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


Dejavu

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@Altostrata and @Songbird - for possible future reference, when you speak of an updose, should that become necessary (tho I hope not), how much of an updose are we talking about? Since I'm doing homemade liquid, this would require getting my doctor to either rx 60 tablets of 25mg per month instead of 30, or 30 50mg tablets instead of 25mg (because I would have to use 2 tablets per day for anything over 25mg). My husband who prepares my liquid, is concerned that breaking a 50mg in half will be imprecise, and thinks it would be better to get 60 of the 25mg pills, but I'm not sure I can sell my doctor on it, since she seems to think ADWD is so straightforward.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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Please don't worry about an updose now. If it's required, your doctor can prescribe 60 25mg tablets per month, for twice-daily dosing of 25mg.

 

We need to see those daily notes before suggesting any dosage changes.

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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Jan 15, 2019

Midnight - Took 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - crying spell - weakness/tremor 5/10 - dizziness 7/10 - headache 4/10

 

3am - took 25mg hydroxyzine and 2 mg melatonin (down from 3) - fell asleep around 3:30

 

9am - woke up w/o anxiety - went back to sleep

 

11:30am - woke up - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - dizziness 6/10 - muscle soreness/twitch 4/10

 

12:30pm - normal BM - dizziness 8/10

 

1:30pm - 20p mg magnesium - weakness/tremor 7/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 5/10 - dizziness 6/10 - visual disturbance 7/10 - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10

 

3pm - lunch - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 2/10 - dizziness 7/10 - visual disturbance 7/10 - burning tongue 5/10 - crying spell

 

8pm - worked for 30 minutes - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - inner tremor 5/10

 

9pm - 200 mg magnesium - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - sweating 6/10 - dizziness 6/10 - burning mouth 4/10 - very fearful

 

10pm - Made dosage cut from 25mg liquid zoloft to 24.6 mg - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 7/10 - visual disturbance 6/10

 

11pm - worked for 1 hr - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - inner tremor 6/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 2/10 - burning mouth 3/10

 

Jan 16

Midnight - took 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 3/10 - depression 6/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - crying spell - dizziness 3/10 - visual disturbance 2/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 2/10 

 

3am - took 400 mg ibuprofen and 2 mg melatonin - fell asleep 3:30

 

11:30am - woke up from nightmare - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 7/10 - worked for 1.5 hrs - weakness/tremor 8/10 - half cup chamomile tea 

 

2pm - appt with ND - accupuncture - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 8/10 - visual disturbance 8/10

 

4:30 pm - anxiety 3/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 3/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10 - took 200 mg magnesium - loose BM

 

6:30 - stomach cramps - diarrhea - weakness/tremor 4/10 - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - anxiety 2/10 - depression 6/10 - chills 5/10

 

8pm - Took 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 7/10 - depression 7/10 - dizziness 6/10 - visual disturbance 7/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - nausea 2/10 - crying spell - ginger tea

 

10pm - Took 24.6 mg liquid zoloft -  worked for 30 minutes - anxiety 7/10 - depression 7/10 - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 5/10 - burning mouth 5/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 5/10 - normal BP and HR

 

11:30pm - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - palps - headache 4/10 - worked for 15 mins - inner tremor 6/10

 

Jan 17

Midnight - took 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 3/10 - depression 4/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 5/10 - headache 5/10

 

3:30 am - Took 600 mg ibuprofen and 2 mg melatonin - headache 7/10 - fell asleep 4am

 

11am - woke up w/anxiety 6/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 7/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10 - loose BM

 

Noon - anxiety 7/10 - depression 4/10 - diarrhea - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10

 

2pm - drove myself to bank - spoke w/vet about dog's blood test results - anxiety 7/10 - depression 4/10 - dizziness 6/10 - visual disturbance 6/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10

 

3pm - walked .6 miles on treadmill - anxiety4/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 4/10 - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 3/10 - headache 3/10 - 1250 mg probiotic

 

5pm - crying spell - anxiety 3/10 - depression 4/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - did some work - inner tremor 5/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10

 

7:30pm - 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10 - normal BP and HR - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - headache 3/10 - crying spell

 

10pm - updosed back to 25mg liquid zoloft - weakness/tremor 8/10 - inner tremor 8/10 - anxiety 8/10 - depression 8/10 - panic while working - crying spell

 

11:30pm - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - all symptoms improved - 200 mg magnesium

 

Jan 18

Midnight - 1 Cortisol Manager - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 3/10 - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 6/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10

 

3am - took 200mg ibuprofen and 2 mg melatonin - fell asleep 3:30

 

10:30am - woke up - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 4/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - loose BM

 

11:30 - 200 mg magnesium

 

1pm - anxiety 6/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 3/10 - visual disturbance 5/10

 

3pm - anxiety 5/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 6/10 - dizziness 1/10 - visual disturbance 4/10

 

5pm - worked for an hour - weakness/tremor 6/10 - inner tremor 8/10 - visual disturbance 7/10 - dizziness 3/10 - anxiety 7/10 - depression 6/10 - 1250 mg probiotic

 

8pm - panic attack - anxiety 9/10 - depression 9/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 3/10 - visual disturbance 6/10 - hopelessness - took 1 Cortisol Manager - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10

 

10pm - Took 25 mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - dizziness 1/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 4/10 - crying spell

 

Will post today's symptoms later. Symptoms all improved today.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@Altostrata, below are yesterday's notes. Thank you for reviewing them.

 

I've noticed I'm not sleeping as well the past couple of nights and waking with increased anxiety. I'm trying not to take antihistamines to sleep and am relying on ibuprofen over the past few nights. I have also reduced melatonin from 3 to 2 mgs Today, a little less dizziness and visual disturbances so far, but high anxiety and depression. I just keep trading symptoms back and forth. Had a brief window when I woke from a nap yesterday, but it only lasted an hour or so. Am I feeling the effects of the two day reduction 5 days ago? Should I consider an updose? Im not stabilizing. Its going on 3 months since reinstatement and I'm seeing very little improvement of my symptoms - they come and go, but when they return they seem to be no less intense than before. I'm frightened like I've never been.  I keep thinking that if there's no chance of stabilization, and I'm going to suffer this badly all the way down, why not just CT and get this poison out of my bloodstream before I'm on it any longer than necessary? Bad rationale, but still tempting in my present state of mind. Can anyone provide some advice?

 

Jan 19

Midnight -took 1 Cortisol Manager - crying spell - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - 

 

3am - took 2 mg melanonin - fell asleep 3:30

 

9:30 am - woke up anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - dizziness 3/10 - visual disturbance 2/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10 - took 200 mg magnesium

 

11:30 am - weakness/tremor 6/10 - loose bm - dizziness 6/10

 

12:30pm - walked .5 mile on treadmill - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 6/10 - visual dist. 2/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - tingling scalp 4/10

 

1pm - Took 1 lavender capsule - dizziness 7/10 - tingling scalp 4/10

 

3:30pm - woke from 1 hr nap - anxiety 3/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 1/10 - dizziness 6/10 - visual dist. 2/10

 

7pm - anxiety 5/10 - depression 6/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - burning mouth 4/10 - visual disturbance 4/10

 

9pm - took 1 Cortsol Manager

 

10pm - took 25 mg liquid zoloft - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - inner tremor 6/10 - dizziness 6/10 - visual dist. 7/10 - palps 3/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 3/10

 

11pm - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10 - inner tremor 5/10 - dizziness 4/10 - visual dist. 5/10

 

 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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  • Administrator

You need to re-establish your sleep cycle. What is the sleep cycle?

 

Taking melatonin at 3 a.m. tells your system that's nightfall. You should be taking melatonin at 10 p.m. and turning off all the lights. Melatonin for sleep: Many people find it helpful

 

No computer after 8 p.m. TV or computer use in evening can disrupt sleep: Bright light signals the brain that it's daytime

 

Tips to help sleep -- so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Waking with panic or anxiety -- managing cortisol spikes

 

The key question is: Do you feel better or worse after taking Zoloft? Does it make you sleepy? Do you often have palps after taking it?

 

Do you feel better or worse after taking Cortisol Manager?

 

 

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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I know what you mean about the the thoughts of just going CT to get it over with but please do not do this.

 

I haven’t reinstated but did do a small updose after crashing and stabilising is eluding me too. But if you read the thread from Brassmonkey he does suggest stabilising can take many months after reinstatement or even a crash. I guess I have seen symptoms come and go and not return but they do seem to be replaced by something else.....so frustrating.

 

i would never offer advice on what to do with you dosage etc but try to grab onto hope and that everything will eventually be ok and you will feel better....just always takes longer than we want.

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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@Altostrata, thanks for the tip on the melatonin. I will take it earlier tonight. 

 

Formerly I've said that I feel neither better nor worse after dosing. However, I am rethinking that. It seems that lately (the last few weeks or so) I feel less anxious and less "twitchy" after dosing, but more muscle soreness and sometimes a headache afterward. I'd rather live with headache and sore muscles any day though. Does this maybe argue for a wee updose soon? Or hold at 25 mg for a bit longer? If you think I should hold, for how long before giving up and trying to updose? 

 

I don't have palps very often but they were prominent during the end of my klonopin taper, and I think I've figured out why. I believe zoloft is the actual culprit, and as I removed more and more of the cover drug (klonopin), the palps were "exposed." Ironic since I was rx'ed zoloft to help with klonopin discontinuation. I had the palps checked out then - wore a holter monitor and my cardio saw a few skipped beats but nothing major and put it all down to drug withdrawal. They went away even before I finished my taper. Now when I have them, it is more a sensation of my heart beating hard, not fast or arrhythmic. I have a BP and heart rate monitor, and all is well in that regard.

 

The Cortisol Manager seems to reliably take the edge off anxiety shortly after dosing - at least at this time. I am carefully monitoring. 

 

Thank you for helping me work this out. 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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How often do you get palps after taking 25mg Zoloft?

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 @Tom37 for propping me up. So hard to believe there's a way out of this. I did force myself to go for a drive and a short visit with my brother today. Glad I proved to myself I could do it, but I was white-knuckling it the entire time. He's confused and uncomfortable and doesn't know how to help me. He thinks I need to go to an outpatient program.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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41 minutes ago, Dejavu said:

don't have palps very often but they were prominent during the end of my klonopin taper, and I think I've figured out why. I believe zoloft is the actual culprit, and as I removed more and more of the cover drug (klonopin), the palps were "exposed." Ironic since I was rx'ed zoloft to help with klonopin discontinuation. I had the palps checked out then - wore a holter monitor and my cardio saw a few skipped beats but nothing major and put it all down to drug withdrawal. They went away even before I finished my taper. Now when I have them, it is more a sensation of my heart beating hard, not fast or arrhythmic. I have a BP and heart rate monitor, and all is well in that regard.

@Altostrata, almost never. Maybe 3 times. Anxiety was very high each time. Not a huge issue at least presently.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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It might be best for you not to discuss your drug-related symptoms with your family. Most people believe that a psychiatrist should be treating them.

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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@Altostrata, for the sake of clarification: for some months after my benzo taper I was only on 50mg zoloft. In those months, I was stable and never had palps. No symptoms at all except weakness and slight hand tremor.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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When your nervous system is sensitized, you may react differently to the drug.

 

Please continue to observe what happens after you take Zoloft and the rest in your daily notes.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
4 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

It might be best for you not to discuss your drug-related symptoms with your family. Most people believe that a psychiatrist should be treating them.

I'm starting to see that. But at least he believes me and said he's willing to do some research on this site and Mad In America. He's not pushing me to see another pdoc because he's aware of the damage they've done to me in the past. He also saw me ultimately get myself off klonopin without help from the medical community, except for the writing of the 'scripts.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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3 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Please continue to observe what happens after you take Zoloft and the rest in your daily notes.

Okay. Thank you very much, Alto!

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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Jan 20

Midnight - took 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 6/10 - weakness/tremor 2/10 - visual disturbance 7/10

 

2:30am - took 2mg melatonin and 200 mg ibuprofen - fell asleep 3am

 

10:30am - woke with anxiety 7/10 - was able to doze for another hour

 

11:30am - got up - anxiety 7/10 - depression 7/10 - took 1lavender capsule - dizziness 3/10 - visual disturbance 3/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - almost normal bm

 

12:30pm - depression 8/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 4/10 - intrusive thoughts and hopelessness about stabilizing - crying spell

 

1pm - lunch - 200 mg magnesium - 1250 mg probiotic - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 4/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - leg and foot parasthesia 2/10

 

3pm - drove myself to visit brother - anxiety 7/10 - depression 8/10 - dizziness 4/10 - visual disturbance 5/10 - inner tremor 5/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - crying spell

 

6pm - anxiety 6/10 - depression 8/10 - dizziness 4/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - palps 2/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - inner tremor 4/10

 

7pm - dinner - took 200 mg magnesium - normal BP and HR - instrusive thoughts

 

10pm - took 25 mg liquid zoloft

 

11pm - anxiety 4/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 4/10 - weakness/tremor 2/10

 

@Altostrata, I think it's fair to say my symptoms consistently improve after 10pm. I know many people say they feel better at night. I always have, even during benzo taper. I was dosing zoloft at 10pm then as well. Not sure whether that's coincidental or not. 

 

As always, thank you again for your help.

 

 

 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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Were you going to take melatonin earlier?

 

You can test whether the Zoloft is helping by moving it an hour earlier each day and observing your symptom pattern. It could be taking it earlier is better for you.

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

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@Altostrata, yes, I'm gradually moving the melatonin earlier. Last night I took it at midnight instead of 2am and ended up getting sleepy earlier, which is good, since I'm trying to re-regulate my sleep schedule. With the help of 1 benadryl (rather than two), I got 7 uninterrupted hours, and 8 total, woke without anxiety (at first anyway) and was able to get up before noon for the first time in almost 3 months, so thanks for that tip.

 

One question, though: will moving the time of my zoloft dose further destabilize me? Since I'm on liquid, its easiest to dose at 10pm, a time when I'm almost always at home with my husband (he has to work out the dosages for me right now). So if I move the time of dosing, after finding out whether its actually helping, I'm going to want to move dosing back to 10pm. Is that too much switching around?

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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That's good news about your sleep pattern.

 

14 hours ago, Dejavu said:

I think it's fair to say my symptoms consistently improve after 10pm.

 

10 p.m. is when you take Zoloft. Would you like that benefit earlier in the day? If you can take it earlier, you may not be dizzy, etc. all day long.

 

Many of us have had to deal with liquid dosing. While you move your Zoloft dose earlier, you might have to carry it in a vial and set an alarm to remind you when to take it.

 

It will take about 10 days to move your Zoloft dose to noon and another 4 days to move it to 8 a.m.

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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@Altostrata, I get it now. Sorry - brain fog is challenging right now (I forgot how to open my car's sun roof yesterday). I will dose at 9 tonight and keep posting notes. Thank you!

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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Jan 21

Midnight - took 1 Cortisol Manager and 2mg melanonin

 

2am - took 1 benadryl - fell asleep 2:30

 

9:30am - woke up - no anxiety - bathroom and back to sleep

 

10:30am - woke up - anxiety 5/10 - depression 2/10 - almost normal bm - dizziness 5/10 - visual disturbance 3/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - inner tremor 6/10 - worked for 30 mins - crying spell - anxiety 6/10 - depression 4/10

 

11am - headache 4/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 4/10

 

2pm - 200 mg magnesium

 

4pm - 1250 mg probiotic - took shower - weakness/tremor 8/10 - visual disturbance - 3/10 - anxiety 6/10 - depression 3/10

 

5pm - palps 6/10 - bp 133/84 - heart rate 94 - down to 78 5 mins later - anxiety 5/10 - depression 4/10

 

6:30pm - 1 Cortisol Manager - anxiety 5/10 - depression 7/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - dizziness 4/10 - visual disturbance 5/10 - DPDR 5/10 - worked for 30 mins - anxiety 8/10 - depression 7/10 - inner tremor 7/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10

 

8pm - dinner - palps 6/10 - anxiety 6/10 - depression 7/10 - muscle soreness/twitches 4/10 - no dizziness or DPDR - visual disturbance 4/10 - headache 6/10 - heart rate 88

 

9:30pm - Took 25 mg liquid zoloft

 

10:30pm - heart rate 74 - 200 mg magnesium - anxiety 3/10 - depression 4/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 3/10 - no palps - muscle soreness/twitches 2/10 - headache 3/10

 

@Altostrata I'm gradually moving my dose earlier. Tonight I will dose at 9pm. So far, I believe the symptom improvement after dosing is indeed related to zoloft and not due to "just feeling better at night." Because I know I'm highly suggestible, I will continue to monitor. But if so, does this argue for a small test updose? I've been reinstated at 25 mg for almost 3 months now without significant improvement. Symptoms wax and wane, but I've not had a window of more than an hour or so, and precious few of those. DPDR has arrived and was severe for a while today. I tried a tiny cut last week, but had an anxiety attack on day 2 (again, suggestibility?), so returned to 25 mg. Just wondering if a small updose (1mg?) might be in order. 

 

Will post today's notes after 10pm CST. As always, my thanks.

 

 

 

 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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@Altostrata

 

Jan 22

Midnight - took 1 Cortisol Manager and 2 mg melatonin - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10

 

2am - took 500 mg tylenol - fell asleep 2:30

 

5am - woke up - went back to sleep 6am

 

10:30am - woke up - anxiety 6/10 - depression 3/10 - dizziness 2/10 - visual disturbance 2/10 - weakness/tremor 6/10

 

1pm - business meeting - anxiety 7/10 - depression 6/10 - DP/DR 8/10 - weakness/tremor 7/10 - visual disturbance 5/10

 

2:30pm - home - lunch - 200 mg magnesium - weakness/tremor 7/10 - dizziness 4/10 - anxiety 6/10 - depression 6/10 - crying spell

 

7pm - almost normal bm - dinner - anxiety 7/10 - depression 7/10 - visual disturbance 6/10 - burning tongue 3/10 - took 1 Cortisol Manager - worked for 30 mins - weakness/tremor 6/10 - inner tremor 5/10 - palps 6/10 - bp 129/82 - heart rate 91

 

8pm - anxiety 4/10 - depression 5/10 - weakness/tremor 5/10 - visual disturbance 6/10 - heart rate 64

 

9pm - took 25mg liquid zoloft

 

11pm - muscle soreness/twitches 5/10 - anxiety 2/10 - depression 6/10 - dizziness 2/10 - weakness/tremor 3/10 - visual disturbance 6/10 - 200 mg magnesium

 

Anxiety and depression eased after Cortisol Manager and even more so after dosing zoloft. However, thigh muscle soreness and leg muscle twitching onset after dosing zoloft, so I think I've teased that out as a side effect. So I've decided to take one of my doses of magnesium about an hour after dosing zoloft. It is a tolerable symptom at this time.

 

Many thanks for continuing to review these notes, Alto. Will post them again tomorrow. At this point, I believe I'm seeing slight symptom improvement after dosing, and so Im still contemplating a little updose. Your thoughts on that would be much appreciated. 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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19 hours ago, Dejavu said:

But if so, does this argue for a small test updose?

 

Not yet, you need to see what taking Zoloft earlier does.

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

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So, @Altostrata, an update...

 

It turns out that moving my dosage earlier in the day seriously began to impact my sleep. Less hours, less REM and much more morning anxiety. Clearly, 10pm dosing works best for me. So now I know, and knowledge is power. 

 

I have still, after almost 3 months, not yet stabilized. I've been sorely tempted to try a small updose, and just as I was about to, I've finally had a couple of small windows. I had a break in the anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts last Friday for several hours (unfortunately it returned Saturday with a vengeance). But then Sunday, a break in the weakness and tremor sufficient enough for me to take a walk in the park with my husband. The weakness and tremor have also since returned, but so far less severe. Then today after accupuncture, a big improvement in what has been almost-constant and terrifying vertigo and visual distortion.  I felt well enough to go into the post office and grocery store by myself (I had my husband drive and wait in the car for me - because of the dizziness I don't think driving is a good idea at present). A few times I've even caught myself thinking of something besides my symptoms. Unfortunately, I've also developed stomach cramps off and on for the past few days. I think I'll follow Alto's suggestion and lay off the probiotic in case it's turned on me.

 

I know these are tiny and short improvements, but its pretty much the first break I've had in a while. I was worried that I would never get stable on this dose, would have to go up, add another med, etc., etc., so this has been a huge relief for me. Looks like my brain has decided to eventually forgive me.

 

My dilemma: it appears that my 25mg dose is at least partially keeping symptoms at bay. I have learned that I do feel better after I dose, which may indicate that my reinstatement dose of 50% was too low. So should I risk an updose at this time, or keep steady on 25mg and hope that I continue to see improvement? Normally, I would say holding is a no-brainer, and maybe it is. But the very troublesome and constant inner tremor I'm having is keeping me from being able to work at this time and if a small updose would alleviate that, it would go a very long way toward stability for my CNS. Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks!

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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All very good observations, dejavu. I'm sorry the experiment of moving the dose wasn't beneficial, but now we know.

 

1 hour ago, Dejavu said:

I have learned that I do feel better after I dose,

 

That's very important. Are you using liquid Zoloft? If so, you could easily add 1mg-2mg in the morning and take the rest in the evening.

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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Yes, I am making my own liquid. Based on your experience, do you believe I'm likely to feel an uptick in symptoms due to the updose? 

 

I'm being forced to see a pdoc on Feb 5. My pcp knows less than nothing about tapering, and thinks I need to come off the 25mg quickly because of my slow metabolizer status (she's paranoid about serotonin syndrome). When I told her I needed to go more slowly, it freaked her out and she now wants a pdoc to handle future dosing. So I have another question concerning this: if I'm going to updose to 26 or 27 mg, will I need two 25mg tablets per day, or is breaking one 50mg tablet in half going to be accurate enough? I'm not sure how I would explain my need for 2 25mg pills per day versus one 50mg to this new pdoc. I'm assuming she will not be a fan of either a 10% taper or split dosage.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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You might find it helpful to write a script and rehearse what you are going to say.  Be calm, gentle but assertive.  You are the customer, it is your body.  Use words like I'd like to try this, or I'd prefer to do it this way.  If a suggestion is made that you don't want to follow, say I'd like to think about it before making a decision.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?


What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

* 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. I've read those links, and I agree. I want her to know as little as possible. I don't intend for her to do anything but write the scripts. I'm going to explain that I feel I need the AD "for now," due to all the recent deaths in my family. That ought to buy me a nice long taper. 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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Hello all. I'm in trouble and could use some help. I reinstated 25mg of zoloft in November, of last year, after crashing from a too-fast taper in September. Since then, I've been trying to stabilize. I only just began to see some very brief windows (think hours, not days), and have been fairly non-functional. I've tried a small cut as well as a small updose (1.25mg in both cases), but chickened out each time after 2 days because of the increased anxiety and depression I felt each time. Both times I returned to the 25mg dose. 

 

The dizziness, anxiety and visual distortions (everything looks surreal is the only way I can put it), keep me from working, seeing friends or really doing anything at all. Out of desperation, I once again attempted an updose 3 nights ago of 1.25mg. The next morning after the increased dose, I had a better day - not good, but improved. Then yesterday, the heightened anxiety began to creep in, but I was determined to tough it out. Also the dizziness and visual issues returned in the evening, but abated again after dosing. Then this morning, after only 3 hours of sleep, I woke with almost unmanageable anxiety, soaked in sweat and a little dizzy. Never could get back to sleep.

 

I just don't know what to do at this point. I feel defeated because nothing I try to do seems to help. I seem to have gotten a little improvement in the tremor, weakness and depression from the updose, but the increased chemical anxiety is awful. 

 

So my questions are thus:

 

 1. Do I continue with the updose (tonight will be the 4th increased dose), and hope the anxiety settles, or go back to the 25mg and wait for more stability? I'm leaning heavily toward going back to 25mg. Not sure I'll be able to tolerate the anxiety if it gets any worse. Which brings me to:

 

2. I completed a 15 month taper of klonopin in November of 2017. I was on sertraline 50 mg at the time (was put on to "help" withdrawal from klonopin...lol!!). After jumping off a small dose of klonopin, I had almost no withdrawals. That being said, and as much as I hatehatehate to consider it, should I again ask for a small dose to help with my taper off zoloft?  I know from my DNA test that I process klonopin normally, but I metabolize zoloft very slowly, so I guess my having more trouble getting off zoloft makes sense. The fact that I'm even considering another benzo dependence shows how desperate I am for relief. Would taking an occasional and small klonopin dose be likely to kindle me and make it harder getting off this time? 

 

3. I'm also a slow metabolizer of all other SRRIs except Prozac. I metabolize it only slightly better, but I'm wondering if a bridge would work for me. I am attracted to the possibility for 2 reasons: the long half-life, and the fact that it is sedating, while zoloft is activating. Anxiety was a big problem for me even before zoloft.

 

4. I read some threads posted by @Altostrata about lamictal and how it might help in situations like this. Can you take a tiny dose while still on an SSRI?

 

I really have no desire to be on any med at all ever again. But if I have to back up a bit in order  to get stable and headed in the right direction, would that be the worst thing? I don't trust my own judgment at this point - every move I make seems to be the wrong one.  My instinct tells me to go back to 25mg and sit still for 6 months or more, but if there's a way to avoid needless suffering, I'd hate to think I was stubbornly sitting still. I'm so exhausted, and I'm sick every day. My career is slowly withering away and my husband feels powerless to help although he is a huge source of support for me.

 

I know I've made lots of changes in 3 months - withdrawal crash from zoloft and one week on another med, reinstatement of zoloft, cutting, updosing and then going back to 25mg each time, changing from pill to liquid, changing the time of my dose, and now another updose and probable return to 25mg. I know I'm not doing my CNS any favors. I hope someone will weigh in here. I am lost, and losing hope. Am I just destined to be drugged for the rest of my life? The thought terrifies me. 

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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  • Moderator Emeritus
36 minutes ago, Dejavu said:

I know I'm not doing my CNS any favors. I hope someone will weigh in here. I am lost, and losing hope. Am I just destined to be drugged for the rest of my life? The thought terrifies me. 

 

Hi Dejavu,

 

I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling so much. It’s so hard to endure intense symptoms for a prolonged period and stay hopeful. 

 

I can sense that you are desperate for relief and rightly so, but you have to keep reminding yourself of the number of big changes you’ve made throughout your drug history. It all adds up! 

 

Please try not to take too much stock in the genetic testing. I do believe this testing has a place in the future of drug prescribing, but now you’re experiencing the difficulties of having a destabilised nervous system, the waters have already been muddied.

 

I’ll let one of the experienced members or mods answer your more specific questions, but I’m hopeful that you will heal. The fact you’ve had some windows (however brief) after a large updose, shows promise.

 

Please keep the faith and try not to add additional fear in the form of ‘what if I’m destined to be drugged?’. Many people go on to live happy and healthy lives following very difficult periods of withdrawal and adverse reactions. With the right support, I’m confident you’ll find your way into that club too :) 

PLEASE NOTE:  I am not a medical professional.  I can only provide information and make suggestions.

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Before any moderators comment please do not give up on hope. As you said you have reinstated and then made changes so your cns/brain has had a lot to deal with. Unfortunately three months isn’t very long in terms of trying to stabilise and can take a lot longer as all those changes do add up.

 

Not sure on what you should do regarding your medication (not my place to comment on that) but no matter how bad you feel it will get better, it just seems it takes a lot of time.

 

Hang in there.

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
On 1/30/2019 at 10:58 PM, Dejavu said:

Yes, I am making my own liquid. Based on your experience, do you believe I'm likely to feel an uptick in symptoms due to the updose? 

 

I'm being forced to see a pdoc on Feb 5. My pcp knows less than nothing about tapering, and thinks I need to come off the 25mg quickly because of my slow metabolizer status (she's paranoid about serotonin syndrome). When I told her I needed to go more slowly, it freaked her out and she now wants a pdoc to handle future dosing. So I have another question concerning this: if I'm going to updose to 26 or 27 mg, will I need two 25mg tablets per day, or is breaking one 50mg tablet in half going to be accurate enough? I'm not sure how I would explain my need for 2 25mg pills per day versus one 50mg to this new pdoc. I'm assuming she will not be a fan of either a 10% taper or split dosage.

 

We won't know if you'll feel an uptick until you try a bit more. If 1mg seems too much, try 0.5mg in liquid. Please keep daily notes of your drug intake and symptom pattern.

 

What do you mean "forced to see a pdoc"? Are you a minor? Unless this pdoc is supportive of your tapering plans, you don't need a pdoc on your payroll, either.

 

You need a new PCP. Any doctor can write a prescription for 25mg Zoloft tablets plus Zoloft liquid for split dosing of 27mg per day.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

@Altostrata, thank you for responding so quickly. I already updosed 3 days ago and I'm already having trouble with huge spikes in symptoms, especially anxiety and insomnia. Do these often settle after an updose? Or is a 1.25mg updose just too rugged for me right now? Do you think I should go all the way back to down to 25mg or only go down to 25.5? 

 

9 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

You need a new PCP. Any doctor can write a prescription for 25mg Zoloft tablets plus Zoloft liquid for split dosing of 27mg per day.

 

Yes, I've been thinking about a new PCP, but my stress tolerance is nil right now, and the idea of seeing yet another new doctor has me in a panic. 

 

Liquid sertraline is not covered by my insurance, so I have to make my own liquid. Therefore, I'll need 60 25mg pills per month. Hopefully, this new doctor will understand that. My pcp is unfamiliar and uncomfortable with dosing other than in 25mg increments. Unbelievable.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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  • Administrator
3 minutes ago, Dejavu said:

Or is a 1.25mg updose just too rugged for me right now? Do you think I should go all the way back to down to 25mg or only go down to 25.5? 

 

How about trying 25.5mg first? Please let us know how you're doing with those daily notes.

 

Updosing might not be right for you now.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you @Tom37 and @eymen23 for your very kind thoughts and encouragement. I needed it. So badly.

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Question for all the benzo taperers here: has anyone completely withdrawn from benzos more than once? What was your experience? Did you find it more difficult the second time? I successfully tapered klonopin in 2017 with very few problems, but thinking about reinstating a tiny as-needed dose until I stabilize on my AD reinstatement and I'm afraid of kindling. I swore I'd never touch another benzo, and I really don't want to, but may not have much choice. If I can't get a handle on this chemical anxiety, I can't get back to work. I'm self employed, and I'm watching my financial world go up in flames at the moment.

 

Also curious if anyone has attempted a prozac bridge or added low dose lamictal? Interested in as many opinions as I can get. Thanks!

2016 - Zoloft 50 mg for klonopin w/d

Approx. Nov 2017 - successful taper of klonopin; Approx. Jan. 2018 - rapid taper Zoloft over 2 wks - no w/d symptoms; May 2018 - Reinstate 50 mg Zoloft per doctor; Aug 2018 - Rapid taper Zoloft over 3-4 weeks - no w/d symptoms for 1 mo.; Late Oct 2018 - pdoc rx'd 5mg lexapro -took for 1 wk; Early Nov 2018 - Reinstate 25 mg Zoloft; updose to 37.5 on Nov 28, 2018; Nov 30 2018 - returned to 25mg Zoloft upon mod. advice; Dec 9 - Dec10 2018 - 12.5mg zoloft liquid+12.5mg zoloft pill; Dec 11 2018 - 25mg zoloft all liquid; Feb 14 2019 - updosed to 26.25 mg liquid; Mar 6 2019 - updosed to 26.88 mg liquid - new symptoms; Mar 13 2019 - back down to 26.25 mg per mod suggestion

Dose Changes: Dec 2 2019 - 5% to 25mg; Jan 14 2020 - 10% to 22.5 (increase in sxs all month); Mar 10-15? 2020,  accidental updose to 25mg; Mar 22 2020 - back down to 22.5mg; Apr 12 2020 - 2.5% to 21.94mg; Apr 19 2020 - 2.5% to 21.375mg (symptom increase); May 17 2020 - 2.5% to 20.625mg; May 24 2020 - 2.5% to 20.1mg - Jun 14 2020 - noticed uptick in symptoms settled 2 days later - July 10 2020 - onset of wave

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