Tom37 Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 @thelegend Any chance you could take some time away from work while in the thick of it? Or maybe do reduced hours or work from home? For the most part working has been good for me but there have been times where I took a few days of to get through a bad wave. We are all different though in how we cope. Just take it a moment at a time if you have to and think of how awesome your life is going to be when your through this! 20mg Lexapro 2007 10mg Lexapro 2012 Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3. Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction. Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October. Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018 Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov. Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018 Link to comment
BadMedicine Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 Yes still take 5mg olanzapine. Mine is a long complicated story but am slowly weaning myself off certainly olanzapine and the sertraline. Sertraline is going first though. And I think it was the sertraline that caused me the most problems as I am (now I've stabilised) much better now than when I was on high doses of it. Sept 2018 - Nov 2018 200mg sertraline, 7.5mg olanzapine. Nov 2018 - Jan 2018 200mg sertraline, 30mg mirtazapine, 7.5mg olanzapine. Jan 2019 - mid Feb 2019 reduced sertraline from 200 - 50mg, 7.5mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. Feb 2019- Jun 2019 30mg mirtazapine, 50mg sertraline, 7.5mg olanzapine. Jun 2019 - Oct 2019 30mg mirtazapine, 50mg sertraline, 5mg olanzapine. Oct 2019 - Nov 2019 37.gmg sertraline, 39mg mirtazapine, 5mg olanzapine. Nov 2019 -Dec 2019 25mg sertraline, 30mg mirtazapine, 5mg olanzapine. Jan 2020 18.75mg sertraline, 5mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. Feb 2020 0mg sertraline, 2.5mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. May 2020 1.8mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. Aug 2020 2.5mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. Stabilised for 9 months @2.5mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. May2021 started slow taper from olanzapine, 5% previous dose per month. Oct 2021 1.875mg olanzapine, 30mg mirtazapine. Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 thelegend I have to agree not going to the hospital! They will just dope you up and then a long recovery ahead. It will get better, prayers and remember you can do this and soon this nightmare will be over! 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 11, 2019 Author Share Posted November 11, 2019 Up and down weekend. Friday was really tough. High anxiety, even some shakiness which I haven’t had in a while. Saturday wasn’t bad at all, had some moments that were kind of tough, but got some exercise in during the morning, and things were pretty manageable after that. Today Sunday I slept in, very little morning anxiety, but then the rest of the dad has been pretty tough. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Tom37 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Keep hanging in there as I’m sure some relief will come soon for you and that will give you the motivation during the next wave. Everyday that passes means your a day closer to this ending just remember that. 20mg Lexapro 2007 10mg Lexapro 2012 Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3. Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction. Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October. Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018 Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov. Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 14, 2019 Author Share Posted November 14, 2019 Thanks @Tom37, how are you doing? Out of your wave yet? I am not, wave seems to be getting worse, especially in the mornings. Honestly don’t know how I am going to get through this day! April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Tom37 Posted November 14, 2019 Share Posted November 14, 2019 Wave has almost come to end so in the transition back to baseline. Been a tough one though so don’t be concerned that yours is lasting a while as I’m further along in my journey yet can still get hit hard. Keep taking it a moment at a time and try to remember that you have to go through the waves to get the healing done otherwise you never would. It’s all going as it should for you it just takes longer and is more of a struggle than we want. 20mg Lexapro 2007 10mg Lexapro 2012 Started tapering approx (October 2017) 12 months ago from 10mg to 9mg then 8 then 7 then 6 then 5 then 4 then 3. Held for approx 4 to 6 weeks min on each reduction. Hit severe symptoms (started 7th Nov) after dropping to 3mg. Dropped to 3mg approx 22nd October. Back to 4mg (7th November) and stabilising. Current symptoms started 23rd November 2018 Used diazepam (2018) 10mg 10th Nov, 5mg 11th Nov, 2.5mg 12 Nov, 2mg 13th Nov. Used diazepam 10mg 24th Nov, 7.5 25th Nov and 5mg 26th November 2018 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 15, 2019 Author Share Posted November 15, 2019 (edited) @Tom37 that is great your wave is coming to an end. Ugh these mornings for me are just impossible. Every morning I wake like this with just extreme anxiety regardless of how good I feel at night when I go to bed. Does this get better these awful mornings? @brassmonkey - thanks for your earlier reply. I am trying to just relax and realize this is part of the healing process, but man these mornings the anxiety is just SO strong I don’t know what to do. Edited November 15, 2019 by thelegend Respond to someone else. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 15, 2019 Share Posted November 15, 2019 Thelegend yes mornings are awful, but finally this week they have lifted! First time in over a year! so yes they do go away just keep faith and know you will heal 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 16, 2019 Author Share Posted November 16, 2019 7 hours ago, Lynnardgirl said: Thelegend yes mornings are awful, but finally this week they have lifted! First time in over a year! so yes they do go away just keep faith and know you will heal Wow that is awesome, so no morning anxiety or just reduced? Either way that is huge, honestly can’t even imagine what that would be like, it has been so long! April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 thelegend Its unbelievable waking up with no anxiety or just a little anxious! Just got up one day last week and wow gone and it’s been over 5 days and still gone! Today around 9:00 am it started up again but didn’t last as I tried to distract myself with good thoughts! So yes it does go away and yours will go just have faith and know you are not alone 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 16, 2019 Author Share Posted November 16, 2019 How long have you been holding at the exact same dose and keeping everything stable? Usually I get a break at night, but tonight anxiety is still hanging around...ugh! April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 16, 2019 Author Share Posted November 16, 2019 @Lynnardgirl - are you doing anything special with your diet? Supplements? April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Kimboslice Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 Hi Matt.. That has definitely been the case for me during a 10 day road trip around the Scottish highlands a couple weeks back.. it was bloody amazing.. beautiful country. i experienced a complete relief of symptoms which truly was a much treasured relief. At the time i was just so grateful to be in a window during the holiday... but maybe there’s a link. I personally put it down to the tranquil environment and scenic surroundings.. a slower pace of life possibly?.. and the relief of life stressors and self applied pressure to perform. When on holiday, our sole focus turns to enjoying the vacation & we put all other life ambitions on hold.. & therefore a we see a drop in modern life’s daily anxieties. Seems like the answer to withdrawal could be an endless budget and being void of all responsibilities 😂. we’ve got it sussed. OCT 2016 - I quit Sertraline 50 mg CT after a family bereavement had turned my life upside down .. as a result it felt the drug was totally ineffective. MAY 2017- After what had been an appalling 6 months (which i thought was horrific grief but now realise it is likely withdrawal is the more likely culprit) I reinstated Sertraline at 50 mg before raising the dose to 100 mg due to not feeling any effect (again this is something that makes sense now). In time i had started to feel normal again and presumed it was because I had worked my way through my prolonged grief. FEB 2019 - Life was now back on track and decided it was time to try and rid myself of the shameful daily pill pop that is AD's. I quit Sertraline Via a fast taper... but may aswell have been a CT. JUN 2019 - I found SA . .. realised i was withdrawing .. and had inadvertently made multiple mistakes along the way. NOV 2019 - I'm roughly 8-9 months into withdrawal & STRUGGLING Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 ,thelegend I have been holding for almost 11 months! I do not take any supplements because the seem to put me in a wave! I take lots of epson salt baths ! My worse symptoms is the anxiety and got so much worse the last couple of months until just recently! So you might be going though what I did and then finally it will let up! The last month or two it’s been awful ! The anxiety would last sometimes all day and maybe let up for a few hours in the evening but the next day awful, I would sleep, but around 3:30 am heart pounding awful anxiety last all through the day until late afternoon! Then out of no where this week it went away! Crazy wow feel finally almost normal! You will get better just keep faith and know this will not last much longer! 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 I started taking flax seed with frozen blueberries, blackberries and strawberries ! Only thing I changed in my diet the last month! I think it has really helped me 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 Top 10 Health Benefits of Flax Seeds Flax Seeds Are Loaded With Nutrients. ... Flax Seeds Are High in Omega-3 Fats. ... Flax Seeds Are a Rich Source of Lignans, Which May Reduce Cancer Risk. ... Flax Seeds Are Rich in Dietary Fiber. ... Flax Seeds May Improve Cholesterol. ... Flax Seeds May Lower Blood Pressure. ... They Contain High-Quality Protein. More items... • Apr 26, 2017 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 16, 2019 Author Share Posted November 16, 2019 Where do you get flax seeds? Do you mix them with the berries in a drink? April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 I get mine at Trader Joe’s but health food stores would have it! you can mix it in your cereal, yogurt, smoothies two to three tablespoons a day! It has really helped me 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted November 16, 2019 Moderator Share Posted November 16, 2019 Flax seed oil is an excellent alternative to fish oil, for people who have trouble with fish oil. 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
insistpersistresist Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 Can I ask what your anxiety feels like to you since it can vary person to person? Restless, rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts etc.? Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 My anxiety is usually rapid heart beat, just feel this overwhelming anxious doom and gloom, want to get away from everything and everyone! Just sit and be alone! Tight chest, fear of not every getting better! 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 I would probably agree with @Lynnardgirl’s description of the anxiety. I would add sometimes I get a burning sensation in my arms, and a kind of akathisia where I simply cannot calm down or relax. I actually had some decent mornings over the weekend, thought maybe I was headed for a window. The window never really opened as back to work today and this morning was as bad as ever. I hate this so much! Thanks @brassmonkey for the info on flax seed oil. In your experience if given enough time does everyone seem to stabilize from this nightmare? I just can’t seem to get over this horrible morning anxiety. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
insistpersistresist Posted November 18, 2019 Share Posted November 18, 2019 Hi @thelegend I am glad that you had a good weekend but sorry today is challenging. I found a post today (and all the following comments) that really is helpful to me going through withdrawal from sertraline and citalopram. Here is the link: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14913-pug-your-miracle-is-coming-hang-on/. I wish I knew what would help the early morning anxiety that you endure. Have you reached out to a moderator for input? I, too, along with other people on here, am amazed at your ability to work in spite of the challenges! Also, I think that is great to think about a breakfast that has good fat and protein to help your blood sugar stabilize. Getting your vits/minerals/macronutrients through food sources (like flax seed) is definitely the best way. All the best! Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 14 minutes ago, insistpersistresist said: Hi @thelegend I am glad that you had a good weekend but sorry today is challenging. I found a post today (and all the following comments) that really is helpful to me going through withdrawal from sertraline and citalopram. Here is the link: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14913-pug-your-miracle-is-coming-hang-on/. I wish I knew what would help the early morning anxiety that you endure. Have you reached out to a moderator for input? I, too, along with other people on here, am amazed at your ability to work in spite of the challenges! Also, I think that is great to think about a breakfast that has good fat and protein to help your blood sugar stabilize. Getting your vits/minerals/macronutrients through food sources (like flax seed) is definitely the best way. All the best! Thanks for this, it gives me hope on a bad day like today. Could having to work really make such a crazy difference? Last night I was so grateful for the day I almost cried, now back at it again. Feels so artificial, like something is hijacking my brain and turning the anxiety switch to full blast. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
insistpersistresist Posted November 18, 2019 Share Posted November 18, 2019 I think crying is natural and good, whether for gratitude or sadness or any other reason. It is a release. You should let yourself and not hold it back, but that’s just me:-). All of us on here are so incredibly tough for so many reasons. The fact that much of the external world (doctors included, sadly and maddeningly) knows nothing of the hell of withdrawal leaves us feeling very much alone save for these wonderful community sites. There is no recovery center to escape to even though this is at the very top of the list of toughest withdrawals. So we are doing all that we can to keep hope alive for ourselves every minute, hour, day. The external pressures of work and family obligations coupled with the internal disarray of emotions and sensations make for people who are amazing and full of grit, even when we feel like we are hanging on by a thread. Just be gentle on yourself—take time if you feel you need to, work to the degree you feel it helps, invest in as much self care as you can. Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted November 18, 2019 Moderator Share Posted November 18, 2019 Everyone I've seen does stabilize. It is very hard to predict how long it will take though. Some people do in just a few weeks while some will take a lot longer, but it does happen. 1 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
Giulietta Posted November 18, 2019 Share Posted November 18, 2019 On 11/15/2019 at 11:32 PM, thelegend said: Where do you get flax seeds? Do YOu can get them at the grocery store or order them online. Bob's Red Mill has organic and they also sell a lot of other grains. I put them in yogurt, oatmeal, sprinkle them on fruit, salads, just about anything that they might taste well with. https://www.bobsredmill.com/shop.html 3 hours ago, insistpersistresist said: he external pressures of work and family obligations coupled with the internal disarray of emotions and sensations make for people who are amazing and full of grit, even when we feel like we are hanging on by a thread. You guys deserve a lot of credit and have my utmost respect for working through this and knowing that you have others depending on you. Be gentle on yourself - and take pride in being able to manage. This site is a blessing and unique amongst social support groups or online groups. Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 20, 2019 Author Share Posted November 20, 2019 Another really hard day. Not sure how I can keep going like this. Can’t believe how much better the weekend was. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 20, 2019 Share Posted November 20, 2019 17 minutes ago, thelegend said: Another really hard day. Not sure how I can keep going like this. Can’t believe how much better the weekend was. 17 minutes ago, thelegend said: Another really hard day. Not sure how I can keep going like this. Can’t believe how much better the weekend was. Sorry to hear this! My day was bad and I can really relate ! When you and I had such a great window ! Maybe tomorrow yo will feel better! Prayers 🙏🙏🙏 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 Hey @Lynnardgirl, you still having calm mornings? Mine have been a disaster, but maybe better nights I don’t know I am trying to find positives wherever I can. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 On 11/19/2019 at 5:25 PM, thelegend said: Mornings are maybe a little better! I just really try to in the moment and accept but it’s been so hard ! 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 thelegend Yesterday was so good felt wonderful! Then this morning the chest anxiety was really bad! It has been with me all day! Woke up at 4:00 am and knew I was in for another long day! So sorry you are having such a bad time but I really feel this nightmare will be over, when I don’t know but we will heal! God bless you my friend! 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
Lynnardgirl Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 thelegend I wanted to tell you about two books I recently read! They have helped me immensely! The art of spiritual Healing! This is a book my mom had with her for a very long time and she always wanted it with her! She died in October, I was going through her belongings and the first thing I saw was this book. I brought it home and couldn’t put it down! It has helped me understand and be more at peace. It was written by Joel S. Goldsmith! After reading this book I bought another one from the same author Practicing The Present! If you want to understand the higher power and why so much suffering is happening in this world you will get a better understanding and maybe help you start I heal faster! Prayers to you 1997 regular Effexor 150 mg2016-2017 up dosage to 225 tried several times to taper no luck fast taper Back on panic attacks anxiety Insomnia 2017 doing ok after a year but then insomia doctor put me onTrazodone was on Trazodone for 6 months or longer did a fast taper getting panic attacks 2018 Doctor switched me to Effexor XR an reduced my dose to 225 - down to 150 felt worse went back on regular Effexor Venlafaxine 2018 taper again, To fast tapered down to 112.5 from 150 take half twice a day 56.25 Link to comment
Mentor RachelSusan Posted November 24, 2019 Mentor Share Posted November 24, 2019 Hi Legend, I wanted to say hello. I hope you are having a better weekend. Hang in there. RS I am not a health professional in any way. I do not give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner. NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20, 575 to 500 (13%), Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER Feb. 2016 to June 2016 - Was on 150mg Zoloft. Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June 2016, reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016. From July 2016 to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper. STARTING SENSIBLE ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE Dec. 10 2016 - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg. Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mg. Feb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%). Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg. May 9, 2020 1.375 mg. June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%). July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%). August 15, 2020 1.0 mg. Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg. Nov. 28, 2020 .75mg. Jan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%). Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg. May 1, 2021 .375mg. May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg. October 2, 2021 .043mg. October 10, 2021 .038mg. October 23, 2021 .035mg. October 30, 2021 .032mg. Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg. Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg. Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY Link to comment
thelegend Posted November 25, 2019 Author Share Posted November 25, 2019 @Lynnardgirl - Sorry you found yourself back in a bad day. I had a GREAT day on Saturday, very little anxiety (I am so much better on weekends). Sunday was a mixed bag had some good moments and even the morning was ok, then it got worse, not even a very good night. This morning has been horrific again, not sure how I am going to get through the day. I wish this would stop! @RachelSusan - Thanks for checking in, I wish I had better news. It seems any of my progress is always fleeting and never substantial. Coming up on 7 months since keeping everything stable...losing hope for recovery at this point. April 2010 - January 2018: Zoloft 50-100 mgs (would go back and forth between these doses, mostly at 50mgs). April - May 2018: Attempted to restart Zoloft for 6 weeks, made things worse so switched to... June 2018 - Novemeber 2019: Lexapro 10mgs August 2018 - Current: Zyprexa added for early morning extreme anxiety November 2018 - February 2019: Lexapro 5mgs, then off since doctor said it “wasn’t working if still having anxiety.” Looking back I was probably stabilizing very slowly. New Doctor reinstated: May 1st, 2019 - Current - Zoloft 50mgs, 2.5mg Zyprexa Link to comment
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