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Tom37: Lexapro taper


Tom37

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Sending good wishes, @Tom37. A decent sleep is a good sign. Plus being able to walk a bit. These peculiar, morphing symptoms are strange, aren't they? 

You're right, the complex rubix cube of your nervous system is getting another twist around. I like that analogy. You can see it all coming together and the next moment, it seems in disarray again....but it's not, things are just being edged into place.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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Really struggling tonight....3.30am and no sleep yet and for me means a no sleep night.....as just feel physically horrible in a weird way and weird random thoughts and images won’t stop. Keep thinking about a certain person for some reason that would never ever normally think about...not in the night anyway and there is no reason to as not causing me any stress or anything. Then add in some fear and occasional thoughts that I’m going to die. I’ve never ever had thoughts like this in my life so surely it must be wd. It’s like someone has taken over control. Just wish this wave would give me a break as it’s reall really pushing me especially the nights of no sleep.

 

Got me quite scared this one. Posting here to note this and to distract myself.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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31 minutes ago, Tom37 said:

Really struggling tonight....3.30am and no sleep yet and for me means a no sleep night.....as just feel physically horrible in a weird way and weird random thoughts and images won’t stop. Keep thinking about a certain person for some reason that would never ever normally think about...not in the night anyway and there is no reason to as not causing me any stress or anything. Then add in some fear and occasional thoughts that I’m going to die. I’ve never ever had thoughts like this in my life so surely it must be wd. It’s like someone has taken over control. Just wish this wave would give me a break as it’s reall really pushing me especially the nights of no sleep.

 

Got me quite scared this one. Posting here to note this and to distract myself.

Good idea to post for distraction... do you have to get up for work tomorrow or are you on hols? I so empathise with the weird random thoughts and yes, it's definitely WD, it feels like they come from nowhere. Sorry , I know that doesn't really help you deal with them....but just know that it's not you, it's WD.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@Tom37, I'm sorry you are going through this misery.  I am thinking of you and praying for you.  Hang in there, it will get better.  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 

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Thanks......didn’t get any sleep which I expected feeling like I am. Will do a little bit of work from home today and hopefully feeling better for Monday.

 

This wave has hit me really hard and really does feel like I’m going backwards over these last two months. I just get scared that I will have to stop working as if I have nights like this in a row I won’t be able to cope. Part of me doesn’t mind having to stop working but I don’t want to be forced into it because of this.

 

Another part of me thinks I’m done and this is it as how can you ever recover from something like this. Feel like giving up as you try so hard to get through this but it’s just never ending.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Tom, I wish I could say something profound or life changing, but bottom line is, I am right there with you. Just remember that your waves always end and are usually followed by very nice windows. The shift is coming, just be patient. Sorry you are feeling like you are going backwards...alas I know that feeling all to well as well.

April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs).

April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to...

June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs

August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety

November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly.

New Doctor reinstated:

May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa 

 

 

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Got through the day. Wouldn’t class it as getting through though as pretty much been on the couch all day. Did manage to do what I had to for work on laptop and that has been it. Symptoms of just feeling so unwell very high just not up to anything.  As always lying down doesn’t actually make them ease it’s just slightly more comfortable. Always know it’s a bad wave when this happens. Can’t see this one easing soon so will have to battle on. 

 

If the waves could just stop being so deep I could then at least not stress about working but for some reason still getting hit hard and destroys all confidence in recovery. 

 

Life without waves and windows what a dream that is.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Sending good wishes for this wave to pass very soon, Tom.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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Best wishes Tom,

 

Don't try to fight it too hard. You will receive a window sooner or later that's for sure!

 

Very very recognizable. When I'm in a wave it feels like that will be the way we will feel from then on the rest of our lives. Our lying brain is so deceptive.....

 

Your tapering went well in the beginning but you went a little too fast in the low region. You are not destroyed! This is temporary!

 

It is surprising how long symptoms can hold, I struggle with that every day. I thought a month was a very long time but in ssri wd/taper a year is like medium long.

 

If only we had a date to hang on to when everything would turn to normal. That would help immensely in our struggle.

 

Hang in there, you are going to get better!!!

 

Cheers

 

Jozeff

 

Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg

Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg

Apr 2018 -  Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast  from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed)

Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks

- August 14th 2018 - April 29th 2019  citalopram 18 mg (1.5 mg updose).

 

2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg

2020  03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg, 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold...

2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg /  13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg /  09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg

2022   08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 

2023  hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg

2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold /

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Thanks guys.....

 

Got about 6 hours sleep as symptoms eased up enough last night to allow for it. Still feel the same ones this morning so definitely still in this wave but they are so far lesser in intensity compared to yesterday morning. Wont be doing much today other than go for a walk and the usual daily things with plenty of rest.

 

Frustrating thing is underneath current symptoms I feel so good and that has continued to improve all the way along but just can’t get to a point where the symptoms stop.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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  • Administrator

When we talk about "have patience, recovery is slow and frustrating," this is exactly what we mean. Slow and frustrating.

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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Thanks @Altostrata I understand it’s slow and frustrating. I do my best to be patient  but the setbacks do really test you and sometimes get the better of you. Onwards and hopefully upwards.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Bit better day today compared to yesterday that’s for sure. Same symptoms still there but less intense. Didn’t to a lot but got out for a walk, caught up on some work and a supermarket visit and then just relaxed. A cooler day which was nice since in middle of summer so that helped.

 

Hopefully another decent night ahead but we shall see.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Fingers crossed your night of sleep is a decent one, @Tom37

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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Felt better again last night so was comfortable in bed but took a while to sleep. I then woke with a sore throat in middle of night but did go  back to sleep for a bit but may be coming down with something. Throat felt bit off before bed and feels the same this morning so see what happens. 

 

Back to work tomorrow and normally it wouldn’t bother me. First full week back always feels like a long week and takes a day or so to get back into the routine but because of the waves I’ve been having I don’t know how I’m going to manage it. Typically have a pattern to my waves and windows but all over the place at the moment. Is causing me some anxiety about it all - not major anxiety but it’s still there wondering how the hell im going to get through the week. Confidence at an all time low and if tonight is a bad night then will only make it worse. 

 

Cant wait till I don’t even have to think about how I’m going to be tomorrow.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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2 hours ago, Tom37 said:

Back to work tomorrow and normally it wouldn’t bother me. First full week back always feels like a long week and takes a day or so to get back into the routine but because of the waves I’ve been having I don’t know how I’m going to manage it. Typically have a pattern to my waves and windows but all over the place at the moment. Is causing me some anxiety about it all - not major anxiety but it’s still there wondering how the hell im going to get through the week. Confidence at an all time low and if tonight is a bad night then will only make it worse. 


Try not to worry about “how will I be?” And try to just accept whatever comes. I know it is easier said than done and I am very bad at it myself but I think that is the best we can do. My vacation wasn’t even close to as good as I was hoping for making me worry I am just getting worse and wondering how I will cope back at work, but I am just trying to take the mentality that I will go to work Monday and deal with whatever that day brings, good or bad, then I will do the same on Tuesday. I think we make it all worse when we try to project how we will do and how we will feel. You got this bro, you always made it through work, even at your worst, certainly you can get it done now!

April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs).

April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to...

June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs

August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety

November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly.

New Doctor reinstated:

May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa 

 

 

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9 hours ago, thelegend said:


Try not to worry about “how will I be?” And try to just accept whatever comes. I know it is easier said than done and I am very bad at it myself but I think that is the best we can do. My vacation wasn’t even close to as good as I was hoping for making me worry I am just getting worse and wondering how I will cope back at work, but I am just trying to take the mentality that I will go to work Monday and deal with whatever that day brings, good or bad, then I will do the same on Tuesday. I think we make it all worse when we try to project how we will do and how we will feel. You got this bro, you always made it through work, even at your worst, certainly you can get it done now!

I second this , @Tom37. Hope it all goes okay, you always get through it, every time.  You've got this!

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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Had another decent nights sleep and felt reasonably ok today withdrawal wise which was good. Managed day at work fine which was good and gives me a little bit of confidence back that I can carry on through this and it’s  not all horrible days. Have a head cold as well and while not a bad one I do wonder if it masks withdrawal symptoms. Either way it’s nice to feel different with having a cold than just wd yet bit weird as it’s 30c here today an middle of summer.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Good news, @Tom37, hope your next day at work went well?

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey @Tom37

I'm hoping your absence means the wave ended - how are you?

Hey @Tom37

I'm hoping your absence means the wave ended - how are you?

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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Hi @sunnysideup69....yip wave ended and felt pretty good for two or so weeks. Felt better than I had done over the last couple of months so that was good. Back in a wave at the moment which came on yesterday morning with my normal but slightly different symptoms of feeling unwell, the chills, needed to urinate 7 times in the night, weird images of random people and weird thoughts when trying to sleep which when combined everything results in a sleepless night. Only positive is it doesn’t feel as instense like the last couple. Of course it feels like it will never end and can’t remember ever feeling better so dealing with that too. 

 

Frustration as well as thought may have turned a corner but not to be. Was even thinking of holiday overseas in a few months I was feeling that much better.

 

Hope your still doing well.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Forgot to add for my own notes that sleep has been quite good for me until this wave....6 or 7 hours a night without waking.....of course after last night wonder if I will ever sleep again like I was which is always the way in a wave.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

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Hi Tom

 

Glad this wave is less intense and you had a couple of weeks of windows. It's  tough this WD, but always worth persevering.  Every day we are healing  whether it feels like it or not.  Insomnia sucks.  t Could you read through the sleep hygeine stuff on here again; you may have missed something.  Or something new may work in this phase of recovery.

 

Are you in Oz with your warm winter?  It's bloody freezing here in England.

 

Peace and love

Missy 

MissyE

2008 Dec-Feb 2009 GP diazipam; Dec-Jun 2009 fluoxetine. 2010 Jan citalopram approx 4 weeks, Jan- Aug fluox, Oct-Jun 2011 paroxetine; Aug - Dec venlafaxine 37.5mg - 75mg. 2012 Mar-Jul reinstate ven 150mg; Aug swap to fluox 40mg (preg) - Mar 2013  reinstate ven 150mg. 2015 Nov swap to fluox 40mg (preg) Dec suicidal reinstated ven 300mg

2018 Jan ven "pooped" buspirone added/stopped; pentagablin added; March pent stopped & ven taper - 0 June; August betablockers started/ stopped; September mirtazapine 15mg and diazepam 2mg started/stopped; October ven 300mg reinstated. 

2019 Jan psychiatrist added mirt 15mg (aiming for "California rocket fuel" therapeutic dose).  No more meds: gradual taper mirt Feb-April (taken for < 3 weeks).

Commenced ven taper 5-10% 6-10 weekly 2019 April - Nov: 225mg.  Tapering 8 weekly in alignment with menstrual cycle 2020 Jan 212.5mg; Mar 200mg; Jun 187.5mg hold

Oct all meds stopped sectioned under mental health act psychosis olanzapine 20mg PRN lorazepam

Dec 600mg lithium 15mg olanzapine

1-2g omega 3 & 400ug folic acid

2 puffs pulmicort inhaler.

This too shall pass.

 

Link to comment

Hi @MissyE

 

Yeah less intense so far but still makes things a stuggle especially work but you push through it. Sleep always goes bad when wave hits as I just feel horrible and it comes on in surges plus the mental symptoms and it’s just plain hard to sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene and out of a wave sleep ok.

 

In New Zealand so in middle of our summer but do prefer the cooler months.

 

Hope your well.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment

Hi @MissyE

 

Yeah less intense so far but still makes things a stuggle especially work but you push through it. Sleep always goes bad when wave hits as I just feel horrible and it comes on in surges plus the mental symptoms and it’s just plain hard to sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene and out of a wave sleep ok.

 

In New Zealand so in middle of our summer but do prefer the cooler months.

 

Hope your well.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment

@Tom37 - sorry to hear you are back in a wave, but hey a two weeks window where you were better than ever sounds like great progress. I just had a nice weekend window, but back to work and in a wave again it seems.

April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs).

April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to...

June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs

August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety

November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly.

New Doctor reinstated:

May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa 

 

 

Link to comment

@thelegend Glad you had a couple of good days....shame it didn’t continue but you’ll get there.

 

Notes....well managed to get through the day. Thankfully I have a job where I can ‘work from home’ if need to so I did that this afternoon although lying on the couch since 2.30pm was all I could manage. Symptoms kicked in big time so wave in full force. Hopefully they ease to allow some sleep tonight. I think that’s the biggest issue I have is that it kills my sleep which just makes everything that much harder.

 

Hopefully this leaves me by Monday but exoecting a few rough days ahead. It’s only been a day and a half since it started yet feeling a lot better seems like it never happened. So jealous of everyone else living life as normal and here we all are struggling away.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment

Got about 5 hours sleep so an improvement but still wasn’t feeling well last night and again this morning. Will be another day to battle through although should be easier than yesterday.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment

Hey Tom,

 

A Kiwi l see.  Lovely.   

 

Glad you got some more sleep.  It's so hard trying to function on insufficient sleep, let alone having to hold a job down Good on you for that.    I hope today was better. 

 

I'm in a window, but have to manage the manic tendencies.  I'm not sleeping enough either and zero appetite.  Making myself eat well and rest though.  I'm due a cut on Friday so am hoping for the best, prepared for the worst.  I was doing 5% cuts 6-10 weekly, but I'm going to try a bit more this month approx 6%, because I'm comfortable removing a mini tablet at time and l think I'll be ok up to 10% if l wait til the right point in my cycle and cut 8 weekly(ish depending on cycle) as long as I'm stable.  I had a scare when I first cut 10%, but l now realise my baseline anxiety and depression was sky high anyway (and I have robust non drug coping techniques now) so apart from feeling a bit fluey, spots and boils and other manageable physical  symptoms (although my skin was shocking) l was actually ok.

Here's to a better night sleep and a window for you.  We know one is coming.  If only we could say when.

Peace,

Missy

MissyE

2008 Dec-Feb 2009 GP diazipam; Dec-Jun 2009 fluoxetine. 2010 Jan citalopram approx 4 weeks, Jan- Aug fluox, Oct-Jun 2011 paroxetine; Aug - Dec venlafaxine 37.5mg - 75mg. 2012 Mar-Jul reinstate ven 150mg; Aug swap to fluox 40mg (preg) - Mar 2013  reinstate ven 150mg. 2015 Nov swap to fluox 40mg (preg) Dec suicidal reinstated ven 300mg

2018 Jan ven "pooped" buspirone added/stopped; pentagablin added; March pent stopped & ven taper - 0 June; August betablockers started/ stopped; September mirtazapine 15mg and diazepam 2mg started/stopped; October ven 300mg reinstated. 

2019 Jan psychiatrist added mirt 15mg (aiming for "California rocket fuel" therapeutic dose).  No more meds: gradual taper mirt Feb-April (taken for < 3 weeks).

Commenced ven taper 5-10% 6-10 weekly 2019 April - Nov: 225mg.  Tapering 8 weekly in alignment with menstrual cycle 2020 Jan 212.5mg; Mar 200mg; Jun 187.5mg hold

Oct all meds stopped sectioned under mental health act psychosis olanzapine 20mg PRN lorazepam

Dec 600mg lithium 15mg olanzapine

1-2g omega 3 & 400ug folic acid

2 puffs pulmicort inhaler.

This too shall pass.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator
6 hours ago, Tom37 said:

Got about 5 hours sleep so an improvement but still wasn’t feeling well last night and again this morning. Will be another day to battle through although should be easier than yesterday.

Hi Tom:

 

I read you were struggling on your taper and wanted to let you know you’ll make it.

 I did everything wrong that I could, and with a lot of help from this site and the moderators I got off of Lexapro. It took almost 4 years.

 I feel really good after being off of it, other than I had a wave at 6 months that lasted a few days and now anxiety from tapering off Xanax. But so glad I’m off the Lexapro.

Just know, slow and steady wins the race and you’re doing wonderful!

 I hope this helps just a little 😊
 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment

Thanks for your post  @Frogie I have followed your thread and it’s great to see your doing so well. Hopefully the Xanax taper is going smoothly for you. I’m just trying to get stable so no tapering in the near future for me. Definitely getting better especially when at baseline/window but still getting hit with good waves so still a while to go but at least things are changing which must be a good sign. 

 

Cheers 

 

 

 

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment

Another day done. Work was more manageable today mostly because got some sleep as symptoms still pretty much the same. I’m lucky I manage my day myself and office based so don’t have to interact with others all day. 

 

Definitely find wd worse in the summer as feeling bad is bad enough then add the heat to it and it’s that bit worse. Only another 6 weeks or so to go and it’s over with. Getting air conditioning in bedroom this winter gone was best investment ever.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment

Hi Tom. 
Stopping by to say I’m so sorry you’re dealing with strong waves a year out. I remember how bad it felt in the midst of one. Even now, using  the BM slide, it amazes me how after a taper, my world can look so bleak. Even when a week before I was feeling pretty darn good. 
 

They say perception is reality and when our brains perceive pain, doom and gloom, it is so hard to remember that it’s chemical in nature. 
 

Wishing you a speedy recovery from this wave and stabilization so you can decide if you want to resume tapering to finally get free of this drug. 🌻
 

Md

 

2002 Escitalopram 10 mg

2018 2.5 mg - stopped by Dr./Reinstated, up-dosed to 7.5 mg

04/19 Began BM slide @7.5 mg

CURRENT  0.36 mg 🌼

 

"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

Mark 9:23

Link to comment
On 1/22/2020 at 4:21 AM, Tom37 said:

@thelegend

 

Hopefully this leaves me by Monday but exoecting a few rough days ahead. It’s only been a day and a half since it started yet feeling a lot better seems like it never happened. So jealous of everyone else living life as normal and here we all are struggling away.

 

Yep, I can relate to that feeling, @Tom37. When I'm low, it seems really unjust. Hoping that this wave buggers off for you, soon. Keep looking forward.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment

Another rough night. Went to sleep ok but woke after an hour and a half in what felt like a state of panic. It wasn’t a panic attack but woke to symptoms on high so couldn’t get back to sleep. Just lying here trying to rest. This wave really getting me at the moment but thankfully it’s friday and usually always sleep a lot better the night after a rough night.

20mg Lexapro 2007

10mg Lexapro 2012

Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago  from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3.

Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction.

Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October.

Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018

Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov.

Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018

Link to comment
10 hours ago, mdwstrx said:

Hi Tom. 
Stopping by to say I’m so sorry you’re dealing with strong waves a year out. I remember how bad it felt in the midst of one. Even now, using  the BM slide, it amazes me how after a taper, my world can look so bleak. Even when a week before I was feeling pretty darn good. 
 

They say perception is reality and when our brains perceive pain, doom and gloom, it is so hard to remember that it’s chemical in nature. 
 

Wishing you a speedy recovery from this wave and stabilization so you can decide if you want to resume tapering to finally get free of this drug. 🌻
 

Md

 

Hi

 

When you say “it’s chemical in nature”... I thought the perceived wisdom on here was that it wasn’t. I ask as I’m currently sliding further and further down my doom cloud.  I trends to work from home today. (was a blessing while only dealing with fibromyalgia type symptoms) Now a disaster, obsessive thoughts and palpable depressive sensations. Utterly unbearable, and getting worse.

 

Thank you

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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