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☼ Leo1983: SSRI withdrawal


Leo1983

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53 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi.

 

Really looking for some clarity on this 1. Would someone be able to give me their opinion on this. 

 

I am 11 month into Cold turkey. I have been to hell and basically followed the windows and waves since about 7 months out. 

 

I work full time and have done throughout withdrawal. 

 

I have NEVER felt great or the old me since starting/stopping the drugs. However i have improved. 

 

About 3 weeks ago i started paternity leave from work. Prior to leaving work i was in wd normal, with some good days and bad, i was struggling with anxiety feeling around ppl etc etc the usual wd stuff. Then i went on leave from work and my wife gave birth. I was anxious throughout however managed to get my wife and baby safely home. Then i was at home for 2 weeks with wife and baby. When at home in these 2 weeks i felt the best i had in a while. I had family over, hot tub party, Friends at my house. I was not healed but i felt confident again in myself. 

 

I returned to work yesterday and i noticed soon as i woke up i had that morning cortisol feeling. My head felt full. My muscles were stiff. I felt fatigued. I got home after work last night and thought it is just because its your first day back and you left the baby. Then again today, i woke up cortisol, pain, sluggish........ at work just feeling like im basically in a wave..

 

My question is....... Why was i good at home when off? is this a wave? Is it coincidence im back in a wave on my 1st day back at work. Im lost with it. I feel unwell still at home but i can manage it how i please. At work i dont worry about work but i always seem to feel more symptoms on work days. The symptoms make me feel like i dont want to be at work. Im on restricted duties and doing low stress stuff and still feel the symptoms of withdrawal. 

 

its doing my head in. 

Congratulations for your newborn mate.Maybe is another wave, since I came back to UK i am in a huge wave with all of the symptoms returning, it’s pure hell.It will pass, hope you will be ok.

Lorazepam -2 weeks-1 week 3 mg.4 days 2mg, 3 days 1mg. 13-27 November 2018

Lexapro -2 months-6 weeks of 10mg, 2 weeks of 5mg 27 November 2018-27 January 2019

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9 hours ago, Leo1983 said:

Hi.

 

Really looking for some clarity on this 1. Would someone be able to give me their opinion on this. 

 

I am 11 month into Cold turkey. I have been to hell and basically followed the windows and waves since about 7 months out. 

 

I work full time and have done throughout withdrawal. 

 

I have NEVER felt great or the old me since starting/stopping the drugs. However i have improved. 

 

About 3 weeks ago i started paternity leave from work. Prior to leaving work i was in wd normal, with some good days and bad, i was struggling with anxiety feeling around ppl etc etc the usual wd stuff. Then i went on leave from work and my wife gave birth. I was anxious throughout however managed to get my wife and baby safely home. Then i was at home for 2 weeks with wife and baby. When at home in these 2 weeks i felt the best i had in a while. I had family over, hot tub party, Friends at my house. I was not healed but i felt confident again in myself. 

 

I returned to work yesterday and i noticed soon as i woke up i had that morning cortisol feeling. My head felt full. My muscles were stiff. I felt fatigued. I got home after work last night and thought it is just because its your first day back and you left the baby. Then again today, i woke up cortisol, pain, sluggish........ at work just feeling like im basically in a wave..

 

My question is....... Why was i good at home when off? is this a wave? Is it coincidence im back in a wave on my 1st day back at work. Im lost with it. I feel unwell still at home but i can manage it how i please. At work i dont worry about work but i always seem to feel more symptoms on work days. The symptoms make me feel like i dont want to be at work. Im on restricted duties and doing low stress stuff and still feel the symptoms of withdrawal. 

 

its doing my head in. 

Firstly, congratulations on your new baby!  I'm very happy for you!

 

I would bet you felt better while on leave for a couple of reasons.  You most likely needed a break from work.  You've been working full time throughout all of this which is really hard.  I don't know if you got more or less sleep with the new baby but probably got more rest in general.  You also were probably significantly distracted from your own issues and broke pattern you've been in which can be relieving.  

 

Waking up with cortisol again is probably just the stress of switching gears again made worse by your still dealing with adjusting to coming off the meds only 11 months ago.  You seem to have been pretty strong despite your struggle and I bet you find that within the coming year you've had a lot of lasting improvements.  

 

1994-2009 benzos from age 20 to 36.  Added Cymbalta 60mg in 2007.

2008-2009 tapered benzos to zero and quit Cymbalta Cold turkey.  WD HELL for two years

2011 started on Lexapro to combat the withdrawal and it worked.  

2015 switched to Prozac as Lexapro was not working as well

2017 quit Prozac cold turkey November and crashed into WD.  Reinstated Prozac In December with no benefit. 

2018 Switched back to Lexapro in January and it took most of the issues away in around 2-3 weeks

2019 In February Lexapro has pooped out and WD feelings back.  Tolerance WD I'm sure.

           March 12th Upped my dose to 30 mgs per doctor's advice to see if Tolerance WD goes away but have had worsening sleep issues with limbs jerking and less sleep.

           March 17th dropped back down to 20 mgs and had less limb jerking last night but sleep no better.  

           April 20th cut to 18mg.            

 

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Thanks alot both of you.

 

I appreciate the time to respond. Yeh i think strong is an under statement. Its been a rough 11 month and how i have kept everything together is beyond me. 

 

Again thanks.

 

Any mods got anything else to add? Mainly about the been alot better when off and then the 1st morning back to work a wave kicks in? or is it a wave?. I refer to it as that wd feeling. The feeling you just dont feel good. You feel numb, head pressure, anxiety, mornings are rocky. Its just strange if it was a 2 week window when i was off and then a wave again on my first day back. mmmmmm?

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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Or was it normal return to work stress made worse than normal by still been in wd..... 

 

I thought i had passed it, i really did.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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27 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Or was it normal return to work stress made worse than normal by still been in wd

This makes sense to me.  Even when I was not in withdrawal, I would get quite anxious returning to work after having had time off.  So I think the stress of returning is normal but made worse because of withdrawal.  Once you get back into the routine of working, hopefully things will calm down again to a more manageable level.  You are doing an incredible job of balancing work and family all whilst going through withdrawal.

-1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD)

-10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot

-Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram
-Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015

-8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?)  - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg).

Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin

Citalopram taper:  2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg

 

 

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many congratulations leo!!! these are precious times and i'm sorry you're having a rough time going back to work. as the other posters said this sounds normal - you've been at home with your new family and now you're back in work you're bound to have worries and miss them, even if you're not concious of it. having a newborn is a huge upheaval for parents so it's no wonder your withdrawals are playing up. wishing you good luck and hope things calm down for you soon so you can enjoy time with your family xxxx 

Took prozac 40 mg for 20 years.

January 2017 started cutting down prozac by 12.5% a week. End of February 2017 completely off prozac and withdrawals began.

Currently taking Levothyroxine 75 mcg, Magnesium citrate 200mg,Sage leaf 50mg daily

Amlodipine: October 2017 , discontinued 26 Feb 2019; Candesartan:  26 Feb 2019, 4mg.

Discontinued magnesium citrate 200mg Apr 3rd 2019

Reinstated prozac:  14 Jan 2019, 1mg; 26 Jan, 1.5mg; 4 Feb, 2mg; 16 Feb, 2.5mg; 2 Mar, 3mg; 5 Mar, 2.5mg, 23 Mar, 3 mg; 6 Apr, 3.5mg, 14 Apr 4mg, 23 Apr 5mg, 10 Jul 8mg, 1 Dec 20mg, 1 Apr 2020 40mg 

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What a lovely post and thanks so much for your time. Yeh its like im left thinking im not worried, its fine im just at work and a phone call away. Im not doing anything stressful today at work. YET - I still feel that awful wd feeling.....

 

Hope you are ok too. Again thankyou.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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Thankyou to you both. WANT and TCIB.

 

WANT - I remember that anxiety about going back to work well before wd. But my god this is another type of feeling and anxiety since wd. The anxiety before wd when returning to work used to go away after been there a few hours. This crap lasts all shift. 

 

Just got to keep going!!

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

For any members who were interested in Sadboy's experience with ibogaine which was discussed earlier in Leo's Intro topic:

 

1 hour ago, Sadboy said:

Sadly, you guys were right, ibogaine helped but nothing permanent and couldnt keep taking it. 

 

Please take any discussion about this topic to Sadboy's Introduction.  Thank you.

* 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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Oh my days. 

 

I have i have Bilateral hernias in both sides of my groin. I assume they require surgery.

 

I dont really want put to sleep. 

 

The next chapter.....

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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Just now, Leo1983 said:

Oh my days. 

 

I have i have Bilateral hernias in both sides of my groin. I assume they require surgery.

 

I dont really want put to sleep. 

 

The next chapter.....

Oh man.I’m so sorry this is happening to you Leo.Hope you will be fine.It will take a little time but you will be ok after.Take care brother.

Lorazepam -2 weeks-1 week 3 mg.4 days 2mg, 3 days 1mg. 13-27 November 2018

Lexapro -2 months-6 weeks of 10mg, 2 weeks of 5mg 27 November 2018-27 January 2019

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Hugs man. :( I hope whatever is done, helps you out in the long run. 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

ONE YEAR OFF THE POISON TODAY!

 

I look back at 10 Month ago and think oh my.... Oh my oh my. it was beyond horrific. 

 

I would say im 50 % Better in 1 year. Im hoping this next year does the trick. Looking forward to getting all my personality back hopefully. 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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Preach it brother. It's one horrific experience. 

 

I'm almost reaching my one year next month. I'm like you...I'm 50%. 

 

Let's hope for both of us, we get better from here on out. :) 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed quote

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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When i heal... Look out your bedroom window......

 

You will see me break dancing on the moon Manny 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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woooooh a shooting star????

 

Nope thats Leo going past hes healed.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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That's the spirit, Leo. Keep it up. :) 

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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  • Mentor
18 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

ONE YEAR OFF THE POISON TODAY!

 

I look back at 10 Month ago and think oh my.... Oh my oh my. it was beyond horrific. 

 

I would say im 50 % Better in 1 year. Im hoping this next year does the trick. Looking forward to getting all my personality back hopefully. 

 

Hi Leo,

 

well done for getting through the first year off drugs. I hope this next year takes you back to full strength and to feeling like yourself again

 

best wishes

 

Rich

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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Cheers Rich.

 

Good luck to you too. 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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23 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

ONE YEAR OFF THE POISON TODAY!

 

I look back at 10 Month ago and think oh my.... Oh my oh my. it was beyond horrific. 

 

I would say im 50 % Better in 1 year. Im hoping this next year does the trick. Looking forward to getting all my personality back hopefully. 

Congratulations brother!I’m sure that within this year you will write your succes story.

Take care.

Adrian

Lorazepam -2 weeks-1 week 3 mg.4 days 2mg, 3 days 1mg. 13-27 November 2018

Lexapro -2 months-6 weeks of 10mg, 2 weeks of 5mg 27 November 2018-27 January 2019

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Thankyou Aidrian.

 

Same too you, Keep going!

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi.

 

i have to have hernia surgery in 2 weeks.

 

Basically will i be ok with a general? They say i need to be knocked out. 

 

Appears i have no choice.

 

cheers

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 6/14/2019 at 2:26 PM, Leo1983 said:

ONE YEAR OFF THE POISON TODAY!

 

I look back at 10 Month ago and think oh my.... Oh my oh my. it was beyond horrific. 

 

I would say im 50 % Better in 1 year. Im hoping this next year does the trick. Looking forward to getting all my personality back hopefully. 

Congrats, Leo!

CT  is absolute Hell.

You are tough as nails!🎊🎉

 

This is the best of my recollection.

20 mg Prozac 3-4 days per week from 1994 until May 2018.

Beginning May 15 I began to drop doses. 

I dropped 1 dose per week for the next 4 weeks.

It was not systematic at all. I don't have which days I took what.

so the week of May 13 I took 4 doses, which was pretty normal for me.

Then the week of May 20 I took 3 doses 20 mg.

The week of May 27 I took 3 doses 20 mg.

The 1st week in June l took 2 doses 20 mg.

The week of June 10, 2018 was my last dose 20 mg.

I had been on Prozac only for over 20 years.  No other medications.

 

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Hey 

 

Thankyou. Yeh i sometimes think to myself once this ends 100% are you going to be able to handle anything?!.

 

Keep going Tweet! 

 

Take care

 

Lee

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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On 8/16/2018 at 5:54 PM, Leo1983 said:

Hi Guys.

 

I have been on every SSRI over the past 2 years, apart from Paroxetine.

 

This all started from some situational anxiety at work. Each time i took a medication i was on them for about 3 month without any benefit at all. I would loose time at work, cold turkey and return back to work. Each time i did this i was getting worse and worse. I would then return back to the doctor and ve started on something else. This has basically gone on for 2 years. All this time i have got worse. I have now come to understand withdrawal and the fact i could have well been prescribed numerous medications due to an illness been mistaken for withdrawal.

 

8 weeks ago after stopping my second attempt of Escitalopram for 3 months i decided to stop for good with a fast taper. I feel anxious, dizzy, fatigued, poor cognition and inability to focus. I know if i take a dose of SSRI that this will improve however i will return to the Zombie state of meds.

 

I am finished with medication!!! On reflection my problems i encountered prior to any medication was far easier than the problems i have had the past 2 years on medications.

 

I think i have been a victim of Psychiatry! I dont think i ever needed medication! My chemical imbalance was created by meds! If i had no knowledge of this i would be stuck in Psychiatry!

 

I just want to know ppls experiences and can i still be in withdrawal at 8 weeks after 2 years of messing about with meds.

 

Thanks

 

Lee

hi there,

 

reading yours. same thing with me. mine was situational. was not depressed or anxious a day in my life. i hate meds!!!  but we are on the up and up im just sooooo tired

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed obscenity

~DS~

On Lexapro 20 mg for 6 years. 

*Tapered down from 20 mg to 10 mg starting Dec 10, 2018 and hit 10 mg around March 13. 

         - waited over one month on 10 mg -

*Started my taper from 10 mg around April 15. 

*Reached 5 mg on June 14. 

***** currently using Valium daily (sometimes Xanax as emergency) for panic/anxiety

* Valium 5 mg when start of a panic. Sometimes 10 mg. Started as soon as I started the taper.  

* Xanax when I am in the throws before stabilization of a dose- for emergency, major anxiety. 1 mg.  This could range from every day for one week. Or none at all for 2 months. 

* the Valium however is constant

 

~~ I am currently trying to stabilize on 5 mg lexapro ~~

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I am noticing more and more that alot of folks on here have had difficulty with Lexapro. 

 

Its a Devil of a drug it appears. 

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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On 6/14/2019 at 3:26 PM, Leo1983 said:

ONE YEAR OFF THE POISON TODAY!

 

I look back at 10 Month ago and think oh my.... Oh my oh my. it was beyond horrific. 

 

I would say im 50 % Better in 1 year. Im hoping this next year does the trick. Looking forward to getting all my personality back hopefully. 

reading this gives me a ton of hope, especially since you cold turkeyd. so much hope. so so much

1 hour ago, Leo1983 said:

I am noticing more and more that alot of folks on here have had difficulty with Lexapro. 

 

Its a Devil of a drug it appears. 

IT IS LITERALLY THE DEVIL AND THE WORST. im not sure if it is worse than effexor or what but why is lexapro seeming to be so hard in comparison? i HAVE THE WORST STOMACH ACHE.

~DS~

On Lexapro 20 mg for 6 years. 

*Tapered down from 20 mg to 10 mg starting Dec 10, 2018 and hit 10 mg around March 13. 

         - waited over one month on 10 mg -

*Started my taper from 10 mg around April 15. 

*Reached 5 mg on June 14. 

***** currently using Valium daily (sometimes Xanax as emergency) for panic/anxiety

* Valium 5 mg when start of a panic. Sometimes 10 mg. Started as soon as I started the taper.  

* Xanax when I am in the throws before stabilization of a dose- for emergency, major anxiety. 1 mg.  This could range from every day for one week. Or none at all for 2 months. 

* the Valium however is constant

 

~~ I am currently trying to stabilize on 5 mg lexapro ~~

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Hope is the key to recovery.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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4 minutes ago, Leo1983 said:

Hope is the key to recovery.

 

Well said.

Trintellix (Brintellix) 5mg - December 2015 to Mid July 2018

Vitamin C 500mgs daily January 2019 - March 30 2019 Boost my immune system through my withdrawal - Stopped

Up and Up 3 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

Up and Up 30 Billion Probiotics - Daily for IBS. - Stopped

 

June 16-26 2018: C/T to take Antiviral medication for Shingles outbreak (Due to excessive stress - SSRI Poop Out). 

June 27 2018: Reinstated (5mg)

July 14 2018 last dose due to acute withdrawal symptoms. 

 

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Oh and Accepting your situation and that it will pass in time. 

 

" Like many others who have walked the long road home!"

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 6/14/2019 at 1:26 PM, Leo1983 said:

ONE YEAR OFF THE POISON TODAY!

 

I look back at 10 Month ago and think oh my.... Oh my oh my. it was beyond horrific. 

 

I would say im 50 % Better in 1 year. Im hoping this next year does the trick. Looking forward to getting all my personality back hopefully. 

 

Hi Leo1983.  Looks like congratulations are in order on a couple of fronts.

A new little one too!  Boy or girl?

 

So hoping that you find the silver lining to this experience too.  I think there is one.  Or can be.

Hoping work and family, is all going good enough.  And yes, of course, you should experience further healing along the way.

Any coping skills to share, that have helped you?

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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Hi,

 

Gosh i remember your first posts to me. You poor thing lol. 

 

I had a boy, hes amazing. However taxing on the CNS haha.

 

My tips are - Wake up, accept it and just do it anyways. Do what you can when you can. It wont get better until its time.

 

I know in the early stages its scary and you feel like your going insane, BUT you need to start to not be scared of it. 

 

i Can say im 50% better than 1 year ago. I still have issues that i never had however, i can manage my life abit easier. 

 

Something i have to mention is 2 weeks ago i had surgery for inguinal hernias bilateral. I was put to sleep and when i woke up i was sort of ok. I was sent home with Morphine which i had to take for a few days as the pain was bad. However i stopped it all. Now 1 week after been off the meds etc im in quite an intense wave. Weeping, anxious mornings, head fog. Im assuming its a set back from all the meds. who knows, but i have 2 choices withdraw or fight on until im withdrawal zero. 

 

Hope your well.

 

Lee.

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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Thanks for the sun.

 

Im following the waves and windows pattern.

 

Just cant wait to say " Im back!".

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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@Leo1983  congrats :) 

M happy for u ! Congrats on bein a parent ! 

 

Wanted to know how ur tinnitus is ? Is it better 

Sept 28 : nov 10 amitriptyline 10 mg

no history of drugs in past 

 

symptoms 

mild grainy vision , visual snow 

tinnitus 

dizziness

floters 

difficult in focusin 

muscle pain

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Hey its my 3rd lol. Hes great!

 

oh and my last!

 

My tinnitus is at very low levels now. It wont go fully i dont think now.

 

Cheers

May 2016 - Aug 2016 - Prozac 20mg

 

March 2017 - June 2017 - Sertraline 100mg. Horrific withdrawal 5 m onths.

 

July 2017 - Aug 2017 - Mirtazapine 15mg. Horrific.

 

August 2017 - December 2017 Fluoxetine 10mg for 2 weeks ghen Escitalopram 20mg for 12 weeks. Never felt normal since this. Or baseline.

 

March 2018 - June 2018 - Escitalopram 5mg for 12 weeks. Stopped and here i am full of symptoms i never had.

 

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