Dejavu: can anyone tell me what's going on?

[Dejavu]

@RachelSusan, I did just fine with the switch to liquid. No noticeable uptick in symptoms, but since I've been so unstable with symptoms coming and going at literally a moment's notice, I couldn't really tell. Which I guess was a good thing.

 

Some of my symptoms like leg weakness and tremor are actually side effects of taking the zoloft, so I'm looking forward to stabilizing so that I can start my taper. I know from past experience that these symptoms fade the lower in dosage I go. So if the anxiety, dizziness, nervous inner tremor and muscle twitches will calm down, I can get started. I think I have seen some gradual improvement over the past month or so. Accupuncture and exercise help. So do magnesium and a supplement rx'd by my ND. It's called Cortisol Manager, and its a blend of L-theanine, Ashwagandha and Magnolia Bark. 

 

Looks like you're getting pretty low in your dosage. Did you hold over the holidays? How are you feeling? Do you think you'll be done this year?

[RachelSusan]

I did hold over the holidays. I won't be done this year. I am now tapering every 5 or 6 weeks and at about 5%.  With this rate I think it will take me two years at least. The good news is that I have very mild symptoms when I taper.  When I was tapering a bigger percentage I felt the symptoms very intensely. It really is an awful deal we find ourselves stuck with but it does get better.

[Carmie]

Hi Dejavu, 

 

How are you doing? I see you’ve had a small bit of reprieve, and I’m glad the change to liquid hasn’t caused too much upheaval. That’s great you’ve got an understanding doctor. It certainly helps when they understand, not many do. Even if they don’t though, all we need is the script, as long as we can get the script we can taper ourselves. 

 

My psychiatrist really knows nothing about withdrawals, but as long as he keeps giving me my script I’m happy. You can get scripts from a GP too. 

 

I hope you’re coping okay today💚

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dejavu]

Hello dear @Carmie, thank you for checking up on me. I'm still struggling with symptoms but seem to be slowly improving. Anxiety has lessened overall. The main sources of discomfort at present are tremor and leg muscle weakness, as well as this sick kind of inner vibration that's really hard to describe. Its like constant, low grade electricity and makes it very difficult for me to sit up. Lying down relieves it almost completely. I read somewhere on this forum that it might be due to the vagus nerve being overstimulated. Since the vagus is a big nerve connecting gut to brain, that makes sense. I'm trying to eat extra clean and will add a probiotic next week to see if that helps. Nevertheless, I forced myself to sit up and do some work for about 3 hours today. First time Ive been able to do that since November. Its not much, but its progress and I'll take it. It seems I am moving toward stabilization on 25mg. I hope I can start my taper this Spring.

 

Unfortunately, the pdoc turned out to be a bust. She was nice enough, and I think she legitimately believed me, but it was obvious that she knew nothing about ADWD. She also doesn't take my insurance and despite claims on the website, does not have a sliding fee scale. It was clear she was interested and open-minded, but I'm just not in the mood to be anyone's test case. We've all been there and done that. So I had a conversation with my PCP yesterday. She says she will support a very slow taper - as slow as I want - and will keep writing the scripts, so I guess like you say, I really don't need a pdoc, at least at this point.

 

How are you feeling?

[ChessieCat]

19 minutes ago, Dejavu said:

So I had a conversation with my PCP yesterday. She says she will support a very slow taper - as slow as I want - and will keep writing the scripts, so I guess like you say, I really don't need a pdoc, at least at this point.

 

That's really good to hear.  And if you need counseling it means you can find a suitable one and they won't need to be a prescriber.

[Dejavu]

Right, @ChessieCat, that's exactly what I'm thinking. I definitely need therapy. So now I know what I'm looking for.

[Dejavu]

I could use some guidance if someone can spare a moment or two.

 

I reinstated zoloft at what was most likely too high a dose (25%mg) about 2 months ago. I had done a too-fast taper from 50mg last August, ending in September. Withdrawal hit in late October. Reinstated in early November, then found SA. I had made some veeeeerrrry slow improvements in the past 60 days, but I'm still very symptomatic and not stable. I am concerned that I've kindled my CNS with too high of a reinstatement dose, and wonder if I should try a tiny reduction - maybe 5% or less - even though I'm not really stabilized? Or just hang in and wait for stabilization? Anxiety and depression have somewhat lessened, but inner tremor and muscle aches/twitches are huge right now. Also weakness and tremor have always been side effects of the drug for me, rather than withdrawal from it, and I know from past experience that they lessen with dose reduction and resolve completely when I am off. Given all this, I'm interested in some advice. I'm doing liquid, so small reductions are easily accomplished for me. Thank you for your help.

[ChessieCat]

On 12/20/2018 at 7:52 PM, Dejavu said:

Cortisol Manager is l-theanine, ashwagandha and magnolia bark. I have taken theanine and magnolia bark separately during benzo w/d and they were a huge help - never went paradoxical or stopped working, but this blend seems to be more effective than the separate supplements. I am carefully watching for adverse/paradoxical reactions, as ashwagandha would be the likely culprit in that event. I'm only taking a half dose at night before sleep and it has completely eliminated the nasty morning cortisol spike. The anxiety does slowly creep in after I'm awake, but at least I don't wake up in abject panic. I'm also taking Omega 3 and magnesium glycinate. My ND offered lavender oil capsules, but I passed on them, at least for now. 

 

Possibly the ashwaganha?  Please include the Cortisol Manager and the date you started it in your drug signature.  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

You provided daily symptoms notes previously.  Do you have any for the last week?  If so, please provide them.  If not, please start keeping them and posting for the next 3 days.

 

 

[Dejavu]

Thanks for the reply @ChessieCat. I seriously doubt its the Cortisol Manager. It seems to help. I've been taking notes religiously.

 

Dec 30

12:30am - Took 1 cortisol manager

 

2am - took 2 benadryl and 3mg melatonin - listened to sleep hypnosis - fell asleep around 3am

 

9:30am - woke up w/o anxiety. Tried but failed to go back to sleep - got up at

10am - anxiety 2/10 - depression 4/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - jaw clench 5/10 

 

10:30 - stood up long enough to make my own breakfast

 

12:30pm - Muscle tightness 6/10 - anxiety 3/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - dizziness 3/10

 

3:30pm - 1 hr nap - anxiety 3/10 - depression 5/10 - diarrhea - weakness/tremor 4/10 - jaw clench 4/10

 

4pm - anxiety 6/10 - depression 5/10 - muscle tension/twitches 6/10 - stomach cramps 6/10

 

7pm - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10 - stomach cramps 6/10 - crying spell - 400 mg magnesium - weakness/tremor 4/10 - muscle twitches 5/10

 

8pm - dinner - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - inner tremor 5/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10

 

10pm - 25mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 4/10 - depression 8/10 - weakness/tremor 4/10 - inner tremor 5/10

 

11pm - dizziness 4/10 - depression 9/10 - anxiety 6/10 - muscle twitches 4/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10

 

Dec 31

Midnight - 1 Cortisol Manager

 

2am - anxiety 1/10 - depression 2/10 - 25mg hydroxyzine and 3 mg melatonin - sleep hypnosis - fell asleep around 3:30am

 

1pm - woke up - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - diarrhea - dizziness 3/10 - muscle twitches 4/10

 

2:30pm - walked 1 mile on treadmill - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 4/10 - crying spell

 

5:30pm - took shower - weakness/tremor 8/10 - anxiety 5/10 - depression 8/10

 

8pm - 400 mg magnesium - went to relative's house - anxiety 6/10 - depression 8/10 - inner tremor 8/10 - dizziness 4/10

 

10pm - still at relative's house - took 25 mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - inner tremor 8/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10

 

11:30pm - crying spell on way home - weakness/tremor 6/10 - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - muscle pain 5/10

 

Jan 1

Midnight - 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 4/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10

 

3am - 400 mg ibuprofen and 3mg melatonin - sleep hypnosis - fell asleep around 4am

 

11:30am - woke up - anxiety 3/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 3/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - muscle tension 4/10

 

2pm - lunch - anxiety 4/10 - depression 7/10 - inner tremor 6/10 - muscle tightness 7/10 - dizziness 3/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10

 

3pm - anxiety 8/10 - depression 8/10 - palps 7/10 - jaw clench 6/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - inner tremor 6/10 - crying spell

 

4pm - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - muscle tightness 4/10

 

10pm - took 25 mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - dizziness 3/10

 

Jan 2

Midnight -  severe crying spell  - felt better after 1 Cortisol Manager

 

3:30am - 400 mg ibuprofen and 3mg melatonin - sleep hypnosis - fell asleep around 4am

 

Noon - woke up - anxiety 0/10!! 

 

1pm - anxiety 5/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - muscle twitches 4/10

 

5pm - anxiety 5/10 - depression 5/10 - inner tremor 6/10 - muscle twitches 6/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - chills 6/10

 

6pm - walked 1/2 mile on treadmill - slightly improved symptoms

 

7pm - dinner - anxiety 4/10 - depression 4/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - muscle jerks 2/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 2/10 - loose BM 

 

8:30pm - muscle soreness/twitches 7/10 - anxiety 4/10 - depression 4/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - diarrhea - palps 2/10 

 

10pm - 25mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 7/10 - depression 6/10 - muscle soreness 7/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 

 

11pm - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10

 

Jan 3

Midnight - 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - muscle soreness 6/10

 

1am - anxiety 0/10 - depression 2/10 - weakness/tremor 2/10

 

3:30am - 400mg ibuprofen and 3mg melatonin - sleep hypnosis - muscle twitches 3/10 - took an hour to fall asleep - woke up several times - not restful sleep

 

Noon - woke up - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - sore/twitchy legs 6/10 - 400 mg magnesium - jaw clench 3/10

 

5pm - worked for 2-3 hours in home office - inner tremor 6/10 - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 4/10

 

6pm - crying spell - talked to work associate who was very supportive - anxiety 4/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - inner tremor 6/10

 

8pm - dinner - 400 mg magnesium - anxiety 4/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - inner tremor 7/10 - dizziness 4/10

 

9pm - parasthsia 4/10 - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - dizziness 4/10 - inner tremor 5/10

 

10pm - 25mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 6/10 - depression 8/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - inner tremor 5/10 - parasthesia 4/10

 

Jan 4

Midnight - Crying spell - 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - weakness/tremor 2/10 - dizziness 4/10 - parasthesia 2/10 - sore leg muscles 3/10

 

3am - 600mg ibuprofen and 3mg melatonin - sleep hypnosis - fell asleep around 4am

 

8am - woke up and went back to sleep

 

12:30pm - woke up - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - muscle twitches 6/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 3/10 - 400 mg magnesium - walked 1/2 mile on treadmill - took shower - parasthesia 3/10 - 

 

3:30pm - drove myself to counseling - anxiety 6/10 - depression 8/10 - parasthesia 5/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - inner tremor 5/10

 

7pm - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - parasthesia 3/10 - inner tremor 7/10 - dizziness 4/10 - stomach ache 6/10 - 

 

8pm - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - parasthesia 4/10 - dizziness 4/10 - ate dinner

 

10;30pm - 25 mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 3/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - stomach ache 7/10 - dizziness 3/10

 

Today has been better. I had very painful thigh muscles and a stomach ache that woje me up several times through the night but both improved now. Anxiety has not been higher than 2/10 today. With regard to depression, while I'm sure its being exascerbated by the drug right now, most of it is situational. I am grieving recently lost family members at present.

 

 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

33 minutes ago, Dejavu said:

I seriously doubt its the Cortisol Manager. It seems to help. I've been taking notes religiously.

 

You said previously that you had no issues with L-Theanine and Magnolia Bark.  It could be that they are helping but the Ashwagandha is causing an issue.  That's the problem with taking a mixture.  However, you have already proven the others to be okay, at least previously (things can turn on you)

 

Do you still have the separate L-Theanine and Magnolia Bark?  You could try taking those instead of the Cortisol Manager and see if that makes a difference.

 

Just noticed the time you are taking it so did some googling found this:

 

https://data.integrativepro.com/product-literature/info/cortisol-manager-info-sheet.pdf

 

Recommendation:

Take 1 tablet before bedtime, or as recommended by

your healthcare professional. Increase to 2 tablets during times of high

stress. For every night use.

[Dejavu]

@ChessieCat, I have some L-Theanine. I will try that instead of Cortisol Manager for a while. I do think I notice a calming effect shortly after I take the Cortisol Manager, but I will keep an open mind. 

 

I feel that I am very slowly improving. When I was first put on Zoloft 2 years ago, I recall having some of these same symptoms for maybe 2 or 3 months before they settled. I don't think they were as severe, but its hard to tell because I was put on it to "help" me taper klonopin. Since klonopin is a muscle relaxer, I'm sure it covered a multitide of zoloft sins. No benzos on board now, though. Based on my earlier notes and my latest ones, can you see improvement? I've read on various threads that it sometimes takes a few months to stabilize. Do you think it would be unwise to attempt a small reduction and see what happens? Or just keep hanging in and keep it stable for now?

 

 

 

[ChessieCat]

Only make one change at a time.  Even with the supplements.  Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

I've asked the other mods to check out your notes.  It's not an area that I am able to assist with because I sometimes have difficulty reading and assessing the information.

[Dejavu]

Thank you very much @ChessieCat. I will await further instruction. 

[Dejavu]

@ChessieCat, I just noticed you made a cut yesterday. I hope it goes well. I sure wish I was as far along as you. Anyway, best of luck with this one!

[ChessieCat]

Thanks Dejavu.  Yes, it's amazing to see the numbers getting smaller.  However, I was only on one drug and I found SA 2 weeks after reducing from 100mg Pristiq to 50mg and then updosed.  And I've been tapering for 3 y 2 m and still have another 2+ to go.  But it is definitely worth doing it slowly.  I can't make my brain adapt any quicker than it is, and I've had enough bad withdrawal symptoms to last a life time, so I'd rather not take the risk after all this time and money that I've paid for compounding.  It's cost me at least $450 (up to Aug 2019)

[Altostrata]

Hi, Dejavu.

 

You're still getting an increase in weakness/tremor and dizziness after you take Zoloft? I might reduce it by 1mg this time, sneak it down.

[Dejavu]

@Altostrata, yes the weakness/tremor has always been a side effect of zoloft for me. It goes completely away when I'm off. I will take 24mg tonight and see what happens. Do I understand correctly that it takes about 4 days for the cut to register?

[ChessieCat]

1 hour ago, Dejavu said:

Do I understand correctly that it takes about 4 days for the cut to register?

 

About 4 days for it to reach a steady level in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.

[Altostrata]

You may or may not feel a decrease right away.

[Dejavu]

Going to try 1.25mg reduction tonight. That's 5%, a little more than the 1mg @Altostrata suggested. Its the best I can do with my compromised math skills and the syringe I have. Going forward I'll need to get a better one.

[Dejavu]

I'm going to hold the cut for at least a month and see how I feel. 

[Altostrata]

Please let us know how you're doing.

[Dejavu]

I will. Thank you both so much for your help.

[Dejavu]

Update: I have decided to wait a few days to reduce my dose of zoloft. I wanted to start my probiotic first, which I did this morning. I'm hoping it will help with digestion and inner tremor issues. I am heeding @ChessieCat's advice to only make one change at a time.  If all goes well (so far so good), I plan to make a 5% reduction this Friday. Please wish me luck!

[Carmie]

 

 

On 1/4/2019 at 10:24 AM, Dejavu said:

Hello dear @Carmie, thank you for checking up on me. I'm still struggling with symptoms but seem to be slowly improving. Anxiety has lessened overall. The main sources of discomfort at present are tremor and leg muscle weakness, as well as this sick kind of inner vibration that's really hard to describe. Its like constant, low grade electricity and makes it very difficult for me to sit up. Lying down relieves it almost completely. I read somewhere on this forum that it might be due to the vagus nerve being overstimulated. Since the vagus is a big nerve connecting gut to brain, that makes sense. I'm trying to eat extra clean and will add a probiotic next week to see if that helps. Nevertheless, I forced myself to sit up and do some work for about 3 hours today. First time Ive been able to do that since November. Its not much, but its progress and I'll take it. It seems I am moving toward stabilization on 25mg. I hope I can start my taper this Spring.

 

Unfortunately, the pdoc turned out to be a bust. She was nice enough, and I think she legitimately believed me, but it was obvious that she knew nothing about ADWD. She also doesn't take my insurance and despite claims on the website, does not have a sliding fee scale. It was clear she was interested and open-minded, but I'm just not in the mood to be anyone's test case. We've all been there and done that. So I had a conversation with my PCP yesterday. She says she will support a very slow taper - as slow as I want - and will keep writing the scripts, so I guess like you say, I really don't need a pdoc, at least at this point.

 

How are you feeling?

 

Hi Dejavu,

 

I’m so glad that some of your symptoms are improving. All the sensations we get in our body are weird, aren’t they? I’m glad to hear though that when you lie down you get some relief. Do you have one of those trays that you can put on your bed to do things on? I guess, even using that though, you would still have to sit up.

 

Good advice given about just making one change at a time. Our poor little nervous systems can’t cope with too much change. I’m glad you’re holding. 

 

Sorry that the Pdoc was a bust, they nearly all are. There’s nothing surprising there, is there? I’m glad someone else is able to give you the scripts you need. Like you said, we really don’t need Pdocs, all we need is someone to give us a script. Any GP can do that.

 

All the best with your five percent reduction on Friday. I’m going to start cross tapering back to my original tablets tonight. 

 

Take care, sending hugs 🤗

 

 

Edited January 10, 2019 by Carmie
Removed white space

[Carmie]

Hi Dejavu, 

 

How are you doing with the probiotic? Sending hugs🤗

[Dejavu]

Hi @Carmie! No issues with the probiotic at all. In fact, hard to tell so soon, but might already be seeing some improvement in my gastro issues. Sooo...I'm going to go ahead with a small 5% cut tomorrow. I am reasonably comfident that the worst of my symptoms are adverse reactions rather than WD. I guess I'll find out soon. Thanks for checking up on me.

 

Hope you're having good days. Spring will be here soon - more sunny days to warm our bones. My mother used to say the sunshine was her medicine - she lived 97 years and was healthy for 95 of them, so I think she was on to something there.

[Carmie]

That’s wonderful news Dejavu, 

 

So happy for you. I’m glad you’re seeing some relief in your gastro problems. Tapering by 5% sounds great, that’s all I can do. 

 

I hope you enjoy spring. It’s actually summer here in sunny Queensland. I have the airconditoner on a lot. Your mum did well, good for her! 

 

I’m not doing too bad. I have a chronic illness that has me bedbound a lot of the time, but I’m a positive person by nature. I was bawling my eyes out last night though. Im crosstapering back to my original tablet as it’s more accurate and I have to make up two different water titration formulations. With my brain the way it is it seems overwhelming at times. I am writing down each step as I do it so I don’t make a mistake.

 

I’ve got the calculations right, Brassmonkey double checked my calculations. I’ll be crosstapering each step for a week, so it will take me three weeks to get back to my original tablet. I will get there! 

 

Wishing you all the best in your recovery 💚

 

 

[Dejavu]

@Carmie, I'm glad you're doing well ATM. I know CFS stinks. I have a friend with the condition and she has been so polydrugged and misunderstood in the past. I'm sure it's challenging to manage the illness during ADWD as well. You are a very special person to be able to lift others up while in the midst of dealing with your own issues. I very much appreciate your concern. Sending you healing energy today!!

[Carmie]

Hi Dejavu, 

 

Thanks for your kind words. There are quite a few people on this site that have CFS, and I have a few friends that have it too. I have learnt in the last few years that it’s a CNS illness and I can recover even though I’ve had it for over 24 years. I have no hope of recovery though until I’m off these meds as they wreck your CNS.

 

All the best with your 5% cut.💚

[Dejavu]

Thanks @Carmie. I'm having a bit of a rough day today. Woke up with high anxiety, and it hung around until evening. Its still here at 8pm, but a little better. I'm nervous about the cut tonight. I've never fully stabilized since reinstatement 9 weeks ago, although I have improved overall. But I know that at least some of my symptoms are side effects of taking the drug, and I am also aware that some of the mods thought I might have reinstated at too high of a dose one month out from 4 week fast taper. If those two things are true, then it does make sense for me to try this cut, doesn't it?

[Carmie]

Hi again Dejavu, 

 

It’s really hard to know what to do at times, as we need to do things according to how our body feels. We don’t really know what’s causing what sometimes either, it’s a scary journey we’re going through. I’m sorry you reinstated too high.

 

It can take a while to stabilise after a reinstatement too. It can take many months, brassmonkey wrote in one of his essays that it can take some people anywhere up to two years. 

 

 I know when I take my meds at night I get a buzzing and tingling feeling straight afterwards, and I know that’s the actual meds. If you think your main symptoms are from the actual meds themselves and not withdrawals then go ahead and do the next cut. You’re the only one that can decide that. 

 

If cutting by 5% seems too scary for you, just cut by 2.5% and hold for two weeks and do another 2.5%.This is all trial and error and the only indicator we have is our body. 

 

Wishing you all the best💚

 

 

 

 

[Dejavu]

I try not to post unneccesarily since I realize how hard all the mods work, but I'm stuck and I really need advice...really. 

 

I will summarize to keep people from having to go back in my thread: originally put on 50mg sertraline to "help" me taper klonopin (I was never depressed; put on benzos after one panic attack due to situational issues). 2 months after successful klonopin taper was completed, I did a fast taper off sertraline, since doc said it was gentle. Had side effects of fatigue, weakness and tremors while on both klonopin and sertraline; thought it was from klon w/d. It didn't go completely away until I was off sertraline, but I guess I'm not too swift and I still chalked it up to lingering klonopin w/d. Off all meds for 4 months and doing okay, then my mother became terminally ill. Doctor said I should go back on sertraline, so I said why not? Immediately noticed weakness, tremor and fatigue returned. Realized at that point it was the sertraline and after 3 more months on it (after Mom's death), I did a stupid-fast taper (3-4 weeks). A few w/d symptoms but nothing major. One month later...wham! One minute anxiety was not even a thought in my head; the next minute it's a 10 out of 10! After a 1 week Lexapro experiment (suggestion of a worthless pdoc), I reinstated 25mg sertraline, and of course, in addition to the anxiety, the weakness and tremor began again almost immediately. Only then did I find SA, and learned that I most probably reinstated too high of a dose. But there I was.

 

I've been terribly unstable in the past 2 months, not even remotely functional at first, but very slowly the anxiety, depression, insomnia and inner tremor are improving. People have been telling me I am noticeably better. Today, however, anxiety was much worse than usual. For the past 3 weeks or so, I would rate my anxiety as 3 or 4 out of 10. Today, its been more in the 7 to 8 range. 

 

So here are my questions: since I was on 50mg sertraline for 18months, then stopped and reinstated at 25mg a month later, do my symptoms represent withdrawal from a 50% reduction? Or side effects from sertraline (which I've historically always had)? Or strictly signs of an overly sensitized CNS? This makes a difference in whether I should continue to hold for a while longer, or try a 5% cut.  I was going to cut tonight's dose, but chickened out since anxiety was so high today. I hate to admit it, but I just dosed 45 mins ago and the anxiety seems to have lifted somewhat. Then again, it always gets better at night. 

 

I am so very confused as to how to proceed. I know no one can say with 100% certainty what's going on in my brain, but I really need some advice. If it were you, what would you do? Thank you for reading this long post. I really do appreciate everyone's time. I know there are many other things you could be doing, but choose to help strangers instead. 

[Carmie]

Hi Dejavu, 

 

Thanks for recapping your journey. It’s hard to read over people’s whole threads. It’s hard to know what to do sometimes. I’ll bring this to the attention of the other mods and see what their thoughts are. Just hold off tapering until you get some more advice. Sorry you’re going through this💚

[ChessieCat]

On 1/7/2019 at 7:43 AM, Dejavu said:

Going to try 1.25mg reduction tonight. That's 5%, a little more than the 1mg @Altostrata suggested. Its the best I can do with my compromised math skills and the syringe I have. Going forward I'll need to get a better one.

 

EDITED to ask:  Did you do this reduction?

 

Have you been keeping daily symptoms notes since making the reduction.  If yes, please post them so that they can be assessed.  Thank you.

Edited January 11, 2019 by ChessieCat

[Dejavu]

@ChessieCat, no, I did not end up doing it. I keep daily notes religiously. How  many days should I post?