Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

BfromNJ: mirtazapine taper


BfromNJ

Recommended Posts

46 minutes ago, Shep said:

ill look through this again, I think I may have previously.  so I guess its maybe a common thing and not to be too concerned?   its just that it has been worsening in intensity and feeling it in the head/brain is really really disturbing.   Maybe I am in a wave right now and just having an overall crappier time with it all.     how do you ever really know if its a side effect or a withdraw symptom with some of these things? im at day 16 of my luvox taper and holding for now, even though we thought I should get off quicker due to adverse reaction.  Maybe it was too big of a jump.  although Alto thinks maybe I am having reaction to the gabapentin and that I could try and start tapering that.  I don't know. 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

@Altostrata

@Shep

 

Journal entry for today a bit early.  Very concerned about symptoms.  

4/22- 
4:15- woke up.  layed in bed till alarm at 5:45.  can't go back to sleep.
-pulsing/shaking/vibrating feeling in head.  this is very consistent.  
6:30- breakfast 
       - 200 mg gabapentin and probiotic
7:30- ringing/buzzing becomes very intrusive. high pitched hiss.    
       - leg symptom very bothersome (becoming more frequent)
      - weird throat sensation/zaps?  becoming more frequent.  
9:00- head pressure and headache.  ringing coming and going in intensity. some foggyness and some disconnect. shaking/pulsing/vibrating feeling in head will not let up today. I believe this is going thru whole body but felt most in head .  also starting to regularly get tingling sensations in lips and other parts of body through out entire day.
10:30-  18.75 mg luvox (day 16 of taper of 25%)
12:30- ringing/buzzing increases.  feeling off, disconnected, anxious.  this passed  did some breathing and lavendar smelling
2:00 - 200 mg gaba 
4:00- gym
6:00- dinner. 

internal shaking/pulsing/vibrating will not let up.    persisted through whole day and evening
also, tingling on top of head, lips, feet, legs.  it's very bad and unrelenting.  i do not have anxiety but I'm scared about this.
 could this be luvox withdraw kicking in now?  day 16 of drop.  or as alto said did the drop affect the other meds?  my next move was to hold on luvox taper and lower gabapentin.  but do I wait a bit and if so how long?  no change in sleep.    
 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

Topic title:  If I can't find a psychiatrist - do others go without one?

 

So what do I do if I cant find a psychiatrist who is willing to follow the slow and steady method of tapering or who is just insistant that I stay on the meds?  I feel like most of them cannot be bothered with helping someone taper, as this hits them in the wallet.    I thought I would need a psychiatrist but if my regular MD is willing to prescribe my meds can I just go that route, if I am following the tapering guidelines here?  there seems to be much more information here anyway.   I have a troubling symptom now which is why I guess im a bit nervous.  But im not sure if I went in to see a psychiatrist if they would be much help anyway.  I don't know if they would take the time to look at what is going on and try and figure out whether its withdraw or adverse reactions, etc.  

 

Guess im just wondering if there are others on here who do not have a psychiatrist they are seeing? 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added topic title

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

If the drop in my Luvox is affecting my other meds, such as the gabapentin, will this settle down?  I was reading that depending on how the body metabolizes certain meds and also remember what Alto and Shep said in a previous post that this could happen.  that changing one can affect another.  but will the other possibly affected med eventually adjust?

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Your goal is to get as close to Withdrawal Normal as possible and then make the next reduction, possibly reducing the gabapentin. 

 

WDNormal

 

Doctors have been very clear that they don't know exactly how psychiatric drugs work, so there's no clear answer to your questions. The best you can do is make a reduction and then give yourself time to get as close to withdrawal normal as possible before making the next change. 

 

It's going to be uncomfortable for awhile, so work on your non-drug coping skills and try to do as much self care as possible. 

 

BTW, you posted that you are going to the gym. How hard are you working out? Some people find that working out can increase symptoms and find that gentle walks and yoga or gentle stretching are best during your taper. 

 

Exercise ... Do more, do less, do nothing? What worked for you?

 

 

 

Link to comment
1 hour ago, Shep said:

Your goal is to get as close to Withdrawal Normal as possible and then make the next reduction, possibly reducing the gabapentin. 

 

WDNormal

 

Doctors have been very clear that they don't know exactly how psychiatric drugs work, so there's no clear answer to your questions. The best you can do is make a reduction and then give yourself time to get as close to withdrawal normal as possible before making the next change. 

 

It's going to be uncomfortable for awhile, so work on your non-drug coping skills and try to do as much self care as possible. 

 

BTW, you posted that you are going to the gym. How hard are you working out? Some people find that working out can increase symptoms and find that gentle walks and yoga or gentle stretching are best during your taper. 

 

Exercise ... Do more, do less, do nothing? What worked for you?

 

I'll read up on withdrawl normal.  That makes me chuckle,  it seems like a pun on words.  Lol.  

 

I don't go crazy at gym.  30 minutes on elliptical.  30 minute weight circuit.   And I do go for walks with my dog.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
16 hours ago, Shep said:

Your goal is to get as close to Withdrawal Normal as possible and then make the next reduction, possibly reducing the gabapentin. 

I do think the gabapentin needs to be the next reduction.   im holding right now though.  maybe the first week in may, which will be 30 days after the luvox drop.  or should I wait even longer? guess I will see how I feel then. 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
 
Journal entry for yesterday.
 
4/23
4:15- woke before 5:15 alarm.  layed in bed.  seems to be the pattern
-ringing noted- unusual for first thing in morning.  its usually when I get a break. 
shaking/vibrating/pulsing again.  -some anxiety over this.  
6:00- 200 mg gabapentin and probiotic.  
9;30- ringing not as pronounced.  clear headed despite physical symptoms .  shaking/vibrating/pulsing continues. 
10:30- dizzyness.
         - 18.75 mg luvox 
11:30- ringing more intrusive.  
12:00- lunch
2:00- gaba 200 mg
- don't recall this time of day.  
5:30- dinner 
8:30- 200 mg gaba
- ringing has become very intrusive and persisted till bedtime
9:30 - 25 mg seroquel
 
- shaking/vibrating/pulsing feeling has persisted all day.  very noticable when laying down for bed.  hard to fall asleep.  
- did not sleep well .  up many times.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • ChessieCat changed the title to If I can't find a psychiatrist - do others go without one?
  • Moderator Emeritus
On 4/23/2019 at 10:27 PM, BfromNJ said:

Topic title:  If I can't find a psychiatrist - do others go without one?

 

So what do I do if I cant find a psychiatrist who is willing to follow the slow and steady method of tapering or who is just insistant that I stay on the meds?  I feel like most of them cannot be bothered with helping someone taper, as this hits them in the wallet.    I thought I would need a psychiatrist but if my regular MD is willing to prescribe my meds can I just go that route, if I am following the tapering guidelines here?  there seems to be much more information here anyway.   I have a troubling symptom now which is why I guess im a bit nervous.  But im not sure if I went in to see a psychiatrist if they would be much help anyway.  I don't know if they would take the time to look at what is going on and try and figure out whether its withdraw or adverse reactions, etc.  

 

Guess im just wondering if there are others on here who do not have a psychiatrist they are seeing? 

 

 

You don't need a psychiatrist to write the prescriptions for your drug/s.  If you seeing a psychiatrist or counsellor to help with issues unrelated to withdrawal/tapering, they don't need to know that you are tapering.  In fact it may better if they didn't because they may be thinking that the issues are caused by the withdrawal.  Find a person who you feel comfortable with to help you with the issues.  SA exists because of the great lack of medical professionals who understand tapering and withdrawal from psychiatric drugs.

 

If you need to get something specific from a doctor for your tapering then before you see your doctor, I suggest you check out these topics.  You might find it helpful to write a script and rehearse what you are going to say so that you can get what you need to taper.  Be calm, gentle but assertive.  You are the customer, it is your body.  Use words like I'd like to try this, or I'd prefer to do it this way.  If a suggestion is made that you don't want to follow, say I'd like to think about it before making a decision.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?


What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
53 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

You don't need a psychiatrist to write the prescriptions for your drug/s.  If you seeing a psychiatrist or counsellor to help with issues unrelated to withdrawal/tapering, they don't need to know that you are tapering.  In fact it may better if they didn't because they may be thinking that the issues are caused by the withdrawal.  Find a person who you feel comfortable with to help you with the issues.  SA exists because of the great lack of medical professionals who understand tapering and withdrawal from psychiatric drugs.

 

If you need to get something specific from a doctor for your tapering then before you see your doctor, I suggest you check out these topics.  You might find it helpful to write a script and rehearse what you are going to say so that you can get what you need to taper.  Be calm, gentle but assertive.  You are the customer, it is your body.  Use words like I'd like to try this, or I'd prefer to do it this way.  If a suggestion is made that you don't want to follow, say I'd like to think about it before making a decision.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?


What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

Yeah my regular doc is cool with the scripts now and he knows I want off them.  So I am good to go and you are so right its better that they don't know.  I am jaded now because I had a psych nurse treat me like a 5 year old.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
On ‎4‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 12:33 PM, Shep said:

Hello.  I know ive asked about this before, but this is becoming quite disturbing.  I see from the link that others have had something similar.   In one particular member, it was suggested that maybe this was an adverse reaction.   How do I know if I have now developed an adverse reaction that may not go away until im done with all these meds?  And how do I know what med it is?  I suppose I am just asking questions there are no answers to, since no one really knows for sure.  but I just get concerned with adverse reactions, since its seems that when you have an adverse reaction, you need to get off the med quicker?  but is that not true?  can you have adverse reactions that you just have to put up with until you slower taper?  Does that set me up for this to possibly be a permanent thing?  I cant even pinpoint from my journal what is causing this, since its pretty much an all day thing.  but I can at least ignore it better during the day.   today its particularly annoying though. 

 

Or is this merely withdraw of the luvox?  its been three weeks almost that I started the taper.   I suppose the 25% could have been too much in hindsight and I need longer to recover. 

 

 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

Journal entry

4/24

 

4/24-
- bad night sleep. internal shaking/shaking/vibrating bothered me all night, especially in the head.  it doesnt stop .   pain in left toe.  
5:45- out of bed
-feeing okay for bad sleep.  clear headed, no ringing that is bothersome,  but  lots of zaps.
6:15- breakfast 
       - 200 mg gaba and probiotic
8:45- dizzyness.  head starting to feel funny.  pressure, more pulsing 
9:30- ringing increases some.
legs crawling, didn't last long. 
10:00- 18.75 mg luvox (day 19 taper)
10:30- increased head pressure, pulsing still 
12:00- lunch. felt better at lunch 
1:00- 200 mg gaba
2:45- feeling much better, but ringing has increased.  
5:30- dinner
feeling pretty good still, clear headed.   but ringing getting worse.  its always bad in the evening,  (maybe from the days worth of meds?) .  some zaps..
8:00- 200 mg gaba
9:30- headache and pressure 
       - 25 mg seroquel 
 
Good mood today despite symptoms

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

 

 

Shep, alto, 

tomorrow will be three weeks that I did my reduction of luvox of 25%.  I think now that was too much, even with any possible adverse reaction I was having.   The good thing is, I am feeling much more clear headed since dropping.   But  the physical symptoms I am having, the internal pulsing and tremor which is pretty much all day is draining me.   Mentally, I am okay, although worried about this physical symptom, because its so uncomfortable, especially in the head.    I had thought I would feeling crappy within the first week of dropping and by now be better and ready to drop again. but im not sure that is the case.    and again, mentally okay, physically no.  I know i should expect to feel some discomfort, but does one hold when they do and go slower or do we push through?  i don't think its wise to go back up again. if anything stay where i am?

 

We discussed holding and trying to drop the Gabapentin, thinking that now that the luvox was reduced,  it could alter how one of the other meds is working.     but I am nervous.  how do i even know if its maybe the Seroquel as well at this point?  although i do need it for sleep.      Im just looking for some advice.  ive posted my journal for a few days in earlier posts, if it helps.   im just feeling a bit disheartened. 

 

thank you for all that you do. 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm sorry you're trading off symptoms. It does make it difficult to see progress with your symptoms that are improving when new symptoms come to take their place.

 

But that is very common during withdrawal.

 

Yes, reducing the gabapentin next sounds like a good plan. And if you want to go slow, that's fine. You may want to try a gentle 3 or 5% reduction when you feel stable enough to do so. 

 

Please post your thoughts. 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
On 4/26/2019 at 8:16 AM, Shep said:

I'm sorry you're trading off symptoms. It does make it difficult to see progress with your symptoms that are improving when new symptoms come to take their place.

 

But that is very common during withdrawal.

 

Yes, reducing the gabapentin next sounds like a good plan. And if you want to go slow, that's fine. You may want to try a gentle 3 or 5% reduction when you feel stable enough to do so. 

 

Please post your thoughts. 

 

 

Sounds good to me.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

Shep, alto, 

 

I sometimes go longer at night between my bedtime gabapentin dose and morning one.  Obviously because I am asleep, and sometimes I sleep longer, so it could be 10 hours instead of say 7.  

 

My question is does this put me in withdraw the next morning since I'm going longer? 

 

I normally at it at 8:30, go to bed at 10, and last few days been sleeping till like 7:30, so it's like 11 hours.  I'm just asking because I've been feeling shittier last few days and not sure if this is why.  

 

I could take it a bit later at night.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
42 minutes ago, BfromNJ said:

My question is does this put me in withdraw the next morning since I'm going longer? 

 

Yes, you may feel symptoms. Gabapentin's half-life is 5 - 7 hours. 

 

43 minutes ago, BfromNJ said:

I normally at it at 8:30, go to bed at 10, and last few days been sleeping till like 7:30, so it's like 11 hours.  I'm just asking because I've been feeling shittier last few days and not sure if this is why.  

 

I could take it a bit later at night.  

 

That sounds like a good idea. Try moving it to an hour later at night and see if that helps.

 

You also may want to set an alarm so you're not sleeping more than 8 hours a night. We usually encourage people to get sleep when you can get it, but if it's causing a lot of problems the next day with interdose symptoms, you may want to keep to a regular 8 hour night. 

 

 

Link to comment
11 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Yes, you may feel symptoms. Gabapentin's half-life is 5 - 7 hours. 

 

 

That sounds like a good idea. Try moving it to an hour later at night and see if that helps.

 

You also may want to set an alarm so you're not sleeping more than 8 hours a night. We usually encourage people to get sleep when you can get it, but if it's causing a lot of problems the next day with interdose symptoms, you may want to keep to a regular 8 hour night. 

Would the symptoms last all the next day?  Just wondering if this is why I'm feeling crappier these last few days, as I'm away visiting my family and sleeping later.  I'm going to try taking it as late as possible and getting up sooner

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
22 hours ago, BfromNJ said:

Would the symptoms last all the next day?  Just wondering if this is why I'm feeling crappier these last few days, as I'm away visiting my family and sleeping later.  I'm going to try taking it as late as possible and getting up sooner

 

Are there any other changes? Changes in diet now that you're staying some place different than your home? Changes in activity level? 

 

 

 

Link to comment
7 minutes ago, Shep said:

 

Are there any other changes? Changes in diet now that you're staying some place different than your home? Changes in activity level? 

 

Yes.  Eating more and no working out.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

So I messed up.  Half asleep this morning at 5:30 and I took my luvox instead of one of my gabapentins.  Realized at 7:30 so I just took my other gaba.  I normally take the luvox at 1 PM.  So do I now continue to take the luvox in am?  

 

Will this mess me up?

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

You may have some upticks in symptoms or you may not. I would skip your 1 pm Luvox dose since you've already taken it and simply get on with your day as best as you can. 

 

These things happen, especially when you're on vacation and away from home. 

 

Tomorrow you'll go back to your usual schedule.

 

 

Link to comment

Thanks Shep.  I've had an uptick in symptoms for days now.  Horrible buzzing in my head and pain.  One month after my 25% drop.  This really stinks.  Today is real bad.  It's one of those days I feel like I'll never be better, just worse.  Noise makes it worse.  It's a screaming in my head.   It hurts.  Is this withdrawl?  Even a month later and suddenly an uptick?  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
11 hours ago, Shep said:

You may have some upticks in symptoms or you may not. I would skip your 1 pm Luvox dose since you've already taken it and simply get on with your day as best as you can. 

 

These things happen, especially when you're on vacation and away from home. 

 

Tomorrow you'll go back to your usual schedule.

The way I'm feeling now I'm actually wondering if I maybe didnt even pack today's luvox in my pill case and maybe I only took one gabapentin.  Cause I feel like crap.  But I could swear I grabbed two pills and took them.  And there was one gabapentin left in box.  But now I'm doubting myself.  It would really suck .  But I can't  be sure.  Damn.  Guess still best to tough it out and wait till tomorrow.   Ugh.   My body feels hot.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

@Shep

@Altostrata

@Frogie

Dumb question.   Does it matter what size capsule you use when you crush and put your pills in them?  just wondering because the ones I have been using are big.  Frogie had suggested in another post the "0" size and I am now realizing I use the "00".  does it matter as far as obsorbtion and how it breaks down?  I find these bigger ones are easier to fill anyway. 

 

 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

@Shep

@Altostrata

 

Im seeing an uptick in my anxiety a bit, but I do have a lot on my plate right now.  and also in physical symptoms.     it seems as though the physical symptoms I am referring to , the ringing/buzzing in my ears and head to an intrusive level,  seems to pick up in the afternoon.  this corresponds after I take my afternoon luvox (18.75)  and gabapentin (200) at 1 pm.     Im holding on my luvox taper.  my question is - is it best to just hold or should I up dose at this point?  it will be a month this Saturday.   I would hate to up dose but if it will relieve some of my symptoms?  or is this just a crap shoot? 

 

my next move had been to instead start tapering Gabapentin and at  very slow rate (5%) hold off on the luvox taper .  but with the increase in this awful symptom, I am not sure if this is wise or this should wait .  

 

What is the best move to try and stabilize?  (not that I have really felt stable all through this nightmare, but that's a whole other story!)

 

1) hold off on doing anything and stay where I am?

2) updose my luvox?

3) start gabapentin reduction, leaving luvox alone.  of course, I would probably still wait two weeks to do this. 

 

I am clearly having a sh*t show with these meds interacting, etc.  polydrugging is no good.  :( 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

Or in regards to the above, is this still adverse reaction to luvox?  Would taking it at night help?  I didnt really want to because from what I read luvox increases chances of muscle twitches of seroquel.  It's why I separate them, if that even helps.  

 

The other day, I took my luvox by mistake early in am and had the increase in symptoms even earlier.   Which is why I wonder if it's the luvox.  

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

I had a wonderful two day plus window.  It left me yesterday. :(   boo.   Its funny, because it seems like I was feeling sooo much better when I was seriously contemplating a move south to be near my parents and brother.  I miss them terribly and they are a big support for me.  my boyfriend whom I live with does not understand and I feel like I cannot talk to him about anything medication and mental health related, which sucks because I should be able to.   Once I said to myself that I probably wasn't going to do this, it seems like symptom wise I got worse again.  Coincidence or not?  I don't know.   

 

More on the story - my boyfriend does not want to move, although he led me on a year ago stating he did, we even were looking at houses.  now he does not.   and right now im at that place were im like I will just go without him!  I don't know if this is the meds and/or withdraw but I have found that I don't seem to care as much as far as my relationship goes.  maybe they are numbing me. 

 

Im just feeling disheartened now, because my wonderful window left me and I don't want to stay here.  :(   I just feel like I need them now.  

 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

@Shep

@Altostrata

 

So I think that my next decrease will be on 6/1.  That will make it 8 weeks since my initial drop of 25% of my luvox.  Is this too soon?  Granted this time, I will not be doing that much again.  I think I may even consider the brass monkey slide this time around.  although I worry that this will just be too much work, the weekly increments.  But I have some time to think it through. 

 

And I think I have decided to do the luvox now and get that all done before venturing on to the Gabapentin.   this too I am still a bit unsure of, but since I seem to have so much trouble figuring out which drug I am acting more adversely too.  Part of me thinks it is the gabapentin. but since I already started with lowering the luvox and its so low to begin with, I figure why not keep going with it.  

 

My only fear is that if I stay on gabapentin too long, that I will build up a tolerance to it.  And I refuse to go any higher on it just because of that. 

 

  I haven't posted my symptoms recently, because they really haven't changed. The worst being the ringing in my ears, which I wake up free of and it increases as they day progresses.  Although I can say I have had days of windows, which  is good I guess.  I have had some recent bouts of anxiety, which is new, but I am in the process of thinking of making a major life change (a move to be near family). Although its scary, I feel its a good move, because they understand more what I am going through than my boyfriend. 

 

What do you both think?

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

B, my best guess is you're having adverse effects from gabapentin and you should reduce that next.

 

I'm sorry we haven't answered some of your posts. You seem to ask a lot of questions but not absorb the answers.

 

On 4/18/2019 at 2:49 PM, Altostrata said:

My guess is you are having side effects from gabapentin. The decrease in Luvox didn't help much.

 

I would hold on Luvox and reduce gabapentin. You can reduce it by 20mg per dose for 60mg overall. You may wish to reduce the nighttime dose 20mg as a first step, Seroquel should take care of putting you to sleep.

 

Please keep daily notes of drug schedule and symptom pattern, let us know how you're doing.

 

Here are our Tips for tapering off Neurontin (gabapentin)

 

If you have 100mg capsules, you can take part of each dose as a capsule and the rest in liquid.

 

On 4/22/2019 at 6:47 AM, BfromNJ said:

So my doctor suggested that instead of taking gabapentin as 200 mg 3 times per day (for a total of 6 capsules as they are 100 mg each), that I take one 300 mg capsule twice a day.  While I agree this is easier and will be also easier when I taper, so I don't have to take powder out of so many capsules, I am leary of this because its yet a another change .  I told him no. I think its a bad idea? Thoughts? 

 

@Altostrata

@Shep

 

If you're having an adverse reaction to gabapentin, this is a terrible idea.

 

As we've said before many times, any drug change is likely to cause some upset while you adjust. Do not make arbitrary drug changes.

 

On 4/23/2019 at 5:27 AM, BfromNJ said:

Topic title:  If I can't find a psychiatrist - do others go without one?

 

So what do I do if I cant find a psychiatrist who is willing to follow the slow and steady method of tapering or who is just insistant that I stay on the meds?  I feel like most of them cannot be bothered with helping someone taper, as this hits them in the wallet.    I thought I would need a psychiatrist but if my regular MD is willing to prescribe my meds can I just go that route, if I am following the tapering guidelines here?  there seems to be much more information here anyway.   I have a troubling symptom now which is why I guess im a bit nervous.  But im not sure if I went in to see a psychiatrist if they would be much help anyway.  I don't know if they would take the time to look at what is going on and try and figure out whether its withdraw or adverse reactions, etc.  

 

Guess im just wondering if there are others on here who do not have a psychiatrist they are seeing? 

 

 

This site exists because people can't find doctors or psychiatrists who know anything about tapering.

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.

Link to comment
1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

B, my best guess is you're having adverse effects from gabapentin and you should reduce that next.

 

I'm sorry we haven't answered some of your posts. You seem to ask a lot of questions but not absorb the answers.

 

 

Here are our Tips for tapering off Neurontin (gabapentin)

 

If you have 100mg capsules, you can take part of each dose as a capsule and the rest in liquid.

 

 

If you're having an adverse reaction to gabapentin, this is a terrible idea.

 

As we've said before many times, any drug change is likely to cause some upset while you adjust. Do not make arbitrary drug changes.

 

 

This site exists because people can't find doctors or psychiatrists who know anything about tapering.

Hello Alto.  I am sorry you think I don't absorb the answers to my questions.  And yes I guess I do ask a lot of them.  sorry for that. lol. but I have not posted on here in a while.     Reducing the luvox did give me some relief in that I did not feel as much depersonalization, I felt more present . and that is still true most days.  so this is good.   I did post about that.  I did have a bit of a rough time when I decreased the luvox and I think I may still be having some withdraw. it was a big drop    But I am still sleeping okay now.   And yes I do know that what the doctor suggested about the gabapentin was a bad idea and I told him straight off no.  

 

Im just still finding it so difficult to really ascertain what I am having a problem with.  Since I start out in the am fine, but as I go on during the day and my drug load increases, I end up most evenings with terrible ringing by the time I go to bed.  So if my goal is to reduce my overall drug load, which do I do?  that is all I was trying to say. they all have to go eventually im just really conflicted on what next and I value your knowledge.  If I reduce the gabapentin, Im really not comfortable with doing a liquid so I would probably just measure out capsules.  and I may actually only do 5% to start.  its just a real pain when taking 6 capsules a day.  but ive become a pro with my scale. lol.

 

 

Thank you. 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Good to hear you're doing better after the Luvox decrease.

 

1 hour ago, BfromNJ said:

Since I start out in the am fine, but as I go on during the day and my drug load increases, I end up most evenings with terrible ringing by the time I go to bed.  So if my goal is to reduce my overall drug load, which do I do?  that is all I was trying to say. they all have to go eventually im just really conflicted on what next and I value your knowledge.  If I reduce the gabapentin, Im really not comfortable with doing a liquid so I would probably just measure out capsules.  and I may actually only do 5% to start.  its just a real pain when taking 6 capsules a day.  but ive become a pro with my scale. lol.

 

That is correct, you take gabepentin throughout the day, it builds up and you feel worse and worse.

 

That you're taking too much gabapentin is my best guess. If I were you, I'd reduce it as explained some time back. How you do it is up to 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.

Link to comment
On 5/1/2019 at 2:03 PM, BfromNJ said:
3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Good to hear you're doing better after the Luvox decrease.

 

 

That is correct, you take gabepentin throughout the day, it builds up and you feel worse and worse.

 

That you're taking too much gabapentin is my best guess. If I were you, I'd reduce it as explained some time back. How you do it is up to you.

the only thing throwing me off is that I do have days where I can go whole day and lay down at night and feel good.  So that is throwing me off.  If it is too much gaba, wouldn't I feel crappy every day?  Of course I'm grateful for these days.  These windows.  

 

 

 

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

If you took notes every day and posted them, those reports would be a lot more meaningful than these random complaints.

 

Your choice. Let me know if you actually want to taper.

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.

Link to comment
8 hours ago, Altostrata said:

If you took notes every day and posted them, those reports would be a lot more meaningful than these random complaints.

 

Your choice. Let me know if you actually want to taper.

I dont think I was making  "random complaints ".  I thought my thread was a place where I could post about my ups and downs, observations, etc..    And talking about having a window was not a complaint.  It was an observation that I do have days that are relatively symptom free.    

 9/2018- lexapro low dose few days.11/3/2018- zoloft 2 days

11/7/18  - 11/15/18 - Prozac 9 days, from 10 mg for week, to 20

11/16  inpatient put on Lexapro for a few days, Cymbalta, 2 days

11/24-12/8 - gabapentin 100 mg 3xs per day - a very fast taper

1/7 - tbuspar for  three days- blurry vision, jerky eye

1/17/19 - 2/15/19- mirtazapine 15 mg - started taper on 1/30 

2/20/19 gabapentin 600 mg. .  12/20-  taper finished

2/20/19 - seroquel 25 mg current - taken  10 pm

2/20/19- luvox (generic) 25 mg.  4/6/19  to 18.75 mg .held  . Started taper again  1/7/21- 15 mg, 2/7/21- 12.5 mg, 3/7/21 -10 mg, 4/1/21- 9 mg, 5/1/21- 8.1 mg, 5/27/21- updose to 10 mg,  6/21-  in patient updose to 50 mg,  6/25/21- reduce to 10 mg (current) .  9/5- split dose 5mg am/5 mg pm.  9/20- 4 mg am/5 mg pm . 

9/1/21-  took one dose of vistril 50 mg.   

9/1/21-accidental double dose of seroquel- 50 mg 

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy