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Dylanmatthew: Lexapro withdrawal. I'm going through a very tough time and I'm very afraid


Dylanmatthew

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So don't follow my doctors advice and get on trintellix correct? Because I can still withdraw from Lexapro while being introduced to a new drug right? Why doesn't he know that! 

 

And chessieive calmed down. I just feel really depressed but I cannot cry and show emotion. I want to bawl so badly. Remember how I said was randomly crying for a day last week? That was so odd... Never happens. 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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No trintillex.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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5mg Lexapro tablets

 

5mg tablet dissolve in 100mL water

 

Each 10mL liquid will equal 0.5mg dose

 

You should be able to keep the liquid in a dark container in the fridge for a few days.  So you should be able to get 4 doses out of 1 tablet.

 

Remember to do everything the same way and measure using the same equipment.

 

* 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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I understand your inability to cry Dylan.

 

I have this also and it feels like the tension builds up in your head but you cannot let it out.

 

 

 

 

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

Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Good you calmed down a bit.

 

The depressed feeling will hopefully decrease somewhat. It often does so you might feel better in a while. 

 

These symptoms always come and go so don't panick if some WD symptom hits you! Try to give it as little attention as possible and believe that you will not feel like that forever.

 

 

Stay strong, you can do it! Many people did so you will also.

 

 

Good luck

 

Jozeff

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

Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus
18 minutes ago, Dylanmatthew said:

And chessieive calmed down.

 

That's good.  Don't worry about what might happen later.  You just need to get through a day at a time.  And sometimes it means getting through an hour at a time and sometimes moment by moment.

 

First Aid for panic - male voice:  https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/music/FirstAidPanicM.mp3

 

 

First Aid for panic - female voice:  https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/music/FirstAidPanicF.mp3

 

On 4/28/2017 at 4:03 AM, brassmonkey said:

 

AAF: Acknowledge, Accept, Float.  It's what you have to do when nothing else works, and can be a very powerful tool in coping with anxiety.  The neuroemotional anxiety many of us feel during WD is directly caused by the drugs and their chemical reactions in the brain.  Making it so there is nothing we can do about them.  They won't respond to other drugs, relaxation techniques and the like.  They do, however, react very well to being ignored.  That's the concept behind AAF.  Acknowledge, get to know the feeling involved, explore them.  Accept, These feelings are a part of you and they aren't going anywhere fast. Float, let the feeling float off as you get on with your life as best as you can.  It's a well documented fact that the more you feed in to anxiety the worse it gets.  What starts as generalized neuroemotinal anxiety can be easily blown into a full fledged panic attack just by thinking about it.

 

I often liken it to an unwanted house guest.  At first you talk to them, have conversations, communicate with them.  After a while you figure out that they aren't leaving and there is nothing you can do to get rid of them.  So you go on about your day, working around them until they get bored and leave.

 

It can take some practice, but AAF really does work.  I hope you give it a try.

 

 

* 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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All you guys are so insanely helpful. More than the professionals. I have that flu like feeling a lot right now. God this sucks. So fatigued...

 

I have CBD oil I bought a week ago but it hasn't really done anything for me. Can I take 650mg acetaminophen for my slight aches and fatigue... 

 

Okay so I'm going to make the liquid solution soon. I need a 100ml container and a syring?? 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, Dylanmatthew said:

Okay so I'm going to make the liquid solution soon. I need a 100ml container and a syring?? 

 

Because of the urgency you can use what you have available to get as close to the dose as possible.  Then try and get more accurate equipment to use.

 

1 hour ago, Dylanmatthew said:

Can I take 650mg acetaminophen for my slight aches and fatigue

 

Because it is best to only make one change at a time it might be better to make the reinstatement straight away and not take anything else at this time so that you will be able to know whether reinstatement is working.  Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Keep daily notes on paper of your symptoms so you can see how reinstatement is affecting your 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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  • Moderator Emeritus

* 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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Chessie. I do not know what proper equipment I need. I rely wish I could just take half a 5mg pill tomorrow morning. But I understand the risks... I guess this is urgent. How bad would you say my WD is?? I want the fatigue to stoooooop. 

 

My mom said she'd go out and get me stuff. I just don't know what to look for. A 100ml cup and a syring right? Also it's 6pm so I'm afraid of insomnia if I took any... 

I hate my life right now. Chessie. Could my WD get more severe if I stay off anything? I'm scared.... 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Because of your concern about insomnia then it would be best to wait until the morning.

 

Because it is so late it would be better to wait to get the proper measuring equipment when you can.

 

You can prepare your tablet now ready to take tomorrow.  Use a cooking measuring jug and measure 100mL of water on a level bench top.  Put the tablet in the water and leave overnight.  In the morning stir the liquid and measure 10mL.  If you don't have a syringe, use a medicine cup or a cooking measuring spoon.

 

 

 

 

* 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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Chessie would you say my withdrawal is severe if most of what I feel is mainly fatigue, heavy headed feeling and no interest in anything?? I don't wanna have to go. To. The ER 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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20181207_182321-768x1024.jpg

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

The most accurate way to measure the water is to get a graduated cylinder.  Like in this link:  https://www.amazon.com/Lab-Cylinders/b?ie=UTF8&node=393349011

 

Where to get syringes:  using-an-oral-syringe-and-other-tapering-techniques

 

The marks on the syringe can wear off.  One member puts clear tape around the barrel of the syringe.

 

 

* 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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  • Moderator Emeritus

I consider my experience a good example of what these drugs cause because I had a benchmark so I knew that it wasn't my imagination but reducing the drug too quickly and then the amazing difference after taking more of the drug.

 

I was taking 100mg Pristiq and took 50mg for 2 weeks.  During this period of time I experienced extreme cog fog, and even walking took my full concentration.  At the end of the 2 weeks I was unable to type.  I've been a professional typist for 40+ years, so I had a benchmark and knew that something was very wrong.  Thankfully I had joined SA a few days before I couldn't type and they had suggested taking extra Pristiq.  When I couldn't type I took extra and only after about 4 hours (yes, 4 HOURS) I was able to type again and the cog fog was clearing.  After stabilising for a few months I've been tapering following SA's recommendations and am now down to 5mg.  I have only experienced mild withdrawal symptoms.  However if there is added stress in my life or I get sick, my symptoms have increased for a short time.

* 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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Hey chessie sorry I can't fully reply. I was eating and feeling off and now my anxiety is going wild... Idk why. 

I have clonazepam but I know I shouldn't take it... I was my suffering to end please 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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Yeo here comes the panic attack... 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

SA's recommendation is to not take benzos.  They can end up causing issues.  Have you been taking them recently?  Is yes, when and what dose?

* 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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The last I took one was Dec 1st 1mg. I only take them during time of panic attacks. Clonazepam. 

Im not having a panic attack it went away but I'm left with a lot of anxiety and the attack could come back. I took a total of 4mg in the past 3 weeks. Never a day together. I didn't know I was withdrawing until yesterday when I put it all together. 

 

I want this anxiety to go away!!!! 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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What about hydroxyzine???? I've only taken it once before. 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

I just found this post from one of the moderators on hydroxyzine:

 

On 5/5/2015 at 10:45 AM, Petunia said:

 

Atarax (Hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine. For someone recovering from antidepressant withdrawal, antihistamines can make symptoms worse and possibly slow recovery because they affect some of the same family of receptors that antidepressants target.

 

Please see this topic for more information:

 

Antihistamines

 

 

 

I think it would be better if you don't take anything and try and get through to the morning as best you can.  I think it would be better to take the Lexapro straight away instead of taking something different because that is what the brain is needing.

 

Use the First Aid for panic that I gave you above, or listen to some soothing music.  Doing deep breathing is also helpful.

 

Claire Weekes is very good.  There are YouTube videos that you could check out.  Claire Weekes' Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Okay I won't take hydroxyzine. It didn't help the night I took it anyways... My anxiety is a little more manageable. I was just sitting there and the panic just filled my body. 

I hope I can sleep well and take the 0.5mg Lexapro tomorrow morning. 

I hope I feel better tomorrow from that dose. I need this to stop. 

Im at my moms so I'm not alone at least. I just am worried that if I can a terrible panic attack I can't take anything like clonazepam to ease my symptoms. 

 

Chessie, thank you for being here for me. This has been the worst 3 weeks of my life so far. I hope this reinstating method brings me relief. 

I did try the AAF, it might've worked. 

 

I will read the article you gave me now. Am I in danger? My mom wants to know. 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

What sort of danger are you referring to?

 

The most important thing is to try and stay as calm as possible.  Understanding that when we start to get anxious our bodies start to feel certain things.  If we don't understand what is causing those feelings we can get scared and panic even more.  It's important to try not to let those horrible feelings scare us.

 

This might help.  Check out the picture of the body and the labels about what happens in different areas of the body.

 

https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/AnxietySelfHelp.pdf

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Any danger that could harm me due to the withdrawal I'm going through.

 

I was able to get the anxiety attack under control quickly because I was home with my parents. If I was out somewhere I'd be a absolute mess I couldn't even imagine really... 

 

I downloaded the chart thank you 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Dylan, 

 

Welcome to SA. I can see that you’re petrified about what you’re going through. We’ve all been there. Chessiecat has sent you lots of amazing links to show what you’re going through is normal in withdrawals, including your anxiety n panic attack and feeling like you’re not able to cry. 

 

Just know you will get better. It may take a long time but it’s better to just focus on each moment as it comes. I know, easier said than done. I’m so glad you have supportive parents, please take comfort from them. 

 

Again, I have to emphasis even though this is a scary, scary thing we are going through, we will get there in the end. 

 

You have been given some amazing advice above. 

 

Sending hugs🤗

 

 

 

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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2 minutes ago, Dylanmatthew said:

If I was out somewhere I'd be a absolute mess I couldn't even imagine really...  

 

Well you weren't, you were in a safe place, so you don't need to worry about that.  And you managed to get control of it quickly so you know how it feels and should be able to deal with it before it gets too far if it happens again.

 

Just keep reminding yourself that you are at home in a safe environment.

 

4 minutes ago, Dylanmatthew said:

Any danger that could harm me due to the withdrawal I'm going through.

 

What you are experiencing is just your brain trying to regain homeostasis or factory settings.  The brain redesigns itself around getting the chemicals from the drug.  When we take the drug away too quickly we get withdrawal symptoms because the brain is trying to level itself out.  Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Check out this post which helps to explain what is happening: what-is-withdrawal-syndrome  It might be a good idea to get your parents to read it too so they understand that it because of the lack of drug.

 

* 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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Hi again Dylan, 

 

Besides the wonderful advice you’ve been given above try and find yourself some distractions. You may have anxiety, you may feel totally numb, but do them anyway. Distract! Distract! Distract! has always been my motto when going through major waves in withdrawals. 

 

Is there something you like to do?  Maybe crank up the music n zone out. If you have hobbies do them, even if you can’t find the joy in them. If you feel you can’t focus on anything much just distract yourself with dvds or Netflix. 

 

I’m sure you’re not into crocheting 😃 but that kept me going through many dark times while watching Netflix n DVDs. I also love arts n crafts n going to concerts n spending time in nature. 

 

Distractions won’t get rid of the withdrawals but they will help you to have something else to focus on. 

 

I know this may sound silly but if you have a cuddly soft toy  cuddle it when you are in a panic n need some comfort. I actually have a big cuddly dog soft toy and I’m in my 50’s. 

 

Also please, as ChessieCat mentioned, get your parents to have a look at the withdrawal symptoms list so they can see that everything you are going through is withdrawals.

 

Hang in there, we will win this fight💚💚

 

 

Edited by Carmie

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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Any danger that could harm me due to the withdrawal I'm going through.

 

I was able to get the anxiety attack under control quickly because I was home with my parents. If I was out somewhere I'd be a absolute mess I couldn't even imagine really... 

 

I downloaded the chart thank you, cherrie

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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Oops I already sent that. 

 

Anyways, carmie and chessie I appreciate your help so much. I'm still slightly anxious and I'm about to try to go to sleep. 

I showed my parents the withdrawal list. They now believe it's what I'm actually going through.

Also carmie I have a really cute dog of my own that I cuddle during panic so I'm thankful for her. 

And that's very good advice about distracting myself. The past 2 weeks all I have done is look up stuff abour my symptom, browse internet and listen to depressing and calming music. All day...nothing interests me. 

 

 

I really wish I didn't taper so quickly... 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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My mother had this. I fill it all the way up to 10ml? Seems like a lot

20181207_214615-768x1024.jpg

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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I'm pleased that your parents understand that it is withdrawal symptoms.

 

Yes that is the correct amount.  10mL = 2 teaspoons.  The barrel of the syringe is quite thick plastic.  The teaspoon measurements are on the left.

 

This is how the dose is calculated:

 

5mg : 100mL

 

divide both sides by 5

 

1mg : 20mL

 

divide both sides by 2

 

0.5mg : 10mL

 

I hope you have a good sleep.  Please continue to let us know how you are.

* 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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Okay I filled it up to 100ml, dropped the 5mg pill in and then stuck it in the fridge. Hope that's OK. 

Goodnight...i hope 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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Okay I'm awake. It's 9am. The Lexapro solution has been in my fridge for 10 hours. 

This seems weird. How do I get an accurate 0.5mg with all the particles moving around then settling 

20181208_090610-768x1024.jpg

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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11 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

I'm pleased that your parents understand that it is withdrawal symptoms.

 

Yes that is the correct amount.  10mL = 2 teaspoons.  The barrel of the syringe is quite thick plastic.  The teaspoon measurements are on the left.

 

This is how the dose is calculated:

 

5mg : 100mL

 

divide both sides by 5

 

1mg : 20mL

 

divide both sides by 2

 

0.5mg : 10mL

 

I hope you have a good sleep.  Please continue to let us know how you are.

Was it OK it was in the fridge 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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It was ok. I've been tapering Lexapro like this for 2 years now and it works.

 

It doesn't really dissolve and particles are normal. What we do is stir it well and then just draw from the middle. It is surprisingly accurate.

 

Have you taken a dose yet? Please keep a log of your symptoms in relation to when you take the drug so that we could tell how the reinstatement is working.

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Hey bubble. I took the dose 3 hours ago at 11am. I wrote it down. I still wonder if what I've been feeling is withdrawal but idk what else it'd be. I feel physically bad. Right now I'm fatigue and my body feels like how you feel when you have a flu. 

 

I don't wanna suffer and feel like this anymore it's awful... 

2010 bupropion(?) approx 1 month, cold turkey

2013 Lexapro 10mg from 2013-2015. Reduced to 5mg for 2.5-3ish years. Reduced to 2.5mg for 2 months then stopped early Sept 2018
Dec 8th 2018 Lexapro reinstated 0.5mg

Link to further details 

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