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KiwiSue: Effexor withdrawal, Prozac


KiwiSue

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16 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

I need this information before I can make any kind of guess about what's going on.

 

Hi @Altostrata

Here's notes for last 24 hours:
7.30am Woke up - feeling calm

8.00am Took 10mg Prozac

8.30am Ate breakfast, took supplements.

8.30am - 2.00pm No symptoms other than some nervous energy because I have a business presentation this evening. EFT and meditation help me stay calm.

2.00pm Lunch

8.00pm Dinner

10.30pm Fell asleep

12.30am Woke briefly

3.30am Awoke and dozed on and off for the rest of the night. Had a headache.

8.30am Got up, headache eased, took 10mg Prozac. No symptoms.

 

 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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On 2/21/2020 at 8:24 PM, Altostrata said:

 

I need this information before I can make any kind of guess about what's going on.

 

Notes for 23 Feb - very grateful to be relaxed & calm, enjoying the 'window' that began 3 days ago.

8.30am Woke up. Took 10mg Prozac

9.30am Breakfast & supplements. Feeling good

1.00pm Lunch

7.00pm Dinner

10.00pm Sleep

12.30pm-5.30am Disturbed sleep with frequent wakeful moments

5.30am Got up. Tired but otherwise no symptoms. Took 10mg Prozac.

 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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Hi KiwiSue. I was on effexor aswell. In my case 225 mg. I withdrew directly from that over 6 months, which I thought was slow but turned out to be too fast. I've now been off it for 8 months and although it was dreadful in the beginning my symptoms are improving, although coming and going a lot, now.

 

Please don't change what you are taking until you have received advice from a Moderator. Adding a new drug can be particularly damaging to your nervous system.

 

Hang on in there and perhaps @Sassenach will be able to get back to you.xx

citalopram 20mg 2008-2011

venlafaxine 37 1/2 mg rising to 225 mg 2011- June 2019

gabapentin 900mg, started around 2005, came off quickly Nov 2019.

valium 2mg when required for panic Sep-Nov 2019.

Ativan  1mg when required for anxiety 1st-30th Nov 2019.

Was addicted to valium in 1970s but came off it then, v.bad withdrawals.

Now

Lansoprazole 2/3 of 15mg.

Magnesium Citrate, 1/5 oz or 5 gms in water.

Fish oil 1000mg. upped to 2000mg Feb 2020.

 

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2 hours ago, Dragon said:

Hi KiwiSue. I was on effexor aswell. In my case 225 mg. I withdrew directly from that over 6 months, which I thought was slow but turned out to be too fast. I've now been off it for 8 months and although it was dreadful in the beginning my symptoms are improving, although coming and going a lot, now.

 

Please don't change what you are taking until you have received advice from a Moderator. Adding a new drug can be particularly damaging to your nervous system.

 

Hang on in there and perhaps @Sassenach will be able to get back to you.xx

 

Hi @Dragon thank you for your message.. Altostrata has given me advice, and I am so grateful for all the advice and warnings from everyone in this forum! Has really helped me to NOT make another mistake!! Meanwhile I have come out of that intense wave to discover that it really was just withdrawal I was experiencing. I know I need to focus more on acceptance instead of panicking when things are really bad! Helps to keep the right perspective :)

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Administrator

That symptom pattern doesn't look too bad. What is your sleep pattern? How often do you get a headache in the early morning?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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15 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

That symptom pattern doesn't look too bad. What is your sleep pattern? How often do you get a headache in the early morning?

 

My symptoms have been really mild over the last 4 days, which was when I came out of the intense wave. This is the best I have felt in quite some time so I'm very grateful.

Oddly enough I have found that I seem to sleep better when my symptoms are bad, and when I'm feeling good I don't sleep as well. I get a headache in the early morning quite regularly, it usually eases off once I'm up.

I have decided not to go with my doctor's advice to switch to Sertraline, but have strengthened my resolve to withdraw from ADs. Would you advise that I hold at 10mg for the time being?

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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Hi, so glad you are feeling better now. Unless you are having an extreme allergic reaction, or are pregnant, staying where you are is usually a good plan. Stability is what your nervous system needs.

 

Hang on in there.❤️ xx

citalopram 20mg 2008-2011

venlafaxine 37 1/2 mg rising to 225 mg 2011- June 2019

gabapentin 900mg, started around 2005, came off quickly Nov 2019.

valium 2mg when required for panic Sep-Nov 2019.

Ativan  1mg when required for anxiety 1st-30th Nov 2019.

Was addicted to valium in 1970s but came off it then, v.bad withdrawals.

Now

Lansoprazole 2/3 of 15mg.

Magnesium Citrate, 1/5 oz or 5 gms in water.

Fish oil 1000mg. upped to 2000mg Feb 2020.

 

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  • 10 months later...

Hi! I know I've been very quiet on here this past year, so here's an update.
I did "sit tight on 10mg" (as @Sassenachinstructed) for 7 months but then I got impatient waiting to stabilise.

In May when I couldn't wait any longer I tried the method described in here of making a liquid from the fluoxetine tablet. I tried to reduce by 10% (down to 9mg). This failed miserably and I found out from the pharmacist that our tablets in New Zealand do not dissolve evenly in water so this method is not an option for me.

I then made a lot of mistakes following my doctor's advice (advice recommended to him by the psychiatry dept in our health system) by skipping doses (I know not recommended in here!) got down to 5mg. Then in October I began getting my meds from a compounding pharmacy, which seems to be the only option left to me.

I realise I have tapered too fast and am now paying for it. :(  The last few weeks the withdrawal symptoms have been intense. I'm now on 4.5mg and looking like I will need to hold on this dose for some time.

Any advice is welcome. Thank you.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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I decreased my dose from 5mg to 4mg fluoxetine at the end of November. Within a couple of weeks I realised the drop was too much, and increased to 4.5mg. Initially this seemed to ease the intensity of the symptoms but in the last week the symptoms have intensified to an intolerable level. Please advise whether I should increase back to 5mg or keep holding at 4.5?
 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 1/3/2021 at 2:31 PM, KiwiSue said:

I decreased my dose from 5mg to 4mg fluoxetine at the end of November. Within a couple of weeks I realised the drop was too much, and increased to 4.5mg. Initially this seemed to ease the intensity of the symptoms but in the last week the symptoms have intensified to an intolerable level. Please advise whether I should increase back to 5mg or keep holding at 4.5?
 

 

KS, I moved your last post to here in your intro thread. Please do not start any more intro threads. Since no one was following that new thread, it didn't receive a moderator response. 

 

Did anything change last week? Any dietary changes over the New Year's holiday? Work or family schedule changes that affected sleep, etc.? 

 

Are you taking any other drugs or supplements?

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi KiwiSue,

On 1/3/2021 at 12:31 PM, KiwiSue said:

I decreased my dose from 5mg to 4mg fluoxetine at the end of November. Within a couple of weeks I realised the drop was too much, and increased to 4.5mg. Initially this seemed to ease the intensity of the symptoms but in the last week the symptoms have intensified to an intolerable level. Please advise whether I should increase back to 5mg or keep holding at 4.5?

 

What has your pattern been after decreases?  Meaning......when and if WD symptoms might peak after a decrease?

And are you doing 10% tapers from each previous dose, at monthly intervals?

How are you doing today?

What symptoms are intensifying?

When do you take your Prozac each day?

Any other medications now?

 

Can you do a 24 hour segment of Notes, like what you had done here:  https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21859-kiwisue-effexor-withdrawal-prozac/?do=findComment&comment=474212

 

And then, I do see that you had been using compounding for your doses.  Is this still the case?

 

And apologies, on your post just getting responded to.  You can always use the @symbol to notify a moderator or administrator when needed.  You just use the @ symbol and then as you begin to type in a user name, a list will come up, and you can select who to tag.  Then when one of us comes on, we'll see it.  Also when posting on your main Introduction, those of us who follow you, will see your post as well, when we come in and on.

 

And okay, hoping you are feeling even a tad of improvement, when you read this.  There is another reply from Shep above, as well.

And I know, more questions than a direct answer at this point........do update again soon, and with a bit more information, we may be able to better advise.

 

Thanks, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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Thank you @Shepand @manymoretodays for your responses. 

On 1/8/2021 at 1:09 AM, Shep said:

 

KS, I moved your last post to here in your intro thread. Please do not start any more intro threads. Since no one was following that new thread, it didn't receive a moderator response. 

 

Did anything change last week? Any dietary changes over the New Year's holiday? Work or family schedule changes that affected sleep, etc.? 

 

Are you taking any other drugs or supplements?

Thank you for clarifying the correct way to get a response @Shep 

Other than fluoxetine, I occasionally take 0.25mg clonazepam when I am desperate to settle extreme panic. I am aware it's not recommended to do this, and try and avoid it if I can - but I do find it helpful in times of extreme distress. I had to do this one day last week. 

I am still taking the same supplements that are recorded in my signature.

22 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi KiwiSue,

 

What has your pattern been after decreases?  Meaning......when and if WD symptoms might peak after a decrease?

And are you doing 10% tapers from each previous dose, at monthly intervals?

How are you doing today?

What symptoms are intensifying?

When do you take your Prozac each day?

Any other medications now?

 

Can you do a 24 hour segment of Notes, like what you had done here:  https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21859-kiwisue-effexor-withdrawal-prozac/?do=findComment&comment=474212

 

And then, I do see that you had been using compounding for your doses.  Is this still the case?

 

The general pattern I notice after decreases is as follows: Increased heart rate and CNS on high-alert (very restless & panicky) for the first couple of days. Then I generally experience a 'window' for 2 or 3 days, followed by an intense wave for the next week to 10 days. The symptoms that intensify are extreme panic caused by tormenting thoughts, increased heart-rate and breathlessness. 

As you can see from my post on Jan 1st I haven't been following the recommended 10% pattern.. but now that I am getting my meds through a compounding pharmacy I think this will be easier for me to do going forward. 

I take my Prozac (Fluoxetine) first thing every morning. No other meds other than the very occasional 0.25mg Clonazepam mentioned above.

 

The pharmacist at the compounding pharmacy has helped many other people like myself, and has been very helpful in advising. On his advice I increased back to 5mg 3 days ago. Since then my symptoms have calmed right down to a more tolerable level. 

 

I think that the decrease I made at the end of November, coupled with the stressors of this time of year contributed to intensify my symptoms. 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
10 hours ago, KiwiSue said:

The general pattern I notice after decreases is as follows: Increased heart rate and CNS on high-alert (very restless & panicky) for the first couple of days. Then I generally experience a 'window' for 2 or 3 days, followed by an intense wave for the next week to 10 days. The symptoms that intensify are extreme panic caused by tormenting thoughts, increased heart-rate and breathlessness. 

As you can see from my post on Jan 1st I haven't been following the recommended 10% pattern.. but now that I am getting my meds through a compounding pharmacy I think this will be easier for me to do going forward. 

I take my Prozac (Fluoxetine) first thing every morning. No other meds other than the very occasional 0.25mg Clonazepam mentioned above.

 

Is there any pattern with the window for 2 or 3 days followed by a wave that involves when you take a clonazepam? Benzos are notorious for rebound and paradoxical symptoms. 

 

Also, please note the FDA's update in prescribing guidance for these drugs:

 

FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class

 

Dependency can start with only a few days use and with clonazepam's long half life of 18 - 50 hours, it's possible to become dependent with even periodic use. You may find this half-life calculator helpful for determining how safe it is to take this drug:

 

Drug Half Life Calculator

 

If you happen to be a slow metabolizer, at the 50 hour rate, you would still have 13% of this drug in your system 150 hours (6.25 days) later. 

 

 

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12 hours ago, Shep said:

 

Is there any pattern with the window for 2 or 3 days followed by a wave that involves when you take a clonazepam? Benzos are notorious for rebound and paradoxical symptoms. 

 

If you happen to be a slow metabolizer, at the 50 hour rate, you would still have 13% of this drug in your system 150 hours (6.25 days) later. 

 

Hi @Shep Are you saying the 'window' may just be the effect of clonazepam still in my system?
I only take ONE dose of 0.25mg when I am desperate to stop the panic or ruminating thoughts. So this happens very spasmodically, maybe 2 or 3 times a month. Would I be better off not doing this at all? Just wondering how others get through when the symptoms become intolerable?

Today I am very unwell. Panic, agitation, weepiness coming over me in waves. 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Dependency varies from person to person, but if you're only taking a benzo 2 or 3 times a month AND it's not 2 or 3 days in a row, you may be okay using it. 

 

Another way to help with panic or ruminating thoughts is through non-drug coping skills. Many people find mindfulness techniques and guided meditation videos to be helpful. Here's one and there are thousands of others out there on YouTube: 

 

Guided Meditation Deep sleep | anxiety and insomnia relief | relaxation before bedtime video (20 minutes)

 

You may find Dr. Claire Weekes' method of handling anxiety and panic to be helpful:

 

How to Recover from Anxiety - Dr Claire Weekes

 

You can google her on YouTube and find even more of her talks. 

 

 

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Thank you so much @Shep.. I appreciate the guidance and resources!

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

As you find videos and other resources your find helpful to combat your anxiety, please feel free to post them on your thread. 

 

 

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@Shep@manymoretodays
Yesterday was intolerable :( I've been back on 5mg fluoxetine for a week now and still feel like I'm experiencing CT.

It was so intolerable that I ended up taking 0.25mg clonazepam because I was struggling to breathe and the agitation was unbearable.

I did try mindfulness but couldn't focus or sit still. I managed to get some sleep thanks to the benzo, but this morning I'm just feeling traumatised by the intensity of what I'm going through.

I'm not sure how to go on... please help?

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Do hold on KiwiSue,

Wondering just how your latest update, correlates with your drug(s).

I'll post the link:  Keep daily notes of drug schedule and symptoms to track patterns and progress

And then the sample note extracted below.  Do take a look at ^ too, as you will begin to benefit too, from this practice.

The time of day, dosage, and severity of symptoms are essential information. Include

 

- Time and dosage for all drugs taken throughout the day, psychiatric and non-psychiatric.

- Following each dose, note any symptoms. If you are having a reaction to the drug, it may take hours for a symptom to show up -- that's why we ask you to keep notes all day long.

- If you're not taking any drugs, your symptoms throughout the day.

- Your sleep pattern. Since so many drugs disturb sleep, if you find you're waking in the middle of the night, it could be from a drug you took earlier in the evening. If you're not taking any drugs, there may be ways you can improve your sleep.

And so forth. A diary, in chronological order, looking something like this:
 
6 a.m. Woke with anxiety
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Stomach is upset
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Feel a bit better
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Feeling dizzy
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke but got back to sleep

6 a.m. Woke with anxiety (but less than yesterday)

 

And great on the sleep being a bit better, but then it sounds like the aftermath......not so great.  And you are also just 5 days into the increase in Prozac.  So hard then, to know what's what.  The above though, the notes, may show some patterns or make them more obvious, which will help a lot I think, for you to know, and then for us too, to offer guidance and suggests. 

I know it's hard right now, real hard, but give a good try. And sometimes, members do add on in, what they tried as far as non-drug coping goes too, and then if that helped, especially if it helped.

And then, maybe too, if you look on back in your thread here too, and see that you have reported some improvements, it won't all seem so bleak.

 

Oh KiwiSue, here is to some ease for you as soon as possible.

 

Best, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

 

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

Hi @manymoretodays

Thank you for your kindness and encouragement - means the world to me when it feels like no-one can possibly understand the extent of the pain I'm going through.

Since my last update we have been away to stay with friends for a couple of days, which did bring some temporary relief. It was peaceful, they were kind, but I couldn't sleep much at all, so by yesterday I was beginning to feel the tension mounting within me, and today has been a very long day.

 

I am having a problem with the practice of keeping daily notes to track symptoms, because even just thinking about doing that is overwhelming me :( I find my symptoms hard to describe, and focusing on them causes them to intensify.

 

I will try and give it a try soon. 

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

Link to comment
On 1/10/2021 at 1:25 AM, Shep said:

 

Is there any pattern with the window for 2 or 3 days followed by a wave that involves when you take a clonazepam? Benzos are notorious for rebound and paradoxical symptoms. 

@ShepI have been taking note, and I think there is a pattern involved when I take a clonazepam. The waves I'm experiencing feel like CT.

I've made the decision to get rid of the clonazepam and use only non-drug methods of coping from now on. 

I've just come through another very intense wave. I feel very battle-weary, but I survived! Been back on 5mg for 2 weeks now.

 

Sometimes I find it helpful to take a painkiller when I'm in a lot of physical discomfort. Is it okay to do this?

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi KiwiSue,

On taking a pain killer for your physical discomfort.......I wouldn't.  But what are you talking about.......something like aspirin or ibuprofen, or something much stronger?

Here's our topic:  Painkillers in withdrawal, aspirin, ibuprofen, parecetamol, acetaminophen, naproxen, codeine

 

That would not be considered non-drug coping to take a pain killer.

Where is your pain?

 

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

I just took that from your signature.  I don't know why it went so bold.  Are you still taking these?  And what do they consist of?

 

Have you ever considered magnesium or Omega 3's?  Many do find them to be calming.  And the magnesium in the form of Epsom salts, can be great, mixed with warm water and in a bath at soothing aches and pains.  Taken orally, it also can be calming.

 

BASIC SUPPLEMENT TOOLKIT

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

The difficulty is that many of us are sensitive to lot's of things in withdrawal.  And so even with these above, just start one or the other, single ingredient is best too.  And then start low, and observe before increasing the dose. 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

^ refers to emotions, and I think that fears/anxiety have been mentioned, but then there is also a whole indexed list of options to explore and try, for non-drug coping with so many of your symptoms.  I encourage you to take a look.  This may be redundant, since you have been here awhile, but I'm hopeful that as you find things that help, that will begin to empower you some more.

 

And oh, yes, try to update with maybe just a couple things that did help with symptoms.  Maybe even try a simple gratitude list?  I mean do you have shelter, food, clothing, etc.?  List it on paper.  It can help shift the perception towards healing.  It really can.

 

And so now on the 5 mg Prozac, for 13 days since the updose.  Just the one time clonazepam since the updose?  And then sounds like we might be waiting to see if you level off a bit since that dose of clonazepam now.

 

Hugs KiwiSue.

 

L, p, h, and g,

mmt

 

 

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

Hi @manymoretodays

Thank you for that link. I have at times taken panadene (paracetamol+codeine). I realise now that the codeine isn't a good idea. 

I get a lot of headaches, sometimes severe.. and a lot of internal discomfort that I don't really know how to describe. 

 

Yes I still take those supplements. I've been taking them for years, since before my withdrawal journey began. They are products I trust which have helped me recover from chronic fatigue.. mostly vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and Omega 3's.

 

Gratitude is really helpful! 

 

There have been 2 doses clonazepam since the updose, approx 60hr apart. Last dose 6 days ago. I feel as though I have levelled off a bit in the last 24 hrs. I slept really well last night for the first time in a while.

 

Thank you for your help!

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Please help!! @manymoretodays @Shep

I'm still holding on 5mg fluoxetine, and it's a month since the last intermittent dose of clonazepam. I seem to be worse than ever :( 

I did have one window of about 6 days where the symptoms were more manageable, followed by waves that have taken on a new intensity. The agitation is unbearable and I feel traumatised by what I'm experiencing.

Do I keep holding on for longer or considering another increase? If so, by how much??

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
Quote

 

Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

Kiwisue, this is from your signature. You're reducing too fast and then relying on increasing the AD and / or adding in a periodic benzo to help with the uptick in symptoms.

 

Please see:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

14 hours ago, KiwiSue said:

Do I keep holding on for longer or considering another increase? If so, by how much??

 

Whether or not you increase again is less important than the strategy you put forward for your taper. If you're going to continue to make 12 - 20% reductions and then increase again, you're likely to kindle your nervous system. Kindling is damage and trauma to the nervous system due to abrupt changes. 

 

You may also be having some upticks in symptoms due to your supplements. Some people become sensitive to drugs, supplements, and even foods due to the impact of withdrawal on the nervous system.

 

When were you last at a dose higher than 5 mg? Per your signature,  between September to December 2020 you reduced from 10 mg to 5 mg. Do you know the date you were last at 5.25 to 5.50 mg? The reason I'm asking is because updoses and reinstatements work best within a few months after the last change, so you don't want to increase too much if you haven't been at a higher dose for a long time. Your nervous system will likely overreact. This thread is on reinstatement, but you may find it helpful for information on increasing the dose and the concept of "less is more during withdrawal":

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

 

 

 

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On 1/1/2021 at 5:29 PM, KiwiSue said:

Hi! I know I've been very quiet on here this past year, so here's an update.
I did "sit tight on 10mg" (as @Sassenachinstructed) for 7 months but then I got impatient waiting to stabilise.

In May when I couldn't wait any longer I tried the method described in here of making a liquid from the fluoxetine tablet. I tried to reduce by 10% (down to 9mg). This failed miserably and I found out from the pharmacist that our tablets in New Zealand do not dissolve evenly in water so this method is not an option for me.

I then made a lot of mistakes following my doctor's advice (advice recommended to him by the psychiatry dept in our health system) by skipping doses (I know not recommended in here!) got down to 5mg. Then in October I began getting my meds from a compounding pharmacy, which seems to be the only option left to me.

I realise I have tapered too fast and am now paying for it. :(  The last few weeks the withdrawal symptoms have been intense. I'm now on 4.5mg and looking like I will need to hold on this dose for some time.

Any advice is welcome. Thank you.
 

Hi @Shep I fully realise I have made a lot of mistakes! I am trying my hardest to do things correctly from here on. The benzo is now gone. I'm reluctant to stop taking my supplements as they helped me to recover from chronic fatigue prior to my WD journey and I have been taking them for years now. I believe I have indeed kindled my nervous system as in the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing severe akathisia.

I would say the last time I was at higher than 5mg would have been at the beginning of November - so roughly 3 and a half months ago now.

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 2/16/2021 at 11:34 PM, KiwiSue said:

I would say the last time I was at higher than 5mg would have been at the beginning of November - so roughly 3 and a half months ago now.

 

The safest path forward may be to simply hold and see if you can stabilize. You might find a small updose helpful, but after 3.5 months, your nervous system may hyper-react to any changes. 

 

 

Link to comment

Thank you @Shep I think I will try holding for the time being. The last 2 days have been better.

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

Link to comment

Thanks @Shep

Citalopram mid-2000 to Nov-2015

Daily vitamins: Pharmanex Youth, Lifepak Nano, Cortitrol and Overdrive 

Effexor (Stopped Citalopram) Nov-2015.  Dose inc to 150mg 24-May-2017. Dose dec to 75mg 6-Dec-2017.

Dose dec to 37.5mg 11-Jun-2018. Quit CT mid Sep-2018. Reinstated 37.5mg 10-Oct-2018. 

Prozac (Stopped Effexor) 10mg 5-Nov-2018. Inc to 20mg 12-Nov-2018. Inc to 40mg 26-Dec-2018. Dec to 20mg end-Jan-2018. Dec to 10mg 28-Mar-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg mid-Apr-2019. Inc to 10mg end-May-2019. Inc to 15mg 10-Jun-2019.

Inc to 20mg early-Jul-2019. Dec to 10mg end-Jul-2019. Dec gradually to 5mg end-Aug-2019 to 22-Oct-2019.

Inc 10mg 22-Oct-2019 to end-Sep-2020. Dec gradually to 5mg 5-11-2020. Dec 4mg 30-Nov-2020. Inc 4.5mg 17-Dec-2020.

Inc 5mg 6-Jan-2021

 

 

 

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