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

Erell: struggling with paroxetine


Erell

Recommended Posts

On 2/26/2020 at 2:02 AM, Erell said:

Yes, I'm getting tired of February, no improvments and hard symptoms coming back (depressed feelings, some agoraphobia, restlessness and anxiety from nowhere...).

Erell...   you are my twin from France?  I was thinking yesterday—I’m ready for March, February has been extremely challenging.  I thought I was stabilizing but some of the above symptoms you mention have also been plaguing me, more so than normal.  
We will persevere, Erell.  ❤️
Cathy

1999-2006 Luvox, xanax

2007-2009 Prozac, xanax, klonopin

2009-2018 Zoloft, xanax, klonopin

2019 January zoloft 150mg, February 100mg, April 75mg, mid-May 50mg, July 25mg, (xanax .5mg or .25mg as needed)

August zoloft 25mg HOLD, CT xanax, reinstate 50mg zoloft, September reinstate 100mg zoloft w/.375 klonopin, mid-September lower to 75mg zoloft

2020 January:  .125mg klonopin 

February 1st: .112mg klonopin

February 24th:  60.3mgai zoloft

 

2020 December 1st:  off klonopin completely

currently on 15mgai zoloft 

Link to comment

Hey @Erell, dropping in to give you a hug. January was great for me, Feb not so good either because of family circumstances. Isn't it funny how we all seem to be in synch? Let's all hang in there, March will be better xxxxx

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Dear WD twins 😉

 

February is ending, as Sunny said, let's hang in there and let March offer us more healing 💪😙

 

Hoping for this feb'wave To end soon for all of us ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment
On 1/19/2020 at 8:23 PM, MissyE said:

This is your wisest self. 

 

You're doing well Erell you deserve to feel proud of yourself.  Take all the rest you need while you continue to heal and stabilise.

 

Irene Lyon is really helping with my anxiety: chemical and baseline.  Properly understanding what's going on with my nervous system and her simple orientation exercises really suit me well.  She has so many free resources... l can't speak highly enough about her.  Her helpful team respond to email queries really quickly too.  Girl crush!! 😘

Her link is on my thread and in non-drug coping techniques.

Have a good day my love.

Missy x

@MissyE I'm looking into Irene Lyons programme at the moment. So you should recommend? 

Aug 2004 - Dec 2006: Aropax ( 20mg - 30mg). Aug 2007: Fluoxetine (for 3 weeks).

Sept 07 - July 12: Lexapro ( 10mg - 20mg). Pooped out July 12. Titrated down off Lexapro over 3 weeks and switched to Paroxetine (with Xanax to cover switch for 2 weeks).

Aug 2012 - Aug 2019: Paroxetine (titrated up to 20mg in first few weeks,, dose reduced to 15mg . for 7 years until it 'pooped out'.

4th Aug 2019 - Reduced dose of paroxetine to 10mg (for 1 day) - under phychiatrists directions. Last dose of paroxetine.

5th Aug 2019 - Switch to 15mg Mirtazapine.

5th Aug - 15th Aug 2019 - 15mg Mirtazapine plus intermitent use of Lorazapm (0.25- 0.5 . Also used 12.5mg Quetiapine for 3 nights for sleep.

23rd Aug 2019 - Ended up in crisis team. Mirtazapine increased to 30mg. Diazapam 10mg twice daily.

30th Aug 2019 - Mirtazapine 30mg + Diazapam reduced to 7.5mg twice daily

6th Sept 2019 - Mirtazapine 30mg + Diazapam reduced to 5mg twice daily

13th Sept 2019 - Mirtazapine increased to 45mg. Diazapam increased back up to 10mg twice daily.

20th Sept - 29th Sept 2019: Mirtazapine 45mg. Diazapam being reduced from 10mg down to 0mg this week (in 2mg increments couple of days).

30th Sept - Thursday 3rd Oct 2019: Mirtazapine 45mg. WORST ANXIETY EVER. Akathisia. Couldn't stay still. Suicidal idealization.

Friday 4th October - present: Reduced from 45mg to 30mg (straight drop to alleviate akathisia - reduction definitely helped alot but still not gone completely)

, Vit B6, Curcumin, Magnesium (no adverse effects from adding these supplements - have helped akathisia somewhat).

* Everything done from 23rd August under care of outpatient crisis team management.

 

Untitled document.docx

Link to comment

@Erell wooh! You're moderating! Fantastique! 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

@Erell

Congratulations on becoming a mod.  You'll do great!

 

Gridley

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

Link to comment
  • Moderator

@Erell

 

Congratulations on becoming a moderator.

 

I wish you all the best. I’m sure you will be wonderful 😊

 

Thank you for helping all of us.

 

Take care,

 Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

Link to comment
  • Mentor

@Erell Congrats!! You are so caring and helped many! 

I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 

2008 to 2019  - 20 mg Paroxetine

Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 

2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful.

2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 
2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 

2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you dear survivors ! ❤

We won't let pharma industry win 💪😙

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment
6 minutes ago, Erell said:

We won't let pharma industry win

 

Coucou Erell!

 

Congratulations on your role as moderator. 😉 I am glad you are doing well.

On 2/26/2020 at 11:30 AM, Erell said:

Can't stop To ask myself if I'm doing something wrong for not being able To stabilize after 5 months.

I try To reassure myself by saying : Well maybe it is the last wave before recovery...😇💪

 

I still work fulltime, fortunately I manage To, and it helps me keep distracted sometimes. 

 

I don't expect To be symptom free, but I'd like To reach a more comfortable and stable baseline...

 

You aren't doing anything 'wrong' that you are not be stabilizing for holding after 5 months at the same dose.  Over the past 5 months would you have you have improved or seen an evolualtion of symptoms? 

 

I agree - I don't expect to be symptoms free (in my case for a long time) so just hope for and am grateful for good days - and when I can walk and not be dizzy in the morning!

 

Hugs,

G

Link to comment
8 hours ago, Erell said:

Thank you dear survivors ! ❤

We won't let pharma industry win 💪😙

No we won't. And congratulations to you @Erell :)! 

Summer 2016 - summer 2018: put on Lexapro, going from 5 mg up to 20 mg over the span of the 2 years (had visited shrink for help with obsessive thinking, was not diagnosed with anything in particular, just prescribed Lexapro 15 mins into first session)

Summer 2018: tapered down by 2.5 mg every few weeks

Protracted withdrawal ever since. 0-14 months began with a massive panic attack that landed me in ER, followed by prolonged anxiety, mental fog and a skin rash on my back. Was regularly consuming alcohol as did not know I was in WD. From then onwards, hit with worse myriad symptoms. Currently at 22 months and have electromagnetic sensitivity, brain zaps, brain fog, memory problems (especially name recall), twitch in right eyebrow, daily waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. with fast heartbeats and "sticky" negative memories, suicidal thoughts, rage episodes, temperature dysregulation, physical numbness & weakness, libido loss.   

 

Link to comment
On 9/26/2019 at 6:22 PM, Sassenach said:

  Below is Alto's explanation  and effect of morning cortisol spikes.

 

"In excess, cortisol causes the awful anxiety, depression, and insomnia many of us suffer in withdrawal syndrome.

 

Your natural level of cortisol, a daytime hormone, starts rising about 4:30 a.m. Withdrawal syndrome exaggerates the level of cortisol in the early morning. The normal cortisol peak at dawn is felt as a jolt of anxiety or panic.

 

After the peak around dawn, the cortisol level declines somewhat to the daytime level. At a normal level, cortisol makes you feel energetic for daytime activities.

 

The rise in morning cortisol is triggered by light on your eyelids. Sunlight controls all our circadian rhythms, see https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Circadian_rhythm

 

Blocking out light to the bedroom might help blunt the effect of the morning cortisol jump. If your bedroom gets a lot of morning sun (as mine does, it's south-facing), you might want to put in blackout shades, blackout curtains, and wear a sleep mask. Try a sleep mask first, it's least expensive."

@Sassenach This is super helpful. I've been looking through the forum for info about this issue. My latest symptom is waking up at 4.30 a.m. with my heart beating and negative thoughts. Cortisol spikes. Will try a sleep mask. 

Summer 2016 - summer 2018: put on Lexapro, going from 5 mg up to 20 mg over the span of the 2 years (had visited shrink for help with obsessive thinking, was not diagnosed with anything in particular, just prescribed Lexapro 15 mins into first session)

Summer 2018: tapered down by 2.5 mg every few weeks

Protracted withdrawal ever since. 0-14 months began with a massive panic attack that landed me in ER, followed by prolonged anxiety, mental fog and a skin rash on my back. Was regularly consuming alcohol as did not know I was in WD. From then onwards, hit with worse myriad symptoms. Currently at 22 months and have electromagnetic sensitivity, brain zaps, brain fog, memory problems (especially name recall), twitch in right eyebrow, daily waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. with fast heartbeats and "sticky" negative memories, suicidal thoughts, rage episodes, temperature dysregulation, physical numbness & weakness, libido loss.   

 

Link to comment

Hello @Erell, thought I'd drop by and give you some hugs. At five and a bit months into WD, you are doing really well. Even after we stabilize, things can make us wobble, that's what I'm currently learning.

This is a long, long process and you're doing well.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor
On 3/1/2020 at 1:03 PM, Erell said:

Thank you dear survivors ! ❤

We won't let pharma industry win 💪😙

WE WILL NOT! You are strong and will get through this!! :)

 

Everyday that passes is another day closer to being healed!!! 

I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 

2008 to 2019  - 20 mg Paroxetine

Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 

2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful.

2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 
2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 

2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. 

 

Link to comment
11 hours ago, SolarPlexus said:

Cortisol spikes. Will try a sleep mask. 

 

I wear a sleep mask and it helps immeasurably. On nights where I take it off (subconsiously) - and I face south too - I am more inclined to have cortisol spikes.

 

Thanks for posting Alto's explanation.

 

Dear Erell, I hope you are doing well

On 2/29/2020 at 8:18 AM, Erell said:

February is ending, as Sunny said, let's hang in there and let March offer us more healing 💪😙

 

Here, here! Onward and upward to March. 😉 Jan and Feb were bad months for me (Dec too) - maybe the winter months make things worse...

 

G.

Link to comment

Bonjour Erell!

Quelle joie de trouver quelqu’un avec qui partager cette épreuve  dans ma langue maternelle!

Je vis une situation similaire, en attente de me stabiliser pour pouvoir reprendre le sevrage.

Une longue route nous attends, avec ses obstacles et ses doutes. 
What an amazing party I will do when all will be over! 
Je suis tous les jours reconnaissante d’avoir trouver ce site. 
A+

2008-Today: various ADs, benzos and seroquel , initially for Anxiety Related Insomnia. (Absolutely no other mental issues than simple Insomnia!).

Numerous W/D and C/T of those meds. During those years, my GP diagnosed me with GAD, Depression, etc... It was all W/D related, I know now!

Fall of 2019, after too fast attempt to taper Mirtazapine, put myself in full blown W/D.
February 2020, found SA and staying on 45mg Mirtazapine, waiting for stabilization.

February 2021, I stupidly used some Ativan prn to cope with Mirtazapine W/D symptoms (By far worst mistake of all my life!!).

Became accidentally and rapidly addicted (within 2-3 weeks). Started taper immediately.

Actual medication: Mirtazapine: 40,0mg - holding-
Ativan Taper: Started at 0,29mg march 2021, 03-28 0.28mg/ 04-08 0.27mg/ 04-26 0.25mg/ (...) 10-29 0.18mg/ 04-05-22 0.17mg/ 08-25-22 0.16mg/ 09-15-22 0.15mg/ 10-22-22 0.14mg/…/ 01-12-2023 0.11mg /07-02-2024 switch to 1mg Valium /

14-02-2024 0,9mg Valium.

Supplements: Omega-3, Probiotic.

Link to comment
2 hours ago, Giulietta said:

 

I wear a sleep mask and it helps immeasurably. On nights where I take it off (subconsiously) - and I face south too - I am more inclined to have cortisol spikes.

 

Thanks for posting Alto's explanation.

 

Dear Erell, I hope you are doing well

 

Here, here! Onward and upward to March. 😉 Jan and Feb were bad months for me (Dec too) - maybe the winter months make things worse...

 

G.

Will try a sleep mask. Thanks for your input! 

Summer 2016 - summer 2018: put on Lexapro, going from 5 mg up to 20 mg over the span of the 2 years (had visited shrink for help with obsessive thinking, was not diagnosed with anything in particular, just prescribed Lexapro 15 mins into first session)

Summer 2018: tapered down by 2.5 mg every few weeks

Protracted withdrawal ever since. 0-14 months began with a massive panic attack that landed me in ER, followed by prolonged anxiety, mental fog and a skin rash on my back. Was regularly consuming alcohol as did not know I was in WD. From then onwards, hit with worse myriad symptoms. Currently at 22 months and have electromagnetic sensitivity, brain zaps, brain fog, memory problems (especially name recall), twitch in right eyebrow, daily waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. with fast heartbeats and "sticky" negative memories, suicidal thoughts, rage episodes, temperature dysregulation, physical numbness & weakness, libido loss.   

 

Link to comment
On 3/1/2020 at 9:03 PM, Erell said:

Thank you dear survivors ! ❤

We won't let pharma industry win 💪😙

Yesssss❤️🤗😘

i wasn't on a certain drug all the period. i took many drugs many times and for no very long period but to simplify.

--fluvoxamine maleate100 mg + amisulpride 200mg------started july 2012 and total taper in february 2015 ( 9 months without drugs then)

--sertraline 100mg -------started november 2015 and total taper (withoud reduction slowly) in november 2016( 4 months withoud drugs then).

--sertraline 100mg + quetiabine 25mg ( started in mars 2016 and for 7 months) then fluvoxamine maleate 100mg again for another 7months and after that a something like to use every drug for 14 days and for about 1.5 years.

--my last drug was trintellix 10 mg ( used it in 12/2018and total taper in 4/2019).

symptomts i have now ( bad concentration and problems in short and long memory+ bad depersonalization).

Link to comment
On 3/1/2020 at 5:49 AM, cathnz said:

@MissyE I'm looking into Irene Lyons programme at the moment. So you should recommend? 

@cathnz I hope you went for it.  I have found Irene's help and knowledge invaluable and l haven't even fully engaged with the course yet.  I invested in the 21 day tune up and l recommend you do too.  X 

MissyE

2008 Dec-Feb 2009 GP diazipam; Dec-Jun 2009 fluoxetine. 2010 Jan citalopram approx 4 weeks, Jan- Aug fluox, Oct-Jun 2011 paroxetine; Aug - Dec venlafaxine 37.5mg - 75mg. 2012 Mar-Jul reinstate ven 150mg; Aug swap to fluox 40mg (preg) - Mar 2013  reinstate ven 150mg. 2015 Nov swap to fluox 40mg (preg) Dec suicidal reinstated ven 300mg

2018 Jan ven "pooped" buspirone added/stopped; pentagablin added; March pent stopped & ven taper - 0 June; August betablockers started/ stopped; September mirtazapine 15mg and diazepam 2mg started/stopped; October ven 300mg reinstated. 

2019 Jan psychiatrist added mirt 15mg (aiming for "California rocket fuel" therapeutic dose).  No more meds: gradual taper mirt Feb-April (taken for < 3 weeks).

Commenced ven taper 5-10% 6-10 weekly 2019 April - Nov: 225mg.  Tapering 8 weekly in alignment with menstrual cycle 2020 Jan 212.5mg; Mar 200mg; Jun 187.5mg hold

Oct all meds stopped sectioned under mental health act psychosis olanzapine 20mg PRN lorazepam

Dec 600mg lithium 15mg olanzapine

1-2g omega 3 & 400ug folic acid

2 puffs pulmicort inhaler.

This too shall pass.

 

Link to comment

Dear @Erell,

Hope you are ok over there in France at the moment, as everything closes down. Also, hope the virus is not creating too much anxiety for you and that you are well and infection free, yourself. Been thinking of you and watching the news. These are very weird times we are living through. xxx Sending hugs xxx

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello 

 

Yes, we actually live a weird and anxious time, thank you for the thoughts. Because of my work, I don't have much time to spend here, but I think of you too ❤️

 

I read a lot of catastrophizing thoughts, and I wanna take the chance to recall a message : we always have the choice of the story we will tell to ourselves. And I think this is an important message while in WD.

 

Let me explain this

 

First, there are facts :

 

- a strong and contagious virus is dispersing in the world

- I suffer from a lot of symptoms because of WD

 

With facts, the only thing you can do is practice acceptance  : you can't do anything against facts, you can't cancel them. They are, that's all.

 

But once we have said that, we also know that our mind can't stop to tell stories about facts. And this is exactly where we can have a power : pay attention to our thoughts and choose the story we want to tell ourselves.

With facts, my thoughts can go all over the place, and usually thoughts go to catastrophizing  

 

- everybody is gonna die / people will get crazy and soon it will be civil war / ....

 

- in WD : I'll never get better / my life is ruined / I'm gonna loose everybody and everything / ...

 

But I also can choose to tell myself : (or choose to pay attention to certain things rather than others..)

 

- this hard time will provide new solidarities / We need to follow the rules to make sure epidemy stops / I'm gonna be able to take some rest / thanks to confinement, I'll spend a lot of my time doing selfcare / ....

- in WD : this is a terribly hard time, but I know things can get better and my brain has the ability to heal / I'm stronger than I think / what a nice surprise : I found a forum where other people undertsand me and can advise me / ....

 

 

This is not about positive or negative, but about the glasses you choose to wear to keep yourself safe, and about the importance of your imaginary.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the Corona is a great opportunity. Because it is not. And I'm not saying : Corona = WD. Because it is not.

I'm only saying that we need to use the tools we learn in WD to apply them during  this very particular and anxious time.

 

Remember : you always have the choice of the story you'll tell yourself ❤️

 

 

Take care ❤️

 

ps : and on a more humoristic note : we, agoraphobic people in WD, are already ready for confinement ;)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Erell

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment
  • Mentor
3 minutes ago, Erell said:

 

I read a lot of catastrophizing thoughts, and I wanna take the chance to recall a message : we always have the choice of the story we will tell to ourselves. And I think this is an important message

 

 

 

 

That is a wonderful saying and words to live by, Erell!

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

Link to comment

I'm glad, @Erell, that you are taking this stance! 

I've been really upset, have to admit. I'm gonna take strength from your words x

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Erell, how are you doing?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

Erell, how are you doing?

 

Hello 

Thanks for asking ❤

 

- To be honest, i'm tired : I work in care, so these days a very intense!

But next week I don't work, so I'll get some rest and spend more time here :)

 

- as you know, there is no more liquid Paxil in France.

I have been able To get liquid fluoxétine.

I want To wait for my periods before switching. 

So, probably next week, i'll introduce fluoxétine.

 

- first i'll try To add 1mg fluoxétine To my 10mg Paroxetine, and see how it goes

 

- then it would be : adding 1mg fluoxétine every 5 days until I reach 5mg.

- then, drop 1mg Paroxetine every 3 days until I reach 0mg.

 

Does it sound ok ?

 

 

Take care ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Sounds okay to me. I hope it goes well.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Good luck @Erell, I think that's a good idea for the long term, anyway. Better to taper off fluox than paxil, I reckon. I'm currently trying to persuade pharmacy / gp to prescribe extra venlafaxine in case of shortage.

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi @Erell good luck to you with the new taper. You worded it very well regarding the virus and how we choose to look at things. I think it's especially important for people on here to keep in mind but also for people in general.

 

Take care.

2011-2015: Escitalopram (Cipralex) 20 mg, Voxra 300 mg (quit Voxra in late 2015, no issues)

2016: Started tapering Escitalopram 5 mg at a time, every fourth week

July 24th, 2016: Escitalopram 5 mg

April 2nd, 2017: Quit last dosage (WD worsened a lot)

Ca 6 last months of 2017: Taking Diazepam 15-25 mg irregularly, less than once a month

Ca Dec 2017: Out of Diazepam, i.e free from all prescribed drugs

Now: Still drug free

Supplements: Irregular intake of Omega-3, magnesium, vitamin D.

Link to comment

Hello @Erell, just dropping by to give you hugs and say I'm wishing you well. The world is crazy right now, hoping you are finding some peace and stability with it all. I read that you are not working net week and so will be around here a bit, that's great, will be nice to catch up with you online. 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

Link to comment
On 3/16/2020 at 12:34 PM, Erell said:

Hello 

 

Yes, we actually live a weird and anxious time, thank you for the thoughts. Because of my work, I don't have much time to spend here, but I think of you too ❤️

 

I read a lot of catastrophizing thoughts, and I wanna take the chance to recall a message : we always have the choice of the story we will tell to ourselves. And I think this is an important message while in WD.

 

Let me explain this

 

First, there are facts :

 

- a strong and contagious virus is dispersing in the world

- I suffer from a lot of symptoms because of WD

 

With facts, the only thing you can do is practice acceptance  : you can't do anything against facts, you can't cancel them. They are, that's all.

 

But once we have said that, we also know that our mind can't stop to tell stories about facts. And this is exactly where we can have a power : pay attention to our thoughts and choose the story we want to tell ourselves.

With facts, my thoughts can go all over the place, and usually thoughts go to catastrophizing  

 

- everybody is gonna die / people will get crazy and soon it will be civil war / ....

 

- in WD : I'll never get better / my life is ruined / I'm gonna loose everybody and everything / ...

 

But I also can choose to tell myself : (or choose to pay attention to certain things rather than others..)

 

- this hard time will provide new solidarities / We need to follow the rules to make sure epidemy stops / I'm gonna be able to take some rest / thanks to confinement, I'll spend a lot of my time doing selfcare / ....

- in WD : this is a terribly hard time, but I know things can get better and my brain has the ability to heal / I'm stronger than I think / what a nice surprise : I found a forum where other people undertsand me and can advise me / ....

 

 

This is not about positive or negative, but about the glasses you choose to wear to keep yourself safe, and about the importance of your imaginary.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the Corona is a great opportunity. Because it is not. And I'm not saying : Corona = WD. Because it is not.

I'm only saying that we need to use the tools we learn in WD to apply them during  this very particular and anxious time.

 

Remember : you always have the choice of the story you'll tell yourself ❤️

 

 

Take care ❤️

 

ps : and on a more humoristic note : we, agoraphobic people in WD, are already ready for confinement ;)

 

 

 

 

 

Love your post @Erell. Been thinking along the same lines lately.  "we need to use the tools we learn in WD to apply them during  this very particular and anxious time." Totally agree. 

Summer 2016 - summer 2018: put on Lexapro, going from 5 mg up to 20 mg over the span of the 2 years (had visited shrink for help with obsessive thinking, was not diagnosed with anything in particular, just prescribed Lexapro 15 mins into first session)

Summer 2018: tapered down by 2.5 mg every few weeks

Protracted withdrawal ever since. 0-14 months began with a massive panic attack that landed me in ER, followed by prolonged anxiety, mental fog and a skin rash on my back. Was regularly consuming alcohol as did not know I was in WD. From then onwards, hit with worse myriad symptoms. Currently at 22 months and have electromagnetic sensitivity, brain zaps, brain fog, memory problems (especially name recall), twitch in right eyebrow, daily waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. with fast heartbeats and "sticky" negative memories, suicidal thoughts, rage episodes, temperature dysregulation, physical numbness & weakness, libido loss.   

 

Link to comment
On 3/14/2020 at 2:27 AM, MissyE said:

@cathnz I hope you went for it.  I have found Irene's help and knowledge invaluable and l haven't even fully engaged with the course yet.  I invested in the 21 day tune up and l recommend you do too.  X 

@MissyE No I haven't invested yet. I'm saving up for it. How is the 21 day course going?

I'm feeling very scared, very unwell, and desperate for help 😣

Aug 2004 - Dec 2006: Aropax ( 20mg - 30mg). Aug 2007: Fluoxetine (for 3 weeks).

Sept 07 - July 12: Lexapro ( 10mg - 20mg). Pooped out July 12. Titrated down off Lexapro over 3 weeks and switched to Paroxetine (with Xanax to cover switch for 2 weeks).

Aug 2012 - Aug 2019: Paroxetine (titrated up to 20mg in first few weeks,, dose reduced to 15mg . for 7 years until it 'pooped out'.

4th Aug 2019 - Reduced dose of paroxetine to 10mg (for 1 day) - under phychiatrists directions. Last dose of paroxetine.

5th Aug 2019 - Switch to 15mg Mirtazapine.

5th Aug - 15th Aug 2019 - 15mg Mirtazapine plus intermitent use of Lorazapm (0.25- 0.5 . Also used 12.5mg Quetiapine for 3 nights for sleep.

23rd Aug 2019 - Ended up in crisis team. Mirtazapine increased to 30mg. Diazapam 10mg twice daily.

30th Aug 2019 - Mirtazapine 30mg + Diazapam reduced to 7.5mg twice daily

6th Sept 2019 - Mirtazapine 30mg + Diazapam reduced to 5mg twice daily

13th Sept 2019 - Mirtazapine increased to 45mg. Diazapam increased back up to 10mg twice daily.

20th Sept - 29th Sept 2019: Mirtazapine 45mg. Diazapam being reduced from 10mg down to 0mg this week (in 2mg increments couple of days).

30th Sept - Thursday 3rd Oct 2019: Mirtazapine 45mg. WORST ANXIETY EVER. Akathisia. Couldn't stay still. Suicidal idealization.

Friday 4th October - present: Reduced from 45mg to 30mg (straight drop to alleviate akathisia - reduction definitely helped alot but still not gone completely)

, Vit B6, Curcumin, Magnesium (no adverse effects from adding these supplements - have helped akathisia somewhat).

* Everything done from 23rd August under care of outpatient crisis team management.

 

Untitled document.docx

Link to comment
On 3/23/2020 at 12:33 AM, SolarPlexus said:

"we need to use the tools we learn in WD to apply them during  this very particular and anxious time." Totally agree. 

 

This is right on.  Use adaptive thinking. And as all things in life, in print, on TV, etc. - you can't believe everything you are 'told'. ;) This is no exception.

 

The world has survived multiple catastrophes before we came along. And it will this as well. It seems bad now.

 

Following best practices to stay well (and self-isolate) will get us through this. All the things we do in WD to help ourselves bode well for this.

 

On 3/16/2020 at 7:14 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

I've been really upset, have to admit. I'm gonna take strength from your words x

 

Me too.

 

On 3/18/2020 at 3:32 PM, Erell said:

- To be honest, i'm tired : I work in care, so these days a very intense!

 

I have been thinking of you and hope you are staying healthy. Congrats on moving along in your taper. Enjoy your break from work next week.

 

Hugs,

G

Link to comment
2 hours ago, cathnz said:

@MissyE No I haven't invested yet. I'm saving up for it. How is the 21 day course going?

I'm feeling very scared, very unwell, and desperate for help 😣

Oh Cath I'm sorry to read that your struggling.  Irene has loads of free stuff you can try.  I love her heart meditation.  I'll post it on my thread.  Even if you just lie and listen. 

This is all part of WD, it's horrible and unfair, but you're doing the right thing reaching out on here.  

Love Missy x

MissyE

2008 Dec-Feb 2009 GP diazipam; Dec-Jun 2009 fluoxetine. 2010 Jan citalopram approx 4 weeks, Jan- Aug fluox, Oct-Jun 2011 paroxetine; Aug - Dec venlafaxine 37.5mg - 75mg. 2012 Mar-Jul reinstate ven 150mg; Aug swap to fluox 40mg (preg) - Mar 2013  reinstate ven 150mg. 2015 Nov swap to fluox 40mg (preg) Dec suicidal reinstated ven 300mg

2018 Jan ven "pooped" buspirone added/stopped; pentagablin added; March pent stopped & ven taper - 0 June; August betablockers started/ stopped; September mirtazapine 15mg and diazepam 2mg started/stopped; October ven 300mg reinstated. 

2019 Jan psychiatrist added mirt 15mg (aiming for "California rocket fuel" therapeutic dose).  No more meds: gradual taper mirt Feb-April (taken for < 3 weeks).

Commenced ven taper 5-10% 6-10 weekly 2019 April - Nov: 225mg.  Tapering 8 weekly in alignment with menstrual cycle 2020 Jan 212.5mg; Mar 200mg; Jun 187.5mg hold

Oct all meds stopped sectioned under mental health act psychosis olanzapine 20mg PRN lorazepam

Dec 600mg lithium 15mg olanzapine

1-2g omega 3 & 400ug folic acid

2 puffs pulmicort inhaler.

This too shall pass.

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello dears,

 

still quite busy with a lot of work, but happy to see some news from you !

 

I need some help to make sure my calculations are right ;)

In order to do a Prozac bridge

 

- liquid fluoxetine : 20mg = 5ml   so 1mg = 0.25ml

 

- I put 1ml fluoxetine in 10ml of water, mix it and remove 0.75ml to throw it. Then I drink the mixture.

 

Does it sound ok? ( @brassmonkey)

 

Thank you ❤️

 

Edited by Erell

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

Link to comment

Hi Erell

 

What is the point of switching to Fluoxetine ?

2017 Feb : Lexapro 10mg.

2017 May : Lexapro 20mg.

2017 Nov : CT Lexapro

2017 Dec Reinstated Lexapro 20mg.

2018 Feb : Lexapro 20 + Effexor 75

May to December : Taper Lexapro 

2019 Apr : Effexor 56mg

2019 May : Effexor 37,5mg

2019 Jun : Effexor 18,75mg

2019 Aug : Reinstated Effexor 37,5mg.

2020 Oct : Slowly updose Effexor

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator

Hi Erell-- That would give a final dose of 3.7mgai of Fluoxetine. Which would be about an 8% reduction from the original dose of 4mgai.

 

I hope everything is going well for you.  We were meant to be arriving in Paris in three days but the lock down has caused us to change plans.  We were forced to leave India five days ago and couldn't go to France early so we had to come home.  It was quite the challenge getting things rebooked, ended up in Singapore and Tokyo instead.  Now we are home and not allowed to leave the house. That's two times in a row we've had to miss out on Paris, one of these days we'll finally get back there.

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

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy