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MindDrift: olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal, then Citalopram withdrawal


MindDrift

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  • Moderator Emeritus
3 hours ago, MindDrift said:

I can help but think that I've done myself some real emotional damage, particularly in those last three weeks of absolutely unbearable symptoms.

It has been our experience that the damage is not permanent and that you will, in time, heal.

 

3 hours ago, MindDrift said:

but not sure that unearthing the past, at this stage of my recovery is the best way to go?

You may well be right.  At this stage, unearthing the past may be too traumatic and stressful.  If you could find a counselor who could help you deal with your current situation without delving into the past, that might help. Now is a time to be gentle with yourself.

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

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  • Mentor

Hi @MindDrift

 I am glad to hear that the reinstatement is going well. 

9 hours ago, MindDrift said:

I still feel quite mentally unwell,

Thats normal, as gridley suggested, you need to give it some time. The whole purpose with reinstatement is having daily life bearable, but you will still find some challenges, and ups and downs along the way. There for I would suggest that you practice coping skills and self care, it really helps.

 

9 hours ago, MindDrift said:

. I was thinking of maybe getting some counselling to help me get through this period,

I  think thats an excellent idea, anything that will help you is worth a try. 

9 hours ago, MindDrift said:

My GP is kind of useless when it comes to medication/ withdrawal etc so he's not someone I can really talk to about any of this.

Unfortunately thats what most of us in here experience, but it doesnt mean what you are feeling isnt valid its just ignored by so many who havent been in our shoes. When I started tapering I kind of had to be my own advocate, and research on my own. Knowledge is power. 

Have faith, do the work and you will come out on top I am sure.

 

All my best to you.

Edited by Hanna72

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

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@Gridley

@Hanna72

 

Thank you both.

 

I know I should be having time off & trying to take it easy, but when I'm alone with my thoughts it's an absolute pure nightmare inside my head. The only time I'm really able to get any sort of respite from the anger & resentment in my mind is when I'm at work, so that's what I've been doing for most of the time. I don't wanna turn into a workaholic but it seems to be a way to not have all the fierceness inside my mind going on all the time.

 

I also think that the time between getting stable after my Olanzapine withdrawal & when I started my Citalopram taper was probably the best time for me in terms of emotional stability, and feeling generally happy, contented & grateful for my life. I'd like to think I'll be medication free at some stage but I just don't know. All I'm thinking about now is getting through the days & getting stabilised.

 

Though mentally & emotionally, I'm still really fragile, the reinstatement has worked wonders, when I wasn't even sure if it was going to work at all. The last few weeks of withdrawal have made me feel angry, unkind & aggressive, towards both myself & others. It's really taken me away from the principles of love, tolerance & kindness that I try to live my life by, and I need to work to try to get that back again.

 

Any suggestions?

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • Moderator Emeritus
20 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

I don't wanna turn into a workaholic but it seems to be a way to not have all the fierceness inside my mind going on all the time.

 

Distraction is an important tool in dealing with withdrawal.

 

21 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

I'd like to think I'll be medication free at some stage but I just don't know.

You don't need to make that decision at this point. 

 

22 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

the reinstatement has worked wonders, when I wasn't even sure if it was going to work at all.

It is fantastic that the reinstatement worked and that you're doing better.  It's an inspiration.

 

23 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

It's really taken me away from the principles of love, tolerance & kindness that I try to live my life by, and I need to work to try to get that back again.

This is common in withdrawal.  You will get back to living those principles.

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

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@Gridley

@Hanna72

 

It's going to be a week on Wednesday that I've been back on the 0.5mg reinstatement and I'm not sure what I should be doing? Increasing the dose or staying the same? I'm still really mentally unwell, but not right out on the edge like I was in the last week or so before reinstatement. I still get them, but the physical symptoms have improved quite a bit too.

 

When I was three months off of Olanzapine & right before the start of my Citalopram taper, that was the time when I felt probably the best I've felt since 2007.  I was on 20mg Citalopram daily, so I'm not sure if I should be looking at increasing gradually &  going back to that dose, or staying where I am, or increasing by a small amount?

 

What do you think?

 

Thanks! x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • Mentor

Hi @MindDrift

I would wait to increase and give it a week and reevaluate on Wednesday. It takes the drug a week to ramp up to its full affect of this dose. By that time if you still feel the need to increase, make sure you increase by a small amount to say up to 1 mg. More is not better. 
 

43 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

right before the start of my Citalopram taper, that was the time when I felt probably the best I've felt since 2007

You will get there, I know this journey is hard and frustrating, but patience and time is your best friend right now. 
 

 

43 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

but not right out on the edge like I was in the last week or so before reinstatement. I still get them, but the physical symptoms have improved quite a bit too.

This is a very good sign that the reinstatement is working. You will still experience windows and waves pattern, but don’t let it discourage you.

Hang in there and let us know how you feel in coming days.

Edited by Hanna72

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
14 hours ago, MindDrift said:

I still get them, but the physical symptoms have improved quite a bit too.

That means the reinstatement is working.  I would stay where you are.  

 

14 hours ago, MindDrift said:

 

When I was three months off of Olanzapine & right before the start of my Citalopram taper, that was the time when I felt probably the best I've felt since 2007.  I was on 20mg Citalopram daily, so I'm not sure if I should be looking at increasing gradually &  going back to that dose, or staying where I am, or increasing by a small amount?

There's a saying we have here: you can't step in the same river twice.  You have a different nervous system from the previous time you're describing, due to the changes you made with the drugs and the changes the drugs made to your nervous system.  As I said, I would stay where you are and allow the full effects of the reinstatement to happen.  This can takes some time.

 

It's great that the reinstatement is working.  

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

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@Gridley

@Hanna72

 

I went up to 1ml last Friday, so four days ago, and am having some mildly better days. As well as the mental & emotional struggles, I'm still having some physical symptoms of aching legs & waves of feeling generally unwell. They're nothing like they were but still there. Are these going to fade?

 

I'm still unsure about how the reinstatement is going to go? Do I just stay on the dose I'm on now & time will help me to level out, or do I need to keep slowly increasing the dose till the symptoms have gone?

 

I've been working almost constantly to stay occupied, but today was the first day that I've actually been able to just lay on the sofa, without the horrors of my thoughts attacking me all day. Sounds extreme but that's the way it's been for the last few weeks. 

 

I think I'm moving in the right direction, but still got a bit of a way to go to get some semblance of normality back into my life.

 

Have either of you, or anyone else reading this, got any insight/ guidance about what I've posted or where I'm at right now?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • Mentor

Hi @MindDrift

When we reinstate our drug, what we are looking for is being able to function with our daily life’s. It sounds to me that you are getting on track, even though you might still have some symptoms, I feel you are managing them well. You only just increased 4 days ago, and the 1 mg has not yet reached it’s full affect. I would hold there.  

38 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

Do I just stay on the dose I'm on now & time will help me to level out

Yes just hold it right there. There might be some symptoms that will stay with you, and I would recommend a lot off self care and patience at this time. 

 

41 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

that I've actually been able to just lay on the sofa, without the horrors of my thoughts attacking me all day

This is a very good indicator that the reinstatement is working for you.

Give your nervous system time to stabilise. 

As gridley said

On 6/29/2021 at 12:17 PM, Gridley said:

You have a different nervous system from the previous time you're describing, due to the changes you made with the drugs and the changes the drugs made to your nervous system

Sending you positive vibes, don’t get discouraged, your body is doing everything it can to help you out, it needs more time.

 

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 7/6/2021 at 1:04 PM, MindDrift said:

Do I just stay on the dose I'm on now & time will help me to level out, or do I need to keep slowly increasing the dose till the symptoms have gone?

As @Hanna72 said, it is better to stay where you are and let your system stabilize to receive the full benefits of the reinstatement.  It takes several months for this to happen.

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

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@Hanna72

@Gridley

 

Thank you!

 

Been back on 1ml for nine days, and am still feel pretty emotionally unwell, but seeing some incremental improvements as the days go by.

 

Still getting some occasional, but mild compared to what they were, waves of physical withdrawals: Aching legs, chronic tiredness etc.

 

In terms of dissolving the Citalopram in water, which is how I'm getting the 1ml doses, how long does the diluted solution keep when it's stored in a small jar in the fridge? How long is it good for? How often should I be making a fresh batch?

 

Thanks! x

 

 

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • Moderator Emeritus
55 minutes ago, MindDrift said:

but seeing some incremental improvements as the days go by.

That's great, Minddrift, a sign the reinstatement is working.  Just hold steady at that dose and let yourself stabilize there and get the full benefit of the reinstatement.

 

Regarding the liquid solution, I've brought your questions to the attention of the other staff.

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi @MindDrift Glad to hear you are seeing improvements.

2 hours ago, MindDrift said:

how long does the diluted solution keep when it's stored in a small jar in the fridge? How long is it good for?

 

Just found this @Gridley

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORIGINAL TOPIC:  Making a Celexa Solution Yourself

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

  On 11/30/2011 at 12:48 AM, Altostrata said:

Rhi, do you know how long the Celexa solution will keep in the fridge?

 

I just found this study which indicates that Celexa dissolved in water is pretty stable. It says they went as far out as 30 days and no degradation was seen when kept dark; maybe a little less if exposed to light in this study. This is great news for me, because I'm down to about 1 mg now and I can make 8-9 doses out of one tablet!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16050577

 

 

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

Link to comment

MindDrift, how do you feel about updating your signature to reflect the reinstatement?

Previously: Lithium (incorrectly diagnosed bipolar although I never had a manic or hypomanic episode)(taken during summer/fall 2020); Olanzapine (taken from late spring 2020 until late December 2020); Abilify (briefly for a couple of weeks in 2016, caused akethesia); Risperidone (2014-2016); Fluoxetine (two weeks in 2020); various sleep aids, e.g., Ativan, trazadone, mirtazapine and other antihistaminics (winter through summer of 2021).  I don't remember most of the dosages and am leaving them blank.

 

Currently: Latuda (40mg) (hoping to taper). 

Other: I do not smoke, do not drink, have only one cup of coffee in the morning, and don't use anything else.  I exercise 3-4 times per week and watch my diet. 

 

My posts do not include any medical advice and I am not trained in medicine. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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@JohnBanes

 

Hi John.

 

Thought I'd already done this. One sec, let me look.

 

Thanks for the nudge. 

 

Done! x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • Administrator

I would not keep a homemade liquid (always refrigerate) for more than a week -- your kitchen laboratory is not sterile.

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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16 hours ago, Gridley said:

That's great, Minddrift, a sign the reinstatement is working.  Just hold steady at that dose and let yourself stabilize there and get the full benefit of the reinstatement.

 

Regarding the liquid solution, I've brought your questions to the attention of the other staff.

@GridleyThanks Gridley, that's what I'm going to do. x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
14 hours ago, Hanna72 said:

Hi @MindDrift Glad to hear you are seeing improvements.

 

Just found this @Gridley

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORIGINAL TOPIC:  Making a Celexa Solution Yourself

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

  On 11/30/2011 at 12:48 AM, Altostrata said:

Rhi, do you know how long the Celexa solution will keep in the fridge?

 

I just found this study which indicates that Celexa dissolved in water is pretty stable. It says they went as far out as 30 days and no degradation was seen when kept dark; maybe a little less if exposed to light in this study. This is great news for me, because I'm down to about 1 mg now and I can make 8-9 doses out of one tablet!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16050577

 

 

Thanks @Hanna72! x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
10 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I would not keep a homemade liquid (always refrigerate) for more than a week -- your kitchen laboratory is not sterile.

Good shout @Altostrata! I'm going to make a new batch every week. x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • 2 weeks later...

@Gridley

@Hanna72

 

Been reinstated for just over four weeks now, a week at 0.5 & three weeks at 1mg. It's much better than the horrors of the couple of weeks before reinstatement, and was having much better days.

 

Today has been really difficult. Had a stressful week at work which really made me feel run down. Today I felt such anger & had really bad negative thinking. This is coupled with feeling very emotionally unwell, fragile & vulnerable. Got some of the same physical symptoms I had when withdrawing too.

 

Don't know what to do, increase the dose or stay where I am & hope it improves? Is it going to improve? Is my CNS still getting used to the current dose?

 

What was it like for you when you were where I'm at with reinstatement? Did it improve? Did you need to increase the dose? Did you ever get to a place after reinstatement where you weren't having these kinds of days?

 

Thanks. x

 

 

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi @MindDrift

I am sorry to hear that you had a though week, this is such a hard journey and I totally understand.

About your situation if you should increase or hold, you have the best judgment of that. If you are considering increasing , remember that doing a  small increase as you have been doing already.

With that said I want to tell you about my experience. You see when I reinstated I was in a very bad place, housebound  and unfunctional. I increased my dose very rapidly out of fear and my mindset was not clear at all.

 Today I wish I hadn't gone up as much as I did, because now I have months of tapering to do, and I can also feel that now when I have decreased slowly, I am still functioning well. 

You are working and hopefully sleeping well which is a good indicator that you are functioning with daily life. Thats what the aim should be.

About the anger and negative thoughts you are feeling, you had a stressful week and its not surprising it has affect on you, and even more now cause  

 with less dosage of the  drugs in our system  we feel more vulnerable and sensitized, we all experience it and its unfortunately a part of wd.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14397-neuro-emotions/

 

6 hours ago, MindDrift said:

Did you ever get to a place after reinstatement where you weren't having these kinds of days

I am still having windows and waves patterns, and I also had them after I stabilized. But I could function again with my daily life. And now I am learning how to work with my emotions, stressors in life and everything that comes with hard times and life situations without having to rely on drugs. Its hard work for sure, frustrating, and tiresome at times,  but I am just so sure that it will be so worth it and empowering in the end that I am willing to put up with all the challenges along the way.....well most of the time.

 

 

I attached a link of the occupancy of citalopram down below for you to look at, because its astonishing just what a tiny dose of the drug still has its affect. This is why more is not necessarily better.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/6036-why-taper-sert-transporter-occupancy-studies-show-importance-of-gradual-change-in-plasma-concentration/

 

 I would suggest exploring some coping skills, there is so much of good ideas on this site, I would read through it and see what could benefit you.

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1112-non-drug-techniques-to-cope-with-emotional-symptoms/

 

Dont get discouraged, you can do this you have already made it this far. 

My best to you.

 

Edited by Hanna72

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

Link to comment

@Gridley

@Hanna72

 

Thanks Hanna, this is very helpful!

 

The occupancy chart is particularly useful.

 

I know that I'm going to have to taper back down eventually, so staying on a lower dose would be preferable, though I'm not even going to think about that till next year sometime.

 

I think I'd like to increase my daily dose. Looking at the occupancy chart, it would seem that I could get a decent amount of stabilisation from 5mg daily, which is what I'm thinking of aiming for. Well, at least slowly increasing the dose, till I find the amount that works for me at this time. I'm thinking that this will help me to get stabilised and have a better quality of existence until I decide to look at tapering again sometime next year.

 

What do you think? 

 

As I've been on 1mg for three weeks, how should I manage the increase up? Go from 1mg to 2mg, hold for a couple of weeks then increase again, or go up slower? Will 1mg increases at a time be ok? 

 

Thanks. x

 

 

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
17 hours ago, MindDrift said:

stay where I am & hope it improves?

That would be my suggestion.

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
3 hours ago, MindDrift said:

As I've been on 1mg for three weeks, how should I manage the increase up? Go from 1mg to 2mg, hold for a couple of weeks then increase again, or go up slower? Will 1mg increases at a time be ok? 

Shooting for a goal based on the SERT chart isn't a good strategy.  There are many factors at play in WD and reinstatement, and SERT is only one of them.  If you want to increase, it should be very very slowly and not with 5mg as the goal.  Too much can destabilize you and make things worse.  

 

As I wrote earlier, if 1mg is helping, give it a chance to fully work.  

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Mentor

@MindDrift

Checking in to see how you are doing?

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

Link to comment

@Hanna72

 

Hi Hannah.

 

Thanks for your message.

 

I think I'm moving in the right direction, as I'm having a few better days, but also some real mental & emotional difficulties. I'm actually getting less physical withdrawal symptoms, but still getting them a couple of times a week. I think on the whole that things are getting better, but situations that I was usually able to deal with without too much of an issue, are really troubling me. Particularly situations where there is any sort of conflict with people I'm working with. I'm on 1.5ml daily now & have been for 9 days. I want to increase but know I need to do it very slowly. I don't have an issue with increasing the dose, if it's going to help me to stabilise, even though I know that at some point I'll have to taper back down again. What I don't want to happen is to stay on a lower dose, and things be any more uncomfortable, just so it will be less of a taper when I finally decide to do taper again.

 

I know that it's going to take time to stabilise, but from what I can understand, a slowly increased dose could help with this. I know that there is the argument to stay on the initial reinstatement dose & hopefully stabilise over time, but also the school of thought that increasing the dose will further aid the stabilisation process. I think that I want to increase further, but not sure exactly how to manage the increase. I also don't think I'd want to go up any higher than 5ml, as the SERT chart seems to indicate that a good part of the benefit could come from that amount. I was going to increase by 0.5ml & monitor, with a view to increase by this same amount every two weeks, until I find a balance that works for me, which will hopefully be not too far from where I'm at now.

 

What do you think?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi @MindDrift

I totally understand. We are here to guide you and support you. 
I can only give you my opinion but the decision is all up to you.

If you were to increase further I would not do more then 0,5 mg each time as you mentioned.

The reason I gave you the sert chart is to show you that there is a lot of benefit with the lower doses, and I always have found facts help with my decisions. 
I would not aim to get up to 5 mg, rather the amount that gets you stabilised, because it might even surprise you that it can be a low dose. 
 

You have the best  judgment on what suits you, what ever you decide we support you.

 

All my best to you🙏

 


1999-2020  20 mg Paxil

Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil.

2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12  13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg 7.6mg 7.0 mg 6,3 mg 5,6 mg 5,0 mg 4,5 mg 4,0 mg 3.6mg 3,2 mg 2,9 mg 2,6 mg 2,3 mg 2,0 mg

 


I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience.

Link to comment

@Hanna72

@Gridley

 

I'm still having some real swings, waves & windows, that don't seem to be following any pattern: Had a week with very mild withdrawals, then a few really difficult days, then 9 days feeling better, then 2 feeling terrible. Yesterday was great, today is really difficult. I've been on 1.5ml for a couple of weeks now & increased to 2ml this morning. I'm in a wave of withdrawal tonight, though not sure why? Maybe just waves & windows?

 

Have either of you experienced increased withdrawal symptoms after a very minor increase? If so, did they even out and improve, or did you go back to the previous dose?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

x

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment

@Hanna72

@Gridley

 

I'm still having some real swings, waves & windows, that don't seem to be following any pattern: Had a week with very mild withdrawals, then a few really difficult days, then 9 days feeling better, then 2 feeling terrible. Yesterday was great, today is really difficult. I've been on 1.5ml for a couple of weeks now & increased to 2ml this morning. I'm in a wave of withdrawal tonight, though not sure why? Maybe just waves & windows?

 

Have either of you experienced increased withdrawal symptoms after a very minor increase? If so, did they even out and improve, or did you go back to the previous dose?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

@brassmonkey Maybe you have some experience of this that you'd care to share?

 

x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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  • 2 weeks later...

@Gridley

@Hanna72

 

 

So, just over two months since reinstatement, and have slowly increased to Citalopram 2.5ml daily. Made latest 0.5ml increase on Tuesday, after a couple of weeks at 2ml. Had some pretty bad waves since increase, though this might be down t work/ life stress, so planning to hold on current dose. Is there a chance that what I'm feeling is kindling, or is it going to stabilise? At what stage, if any, should I consider reducing the dose?

 

I was hoping to be further along by now, but was just looking at reinstatement threads, and the six month mark seems to be a good place to re-evaluate, so I'm looking to stay on current dose till then.

 

Asked my Doctor for liquid Citalopram, so I wouldn't have to dissolve the pills. He insisted that I needed to halve dose for two weeks, then discontinue, and I'd be ok then. As I was telling him that this was not the case, he talked over me to disagree. I had to ask him to let me speak & say where I was at, what had happened, and what I would need in terms of liquid Citalopram. He just said "fine" then changed the subject. When I went to collect my medication, he'd just given me the amount he'd told me I'd need to do his "halve the dose, then stop & you'll be fine" method. He's completely clueless/ ignorant at best, and downright negligent at worst. Luckily I've got enough meds to be able to continue with what I'm doing. I'm just going to have to tell him I decided to go back to the original dose to keep him prescribing for me. I'm not sure what it's coming to when the care & guidance of a Doctor is the absolute opposite of what we should actually be getting from them. It's so wrong.

 

x

 

 

 

 

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

@MindDrift

 

I'm taking a break from moderating on SA and I believe Hanna72 is also.  

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

Link to comment

@Gridley

 

Ok, thanks Gridley.

 

What's the best way for me to bet my posts seen/ commented on & get guidance on this please?

 

Thanks! x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

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

What's the best way for me to bet my posts seen/ commented on & get guidance on this please?

 

Watch the site and see which of the moderators are currently active and responding to members' posts and then tag them with your questions.

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

Link to comment
  • Administrator

@MindDrift, how is the 2.5mg affecting you? How long have you been at this dose? Are you feeling better, worse, or the same?

 

You can get the liquid from NHS to taper. See How to talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal? What to expect?

 

You might show your doctor the paper from Royal College of Psychiatrists.

 

You may have to request this higher up the ladder from your doctor. You may need to request a new doctor.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

 

Thanks Alto!

 

Been at 2.5mg since Tuesday, so this is the 6th day. I'm not sure how I feel actually. On the whole, since I've reinstated at 0.5mg,  nearly 10 weeks ago, I think that things are improving, but it's really slow, and I'm still having some very trying periods. There's no rhyme or reason to it either: I've had up to 9 days of relatively mild symptoms, then bam, back into some quite severe waves of physical, mental & emotional withdrawals, then another period where I'm relatively ok, and so it goes.....

 

Been going up by 0.5mg every increase, held at 2mg for two weeks before going up to 2.5, and seem to be experiencing a wave around the time of each increase. Is this normal? Is this kindling? Should I go back down or is this a part of my CNS readjusting?  

 

I had 2nd dose of AZ vaccine last Thursday, so not sure if this is a factor or not? 

 

My way of thinking was that a combination of increasing the dose & giving my CNS time to stabilise, would get me to a place where I'm not in as much discomfort. 

 

I was thinking of holding for a month at 2.5mg then re-assessing the situation.

 

What do you think?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

x

Olanzapine 2.5mg 2007 - 8.5.2020. 1.25mg held for 4 weeks then stopped.

 

Citalopram 20mg 2007 - December 2020. Tapered down from 20mg daily, to 1.25, by halving the dose, holding for 3/4 weeks after each reduction, then jumping off in March 2021.

 

23/6/ 2021 Reinstated Citalopram, 0.5mg, held for a week then increased to 1mg. Held for four weeks then increased to 1.5mg. Held for two weeks then increased to 2mg. held for two weeks then increased to 2.5mg. been on 2.5mg since 24/8/21

Link to comment
  • Administrator

What do you mean by a wave? What happens? How long does this last?

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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