annadee Posted December 28, 2018 Author Share Posted December 28, 2018 Update: Since I felt nervous about updosing, I only increased to 0.8 mg rather than going directly to 1 mg. I felt more or less the same as yesterday today, just a bit more anxious because I'm wary of changing my dosage. It's hard for me to say whether I'm noticing a difference yet, because it's only been a day and my anxiety about the change is probably having more of an impact than the change itself. Thank you for your advice ChessieCat, I'll make sure to do that. I do find it hard to quantify my symptoms sometimes, because they're not all very straightforward. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
annadee Posted December 29, 2018 Author Share Posted December 29, 2018 Update: I didn't sleep well last night, too anxious about increasing my dose and the chance of messing up my CNS even more. I kept asking myself if I should have given it a bit longer on 0.5 mg, if I'd messed everything up, etc... Besides that, I'm not actually noticing much of a difference... just the added anxiety. To give myself a confidence boost, I went by my apartment to water the plants (it's only ten minutes by bike from my parents', but I was nervous about it regardless) and briefly stopped in on some friends to say hi. That little outing boosted my confidence, because it went quite well. I did keep suffering moments of mild dissociation throughout the day, though it's hard for me to tell if it's happening more, less, or roughly the same as before. If it has increased, it could just be because of the anxiety. I wish I could tell myself that this is a going to be okay, but I find that I really can't believe it yet... I feel like I'll be stuck like this forever. It scares me, but I know I have to hold on. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
annadee Posted December 29, 2018 Author Share Posted December 29, 2018 Question... I feel like any benefit I might be seeing from this updose isn't worth it compared to the massive amounts of anxiety it's giving me. Is it too late to go back to 0.5 mg, or would I do better sticking it out? Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted December 29, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 29, 2018 You've been on the increased dose either two or three days as I understand it. I think you can drop back to 0.5 without a big problem. You may have some ups and downs that will likely normalize within a short time. Try not to focus on every symptom. Stress is not good for those of us in WD. Really, you are a reinstatement success story as far as I can see. You responded well to the 0.5 increase. Remember, the purpose of reinstatement is not the elimination of WD symptoms but rather making them tolerable. It's important to try and remain as calm as possible and not to panic. It's important to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope You might find these helpful: Audio: First Aid for Panic (4 minutes) CBT Course: An Introductory Self-Help Course in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Audio: How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes Anxiety Stuff - all kinds of stuff about anxiety attacks and things that help ... 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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. Link to comment
annadee Posted December 29, 2018 Author Share Posted December 29, 2018 Thank you for the advice, Gridley. It had been two days, since I hadn't taken my dose today yet when I updated. I went back to 0.5 mg today, and I feel good about this decision. The stress it was causing me outweighed any potential benefits for me. I'm going to try to manage my anxiety better and work on my coping skills. It feels better to do what I can myself rather than rely too much on the drug that caused me all this trouble in the first place. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
JackieDecides Posted December 30, 2018 Share Posted December 30, 2018 2 hours ago, annadee said: I'm going to try to manage my anxiety better and work on my coping skills. It feels better to do what I can myself rather than rely too much on the drug that caused me all this trouble in the first place. anyone reading along is with you, Annadee, wishing you well. 😍 Currently taking Ramapril (blood pressure) 5 mg twice a day Omeprazole 10 mg AM and 20 mg PM (the taper has gone nowhere after the first cut) Famotidine once a day (and I still needs tums sometimes) magnesium 200 mg at night as of yesterday 2 fish oil capsules "EPA-DHA 1000" off Lexapro as of 5/2018 - last dose had been 5 mg every other day for a couple years highest dose had been 20 mg at which point I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, which went away when I cut the lexapro down to 15 mg. I spent years on Paxil before Lexapro (can't remember dose), briefly on Effexor and Abilify and others I have forgotten. in fact, when I was diagnoses with BPII I was put on all kinds of things which made me feel so bad I stopped them cold turkey within maybe 3 or 4 weeks, thank goodness. since then I've known these pills were terrible and I weaned down the Lexapro with zero help or support over I'm not sure how many years. Link to comment
annadee Posted December 30, 2018 Author Share Posted December 30, 2018 Update: Today was the best day I've had in a good while. Less withdrawal symptoms, more and longer moments where I felt (almost) like my old self... for the first time in what feels like ages, I can see a positive future for myself again. I've realized that trying to hold on to this feeling is pointless, I just have to take things as they come, but days like these give me hope. @JackieDecides thank you for your kind words, I really feel supported here and it means a lot 😊 Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted December 30, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 30, 2018 That is great, annadee. 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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. Link to comment
JackieDecides Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 On 12/30/2018 at 2:47 PM, annadee said: I can see a positive future for myself again. I've realized that trying to hold on to this feeling is pointless, I just have to take things as they come, but days like these give me hope. I'm glad for you. I need to work on the not trying to hold on. I waste good times thinking about them ending instead of enjoying the moment. Currently taking Ramapril (blood pressure) 5 mg twice a day Omeprazole 10 mg AM and 20 mg PM (the taper has gone nowhere after the first cut) Famotidine once a day (and I still needs tums sometimes) magnesium 200 mg at night as of yesterday 2 fish oil capsules "EPA-DHA 1000" off Lexapro as of 5/2018 - last dose had been 5 mg every other day for a couple years highest dose had been 20 mg at which point I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, which went away when I cut the lexapro down to 15 mg. I spent years on Paxil before Lexapro (can't remember dose), briefly on Effexor and Abilify and others I have forgotten. in fact, when I was diagnoses with BPII I was put on all kinds of things which made me feel so bad I stopped them cold turkey within maybe 3 or 4 weeks, thank goodness. since then I've known these pills were terrible and I weaned down the Lexapro with zero help or support over I'm not sure how many years. Link to comment
annadee Posted January 1, 2019 Author Share Posted January 1, 2019 Update: Yesterday I felt like myself again for most of the day, and I was happy to be able to enter the New Year with hope and optimism. It wasn't completely smooth sailing, but it was a very good day overall. Today... was rough. Really rough. A big wave hit me shortly after lunch, and I only slowly started to feel a bit better during the evening. I still don't feel great, but it's not as bad as it was. I'm having a hard time dealing with the feeling of helplessness that these waves bring... it's as if all the progress I've made suddenly doesn't count anymore, and nothing I do seems to help when a wave hits except ride it out, no matter how long it may take. The anxiety and depression I experienced before withdrawal at least responded positively to things like breathing exercises or getting some fresh air, but these waves make me feel desperate. @JackieDecides I won't lie and say those kinds of thoughts don't cross my mind when I'm doing well, but I try my hardest to convince myself that surely the next wave won't be as bad, that the windows will keep getting longer, and that I can handle whatever comes my way. Kind of like giving myself a pep talk. I also try to practice mindfulness to focus on the present, though I must say I'm still finding that very hard since the withdrawal hit. Good luck to you, I hope you'll be able to enjoy the good moments more and more ❤️ Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
MRothbard Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 Just chiming in for support. I quit 2.5 mg lexapro and having a hard time well. But we will get through this. September 2014 to July 2015 - 20 mg Lexapro, 30mg Mirtazipine August 2015 to November 2016- 10mg Lexapro, 30 mg Mirtazipine Nov. 2016 to Nov. 2017 - 10mg Lexapro, 3.75 mg Mirtazipine Nov. 2017 to Mach 2018 - 5mg/2.5mg Lexapro, 0mg Mirtazipne Mach 2018 to Dec. 2018 - 0mg Lexapro, 0mg Mirtazipne Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted January 2, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 2, 2019 4 hours ago, annadee said: Update: Yesterday I felt like myself again for most of the day, and I was happy to be able to enter the New Year with hope and optimism. It wasn't completely smooth sailing, but it was a very good day overall. Today... was rough. Really rough. A big wave hit me shortly after lunch, and I only slowly started to feel a bit better during the evening. I still don't feel great, but it's not as bad as it was. Did you overdo things when you were feeling some improvement? * 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
annadee Posted January 13, 2019 Author Share Posted January 13, 2019 Update: Since my last update, things have been gradually improving, each day a little better than the last. I still have moments throughout the day where I feel worse, and I've noticed I'm very easily thrown off balance by stress, but I also recover faster than before. The derealization and memories have gotten a lot less, and I'm starting to feel more and more myself again. I'm still taking it easy, because I don't want to rush anything and risk a setback, but I'm gradually starting to think about going home instead of staying with my parents. I'll practice going home for a few hours at a time first, though, see how it goes. I'm still taking 0.5 mg escitalopram, and I have no plans to either increase or decrease that dose for the moment. @MRothbard I'm sorry you're having to go through this, but it will get better. Hang in there. @ChessieCat I probably did overdo things a little, despite making an effort not to, but NYE got in my way unfortunately. Still, I learned from that experience and I've taken extra care to take things slow since then. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus eymen23 Posted January 13, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 13, 2019 Hi Anna, Really glad to hear you’re improving on just the 0.5mg it Escitalopram. That will be great if you can live at home again, but as you say best not to rush it. Hope things continue to improve PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional. I can only provide information and make suggestions. Link to comment
annadee Posted January 16, 2019 Author Share Posted January 16, 2019 Update: I got hit by a big wave today. The kind of wave that makes you feel like all of the progress you've made has been undone, and you can't see any light, hope or future anymore. I cried a lot, freaked out a lot, and very much failed to keep calm and accept what was happening. I'd kind of felt it coming for the past two days, but unfortunately I was unable to prevent it from happening... I'm not sure it would have even been possible. I'm feeling slightly better right now, but still very scared of my mental state. When does this stop... I know no one can tell me, but I pray it's soon. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted January 16, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 16, 2019 The progress has not been undone. Waves are part of the process. 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus eymen23 Posted January 16, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 16, 2019 1 hour ago, annadee said: I'm feeling slightly better right now, but still very scared of my mental state. Hi Anna, So sorry you’re struggling due to a wave. I can totally understand your fear of how you’re feeling. Sometimes when things have been bad in the past, I have felt so helpless, overwhelmed and certain I’d end up locked up somewhere unable to live a normal life, but it never happened. Somehow, someway I got through it and somehow it always got better. Please try to remember that you’re not broken, you’re not damaged, your body just needs some time to stabilise. I hope you find relief soon PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional. I can only provide information and make suggestions. Link to comment
annadee Posted January 17, 2019 Author Share Posted January 17, 2019 Thank you, Gridley. Rationally I know waves are part of the healing process, but emotionally it's hard to process them when I'm in the middle of one. But I'll keep holding on and trust that things will get better again. @eymen23 Thank you, I really needed to hear that, because I've definitely been feeling like that... like I'm irreversibly broken. Last night I was terrified I'd have to be admitted, even though in retrospect I know it was just my brain overreacting. It's frightening when you feel like you can't trust your own thoughts anymore. But you're right, waves always end and eventually we heal Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
JackieDecides Posted January 18, 2019 Share Posted January 18, 2019 18 hours ago, annadee said: But I'll keep holding on and trust that things will get better again. they will, things will get better. 🤗 Currently taking Ramapril (blood pressure) 5 mg twice a day Omeprazole 10 mg AM and 20 mg PM (the taper has gone nowhere after the first cut) Famotidine once a day (and I still needs tums sometimes) magnesium 200 mg at night as of yesterday 2 fish oil capsules "EPA-DHA 1000" off Lexapro as of 5/2018 - last dose had been 5 mg every other day for a couple years highest dose had been 20 mg at which point I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, which went away when I cut the lexapro down to 15 mg. I spent years on Paxil before Lexapro (can't remember dose), briefly on Effexor and Abilify and others I have forgotten. in fact, when I was diagnoses with BPII I was put on all kinds of things which made me feel so bad I stopped them cold turkey within maybe 3 or 4 weeks, thank goodness. since then I've known these pills were terrible and I weaned down the Lexapro with zero help or support over I'm not sure how many years. Link to comment
annadee Posted January 18, 2019 Author Share Posted January 18, 2019 14 hours ago, JackieDecides said: they will, things will get better. 🤗 Thank you, Jackie 🤗 Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
jozeff Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 Hi annadee, I'm sorry you felt so bad. I Know exactly what you mean. The day just doesn't seem to end and you pray it will be over soon. Feeling it coming is very recognisable. I feel it coming in the morning when I get hit by some terrible symptoms the afternoon or evening. I don't know if it is possible to prevent it. Maybe by using medication but just on your own it's very hard. I fight the negative thoughts sometimes but it keeps creeping up on me. My heart rate is high, I'm nervous, agitated and I behave pretty irritated. Then, boom, panic attack or crippling depression. Next morning I'm ok again or I'll feel like crap for another day. Thing is that it always goes away after some time. Since tapering I don't seeuch progress but sometimes it's hard to spot. The difference between feeling bad and very bad isn't that big... I hope you have the energy to deal with the waves and gain some energy during a window. That way you will be fine after a while. Be patient annadee!!!!! Cheers Jozeff Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg Apr 2018 - Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed) Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks - August 14th 2018 - April 29th 2019 citalopram 18 mg (1.5 mg updose). 2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg 2020 03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg, 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold... 2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg / 13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg / 09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg 2022 08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 2023 hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg 2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold / 08apr 1.38 mg / 15apr 1.36 mg / Link to comment
jozeff Posted May 16, 2019 Share Posted May 16, 2019 Hi annadee, How are you doing? Cheers Jozeff Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg Apr 2018 - Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed) Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks - August 14th 2018 - April 29th 2019 citalopram 18 mg (1.5 mg updose). 2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg 2020 03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg, 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold... 2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg / 13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg / 09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg 2022 08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 2023 hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg 2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold / 08apr 1.38 mg / 15apr 1.36 mg / Link to comment
annadee Posted May 17, 2019 Author Share Posted May 17, 2019 On 5/16/2019 at 9:31 PM, jozeff said: Hi annadee, How are you doing? Cheers Jozeff Hi Jozeff, Thank you for asking, I keep meaning to write here but somehow I never get to it. I'm still very much in recovery, with ups and downs. There are periods where I feel more myself again, and then suddenly it will come crashing down and everything is misery. I've had a lot of trouble with being overly sensitive to stimuli like light, sound and smells, too. I've been staying with my parents for 5 months now, which has been a comfort but also a source of stress, and I've finally made the decision to move back to my apartment. I'll be moving this Sunday, in fact, which I'm looking forward to but also very nervous about. I'm still holding steady at 0.5 mg escitalopram, with no intention to change anything for now. I have started taking several vitamin supplements over time as well, which I'm hoping will help support my nervous system in its recovery. I suspect I still have a long way to go, but I'm reclaiming my life bit by bit. I hope you and anyone reading this are doing well Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted May 18, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 18, 2019 17 hours ago, annadee said: I have started taking several vitamin supplements over time as well, which I'm hoping will help support my nervous system in its recovery. Annadee, Nice to hear from you. I wanted you to be aware that in withdrawal B-complex vitamins can be overstimulating. Hypersensitive to B Vitamin or B-Complex Please include your supplements in your signature. Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature. 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 April 1: 6.8mg Taper is 91% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, 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. Link to comment
annadee Posted May 18, 2019 Author Share Posted May 18, 2019 Thank you for the warning and the links, Gridley. I will update my profile with what I've been taking. Fortunately I haven't been taking any b vitamins, and I'll definitely read up on the issue. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
annadee Posted May 18, 2019 Author Share Posted May 18, 2019 I've updated my profile with the supplements I'm taking. The evening primrose oil is meant to combat my PMS, because I've noticed my hormonal imbalances can trigger withdrawal setbacks. I'm still planning to start taking magnesium as well, but taking supplements is particularly hard for me because of my phobias, and it's taken me this long to finally get myself used to the three I'm taking right now. Paroxetine 2000-2008 Escitalopram 20 mg 2008 - 2017 10 mg 03/2017 - 07/2018 5 mg 07/2018 - 09/2018 0 mg 01/10/2018 Reinstatement 0.5 mg starting 18/12/2018 0.8 mg starting 27/12/2018 back to 0.5 mg as of 29/12/2018 Supplements: vitamin D3 (400 IE), evening primrose oil (1000 mg, capsules also contain 20 mg vitamin E), omega 3 from algae oil (schizochytrium sp, 200 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA) Link to comment
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