Mentor mstimc Posted June 11, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 11, 2022 2 hours ago, getofflex said: 'm at my very last dose - 0.005 mg. I quite excited! I'm a bit nervous about jumping off completely. But, I will jump when I'm ready. I was pretty anxious at my last does, too. Just the realization I was done after almost two years of tapering made me nervous. But I found it wasn't any different from the reductions that came before. You will do great! 3 Tim C Started Paxil for GAD in 1999 Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006 Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009 Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety Link to comment
Ariel Posted June 11, 2022 Share Posted June 11, 2022 4 hours ago, getofflex said: I'm at my very last dose - 0.005 mg. I quite excited! I'm a bit nervous about jumping off completely. But, I will jump when I'm ready. This is awesome, getofflex! You're an exemplary taper-er, very very well done on your patience and perseverance. There is no pressure or rush to jump. You have come so far and you're exactly where you need to be. I trust you will know when you're ready for any next moves. I'm glad to hear you have found support for the recent pastor/church issue. I feel for you that you've had to go through that. It can be so awful to lose our safe spaces, especially amidst WD vulnerability and our brains being hypersensitive to past trauma triggers. I'm sorry. It sounds like you have handled the situation as well as could be expected under the circumstances (which is all we can ever really hope for). I'm sorry you've had to go through this. I hope this might offer you a glimpse into your strength and resilience, even if it doesn't feel like it now maybe when you look back on it you will see how tough and smart you are, as evidenced by how you've managed adversity. There is ample proof of your capabilities. 4 hours ago, getofflex said: I do have my anxiety coping tools in place - walking, prayer, bible reading, trusting in God, setting boundaries, reframing things, being intentionally optimistic, and doing things I enjoy like painting, sewing, cooking, and reading. So inspiring and encouraging to read. This is an impressive toolkit indeed. Thank you, as always, for your wonderful work here. Your generous, compassionate presence is a joy. All the best to you, dear getofflex <3 1 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. Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted June 11, 2022 Moderator Share Posted June 11, 2022 Such wonderful news getofflex. It sounds like you are right where you should be. Don't rush things, your body not your mind will tell you when it is time. 2 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Mentor Moonpie Posted June 11, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 11, 2022 @getofflexI hurt so much for you. Anything in withdraw is too much without anything extra. I know how important your church is to you, and the Lord. This is unsettling not only that it was your pastor but just being put in that situation. I am praying for you. For you to be able to heal and to find a church home where you can serve and be comfortable. You have done so wonderfully with your taper. Praying also for the Lord to comfort you and hold you. Love you. 1 .025 Xanax 3 x daily Start date 10-13-2013 through 8-13-2014. Started tapering 6-2014 to 8-2014. Some small discomfort. 25 mg Zoloft - Start date 5-1-2014. 50mg. 6-2014. through 7-14-2014 . Started tapering 7-14-2014, stopped tapering 10-2014. I did 1/4 of the dose a month. small discomfort. These next 3 were prescribed when I made some seriously bad choices with my thyroid medication. Was in ER twice for possible heart attack. INTENSE anxiety, panic, fear. Lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks. Thyroid levels bounced to extremes for 8 months. Dr. prescribed Zoloft 50mg 9-2105. After 2 doses had a bad reaction passed out in my bedroom. Also prescribed Xanax .025 at the same time. 3 times daily, 4 if needed. Was only on it about 2 weeks. Was not working. Trip ER they gave me an Ativan IV and it worked and lasted. switched to Ativan. 9-24-2016. 1.5 mg Ativan - .5 mg three x daily -start date 9/24/16. Attempted taper start 12-16-2016. Was shaving Pills and alternating tapering AM, PM and midday dose weekly. Buspar .5mg -2.5mg. am and 2. 5mg. pm start date 9-26-2016 . Lexapro .10mg start date - 10-26-2016. Found SA and began 10/14/2017 tapering .001 by weight of pill every 4 days Held longer if there were was WD. Was very sensitive to Ativan. 3-15-2018 Off midday dose - 7-16-2018 Off PM dose - OFF ATIVAN! 11-17-2018 10 mg. Lexapro. PM - 5 mg start date 10/11/2016 increased to 10 mg 2/2/17. 1-1-2019 Began tapering Lexapro. .001 gm every 4 days. Held longer if there was WD. Last doses some I held a month. OFF LEXAPRO! 2-21 2021 5 mg. Buspar divided into two, 2.5 mg doses AM and PM- Start date 9/26/2016 Cold turkey on Dr. direction, AM and Pm doses. Reinstated 9-22-16. Began Buspar taper 1-29-23, .001 mg by weight of pills. N.P. Desiccated Thyroid. 1-2023 Labs okay but not where I feel best. 60 mg. daily now but adding 15 mg. more twice weekly for a few months then check. Bioidentical hormones. Bi-est/Prog cream, 1/4 tsp. 1 time daily My intro: Moonpie:. Need help and supporting tapering off of Ativan My benzo thread: Moonpie: Need help Ativan weight tapering Link to comment
souim Posted June 13, 2022 Share Posted June 13, 2022 Getofflex, I am so happy that you're doing better, with practically no symptoms. I was sorry about this terrible experience at church. I've experienced a lot of sexism and toxic attitude from the people I was working with about two years ago, and it was horrible. It made my anxiety so much worse, and was so frustrating. The worst part is, most of the time you can't prove that the person is being sexist or inappropriate towards you. You have this gut feeling that something is not right, but you always wonder if you might be overreacting... It's so stressful. Anyway, trusting your feelings and staying away from that church is a great move. My life is much better since I quit the toxic environment I was in at the time. You deserve some respect, support and compassion. I hope you find another church with kinder people. ❤️ December 2020 : got prescribed 20 mg paroxetine (paxil) for an anxiety disorder Tried tapering in July 2021 by taking 20 mg every other day and failed. Started tapering with the 10% method in January 2022 and switched to an oral suspension. 20 mg = 10 ml Turned out to be a bit hard. Continuing with 5% drops approx. 25 January 2022 : 9 ml / 24 February 2022 : 8,1 ml / 06 April 2022 : 7,3 ml / 2 June 2022 : 7 ml / 11 July 2022 : 6,5 ml / 09 August 2022 : 6,3 ml / 26 August 2022 : 6 ml / 18 Septembre 2022 : 5,8 ml / 17 December 2022 : 5,7 ml / 04 January 2023 : 5,6 / 17 January 2023 : 5,5 Xanax from december 2020 to January 2021 / Omeprazol on and off for GERD since december 2020 : 20 mg / Birth control pill since february 2021. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 16, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 16, 2022 (edited) After a few more days, I've been mulling this issue over of the pastor walking into the restroom. Not only do I have a WD monkey brain, I also have hypervigilance from CPTSD, due to abuse in my child and teen years. When I was 16, my mother told my father to force himself into the bathroom while I was in there. I had to hold the door handle with all my strength to keep him from coming in. So I've come to the conclusion that my fear and upset were due more to this, than to actual danger. I feel bad that I got sucked into fear and anger, and then posted on here, and then later realized that I was upset based on very likely misperceiving a situation. So, I'm going to humble myself, and try to clear this up. It's very challenging to properly assess a situation when your nervous system is dealing with so much - withdrawal, in addition to CPTSD. This just goes to show how powerful and compelling our thoughts and emotions can be. I will still use caution, and good sense. If anything else suspicious happens, I will reassess the situation. Edited June 16, 2022 by getofflex 3 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Mentor Moonpie Posted June 16, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 16, 2022 @getofflex I am so proud of you!!! How amazing you are doing emotionally and mentally! And even more incredible with your past of abuse. A true sign of healing. Your post inspired me and made me so happy for you. You overcame any WD monkey brain there was.. I love that term. That is what I will call it from now on. Praying for you and for God's guidance. Love you 1 .025 Xanax 3 x daily Start date 10-13-2013 through 8-13-2014. Started tapering 6-2014 to 8-2014. Some small discomfort. 25 mg Zoloft - Start date 5-1-2014. 50mg. 6-2014. through 7-14-2014 . Started tapering 7-14-2014, stopped tapering 10-2014. I did 1/4 of the dose a month. small discomfort. These next 3 were prescribed when I made some seriously bad choices with my thyroid medication. Was in ER twice for possible heart attack. INTENSE anxiety, panic, fear. Lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks. Thyroid levels bounced to extremes for 8 months. Dr. prescribed Zoloft 50mg 9-2105. After 2 doses had a bad reaction passed out in my bedroom. Also prescribed Xanax .025 at the same time. 3 times daily, 4 if needed. Was only on it about 2 weeks. Was not working. Trip ER they gave me an Ativan IV and it worked and lasted. switched to Ativan. 9-24-2016. 1.5 mg Ativan - .5 mg three x daily -start date 9/24/16. Attempted taper start 12-16-2016. Was shaving Pills and alternating tapering AM, PM and midday dose weekly. Buspar .5mg -2.5mg. am and 2. 5mg. pm start date 9-26-2016 . Lexapro .10mg start date - 10-26-2016. Found SA and began 10/14/2017 tapering .001 by weight of pill every 4 days Held longer if there were was WD. Was very sensitive to Ativan. 3-15-2018 Off midday dose - 7-16-2018 Off PM dose - OFF ATIVAN! 11-17-2018 10 mg. Lexapro. PM - 5 mg start date 10/11/2016 increased to 10 mg 2/2/17. 1-1-2019 Began tapering Lexapro. .001 gm every 4 days. Held longer if there was WD. Last doses some I held a month. OFF LEXAPRO! 2-21 2021 5 mg. Buspar divided into two, 2.5 mg doses AM and PM- Start date 9/26/2016 Cold turkey on Dr. direction, AM and Pm doses. Reinstated 9-22-16. Began Buspar taper 1-29-23, .001 mg by weight of pills. N.P. Desiccated Thyroid. 1-2023 Labs okay but not where I feel best. 60 mg. daily now but adding 15 mg. more twice weekly for a few months then check. Bioidentical hormones. Bi-est/Prog cream, 1/4 tsp. 1 time daily My intro: Moonpie:. Need help and supporting tapering off of Ativan My benzo thread: Moonpie: Need help Ativan weight tapering Link to comment
benesh Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 @getofflex Bravo👏🙏❤️ humble, healing, real….what a testimony of God’s grace and courage shining through you. Thanks for the amazing update. 1 Various antidepressants since 1995.Prozac,paxil,lexapro, Wellbutrin. 2004-2021 lexapro 10 mg 2009 added drug Wellbutrin 150mg, 2016 bupropian300 mg XL 2019 start taper June bupropion 300 mg. Now resuming micro dose taper.2.3% reduction. At 51.8 mg.Hope to increase reduction. 2021 January 29 liquid lexapro done by compound pharmacist. 2021 February 4 began lexapro taper 2022 April 7 start 10 mg fluoxetine as bridge. hyperbolic taper. Liquid lexapro 6.60, holding. 2022 April 27 dropped to 5 mg fluoxetine holding. held all taper from March 2023- January 2024 working with mark Horowitz, a taper coach, and doing acupuncture and chiropractic work. SUPPLEMENTS- Vit d3, B-12, Magnesium 200 mg, Ashwagandha 475mg, lithium oratate 5 mg Link to comment
Ariel Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 getofflex, you are very brave to be so honest in your process. thank you for sharing openly, generously about the hard work of self- and spiritual inquiry. i feel moved by your courage and humility, and by the undercurrent i sense running beneath it all: profound acceptance, and being with what is. that takes real trust, true faith. our community is so lucky to have you. any worthy congregation and its leaders would welcome someone of your remarkable integrity. 1 hour ago, getofflex said: It's very challenging to properly assess a situation when your nervous system is dealing with so much - withdrawal, in addition to CPTSD. yes. thank you for this. it's helpful to read and reminds me of the importance of practicing self-forgiveness. admiration, respect, gratitude, solidarity, support, love, everything! a. 1 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. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus arbor Posted June 16, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 16, 2022 This is very moving @getofflex. Thank you-- Hugs, Arbor Zoloft: 1995 - 2015 Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on December 15, 2018 Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019 (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019 Enalapril: 2010 - 2019 Lipitor: 2017 -2017 Metformin: 2000 - 2020 Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019 Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 25, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 25, 2022 Well I'm 6 weeks into my very last minuscule dose of Lexapro. Guys, I'm almost off of this toxic drug! Wow! I'm quite excited. Not quite ready to jump off yet. I'm still a tad wobbly, but not sure if it's stress, the very long days and heat of summer, or menopause, or WD, probably a combination of all the above. My teenage son is working the midnight shift, and although I'm not consciously ruminating and worrying about it, there is a subconscious undercurrent of anxiety about him driving across town at 1:30 AM that is waking me up at 4 AM each morning. That, and occasional anxiety are my only WD symptoms at this time. I'll probably give it another few days to a week, and see how I am then. 8 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
mdwstrx Posted June 25, 2022 Share Posted June 25, 2022 @getofflex I'm very happy for you! 🙏 1 1997 Prozac ?mg 1991 Sertraline ?mg 2002 Escitalopram 10 mg 2018 2.5 mg - stopped by Dr./Reinstated, up-dosed to 7.5 mg 04/19 Began BM slide @7.5 mg CURRENT 0.32 mg 🌼 "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Erell Posted June 25, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 25, 2022 Was hesitant to answer because I don't want you to feel pressured... but have to admit I'm pretty excited for you !!! ☺️ Take care dear getofflex ❤ 1 2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam. 2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg. 2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg). 25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details : topic/21457 Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil Current medication : * 7pm Diazepam : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020) * 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)/ 6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21) I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Mentor mstimc Posted June 25, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 25, 2022 Great post! You're taking the right approach; this isn't a race. Take things at your own time. And remember, you've already succeeded by getting this far! 1 Tim C Started Paxil for GAD in 1999 Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006 Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009 Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted June 25, 2022 Moderator Share Posted June 25, 2022 Almost there! Yaay! 1 "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 25, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 25, 2022 Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes! I feel very blessed to be a part of this community! 3 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Ariel Posted June 25, 2022 Share Posted June 25, 2022 We love you getofflex! There's no rush. You will know when it's time... The moment will come when you just feel it in your belly, just a calm, matter of fact kind of simple truth. And you will know you are ready. In the meantime, you have already done so much hard work (maybe even most of it already behind you), and that's plenty of reason to celebrate! <3 1 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. Link to comment
Mentor Heath Posted June 25, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 25, 2022 Getofflex I would love to know how you are getting that low of dose ? Congratulations on going this far! And thanks for all you do here ! 2000-2013 Paxil - 1 year fast taper 2013-2018 merry go round zoloft, cymbalta, lamictal, Prozac. Nov. 2018 lexapro 15 mgs, Dec. 2019 to Mar. 2020 taper to 10mg. Jul 2020 to October 2020 taper to 8.5 ml. Oct 2020 reinstated to 9 ml. Apr 2021 to Jul taper to 7ml. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 taper to 5.9ml, Mar 5 2022 5.8 ml, Mar 12 5.7ml, Mar 20 5.6ml, Mar 27 5.5ml, April 23 5.4ml, April 30 5.3ml, May 7 5.2ml, Jul 9 2022 5.4ml, Klonopin prn, Allegra 180 for 3 seasons, aspirin 81 mg, plavix , nitroglycerin 0.4 mg prn, 2k mg turmeric Qunol, 4- Trader Joe’s omega 3 -2400 mg, Pepcid 20mg, Prilosec 40 mg, Tylenol arthritis 4 tablets daily, 350mg calm magnesium citrate, melatonin 2.5- 5mg as needed to sleep. Saline spray as needed. Link to comment
Ninabird Posted June 26, 2022 Share Posted June 26, 2022 Congratulations! I am so excited for you. I am resuming my taper from 10mg on Monday! I will be thinking and praying for you. You will do great! You went off slowly and carefully. The worst is behind you. PREVIOUS 2018 Ativan 1mg Oct-Jan (CT), 2019 Effexor 75mg, Klonopin .25mg, Trazadone 75mg, Bridge to Prozac (?dose), 2020 Taper off all, 2021 Zoloft (?dose), Jan-May (CT @ Hospital), Remeron (?dose) Trazadone 75mg, Propanolol (?dose), Klonopin .50mg, Buspar (?dose), 2021 Prozac (?dose), Trazadone 75mg, Klonopin 2 times a day, 2021 August fast taper Trazadone Prozac fast taper in August. August Lexapro 10mg 2022 January Lexapro to 25mg, February FT to 10mg Lexapro over 6 weeks, Klonopin .25mg 2 times a day, May Effexor 35mg, June bridge from Effexor to 30mg Cymbalta. Held on Lexapro until November. supplements 2023 Jan Probiotics stopped taking after two weeks ADR April 1k Iu Vitamin D W/ K stopped after a few days ADR. March 50mg Mag glycinate stopped after a week ADR January 2023 - added an additional .25 mg Klonopin (.25 mg three times a day) CURRENT 1/23-Present Klonopin .75mg divided into .25mg 3 times a day. 6:30am, 12:00pm, 6:30pm 1/23Present Lexapro .101 mgpw - 8.08 mgai 8:00am 1/23-Present Estradiol .50mg 8:00am 1/23-Present 30mg Cymbalta 12:30pm 6/23 to present Holding no changes 7/4 reduced Lexapro to 7.92mg 7/31 7.84mg 8/7 7.76mg 7/14 7.60mg 10/1 7.44mg 10/28 7.36mg 2/1 7.12mg 2/14 7.04mg 3/5/24 6.88mg 3/12 6.80mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 26, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 26, 2022 16 hours ago, Heath said: Getofflex I would love to know how you are getting that low of dose ? I've been tapering with commercial Lexapro liquid. For this 0.005 mg dose, I diluted it in distilled water, 19:1 ratio, and I take 0.1 ml of that liquid. 2 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 26, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 26, 2022 21 hours ago, Ariel said: The moment will come when you just feel it in your belly, just a calm, matter of fact kind of simple truth. And you will know you are ready Yes, this is very true. Our intuition will tell us when it is time. 1 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Chlo Posted June 27, 2022 Share Posted June 27, 2022 On 6/25/2022 at 6:02 AM, getofflex said: Well I'm 6 weeks into my very last minuscule dose of Lexapro. Guys, I'm almost off of this toxic drug! Wow! I'm quite excited. Not quite ready to jump off yet. I'm still a tad wobbly, but not sure if it's stress, the very long days and heat of summer, or menopause, or WD, probably a combination of all the above. My teenage son is working the midnight shift, and although I'm not consciously ruminating and worrying about it, there is a subconscious undercurrent of anxiety about him driving across town at 1:30 AM that is waking me up at 4 AM each morning. That, and occasional anxiety are my only WD symptoms at this time. I'll probably give it another few days to a week, and see how I am then. Hallelujah, praise God!! My heart is smiling so big for you! I'm beyond words....if you could just look into my heart and see the joy that's radiating for you. Listen, sweetheart, the SA community is praying for you. Look at how far you've come, the light is so bright at the end of your tunnel and you are finally seeing the word in a much better view. Embrace it 💗 *Great big tight hugs* 1 Chlo❤ •Celexa 40mg 1999-2021•COVID August 2021•Celexa stopped working•Zoloft 100mg Sept21'-Oct21'•Zoloft did not work •Lexapro 10mg Oct21'-Nov21' •Lexapro did not work •Lexapro 5mg Nov21'-1/17/22 switched to Lexapro liquid form 5mg 1/18/22•4.75mg 1/19•4.5mg 1/25•4.25mg 2/1•4.0mg 2/8 •3.75mg 3/28•3.5mg 5/23 •3.25mg 5/30•3.0mg 6/19 •2.75mg 6/26•2.50mg 7/10•2.45mg 7/18•2.40mg 7/25•2.35mg 8/1•2.33mg 8/26•2.27mg 9/15•2.21mg 9/23•2.16mg 9/30•2.10mg 10/14•2.04mg 10/24•1.99mg 11/18•1.95mg 1/02/23•1.90mg 1/09•1.80mg 1/27•1.75mg 2/21•1.70mg 3/6•1.65mg3/14•1.60mg 4/07•1.52mg 4/30•1.48mg 5/07•1.40mg 6/08•1.36mg 6/17•1.32mg 6/27•1.28mg 7/17•1.20mg 8/18•1.15mg 9/13•1.12mg 10/15•1.06mg 1/20/24•1.02mg 2/16•1mg 2/27•.98mg 3/02•.96mg3/20•D3•C• •Magnesium Glycinate Zinc•Omega3•Probiotic •Mirtazapine 15mg I don't know much, but 3 things I do. There is a God. His word is true. Stay close to Him and He will bring you through. Amen🙏 Link to comment
Mentor Moonpie Posted June 27, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 27, 2022 So happy for you!! You have done an amazing job! Can't wait to see your success story. Praying for you and your son! HUGS! 1 .025 Xanax 3 x daily Start date 10-13-2013 through 8-13-2014. Started tapering 6-2014 to 8-2014. Some small discomfort. 25 mg Zoloft - Start date 5-1-2014. 50mg. 6-2014. through 7-14-2014 . Started tapering 7-14-2014, stopped tapering 10-2014. I did 1/4 of the dose a month. small discomfort. These next 3 were prescribed when I made some seriously bad choices with my thyroid medication. Was in ER twice for possible heart attack. INTENSE anxiety, panic, fear. Lost 30 pounds in 2 weeks. Thyroid levels bounced to extremes for 8 months. Dr. prescribed Zoloft 50mg 9-2105. After 2 doses had a bad reaction passed out in my bedroom. Also prescribed Xanax .025 at the same time. 3 times daily, 4 if needed. Was only on it about 2 weeks. Was not working. Trip ER they gave me an Ativan IV and it worked and lasted. switched to Ativan. 9-24-2016. 1.5 mg Ativan - .5 mg three x daily -start date 9/24/16. Attempted taper start 12-16-2016. Was shaving Pills and alternating tapering AM, PM and midday dose weekly. Buspar .5mg -2.5mg. am and 2. 5mg. pm start date 9-26-2016 . Lexapro .10mg start date - 10-26-2016. Found SA and began 10/14/2017 tapering .001 by weight of pill every 4 days Held longer if there were was WD. Was very sensitive to Ativan. 3-15-2018 Off midday dose - 7-16-2018 Off PM dose - OFF ATIVAN! 11-17-2018 10 mg. Lexapro. PM - 5 mg start date 10/11/2016 increased to 10 mg 2/2/17. 1-1-2019 Began tapering Lexapro. .001 gm every 4 days. Held longer if there was WD. Last doses some I held a month. OFF LEXAPRO! 2-21 2021 5 mg. Buspar divided into two, 2.5 mg doses AM and PM- Start date 9/26/2016 Cold turkey on Dr. direction, AM and Pm doses. Reinstated 9-22-16. Began Buspar taper 1-29-23, .001 mg by weight of pills. N.P. Desiccated Thyroid. 1-2023 Labs okay but not where I feel best. 60 mg. daily now but adding 15 mg. more twice weekly for a few months then check. Bioidentical hormones. Bi-est/Prog cream, 1/4 tsp. 1 time daily My intro: Moonpie:. Need help and supporting tapering off of Ativan My benzo thread: Moonpie: Need help Ativan weight tapering Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 28, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 28, 2022 (edited) I got hit with a wave about 8:30 last night, just as I went to bed. I only got about 2-3 hours of sleep last night, riddled with anxiety, agitation, feeling ready to jump out of my skin, sudden intrusive fearful and dark thoughts at night. Today - exhausted, anxious. These nasty drugs are the gifts that just keep giving. I'm telling myself this too shall pass, this is only temporary, I will heal someday, I got through all my waves in the past, so I'll get through this one too. Resting, listening to relaxing music, praying, remembering bible passages that give me strength to get through this. I'm wondering if it was caused by cutting back on my calories the past several days, and doing too much activity yesterday. I've been ravenously hungry. Edited June 28, 2022 by getofflex 1 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Ariel Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 Oh no, dear getofflex, so sorry to hear! 8 minutes ago, getofflex said: I'm wondering if it was caused by cutting back on my calories the past several days, and doing too much activity yesterday. For what it's worth, this has happened to me before. My brain goes absolutely bonkers in reaction to calorie restriction. I have come to understand that as long as my body is in survival mode, cutting calories is not an option. Everything goes haywire and the hunger signals are out of control, screaming: We want to liiiiiiive, feed us feed us, our life depends on it!!! Who am I to argue? This is temporary. It will pass. Healing is happening all the time, even when we don't conscious feel it. Sending lots of love and support 2 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. Link to comment
Mentor mstimc Posted June 28, 2022 Mentor Share Posted June 28, 2022 3 minutes ago, getofflex said: 'm wondering if it was caused by cutting back on my calories the past several days, and doing too much activity yesterday. I've been ravenously hungry. it could be simple anticipatory anxiety. You know you're on the last leg and the anxious part of your brain is till trying to affect your thinking and behavior. But you know it'll pass--the thoughts have lost their power. 1 Tim C Started Paxil for GAD in 1999 Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006 Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009 Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted June 28, 2022 Moderator Share Posted June 28, 2022 The fear and anxiety around making the jump to "0" can be almost as great as the fear of starting a taper for the first time. It really is a big step into the unknown. This is why it is a good idea to drag things out as long as needed. By doing so we allow the body and mind to adjust to and accept the next step. Changes in diet and exercise can also affect the system so that is probably playing a part too. We also have to control our expectations. Making the jump to "0" is not instant sunshine, puppies and roses. With luck the transition will be a nonevent with no big uptick of symptoms. Making the jump signals the start of the real healing, as the body no longer has to fight with the drug and can finally get it all out of its system. But that is going to take a while. I'm pretty sure you've read this: Are We There Yet? How Long Is Withdrawal Going To Take? - Tapering - Surviving Antidepressants Chapter 12 if it doesn't take you directly there. Relax into it, continue to take good care of yourself and expect what you get. It's going to take some more time but each little blip will leave you in a better place. 3 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Ninabird Posted June 28, 2022 Share Posted June 28, 2022 I am so sorry to hear that you are having a hard time. This is TEMPORARY...you ARE healing. Breathe and don't fight it. I love the DARE book. While it may not completely apply to what you are going through it is an exceptional easy-read tool that works for me. Sending love and an abundance of peace your way. PREVIOUS 2018 Ativan 1mg Oct-Jan (CT), 2019 Effexor 75mg, Klonopin .25mg, Trazadone 75mg, Bridge to Prozac (?dose), 2020 Taper off all, 2021 Zoloft (?dose), Jan-May (CT @ Hospital), Remeron (?dose) Trazadone 75mg, Propanolol (?dose), Klonopin .50mg, Buspar (?dose), 2021 Prozac (?dose), Trazadone 75mg, Klonopin 2 times a day, 2021 August fast taper Trazadone Prozac fast taper in August. August Lexapro 10mg 2022 January Lexapro to 25mg, February FT to 10mg Lexapro over 6 weeks, Klonopin .25mg 2 times a day, May Effexor 35mg, June bridge from Effexor to 30mg Cymbalta. Held on Lexapro until November. supplements 2023 Jan Probiotics stopped taking after two weeks ADR April 1k Iu Vitamin D W/ K stopped after a few days ADR. March 50mg Mag glycinate stopped after a week ADR January 2023 - added an additional .25 mg Klonopin (.25 mg three times a day) CURRENT 1/23-Present Klonopin .75mg divided into .25mg 3 times a day. 6:30am, 12:00pm, 6:30pm 1/23Present Lexapro .101 mgpw - 8.08 mgai 8:00am 1/23-Present Estradiol .50mg 8:00am 1/23-Present 30mg Cymbalta 12:30pm 6/23 to present Holding no changes 7/4 reduced Lexapro to 7.92mg 7/31 7.84mg 8/7 7.76mg 7/14 7.60mg 10/1 7.44mg 10/28 7.36mg 2/1 7.12mg 2/14 7.04mg 3/5/24 6.88mg 3/12 6.80mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted June 29, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 29, 2022 Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes. I'm doing a lot better today. I got a halfway decent night's sleep, and feel much calmer and less anxious, thankfully. I'm going to treat my nervous system with kid gloves, until I finally recover from this. 16 hours ago, Ariel said: My brain goes absolutely bonkers in reaction to calorie restriction. I have come to understand that as long as my body is in survival mode, cutting calories is not an option. Everything goes haywire and the hunger signals are out of control, screaming: We want to liiiiiiive, feed us feed us, our life depends on it!!! Who am I to argue? Yep, you got that right. OK I'm off to the ice cream parlor now! 😆 16 hours ago, mstimc said: t could be simple anticipatory anxiety. Yes, perhaps so. 15 hours ago, brassmonkey said: The fear and anxiety around making the jump to "0" can be almost as great as the fear of starting a taper for the first time. It really is a big step into the unknown. This is why it is a good idea to drag things out as long as needed. By doing so we allow the body and mind to adjust to and accept the next step. I hadn't thought about this, but you are probably right. Yes, I'm going to really take my time, and not feel pressure to jump off. What difference does a few more days or week make? There have been some other issues going on in my personal life as well that are affecting me. 15 hours ago, brassmonkey said: Relax into it, continue to take good care of yourself and expect what you get. It's going to take some more time but each little blip will leave you in a better place. This sounds great, brass monkey. Thankfully, this was just a blip, as I'm doing much better today. 14 hours ago, Ninabird said: This is TEMPORARY...you ARE healing. Breathe and don't fight it. Thanks, Nina. Acceptance, and AAF have been my go to's for this. 4 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted July 2, 2022 Mentor Share Posted July 2, 2022 On 6/16/2022 at 8:51 AM, getofflex said: Not only do I have a WD monkey brain, I also have hypervigilance from CPTSD, due to abuse in my child and teen years. When I was 16, my mother told my father to force himself into the bathroom while I was in there. I had to hold the door handle with all my strength to keep him from coming in. I am so sorry this happened to you what your mother did was incomprehensible but also, my first reaction was, do we have the same mother? mine did similar things. You left a wonderful comment on my thread that made me feel so good, and I've been in a kind of bad place lately due to PTSD issues and trouble with a very inappropriate landlord, so I am especially grateful for your kind words. but I have to say, if you think I am a miracle, we could say the same about you, my dear!! and then some!! it is kind of miraculous in a way that we make it thru these traumas, and that we make it thru the withdrawal from mind altering toxic chemicals, and that some of us, are able to trust again after being so abused both in childhood and then again in the medical system.... given useless or worse, harmful drugs, and so on. To me it's a testament to your strength that you are able to trust while still being cognizant of potential real dangers or inappropriate behavior. I am so excited for you, reading that you are getting close to zero! you are so wise to take your time and you will know when you are ready thank you so much for stopping by my thread. you made my day! I am doing well, thank you! just been in a b*tchy mood because things aren't always perfect and sometimes I feel like, after going thru the horrors of WD recovery, things *should* never be bad again, gosh darn it!! (I'm kidding of course but sometimes I do get my panties in a bunch when things don't go smoothly) reminds me of that song, I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden... lol anyway you are going to like life post Zero. it's not, as Brass said, all puppies and such but it's real and honest living and to me it feels like a freedom I have not known since I was 18 yrs old I hope that it is as good for you as it has been for me (at least most of the time ) 2 PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted July 3, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 3, 2022 I'm so glad the comment I made on your success story made your day! I truly do have a deep admiration and respect that you have survived and gotten through all that you have been through. Thanks for the encouragement that I will like life post zero. Life is rather a challenge for me right now, I'm dealing with some personal issues, and also dealing with a lot of nostalgia for when my boys were little, and a lot of emotions rising to the surface that were numbed for so long by the drugs, and exaggerated by the WD brain, I'm sure. But, I'm accepting that this is just part of the healing process, and trusting that someday, it will all sort itself out. 1 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus getofflex Posted July 8, 2022 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 8, 2022 It took me almost five years, but I'm now at 8 Please do not private message me. Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you. ***Please note this is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one. Lexapro Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg; started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20 0.18 mg; Jul 16 0.17 mg, Aug 23 0.16 mg, Oct 7 0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005, Jul 8, 0.00. Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!! Woohoo!!! other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly Link to comment
Ariel Posted July 8, 2022 Share Posted July 8, 2022 Getofflex WOO-HOO!!!!!!! Amazing news, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm thrilled for you and in awe of all your hard work, patience and perseverance to get here. Wishing you all the very best and continuous healing post-zero moving forward <3 This just makes my day, thank you so much for sharing. My heart leaps and dances for you!! You are a champion <3 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. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Carmie Posted July 8, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 8, 2022 Congratulations! So excited for you @getofflex🎉🎉🎉 Seroquel. 2019:➡️ From 7.25mg to 5.80mg✔️ 2020➡️From 5.60 to 4.80✔️ 2021➡️From 4.60 to 4.0✔️ 2022➡️From 3.95 to 3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️ 2024➡️Jan15=3.20✔️ Feb19=3.15✔️ March26=3.10✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus arbor Posted July 8, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 8, 2022 I am so happy for you @getofflex What a feat. I can't think of a bigger triumph. Hurray, Hurray! 🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆 Zoloft: 1995 - 2015 Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on December 15, 2018 Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019 (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019 Enalapril: 2010 - 2019 Lipitor: 2017 -2017 Metformin: 2000 - 2020 Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019 Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022 Link to comment
Mentor Faure Posted July 8, 2022 Mentor Share Posted July 8, 2022 Woo hoo! I hope life runs smoothly for you in this new post meds and WD era. Congratulations!!! 1 down 4 more to go for me ☺️ I am not a medical professional. I provide information and make suggestions based on my own experience and SA guidelines. I am unable to respond to private messages. Mirtazepine 15mg Nov 2018 -April 2019 April - Sept 2019 Mirtazepine down to around 6mg - skipping days to taper October 2019 - Dec 2019 unwell from failed taper including jumping about in doses 15 December 2019 to 13 June 2021 15mg Mirtazepine 14 June 2021 started brass monkey Slide. 2021: 23 August 12.3mg, 28 October 11.1mg, 6 Dec 10mg 2022: 12 Feb 8.5, 25 Oct 4.5mg 2023: 16 Jan 3.6mg, 28 Sept 1.8mg Link to comment
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