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mbanks: Abilify liquid 9mL taper


mbanks

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Hi, Please don't take this the wrong way. I know some of you on here watch and suffer from P Addiction.

Im practicing NOFAP and recovering from pmo, porn/masturbation/orgasm induced depression and erectile dysfunction. If you don't believe me, NOFAP is the biggest thing right now online. The science behind PMO is amazing. Basically anyone watching adult over 18+ content can develop schizophrenia, anxiety and severe depression and suicidal tendencies. 

As a result, I'm now PMO free for 375 days, In this time I did not watch any P, did not M and O. 

Watching p, WELL HOW CAN IT CAUSE DEPRESSION? please read the book recommended by Gary Wilson called Your Brain On Porn. 

 

But! I need some help. 

 

I'M Currently on 9ml oral solution taken in a syringe once every night.

 

I took Abilify Aripiprazole in 2016 in tablet form.. Discontinued in March 2017. Life was amazing for 6 months till I was unlawfully sectioned again. I drove my car with confidence, I trained everyday, I walked a lot, ate healthy, could taste my food again!. However I suffered overheating and agitation, could have been cos of the fast titration off the meds or withdrawal symptoms from PMO.

 

Have been taking Abilify injections for 12 months from October 2017 to November 2018. Then made the switch from injections to liquid oral but on a smaller dose. The Abilify injections were 300mg per 28 days. Currently taking a low dose of Abilify liquid oral solution of 9ml per night. When the switch was made from injection to oral, it was a huge drop, from 300 to 12ml but somehow managed well. But not knowing the risks that come with a fast titration I'd like to take it slowly. Ive been told Abilify is not addictive? and can be stopped suddenly? or over a few weeks or 2-3 months? Depending on the length of it's half life I may be able to stop quicker than expected.

 

I'm currently planning a 0.5mg/ml decrease every 1-2 weeks. I have found 0.5ml every 2 weeks to be somewhat tolerable at this dose and safe. There have been some slight hiccups with mood but nothing that a bit of sun and fresh air can't solve.

 

What is the best way to get off this disgusting medication? Anyone else taking nothing else but Abilify?

I'm on no other meds. 

Please advise, thanks. 

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  • Altostrata changed the title to mbanks Help, Abilify Liquid Oral 9ML Taper
  • Administrator

Welcome, mbanks.

 

If I were you, I'd taper Abilify. See

 

Tips for tapering off aripiprazole (Abilify)

 

We do not address "P addiction" here, you'll have to go on another site to discuss it.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to mbanks: Abilify liquid 9mL taper
On 4/20/2019 at 12:19 AM, Altostrata said:

Welcome, mbanks.

 

If I were you, I'd taper Abilify. See

 

Tips for tapering off aripiprazole (Abilify)

 

We do not address "P addiction" here, you'll have to go on another site to discuss it.

 

Nice to meet you and Thanks. 

I’ve read it but it doesn’t say how much exactly and how long to taper per dose. I’ve assumed 0.5ml every week or 2 weeks is safe? The half life is 75 hours per dose but the addiction remains. I thought by maybe using CBD or Cannabis oil that it might curb the side effects of withdrawal. I’ve used it it does work but I then get into a bad mood later with cbd, I haven’t tried the cannabis oil yet.

 

My diet is pretty messed up. From being vegetarian to now eating Takeaways I’ve gone from 11st to 13.5st on Abilify! This medication has caused cravings for food all day long. 

 

My my concern is, what can I do to end this misery from dependency on Abilify? I was forced on it and now even though I’m not on a community treatment order I don’t have to take it! 

 

Im working towards a part time job and currently trying to stay active but the meds don’t allow me to walk much! 

 

How slow is best to go ? After how long after coming off the drugs will I suffer from withdrawal symptoms like brain zaps and overheating? What are other users experiences on this drug and off this drug, any success stories? I would love to read them. 

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  • Administrator
On 3/11/2012 at 4:34 PM, Altostrata said:

Depending on the sensitivity of your nervous system, even 2mg might be difficult to quit, incurring terrible withdrawal symptoms. As with other psychiatric drugs, we recommend tapering at 10% per month, calculated on the last dosage   to let your nervous system accommodate safely to reduced dosages.

 

How many milligrams of Abilify are in each milliliter of the liquid?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Mentor

Hi M,

 

taper Abilify slowly! I tried a fast taper and ended up reinstating. It can take quite a while for serious symptoms to appear with the long half life.

 

Now I’ve  reinstated, when I stabilise, I’ll taper at 10% per month.

 

R

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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13 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

How many milligrams of Abilify are in each milliliter of the liquid?

 

On box it says 1mg of Abilify in 1ml. Why? Is this significant? 

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9 hours ago, RichT said:

Hi M,

 

taper Abilify slowly! I tried a fast taper and ended up reinstating. It can take quite a while for serious symptoms to appear with the long half life.

 

Now I’ve  reinstated, when I stabilise, I’ll taper at 10% per month.

 

R

 

Whats ur dose? Can you remember when you were off the drugs, did you feel at peace for many months and then all of a sudden start to feel brain zaps, depression and overheating after about 3-4 months? That’s how I felt 

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  • Mentor
45 minutes ago, mbanks said:

 

Whats ur dose? Can you remember when you were off the drugs, did you feel at peace for many months and then all of a sudden start to feel brain zaps, depression and overheating after about 3-4 months? That’s how I felt 

 

Now on 0.5mg/day. I was originally on 5mg/day. 

 

I felt ok (bearable withdrawal symptoms) for about 2 months, then I started to feel anxiety, depersonalisation, insomnia, agitation. I haven’t felt the symptoms you have, but we are all different.

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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6 hours ago, RichT said:

 

Now on 0.5mg/day. I was originally on 5mg/day. 

 

I felt ok (bearable withdrawal symptoms) for about 2 months, then I started to feel anxiety, depersonalisation, insomnia, agitation. I haven’t felt the symptoms you have, but we are all different.

 

After how long did you transition from 5 to 0.5mg per day? How is 0.5 possible when it’s not considered a therapeutic dose? R u using liquid oral solution? I’m on liquid oral. 8.5ml per night using a 5ml syringe. I’m going down every 2 weeks by 0.5 as if I do 1ml I’m suffering fatigue and flatline. 

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  • Mentor
1 hour ago, mbanks said:

 

After how long did you transition from 5 to 0.5mg per day? How is 0.5 possible when it’s not considered a therapeutic dose? R u using liquid oral solution? I’m on liquid oral. 8.5ml per night using a 5ml syringe. I’m going down every 2 weeks by 0.5 as if I do 1ml I’m suffering fatigue and flatline. 

 

‘I went from 5mg to 2.5mg for 3 weeks, then to 0 for 2 months, then back to 0.5mg. The 0.5mg takes away the worst withdrawal symptoms even if it’s not therapeutic. Yes, i’m Using the oral solution.

 

R

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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15 minutes ago, RichT said:

 

‘I went from 5mg to 2.5mg for 3 weeks, then to 0 for 2 months, then back to 0.5mg. The 0.5mg takes away the worst withdrawal symptoms even if it’s not therapeutic. Yes, i’m Using the oral solution.

 

R

 

Nice that’s pretty good going. What would you recommend for me? Is me doing 0.5mg every 2 weeks safe? And that equates to 8-9 months taper, hoping to be off it by the end of December this year. 

 

Another thing, I stopped or struggled walking for 12 months ongoing while taking this medication. Has this  side effect happened to you? 

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  • Mentor

Hi M,

 

i’d stick with what the mods recommend, 10% per month max.  0.5mg every 2 weeks is close to that now because you’re on 9mg/day, but when you get to low doses you’d be going down  much faster than they recommend, so i’d slow down then.

 

i wouldn’t recommend what I did, i ended up with some nasty symptoms.

 

R

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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On 4/24/2019 at 6:08 PM, RichT said:

Hi M,

 

i’d stick with what the mods recommend, 10% per month max.  0.5mg every 2 weeks is close to that now because you’re on 9mg/day, but when you get to low doses you’d be going down  much faster than they recommend, so i’d slow down then.

 

i wouldn’t recommend what I did, i ended up with some nasty symptoms.

 

R

 

Tbh I might do that but I’ve no patience. My support worker told me Abilify is not addictive and that I could just come off it. I’ve been off it before and felt great for 8 months but I’m not sure if it was Abilify or my recovery withdrawal from P**n addiction that caused me to become red hot and angry. Thing is, this meds doesn’t allow me to go out the house! It’s causing me severe depression. Everyone telling me different things about Abilify. I don’t know who to believe . 

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  • Mentor

Technically, Abilify may not be addictive, but it definitely does create a dependence. I doubt you could come off it cold turkey without significant withdrawal effects.

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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2 minutes ago, RichT said:

Technically, Abilify may not be addictive, but it definitely does create a dependence. I doubt you could come off it cold turkey without significant withdrawal effects.

 

What kind of effects? 

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  • Mentor
43 minutes ago, mbanks said:

 

What kind of effects? 

 

Confusion, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, aching muscles, diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, anxiety, panic, insomnia, de-realisation, de-personalisation, restlessness, sweating, weight loss, hallucinations, psychosis, joint pain, depression, rage, crying, suicidal ideation.

 

i’ve had quite a few of these myself!

 

R

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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19 hours ago, RichT said:

 

Confusion, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, aching muscles, diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, anxiety, panic, insomnia, de-realisation, de-personalisation, restlessness, sweating, weight loss, hallucinations, psychosis, joint pain, depression, rage, crying, suicidal ideation.

 

i’ve had quite a few of these myself!

 

R

 

I am astounded! All those you mentioned are p addiction symptoms too. I suffered from some of those. I suffered overheating since I came off it previously. I was on no other meds. I did suffer from P addiction at the time but the withdrawal from that was horrendous. And now it is gone after abstaining for 383 days . At the same time I came off Abilify. I’m not sure what caused the breakdown but I was ok for few months. Towards month 3-4 I was suffering either p withdrawal or Abilify withdrawal. I came off 10 mg in under 3 weeks. It may have been the Abilify. I began a walking regimen. I walked every day for one hour for 3-4 months. I lost 2 stone. Had great motivation confidence and focus. Someone told me Abilify wasn’t addictive. Life was great. Into month 8, wham, sectioned for 3 months. Forced treatment protocols , injections. Wtf happened?!

 

If 0.5ml every two weeks is the way to go, I’m going to stick with it. It does make me tired and fatigued but maybe cos my brain is readjusting. When I get to the lower doses, I’ll go a little slow maybe by a week extra. 

 

Im gonna try and locate some success stories on the web. 

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Just an update. I’m going cold turkey from this week. . Currently on 8ml. Will be titrating 1ml per week. I can’t cope anymore with the side effects it’s getting too much. Thx for all ur help. 

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  • 4 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Hello, I’ve been weaning down since February this year. Went from 300 ml injections for 12 months to my last injection in December 2018. Then liquid oral since then at 12.5ml per night. 

 

Currently on 3.5ml, I kept a little time chart. My plan was to be off it in next 7 weeks, but I can’t cope anymore. It’s the side effects. 

 

Enough is enough. I will not let the system kill me or win. I haven’t been out the house 6 months. This is what Abilify is doing to me!!! I’ve stopped walking, Abilify destroys your eyesight and metabolism too! 

 

I. Don’t know if this is wise, 

Pray for me. Ameen 

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to REAL NAME? quitting Abilify tonight, cold turkey
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi and welcome to SA,

 

I can understand your frustration and impatience to be off the drug, and only you can make the decision about what dose to jump off from and when to do that.  SA makes suggests and provides information so that members can make informed decisions.  Please read the following topic and the quoted post below.

 

 

From Post #1 of this topic tips-for-tapering-off-abilify-aripiprazole

 

On 3/12/2012 at 10:34 AM, Altostrata said:

 

Depending on the sensitivity of your nervous system, even 2mg might be difficult to quit, incurring terrible withdrawal symptoms. As with other psychiatric drugs, we recommend tapering at 10% per month, calculated on the last dosage   to let your nervous system accommodate safely to reduced dosages.

 

 

 

From post #1 of this topic About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms :

 

On 10/9/2012 at 10:17 AM, Altostrata said:

 

Don't suddenly go off medication assuming that reinstatement is a safety net. This is one of the reasons we advocate gradual tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Once the nervous system is destabilized by withdrawal, all bets are off. Humpty Dumpty has fallen off the wall.  (Humpty Dumpty is a character in a children's nursery rhyme - he is an egg.)

 

Reinstatement does not always work, and you may have to live with severe withdrawal syndrome for a long while. Medicine wants to believe the acute phase of withdrawal lasts only a few weeks. From what people have posted on the Web, it can last many months.

 

 

Please carefully consider your decision.

 

 

Please create your drug signature using the following format.   Keep it simple.  NO diagnoses or symptoms please - thank you.

  • details for last 2 years - dates, ALL drugs, doses
  • summary for older than 2 years - just years and drug/s

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

 

This is your own introductions topic where your can ask questions about your own situation and journal your progress.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Hi chessie, thanks for your reply. As you are now aware, I survived the first night. I had a very vivid dream after when I prayed and could not doze off, but when I eventually did I thought god had taken my life. !  I was on a life support machine and saw angel coming to take my life. I’m still a virgin so that could be why, but could also be the chemicals in my brains reward centre trying to figure out what happened with my last dose. 

 

I saw shooting stars too and could not sleep till sunrise but as before this should wear off in the coming few days. 

 

I have an underlying cause which ive potentially managed to solve which could have been inducing my depression. Previously I didn’t know. but previously I came off Abilify, lost weight fast , walked a lot and couldn’t rest! But relapse in months 6-7. Which is weird because Abilify clears from your system within 2-3 weeks if I’m right, through sweating and exercise, faeces and diet. I lost 2.5 stone that I put on. But hopefully for the best I’ve solved my depression riddle. It’s either genetic or pmo induced and best thing would be for me to take the smallest dose possible or to take medical cannabis, or to refrain from what I think was causing it in the first place. 

 

I shall keep you updated and informed of my progress. I need to eat healthy and stay healthy, and keep up with my prayers. 

 

Your support means a lot. 

 

By by the way my username is a pseudonym. I got a warning for that lol

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to mbanks: quitting Abilify tonight, cold turkey
  • Moderator Emeritus
18 minutes ago, mbanks said:

By by the way my username is a pseudonym

 

Thank you for letting us know that this is not your real name.

 

20 minutes ago, mbanks said:

previously I came off Abilify, lost weight fast , walked a lot and couldn’t rest! But relapse in months 6-7.

 

This was most probably delayed withdrawal.  do-withdrawal-symptoms-always-show-up-right-away-delayed-onset

 

You may have experienced withdrawal symptoms during the lead up time to your "relapse" but didn't realise they were withdrawal symptoms:  Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

When I cold turkeyed citalopram I felt great, better than I had done for many years, for a few months and then bam! I was bedridden for 2.5 weeks with flu-like symptoms (no fever though), couldn't eat and lost 8kgs.  It wasn't until I saw the withdrawal symptoms list that I realised that it was withdrawal.  When I reduced my Pristiq from 100mg to 50mg I experienced an upset stomach for a few days which I put down to a tummy bug or something I ate, but this is another withdrawal symptom which I probably had.

 

18 minutes ago, mbanks said:

Abilify clears from your system within 2-3 weeks if I’m right, through sweating and exercise, faeces and diet.

 

This is incorrect. 

 

When we take a psychiatric drug, we are adding chemical/s to the brain.  The brain then has to change to adapt to getting the chemical/s.  It might have to change something to do with A and then once that change has been made it affects B so another change has to be made and so on down the line.  It is a chain reaction, a domino effect.

 

The same thing happens when we take the drug away.  That's why it's possible to experience such a vast array of withdrawal symptoms, and they can change, and be of different intensity.

 

are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

These explain it really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

On 8/31/2011 at 5:28 AM, Rhiannon said:

When we stop taking the drug, we have a brain that has designed itself so that it works in the presence of the drug; now it can't work properly without the drug because it's designed itself so that the drug is part of its chemistry and structure. It's like a plant that has grown on a trellis; you can't just yank out the trellis and expect the plant to be okay. When the drug is removed, the remodeling process has to take place in reverse. SO--it's not a matter of just getting the drug out of your system and moving on. If it were that simple, none of us would be here. It's a matter of, as I describe it, having to grow a new brain. I believe this growing-a-new-brain happens throughout the taper process if the taper is slow enough. (If it's too fast, then there's not a lot of time for actually rebalancing things, and basically the brain is just pedaling fast trying to keep us alive.) It also continues to happen, probably for longer than the symptoms actually last, throughout the time of recovery after we are completely off the drug, which is why recovery takes so long.

 

AND

 

On 12/4/2015 at 2:41 AM, apace41 said:

Basically- you have a building where the MAJOR steel structures are trying to be rebuilt at different times - ALL while people are coming and going in the building and attempting to work.

It would be like if the World Trade Center Towers hadn't completely fallen - but had crumbled inside in different places.. Imagine if you were trying to rebuild the tower - WHILE people were coming and going and trying to work in the building!  You'd have to set up a temporary elevator - but when you needed to fix part of that area, you'd have to tear down that elevator and set up a temporary elevator somewhere else. And so on. You'd have to build, work around, then tear down, then build again, then work around, then build... ALL while people are coming and going, ALL while the furniture is being replaced, ALL while the walls are getting repainted... ALL while life is going on INSIDE the building. No doubt it would be chaotic. That is EXACTLY what is happening with windows and waves.  The windows are where the body has "got it right" for a day or so - but then the building shifts and the brain works on something else - and it's chaos again while another temporary pathway is set up to reroute function until repairs are made.  

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Mentor
11 hours ago, mbanks said:

Hello, I’ve been weaning down since February this year. Went from 300 ml injections for 12 months to my last injection in December 2018. Then liquid oral since then at 12.5ml per night. 

 

Currently on 3.5ml, I kept a little time chart. My plan was to be off it in next 7 weeks, but I can’t cope anymore. It’s the side effects. 

 

Enough is enough. I will not let the system kill me or win. I haven’t been out the house 6 months. This is what Abilify is doing to me!!! I’ve stopped walking, Abilify destroys your eyesight and metabolism too! 

 

I. Don’t know if this is wise, 

Pray for me. Ameen 

 

‘Hi M,

 

I stopped Abilify quickly in February. I dropped from 5mg to 2mg for 3 weeks and then stopped. I had some manageable withdrawal effects for 7 or 8 weeks but then I was hit by some severe withdrawal symptoms - suicidal thoughts, de-realization, depersonalisation, agitation, insomnia. I re-instated a small dose and was better, though not back to normal.

 

It’s probable that what you are feeling now is partly down to withdrawal rather than side effects of the drug. I think stopping from 3.5mg, after coming down from 12.5mg, risks giving you very severe withdrawal effects. Not everybody can re-instate - it’s not an guaranteed way out of withdrawal effects.

 

warmest wishes,

 

Rich

 

 

 

 

 = medication taken now

2007 quetiapine to March 2019 200mg

2019 quetiapine March to present 225mg 

2007 citalopram to present 40mg 
2018 March Abilify 5mg  
2019 Abilify February rapid taper over 3 weeks from 5mg to off

2019 March Clonazepam as required, taken very occasionally, then taken 0.5mg for 2 days 28th and 29th March, now phased out

2019 1st April reinstated Abilify 0.5mg / day 

2018 to 2020 Liquid B12 2g twice daily (diagnosed B12 deficiency) 

2020 July reduced quetiapine to 200mg

2022 October began taper of Abilify
 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
14 hours ago, mbanks said:

I. Don’t know if this is wise, 

 

I think it is unwise - cold turkey is what SA strongly recommends not doing.  It's very risky.  It's almost always better to taper the dose slowly, at a rate your body can handle. 

See:  Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

The rule of 3KIS - keep it simple keep it slow keep it stable

 

 

 

2001–2002 paroxetine

2003  citalopram

2004-2008  paroxetine (various failed tapers) 
2008  paroxetine slow taper down to

2016  Aug off paroxetine
2016  citalopram May 20mg  Oct 15mg … slow taper down
2018  citalopram 13 Feb 4.6mg 15 Mar 4.4mg 29 Apr 4.2mg 6 Jul 4.1mg 17 Aug 4.0mg  18 Nov 3.8mg
2019  15 Mar 3.6mg  21 May 3.4mg  26 Dec 3.2mg 

2020  19 Feb 3.0mg 19 Jul 2.9mg 16 Sep 2.8mg 25 Oct 2.7mg 23 Oct 2.6mg 24 Dec 2.5mg

2021   29 Aug 2.4mg   15 Nov 2.3mg

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14 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

This was most probably delayed withdrawal.  do-withdrawal-symptoms-always-show-up-right-away-delayed-onset

Quote

Will give this a read at some point.

 

 

14 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

You may have experienced withdrawal symptoms during the lead up time to your "relapse" but didn't realise they were withdrawal symptoms:  Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

When I cold turkeyed citalopram I felt great, better than I had done for many years, for a few months and then bam! I was bedridden for 2.5 weeks with flu-like symptoms (no fever though), couldn't eat and lost 8kgs.  It wasn't until I saw the withdrawal symptoms list that I realised that it was withdrawal.  When I reduced my Pristiq from 100mg to 50mg I experienced an upset stomach for a few days which I put down to a tummy bug or something I ate, but this is another withdrawal symptom which I probably had.

Quote

my experience was similar but I find it confusing in my case. I titrated from 10mg to 1 but did it all wrong. I cut the tablets up and quit in under 2 weeks. I then felt great for 5-6 months, until i had a breakdown. Now I've found the cause for the breakdown. There was a burning sensation in the left side of my brain which was due to me watching P**n on internet and watching nude videos which according to science causes neural addiction. Now that I have combatted the compulsive addiction, I am 400 days free from P**n addiction, I felt it was time to come off Abilify. P**n addiction mimics withdrawal effects similar to those of the likes of cocaine and heroin and harder drugs. I had to fight the P addiction cold turkey and made it through, so I now feel taking meds shouldn't be that much of a challenge. Fighting the monkey off my back wasnt easy. I ended up on a psyche ward and this is the reason why I'm on abilify. Theres 3 websites dedicated to fighting p addiction and is creating so much attention in the world, this p addiction which i now come to believe is the cause of my depression which started 16 years ago. I also suffer from hypothroid, and take treatment.

14 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

 

This is incorrect. 

 

When we take a psychiatric drug, we are adding chemical/s to the brain.  The brain then has to change to adapt to getting the chemical/s.  It might have to change something to do with A and then once that change has been made it affects B so another change has to be made and so on down the line.  It is a chain reaction, a domino effect.

 

The same thing happens when we take the drug away.  That's why it's possible to experience such a vast array of withdrawal symptoms, and they can change, and be of different intensity.

 

are-we-there-yet-how-long-is-withdrawal-going-to-take

 

These explain it really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

 

AND

 

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thank you for the links. will check them out when i get a moment.

 

 

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12 hours ago, RichT said:

 

‘Hi M,

 

I stopped Abilify quickly in February. I dropped from 5mg to 2mg for 3 weeks and then stopped. I had some manageable withdrawal effects for 7 or 8 weeks but then I was hit by some severe withdrawal symptoms - suicidal thoughts, de-realization, depersonalisation, agitation, insomnia. I re-instated a small dose and was better, though not back to normal.

 

It’s probable that what you are feeling now is partly down to withdrawal rather than side effects of the drug. I think stopping from 3.5mg, after coming down from 12.5mg, risks giving you very severe withdrawal effects. Not everybody can re-instate - it’s not an guaranteed way out of withdrawal effects.

 

warmest wishes,

 

Rich

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rich that is frightening to read, that is exactly what ive done. I titrated from february 2019 to now at 3.5ml. I was on 12.5ml before. took 4 and half months which i thought was pretty safe. youre right, its the withdrawal causing violence and depressive feelings. I don't want to titrate over 3 years, i cant cope mentally with it being in my system for one day nevermind 3 years.

12 hours ago, RichT said:

 

 

 

 

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8 hours ago, Songbird said:

 

I think it is unwise - cold turkey is what SA strongly recommends not doing.  It's very risky.  It's almost always better to taper the dose slowly, at a rate your body can handle. 

See:  Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

The rule of 3KIS - keep it simple keep it slow keep it stable

 

 

 

thats what ive been doing, sometimes fast, sometimes slowly. I was planning to reduce the 3.5ml over 7 weeks but i just cant cope. Its not letting me get out te house, or do any work or do anything productive.

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Hi everyone just an update.! I managed to get through the night and get some sleep durnig the day today too. felt a bit weak but will do cos no meds in my system.

Hoping my blurry eyesight which ive had for 14 months now will restore itself in next week or so.

 

I also used some medicinal cannabis to combat the side effects, ive got 2 bottles of strong cbd oil incase i need it.

 

Pls ive got a herbal remedy called black seed oil which i take with raw honey and water. It works on the brain and immune system. Ill be starting that tonight and see how i get on, sure will put me to sleep as its a herb.

 

 

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  • Administrator

Hello, mbanks.

 

2 hours ago, mbanks said:

I was planning to reduce the 3.5ml over 7 weeks but i just cant cope.

 

What are the symptoms with which you cannot cope? What are the side effects?

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

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5 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Hello, mbanks.

 

 

What are the symptoms with which you cannot cope? What are the side effects?

 

Hi there Altostrata,

 

extremely reduced metabolism, cannot walk much

excessive sweating,

bad smells from sweat

Agitation 

headaches

sleepiness

blurred vision

insane appetites for food

no confidence

hunched back and back pain

paranoia

confusion

impaired judgement and thoughts

impaired driving skills

fear and worrying is made worse when bad things happen I start getting headaches.. and become ill. 

dry skin, 

anger or schizophrenia constantly talking to myself and my thoughts 

Those were some I endured last 14 months. It got worse! Unable to socialise I became antisocial and developed anger problems. I would hide away upstairs from everyone even from family. 

Constant mucus and phlegm through the night, this is awful experience! 

 

Just an Update.. 

ive survived the 2nd night all is well. 

Black seed oil seems to do wonders. 

I’m doing this so I can get married in October. I’ll be going to a hot climate abroad and want to shed a few stones before then. 

 

Since i I been off meds two days I’m feeling a bit better. My head feels fuzzy though. But not like someone is holding it up anymore. 

 

 

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Just an update. Sleep improved last night with black seed oil. This oil has a cure for 99 plus diseases including low moods and depression symptoms or low thyroid disorders. Works for pretty much everything and for everyone. 

 

My body turned cold yesterday and today. But as it’s hotter than hot today all is well and Looking forward to cold showers everyday. Cold showers increase testosterone levels and increase confidence and lower depression symptoms. 

 

Headaches are are still lingering a little. Off to do 1-2 hours of grass cutting so sweating toxins naturally will help boost my chances of a good detox. 

 

Ive gone a little deaf for some reason maybe it’s the meds. 

 

Still feel a little antisocial maybe cos there’s a bit left in my system or brain core is undergoing changes. 

 

I find it it hard to listen to good advice but I just want my life back. 

 

I lost my friends and childhood friends to this depression and meds. 

 

Still some lethargic ness and fatigue but hopefully this will change. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Just an update ..

10th July 2019

 

Have been off a week and a bit now or nearly 2 weeks. Could not stop having a runny nose and could not stop sneezing for days in a row.

Need to start my walking regime next week or this week. Hoping to lose 2 stone and put some muscle on.

 

Still suffering from blurry eyesight and a bit of overheating.

 

Had a few low moody days recently. but things are picking up.

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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

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