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Gracee: withdrawing from Paxil


Gracee

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16 hours ago, Carmie said:

 

Yay for a good day Gracee, 

 

You’re doing really well, and when the waves do come remember that they will also end. I’ve been doing lots of wave surfing lately.🏄🏻‍♀️

 

Sending hugs🤗

 

Agree it is important to remember the good days when we are having bad ones.

I am learning that as long as I stick to small, slow, steady and take care of my health, I have control over this taper and my wellbeing.

 

Today was not quite as good as yesterday.....a little fuzzy head and dizziness but certainly manageable and while I did accomplish all that I wanted to get done, I made sure I gave myself a couple hours to put my feet up and rest.

 

Hugs.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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I hope the self-care thing gets better with practice; it certainly should, don't you think? I am inspired by your positive attitude even when you feel worse, thank you Gracee! 🤗

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. 

 

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Day 9 of 6% taper

Light WD symptoms with fatigue slowed me down this morning.   Spent a few hours resting instead of hitting the ground running.   Made up for the slowdown this afternoon though.   I hate letting WD control me, so it seems I do a balancing act of self care and distraction.   Tinnitus not too bad.

G.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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Day 10 of 6% taper

 

Got myself manipulated into driving a toxic person to and from her medical appointment today.  When I brought her home,  she and her fold-up- walker created an incident that put me into high anxiety mode . MURPHY'S LAW.         I know my anxiety was not caused by WD.    Nevertheless, WD factored into the severity of the anxiety.

Doing deep breathing meditation now to settle down headache, palpitations and noisy tinnitus.

G.

 

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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1 hour ago, Gracee said:

Got myself manipulated into driving a toxic person

 

damn. 

 

what can you do differently next time so this doesn't happen? 

 

🤗

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. 

 

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1 hour ago, JackieDecides said:

 

damn. 

 

what can you do differently next time so this doesn't happen? 

 

🤗

 

@JackieDecides,  I love you for asking that question.    I asked myself that when I got home feeling anxious.

 

I won't be helping this person again.   Simple as that.  I have helped her in the past; she is manipulative, cagey and tends to threaten people with lawsuits. Several years ago I was the "go-to-volunteer" when seniors in my neighborhood needed rides to grocery store or medical appointments.  These days I believe need to take care of my own physical/mental health first.      What would you do Jackie?

BTW, tell me how you are feeling.   I know you have lots going on. 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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9 hours ago, Gracee said:

What would you do Jackie?

 

I think what you did: decide I wasn't going to help her again. not even once, not even a tiny bit. but it's easy to say these things and manipulative people can surprise you.

 

I am doing so-so. I keep losing weight so it's getting a bit like the Stephen King novel Thinner did I get cursed and will keep shrinking until I'm dead?  both my doctor and I tried to get me a colonoscopy scheduled this week and we could not, it was too late. I had a mammogram, though, and I'm having labs done again and that's all I can do. my health insurance ends Friday with my job but I can get COBRA coverage once my company sends out the info on how - I know it will be very expensive but guess I will have to do it. the colonoscopy will have to wait til I am in Colorado and find a doctor to do it and get the insurance back. 

 

but I slept good the last two nights, what a blessing! 😍

 

4 more days of work and this job is over.

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. 

 

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9 hours ago, JackieDecides said:

 

I think what you did: decide I wasn't going to help her again. not even once, not even a tiny bit. but it's easy to say these things and manipulative people can surprise you.

 

 

Hi @JackieDecides.

Glad to hear you decided what I decided.    That person is expecting me to chauffeur her to a dental appointment next month.    I'm going to call her and decline. Done deal.

 

You have a great plan for getting your medical stuff out of the way in advance of your move.  Taking care of the body and brain is #1 priority.   Please don't fret about your weight loss now.    Give yourself permission to put that out of mind and on back-burner until after you are settled in new location.    Please treat yourself with kindness, and for goodness sake....Hang in there!!!!!

Hugs,

G.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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Day 11 of 6%  taper

 

Didn't notice any WD symptoms today.   So far, so good.

G.

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

Link to comment

Day 13 of 6% taper:

No noticeable WD symptoms.  Light tinitus.   Sleep has been so-so.   

G.

 

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

Link to comment

Day 14 of 6% taper:

 

Felt very good this morning, got up early and completed several projects.

Began feeling fuzzy headed in afternoon, fuzzy vision as well.  Depleted energy.   Tinnitus on high-side.   So, cancelled evening plans and opted for a relaxing night at home with laptop, a book and some snacks.     I don't consider this a wave, just typical WD to be managed by self-care.

G.

 

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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I'm glad things are going so well, Gracee. 😍

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. 

 

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16 hours ago, JackieDecides said:

I'm glad things are going so well, Gracee. 😍

 

Thanks so much @JackieDecides.  How are you feeling?   I know you are getting ready for a move, so hope you are pacing yourself and taking some time each day to put your feet up.   

Hugs,

G.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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Day 16 of 6% taper

 

Feeling good.   Haven't slept much past three nights.  I've never been a good sleeper even in good times, but now going through a cycle where I sleep about two hours, wake for awhile, sleep for a couple hours, wake again, etc.    Still get up and start my day around 7 a.m.  Need to keep a routine though to keep WD symptoms at bay.

 

I'm finding I like these 5 to 6% tapers that are gentler than higher numbers.

 

G.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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I hear you, Gracee, I had insomnia last night myself. I only got out of bed 30 minutes late due to my bladder waking me up, from drinking sleepy time tea at 2 AM! 

 

I think routine helps, as does avoiding caffeine which I usually do. today I am having a cup of "half caff" instead of decaf. so much to do!

 

10 hours ago, Gracee said:

I'm finding I like these 5 to 6% tapers that are gentler than higher numbers.

 

 

I'm glad you found what works for you! 

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. 

 

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Hi

So I have decided after the distress of yesterday with WD hitting me that I need to titrate slower. Instead of 37.5 I need to halve that.

On January 20 2019 I stopped cold turkey 200mg trazadone. I did this because of severe gastritis symptoms. At week 13 I felt almost 85% better but it was horrible. It was truly a catch 22.

On April 6, 2019 I began a 37.5 titration from 150mg venlafaxine. I see the psychiatrist tomorrow April 18, 2019 about side effects.

Early morning panic and scary dreams

Achy and tired and restlessness

Blurry vision

No motivation

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1 hour ago, Donnam said:

Hi

So I have decided after the distress of yesterday with WD hitting me that I need to titrate slower. Instead of 37.5 I need to halve that.

 

@Donnam, Best wishes with your taper.   The mods will help you get started.   Remember:   small, slow, steady.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

Link to comment

Hi Gracie,

Thank you for keeping me in the loop by responding.

So, I see psychiatrist in two days. I suspect this titration will take four months minimum. I just pray that you, that I and all us brave souls taking on this challenge to get off psyche meds find good result when we arrive at the place there is no more titration and we are clean, so to speak.

I sure wish we had been forewarned what to expect when we were offered to take them. I would have wanted to know.  I will never take these drugs again that is for sure.

On January 20 2019 I stopped cold turkey 200mg trazadone. I did this because of severe gastritis symptoms. At week 13 I felt almost 85% better but it was horrible. It was truly a catch 22.

On April 6, 2019 I began a 37.5 titration from 150mg venlafaxine. I see the psychiatrist tomorrow April 18, 2019 about side effects.

Early morning panic and scary dreams

Achy and tired and restlessness

Blurry vision

No motivation

Link to comment
6 hours ago, Donnam said:

Hi Gracie,

Thank you for keeping me in the loop by responding.

So, I see psychiatrist in two days. I suspect this titration will take four months minimum. I just pray that you, that I and all us brave souls taking on this challenge to get off psyche meds find good result when we arrive at the place there is no more titration and we are clean, so to speak.

I sure wish we had been forewarned what to expect when we were offered to take them. I would have wanted to know.  I will never take these drugs again that is for sure.

 

@Donnam, It would be helpful if you would list your medications in your signature as  mods suggest.   They can assist you better that way.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

Link to comment

Day 18 of 6% taper.   Just checking in

 

I'm doing fine.   A few hours of WD symptoms on and off today.   Dizziness, fuzzy brain.   Kept busy and pretty much ignored what was bothering me.   Tomorrow, I plan to paint a fence.   We'll just have to see how that goes.  Sleep not too bad last two nights.

G.

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

You're a rock star, Gracee! Great attitude - wish I was as naturally positive as you are. Happy fence painting!🎨

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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11 hours ago, Gracee said:

Day 18 of 6% taper.   Just checking in

 

I'm doing fine.   A few hours of WD symptoms on and off today.   Dizziness, fuzzy brain.   Kept busy and pretty much ignored what was bothering me.   Tomorrow, I plan to paint a fence.   We'll just have to see how that goes.  Sleep not too bad last two nights.

G.

 

 

good for you, Gracee, you do set us an excellent example

 

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. 

 

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Hi Gracie

I enjoy reading your posts.

I am not feeling alone. Who knew the meds could be so hard to survive. We will survive

On January 20 2019 I stopped cold turkey 200mg trazadone. I did this because of severe gastritis symptoms. At week 13 I felt almost 85% better but it was horrible. It was truly a catch 22.

On April 6, 2019 I began a 37.5 titration from 150mg venlafaxine. I see the psychiatrist tomorrow April 18, 2019 about side effects.

Early morning panic and scary dreams

Achy and tired and restlessness

Blurry vision

No motivation

Link to comment
14 hours ago, Gracee said:

 

@Donnam, It would be helpful if you would list your medications in your signature as  mods suggest.   They can assist you better that way.

I thought I did this Gracie 

On January 20 2019 I stopped cold turkey 200mg trazadone. I did this because of severe gastritis symptoms. At week 13 I felt almost 85% better but it was horrible. It was truly a catch 22.

On April 6, 2019 I began a 37.5 titration from 150mg venlafaxine. I see the psychiatrist tomorrow April 18, 2019 about side effects.

Early morning panic and scary dreams

Achy and tired and restlessness

Blurry vision

No motivation

Link to comment
7 hours ago, Donnam said:

I thought I did this Gracie 

 

@Donnam, @Altostrata

Donnam, No, you have not.  You need to go back to your thread and reread the posts from the mods and follow instructions.   I'm sorry if you have misunderstood.   Please  read the last post there that provides assistance if you are not understanding.    Please click on the link provided in that post.     If you provide what the mods are requesting, they will help you.   If you ignore their requests, they cannot help.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

Link to comment
18 hours ago, Dejavu said:

You're a rock star, Gracee! Great attitude - wish I was as naturally positive as you are. Happy fence painting!🎨

 

Thank you @Dejavu. During most of my life I was never naturally positive.   I am about to celebrate my 74th birthday.    About 35 years ago, stuff happened to me and I had to learn to do what was necessary to survive.   Developing  a positive attitude became my biggest asset.   You made me smile big calling me a rock star.   Actually I am just a survivalist.   

HUGS to you Dejavu!!!!!   ❤️

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Gracee, 

 

I’m so glad you’re doing well, and I love all your positive posts on people’s threads. Keep up the good work 💚

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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Day 22 of 6% taper.

 

Nothing new to report.   Just floating along in a window.  What silly words those are.   But we all understand what that means.   Tinnitus is hanging around but I never notice it until I think about it.   Like right now.   

 

Finally finished painting both sides of the fence.  Red roses are blooming on it right now and look pretty.   

 

G.

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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Glad things are going well.

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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10 hours ago, Gracee said:

Just floating along in a window.

 

that's excellent, I'm so glad for you. and roses!! I know it must take a lot of water to grow those in the desert but it's worth it, isn't it? 

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. 

 

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Thanks.   Surprisingly, roses grow really well here.   Much easier than back east where they always had japanese beetles and aphids and various diseases from dampness and humidity.   I have just  one climbing rose bush that's loaded with flowers and it seems to thrive on neglect.   Actually killed another rose bush because I overwatered. Somethings are best not fussed over, I've learned.   

 

@bubbles, @JackieDecidesHope you are both OK and feeling good.

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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I suppose the roses love all the sun they get. 

 

I feel great today: got a full eight hours of sleep, sold my bike this morning, then went to a friends for Easter Dinner and hanging out, it was such a great day.  when I said goodbye we teared up and she said they think of me as family. ❤️

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. 

 

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35 minutes ago, JackieDecides said:

I suppose the roses love all the sun they get. 

 

I feel great today: got a full eight hours of sleep, sold my bike this morning, then went to a friends for Easter Dinner and hanging out, it was such a great day.  when I said goodbye we teared up and she said they think of me as family. ❤️

 

Hi @JackieDecides, I am just thrilled for you that you had a great day.    You sound so much better than when we first met.   More relaxed and confident.    You appear to be making decisions that will work for you.   And WOW!    Eight hours sleep.  Good for you!!    

Hugs !

G.

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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On 4/21/2019 at 8:26 PM, Gracee said:

You sound so much better than when we first met.

 

I really can't tell - to me it feels like I am up and down. and when I am the most down, I don't/can't post. so I'm not sure. but however I feel, the move is over and it's on to the next challenge: getting a job. 

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. 

 

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Day 32 of 6% taper

Just a little progress report.   Feeling pretty good in general.  Feeling fatigued with low energy so I'm in no hurry to start another taper.   Will hold another 2-4 weeks.  

 

I've had to take about 3.3 mg Ambien for the past few nights to be alert for meetings and projects the next mornings.    Taking a sleep aid is something I strive not to do.    So, no matter how bad my sleep tonight and forward, I'll just have to float through it.    My calendar is open for remainder of week so if I have to take it easy at home to make up for sleep deprivation, so be it.

G.

 

  

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg, Multi vit., Calcium, D3,  Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,  Ambien 3.3 mg 1 or 2X/mo.  Benadryl-seldom, .......2002 - eliminated alcohol

2002- Paxil - 20 mg (3 WD attempts: 2005, 2008, 2010)

2011 - 30 mg 

2018 - 40 mg- Sept to Nov} {Dec - 37.5}

Jan 2, 2019 - 35 mg

Jan 11 -  33.75 mg

Jan 28 - 32.5 mg

Feb 4 -  33.75 mg 

Mar 4 - 32 mg

Mar 30 - 30 mg

 

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1 hour ago, Gracee said:

I've had to take about 3.3 mg Ambien for the past few nights

 

what is a normal dose, Gracee?   I have had it in the past and found the more I used it, the less it worked for me. 

1 hour ago, Gracee said:

Feeling pretty good in general.

😘

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. 

 

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