Adriane: tapering Celexa

[Adriane]

Hi did any of you that successfully tappered off the antideppressant think of taking herbal remedies like kava kava or St Johns wort or passionflower or ashwaganda??to help with withdrawls.I am tappering very slowly off my meds this time.I want to take herbs to help me for withdrawls and anxiety and moodiness and irritability.

[ChessieCat]

Hi Adriane and welcome to SA,

 

SA recommends tapering by no more than 10% of the current dose followed by a hold of about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug. 

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Post #1 of this topic has links to various drug topics and how to get the dose you need:

 

important-topics-in-the-tapering-forum-and-faq

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are  Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Some SA members, myself included, find that magnesium helps to take the edge of their anxiety.  When introducing something new try a small amount, one at a time, to see how you respond to it.  Also only ever make one change at a time, ie don't make a reduction at the same time as trying a new supplement.  Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Some supplements should not be taken when taking an antidepressant, especially St John's Wort.

 

From:  st-johns-wort-hypericum-perforatum

 

On 6/24/2011 at 3:09 AM, Punarbhava said:

Taking Saint John's Wort with MAOI's, SSRI's, or other antidepressants can lead to a drastic overproduction of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which may be a life-threatening reaction. Serotonin syndrome, as it is known, can also be caused when Saint John's Wort is taken in conjunction with other natural serotonin-increasing supplements, such as tryptophan, kanna and 5-HTP.

 

kava

 

passion-flower

 

ashwagandha

 

supplements-what-helps-what-doesnt

 

important-topics-about-tests-supplements-treatments-diet

[Adriane]

Thank you for that information.How would i taper 10 % when the antidepressant only comes in 20, 10 mg.I have a pill cutter and can cut pills in half and in quarters,is there a way i can reduce 10% that im not aware of?

[Songbird]

There are many methods.  Some people are able to get a prescription for a liquid, others make their own liquids.   Some people cut pills or crush them into powder and use a digital scale to weigh doses.  Some people use compounding pharmacies to make up capsules or liquids.  There are pros and cons to each method.  See:

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

Using a digital scale to measure doses

How to calculate dosages and dilutions? Spreadsheets and calculators

 

To help us to help you, please create a signature containing a summary of your med history, including all drugs, doses and dates (starting and stopping).  Your signature appears below every post you make, and helps us see your situation easily without having to read your topic from the top every time.   You could look at my signature for an example. 

 

Instructions for creating your signature are here: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature. 

You can edit your signature here: edit your signature in Account Settings

[Adriane]

I am frustrated because i dont know how to do this.I put down my history but dont know how to save it or start a topic.

Adriane

[Gridley]

46 minutes ago, Adriane said:

am frustrated because i dont know how to do this.I put down my history but dont know how to save it or start a topic.

Adriane

 

Your drug history is posted and visible but not from a phone.   As far as starting a topic, just post right here.  This is the place where you should post questions and updates as well as connect with other members.

[Adriane]

ok so i am going to start taper ing 10% and hold for  6 weeks and see how it goes.I found a componding pharmacy.I am taking supplements like fish oil,magnesium,iron,complex B vitamins,vit c,and Zinc.I am trying to cut back on carbs and sugar and dairy as well.i seem to have digestion problems.

[ChessieCat]

39 minutes ago, Adriane said:

complex B vitamins

 

Some members find that B vitamins can be stimulating, especially B6.

 

hypersensitive-to-b-vitamin-or-b-vitamin-complex

 

vitamin-b6

[Adriane]

Hi I am on 10 mg and plan to taper down to 9  mg next week.I think i have gut issues ,and gut and brain are linked.I was thinking of doing a liver cleanse to start, anyone else do any cleanses while tapering?

[Gridley]

16 minutes ago, Adriane said:

liver cleanse to start, anyone else do any cleanses while tapering?

SA doesn't recommend detoxing while tapering.  Our systems are very sensitive during tapering and withdrawal, and detoxing places further stress on an already challenged system.

 

As Altostrata, founder of the site, said,

 

"Hmmm, I feel I must point out here that withdrawal symptoms are not due to toxicity, but to the ABSENCE of a drug upon which the body has become dependent. The liver has done its job properly and caused what it can to be excreted.

 

Given that we urge gradual tapering, anything of the drug remaining in fat or tissues could be considered to cushion, however minimally, the lack of the drug the body is craving. If you are in the middle of tapering, which means you're deliberately slowing the passage of the drug from your body, why would you want to speed the drug out of your system with liver detoxification (assuming that would work)?

 

My belief is that, our bodies and nervous systems being under so much stress from withdrawal, detoxing the liver or any other ritual of purification only adds further stress and doesn't do anything positive for proper withdrawal. (Liver detox was developed for serious, identifiable heavy metal poisoning.) Liver cleansing is one of those things naturopathic medicine routinely recommends for all kinds of ills, with very little evidence it helps any of them. I do not think it's appropriate for withdrawal syndrome."

[Adriane]

Makes sense ,but i am not doing liver cleanse to rid body of SSRI,i would be doing it in preparation for a candida cleanse.

[Gridley]

25 minutes ago, Adriane said:

i am not doing liver cleanse to rid body of SSRI,

 

It's your decision whether or not to do the liver cleanse.  We don't recommend liver cleanses, whatever the purpose, during tapering and withdrawal because of the extra stress it puts on an already-stressed system.

[ChessieCat]

1 hour ago, Adriane said:

I am on 10 mg and plan to taper down to 9  mg next week.

 

1 hour ago, Adriane said:

i would be doing it in preparation for a candida cleanse

 

48 minutes ago, Gridley said:

We don't recommend liver cleanses, whatever the purpose, during tapering and withdrawal because of the extra stress it puts on an already-stressed system.

 

If you are going to do the liver cleanse it would be better not to make another reduction until at least a few weeks after the cleanse.

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Edited June 3, 2019 by ChessieCat

[Adriane]

2 hours ago, Gridley said:

 

It's your decision whether or not to do the liver cleanse.  We don't recommend liver cleanses, whatever the purpose, during tapering and withdrawal because of the extra stress it puts on an already-stressed system.

ok i wont do a liver cleanse at this time.I dont want to do anything to jepardize my tapering off antidepressants.

 

[ChessieCat]

merged 2 Introduction topics

[ChessieCat]

3 minutes ago, Adriane said:

Hi I see that you took natural herbs and Gabba ,did these help you?I am planning on taking same herbs and supplemnts when i taper off celexa.

 

 

Please do your research before starting any supplements.  There are many existing topics on SA.  I like to use google and add survivingantidepressants.org to my search term.  Look for posts made by this site's founder, Altostrata.

 

gaba-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-tablets-capsules-liquid

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Try a small amount, one at a time, to see how you react to them.  Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

[Adriane]

HI this is my second posting,just want to update my situation and maybe get some feedback.I am 54 years old.I have been on celexa for the past ten years and have tried to quit 5 times now. I am on 7 mg of celexa now, after 6 weeks i drop down 1 mg.I am starting to feel a little depressed at times.I started running  at least 5 days a week,and i find that helps.I am fearful of the time when i am completely off the meds, because of what happened last March. 

a year ago i tappered off my antidepressants and i was doing okay some sleepless nights and feeling low, until one day a freind offered me a  toke of sativia weed ,and i went into a full blown panic attack and went to ER.After waiting 6 hours and feeling like i was going to die,i finally saw a doctor he basically gave me some ativan and sent me home.I eneded up going back on celexa because i could'nt function well.from 10mg to 20mg in a matter of a few days.TIi started tappering again.Now im at 7 mg.I  am thinking of taking 5htp 50 mg when i tapper down to 5 mg.I will see a naturopath in January ,when my insurance kicks in and hopefully she/ he will be able to help me.I also started on progesterone cream about amonth ago and havent noticed any changes yet.Progesterone is suppose to be a happy hormone.

[Onmyway]

Hi Adriane, 

I would suggest that you go more slowly as you get to the lower doses. I did fine from 20-5 mg but 5-0 sent me into hell. If you followed the 10% suggested taper, your next drop would be 0.7 mg but if you are struggling, perhaps a hold is called for. 

[Adriane]

Hello onmyway thanks for your reply.When you say you 5-0 was hell,what symtoms did you have.?

[nick1990]

@Altostrata , not sure if a moderator has seen this post . 

Cheers. 

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Adriane.

 

On 10/2/2019 at 12:29 AM, Adriane said:

....I eneded up going back on celexa because i could'nt function well.from 10mg to 20mg in a matter of a few days.TIi started tappering again.Now im at 7 mg.I  am thinking of taking 5htp 50 mg when i tapper down to 5 mg.I will see a naturopath in January ,when my insurance kicks in and hopefully she/ he will be able to help me.I also started on progesterone cream about amonth ago and havent noticed any changes yet.Progesterone is suppose to be a happy hormone.

 

Why are you thinking of taking 5-htp? How are you feeling now? What is your taper schedule? Please stop tapering while we discuss this.

[Adriane]

11 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Welcome, Adriane.

 

 

Why are you thinking of taking 5-htp? How are you feeling now? What is your taper schedule? Please stop tapering while we discuss this.

Hi Alto I am feeling  a little irritated at times, i am having trouble falling asleep some nights.I think i screwed up my tapering schedule.I thought 10% reduction was going from 10 mg to 9 mg then 8. However from reading more on tapering .Please help.I am now on 7mg for 1 month and am tapering to 6.5.I start tomorrow.whdat am i suppose to taper down to ??I was thinking of taking 5-htp because i read a book by a doctor and she said when you taper off AD one could take 50 mg 5htp.I thought it would help me feel better.what is your advise?I find it hard to navigate this web site.

[Adriane]

11 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Welcome, Adriane.

 

 

Why are you thinking of taking 5-htp? How are you feeling now? What is your taper schedule? Please stop tapering while we discuss this.

Also Onmywat suggested my next taper is 0.7 is that correct?

 

[brassmonkey]

OnMyWay  is pointing out that a 10% reduction of your current dose would be decreasing it by .7mgai.  The new dose would be 6.3mgai.  I wouldn't be in a hurry to taper, it would be a good idea to sort out the 5-htp before doing any reductions.

[Adriane]

2 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

OnMyWay  is pointing out that a 10% reduction of your current dose would be decreasing it by .7mgai.  The new dose would be 6.3mgai.  I wouldn't be in a hurry to taper, it would be a good idea to sort out the 5-htp before doing any reductions.

thank you for your reply.It will take time for me to figure this all out.I m not taking 5htp until i have more information.I will taper slowly 10% for 4 weeks ,anything to get off these damn drugs.I have a question,approximately how long will it take me if i taper 10% from 7mg?

[brassmonkey]

A 10% every 4 weeks taper has a half life of about 6 months.  So six months from now you would be at 3.5mgai, and in a year 1.75mgai.  Following that pattern it would take you three and a half years to get to a point that is considered safe to jump to "0".  This is assuming that everything goes well and you don't have to make any extended holds.  For many people our "recommended taper" is still to fast and they either have to do smaller reductions or extend their hold times.  I highly recommend doing a Brassmonkey Slide which gives a 10% reduction every 6 weeks.  It takes a little longer, but the benefit is a greatly reduced symptom load.  Many of our members are having great success with it.

[Adriane]

On 10/10/2019 at 11:55 AM, brassmonkey said:

A 10% every 4 weeks taper has a half life of about 6 months.  So six months from now you would be at 3.5mgai, and in a year 1.75mgai.  Following that pattern it would take you three and a half years to get to a point that is considered safe to jump to "0".  This is assuming that everything goes well and you don't have to make any extended holds.  For many people our "recommended taper" is still to fast and they either have to do smaller reductions or extend their hold times.  I highly recommend doing a Brassmonkey Slide which gives a 10% reduction every 6 weeks.  It takes a little longer, but the benefit is a greatly reduced symptom load.  Many of our members are having great success with it.

thank you for your advise,i did see the taper process and understand now.I will have to show my doctor this.

[Adriane]

On 10/10/2019 at 11:55 AM, brassmonkey said:

A 10% every 4 weeks taper has a half life of about 6 months.  So six months from now you would be at 3.5mgai, and in a year 1.75mgai.  Following that pattern it would take you three and a half years to get to a point that is considered safe to jump to "0".  This is assuming that everything goes well and you don't have to make any extended holds.  For many people our "recommended taper" is still to fast and they either have to do smaller reductions or extend their hold times.  I highly recommend doing a Brassmonkey Slide which gives a 10% reduction every 6 weeks.  It takes a little longer, but the benefit is a greatly reduced symptom load.  Many of our members are having great success with it.

thank you again.where can i find your info.How you are doing after successfully tapering.Any panic attacks or anything like that?

[brassmonkey]

I will be drug free for two and a half years on Wednesday. I'm living a pretty normal life with normal emotional ups and downs.  The post "0" healing process is on going with steady improvements.  The hard part now is trying to tell what needs healing and what is just old age getting to me. You can read my success story here, it's pretty much up to date.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/17647-tao-of-the-brassmonkey/

 

Edited October 13, 2019 by brassmonkey
corrected typos

[Adriane]

Hi Im confused today.Im at 6.5 mg of celexa for 6 weeks what will be my next reduction? using the brass monkey scale.?my doctor told me to drop to 6mg.is that too much?

 

Edited November 15, 2019 by Adriane
add more info

[Shep]

@Adriane Please note I've merged the new post you made in with your introduction thread. Please keep posting here in your intro thread so all of your information is in one place.

 

Reducing from 6.5 mg to 6 mg is a 7.7% reduction.

 

Since you're using the Brassmonkey Slide, you could do this by making 2% reductions each week. This will actually be an 8% reduction, so you'd be down to 5.98 mg, which is very close.

 

However, it really depends on your symptoms. If you're struggling, you could hold a bit longer and then when you re-start your taper, go slower. 

[Adriane]

Thank you shep,I am now taking 6 mg for 6 weeks ,so far i feel ok,I did have bad dreams last night,its been a long time since i had bad dreams,but i was also scaredlaying in bed listening to the stormy high winds,so that could have triggered it.I also notice when i drink too much coffee .I have to drink decaf.

 

[Adriane]

Titled:  taper question

 

HI i need help with tapering.I am at 5.25 and would like to taper to 5.How many percent drop is that? and what would be a 5% taper from 5.25.I tried to calculate it myself but i just want to make sure.

Thankyou 

Adriane

Edited March 4, 2020 by manymoretodays
added title, moved from tapering forum

[manymoretodays]

Hi Adriane, @Adriane,

I moved your last post in tapering, back here to your Introduction.  This is the best place for you to post with questions around your specifics.  And I can see what information has been given to you, thus far too.   As well as, learn a bit more about your case in general.

How are you doing now?  Any withdrawal symptoms of note?

I do see that last May(from your signature) you were on Celexa/citalopram 10 mg.  And then in narratives, I see that you were down to 6 mg last November(2019)

 

How have you been calculating your taper drops to date?  And when have you made changes in dose?  Please update your signature:  AccountsSettings/signature

On 3/3/2020 at 1:04 PM, Adriane said:

HI i need help with tapering.I am at 5.25 and would like to taper to 5.How many percent drop is that? and what would be a 5% taper from 5.25.I tried to calculate it myself but i just want to make sure.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage

**Tips for tapering Celexa(citalopram)

^ this is definitely worth your time to look at and study further, it also will help you figure out how to get the dosages that you will need for further tapering

 

I'm a bit concerned that you might be tapering a little fast.  I do see that you did a 10% taper, back when you were on 10 mg of Celexa, down to 9 mg.  After that......it's not clear how you have done your tapers, or what you have based the dosages on.  You may want to slow down a bit.

 

To calculate a 10% drop from 5.25 mg:

5.25 mg X .90 = 4.72 mg would be the dose to take that represents a 10% taper from your current dose

5.25 mg X .95 = 4.99 mg would be the dose for a 5% taper from your current dose

 

How are you measuring your doses right now.

 

Hope this helps.  And I would love to see an update.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

Edited March 5, 2020 by manymoretodays