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Gracee: withdrawing from Paxil


Gracee

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2 minutes ago, Gracee said:

 

I went fast because I thought tapering would be a bit easier at my higher doses.   I know when I get down to 15 mg, I have to go super slow and at super tiny tapers.  Also, I was feeling fine with minimal discomfort.  I totally screwed up

 

Hi again Gracee, 

 

We can get withdrawals at any part of the taper, even at really high doses like 200mg or more. I was getting withdrawals even with these large doses. 

 

The tapering can catch up with you if you don’t hold long enough. I’ve done that myself in the past before I knew much about tapering. I was doing fine, and then all of a sudden it hit me like a ton of bricks.

 

Don’t worry about the fact you made a mistake, you will eventually stabilise. As Alto said though, sometimes updosing doesn’t work and it could take a really long time to stabilise. It’s better to go slow and steady, with long holds inbetween. You can do this!💚

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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28 minutes ago, Gracee said:

I should know better.  I've been down this highway too fast before and that's why my previous tapers didn't succeed.

 

I keep making the same mistakes over and over, too. and then I beat myself up about it. 

 

now stop it with the fast tapers! 🤗   < sending hugs

 

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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2 minutes ago, Carmie said:

 

Hi again Gracee, 

 

We can get withdrawals at any part of the taper, even at really high doses like 200mg or more. I was getting withdrawals even with these large doses. 

 

The tapering can catch up with you if you don’t hold long enough. I’ve done that myself in the past before I knew much about tapering. I was doing fine, and then all of a sudden it hit me like a ton of bricks.

 

Don’t worry about the fact you made a mistake, you will eventually stabilise. As Alto said though, sometimes updosing doesn’t work and it could take a really long time to stabilise. It’s better to go slow and steady, with long holds inbetween. You can do this!💚

 

Ohhh @Carmie, Thank you.  I appreciate your support so much.  I do believe I can do this too.  I would like to have a few drug-free years before my old body is wheeled into the crematorium. 🤣

  

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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3 minutes ago, JackieDecides said:

 

I keep making the same mistakes over and over, too. and then I beat myself up about it. 

 

now stop it with the fast tapers! 🤗   < sending hugs

 

 

Yes, mommy.....😌  HUGS back at ya!.

  

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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Yesterday and today have been better.   Still very tired and lethargic.  Fortunately no commitments to attend to so I can rest.  Some guilt over being lazy as I am usually very active, but I keep reminding myself that mental and physical health come first.  

 

When I am in my head, I am in enemy territory.

  

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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  • Administrator

A lot of people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

Try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks @Altostrata for suggestion.   I currently take magnesium, but I believe it is the wrong type.   It is Magnesium Oxide and I believe I need the Citrate?  

 

I have taken Flaxseed Oil for years because of intolerance to Fish Oil.   However, I have Norwegian Gold Fish Oil  on order(due to arrive tomorrow) and hopefully won't have gastric probs with it.

  

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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5 hours ago, Gracee said:

Yesterday and today have been better.

 

I'm glad. 😊

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 @JackieDecides,  Hope you are 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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Gracee,  thanks for your kind words today. I am excited about the Grandbaby but certainly there can be stress! I hate that I am not able to be the help I could have been even a year ago. But my daughter and son in law were grateful to rest while I held her much of the day. I do need to remember to be kind to myself. 

It looks like you are checking out supplements to help with your taper. I am experimenting with epsom salt baths and tiny doses of magnesium. Not sure what I think yet. I hope your Norwegian Gold Fish Oil works out for you. With a name that fancy it had better be good! :)

 

1995-2004 Serzone150mg daily

2004-05  Serzone, Effexor, Remeron, Cymbalta Trazodone, Paxil,    2005-2016 Lexapro, Alprazolam, Wellbutrin XL 

 2017  Lexapro 20 mg daily,  Wellbutrin XL 150 mg twice daily, Alprazolam ER .5 mg twice daily, Fluticasone 50 MCG 1-2 spraysas needed,  May 11 Ciprofloxacin 500 BID,  July  Ketoconazole 2% cream as needed,   December21 Ciprofloxacin 500mg BID

2018 Fluticasone 50 MCG 1-2 sprays as needed,  May 8 Lexapro 20 mg once daily was stopped. May 8 Wellbutrin XL 150 twice daily stopped. May 8-29 Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine SUC ER) 50 mg. June 26 -July 20 Buspirone HCL 5mg once daily.  *** June 19 Levofloxacin (Levaquin) 500mg once daily for 10 days. Levaquin caused an ADVERSE DRUG REACTION with ongoing symptoms which are not resolved *** August 24 -September23, Zoloft 50mg once daily. Paxil 10 mg daily December 3- 15th. Current dose of Alprazolam ER is .25mg two times a day. Based on my prescription records I believe I started cutting my .5mg pills in half in late February 2018 

2019  Alprazolam .25 mg twice a day ( a split ER .5mg pill) Jan30 Alprazalam Switched to regular release  .125 mg morning and afternoon with .25mg at bedtime,  Jan. 23 started Sertraline 2mg once daily, Feb10 1.6mg daily

Supplements: NT Factor Energy Lipids 2 scoops twice daily, D-Ribose 5 grams 2-3 times daily,  R-Lipoic Acid 100mg daily, Tumeric 500mg, Co Q 10 200mg, Vitamin D 4000 IU, Florajen probiotic, folic Acid 400mcg, B12 1000mcg. Vitamin C 500mg extended release 3x daily, Omega 3 1185mg , Vitamin E 450mg, colostrum 500 mg daily                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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20 hours ago, Gracee said:

Thanks @Altostrata for suggestion.   I currently take magnesium, but I believe it is the wrong type.   It is Magnesium Oxide and I believe I need the Citrate?  

 

I'm not Altostrata but I can say that magnesium oxide is a form of magnesium which doesn't get absorbed that well. It's better to go for citrate (don't go overboard since it has laxative properties), which is calming. Furthermore magnesium threonate is good, as is malate and glycinate.

 

I'm reading along here since I'm also I Paxil user. I wish you the best of luck with tapering! :)

Antidepressant history

2001 - 2018: Paxil / seroxat (20 mgs), several failed c/t and taper attempts.

2018-September: last failed c/t attempt.

2018-October: reinstated Paxil (30 mgs)

2018-October thru 2019-January: Short-term Oxazepam & Diazepam use. Tapered off very slowly. Jumped 10Jan2019.

Brassmonkey Slide Method stats

Currently on hold on 0,1 mgpw after an updose due to becoming increasingly unstable.

Supplements: C, D, Magnesium

Miscellaneous: low on alcohol (1/2 times/year). No substance abuse. Lower carb diet with cheat days. Wim Hof Method. Buteyko. Calisthenics. Hiking.

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5 hours ago, PerAsperaAdAstra said:

 

I'm not Altostrata but I can say that magnesium oxide is a form of magnesium which doesn't get absorbed that well. It's better to go for citrate (don't go overboard since it has laxative properties), which is calming. Furthermore magnesium threonate is good, as is malate and glycinate.

 

I'm reading along here since I'm also I Paxil user. I wish you the best of luck with tapering! :)

 

@PerAsperaAdAstra,  Thanks so much for suggestions on magnesium.  I'll make the change.   I'll be following your thread as well.   Best wishes to you on your Paxil taper.

  

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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6 hours ago, Summer1 said:

Gracee,  thanks for your kind words today. I am excited about the Grandbaby but certainly there can be stress! I hate that I am not able to be the help I could have been even a year ago. But my daughter and son in law were grateful to rest while I held her much of the day. I do need to remember to be kind to myself. 

It looks like you are checking out supplements to help with your taper. I am experimenting with epsom salt baths and tiny doses of magnesium. Not sure what I think yet. I hope your Norwegian Gold Fish Oil works out for you. With a name that fancy it had better be good! :)

 

 

@Summer1, Thanks for response.  I'm sure your presence just holding the baby was a huge assist to your family.  I just bought epson salts today for first time and I'm looking forward to a soak tonight.   That Norwegian Gold Fish Oil not only has a fancy name, but a fancy price as well, so it better be worth more than gold in results.   If not, I'll return to my old flaxseed oil.....😃.  I googled directions to make magnesium skin oil using magnesium flakes.  This may be my new project.   Will let you know results.

  

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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Today was fantastic!   I am rejoicing in it and am almost afraid to write about how good I feel in fear of jinxing my good fortune.  

 

Must add that last night's sleep was not good.  Went to bed around 11 p.m. and only had a short cat-nap till 2 a.m.   Finally caved in and took 3 mg Ambien which got me to sleep in about a half hour.  Slept til 7 a.m., got up for bathroom break ,then returned to bed and slept till 10 a.m.   Felt good enough upon awaking to do house chores and grocery shopping and some cooking.

 

Only WD symptom is light tinnitus.    Tonight will try epsom salt bath for first time.  Also have instructions to make magnesium skin oil.  

 

Thank goodness for a window, even if brief.   It provides hope.

  

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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That’s awesome, Gracee. Soak up every moment of this day! Thanks for following me, btw. 

2008: start Lexapro 10 mg which is quickly upped to 20 mg. 2008:2013 try at least four individual times to get off Lexapro, never get lower than 5mg, settle at 15 mg. 2015: again, attempt to get off Lexapro and get to 5 mg. After 6 months, feel i'm stabilizing but go back on a higher dose because of one stressful event. 2016: go to 20 mg from 15 mg due to work stresses, hit severe tolerance for the first time and become very suicidal. 2016-2017: try viibryd and cymbata in an attempt to feel better. Also add Lamictal 150 at some point. 2017: eventually land on paxil 37.5 and Lamictal 150. January 2018: cut paxil to 25. April-July 2018: reduce Lamictal in 50 mg increments till im off August. 2018: reduce paxil to 20 mg. december 2018: dropped Paxil to 18 mg, SEVERE CRASH. March updosed to 20 mg April 11: dropped to 19.4 mg due to akathsia (still experiencing akathsia symptoms from updose) April 20: 19 mg Paxil May 4: 18.7 Paxil July 5: 18.2 July 12: 17.8 Aug 19: 17.5 Aug 26: 17.3 Oct 20: 17.1 Nov 3: 16.9, 8/17/20: 16.6 after nine month hold, 8/24/20: 16.4, 8/31/20:16.2, 9/14/2020: 16.0, 9/21/20: 15.8, 9/28/20: 15.6, 10/19/20:15.4, 10/26/20: 15.2, 11/2/20: 15.1, 11/7/20: 14.8, 3/6/2-: 14.5, 3/20/20: 14.3, 4/3/20: 13.9, 4/10/2021: 13.7. 4/21/21: 13.5, 5/5/2021: 13.1, 12.2 8/12/2021 (slowly microtapered to this number. I just can’t remember the exact dates), 11.8 9/6/2021, 11.6 9/13/21, 11.2 9/27/21, 11.1 9/30/21.....11/5/21 switched to 10 mg tablet. I am holding to stabilize for the foreseeable future. 3/25/22: 9.4, 5/6/22: 9.0, 5/30/22: 8.25, 6/7/22: 8.1, 7/722: 7.65, 8/16/22: 7.39, 9/22/22: 6.91, 10/1/22: 6.78

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On 2/7/2019 at 7:03 PM, Sottana said:

That’s awesome, Gracee. Soak up every moment of this day! Thanks for following me, btw. 

 

@Sottana, Thanks for your sweet words and Best to you!

  

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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2 hours ago, Gracee said:

Today was fantastic!   I am rejoicing in it and am almost afraid to write about how good I feel in fear of jinxing my good fortune.  

 

I'm so glad for you. I hope you can enjoy it and not worry about the future. 🤗

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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38 minutes ago, JackieDecides said:

 

I'm so glad for you. I hope you can enjoy it and not worry about the future. 🤗

 

I am living in the day.

  

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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Great to hear that you had a decent night's sleep! What a proper amount of sleep can do for a person! I hope you will have a lot of days like this one :)

Antidepressant history

2001 - 2018: Paxil / seroxat (20 mgs), several failed c/t and taper attempts.

2018-September: last failed c/t attempt.

2018-October: reinstated Paxil (30 mgs)

2018-October thru 2019-January: Short-term Oxazepam & Diazepam use. Tapered off very slowly. Jumped 10Jan2019.

Brassmonkey Slide Method stats

Currently on hold on 0,1 mgpw after an updose due to becoming increasingly unstable.

Supplements: C, D, Magnesium

Miscellaneous: low on alcohol (1/2 times/year). No substance abuse. Lower carb diet with cheat days. Wim Hof Method. Buteyko. Calisthenics. Hiking.

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Hi Gracee,  I hope the Epsom salt bath was soothing for you. I will be helping with my Grandbaby today. I am feeling good that I slept from ten till nearly four. That is longer than I have been getting. I hope you get some good rest also.:)

1995-2004 Serzone150mg daily

2004-05  Serzone, Effexor, Remeron, Cymbalta Trazodone, Paxil,    2005-2016 Lexapro, Alprazolam, Wellbutrin XL 

 2017  Lexapro 20 mg daily,  Wellbutrin XL 150 mg twice daily, Alprazolam ER .5 mg twice daily, Fluticasone 50 MCG 1-2 spraysas needed,  May 11 Ciprofloxacin 500 BID,  July  Ketoconazole 2% cream as needed,   December21 Ciprofloxacin 500mg BID

2018 Fluticasone 50 MCG 1-2 sprays as needed,  May 8 Lexapro 20 mg once daily was stopped. May 8 Wellbutrin XL 150 twice daily stopped. May 8-29 Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine SUC ER) 50 mg. June 26 -July 20 Buspirone HCL 5mg once daily.  *** June 19 Levofloxacin (Levaquin) 500mg once daily for 10 days. Levaquin caused an ADVERSE DRUG REACTION with ongoing symptoms which are not resolved *** August 24 -September23, Zoloft 50mg once daily. Paxil 10 mg daily December 3- 15th. Current dose of Alprazolam ER is .25mg two times a day. Based on my prescription records I believe I started cutting my .5mg pills in half in late February 2018 

2019  Alprazolam .25 mg twice a day ( a split ER .5mg pill) Jan30 Alprazalam Switched to regular release  .125 mg morning and afternoon with .25mg at bedtime,  Jan. 23 started Sertraline 2mg once daily, Feb10 1.6mg daily

Supplements: NT Factor Energy Lipids 2 scoops twice daily, D-Ribose 5 grams 2-3 times daily,  R-Lipoic Acid 100mg daily, Tumeric 500mg, Co Q 10 200mg, Vitamin D 4000 IU, Florajen probiotic, folic Acid 400mcg, B12 1000mcg. Vitamin C 500mg extended release 3x daily, Omega 3 1185mg , Vitamin E 450mg, colostrum 500 mg daily                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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15 hours ago, Summer1 said:

Hi Gracee,  I hope the Epsom salt bath was soothing for you. I will be helping with my Grandbaby today. I am feeling good that I slept from ten till nearly four. That is longer than I have been getting. I hope you get some good rest also.:)

 

Hi @Summer1,That sounds like a good sleep.   I am glad for you.   The Epsom salt bath was very relaxing and I plan to take the time to have more of them.   Tried the new fish oil last night and thankfully I digested it fine. Hope you had a great visit with your new baby granddaughter.  

  

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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Today was good.  Only slight WD symptoms.   Did some cooking then did some socializing in afternoon and again in evening; it took a lot out of me.  Groups of people tend to overwhelm.    I know tomorrow I'll be tired.

 

On a happy note:  Found a brand of fish oil that I can tolerate.

  

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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  • Administrator

Here's another way to improve sleep: Soft music 

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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18 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Here's another way to improve sleep: Soft music 

Thank you @Altostrata, I swear I don't know how you find so many hours in the day to help us all.  You are a gift.

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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Just my boring little daily update (cuz a couple years from now, I may look back on this and smile).

Another nice day in my window  Very productive morning and early afternoon.   Got lots done and felt good.   Just a bit of dizziness late afternoon.

New fish oil = no problem.   I'll remember these good days when I have bad ones.

Tonight gonna listen to some relaxing music courtesy of Altostrata.    

 

When I am in my head, I am in enemy territory.

  

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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Today's status report:

Went back to bed this morning, just didn't get enough sleep during the night.  Probably need to get away from SA earlier and move up bed time.

 

Pretty good day, got stuff accomplished in a.m.  Played mahjongg with friends this afternoon (stressful and exhausting); my brain and body need distractions and brain challenges.   Some dizziness and foggy brain late afternoon again.  I am optimistic that I'm going to make it through this darn taper.  Trying Ashwagandha tonight.   Also switching magnesium oxide to citrate today.

  

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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Today's update:

Difficult falling to sleep last night, woke several times, but got up this morning at 7 a.m. feeling OK.  Only slight WD symptoms today.  Visited a neighbor who also has anxiety disorder.  Face-to-face conversations with others suffering depression and anxiety is always helpful.   We had a great chat, many laughs and even solved a few of the world's problems...lol.  When I'm feeling good like this, I have to reject the urge to plan another taper.   My brain and body need to settle.

 

I am striving to keep a sleep schedule:  10 p.m. to bed, read until no later than 11 p.m.  Get up in morning 7 a.m.  Have no idea if addition of Ashwagandha and Magnesium Citrate is helpful, but will stick with them anyway.  Will reevaluate Ashwagandha in 30 days.  

  

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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8 hours ago, Gracee said:

Only slight WD symptoms today.

so glad for 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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A really rotten night's sleep, think I was awake all night until nearly 4 a.m..   Added Magnesium Citrate taken at bedtime two nights ago.   Wonder if that is the problem.  Feeling pretty crumby, probably from lack of sleep.  Plan to curtail magnesium for few days.

  

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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Followup to earlier post. 

Despite having about 4 hrs sleep last night, I kept myself busy today with light chores and distractions.   There is no way I'll nap and screw up sleep cycle even more.   Went down to my neighborhood clubhouse and played mahjongg with neighbors for a couple hours.  Distractions and keeping myself busy are lifesavers for me.   Have the usual tinnitus, but otherwise feeling better than when I woke up this morning.

When I am in my head, I am in enemy territory.

  

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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8 minutes ago, Gracee said:

When I am in my head, I am in enemy territory

Good call❤️👽👽👽

 

Rachel - 1998-2012 Prozac 20mg

2012-2014 Prozac 40mg

Sept 17 Remeron 15mg, March ‘18 7.5mg

Jan 31 - Feb 13 1/4 - 1mg Ativan

Jan 31 - feb 5 - 2mg Prozac, 4mg feb 7

feb 10 - 10mg rem, Feb 27 - 7.5mg rem

Feb 27 - March 6th - 5mg Baclofen 

March 12th - Keppra 250mg

March 24 - 30mg phenobarbital 

 

 

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36 minutes ago, Gracee said:

Went down to my neighborhood clubhouse and played mahjongg with neighbors for a couple hours.

man, that sounds so normal and wonderful; I'm glad you have that option. 

 

I'm sorry your sleep is worse, I know that is horrible. 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Gracee, 

 

I’m so glad you’ve got some good distractions, keep up the work. I’m all for distractions. Thanks for popping around to my thread.💚

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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I have learned that the three best things I can do for my healing are:

1.  Distractions

2.  Distractions

3.  Distractions

The 4th best thing would be sleep.  After several bad-sleep nights, I took 3.3 mg Ambien before bed last night, slept well and got up at 7 a.m.  I won't take another sleep aid for at least a week as I refuse to become dependent.

 

WD-Normal; accomplished some stuff this morning, read and rested in recliner in afternoon.  Recliners are the best invention EVER!!!!!

  

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

You have the same motto as me Gracee, 

 

Distractions! Distractions! Distractions!😁

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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Sounds good friend! Glad you had a good night/day! Sending my love❤️

 

Rachel - 1998-2012 Prozac 20mg

2012-2014 Prozac 40mg

Sept 17 Remeron 15mg, March ‘18 7.5mg

Jan 31 - Feb 13 1/4 - 1mg Ativan

Jan 31 - feb 5 - 2mg Prozac, 4mg feb 7

feb 10 - 10mg rem, Feb 27 - 7.5mg rem

Feb 27 - March 6th - 5mg Baclofen 

March 12th - Keppra 250mg

March 24 - 30mg phenobarbital 

 

 

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