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Summer1: reinstate or hope to stabilize


Summer1

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Shep, Though not as good as the previous night,  my sleep was still a bit better than usual. I didn't escape cortisol, but it didn't get as strong till later.

I tried the Legs Up Wall yoga and plan on doing it again. I also did some gentle exercises for arthritic hip joints. Then I listened to a Mooji meditation. I appreciate the time you take to share these coping strategies with everyone here.

 

9:30- 1:40 Slept . Woke briefly with mild sweating and anxiety. Bathroom and water break. Slept lightly till 3:40

3:40 am Woke with bit more anxiety and sweating. Changed pj's. Bathroom and water break. Rested till 6:30

6:30 Morning cortisol stronger now. Having trouble directing thoughts away from hardships family members are facing. Some depression-not helped by sleet and gloom. Chest congestion.

8:00 am  Alprazolam .125mg    Start some laundry. Coughing spell with gagging brought on by drainage.

8:15 Breakfast. Reading SA

8:40 Anxiety levels are up, with burning in chest and stomach, as well as belching.

10:00  Energy lipids with D-Ribose and all supplements except R-Lipoic Acids

11:15 Sertraline.1.6mg

12:35 Still having anxiety with uncomfortable chest burning. 

1:30 Lunch

2:00 Alprazolam .125mg

2:30 Yoga, Hip exercise, meditation,  Anxiety levels and chest burning improved.

3:20 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose

5:00 Snack of nuts

6:15 Supper.  Feeling tired already.

8:30 Bath with Epsom Salt. legs maybe less stiff.

9:15 Alprazolam .25mg. Some tightness in chest. Going to try to sleep. Nite

 

 

 

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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Back to an early awakening last night.

9:30 pm -2:30 am  Slept. Woke with cortisol/anxiety, feeling very warm. Rested till 3:40. Got up because cortisol levels were to high for sleep.

6:15 Had an egg. Feeling anxious with burning in chest and stomach ache. Legs stiff. Indigestion

6:45 Claire Weekes video. Sleepy but cortisol still strong.

7:30 Some improvement

9:00 Alprazolam.125 mg

10:30 Cereal and banana. Energy Lipids and D-Ribose with all supplements except R-Lipoic acid.

11:00 Sertraline 1.6mg

1:15 Lunch.  Leave to help with Grandbaby.

2:00 Alprazolam .125mg  Legs a little stiff and sore. Being busy helps keep my mind off anxiety symptoms

2:30 Energy lipids and D-Ribose. Fruit.

7:00 Home again. Legs muscle twinges possibly from being out in the cold. Supper. Legs a bit tingly

8:50 Bath with some Epsom salt. Nearly fell asleep in tub. Legs improved some

9:30 Alprazolam .25mg  Although I am very tired I still am feeling the effect of cortisol. Tightness/heaviness in chest. Having a lot of coughing this evening.

Going to bed

 

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 2/12/2019 at 10:22 PM, Summer1 said:

Shep, Though not as good as the previous night,  my sleep was still a bit better than usual. I didn't escape cortisol, but it didn't get as strong till later.

I tried the Legs Up Wall yoga and plan on doing it again. I also did some gentle exercises for arthritic hip joints. Then I listened to a Mooji meditation. I appreciate the time you take to share these coping strategies with everyone here.

 

I'm glad you're finding the yoga helpful. Mooji is great, too. 

 

Since benzos are muscle relaxers, doing some light yoga every day is very helpful as the muscle tend to stiffen up during withdrawal. 

 

 

 

 

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10:00-12:30 A very short period of sleep. I was aware of anxiety. It was only shear exhaustion that allowed me to get any sleep I think. I had brief periods of sleep until 2:30 interrupted by waves of anxiety. Lay awake with some chills and hot flashes after that. Drank water along as I was thirsty. Often when I wake with anxiety i am thirsty. 

6:00  Got up. Thigh muscles are very stiff and sore with twinges and odd sensations. Feels more like WD more than regular pains. Hip joints sore.  Nasal drainage with a lot of coughing.

7:00 Used Nasal Irrigation. Not sure it helped much. 

8:00 Alprazolam .125 mg    Coughing a lot still.

8:30 Breakfast.

9:30 Lipids and D-Ribose and supplements except R-Lipoic Acid. Still having anxiety with some burning in chest.

10:30 Ate an Egg

11:00 Sertraline 1.6mg Leave to go help with Grandbaby. Using a throat lozenge to ease cough.

1:30 Ate mandarin oranges and nuts 

2:00 Alprazolam .125 mg  Legs more stiff and sore than usual. Anxiety has remained fairly steady without much relief.

2:30 Energy Lipids with D-Ribose.  Having a very busy day helping -laundry, dishes, housework and caring for baby.

6:00  Home. Tired. Back muscles sore I think from holding baby.

7:00 Supper

8:40-9:00 Bath with some epsom salts. Legs seem better. Nodded off in tub. Tired. Tightness and some burning in chest. Lots of coughing from sinus drainage into throat and chest.

9:30 Alprazolam .125 mg  Nite

 

 

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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I tried to be aware of drinking plenty of water yesterday. It seems like urine output lately has been lower than I would expect. Skin is dry and itchy. I drank most of a bottled of water before bed. But when I got up for the bathroom there wasn't much urine. I had a slight burning. I am going to try pushing more water. Not sure about what is going on. Had a turkey bacon avocado on whole grain sandwich from a restaurant for supper. Maybe it had sodium or another ingredient that could cause problems. Certainly don't want UTI.  Feels like I am always fighting off something.

 

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, Summer1 said:

I tried to be aware of drinking plenty of water yesterday. It seems like urine output lately has been lower than I would expect. Skin is dry and itchy. I drank most of a bottled of water before bed. But when I got up for the bathroom there wasn't much urine. I had a slight burning. I am going to try pushing more water. Not sure about what is going on. Had a turkey bacon avocado on whole grain sandwich from a restaurant for supper. Maybe it had sodium or another ingredient that could cause problems. Certainly don't want UTI.  Feels like I am always fighting off something.

 

Perhaps the turkey bacon had MSG? Many of us become hypersensitive to MSG (and other additives) during withdrawal and foods made to task like other foods can be loaded with this type of chemical. 

 

If it was something in the food, you'll like start feeling better after a day or two. 

 

 

 

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I had a good day. Overall, physical and mental symptoms were better than usual. I had enough energy to get some things done. I felt hope that if I could feel this good, healing is surely possible. I need to remember this when days are harder.

 

9:45-3:15am Slept. During the later hours I was aware of anxiety waves which would lift me out of deep sleep frequently. Very minor sweating and some overheating. Skin feeling dry. Thirsty.

4:00  Got up for for bathroom. Not much urine and had mild burning. Drank a bottled water. Soon had to go again with a normal amount of urine.Had some lower back pain. Could be from infection or carrying Grandbaby so much. Read up on bladder/ urination problems on SA. Kept drinking water. Urge to urinate frequent. Some anxiety. Legs chilled. Drinking water seems to often leave me with chills-especially in my legs. 

8: 30 Alprazolam .125mg  Start some cooking for dinner since I have been to tired to cook in the evening lately.

9:30 Breakfast.  Cleaning in kitchen

10:00  Outside taking care of bird feeders. Yard still too slippery to walk much. I enjoyed being out though

10:30 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose     All supplements except R-Lipoic acid

11:00 Sertraline 1.6mg   

12:30 lunch 

1:00  Gone to help with Grandbaby

2:00 Alprazolam .125 mg      Urge to Urinate very frequently.  Anxiety a little lower than usual. 

3:00 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose. Cool with chilled legs.

5:20  Back home

6:00 Supper Still having urge to urinate frequently.

7:00 Feeing very tired/ sleepy

7:30 Bath with Epson salts. Legs and muscles feel better.

9:00 Drank bottle of water. Feeling cold. Going to bed . Will take Alprazolam .25 mg before sleep 

 

 

 

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
9 hours ago, Summer1 said:

I had a good day. Overall, physical and mental symptoms were better than usual. I had enough energy to get some things done. I felt hope that if I could feel this good, healing is surely possible. I need to remember this when days are harder.

 

 

Bookmarks this post! Better yet, print it out as a reminder of the windows and waves healing and that there are some better days for you. 

 

 

 

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I am so glad for yesterday. It was a nice window. Today I felt tired, draggy and a little blue. My legs were cold most of the day with a sensation of cool running water under the skin. They were especially sensative to pressure. I went on shopping errands late in the day. At first my legs were just stiff and a bit sore but they gradually became painful. I had odd twinges in my thighs and unpleasant hip pain. The pain continued even when I got home. 

 

9:40 -2:40 I slept with some awareness of anxiety. Bathroom break and drank a bottled water.

3:00 I rested but could not sleep. Continued bathroom breaks and drinking water.  Hot flashes and chills. Longer chilling spells than I have had for a while. Morning anxiety.

8.00 Alprazolam .125mg

8:30 breakfast Not much energy. Forcing myself to get one load laundry done and small chores.

9:40 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose. Supplements except R-Lipoic Acid  

11:00 Sertraline 1.6mg Trying to drink plenty of water to avoid UTI. 

12:30 Lunch 

2:00 Alprazolam .125 mg

3:00 energy lipids and D-Ribose 

5:00- 7:00 errands Had trouble holding up. Hip joint and thigh muscle pain

7:15 supper .

8:40 Bath with epsom salts. Some improvement but hips still more sore than usual still.

9:20 Alprazolam .25mg

10:00 bed

 

 

 

 

 

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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10:00-Bed  and slept till 2:00. Bathroom break and drinking lots of water. Woke with almost no sweating. Just warm. Mostly slept again till 3:30. Woke for bathroom and more water to drink. Then rested and a few times dozed off till 5:00. Repeated earlier routine. From 5 on I rested with occasional waves of chills and cold legs. Morning cortisol starting. Was struggling not to dwell on problems  of family members. 

7:00 Up for the day. Anxious with tightness in chest

8:00 Alprazolam .125mg

8;30 Breakfast

9:30 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose and all supplements      Still anxious.

11:00 Sertraline 1.6mg     Still tired from my busy week.  Not much energy or motivation. 

12:00 Snack

2:00 Alprazolam .125mg   Lunch

3:00 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose   

I find I am having cravings for various foods lately. I have really missed my comfort foods which have nightshades in them. I have seldom had cravings since I changed my diet after being floxxed. I had cut way back on carbs, sweets, processed and fast foods. Got rid of coffee and tea.  I have done pretty well with that.  Now after half a year I am really starting to crave some of those foods again. Hubby is always bringing home goodies, but today I gave in and ate two chocolate caramels. They were heavenly. I really hope these cravings don't last. I am trying to eat well for healing. I was also hoping the right food would ease symptoms. But it has been hard to tell what foods play a role in how I feel. No idea if not eating nightshade makes any difference.

6:00 Supper  Feeling drowsy

8:15 Bath with epson salts   Still feeling tightness in the chest.

9:15 getting ready to take Alprazolam .25mg then settle down.

 

Peace to you as you Journey

 

 

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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9:45 -1:30  Slept. Woke for bathroom. Thirsty. Over the course of the night drank two bottled waters

1:30 -?   Woke from dreadful vivid Gothic dream with pounding heart, breathing as if I had been running hard. High anxiety and burning in chest. Tried relaxed breathing to calm heart rate. Anxiety and burning chest stayed through the night and coming day. Resting and a few minutes sleep till 4:00. Woke for bathroom and more water two or three times.

6:00  Awake reading in bed. Legs very cold with waves of shivers. Some muscle spasm in thighs.

8:00 Alprazolam .125mg   Feeling tired, unrested and a bit numb

8:40 Breakfast  

11:00 Sertraline 1.6mg Anxiety and burning chest all morning.  Legs stiff and having pains.

12:00  Energy Lipids and D-Ribose and supplements

1:00 Lunch.  Neck stiff. Back sore in places

2:00  Alprazolam .125mg     Tried legs up wall yoga. Also tried gentle level yoga video but found it difficult to relax or hold poses well.

2:45  Go to help with grandbaby

3:30 Energy Lipids and D-Ribose    Still anxious with chest discomfort. Legs still uncomfortable with some spasms. Fabric feels uncomfortable on my legs.

4:30 Snack

6:30 Home and supper.  

8:30 Bath with some epsom salts. Dozed off in tub again. Muscles and joints improved. Thighs have a sensation like rug burn. Still anxious. Very little evening relief

9:20 Alprazolam .25mg and try for sleep

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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The day looked promising. I got over four hours of sleep which was very nice. I had minimal night and morning anxiety. However, I got some very crushing news regarding my out of state family. These troubles are not likely to end soon. I am just praying the situation will not get worse. It is difficult when those we love deeply are hurting.  I will try to continue to post regularly but please do not be concerned if I don't. I have support. I will continue to take my medicines and won't make changes. I will work on my coping skills. 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
10 hours ago, Summer1 said:

I will try to continue to post regularly but please do not be concerned if I don't.

 

No worries on posting on the forum, Summer. Please take care of yourself as you handle your family obligations. 

 

Please do keep notes on paper or on in Word, as you are able. That way if you do have any questions, you can quickly bring us up to speed with your symptoms. 

 

 

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I saw my PDoc today. He suggested Melatonin for sleep. I had already been looking into sleep aides on the SA site. Melatonin seems like a reasonable option. I would start at .25mg or .3mg. I am considering an extended release since my problem is that I wake up too early. So far I fall asleep fine.  

 

I am keeping records on paper. If I have time should I try to post the days I miss? I am managing fairly well for now but it is a stressful time. 

  

Peace to you on the journey

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

If it's easier, Summer, you only need to post your notes when you have questions for the staff. Please do keep notes on paper or on a Word doc so you have them, though. 

 

Please let us know how the melatonin works out, as you have time and energy.  The dose you've selected is a good starting dose. With melatonin, less is more, so to speak. 

 

 

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Have been working with melatonin since Sunday. Not sure what I think. I have been taking .25mg by dividing a 1mg sublingual pill. I have had more early wakings between 12:00 and 12:30. I typically go to bed between 9:15 and 10:00. The first two nights I had to use the restroom badly and felt very out of it and spacey. I have been trying to drink quite a bit of water as it seems to help with anxiety. To get back to sleep I would use another .25mg melatonin. I would then sleep till around 3 or 3:30. Last night when I woke at 12:30 I took close to .5mg of melatonin. My sleep has not felt like a deep refreshing sleep. I haven't had much energy. I imagine some of this is due to the stress created by family problems.

 

Tuesday I felt hopeful with surprisingly low morning anxiety. I also had some energy. I think it was just a brief window though. Yesterday I had much less energy. Today I was very groggy and run down. The anxiety is seldom easy but today I really struggled.  I had chest burning and discomfort, sore arms, back pain and head and neck ache. I sometimes felt odd sensations in my chest. Possibly my heartbeat reacting to stress. I don't know whether this is something to be concerned about or not. It is probably normal for withdrawal. It would be less worrisome if the discomfort was somewhere else- like my big toe.

 

I had also been trying to use occasional magnesium in 20mg pieces. I started with one in an afternoon or at night to help with anxiety. I thought maybe it was helping but now I am uncertain. The past two days I took 20mg magnesium to help with anxiety upon waking at night. So about 60 mg over the course of a night. I don't know if I overdid things on Tuesday, or if the supplements are causing problems, or if I am in a wave. or if the anxiety of family issues is wearing on me. In any case today anxiety was hard to manage. It was difficult to focus my thoughts in positive way. My brain just felt tired. I don't think I will try over .25mg melatonin for a while.  I am not sure what I think of the current broken sleep pattern. Prior to this I was sleeping til 1:30-2:30 most nights. But family worries might have changed that. I guess tonight I can see just what Melatonin can do. I am not as exhausted as I would like to be to overcome this level of anxiety. Nite

 

 

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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  • Administrator

Typically, withdrawal syndrome comes in The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

You might want to stop drinking water by 8 p.m., to avoid being wakened by the need to urinate.

 

It sounds like a bit of melatonin is effective for you. It has a half-life of only a few hours. Temporarily, you might continue to take 0.25mg when you wake up in the middle of the night to get a few hours of sleep, but no later than 3 a.m.

 

Sleep is healing, getting some sleep with melatonin is better than none. Your nervous system gets trained to sleep as you get an hour here and there. It should gradually get better.

 

You might try the the lowest dosage available of extended-release melatonin, I believe you can get it on iHerb and Vitacost.

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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  • 2 weeks later...

Just a quick update and question.

 

In 2017 I was prescribed Ketaconazole 2% for a fungal issue on the groin along the panty line. I am beginning to to wonder if I am getting this again. With the night sweats I get it would hardly be surprising. Now however I am in withdrawal and concerned about medications worsening symptoms or inducing a bad wave. I have used google to search survivingantidepressants.org for key words but come up with very little. Maybe I don't know what to ask.  Some Benzo Buddie members have reported problems with antifungals.  I have tried searching Google for natural remedies-Apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and some other methods show up. Mercola mentions a few natural possibilities. WebMd only mentions medications. Do you have any insight into natural, safe antifungal treatments? Any insights into less problematic antifungal medications? Thank you for your thoughts.

 

A quick update. I am holding steady.  I have had a few waves probably stress induced. The family problems are probably going to get worse before they get better. I am not even sure the situation will ever be better. 

 

I am still working with low doses of melatonin. I have been using sublingual at about .25 at bedtime with some very small improvements. I just got extended release tablets 300 mcg dosage and started Friday. Yesterday I thought I saw a few more minor improvements. I am still waking but occasionally a second dose of .25 will get me a hour more sleep and possibly some deeper resting once awake. When the cortisol hits not much helps. I can start to drift off and feel my mind jerk me awake. Cortisol wants to be alert for some unknown danger.

 

Some improvements mentally as I am able to tolerate some music again. Use to listen all the time. I am also occasionally able to read and feel some interest and enjoyment. At times I believe I will stabilize given enough time. How I can handle stress will matter. This is a tough nut for me but I am trying. Haven't found anything that really seems to make a difference except keeping busy.

 

I have been trying to do "happy " things even when i don't feel it. I have started to listen to cheerful music and doing a bit of dancing while I cook breakfast. Sometimes a bit of enjoyment comes through and I smile. Hopefully I can build on things like that in time.

 

Wishing you peace and feeling grateful for SA right now. Nite

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, Summer1 said:

In 2017 I was prescribed Ketaconazole 2% for a fungal issue on the groin along the panty line. I am beginning to to wonder if I am getting this again.

 

Betadine, which is iodine.  I've used it fungal issue in the groin region due to humid conditions.  I also use it for tinea under my toes.

 

Just use a piece of cotton wool or small piece of cotton fabric (you could reuse it), or make up remover pad.  Don't use tissues or toilet paper because it will break up.  It does make a bit of a mess and feels a bit sticky, but it doesn't seem to stain cloths.  But I definitely wouldn't be wearing my best white undies.  You will need to make sure that you treat if for long enough.  I think it is at least 1 week but you should research further or ask the chemist.

 

I think a stronger one is tincture of iodine which is what my mum used when the cat contracted ringworm.  That definitely did stain because we had to wait for the cat's fur to regrow before we could show him at the cat show.  We found out later that we could have used white iodine.

 

And I want to thank you because I've discovered that you can use tincture of iodine for fungal toe nails.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 1 month later...

I wanted to check in and also get some insight.

 

My PDoc would like me to try gabapentin at 100mg daily for a week or two before adding a second 100mg dose daily. He says it is safer than ibufrofen or benadryl. He says that 100mg is such a low dose that it may not have any effect. I have talked to him about the ongoing stress of the situation with close family. I have also discussed my ongoing insomnia. He believes gabapentin can help with these issues. He also believes gabapentin will make it easier when the time comes to withdraw from alprazolam. He would like for me to be a "trooper" and try it.

 

I am not as enthusiastic. Yes, I would love to feel less anxious and sleep better. Maybe gabapentin is as safe as he says. It seems to me the possible side effects are more concerning than those of benadryl and ibuprofen. Those are also seldom used daily on a long term basis. Tolerance can also develop which would result in increasing the dosage. I notice that benzobuddies.org has a thread for people withdrawing from gabapentin. A fair number of those seem to find it difficult. I doubt my PDoc believes withdrawal from gabapentin would be difficult. He doesn't seem to believe that I could still be recovering from my withdrawal from lexapro and wellbutrin and dosage reduction in alprazolam. He thinks I have reemerging symptoms. I am not sure he thinks levaquin could still be causing problems either. 

 

I haven't filled the script. Right now I am managing most days. I worry about handling stress should things get worse. But, I don't know that gabapentin long term would be a good decision. If I weren't concerned about increasing dosage, or dependence or withdrawal I might try it.  I know this is not a medication SA works with. I have tried to read what info Sa does have on Gabapentin - including the tapering section for it. I just wondered if anyone might have insight into the use gabapentin in the role of withdrawal.

 

 

Update on other info:

 

I am currently using 300mcg extended release melatonin for sleep. At first I thought it might be helping but now I am uncertain. Although I still woke during the night I could often rest more deeply and occasionally fall back to sleep. I could usually get about 4 hours before waking sometime between 2 and 3 am. Over the past few weeks this has gradually shortened. Waking between 12 and 1 became more frequent. The past two nights I only slept an hour or so before waking. Usually I can get another brief period of sleep but not always. Fortunately my night sweats are much milder. The chills tend to be more steady and stay in my legs and back mainly. I use to get waves of chills from my head to my toes. 

 

In general I tend to have less leg pain with pins and needles. This is sensitive to stress levels, weather changes and exercise.

 

I believe I am less restless. The flip side of that though is that I have periods of lethargy. Some mornings it is very hard to leave bed even though I am awake. It seems more mentally difficult to make myself go to appointments or the store. I am less comfortable being alone and like my husband to be with me when shopping.

 

I have days when I feel groggy and out of it. I have gotten more forgetful, for example forgetting to turn off the stove on several occasions or mixing up my Sertraline then walking off without taking it. Sometimes it seems an effort to talk clearly or engage in conversation.  Oddly I am less sleepy in the evenings though often physically exhausted.

 

I believe my positive emotions are slowly becoming less blunted. I try to help with my grandbaby several afternoons each week. This is good for me mentally and emotionally I think, though physically taxing.

 

I still struggle with fatigue and lack of strength. I am uncertain how exercise effects me. For instance did doing yardwork for two days aggravate the anxiety I had today? I feel more tired now when helping with grandbaby than I did at first. I don't know if it is a cycle or if I am just getting more run down.

 

It is late. This is long and not very clear. I kept getting interrupted.

 

Wishing you Peace.

 

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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If I may, I have a question.  

Beyond what your doctor reports about Gabapentin, have you researched this drug?

Thanks,

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
8 hours ago, Summer1 said:

My PDoc would like me to try gabapentin at 100mg daily for a week or two before adding a second 100mg dose daily. He says it is safer than ibufrofen or benadryl. He says that 100mg is such a low dose that it may not have any effect. I have talked to him about the ongoing stress of the situation with close family. I have also discussed my ongoing insomnia. He believes gabapentin can help with these issues. He also believes gabapentin will make it easier when the time comes to withdraw from alprazolam. He would like for me to be a "trooper" and try it.

 

Please note we do not recommend adding new drugs during withdrawal. 

 

Gabapentin has been listed as a controlled substance by several states in the US (Gabapentin now classified as controlled substance).

 

That has more to do with it being combined with opioids, but it still shows it's not a safe drug. We have quite a number of members struggling to get off gabapentin.

 

If you add gabapentin into the mix with the aprozolam and sertraline, you will have a moderate drug interaction. 

 

Drug Interaction Checker - Sertraline, Gabapentin, and alprazolam

 

Have you made any reductions of your current drugs recently? If so, by how much? 

 

 

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41 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Please note we do not recommend adding new drugs during withdrawal. 

 

Gabapentin has been listed as a controlled substance by several states in the US (Gabapentin now classified as controlled substance).

 

That has more to do with it being combined with opioids, but it still shows it's not a safe drug. We have quite a number of members struggling to get off gabapentin.

 

If you add gabapentin into the mix with the aprozolam and sertraline, you will have a moderate drug interaction. 

 

Drug Interaction Checker - Sertraline, Gabapentin, and alprazolam

 

Have you made any reductions of your current drugs recently? If so, by how much? 

 

Shep I have not made any reductions in my current drugs. I do not plan on making any changes without consulting with SA first. I hope that continuing in a very long hold will give me added stability eventually. I would like to get my sleep more established. I don't feel tough enough to manage much more than what I have been.

I do sometimes wonder when a good time might be to taper the Sertraline as it will go first and is a small amount. But I know even small amounts can be difficult. 

 

When I looked at Gabapentin side effects I was concerned also. I am already not very coordinated and feel foggy at times. Don't need an increase in those problems. I also was concerned by the number of people struggling to taper gabapentin.

 

I have purchased some L-theanine 100mg capsules( Vitamin Shoppe brand). I am even nervous about trying them. I will probably wait till I am through the bump of a wave I am having now.

 

Thanks for the input and your amazing patience.

 

 

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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9 hours ago, Gracee said:

If I may, I have a question.  

Beyond what your doctor reports about Gabapentin, have you researched this drug?

Thanks,

G.

 

 

@Gracee thank you for your concern.

I have tried to research gabapentin. That is one reason I did not start gabapentin.  I wasn't thrilled with the list of side effects, the tolerance and dependence that can occur, and the eventual need of a taper.  But  nearly everything has side effects to be aware of. I know one person who was given gabapentin for her chronic pain. She felt it was a pretty minor concern and not strong enough to do much.  My PDoc clearly thinks I am overly concerned. I suspect he feels I am uncooperative with his efforts to help me. I just wanted to confer with minds wiser and more experienced than mine.

 

I am so glad your taper is going well. I hope you had a good day for your fence painting. Painting is quite a job! It is good that you know when to balance activity with rest and self care. 
 

I have a question perhaps you can answer. Above I experimented with using the @ symbol to locate and put your name in this post. This is the first time I have tried this.  I am very computer illiterate. When this is done is the individual then notified so they see the reply? If so I can see how it would be very helpful, especially when you want to reply to several people at once. Thanks

 

Hope your day is a good one! I will be going to help with my grandbaby. It is always interesting even when it wears me out :)

 

 

 

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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5 minutes ago, Summer1 said:

 

I have a question perhaps you can answer. Above I experimented with using the @ symbol to locate and put your name in this post. This is the first time I have tried this.  I am very computer illiterate. When this is done is the individual then notified so they see the reply? If so I can see how it would be very helpful, especially when you want to reply to several people at once. Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi @summer,  The answer to your question is Yes.

❤️Best wishes.

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
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Mentor

I've had a nightmarish experience taking and trying to come off gabapentin. I do not recommend. Don't let him pressure you into it.

Now: 100 mg Zoloft am, 50 mg Trazodone.  Daily drug burden decreased from 2050 in 2018 mg to 150 mg 🐢🐢

Zoloft: 1/24/23 increased to 100 mg after suicide attempt 9/17/22 cut 6 mg, 8/14/22 cut 6.5 mg, 5/7/22 cut 12.5 mg 3/20/22 cut 12.5 mg 10/26/21 cut 6 mg 10/17/21 cut 5 mg, 9/17/21 Cut 3 mg,  9/13/21 cut 4 mg, 8/29/21 Cut 2 mg 8/8/21 Cut 3 mg  7/30/21 Zoloft: Converted 25 mg to liquid. Also take 100 mg pill & 25 mg pill=150 mg total
🌞 Feb 28, 2021 0 mg Gapapentin 2021 Gaba each dose 4x/day: Feb 27 7 mg (one dose only), Feb 10, 7 mg, Jan 14 10 mg 2020 Current taper schedule from Aug 30-present: drop 8 mg every 2-3 weeks. Aug 20 31 mg, Aug 18, 33 mg, July 29, 35 mg, July 23 38 mg, July 22 40 mg Jun 24 42 mg, Jun 15 44 mg, Jun 9 48 mg, May 22 50 mg, May 14 54 mg, May 7 56 mg, Apr 16 58 mg, Mar 28 60 mg, Mar 18 62 mg. Feb 26 64 mg. Feb 19, 66 mg. Jan 23, 70 mg. 2019 Dec 19, 72 mg. Nov 14 ,76 mg. Aug 8, 80 mg. Aug 6, 85 mg. Jul 26, 90 mg. Jul 11, 95 mg.

Jul 16 trazodone from 100 to 50 mg.

Jun 17-July 10 Slowly changed gab fr pill to liquid at same dose 100 mg 4x/d.

Apr 24 Stopped klon!!! 🌞 Apr 4  Decreased gaba to 400 mg (100 mg 4x/day)-Apr 4, 2019   0.25 klon March 11  Klonopin .5 mg twice daily, varied dose til Apr 15. Started Klon fast taper 25%, short use

Mar 16, 450 mg gaba 3x/day cut 600 mg--not exact!--updose after learning w/d

Feb 20, 2019 1800 mg gabapentin; MD taper; off 3 days=mvt disorder & autonomic instability. July 2018 temazepam 15 mg 1-2; prn several x/wk til Jan/Feb 2019 when cold turkey, flu illness for months

July 2018 started gabapentin 100 3x/day; titrated up to 1800 mg (600 3x/day)

Buspar, I forget how much, 2 pills a day Jan 2017-July 2018 cold turkey. On Zoloft since maybe 2004? After trying many.

*I speak from my experience. Nothing I say is medical advice. I'm not a doctor.

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  • 1 month later...

I have tried to try a gradual 10% reduction in my current Sertraline 1.6mg.  Over a month ago I tried lessening my dose by moving the plunger to sit just on top of the .08 mark on my syringe. After two weeks I moved the plunger up till it was barely above the .08 mark. I am not sure if I experienced any increase in symptoms or just the usual waves. Overall I have been showing signs of improvement. Three days ago I I moved the plunger to where a .07 mark would if my syringe had one. So my dose is 1.4mg.  I made a mark on the syringe so I would go to the same spot each day. 

 

I understand it can take a few days for symptoms to occur. I was better than usual yesterday but felt rougher today than I have in a long while. I have had a headache, neck pain, tingling face a low ringing in my head, brief tinnitus, increased anxiety and sense of doom and very foggy. I am tired but have an unpleasant "wired" feeling. I am hoping I will not lose the improvements I have had in sleep. 

 

I have been on the Sertraline since Jan.23. Should I have waited longer before decreasing perhaps? I hope to be able to get some sleep and see how I do. For several weeks I have been able to go back to sleep after waking between 12 and 2:30. I have been able to sleep till 4 and a few times 5. Even when not sleeping I have been able to rest. I have not been awakened by horrible hot flashes and a pounding heart. Last night though my heart was racing when I woke up. Fortunately it slowed fairly quickly.

 

I hate thinking of going through months of that again.The nights were pretty horrible. The days weren't great either for that matter.

 

I am wondering how I would continue to taper with the smaller amounts. Most people start with much larger doses. I don't know the best way address the fact that my syringe won't really be able to deal with the tiny cuts needed. I am guessing I would need a plan to mix a set amount of sertraline into another liquid. I looked at the thread on tapering sertraline/zoloft. I see people dissolving pills into liquid. I am not sure what people do on liquid sertraline. Math has always been difficult for me to wrap my head around. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Wishing you peace. Thank you all for everything you do 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
6 hours ago, Summer1 said:

I am wondering how I would continue to taper with the smaller amounts. Most people start with much larger doses. I don't know the best way address the fact that my syringe won't really be able to deal with the tiny cuts needed. I am guessing I would need a plan to mix a set amount of sertraline into another liquid. I looked at the thread on tapering sertraline/zoloft. I see people dissolving pills into liquid. I am not sure what people do on liquid sertraline. Math has always been difficult for me to wrap my head around. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Summer, I'm going to ask the mods most familiar with sertraline to check in with you, but I do want to mention that the liquid formula should be added to water before you drink it because it can cause mouth burning. Please see the below "tips" thread and scroll down to where it says Use Zoloft liquid concentrate to taper for more information. 

 

Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

 

What size is your syringe? Do you have a 0.5mL or 1mL oral syringe? The smaller syringes will measure to a hundredth of a milliliter. 

 

 

Link to comment

@Shep

 Thanks so much. I have a 1mL syringe. Didn't know there was a smaller size. I will dig around the site and see if I can find some info a getting a good 0.5mL syringe. The 1mL from the pharmacy is pretty flimsy.

 

I was able to sleep last night and my head feels a bit better. I am having a some chest discomfort and raised anxiety levels.

 

I see my Pdoc today. Supposedly tops in town with great reviews. But last month recommended dose skipping as his method of getting me off Xanax. I said the constant fluctuation sounded hard on the system. He suggested splitting pills and removing 25% at a time, waiting for the system to settle in between. I asked about the use of a compounding pharmacy. He said he doesn't use one and doesn't know anybody who does. I felt pretty discouraged.

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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  • 1 year later...

Update:  Still on alprazolam and sertraline. I was holding to stabilize. Some small improvements have occurred but I suspect I would loose  those pretty quickly should life stresses increase again. Basic life challenges cause symptoms to spike. I way my body processes stress seems damaged forever. I do not live in the nightmare of constant fear and anxiety I did for year. However daily events are much more overwhelming and painful than they were before meds and my withdrawal symptoms.

 

I have had some improvements in sleep. I can get nearly 5 hours of sleep a night. I wake between 3 or 4 with varying degrees of sweats, chills and morning anxiety/depression. Again, stress means earlier wakings with stronger symptoms.

 

I can experience positive emotions now. For many months I had to just act to seem normal. I only seemed able to feel the negative emotions.  I can enjoy a few of the things I use to love like nature, art, reading and music. But my feelings for these things are much more muted. Finding mental focus can be very difficult. I seldom feel like reading or engaging in other hobbies. My interest and ability levels are lower.

 

My level of fatigue has gradually become very severe. Each month I can do less than the month before. I no longer have the strength to do basic necessities. My husband has taken over most of the household jobs. I am confined to the bed or sitting most of the day. I have to plan times to wash my short hair so I can rest afterward. My 90 year old mother is able to do more than I can. I have talked with my doctor about getting a walker and wheelchair. I am only 60. Just three years ago I actively gardened. I cared for grandbabies alone when their Mom was ill. I could grocery shop, do loads of laundry and care for my house. I could enjoy museums, parks and days out with a friend. It doesn't feel like I will ever get any of that back.

 

I wish I knew if getting off Alprazolam would help with my fatigue or make me worse by stressing my system further.

 

I began seeing a kind, talented functional doctor in December. Like many on the site, testing uncovered areas of health problems- borderline thyroid, a few low vitamins, positive lyme test, digestive issues, hormone imbalances...  The list is seemingly endless.  We have been gently addressing many of these problems. Of course many supplements/treatments I am unable to tolerate.  So far nothing seems to help. It gives me the sense that I haven't given up though.

 

I don't spend much time writing or reading about withdrawal anymore. I check out medical treatments to see what I should be careful about taking. Otherwise it is just too discouraging and depressing.

 

My joy is the time I spend nearly daily with my grandchild who lives nearby. Our time is spent with quiet activities  but we both look forward to being together. It keeps me sane. 

 

I view starting these drugs as the worst decision of my life.  If I had know what trying to get off them was

going to do I probably would have stayed on them forever. My case was complicated by my Psych Doc yanking me off of two of the three meds I had been on for over 20 years. He thought he had better meds. All I got were adverse reactions and horrible mental results. My toxic reaction to the antibiotic levaquin was fuel on the fire. 

 

I pray that others here are finding peace and healing. I welcome any thoughts or insights from the amazing moderators. Thank you for your endless patience and wisdom. 

 

 

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
5 hours ago, Summer1 said:

However daily events are much more overwhelming and painful than they were before meds and my withdrawal symptoms.


Thanks for your update. Some things appear to have improved which is good. In the quote above do you feel this is attributed to neuro-emotions or is it simply hard to cope? You might benefit from seeing a therapist who can walk you through CBT and help to cope with these daily events.

 

I see you are taking quite a bit of supplements, likely per recommendations of your functional doctor. I take it that you are not hypersensitive to supplements which some people on SA are. Therefore I want to suggest one supplement in particular: I wonder if you can consider Coenzyme Q10 to address some energy issues. Coenzyme Q10 is needed throughout the body and is involved in metabolism (energy production). Interestingly people on statins to lower cholesterol produce less Coenzyme Q10 causing muscle aches and fatigue. These people benefit from CoQ10. It could be possible for other long term medications to deplete CoQ10. Its a thought and you can consult with your doctor. 
 

 

Apr 2018: Began 10 mg Amitriptyline (for headaches & insomnia from concussion).

Jul - Aug 2018: Fast taper to 5 mg and then 2.5 mg (too fast, hellish withdrawal at 2.5 mg). Sept 2018: Reinstated 10 mg (many symptoms improved). Oct 2018 - Apr 2019: Updosed & stabilized on 11 mg (2 waves at 3 and 5 months post-withdrawal). Apr 2019 - Apr 2020: Tapered 0.5-0.25 mg per month using compounded pills: 11 mg —> 6 mg. (2 waves at 12 and 16 months post-withdrawal.) Apr 2020 - present: Switched to a liquid taper at rate of 0.1 mg per month. Currently: 1.1 mg. No more waves. 

 

Supplements: Omega-3 fish oil, Vit B12, coenzyme Q10, Hawthorn extract (for tachycardia) Tools for insomnia/waves (as needed): Epsom salt foot soaks, 0.5 mg Melatonin, quality time, waves WILL PASS. Lifestyle: Eat real foods, mostly plants; sunlight, walking, yoga; symptom tracking on adapted Glenmullen chart.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
13 minutes ago, composter said:

Therefore I want to suggest one supplement in particular: I wonder if you can consider Coenzyme Q10 to address some energy issues. Coenzyme Q10 is needed throughout the body and is involved in metabolism (energy production). Interestingly people on statins to lower cholesterol produce less Coenzyme Q10 causing muscle aches and fatigue. These people benefit from CoQ10. It could be possible for other long term medications to deplete CoQ10. Its a thought and you can consult with your doctor. 

 

My own experience with CoQ10.  I tried taking it and I got aching muscles from it.  As with anything that SA suggests, do youf research, start with a small amount and only change one thing at a time.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 1 year later...

@Summer1

How are you doing? 

1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs)

2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?)    Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg  -->  July 2018 - 0mg

2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg    2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg  -->  July 2021 - 0mg

March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT)  -->  April 28th, 2021 - 0mg

supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin 

August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin

 

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.  - Karle Wilson Baker

love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.  - Rev. angel Kyodo williams

Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are.  - text on homemade banner at Afiya house

 

I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. 

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On 1/13/2019 at 5:09 PM, Summer1 said:

I have a question. I am confused about the message in my Recent Profile Visitors box. It says 'The recent visitors block is disabled and is not being shown to other users."  Do I need to click on "Enable" for people to visit? Sorry. I just can't wrap my head around the wording.  

 

Thank you, thank you for asking this question.

I was just sitting here staring at my screen confounded by the exact same wording. 

If the block is disabled, wouldn't that mean that the recent visitors list is being shown? i.e. that other users are not blocked from seeing recent visitors

This is breaking my brain, lol

I did a site search and found your question. Relatively trivial thing but still glad to know I'm not alone in wondering. 

 

Summer1 I hope you are well, wherever you are <3

 

Screen Shot 2022-06-27 at 10.02.01 .png

1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs)

2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?)    Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg  -->  July 2018 - 0mg

2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg    2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg  -->  July 2021 - 0mg

March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT)  -->  April 28th, 2021 - 0mg

supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin 

August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin

 

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.  - Karle Wilson Baker

love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.  - Rev. angel Kyodo williams

Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are.  - text on homemade banner at Afiya house

 

I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. 

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