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sunnysideup69: what can I do to stabilise on venlafaxine


sunnysideup69

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1 hour ago, MissyE said:

Morning love.  I have a triangle of spots on my left cheek (like a therefore) near my mouth and spots and rashes around my mouth.  Saw them and thought of you 😘

 

That made me chuckle....solidarity in our spottiness, Missy :) I'm beginning to accept mine a bit more. Kind of. Sorta.

 

 

1 hour ago, MissyE said:

  I also have red under my nose like I'm a bloody coke head or have a cold all the time or both. I can't remember when this first came but it hasn't gone yet.

 

 

Yeah, I have this too! I even see it going into my nose a little bit, which looks well dodgy! My top lip, when I overheat (like yesterday on my run) also goes a bit red and blotchy like it's going to break out, but it doesn't. It's all so flippin weird. I'm actually going to do a few weeks of celery juicing in the mornings. I'm thinking all this comes from inflammation in the body, caused by the stress of WD. Not really looking forward to the celery, but I've heard it's anti inflammatory.

 

1 hour ago, MissyE said:

 

I'm using this window to spring clean my house and declutter.  First time exercise has gone on the back burner.  Only til I'm up to home baseline then I'll get back on it.  Still getting outside for fresh air.

The atmosphere here is gorgeous at the moment.  So much giggling and fun.  Mummy's mood really does set the tone for the family.  Have a good day.

Love Missy x

 

I'm so glad to read this! You sound in good spirits Missy, long may it continue :)

 

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.

 

 

 

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12 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

That made me chuckle....solidarity in our spottiness, Missy :) I'm beginning to accept mine a bit more. Kind of. Sorta.

 

Hahaha I have an image of us when we meet up (I hope we do some day).  Instead of a flower in our lapel to help recognise each other, we have the spots and red noses 🙈

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.

 

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Notes for Sunday 19th January ...WD normal kind of day, some minor anxiety which fades as day progresses

 

3am woke, back to sleep

woke again 450 ish

520 up

some intrusive, anxious thoughts about work this am, anxiety around 2

700 Venlafaxine XR 75mg plus fish oil 1100mg

Been a bit obsessive about skin this morning and anxiety has stayed around 2

1230 lunch

Did my gym exercises this afternoon, actually feeling quite tired today

Just relax, take a short afternoon walk, watch tv

1800 supper then youtube/tv

1945 watching gardening prog lulls me to sleep

woke up, not sure when, then put myself to bed, fell asleep straight away

 

 

Notes for Monday 20th January...WD normal kind of day, some minor anxiety which fades as day progresses

A bit wakeful from early on, guessing from around 4am, but kept closing eyes and drifting off again

510 got up, drank celery juice ( gonna try this for 30 days to see if it helps skin to recover )

6am drank tea

630 ate breakfast

700 Venlafaxine 75mg XR plus 1100mg fish oil

Again, minor anxiety today, about 2

800 shower and meditation ( have been meditating every day for 20 mins, I just forget to log it. Ditto, showering :D )

1230 lunch slightly sore throat and chills today, minor headache

 

Afternoon, mostly anxiety has gone, still obsessing a bit about skin today. I want my clear skin back! But I know it's all part of the WD process. Trying to change the channel and not indulge the compulsion to keep checking my skin. God, WD keeps throwing up tests, doesn't it? Been feeling quite tired also today. Went out this afternoon to buy ingredients for a raw cake I am going to make friends...I do still have some dips in mood, but I'd call them 'apathy' rather than 'depression', now. I'm not lapsing into existential crisis any more, thank god.

1800 supper, then relaxing watching tv/ youtube

1900 began to feel sleepy, woke myself up a bit, walked around, but am pretty sure by 2000 was sleeping again

2230ish, woke on sofa, got up, took self to bed, immediately to sleep

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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Knackered today, skin still weird, will post updates later after work. Just checking in to say hello, hang in there, to everyone :) 

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.

 

 

 

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Will do a proper update tomorrow, on my day off. However, the good news is, since December 24th, my days have either been WD normal, which is okay and even a bit improved with minor anxiety, or windows ❤️❤️❤️ with only 2 days of feeling wavey, which were after some mental/emotional exertion.

 

Most days now, I'm not even thinking about WD apart from in the mornings. Over the last month I've been pretty much stable, with easily tolerable symptoms, which is such a relief after 18 months of struggling and thinking I won't stabilise. I'm so relieved.

 

Most prevalent symptoms still are sleep instability at times, although it's gradually improving.And some spots/ eczema.

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.

 

 

 

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15 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Will do a proper update tomorrow, on my day off. However, the good news is, since December 24th, my days have either been WD normal, which is okay and even a bit improved with minor anxiety, or windows ❤️❤️❤️ with only 2 days of feeling wavey, which were after some mental/emotional exertion.

 

Most days now, I'm not even thinking about WD apart from in the mornings. Over the last month I've been pretty much stable, with easily tolerable symptoms, which is such a relief after 18 months of struggling and thinking I won't stabilise. I'm so relieved.

 

Most prevalent symptoms still are sleep instability at times, although it's gradually improving.And some spots/ eczema.


Wow, so good to hear things are turning around for you! Gives me hope I might get there at some point as well. You have struggled through so much, you deserve this!!

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 

 

 

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  • Mentor

That is so awesome to hear!! So happy for you! May many more great days follow!! 

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. 

 

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10 hours ago, thelegend said:


Wow, so good to hear things are turning around for you! Gives me hope I might get there at some point as well. You have struggled through so much, you deserve this!!

 

Thank you @thelegend, I'm living proof that things can take a while to settle. I'm getting there and you will, too.

 

 

8 hours ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

That is so awesome to hear!! So happy for you! May many more great days follow!! 

 

Thanks so much @Cocopuffz17, it's great to feel you're healing, isn't it? Gives me hope that I will eventually successfully taper off, too.

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.

 

 

 

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Ok, have stopped with the daily notes now as I'm levelling out ❤️ Will resume again when I start my taper. I'm not yet six months post switching and I feel as if I'd like to add another six onto that just to enjoy some stability. I wobbled for a good year and a half and did some kindling, so I'm not rushing again.

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.

 

 

 

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Hello friends, am here for a chat and a quick reccy of all your threadsa.

 

@Gridley, hello! Thought I'd say thanks for all your encouragement thus far. Good news is, I've been relatively stable over the last month, since 26th December. Still ups and downs but they are minor and manageable.

Guess I'm tempting fate by telling you this, but ...stability s happening. Still gonna be cautious though. I'm only 5.5 months into switching to Venlafaxine. Will see how I feel about tapering when I get another two months of stability, although am also thinking I want to hold longer as I'd really like to get to the end of the summer term at school with relative ease. 

You kept telling me I'd be ok, and I am, so thank you :) 

Main symptoms left are spots/eczema which gradually appeared after the 3 months-post- Citalopram mark and are still there, but only on my face (typical.) Hopefully this seems to have peaked and will now heal....oh by the way, I contacted prescribing psych who switched me to Venlafaxine and he said the facial stuff was unlikely to be due to the Ven as it would most likely have occurred much sooner than 3 months, so we were right about it most likely being Citalopram. 

 

Anyways, hope your jaunt back to the village down the mountain has been okay.

 

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.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Oh dear ! I can't tell you how pleased I am To read how Well you're stabilising! You deserve it, enjoy these quiet days ❤

 

I also want To thank you : I read a lot of your posts on SA, you're a beautiful person giving Time To other survivors !

 

And thank you for sharing your expérience, you give everybody hope 🤗

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.

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What Erell said.  I'm reading and smiling.  Your skin will clear and glow once again, you're stable and healing and this too shall pass.  

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.

 

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1 hour ago, Erell said:

Oh dear ! I can't tell you how pleased I am To read how Well you're stabilising! You deserve it, enjoy these quiet days ❤

 

I also want To thank you : I read a lot of your posts on SA, you're a beautiful person giving Time To other survivors !

 

And thank you for sharing your expérience, you give everybody hope 🤗

 

Aw @Erell, that's so lovely. Thank you. It is such a relief to have a relatively stable time after such a long recovery...and thank you for the compliment. Likewise, you are wonderfully generous with people.

I'm glad this inspires hope. I won't be going anywhere, will still be here posting, it's important to let people know that you can struggle for AGES stabilising, but basically be ok in the end ❤️

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.

 

 

 

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28 minutes ago, MissyE said:

What Erell said.  I'm reading and smiling.  Your skin will clear and glow once again, you're stable and healing and this too shall pass.  

Missy x

Thanks so much @MissyE...we're healing and this all will be a distant memory, one day ❤️ 

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.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 1/26/2020 at 10:37 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

3 months-post- Citalopram mark

I think I've already said this, but the 3-month mark is a very common place when symptoms appear.

 

I'm so glad you're doing so well.  The switchover is working, and that's really great.  Yes, you are going to be okay.

 

Waiting until the end of the summer term sounds like a good idea to me.

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.

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6 hours ago, Gridley said:

I think I've already said this, but the 3-month mark is a very common place when symptoms appear.

 

I'm so glad you're doing so well.  The switchover is working, and that's really great.  Yes, you are going to be okay.

 

Waiting until the end of the summer term sounds like a good idea to me.

 

Yep, am convinced the skin thing is a Citalopram cessation WD thing now. It was bang on three months post switch that the first bit of eczema started to appear. I often forget that skin is an organ, too and that all organs are affected by these drugs. Anyway, focussing now on self care as much as possible and will see how I feel in July, whether I'm ready to start a taper or not. Would like a few months of relative stability first. My nervous system is still fragile, I notice that when under stress.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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Hello Sweetie,

 

I see you are doing well although you would like to have the beautiful complexion back.  I have been off for a couple of weeks - multiple reasons - but wondering how you are, work, family, exercise classes and this WD nonesense.

 

About eczema - there are a few RX creams you could try if you want. I would describe my skin as very intolerant (more than sensitive). I have rosacea and seb dermatitis which are prone to flare-up during times of stress. When my skin flares up - and doesn't resolve in a couple of weeks - it will likely worsen -   so I end up using an RX cream. Otherwise I don't put a thing on it. Rinse with water. Maybe a very light basic moisturizer with SPF-15 (think Olay Simple Moisure - name in USA). No makeup. Little touching. No washcloth. No wipes. YOu may already do these things. :)

 

I  tossed  out my cream since it was past the expiration date.

 

Hugs,

Giulietta

 

 

 

 

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Morning Sunny.  I was thinking about your taper and this may help while you keep holding til you're ready.  I have been tapering for a year in April and have gone from 300mg to 212.5mg.  I would be over the moon to be at 75mg, but that is for future Missy.  I am working on accepting that where l am right now is where l need to be and the slow taper has enabled me to have come this far.  You are getting ready to taper and perhaps planning your actual start date.  You will know when you're ready.  You're doing great.  For me the biggest challenge is holding. Love, peace, sparkles; namaste 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.

 

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Hey @Guilietta, gonna play proper catch up with messages this weekend. Will PM you xxx

 

Re the eczema...it's on my eyelids and so my GP won't give prescription meds, no hydrocortisone etc. Don't know if that's a UK thing. So am using plain old aqueous cream...I think it's slowly healing up, it's not quite as stingy as it was, doesn't feel quite as dry, apart from the it that's under one eye. It's very strange and not like any eczema I've had before. I'm also randomly sneezy with itchy eyes, bit like hayfever....histamine is probably all out of whack, thinking my skin stuff is linked to histamine levels also

 

The spots around my mouth/ at right side of my nose are also really weird and are taking ages to heal. That's what convinces me it's WD....they are like nothing I've seen before. My skin also feels randomly itchy, then a bit sore. Just letting it heal itself as much as possible.

A beautician friend advised a glycolic acid serum to help the skin regenerate, I've used it a bit, but am kind of thinking I might just use my gentle cleanser and moisturiser now.

 

My skin seems to be in shock from the abrupt switch, these meds must really mess with our organs if they affect the skin like this, too.

 

Overall though, am doing a lot better :) Just hanging out, stabilising and trying to remember not to push myself even though am feeling better.

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.

 

 

 

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  • Mentor
3 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Hey @Guilietta, gonna play proper catch up with messages this weekend. Will PM you xxx

 

Re the eczema...it's on my eyelids and so my GP won't give prescription meds, no hydrocortisone etc. Don't know if that's a UK thing. So am using plain old aqueous cream...I think it's slowly healing up, it's not quite as stingy as it was, doesn't feel quite as dry, apart from the it that's under one eye. It's very strange and not like any eczema I've had before. I'm also randomly sneezy with itchy eyes, bit like hayfever....histamine is probably all out of whack, thinking my skin stuff is linked to histamine levels also

 

The spots around my mouth/ at right side of my nose are also really weird and are taking ages to heal. That's what convinces me it's WD....they are like nothing I've seen before. My skin also feels randomly itchy, then a bit sore. Just letting it heal itself as much as possible.

A beautician friend advised a glycolic acid serum to help the skin regenerate, I've used it a bit, but am kind of thinking I might just use my gentle cleanser and moisturiser now.

 

My skin seems to be in shock from the abrupt switch, these meds must really mess with our organs if they affect the skin like this, too.

 

Overall though, am doing a lot better :) Just hanging out, stabilising and trying to remember not to push myself even though am feeling better.

I would say so..... I literally started shedding like a snake with the amount of skin I was losing during WDs. It is way better now and is back to normal. I agree if it does this to the skin what is it doing to our insides.  All the best! 

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. 

 

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On 1/31/2020 at 6:31 AM, MissyE said:

Morning Sunny.  I was thinking about your taper and this may help while you keep holding til you're ready.  I have been tapering for a year in April and have gone from 300mg to 212.5mg.  I would be over the moon to be at 75mg, but that is for future Missy.  I am working on accepting that where l am right now is where l need to be and the slow taper has enabled me to have come this far.  You are getting ready to taper and perhaps planning your actual start date.  You will know when you're ready.  You're doing great.  For me the biggest challenge is holding. Love, peace, sparkles; namaste Missy x

Hey @MissyE, thanks for this, it does help. I'm not gonna make any decisions re tapering yet, not until end of August, after the school summer hls. Decided I'd wait that long because my last two summer holidays have been awful, both fraught with not being stable. I'd like to be healthy enough to enjoy the time this year. In September, gonna see how I feel and think about a start date for tapering but, to be honest, that day might not be until the end of this year, 2020. It's been such a tough May 2018 til December 2019, I need some respite from suffering. My whole system needs it....my skin is making that apparent ;) 

 

I'm 51 this month and my loose tapering arrangement with  myself at the mo is I'd like to resume tapering before I'm 52. Likely by Next November/December.

Holding is tough, but I've learned the hard way, stability first. Need to get some CBT under my belt first, too, really gotta try to build better strategies for dealing with anxiety as that has been the driver of every lapse into breakdown/depression. That, plus alcohol. I've waved bye bye to alcohol forever, I think.

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
13 minutes ago, Cocopuffz17 said:

I would say so..... I literally started shedding like a snake with the amount of skin I was losing during WDs. It is way better now and is back to normal. I agree if it does this to the skin what is it doing to our insides.  All the best! 

 

Really, you too? It's so weird, isn't it. Thanks @Cocopuffz17, reassuring to know it righted itself. I just gotta be patient and trust in the natural healing capacity of the body. I feel as if I'm watching my skin do what my brain is trying to do at the moment, if that makes any sense. It's a slow process.

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

Hello survivors :) Quick update / hello/ notes for self also. 

 

Well, another decent week, WD normal, with windows. A couple of mornings slightly more anxiety, but nothing out of proportion. Also, it's nearly end of half term, we're in winter and I'm knackered, sure that's all contributing. Looking forward to school half term holidays.

 

My skin is still weird. I know it's WD, but have still obsessed a bit about it at beginning of week. Also, I got a 'normal' pimple on Thursday, which had dried up and gone away by this morning. These WD pimples are long lasting and heal very, very slowly, almost as if they are reflecting what's going on with my brain.

Was trying some fancy shmancy glycolic serum on them, but now have decided to just gently cleanse, moisturise with aqueous cream and that's it. Concentrate on feeding skin from within. Like the brain/CNS, the skin system will heal itself given time.

 

Forgot to mention this before, but round about the same time my skin started to go weird, mid November, I also developed a huge ulcer on the left inside of my bottom lip. It was really sore. And it just wouldn't heal. Got my GP to check it wasn't anything dodgy at the same time as he checked my skin and he attributed it to stress. I think it was the stress of WD. Finally, it has pretty much healed and gone away :) 

 

Sleep is still variable but overall not bad. I must be getting 6.5 to 7 hours a night, regularly, and have stopped the bad habit of falling asleep for three hours on the sofa. No napping before bedtime. My dreams are still quite 'busy' and during what must be my last period of REM sleep, I still tend to wake up. Rest of my sleep is a bit fitful, in and out of sleep. Hopefully this will also improve.

 

Work was quite stressful, felt it a bit on Friday but I'm coping better now.

I'm approaching the six month mark for medication switch, so it seems like six is the magic stability number for me. Gonna hold for at least another six months now, as it's been a tough 18 months. I need to recuperate.

 

Am experimenting with no Omega 3 supplements since last Thursday, I eat oily fish about 3x per week, so we'll see how that goes.

Final note to self. Been slipping on the daily meditation and restorative yoga this week. MUST NOT, as these hold me together.

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

Hello Sweetie,

Just looked at your recent messages and othrs - vision poor and HA this morning (plus other stuff) but want tgo give you some feedback. Sorry about typos.

 

I understand the skin stuff is really updsetting - at a personal level I know this - eyes, mouth, nose, cheeks, dry and scaley and itchy, the whole stinking lot. I get it.  In brief (sort of):

 

The facial stuff is I am quite sure rosacea and seb derm - abbreviation for sebborheic dermatitis (at least the former) flare ups. I don't recommend 't antagonize with special creams, acids or anything unless MD prescribed. Less is best. Less contact is best. I use water and don't apply moisturers unless I need to. I have two topical meds on hand that I use when it flares up I think I provided names earlier. Depending on severity of  case and type of pimple etc. I use one or he other.

 

Are the things on the sides of your mouth kind of scaley? And they probably are sore when you eat? This is probably angular cheilitis. I get this too from time to time. I have been to the derm for it (and my collection of other derm %$##). 🤣 which is truly no laughing matter i realize. ;) I may dab a small bit of hydrocortisone cream on with a q-tip. It is the result of your autoimmune system not working.  This is related to rosaceua and seb derm. This takes time to heal. Don'it irrate. Some foods also may irritate - tomatos are an example - so maybe acidic?

 

Pimples and redness. Derm stuff flares up during periods of stress and anxiety. So even if you don't have a t rigger per se - it is just overall stress - you may/will experience this. If you have rosacea and seborrhic dermatitive (in combo or alone) - there is an extremely high likelihood this may happen. It has in some cases (inclulding minen) got bad but resolves with RXs. Somepeople are predisposed.

 

7 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Re the eczema...it's on my eyelids and so my GP won't give prescription meds, no hydrocortisone etc. Don't know if that's a UK thing

 

Are these chalazions or styes? Is it on the RIMof your eyelid or on the skin?  Is your vision affected?

 

I get chalazions or styes and Unless your eyes are very bad the opthalmologist wont' for good reason prescribe cortisone drops or creams. I get only when chalaians or styes are bad, increasing in size, etc. 

 

I'm out of thoughts for now. Sorry about your copmlexion and eyes and mouth.

 

If you have little white pimples really, really tiny - these may be milia. look up online. Again, I don't mess with these pesky things. I find mine go up and down and size.

 

Hugs. My skin - above all my crummy things growing up - I think bothered me the most. It will heal.

 

Your friend,

G.

 

 

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  • Mentor
7 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

 

Really, you too? It's so weird, isn't it. Thanks @Cocopuffz17, reassuring to know it righted itself. I just gotta be patient and trust in the natural healing capacity of the body. I feel as if I'm watching my skin do what my brain is trying to do at the moment, if that makes any sense. It's a slow process.

Absolutely it makes sense. Alcohol is huge, when I was feeling better I thought I could just have a few. I was wrong. I have cut it out indefinitely until I fully heal for sure. The setbacks it gave me are not worth it. Nutrition for me I find an absolute must. Soon as I slip from a healthy nutrition plan WD return in a day or two. 
 

All the best. Remember everyday that passes is one 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
On 2/1/2020 at 2:04 PM, Guilietta said:

Hello Sweetie,

Just looked at your recent messages and othrs - vision poor and HA this morning (plus other stuff) but want tgo give you some feedback. Sorry about typos.

 

I understand the skin stuff is really updsetting - at a personal level I know this - eyes, mouth, nose, cheeks, dry and scaley and itchy, the whole stinking lot. I get it.  In brief (sort of):

 

The facial stuff is I am quite sure rosacea and seb derm - abbreviation for sebborheic dermatitis (at least the former) flare ups. I don't recommend 't antagonize with special creams, acids or anything unless MD prescribed. Less is best. Less contact is best. I use water and don't apply moisturers unless I need to. I have two topical meds on hand that I use when it flares up I think I provided names earlier. Depending on severity of  case and type of pimple etc. I use one or he other.

 

Are the things on the sides of your mouth kind of scaley? And they probably are sore when you eat? This is probably angular cheilitis. I get this too from time to time. I have been to the derm for it (and my collection of other derm %$##). 🤣 which is truly no laughing matter i realize. ;) I may dab a small bit of hydrocortisone cream on with a q-tip. It is the result of your autoimmune system not working.  This is related to rosaceua and seb derm. This takes time to heal. Don'it irrate. Some foods also may irritate - tomatos are an example - so maybe acidic?

 

Pimples and redness. Derm stuff flares up during periods of stress and anxiety. So even if you don't have a t rigger per se - it is just overall stress - you may/will experience this. If you have rosacea and seborrhic dermatitive (in combo or alone) - there is an extremely high likelihood this may happen. It has in some cases (inclulding minen) got bad but resolves with RXs. Somepeople are predisposed.

 

 

Are these chalazions or styes? Is it on the RIMof your eyelid or on the skin?  Is your vision affected?

 

I get chalazions or styes and Unless your eyes are very bad the opthalmologist wont' for good reason prescribe cortisone drops or creams. I get only when chalaians or styes are bad, increasing in size, etc. 

 

I'm out of thoughts for now. Sorry about your copmlexion and eyes and mouth.

 

If you have little white pimples really, really tiny - these may be milia. look up online. Again, I don't mess with these pesky things. I find mine go up and down and size.

 

Hugs. My skin - above all my crummy things growing up - I think bothered me the most. It will heal.

 

Your friend,

G.

 

 

 

Thanks @Guilietta, this is very helpful.Will reply properly sooooon.....just staying off computer a bit today, feeling headachey 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

Hey Sunnyside, 

 

Did you have akathisia while trying to stabilize and did it eventually abate?? Hope all is well friend!! 

2008: start Lexapro 10 mg which is quickly upped to 20 mg. 2008:2013 try at least four individual times to get off Lexapro, never get lower than 5mg, settle at 15 mg. 2015: again, attempt to get off Lexapro and get to 5 mg. After 6 months, feel i'm stabilizing but go back on a higher dose because of one stressful event. 2016: go to 20 mg from 15 mg due to work stresses, hit severe tolerance for the first time and become very suicidal. 2016-2017: try viibryd and cymbata in an attempt to feel better. Also add Lamictal 150 at some point. 2017: eventually land on paxil 37.5 and Lamictal 150. January 2018: cut paxil to 25. April-July 2018: reduce Lamictal in 50 mg increments till im off August. 2018: reduce paxil to 20 mg. december 2018: dropped Paxil to 18 mg, SEVERE CRASH. March updosed to 20 mg April 11: dropped to 19.4 mg due to akathsia (still experiencing akathsia symptoms from updose) April 20: 19 mg Paxil May 4: 18.7 Paxil July 5: 18.2 July 12: 17.8 Aug 19: 17.5 Aug 26: 17.3 Oct 20: 17.1 Nov 3: 16.9, 8/17/20: 16.6 after nine month hold, 8/24/20: 16.4, 8/31/20:16.2, 9/14/2020: 16.0, 9/21/20: 15.8, 9/28/20: 15.6, 10/19/20:15.4, 10/26/20: 15.2, 11/2/20: 15.1, 11/7/20: 14.8, 3/6/2-: 14.5, 3/20/20: 14.3, 4/3/20: 13.9, 4/10/2021: 13.7. 4/21/21: 13.5, 5/5/2021: 13.1, 12.2 8/12/2021 (slowly microtapered to this number. I just can’t remember the exact dates), 11.8 9/6/2021, 11.6 9/13/21, 11.2 9/27/21, 11.1 9/30/21.....11/5/21 switched to 10 mg tablet. I am holding to stabilize for the foreseeable future. 3/25/22: 9.4, 5/6/22: 9.0, 5/30/22: 8.25, 6/7/22: 8.1, 7/722: 7.65, 8/16/22: 7.39, 9/22/22: 6.91, 10/1/22: 6.78

Medication signature.docx

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2 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

this is very helpful

 

Very glad. I hope I don't come across as 'bossy', etc. I have had these issues since a teenager so I speak from personal experience. ;)

 

staying off the computer is a good thing. very sorry about your headache.

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19 hours ago, Guilietta said:

 

Very glad. I hope I don't come across as 'bossy', etc. I have had these issues since a teenager so I speak from personal experience. ;)

 

staying off the computer is a good thing. very sorry about your headache.

Not bossy at all my lovely, was impressed with your knowledge. 

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 2/3/2020 at 2:05 PM, Adili13 said:

Hey Sunnyside, 

 

Did you have akathisia while trying to stabilize and did it eventually abate?? Hope all is well friend!! 

 

Hey @Sottana, I've had bouts of akathisia, yes.

First time was June 2018, when I did a massive updose from 2.5mg to 10mg Citalopram. I couldn't keep still as the days progressed. This didn't resolve but that's because it was such a huge updose...GP switched me back down to 5mg.

Then when I switched from Citalopram to Venlafaxine, in the second week. This peaked and resolved by itself and I then had milder bouts of feeling agitated but not for a while now. So yes, it's normal.

Hope you're doing okay my friend.

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

Thank you sunnyside! So good to hear it’s resolved for you!! Thanks for giving me hope, my friend. How’s everything with you? 

2008: start Lexapro 10 mg which is quickly upped to 20 mg. 2008:2013 try at least four individual times to get off Lexapro, never get lower than 5mg, settle at 15 mg. 2015: again, attempt to get off Lexapro and get to 5 mg. After 6 months, feel i'm stabilizing but go back on a higher dose because of one stressful event. 2016: go to 20 mg from 15 mg due to work stresses, hit severe tolerance for the first time and become very suicidal. 2016-2017: try viibryd and cymbata in an attempt to feel better. Also add Lamictal 150 at some point. 2017: eventually land on paxil 37.5 and Lamictal 150. January 2018: cut paxil to 25. April-July 2018: reduce Lamictal in 50 mg increments till im off August. 2018: reduce paxil to 20 mg. december 2018: dropped Paxil to 18 mg, SEVERE CRASH. March updosed to 20 mg April 11: dropped to 19.4 mg due to akathsia (still experiencing akathsia symptoms from updose) April 20: 19 mg Paxil May 4: 18.7 Paxil July 5: 18.2 July 12: 17.8 Aug 19: 17.5 Aug 26: 17.3 Oct 20: 17.1 Nov 3: 16.9, 8/17/20: 16.6 after nine month hold, 8/24/20: 16.4, 8/31/20:16.2, 9/14/2020: 16.0, 9/21/20: 15.8, 9/28/20: 15.6, 10/19/20:15.4, 10/26/20: 15.2, 11/2/20: 15.1, 11/7/20: 14.8, 3/6/2-: 14.5, 3/20/20: 14.3, 4/3/20: 13.9, 4/10/2021: 13.7. 4/21/21: 13.5, 5/5/2021: 13.1, 12.2 8/12/2021 (slowly microtapered to this number. I just can’t remember the exact dates), 11.8 9/6/2021, 11.6 9/13/21, 11.2 9/27/21, 11.1 9/30/21.....11/5/21 switched to 10 mg tablet. I am holding to stabilize for the foreseeable future. 3/25/22: 9.4, 5/6/22: 9.0, 5/30/22: 8.25, 6/7/22: 8.1, 7/722: 7.65, 8/16/22: 7.39, 9/22/22: 6.91, 10/1/22: 6.78

Medication signature.docx

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Hey all, have been a bit quiet. Had some bad news about brother.

Unfortunately, his brain tumour has progressed. Even after a few rounds of radiotherapy and the initial surgery.

He has been given the prognosis of a few weeks to live.

I'm devastated for him, but to be honest, he doesn't really know what's going on.

The last few years have been hard on him. He has been an alcoholic for as long as I can remember now, was making efforts to sober up but kept sliding back into drinking. Also got into a very toxic relationship. 

He had a stroke last August and on being admitted to hospital, they discovered a huge tumour. He had surgery and then radiotherapy. Just before Christmas he has been admitted into a retirement home for permanent care.

I got the news yesterday, but have been feeling some anticipatory dread for a while. I kind of knew it was coming. My brother is a lot older than me and over the last few years, because of his illness and then relationship, we haven't had much contact, but this is still a shock. 

 

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

Sunnyside, I’m so sorry to hear this news. I had no idea your family was dealing with such a difficult situation. I can’t imagine how difficult it all is, but you are strong and will get through it all. Now is the time to lean on friends and family that love and care about you. My thoughts will be with you and your family, and of course, your brother. I hope he doesn’t suffer too much. 
 

Anthony 

2008: start Lexapro 10 mg which is quickly upped to 20 mg. 2008:2013 try at least four individual times to get off Lexapro, never get lower than 5mg, settle at 15 mg. 2015: again, attempt to get off Lexapro and get to 5 mg. After 6 months, feel i'm stabilizing but go back on a higher dose because of one stressful event. 2016: go to 20 mg from 15 mg due to work stresses, hit severe tolerance for the first time and become very suicidal. 2016-2017: try viibryd and cymbata in an attempt to feel better. Also add Lamictal 150 at some point. 2017: eventually land on paxil 37.5 and Lamictal 150. January 2018: cut paxil to 25. April-July 2018: reduce Lamictal in 50 mg increments till im off August. 2018: reduce paxil to 20 mg. december 2018: dropped Paxil to 18 mg, SEVERE CRASH. March updosed to 20 mg April 11: dropped to 19.4 mg due to akathsia (still experiencing akathsia symptoms from updose) April 20: 19 mg Paxil May 4: 18.7 Paxil July 5: 18.2 July 12: 17.8 Aug 19: 17.5 Aug 26: 17.3 Oct 20: 17.1 Nov 3: 16.9, 8/17/20: 16.6 after nine month hold, 8/24/20: 16.4, 8/31/20:16.2, 9/14/2020: 16.0, 9/21/20: 15.8, 9/28/20: 15.6, 10/19/20:15.4, 10/26/20: 15.2, 11/2/20: 15.1, 11/7/20: 14.8, 3/6/2-: 14.5, 3/20/20: 14.3, 4/3/20: 13.9, 4/10/2021: 13.7. 4/21/21: 13.5, 5/5/2021: 13.1, 12.2 8/12/2021 (slowly microtapered to this number. I just can’t remember the exact dates), 11.8 9/6/2021, 11.6 9/13/21, 11.2 9/27/21, 11.1 9/30/21.....11/5/21 switched to 10 mg tablet. I am holding to stabilize for the foreseeable future. 3/25/22: 9.4, 5/6/22: 9.0, 5/30/22: 8.25, 6/7/22: 8.1, 7/722: 7.65, 8/16/22: 7.39, 9/22/22: 6.91, 10/1/22: 6.78

Medication signature.docx

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Quick update. Since the news about my brother, I've taken two days off work. My sleep was awful two nights ago, woke at 2 am and couldn't get back to sleep, was processing the shock of now knowing my brother only has weeks to live. Last night woke at 330 am, but eventually went back to sleep. Woke again closer to 6am. About 5 hours each night, so am pretty shattered, hence not forcing self into work.

Just dealing with the emotional fallout of the news. Crying a lot. It comes in waves. I'm fine one moment and then crying the next. To be honest I've been grieving my brother a long time now, ever since realising he was an alcoholic. It's sad because I felt that he was getting a handle on things three years ago. But a bad relationship set him back on the wrong track. And now, the stroke and tumour.

BUT, I feel like I'm coping. I'm reaching out to friends and letting people know what's going on.I'm not isolating, I've learned it's not the way to go. I'm dreading going to visit him on Saturday as he's really confused, moody and just not himself. Hopefully we can spend some time together.

Ate complete crap yesterday because I didn't feel like cooking. So, I feel a bit washed out today. But, the day must go on. My skin is terrible, spotty and dry, but right now that feels so insignificant as to be ridiculous.

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.

 

 

 

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On 2/4/2020 at 9:16 PM, sunnysideup69 said:

Had some bad news about brother.

 

Hello Sweetie,

 

Let me give you a huge hug and say how sad I am about this news. Loss is never easy - even though the person is getting worse and will not improve.

 

Sending my good wishes to you and your family. Life is rarely fair and certainly we've had our share of it - whether each other's WD, etc.  directly or family members.

 

On 2/6/2020 at 1:58 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

To be honest I've been grieving my brother a long time now

 

We all grieve in different ways. Having some time to accept/prepare for the loss of a loved one may make the passing a bit less traumatizing.

 

Thinking of you,

Big hugs,

G.

 

 

 

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