Cetirizine at bedtime 5mg as of Feb 15, 2021

Tapered Lexapro 0.095gpw on Mar 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.086gpw on Apr 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.077gpw on May 2, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.070gpw on May 30, 2021

Ativan 1mg daily as of Mar 24, 2021 (reinstated since decided not to taper 2 drugs at once)

Fish oil, 1tsp daily as of Mar 4, 2021 from Natural Factors RxOmega-3 EPA 1500 - DHA 500, Vitamin D 4000IUs daily

Lexapro updosed to 0.077gpw on Jul 11, 2021, Stopped Cetirizine July 31, 2021, Updosed to 0.086gpw on Aug 17, 2021, Updosed to 0.095gpw on Aug 23, 2021, Updosed to 10mg on Aug 27, 2021

 

 

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Hi Normlex, thank you for your input and advice. I am going very slow wit Lex tapering, 1-2% a month recently. From Oct 17 2020 to Oct 5 2021 went down from 7.5 to 5 mg. 

 

I am tapering because I have tapered too fast before and reinstalled too much. So got myself into wd and did not get a relief from reinstatement. So the only way to feel better is get rid of the drug. 

 

If you look at most Testosterone supplementation resources, they mention that SSRI use is one of reasons for low T. And there have been a number of animal studies to support this. SSRI use dysregulates pituitary hormone production among other wonderful things it does.  

 

I started T gel from a compounding pharmacy today. We will see. My T was  200 ng/dL (total) and ~ 9  pg/ml free. Not too bad, but my wd symptoms were terrible, and got somewhat alleviated after a 40 mg injection. So I am hoping a some what higher T level may help me continue tapering Lexapro.  

 

Good luck with hCG. What symptoms are you trying to get help with with hormone treatments? Mine are low focus, motivation, tiredness, depression. All caused by Lexapro withdrawal.  

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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3 hours ago, LeoD said:

Hi Normlex, thank you for your input and advice. I am going very slow wit Lex tapering, 1-2% a month recently. From Oct 17 2020 to Oct 5 2021 went down from 7.5 to 5 mg. 

 

I am tapering because I have tapered too fast before and reinstalled too much. So got myself into wd and did not get a relief from reinstatement. So the only way to feel better is get rid of the drug. 

 

If you look at most Testosterone supplementation resources, they mention that SSRI use is one of reasons for low T. And there have been a number of animal studies to support this. SSRI use dysregulates pituitary hormone production among other wonderful things it does.  

 

I started T gel from a compounding pharmacy today. We will see. My T was  200 ng/dL (total) and ~ 9  pg/ml free. Not too bad, but my wd symptoms were terrible, and got somewhat alleviated after a 40 mg injection. So I am hoping a some what higher T level may help me continue tapering Lexapro.  

 

Good luck with hCG. What symptoms are you trying to get help with with hormone treatments? Mine are low focus, motivation, tiredness, depression. All caused by Lexapro withdrawal.  

I'm dubious of TRT suppl. resources stating low T is from SSRIs.  It certainly is a great way to sell more TRT.  I've seen one study associating low T with SSRIs in rats.  I'd like to really know for sure before I start another taper.  I have a failed taper under my belt from last year.  Hit a 'wall' at about 5mg.  My anxiety was crippling, as well as, my stomach felt 'nervous' alot of the time.  Had to reinstate all the way up to 15mg.  

 

Symptoms are low motivation, tiredness, mild depression.  My total T is 177 ng/dl (range=270-1070) and free T 45.6 pg/ml (range=48-169).  I'm afraid to start HCG since it can cause an anxiety increase.  I don't know if I have stabilized yet, it has been 4+ weeks at 15mg.

 

Good luck with the remaining portion of your taper.  Stay patient.

 

I've joined several Facebook groups relating to the lex and they are fairly active.

 

For T support, I joined a fb group called TRT in the UK discussion - Dr. Robert Stevens.  This doctor seems very good and is progressive in TRT/HRT treatment.  They have many blogs on their website themenshealthclinic.co.uk.  This doctor seems to take low T to another level of care if their numbers and the website is being truthful.

Lexapro 2008-2014 - 10mg, 2014-Feb 2020 20mg, Tapered by 5mg steps from 20mg down to 0mg by May 2019 approx. took 6 months, went back to 20mg since it did not accomplish my objective but not due to withdrawal symptoms, Feb 2020 went down to 10mg from 20 mg to Aug 17 '20, Aug 18 2020 dropped to 5mg to Sep 1 2020, Sep 2 back to 10mg due to wd symp.

Ativan - 1mg daily in morning, over 2yrs at this dose

Cetirizine - Dec 2019 std otc dose at bedtime, Aug 30 2020 stopped taking til Sep 8 2020, Sep 9 2020 1/2 tablet til Sep 13 2020, Sep 14 2020 full tablet til present

Lexapro 10% taper started 11/1/2020 from a starting point of 10mg, so 9.1mg (or 0.130gpw), to 8.2mg (or 0.117gpw) 12/6/2020, to 7.4mg (or 0.105gpw) on Jan 10, 2021

Stopped Ativan 12/20/2020

Cetirizine at bedtime 5mg as of Feb 15, 2021

Tapered Lexapro 0.095gpw on Mar 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.086gpw on Apr 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.077gpw on May 2, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.070gpw on May 30, 2021

Ativan 1mg daily as of Mar 24, 2021 (reinstated since decided not to taper 2 drugs at once)

Fish oil, 1tsp daily as of Mar 4, 2021 from Natural Factors RxOmega-3 EPA 1500 - DHA 500, Vitamin D 4000IUs daily

Lexapro updosed to 0.077gpw on Jul 11, 2021, Stopped Cetirizine July 31, 2021, Updosed to 0.086gpw on Aug 17, 2021, Updosed to 0.095gpw on Aug 23, 2021, Updosed to 10mg on Aug 27, 2021

 

 

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Practically, why does it matter whether tow T is from SSRIs or not? We supplement to try to alleviate symptoms, which may be similar between low T and SSRI wd. Right? 

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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merged similar topics. 

 

Link to new post.

 

 

* 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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18 minutes ago, LeoD said:

Practically, why does it matter whether tow T is from SSRIs or not? We supplement to try to alleviate symptoms, which may be similar between low T and SSRI wd. Right? 

 

If you are considering testosterone I suggest that you read the issues which this member experienced.  The following is a link to the search I did in his topic, and the oldest post is on page 2 at the bottom:

 

DaveB's topic:  search/?&q=testosterone

* 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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18 hours ago, LeoD said:

Practically, why does it matter whether tow T is from SSRIs or not? We supplement to try to alleviate symptoms, which may be similar between low T and SSRI wd. Right? 

It matters because the SSRI may be 'preventing' the T supplementation from working.  And it is the SSRI that needs to be slowly tapered.  Also, an SSRI can deplete the body of certain vitamins and minerals and nutrients.  This could be the cause of the low T.

Lexapro 2008-2014 - 10mg, 2014-Feb 2020 20mg, Tapered by 5mg steps from 20mg down to 0mg by May 2019 approx. took 6 months, went back to 20mg since it did not accomplish my objective but not due to withdrawal symptoms, Feb 2020 went down to 10mg from 20 mg to Aug 17 '20, Aug 18 2020 dropped to 5mg to Sep 1 2020, Sep 2 back to 10mg due to wd symp.

Ativan - 1mg daily in morning, over 2yrs at this dose

Cetirizine - Dec 2019 std otc dose at bedtime, Aug 30 2020 stopped taking til Sep 8 2020, Sep 9 2020 1/2 tablet til Sep 13 2020, Sep 14 2020 full tablet til present

Lexapro 10% taper started 11/1/2020 from a starting point of 10mg, so 9.1mg (or 0.130gpw), to 8.2mg (or 0.117gpw) 12/6/2020, to 7.4mg (or 0.105gpw) on Jan 10, 2021

Stopped Ativan 12/20/2020

Cetirizine at bedtime 5mg as of Feb 15, 2021

Tapered Lexapro 0.095gpw on Mar 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.086gpw on Apr 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.077gpw on May 2, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.070gpw on May 30, 2021

Ativan 1mg daily as of Mar 24, 2021 (reinstated since decided not to taper 2 drugs at once)

Fish oil, 1tsp daily as of Mar 4, 2021 from Natural Factors RxOmega-3 EPA 1500 - DHA 500, Vitamin D 4000IUs daily

Lexapro updosed to 0.077gpw on Jul 11, 2021, Stopped Cetirizine July 31, 2021, Updosed to 0.086gpw on Aug 17, 2021, Updosed to 0.095gpw on Aug 23, 2021, Updosed to 10mg on Aug 27, 2021

 

 

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Found its better to get off testosterone to reboot endocrine system as well as nervous system. The testosterone may make anxiety and depression worse.it acts differently when in wd.best of luck

March-2017-Dec-2017 ativanCT /reinstated ativan 1mg tapered 2 months/June 2017-April 2018 zyprexa 10mg switched to seroquel 200-300mg in april 2018/dec-2017-present zoloft 100mg/ quit seroquel 200-300mg cold turkey May 6 2018 reinstated seroquel 100mg around May 25 2018 since then tapered to 50mg zoloft and 50 mg of seroquel presently other medications Testosterone cypionate 2oomg every 4 days

UPDATE -August 20 2018--october 20 2018 tapered off Testosterone/Nov 7 2018 --Dec 20 2018 Lamictal micro dose 2.50mg 1 1/2 weeks then reduced to 1.25 then fast tapered as it became paridoxial.nausea- racing thoughts- agitation and insomnia.

August 28 2018 to Present Cannabis indica micro dose PM bedtime only.

Presently Seroquel 37.5 mg bedtime /Zoloft 47mg morning

May 2018-Present Multivitamin/ Bcomplex/Vit C 1000MG/B12 1000MCG/Fish oils 2grams/

Jan 2019-Trace mineral liquid low dose

Update dec 2019 -29mg of zoloft tapering/Seroquel 37.5 holding/1 or 2  ativan 1mg a month as needed if that.

Black seed oil-caprylic acid-/b complex/b12/multi/D/E/melatonin

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19 hours ago, RusTW said:

Found its better to get off testosterone to reboot endocrine system as well as nervous system. The testosterone may make anxiety and depression worse.it acts differently when in wd.best of luck

Can you give us more details?

 

@rustw

Are you completely off your SSRI?

If so, how long?

Do you still have low T?

Are you treating your low T any other way?

Do you believe the low T was the result of taking an SSRI?

Was your T level in the normal range prior to taking an SSRI?

Why did you start taking an SSRI?

 

 

It would be nice to hear from the other people who posted in this thread where they are with their low T and SSRIs:

@Thehardway

@Doloi

@RusTW

@LeoD

@Steve61

@Galmond10

@zxcv

@Rob66

@DaisyBell

@MatGMax

@antidepressantsNoMore

@Fenrir

@nz11

Lexapro 2008-2014 - 10mg, 2014-Feb 2020 20mg, Tapered by 5mg steps from 20mg down to 0mg by May 2019 approx. took 6 months, went back to 20mg since it did not accomplish my objective but not due to withdrawal symptoms, Feb 2020 went down to 10mg from 20 mg to Aug 17 '20, Aug 18 2020 dropped to 5mg to Sep 1 2020, Sep 2 back to 10mg due to wd symp.

Ativan - 1mg daily in morning, over 2yrs at this dose

Cetirizine - Dec 2019 std otc dose at bedtime, Aug 30 2020 stopped taking til Sep 8 2020, Sep 9 2020 1/2 tablet til Sep 13 2020, Sep 14 2020 full tablet til present

Lexapro 10% taper started 11/1/2020 from a starting point of 10mg, so 9.1mg (or 0.130gpw), to 8.2mg (or 0.117gpw) 12/6/2020, to 7.4mg (or 0.105gpw) on Jan 10, 2021

Stopped Ativan 12/20/2020

Cetirizine at bedtime 5mg as of Feb 15, 2021

Tapered Lexapro 0.095gpw on Mar 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.086gpw on Apr 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.077gpw on May 2, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.070gpw on May 30, 2021

Ativan 1mg daily as of Mar 24, 2021 (reinstated since decided not to taper 2 drugs at once)

Fish oil, 1tsp daily as of Mar 4, 2021 from Natural Factors RxOmega-3 EPA 1500 - DHA 500, Vitamin D 4000IUs daily

Lexapro updosed to 0.077gpw on Jul 11, 2021, Stopped Cetirizine July 31, 2021, Updosed to 0.086gpw on Aug 17, 2021, Updosed to 0.095gpw on Aug 23, 2021, Updosed to 10mg on Aug 27, 2021

 

 

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No I'm 3mg seroquil tapering off soon.

My t levels went to normal after taking testosterone and low t for many years.I had prostate cancer removed year 1/2 ago.

Everything went to normal except surgery complications. Constant uti.

I took a shot holy **** the effects were way different in wd.it will affect u different. 

No took testosterone most of my adult life.

Again better to let your endocrine stabilize on its own.i helped Dave b get off

Focus on natural balance now less or no drugs

March-2017-Dec-2017 ativanCT /reinstated ativan 1mg tapered 2 months/June 2017-April 2018 zyprexa 10mg switched to seroquel 200-300mg in april 2018/dec-2017-present zoloft 100mg/ quit seroquel 200-300mg cold turkey May 6 2018 reinstated seroquel 100mg around May 25 2018 since then tapered to 50mg zoloft and 50 mg of seroquel presently other medications Testosterone cypionate 2oomg every 4 days

UPDATE -August 20 2018--october 20 2018 tapered off Testosterone/Nov 7 2018 --Dec 20 2018 Lamictal micro dose 2.50mg 1 1/2 weeks then reduced to 1.25 then fast tapered as it became paridoxial.nausea- racing thoughts- agitation and insomnia.

August 28 2018 to Present Cannabis indica micro dose PM bedtime only.

Presently Seroquel 37.5 mg bedtime /Zoloft 47mg morning

May 2018-Present Multivitamin/ Bcomplex/Vit C 1000MG/B12 1000MCG/Fish oils 2grams/

Jan 2019-Trace mineral liquid low dose

Update dec 2019 -29mg of zoloft tapering/Seroquel 37.5 holding/1 or 2  ativan 1mg a month as needed if that.

Black seed oil-caprylic acid-/b complex/b12/multi/D/E/melatonin

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This is purely my own experience, and in no way am I offering it as the "absolute truth".

 

I was diagnosed with low testosterone (5.13nmol/L or 148ng/dl) in July 2018 and was put on TRT (enthanate injections). Within about six weeks I felt a huge improvement in my cognition and libido.

 

In April 2020 I stopped using Seroxat (Paxil) after fifteen years and I have a series of blood tests which showed my E2 (oestrogen) levels going crazy for a period of about four months. By comparison, my testosterone levels held fairly stable but my E2 was all over the place.  At the time, I was in the middle of Paxil WD symptoms and felt I had enough going on without paying too much attention to my hormone levels. It's only now though that I wonder/suspect if these fluctuating values magnified my WD symptoms, and if these fluctuations were a result of stopping Paxil.

 

I've since switched to testosterone cypionate injections and now that my WD symptoms have eased off enough, I've started to pay attention to my hormone blood test results again. I feel at my best when both my testosterone and E2 levels are in the higher range of normal (29.20nmol/L and 214pmol/L respectively). This is purely my own opinion (I'm an engineer, not a doctor), but I feel that E2 is more important than testosterone when it comes to libido. I'm still collecting data on this via my ongoing blood screening results though.

SSRI history:

2005 - 12th March 2020: 20mg Seroxat (Paxil)

19th March 2020: 15mg Seroxat (Paxil)

26th March 2020: 10mg Seroxat (Paxil)

2nd April 2020: 5mg Seroxat (Paxil)

9th April 2020: 0mg Seroxat (Paxil)

Other medications and supplements:

July 2018: 60mg testosterone enthanate every 3.5 days

25th February 2021: 80mg testosterone cypionate every 4.0 days

March 2020: started taking vitamin D and fish oil supplements

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4 hours ago, HereComesTheDawn said:

This is purely my own experience, and in no way am I offering it as the "absolute truth".

 

I was diagnosed with low testosterone (5.13nmol/L or 148ng/dl) in July 2018 and was put on TRT (enthanate injections). Within about six weeks I felt a huge improvement in my cognition and libido.

 

In April 2020 I stopped using Seroxat (Paxil) after fifteen years and I have a series of blood tests which showed my E2 (oestrogen) levels going crazy for a period of about four months. By comparison, my testosterone levels held fairly stable but my E2 was all over the place.  At the time, I was in the middle of Paxil WD symptoms and felt I had enough going on without paying too much attention to my hormone levels. It's only now though that I wonder/suspect if these fluctuating values magnified my WD symptoms, and if these fluctuations were a result of stopping Paxil.

 

I've since switched to testosterone cypionate injections and now that my WD symptoms have eased off enough, I've started to pay attention to my hormone blood test results again. I feel at my best when both my testosterone and E2 levels are in the higher range of normal (29.20nmol/L and 214pmol/L respectively). This is purely my own opinion (I'm an engineer, not a doctor), but I feel that E2 is more important than testosterone when it comes to libido. I'm still collecting data on this via my ongoing blood screening results though.

Thanks for your input on this.  If you learn more please add another post.  I had a failed taper of Lexapro last year and went thru a period of bad wd (currently still stabilizing).  I would like to still taper and I am trying to collect as much data as possible to have a better chance of none to little wd and a successful taper.  

 

There is a ratio of Estradiol to Testosterone that is considered optimum for wellbeing with men.

 

How are you doing your blood screening?

 

I just had these blood work tests done:

  • Lutenizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Prolactin
  • Total Testosterone
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
  • Free Testosterone
  • Estradiol
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Lipids, including Cholesterol
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Full Blood Count
  • Urea & Electrolytes
  • HbA1C
  • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folate
  • Ferritin

 

 

Lexapro 2008-2014 - 10mg, 2014-Feb 2020 20mg, Tapered by 5mg steps from 20mg down to 0mg by May 2019 approx. took 6 months, went back to 20mg since it did not accomplish my objective but not due to withdrawal symptoms, Feb 2020 went down to 10mg from 20 mg to Aug 17 '20, Aug 18 2020 dropped to 5mg to Sep 1 2020, Sep 2 back to 10mg due to wd symp.

Ativan - 1mg daily in morning, over 2yrs at this dose

Cetirizine - Dec 2019 std otc dose at bedtime, Aug 30 2020 stopped taking til Sep 8 2020, Sep 9 2020 1/2 tablet til Sep 13 2020, Sep 14 2020 full tablet til present

Lexapro 10% taper started 11/1/2020 from a starting point of 10mg, so 9.1mg (or 0.130gpw), to 8.2mg (or 0.117gpw) 12/6/2020, to 7.4mg (or 0.105gpw) on Jan 10, 2021

Stopped Ativan 12/20/2020

Cetirizine at bedtime 5mg as of Feb 15, 2021

Tapered Lexapro 0.095gpw on Mar 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.086gpw on Apr 4, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.077gpw on May 2, 2021, Tapered Lexapro 0.070gpw on May 30, 2021

Ativan 1mg daily as of Mar 24, 2021 (reinstated since decided not to taper 2 drugs at once)

Fish oil, 1tsp daily as of Mar 4, 2021 from Natural Factors RxOmega-3 EPA 1500 - DHA 500, Vitamin D 4000IUs daily

Lexapro updosed to 0.077gpw on Jul 11, 2021, Stopped Cetirizine July 31, 2021, Updosed to 0.086gpw on Aug 17, 2021, Updosed to 0.095gpw on Aug 23, 2021, Updosed to 10mg on Aug 27, 2021

 

 

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