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Tom37: Lexapro taper


Tom37

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Hey Tom, how you doing? The wave easing up at all?

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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Yip wave is pretty much done. Just on the way back down to my current normal whatever that will be. Was definitely a horrible wave so hopefully that means greater healing but who knows. 

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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11 hours ago, Tom37 said:

Yip wave is pretty much done. Just on the way back down to my current normal whatever that will be. Was definitely a horrible wave so hopefully that means greater healing but who knows. 

 

Good news, 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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Great news Tom!!

 

 

You have struggled a long time!

 

Hope things keep on going well!

 

 

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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Great news 

Hopefully that was the last of them !

 

1997 regular Effexor  150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on  panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone 

was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer 

did a fast taper getting panic attacks 
2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an 

reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor  Venlafaxine

2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 

 

 

 

 

 

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Good to hear @Tom37. You are healing! Think of how far you have come since the beginning.

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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And back into a wave I go. Felt it brewing over last couple of days so not surprising. Same symptoms as the last one so looks like I’m in another one of my cycles I seem to go through. Usually takes three or fours waves then body seems to be happy with whatever it was trying to correct and then moves on to fix something else. Surely there can’t be too much more to correct but who knows. At least so far it hasn’t been as intense as the previous one.

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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23 minutes ago, Tom37 said:

And back into a wave I go. Felt it brewing over last couple of days so not surprising. Same symptoms as the last one so looks like I’m in another one of my cycles I seem to go through. Usually takes three or fours waves then body seems to be happy with whatever it was trying to correct and then moves on to fix something else. Surely there can’t be too much more to correct but who knows. At least so far it hasn’t been as intense as the previous one.

So sorry hopefully not as intense or long!

One day at a time my prayers and thoughts with you!

1997 regular Effexor  150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on  panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone 

was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer 

did a fast taper getting panic attacks 
2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an 

reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor  Venlafaxine

2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thanks @LynnardgirlI’ll get through it as we all do....hopefully sooner than later and then until the next one comes along. Such a great life we have.

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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1 hour ago, Tom37 said:

Thanks @LynnardgirlI’ll get through it as we all do....hopefully sooner than later and then until the next one comes along. Such a great life we have.

What a great life your right ! Today my wave is horrible was doing better than wham ! Think

your healed than bam! Why why why 

1997 regular Effexor  150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on  panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone 

was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer 

did a fast taper getting panic attacks 
2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an 

reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor  Venlafaxine

2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 

 

 

 

 

 

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So been feeling fairly average last week or so hopefully that will ease up soon. Doesn’t really feel like a wave or at least not a bad one anyone. Not stopping me functioning or anything although on holiday for next three weeks. 
 

Been hanging out for my holiday and one day into it and the country is now going into full lockdown for the next 4 weeks. But it’s for the best. Only allowed out of property to go to supermarket/pharmacy or for a walk/excerise but need to keep distance from everyone. Police and military (If needed) will be on patrol enforcing the lockdown. We have only had 100 cases in New Zealand but don’t want to end up like Italy so taking early action to prevent community spread.


Thankfully my job is considered an essential service as in the food supply chain so business as usual for us.

 

Hope everyone is doing ok through this.

 

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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15 hours ago, Tom37 said:

So been feeling fairly average last week or so hopefully that will ease up soon. Doesn’t really feel like a wave or at least not a bad one anyone. Not stopping me functioning or anything although on holiday for next three weeks. 
 

Been hanging out for my holiday and one day into it and the country is now going into full lockdown for the next 4 weeks. But it’s for the best. Only allowed out of property to go to supermarket/pharmacy or for a walk/excerise but need to keep distance from everyone. Police and military (If needed) will be on patrol enforcing the lockdown. We have only had 100 cases in New Zealand but don’t want to end up like Italy so taking early action to prevent community spread.


Thankfully my job is considered an essential service as in the food supply chain so business as usual for us.

 

Hope everyone is doing ok through this.

 

 

Same as the UK Tom, our PM announced it last night.

 

TC,

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Yup Oregon too! God bless you Tom

1997 regular Effexor  150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on  panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone 

was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer 

did a fast taper getting panic attacks 
2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an 

reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor  Venlafaxine

2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 3/23/2020 at 2:18 PM, Tom37 said:

So been feeling fairly average last week or so hopefully that will ease up soon. Doesn’t really feel like a wave or at least not a bad one anyone. Not stopping me functioning or anything although on holiday for next three weeks. 
 

Been hanging out for my holiday and one day into it and the country is now going into full lockdown for the next 4 weeks. But it’s for the best. Only allowed out of property to go to supermarket/pharmacy or for a walk/excerise but need to keep distance from everyone. Police and military (If needed) will be on patrol enforcing the lockdown. We have only had 100 cases in New Zealand but don’t want to end up like Italy so taking early action to prevent community spread.


Thankfully my job is considered an essential service as in the food supply chain so business as usual for us.

 

Hope everyone is doing ok through this.

 


Hey Tom, been a while. How you doing? Seems like you have pretty much been “wave-free” for a while now. Hopefully it continues for you.

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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  • 3 weeks later...

Hey @Tom37, hope you're doing okay. NZ seems to have handled the weird world situation well.

 

No posts for a while so I'm hoping that means you are doing well :) Sending good wishes your way.

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 Tom, any updates? Hopefully no news is good news!

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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  • 1 month later...

Update time..........Been three months and haven’t really posted as not much to report plus been feeling pretty decent so haven’t felt the need. Been working and normal daily living without too much issue. Still not able to exercise much and do sometimes struggle with motivation to do things due to how I’m feeling. Even though healing is happening this journey does mentally wear you down.

 

Still getting waves but most of the time they are generally a lot milder than they where during the first year and being at baseline now lasting weeks. 


In a nasty wave at the moment which came out of nowhere and probably the worst I’ve felt in months which probably prompted me to update. Very similar to previous bad waves but slightly different. Finding it harder to deal with as it’s been a while and it’s the full deal with physical and mental symptoms so doing my best to get through it and while I know it will pass it has dented my confidence in ever recovering. 
 

So overall slowly getting better but my symptoms are still changing and new ones keep coming so at times doesn’t feel like I’m getting anywhere. At least they are not intense and generally manageable unless in a wave and I guess the positive is the symptoms do leave and often don’t return so healing must be happening right?

 

Hope everyone is doing ok with the added stress of this pandemic. Life is back to normal in NZ (apart from closed borders) so thankful for that.

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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Wave continues and it’s not getting any easier. Felt little better before bed but how I was feeling was just making me too restless and then felt terrible from 2am onwards so no sleep. The shaking and feeling so bad like I use to get. Feels similar to having a very high temperature but yet it’s wd plus the mental symptoms. Day 4 of feeling this bad which is unusual for me and while that doesn’t seem long i struggle to function. Work from home and do what I need to do then if stuck on the couch then so be it. 
 

Of course don’t think this will ever end and all the rest of what a wave brings.

 

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

The Are we there yet? topic is currently being updated so is not available for viewing by the members at this time.

 

However, BrassMonkey has written that there does seem to be times post 0 that people tend to experience waves which are worse than the run of the mill ones.  If I recall correctly one of them seems to happen around the 10 month mark but I can't remember the timing of when the next one might happen, but the 18 month to 2 year period does seem to ring a bell with me.

 

Even though Covid wise things are okay for you, the added stress/change of routine etc since the beginning of the year may well have caught up with your nervous system.  It might have been chugging along just keeping up with it but then suddenly it was just a bit too much and the balance tipped the other way.  These are my thoughts.  But we do have other members since the beginning of this year posting about unexpected and/or worse waves which might be attributed to the covid situation.  It's been and still is a very strange situation.

 

6 hours ago, Tom37 said:

Day 4 of feeling this bad which is unusual for me and while that doesn’t seem long i struggle to function. Work from home and do what I need to do then if stuck on the couch then so be it. 
 

Of course don’t think this will ever end and all the rest of what a wave brings.

 

It's good that you are able to do what you need to do when you have to.  Seems like you are looking after yourself physically, but it's might also be helpful to keep reminding yourself that it is what it is AT THIS TIME.  Accepting it can help reduce the mental stress.  When in a bad patch it can be very hard to be positive.  Periods of time just seem so much longer than they really are.  And of course feel like they will never end.  But you've come through this before.  If you've documented your progress here or elsewhere it might be a good idea to read back through your other bad times and the following improvement to remind yourself that it does happen.

 

One foot in front of the other.  Keep plodding.  And if you can't plod, shuffle along. 😉

* 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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Thanks @ChessieCat

 

It is very hard to know what does cause these big waves and I guess they can just happen and it’s about getting through them. Had one before that come out of nowhere and when I looked back it was almost exactly a year ago but being further alone in my journey it’s scared me more especially since the gap between baseline and wave is bigger. 
 

Actually still on the drug trying to stabilise and while getting there it’s taking its time that’s for sure. I guess my nervous system was badly affected when I crashed hence all the symptoms and the time taken. 
 

Thr covid situation probably has had an effect without knowing it even with NZ back to normal.


Take care.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

When you think about it our brains are doing an amazing job trying to sort everything out and getting back to factory settings.  You might have already seen/read these or been given the links but it's easier to just post them again instead of checking:

 

how-psychiatric-drugs-remodel-your-brain

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

 

I really like this description:

 

And from this topic:  What is Happening in Your Brain

 

"It would be like if the World Trade Center Towers hadn't completely fallen - but had crumbled inside in different places.. Imagine if you were [...] to rebuild the tower - WHILE people were coming and going and [...] to work in the building!  You'd have to set up a temporary elevator - but when you needed to fix part of that area, you'd have to tear down that elevator and set up a temporary elevator somewhere else. And so on. You'd have to build, work around, then tear down, then build again, then work around, then build... ALL while people are coming and going, ALL while the furniture is being replaced, ALL while the walls are getting repainted... ALL while [...] is going on INSIDE the building. No doubt it would be chaotic. That is EXACTLY what is happening with windows and waves.  The windows are where the body has "got it right" for a day or so - but then the building shifts and the brain works on something else - and it's chaos again while another temporary pathway is set up to reroute function until repairs are made. 


And just like the Twin Towers- it's possible - but the buiding is a major effort -and it takes a good year or more sometimes. smiley.gif

 

* 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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Thanks @ChessieCat

 

Ive been reading those and other self help links on here today when up to it as need a major refresher to cope with this.

 

Anyway,  got through my day. Worked from home and then once key work was done put it aside and just got through the day.  One of those times when it’s hard to do anything other than lie and just suffer though shaking away feeling terrible and trying to think of things to do when your ‘better’.


Do feel bit weak for seeking out support especially as not new to this but in some ways big waves later down the road seem scarier. Maybe good healing will come after the big wave although hasn’t really worked like that in the past.

 

Hopefully a better day tomorrow but if not that day will come soon....(while my wd brain doesn’t believe a word of it and will be doing it’s best to make me believe it)

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
55 minutes ago, Tom37 said:

Do feel bit weak for seeking out support especially as not new to this

 

We all need extra support at times.  I've got a mildly bulging lower back disc at the moment (had cortisone injection yesterday morning) and had hardly slept for 3 nights (had about 7 hours total last night, hallelujah!) and I've had to rely on my daughter over the last 2 days.  I've found it very hard being so helpless.  It's not easy admitting that we need assistance.  But think of it this way, if you had a friend going through what you are you would want to try to help them.

 

And I think that getting the encouragement and support that you need now to see you through this rough patch can help to get you recover quicker simply because it helps to relieve some of the stress.  It's part of the accepting of the situation you are currently in which can help you to do what needs to be done to get through it.  But like anything bad we want it to stop immediately.

 

As an example my daughter has told me that a good incentive to be careful and not do anything stupid and hurting my back more will keep my out of hospital.  And she also said that you don't want to be ringing an ambulance and telling them what stupid thing you did so they have another story to add to their collection.

* 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

Link to comment

Hey @Tom37, it's particularly vicious when a wave strikes after a few weeks of feeling okay and it's completely normal to seek out support. We all need reassurance. It's going to pass, hopefully soon, but don't worry if it goes on a bit.....it's just brain repair.

 

I think you're right, your crash in 2018 was a real wobbler. I've been in contact here with someone who has held for a couple of years and is now seeing progress, finally....it can really take its time. Has also been since May 2018 for me. It's definitely a plod forward, not a jog.

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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Thanks @sunnysideup69

 

So another night of no sleep. Just felt like previous night with physically feeling horrible with intrusive thoughts and bit of fear thrown in about situation. Actually did drop off once but woke myself straight up which probably means insomnia is another symptom of this wave not just because of how I feel. Had that happen before during a previous horrible wave.
 

Will work from home and do the bare minimum then rest up or just do whatever is needed to get through the day. 

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, I’m so sorry you’re in another wave. Lexapro is an absolute demon. Looking at your signature does that mean you’re still on it? Things will get better hang on in there. Lots of self care today, keep warm and treat yourself as you’d treat others in the same situation, Just be kind to yourself. 

 I find Insomnia as one of the worst symptoms because it effects everything else in my day. Lack of sleep is hard to ‘acknowledge’, ‘accept’ and ‘float’ I struggle to make a cup of tea when I’m sleep deprived let alone get off to work. I fast tracked to a cold turkey under medical supervision and 18 months off all I can say to you is it does shift have faith it will get better. At one stage I thought I’d never have a full night’s sleep again and now I have maybe 1 or sometimes 2 bad nights out of 7 which I am somehow managing to work round dare I say my new normal!!!

Take care Tom and remember what everyone says, WAH. We All Heal. 

Lexapro Fast Track/ Cold Turkey

Last dose end Dec 2018 

Tapered 1/2 a daily dose a week (20mg) for  14 weeks, last dose was a 20 mg pill!!  

 3.5 times slower than Psychiatrist recommended, I felt proud of myself!! Little did I know!!!!Got too scared to reinstate because I’d left it too long.

On ADs for 20 years (Prozac approx 10 years/ Pristiq approx 3 years/ Citalipram approx 2 years/. Lexapro a approx  5 years/. Last two years 40mgs Lexapro day.

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Thanks @Katy398

 

Yes still on a low dose of it and will be until I’m stable enough to taper. I crashed hard so was in a right state at the beginning but ever so slowly things have improved to be feeling pretty decent outside of a wave.
 

Normally I sleep ok at about 5 to 7 hours a night every night. It’s just in these nasty waves where it goes but that does create its own anxious thoughts of will it go back to how it was. 
 

You have done well to get to 18 months off and hopefully not much longer to go.

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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Got through another day in this bastard of a wave. Worked still lunchtime then pretty much all afternoon on the couch resting. I’ve never been one to fall asleep during the day so that was never going to happen but resting with eyes closed was all I could really do. 
 

Still feeling like I have so no change yet so could be another long night.

 

Also for the last 6 months at least whenever in a wave I’m getting this pulsating tingling all throughout my body. Never whole body at once it can go from legs to arms and so on and only lasts a few seconds in each area and it’s inside me not like tingling on the skin. It doesn’t hurt but does get annoying. Wondering if it’s do with nerves or maybe a temperature thing as kinda feels bit like an internal tingling chill. Been even worse in this wave and a symptom that is sticking around longer than normal.
 

Every wave I always think that this one feels different and may not end or will last for months and months. Hate it. Hopefully this brain of mine hurries up and does what it’s trying to do. No gain without suffering in wd it seems.

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
15 hours ago, Tom37 said:

 

Will work from home and do the bare minimum then rest up or just do whatever is needed to get through the day. 

 

That's it. Hoping it buggers off sooner rather than later.

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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Another horrible night. Seem to have this weird anxious feeling in me which is totally wd and not mine own as it comes on when  the feeling bad feeling eases. More sensitive to sound and feel it going through my chest. Been listening to rain on the roof sounds on YouTube to try to keep calm. Usually have no problem day dreaming about something cool before sleep but couldn’t do that if you paid me, thinking about all weird stuff so trying to change the channel.

 

This too shall pass.

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

Yip horrible night alright. Just wish I could lie in bed and be feeling physically ok instead like I do. Night three and I’m struggling all right. Intrusive thoughts and my mind feels like someone else is in control of it. Really  questioning if I will get out of this period especially with the sleep. Feel like a million miles away. Of course then feel like ending it all as only way to stop the suffering. May have to resort to a benzo in another night or two if doesn’t improve to get me through it.

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
  • Mentor

Hey Tom

Hope you will have some relief soon🙏
 

30 minutes ago, Tom37 said:

Really  questioning if I will get out of this period especially with the sleep

You will get out of it, unfortunately it takes time. I know we sometimes don’t want to suffer one more day, but think of it like this, your body is repairing itself and stabilising from these drugs.

33 minutes ago, Tom37 said:

Of course then feel like ending it all

Please don’t ever think like that. You will be a survivor, what you are experiencing just shows what a strong person you are💪 Have faith in yourself. You CAN do it

My best wishes to you,

hang in there 

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

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2 hours ago, Tom37 said:

Yip horrible night alright. Just wish I could lie in bed and be feeling physically ok instead like I do. Night three and I’m struggling all right. Intrusive thoughts and my mind feels like someone else is in control of it. Really  questioning if I will get out of this period especially with the sleep. Feel like a million miles away. Of course then feel like ending it all as only way to stop the suffering. May have to resort to a benzo in another night or two if doesn’t improve to get me through it.

So sorry ! You will come out of it. My prayers and thoughts with you. Stay strong and know this will end. 

1997 regular Effexor  150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on  panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone 

was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer 

did a fast taper getting panic attacks 
2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an 

reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor  Venlafaxine

2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thanks for the messages above. Ending it all isn’t an option it’s just how you feel when going through this. I haven’t felt like this about since the first 4 to 5 months. Apologise if scared anyone.

 

Not afraid to admit that struggling at the moment. Thought I was through these horrible waves and the symptoms that come with them and because the gap from baseline to this wave is huge it makes it even harder where at the beginning your constantly feeling terrible. 
 

Decided with partner to give it at least another two nights before considerIng a benzo for sleep as today is Friday so weekend ahead. If I can manage to work through this then anything after this wave will be a piece of cake. I did do 4 nights in a row during one wave so can handle it. Its weird this time though as feel more awake at night kind of a bit wired probably from being overtired along with the restlessness feeling I have. Just need to work on the fear that I may have lost my ability to sleep!.....even though I’m sure I haven’t until I do the this thought will stick with me.

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,

This will pass, it really will.

I find the  acceptance and distraction  thing  really helps me. But I also find that during sleep  deprivation It is the most challenging  time to practice it. I really feel your pain. 

I try to think, Ho Hum no sleep again, it’ll have to be another sofa day. 

Sorry that makes it sound so easy, I know it’s not, it’s just it seemed to be a turning point with my insomnia. I just got less stressed by it. I read a book now, it may be midnight, 2, 3, 4 I just read. Nothing too taxing just a distraction. 

The intrusive thoughts are by far my biggest challenge. I know exactly what you mean when you say it feels like someone else is controlling it. I feel possessed at times it’s crazy. LexiNO!!

I also try to imagine my brain rewiring during my intrusive thoughts and I imagine the thought as a glitch in the process. Sorting out a store cupboard always looks much worse in the middle of the process. 

I use this as my home page for SA on my phone I read it heaps.  

There is so much support on this site, you’re not alone. 

Take care, and be kind to yourself. 

 

 

Lexapro Fast Track/ Cold Turkey

Last dose end Dec 2018 

Tapered 1/2 a daily dose a week (20mg) for  14 weeks, last dose was a 20 mg pill!!  

 3.5 times slower than Psychiatrist recommended, I felt proud of myself!! Little did I know!!!!Got too scared to reinstate because I’d left it too long.

On ADs for 20 years (Prozac approx 10 years/ Pristiq approx 3 years/ Citalipram approx 2 years/. Lexapro a approx  5 years/. Last two years 40mgs Lexapro day.

Link to comment

Thanks @Katy398

 

Im lucky I only get the thoughts and memories when in waves now. I use to get the random memories all the time but they have generally all been good memories. Intrusive thoughts are absolute horrible though. My partner keeps telling me that this wave will end like all the others and she isn’t concerned at all....good to have someone with perspective when your all over the place but typical wd brain it doesn’t believe her.

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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