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Nicjk

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Q:  Was you sleep only affected on the first night?

 

Just now, Nicjk said:

Do you think I should try a 10% reduction next week?

 

I'll leave this one for Alto to answer.  But she will need to know if your sleep is okay and what other symptoms you had/are having and if they are resolving so please provide more information about that.

 

Q:  Would the next reduction be 1 week after the 5%?

 

If yes, then my personal opinion is that making a 10% reduction 1 week later might be too much, especially since your sleep was affected.  It's very important to try to preserve your sleep.  Once sleep is disrupted it makes things much more difficult and could end up taking longer to get your dose reduced/get off.  It's a delicate balancing act.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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29 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Q:  Was you sleep only affected on the first night?

My sleep has been affected both nights but it was worse on Monday night (the first night). Last night I felt that I had a restless night but I didn't have a full wake up like the first night - I just felt that it was a restless night. It was a very hot night so we might need to give it a couple more nights to see how my sleep is. 

29 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Q:  Would the next reduction be 1 week after the 5%?

I could try another 5% reduction if you think that 10% is too much. Lets wait and see what @Altostrata thinks. I have read and heard that sleep is always disrupted when tapering off Olanzapine, so is it possible that restless sleep will be unavoidable? 

 

Also, I haven't had any other symptoms. No anxiety and no depressive feelings for the last few days. 

 

Edited by Nicjk

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Administrator

If your sleep is being affected by your reductions, you need to go slower, maybe stop tapering for a while. Withdrawal insomnia can get a lot worse. No, it's not always disrupted, only when you go off too fast.

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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5 hours ago, Altostrata said:

If your sleep is being affected by your reductions, you need to go slower, maybe stop tapering for a while. Withdrawal insomnia can get a lot worse. No, it's not always disrupted, only when you go off too fast.

Hi @Altostrata, thanks for your advice. I might give it a few more nights to see if it is the reductions causing my broken sleep. I really hope I don't need to stop tapering because the olanzapine is causing such rapid weight gain 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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On 11/11/2020 at 12:04 PM, Altostrata said:

If your sleep is being affected by your reductions, you need to go slower, maybe stop tapering for a while. Withdrawal insomnia can get a lot worse. No, it's not always disrupted, only when you go off too fast.

Hi @Altostrata, my sleep is still very broken since I did the 5% reduction of olanzapine and it’s making my anxiety increase. Would you recommend that I updose back to 5mg or will I just have to wait it out? Thank you

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Administrator

If I were you, I would go back to 5mg. You have been tapering too fast.

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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53 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

If I were you, I would go back to 5mg. You have been tapering too fast.

Do you think that will resolve the sleep issue? I thought I was tapering slowly because I tried a reduction of 5% after two weeks of not changing anything 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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On 11/14/2020 at 3:02 PM, Altostrata said:

If I were you, I would go back to 5mg. You have been tapering too fast.

Hi @Altostrata  I am really concerned that I’ll go back up to 5mg from 4.75mg and then I will see no improvement to my sleep. When people taper too fast and then updose do their issues usually get resolved? 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Alto started SA in 2011.  Check out the recent podcast interview (45 mins) linked in my signature.  In it she talks about what happened to her, how the site came about and her amateur researching to find answers.  She may not have any 

 

She may not have any medical degrees, but she has done a lot of research and has lot of knowledge, as well as personal experience (that in itself counts for a lot - doctors would probably think/act differently if they had experienced what we have).  It may not be perfect and it may not be backed by scientific studies and research but I think the proof is in the pudding, ie the number of people that have been helped by the information and guidance given them here at SA.  And the work that SA is doing is starting to be recognised in 

 

Alto would not be making the suggestion to updose if she didn't think there was a possibility of it helping.  Of course she cannot guarantee that it will but she obviously must think that it is worth trying for her to make the suggestion.  And it may not resolve things completely but there may be some improvement from how things currently are.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

By the way, there is no need to tag Alto.  She is following your topic so receives notification when you make a post.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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50 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

Alto started SA in 2011.  Check out the recent podcast interview (45 mins) linked in my signature.  In it she talks about what happened to her, how the site came about and her amateur researching to find answers.  She may not have any 

 

She may not have any medical degrees, but she has done a lot of research and has lot of knowledge, as well as personal experience (that in itself counts for a lot - doctors would probably think/act differently if they had experienced what we have).  It may not be perfect and it may not be backed by scientific studies and research but I think the proof is in the pudding, ie the number of people that have been helped by the information and guidance given them here at SA.  And the work that SA is doing is starting to be recognised in 

 

Alto would not be making the suggestion to updose if she didn't think there was a possibility of it helping.  Of course she cannot guarantee that it will but she obviously must think that it is worth trying for her to make the suggestion.  And it may not resolve things completely but there may be some improvement from how things currently are.

Thank you for responding to my question @ChessieCat. I definitely want to check out the podcast. I started the other day but my toddler distracted me. I do understand that Alto is very knowledgeable and that she started this amazing forum to help people. My anxiety just makes me question everything and need reassurance. I am scared of being stuck on this drug long term because as you know it is quite dangerous when used long term. I'm not sure how long I should wait after updosing before I try and taper again - do you have any advice on this? 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, ChessieCat said:

By the way, there is no need to tag Alto.  She is following your topic so receives notification when you make a post.

 

And there is no need to tag me either.  Thank you.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus
13 minutes ago, Nicjk said:

I'm not sure how long I should wait after updosing before I try and taper again

 

One thing at a time.  First thing to do is to get stable.  Once that has happened then your situation will be reassessed. 

 

Because of all the variables, it is impossible to make predictions.  And just like every other person we do not know what is going to happen in the future.

 

However there is one thing that I will mention.  We have some members here at SA who have tried to go too fast to get off their drug.  They have ended up having to hold to stabilise and/or ended up on an additional drug which of course would have to be tapered later.  It's ended up taking them longer to get off the drug than if they had done a nice careful and slow taper.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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On 11/14/2020 at 3:02 PM, Altostrata said:

If I were you, I would go back to 5mg. You have been tapering too fast.

Hi Alto, just before I was about to increase back to 5mg (from 4.75) I had a good night's sleep. I decided to stay at 4.75 and the insomnia has improved immensely - I have had almost a week of full night's sleeps. It has almost been two weeks since I made my last drop (5%). Do you think I am safe to make another drop? I think that I might have a bit of rebound insomnia each time I drop a dose but I can live with it if I know it passes 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

On 11/14/2020 at 3:02 PM, Altostrata said:

 

You have been tapering too fast.

 

 

You were very close to updosing, which means that the withdrawal symptoms must have been hard to handle.

 

Just because it has passed "soon" (your word) after making a reduction in the past doesn't mean that the pattern will continue in this manner.  And once sleep is disrupted it puts a whole new spin on withdrawal.  And even if the pattern did continue for the next couple of reductions there may come a time in the future when thing suddenly get a whole lot worse.

 

I think you should hold for at least a total of 4 weeks and allow your brain a chance to catch up from your too fast taper.

 

You cannot rely on an updose working.  It's better to go slower than to reduce too quickly.  The brain likes consistency.  If you reduce too quickly and then updose there is no guarantee that the updose will work and could possibly make things worse.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator
22 hours ago, Nicjk said:

I have had almost a week of full night's sleeps. It has almost been two weeks since I made my last drop (5%).

 

I agree with ChessieCat. You skinned by this time, I wouldn't push it if I were you.

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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On 11/21/2020 at 10:49 AM, ChessieCat said:

 

 

You were very close to updosing, which means that the withdrawal symptoms must have been hard to handle.

 

Just because it has passed "soon" (your word) after making a reduction in the past doesn't mean that the pattern will continue in this manner.  And once sleep is disrupted it puts a whole new spin on withdrawal.  And even if the pattern did continue for the next couple of reductions there may come a time in the future when thing suddenly get a whole lot worse.

 

I think you should hold for at least a total of 4 weeks and allow your brain a chance to catch up from your too fast taper.

 

You cannot rely on an updose working.  It's better to go slower than to reduce too quickly.  The brain likes consistency.  If you reduce too quickly and then updose there is no guarantee that the updose will work and could possibly make things worse.

Thank you for your advice ChessieCat. I will hold for 4 weeks. Do you think my next reduction should be 5% again or could I try a 10% reduction? 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Reducing 5% affected your sleep so much that you nearly updosed.  Wouldn't it be better to go slow enough so you don't affect your sleep?

 

If you reduce too quickly and get more than minimal withdrawal symptoms you might need to updose and/or hold longer.  And there is no guarantee that an updose would get you back to the last pre-reduction state. 

 

I've been a member here for 5 years, 4.5 as a mod and I've seen members try to go too quickly and it has ended up taking them longer to get off than if they had done a nice steady taper.  And some of them have ended up on an additional drug as well, which then also needs to be tapered off.

 

If was me I would definitely not be doing more than 5% reduction per month.

 

Any reduction is going in the right direction.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

By the way, it is entirely your decision if you choose to taper at a faster rate.  However, if you choose to go faster and end up suffering after we have suggested that you go at the rate that your brain dictates, then it is unfair of you to expect SA staff to spend time trying to solve the issues that you have caused yourself.  SA is a very busy site and there are members here who need assistance and are wanting to follow our suggestions.

 

I hope you understand that the staff need to spend the limited time that we volunteer to help others on this site with the members where the time can be best used.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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9 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

By the way, it is entirely your decision if you choose to taper at a faster rate.  However, if you choose to go faster and end up suffering after we have suggested that you go at the rate that your brain dictates, then it is unfair of you to expect SA staff to spend time trying to solve the issues that you have caused yourself.  SA is a very busy site and there are members here who need assistance and are wanting to follow our suggestions.

 

I hope you understand that the staff need to spend the limited time that we volunteer to help others on this site with the members where the time can be best used.

I totally understand where you are coming from ChessieCat and I do want to take your advice. I guess what I'm really worried about is that the longer I take to come off Olanzapine, the longer I will be on Diazepam - which I have to taper next. I have been told by many that the longer you are on Diazepam, the worse the withdrawals. 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Would you rather risk experiencing withdrawals (which for you seems that sleep is affected) from olanzapine?  We have many members here who end up suffering a great deal once their sleep is disrupted and it can go on for a long time.

 

I think you need to focus on the now and getting off olanzapine as carefully as you can so as not to affect your sleep.

 

And then when it comes time to get off diazapem, do the same thing.

 

I've actually read some members say that getting off a benzo is easier than getting off an AD so it could be that it's relative, or it could be that it is different for different people and of course nobody knows which group they will be in.

 

Up until recently I had not really experience bad sleep issues and will admit that I didn't really understand what other members where experiencing.  I have had some sleep issues before and still do now but compared to what I went through recently they were and still are a walk in the park.

 

My sleep issues were not WD related but due to injuring my back and having a bulging disc.  I had 2 nights when I only got a small amount of sleep but on the 3 night I only got 2 x 1 hour blocks.  I was absolutely exhausted.  Because of the injury I wasn't even able to lie or sit in a comfortable chair and just rest.  And it made me feel suicidal.  Thankfully it was only short term for me but it has given me a much better understanding of what some SA members are going through when they go night after night, week after week getting very little sleep.  I can remember thinking that I know why they use sleep deprivation as a form of torture because that's what it is.  Absolute torture.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Wow that sounds like a horrendous situation you were in. So sorry to hear that! But I'm glad the lack of sleep was only short term for you. I have made a firm decision that I will be waiting a full 4 weeks before dropping my next 5%. Thanks again for your help. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed quote

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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On 10/25/2020 at 1:04 PM, ChessieCat said:

If applicable, what time of your menstrual cycle are you at?  That might be the cause/contributing to it.

 

For females still menstruating it might be better to try and line up your tapering pattern to certain time/s in your cycle.

Hi ChessieCat, my cycles are all over the place at the moment but I have had a couple of signs that my period will be starting soon. For the last few days I have woken up feeling quite depressed and the feeling hasn't left throughout the day. Could my WD's be causing me to have more severe PMS? 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

There are many existing topics on SA where members discuss difference things.  Use an internet search engine and add site:survivingantidepressants.org to the search term.  Do a search for PMS.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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4 hours ago, Nicjk said:

Hi ChessieCat, my cycles are all over the place at the moment but I have had a couple of signs that my period will be starting soon. For the last few days I have woken up feeling quite depressed and the feeling hasn't left throughout the day. Could my WD's be causing me to have more severe PMS? 

 

Hi Nicjk

 

I have certainly found that WD has intensified my PMS. (It's the gift that keeps on giving!) I've noticed a much more dramatic drop in mood and stronger cramping and sometimes total sleep loss around that time. My cycles have never been irregular though with WD. I've read other women saying similar things. Hope this helps.

 

Best wishes

Ripley 

▪︎2000 - Seroxat (25mg?) 6 months C/T

▪︎2015 - 7.5mg Zopiclone 1 month C/T

▪︎ 2016 - 2018 - Diazapam and Phenergan occasionally for sleep

▪︎2017 June to Oct - Mirtazapine 7.5mg C/T

▪︎2018 April - 2019 Oct Mirtazapine 7.5mg tapered to 1.5mg.

▪︎2019 October - Mirtazapine 1.5mg (Skipped alternate doses on doctor's advice then stopped - Insomnia.) Phenergan

▪︎2020 Jan 6th - Mirtazapine 1.5mg

▪︎2020 Jan 13th - Mirtazapine 7.5mg

▪︎2020 - Feb - May, holding 7.5mg

▪︎2020 1st June, 7.35mg. 27 June, 7.2mg. 7 July, 7.05mg. 18 July, 6.9mg. 28 July, 6.75mg. 27 Aug, 6.6mg. 7 Sep, 6.45mg. 17 Sep, 6.6mg. Crash/Hold

▪︎2022 - 4 Feb, 6.45mg. 24 Mar, 6.3mg. 13 May, 6.15mg. 13 July, 6mg. 10 Aug, 5.85mg.

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On 11/24/2020 at 8:54 PM, Ripley said:

 

Hi Nicjk

 

I have certainly found that WD has intensified my PMS. (It's the gift that keeps on giving!) I've noticed a much more dramatic drop in mood and stronger cramping and sometimes total sleep loss around that time. My cycles have never been irregular though with WD. I've read other women saying similar things. Hope this helps.

 

Best wishes

Ripley 

Hi Ripley, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Really sucks that you not only feel bad but also have insomnia during your PMS. Sorry to hear that! I am convinced that my WD has also intensified things for me. It's the first time I've experienced such a drop in mood during PMS. Wishing you all the best :)

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • 4 months later...

Hi Alto and Chessie,

The last time we spoke I was attempting to taper off Olanzapine. I decided to tackle Diazepam first because I wasn’t mentally strong enough to deal with the Olanzapine. My Diazepam taper is going well and I should be off by July. I’m still having such trouble dealing with the Olanzapine side effects. How long would you recommend waiting after I complete my Diazepam taper, before I’m able to start tapering Olanzapine again? I am going to start out with a 5% reduction, most likely with compounded Olanzapine capsules. 
I know it’s early to start planning my Olanzapine taper but I think I’ll feel a bit better about dealing with the side effects if I have a future plan in place. Thank you both. 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi @Altostrataand @ChessieCat, I hope all is well with you. I know you are probably busy helping with more urgent matters but just wondering if you can give me guidance on the above question. Just need to know how long I should wait after finishing my Diazepam taper before I can start my Olanzapine taper. I am currently researching compound pharmacies. Thank you! 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Administrator

What are the olanzapine side effects?

 

If I were you, I'd keep on taking a little diazepam while tapering olanzapine.

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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1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

What are the olanzapine side effects?

The worst side effect is anhedonia, followed by weight gain, lack of motivation, dry mouth, memory issues. I would rather eliminate valium from the equation - and I've always found valium to be too mild, so my 4mg wouldn't do much to eliminate anxiety for me. I am planning to taper Olanzapine very slowly with no more than 5% decreases every 2 - 4 weeks so hopefully I won't experience too many horrible withdrawals. Do you think a month is long enough to wait after finishing my valium taper before I start tapering olanzapine? Olanzapine is by far the worst drug I have ever taken :(

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Administrator

As olanzapine is causing the worst effects, I would taper olanzapine first. As suggested before, Valium can help you cope with olanzapine withdrawal symptoms, if any. Insomnia is a common problem when tapering olanzapine.

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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18 hours ago, Altostrata said:

As olanzapine is causing the worst effects, I would taper olanzapine first. As suggested before, Valium can help you cope with olanzapine withdrawal symptoms, if any. Insomnia is a common problem when tapering olanzapine.

I appreciate your advice but I will be off valium in July which isn’t far away, and then my Olanzapine taper will take over 2 years so I do not want to be on valium during that time. I will need to take longer to taper the Olanzapine because it has harsher withdrawals. I would just like to know how long to wait after I finish my valium taper before I start my (very long) Olanzapine taper. Thank you. 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Administrator

With Valium's long half-life, I would wait a few months before starting another taper.

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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  • 5 months later...

hi @Nicjk just thought i would let you know..i have seen on zyprexa facebook page that most of the people on there are shaving there tablet...with a razor blade..i guess doing it that way you can take smaller cuts from it than with a pill cutter...i probably should of done it that way as dissolving it i feel i cannnot tolerate...but its too late now i have started it and do not want to go back to a solid form... that is the only way i can think of i hope that is helpful..cheers morgana

Cipramil  40mg  1996 to Oct 2017 stopped cold turkey

Only on Zyprexa from now on :   10mg solid form 1998 to Oct 2017

7.5mg solid form  Oct 2017 to Oct 2019 5mg solid form  Oct 2019 to Apr 2020

3.75mg solid form Apr 2020 to May 2020 2.5mg solid form  May 2020 to Feb 2021 2.5mg solid 3/4 and 1/4 liquid w/ 5mls water 6th Feb 2021 to 2nd Apr 2021 2.5mg 1/2 solid and 1/2 liquid w/10mls water 3rd Apr to 26th Jun 2021

 2.5mg dissolved in 25mls of water from 27th Jun 2021 to 22nd Oct 2021 2.5mg 1/2 solid, 1/2 dissolved in 10mls of water from 23rd Oct 21 to 7th Feb 2022 water titrating from 7th Feb 2022 to 13 Aug 2022:  2.2425mg

 

 

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  • 9 months later...
On 5/21/2022 at 4:50 PM, ChessieCat said:

I used a tapering calculator and I have based your taper on 20mg, reducing by 10% every 4 weeks.  To get to 0.0236mg (see next paragraph out last dose to take) will take 64 x 4 week periods. 

Hi @ChessieCatmay I ask which calculator you used? I am trying to find a calculator which will help me work out how long it will take to get off 5mg Olanzapine. Have you come across a calculator that may help to work out length of time? 

Mid June 2019 to mid November 2019 - Escitalopram (Lexapro) 20mg (3 week taper - psych advise) 

Reinstated 2.5mg Lexapro 3rd Jan 2020 

Increased Lexapro dose to 5mg (0.06g) 11th Jan 2020 due to continual WD symptoms, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.05g 7th March 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.04g 7th April 2020, Decreased Lexapro dose to 0.03g 7th May 2020

Mid June 2019 to 14 Jul 2020 - Clonazepam 0.5mg 

Pericyazine (Neulactil) 20mg 24th Jun 2020 - 12th July, down to 15mg 13th July - 19th July, down to 10mg 20th July - 26th July, reinstated 15mg Pericyazine 27 July 2020 - Accidentally took 20mg for 2 nights 5 &6/8/20, CT Pericyazine 14th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Olanzapine) 

20mg Lexapro - 16th May 2020 - 9th Sept 2020 (Psych CT and replaced with Nortriptyline) 

10mg Diazepam - 5 Aug 2020, reduced over weeks to 7mg Tuesday 29 September, updosed to 8mg 2nd October 2020, started reducing by 0.5mg every two weeks - first reduction 12th December 2020, final dose on 18th March 2022 (off valium!)

125mg Nortriptyline - 10 Sept 2020 - Current 

5mg Olanzapine - 15th Sept 2020 - 29 Sept 2020, reduced to 2.5mg on 30 Sept 2020, back up to 5.0mg on 5th Oct 2020. Reduced to 4.750 on 9 Nov 2020, back up to 5mg Olanzapine sometime in January 2021 (current)

Supplements: beef liver, fish oil, vitamin D, zinc, iron every 2nd day

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I've moved your question to your own Intro.

 

how-to-calculate-dosages-and-dilutions-spreadsheets-and-calculators

 

I like this one.  Note the instructions.  And that there are 3 tabs for different types of taper.

 

On 5/4/2013 at 7:21 AM, Altostrata said:

Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations   (Revised and updated October 2020)

This is a Google Sheet from scallywag and Brassmonkey -- There are different tabs at the bottom: Standard, Microtaper, Brassmonkey Slide. 

To customize it, you will need to download or copy this spreadsheet:

INSTRUCTIONS:  To use with Microsoft Excel, in the Google Sheet (not in your browser), from the File menu, click on Download. Or, use Copy to transfer a copy to your own Google Drive.

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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