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Kingfisher86: I think I tapered off Lexapro too fast almost 9 weeks ago


Kingfisher86

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Hi everyone,

 

I am glad I found this web-site. I did read some of the topics similar to mine, still it seems each case is unique. Thank you for reading my post.

 

I was on 10 mg of Lexapro from July 2017-July 2018 for anxiety and mild depression. Felt good right from the start, no side effects from taking it.

 

From July 2018- June 2020 I was on 5 mg of Lexapro. Felt good too.

 

I started tappering in June 2020 with very little knowledge as I can see now. I was impulsive and wanted to get it over with. 
So, over the course of the next 3 months ( or little less since I can’t say for sure) I would take 5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly once a week until I stopped August 1st 2020.

 

First 2 weeks after I stopped were emotionally hard since all the fears that I haven’t had before, like losing people I love, to getting dying old in matter of seconds, to just being scared for no reason.

 

Next 2 weeks were physically horrible, from the constant trips to the restroom, nausea, my whole body tingling, chills and just wanting to reap my skin off. I survived it. I must mention that during this time I visited homeopath and was given some kind of remedy that possibly made it worse for me as remedies of this type tend to do.

 

Next 5 weeks has been just mix of everything, with physical sympthoms lessening but also changing. Like my body doesn’t tingle anymore ( hands from time to time) but back of my head feel tight and I feel chill there too. Emotionally, it just seems that I can’t shake off some of the fears I mentioned at the begining of my post and sometimes I think they make my body feel worse.

 

It feels like I am getting better but it feels like micro mini steps. I need to be patient I realise.

 

I am still wondering, do I just continue like this with no drugs OR should I try to go back on a smaller dose then tapper much more slowly???

 

 

 

10 mg Lexapro from July 2017–July 2018

  5 mg Lexapro from July 2018– June 2020

Tappering from June—August with 5 mg

August 1st 2020– drug free

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Kingfisher86: I think I tapered off Lexapro too fast almost 9 weeks ago
12 hours ago, Kingfisher86 said:

Hi everyone,

 

I am glad I found this web-site. I did read some of the topics similar to mine, still it seems each case is unique. Thank you for reading my post.

 

I was on 10 mg of Lexapro from July 2017-July 2018 for anxiety and mild depression. Felt good right from the start, no side effects from taking it.

 

From July 2018- June 2020 I was on 5 mg of Lexapro. Felt good too.

 

I started tappering in June 2020 with very little knowledge as I can see now. I was impulsive and wanted to get it over with. 
So, over the course of the next 3 months ( or little less since I can’t say for sure) I would take 5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly once a week until I stopped August 1st 2020.

 

First 2 weeks after I stopped were emotionally hard since all the fears that I haven’t had before, like losing people I love, to getting dying old in matter of seconds, to just being scared for no reason.

 

Next 2 weeks were physically horrible, from the constant trips to the restroom, nausea, my whole body tingling, chills and just wanting to reap my skin off. I survived it. I must mention that during this time I visited homeopath and was given some kind of remedy that possibly made it worse for me as remedies of this type tend to do.

 

Next 5 weeks has been just mix of everything, with physical sympthoms lessening but also changing. Like my body doesn’t tingle anymore ( hands from time to time) but back of my head feel tight and I feel chill there too. Emotionally, it just seems that I can’t shake off some of the fears I mentioned at the begining of my post and sometimes I think they make my body feel worse.

 

It feels like I am getting better but it feels like micro mini steps. I need to be patient I realise.

 

I am still wondering, do I just continue like this with no drugs OR should I try to go back on a smaller dose then tapper much more slowly???

 

 

 

10 mg Lexapro from July 2017–July 2018

  5 mg Lexapro from July 2018– June 2020

Tappering from June—August with 5 mg

August 1st 2020– drug free


I just wanted to add that I am being brave even though my fears scare me to the core.

I am afraid of meds because I want to have the best brain possible

but they made me feel good and like I had reasons to live and not be afraid of living.

I wish I knew about you guys before. It is in vain to look back wishing, but I am glad that there are people who understand.🥺

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome to SA, Kingfish86.

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  Please give the dates of your taper with information about your dosing schedule (skipping doses).

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

As you have figured out, you're experiencing withdrawal from a too-fast taper of Lexapro. The symptoms you describe are very typical of antidepressant withdrawal.  Symptoms will disappear, to be replaced by new symptoms, just as you're described.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

When we take psychiatric medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

These explain the healing process really well:

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Brain Remodelling 

 

Reinstatement of a very small dose of the original drug is the only known way to help alleviate withdrawal syndrome.  The only other alternative is to try and wait out the symptoms and manage as best you can until your central nervous system returns to homeostasis.  Unfortunately no one can give you an exact timeline as to when you will start feeling better and while some do recover relatively easily, for others it can take many months or longer.  

 

Reinstatement isn't a guarantee of diminished symptoms for everyone but it's the best tactic available.  You're still in the time period where reinstatement predictably works, up to 3 months after last dose.  We usually suggest a much smaller reinstatement dose than your last dose.  These drugs are strong, our system has become sensitized and If you take too much it may be too much for your brain and can cause you become more unstable.  Then, once you've stabilized on the reinstated dosage, which can take several months,  you can begin a 10% per month taper down to zero.   Why taper by 10% of my dosage?  

 

Please read:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms. -- at least the first page of the topic

 

If you decide to reinstate, I suggest reinstating 1mg Lexapro--no more.  This link describes how you can get the small dose you'll need for your reinstatement, basically using a compounding pharmacy, getting a prescription liquid (if available in your country), making your own liquid or using a digital jewelry scale to measure doses.

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can complete your drug signature, ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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 Thank you @Gridley!

 

I read many of these info.

I am just scared I will never be ok. I guess that is a common feeling. Any encouragement is welcomed!💪🏼🥺

 

I live in Serbia and we do not have a liquid form of Lexapro. I do have a pill cutter but it will not be precise (5 mg to 2.5mg to 1.25mg roughly).


If 1mg proves to be beneficial, for how long is the best to take it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Kingfisher86
Additional question

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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Kingfisher86 I know you aren't feeling well and are concerned if you ever will. Please remember that not everyone has terrible ongoing WD symptoms. I started feeling much better around 3 months after my last dose.  Hopefully you will feel better soon too! 

Paxil  07/1997 - 10/1998 Quit CT  

Neurontin, topamax, trazadone,  ssri AD (don't remember which one) 12/1998 - 06/1999 CT everything

Eflexor Xanax  04/2000 -08/2000 CT  ***01/2008-05/2013 on/off lexapro, lamictalseroquelsaphris, pristiq  Start/Stop CT at intervals 

Zoloft 200 mg 07/2013  WD 04/3/20 - 04/8/20 Quit

Seroquel 800 mg 07/2013 2013 *400 mg 07/2019  *** WD 04/15/2020 - 06/19/20 Quit

Ambien 10 mg 07/2013  WD 5 mg 04/29/2020, 2.5 mg 12/24/20, 1.66 mg 01/21/2021, 1.25 mg 02/16/2021 *** 02/22/2021 Quit

Xanax  2 mg prn 07/2013 - 04/23/20 Quit CT

Lamictal 150 mg 07/2013 WD 05/06/20 -06/11/2020 Quit

Propranolol 03/21/2020 - 04/20/2020 Quit CT

Hydroxyzine  12/14/2020 - 12/27/20 Quit

Allegra 24 hr 01/11/21 Flonase Nasal Spray 01/11/21

Magnesium Glycinate 100mg x3 daily D3 5000iu daily 

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Hey @Lucy1983🐳

 

Thank you for being supportive💫 it really helps to keep my head up.

It is hard because I feel like I need decision to make: let it play out on its own or try  1mg to help symptoms And do it within 3 months of stopping my med.

 

I am out and about. Going to therapy twice to three times a week. I can even handle physical sympthoms most of the times but emotionally I am scared. I am not at peace. My circumstances are not the best now, my ex and I broke up which makes everything even more difficult.😖

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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@Kingfisher86 yes it is the unknown that is most difficult. I did a fast taper off many drugs simultaneously so I didn't know which drug to possibly reinstate. I too was able to deal with the physical symptoms much better than the mental/emotional. I still have anxiety and am easily rattled so I practice deliberate calm thinking. I also am scared of what my mind may suddenly start telling me. But I Know now that I do have control and that it is the drugs/WD that are causing my problems. I Know now that I am not going crazy and that I will continue to get better. I tell myself that "this too shall pass". I am in constant pursuit of finding peace of mind.  It is very good that you are getting out and seeking therapy to help cope with the stress of daily life and a broken relationship. Remember You Are brave and You Are strong and You Are going to have good things come your way.  There Are always reasons to keep living Even when those reasons are temporarily obscure. 

Paxil  07/1997 - 10/1998 Quit CT  

Neurontin, topamax, trazadone,  ssri AD (don't remember which one) 12/1998 - 06/1999 CT everything

Eflexor Xanax  04/2000 -08/2000 CT  ***01/2008-05/2013 on/off lexapro, lamictalseroquelsaphris, pristiq  Start/Stop CT at intervals 

Zoloft 200 mg 07/2013  WD 04/3/20 - 04/8/20 Quit

Seroquel 800 mg 07/2013 2013 *400 mg 07/2019  *** WD 04/15/2020 - 06/19/20 Quit

Ambien 10 mg 07/2013  WD 5 mg 04/29/2020, 2.5 mg 12/24/20, 1.66 mg 01/21/2021, 1.25 mg 02/16/2021 *** 02/22/2021 Quit

Xanax  2 mg prn 07/2013 - 04/23/20 Quit CT

Lamictal 150 mg 07/2013 WD 05/06/20 -06/11/2020 Quit

Propranolol 03/21/2020 - 04/20/2020 Quit CT

Hydroxyzine  12/14/2020 - 12/27/20 Quit

Allegra 24 hr 01/11/21 Flonase Nasal Spray 01/11/21

Magnesium Glycinate 100mg x3 daily D3 5000iu daily 

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Oh @Lucy1983🙏🏻

 

Thank you for your words! They help. I need to take it one day at the time. Find joy. You are so brave and I appreciate your time to help me out too.🐳

 

💫I am still wondering if there are folks out there who also had to weigh pros and cons of reinstating a small dose to help them cope and give brain easier time to get back to its normal state?💫

 

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, Kingfisher86 said:

I do have a pill cutter but it will not be precise (5 mg to 2.5mg to 1.25mg roughly).

 

Take a look at the information in the link I gave you earlier, Tips for Tapering of Escitalopram, and see if you are comfortable making your own liquid.  The other choice is a digital scale.  Do you have Amazon.com in Serbia?  If so, you can order the Gemini-20 scale and I can help you get your dose using it.

2 hours ago, Kingfisher86 said:

If 1mg proves to be beneficial, for how long is the best to take it?

Several months, until you stabilize.  Then you would begin a slow 10% taper down to zero.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

2 hours ago, Kingfisher86 said:

I do have a pill cutter but it will not be precise (5 mg to 2.5mg to 1.25mg roughly).

You're right, cutting pills is not the best method.  Let's see if we can get your dose by one of the two methods I mentioned earlier.

 

Three months after last dose is not an absolute limit for reinstatement.  It's more of a guideline.  Though it is good to reinstate as soon after last dose as possible, we have had members who successfully reinstated after three months.

Edited by Gridley

Gridley Introduction

 

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

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

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

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

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

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

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

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

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

Taper is 95% complete.

 

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

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

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

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

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

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


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

Link to comment

Thank you @Gridley,

 

I gave my best to carefully look at everything you sent me.

 

I like the idea of making my own liquid medicine. I just went over all the info and it is overwhelming to my Serbian speaking brain.

 

I am sure you guys are quite busy but if I could ask for a simplification of how to do it.

 

I have 5mg and 10 mg tables. And of course I have syringes of different sizes and I can get sterile cup from a farmacy. I can buy bottled water and add whatever I need to add.

 

If I was to make week or 10 days worth of solution... would I use 5 or 10 mg pill, in how much water, what else shoud I add?

 

At the end I would use syringe to get how many ML to be equal to 1MG?

 

THANK YOU!!!

Edited by Kingfisher86
Spelling

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

@Kingfisher86 I'm going ask the other moderators who are more experienced in making liquid to respond to your post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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🙏🏻
 

I would very much appreciate that. It seems like my best shot. I don’t think I can order a scale over Amazon now but if a second option is that (weign parts of pill to equal 1 mg) in what kinda a store would I buy such sensitive scale?

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
1 minute ago, Kingfisher86 said:

in what kinda a store would I buy such sensitive scale?

It's a jeweler's scale.  You could ask in a jewelry store or Google "digital jewelry scale" in Serbian plus your city.

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

 

Before you go off to help somebody else one question....

In your experiance and knowledge, is it more harmful to my brain to let it endure withdrawal symptoms or

is it less harmful for my brain to give him that 1 mg?

 

By no means is this asking what should I do as I know I must make that decision myself but just wondering of past experiences people had...

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
33 minutes ago, Kingfisher86 said:

In your experiance and knowledge, is it more harmful to my brain to let it endure withdrawal symptoms or

is it less harmful for my brain to give him that 1 mg?

There is so much that we don't know about these drugs and the brain, so my honest answer would be, I don't know.  My best guess is that in terms of the health of your brain, it's not going to make any difference whether you reinstate or not.  Your brain is going to heal either way.  Reinstatement is more about how you feel and helping you with withdrawal discomfort.

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

 

I very much appreciate you and your honesty!🐳
Thank you for all your help today🙏🏻

 

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Hi everyone,

 

It’s morning here in Belgrade,

Serbia. Wanted to let you know how my night was... I still haven’t decided if I will reinstate a small dose or not.

 

Usually I feel better in the evenings. I do not have much trouble falling asleep but I do feel that I am dreaming awake. I usually go to bed at 00:00 and I wake up like a clock at 6 am. Not how was with meds and before them. I am not complaining. It could always be worse.  I do feel like I want to sleep more but my arms and palms go numb and sweaty and my stomach usually starts pulsating. I stay in bed till 8 am trying to relax with some guided meditation. It works, it doesn’t work.

I get up little shaky, nauseated,chills thru my back, and my arms little achey.

My mind is in ok place this morning. I mean I try to assure myself that I can do it. But my tingling hands get me discouraged sometime.

I just have this deep desire for cease fire in my body, moment of complete relaxation.

When I start moving things usually get better but I do not always have will to do it.

 

Thank you for listening🌻

 

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
19 hours ago, Gridley said:

@Kingfisher86 I'm going ask the other moderators who are more experienced in making liquid to respond to your post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

@Gridley Cause I know you guys are busy, I just want to make sure you don’t forget me. Still not sure what to do, but want to be ready🙏🏻💫

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Kingfisher86 and welcome aboard,

18 hours ago, Kingfisher86 said:

I have 5mg and 10 mg tables. And of course I have syringes of different sizes and I can get sterile cup from a farmacy. I can buy bottled water and add whatever I need to add.

 

If I was to make week or 10 days worth of solution... would I use 5 or 10 mg pill, in how much water, what else shoud I add?

 

At the end I would use syringe to get how many ML to be equal to 1MG?

 

If you want to give a try at a small liquid reinstatement, it's not too difficult. 

 

You could make a 1 mg per 1 mL solution.

So with a 5 mg pill you would add 5 mL water, or normal saline/isotonic saline is even better.

It might be simpler if you went with a more dilute solution, say 5 mg to 10 mL, and then each mL would have an approximate equivalent of 1/2 or 0.5 mg, so you would take 2 mL to get your 1 mg reinstatement dose.

5 mg in 20 mL would give you 1 mg in each 4 mL.

 

How to make a liquid from tablets

It can take a little bit of time for the tablet to dissolve and then you could lightly shake or stir the solution again just before measuring it out in a oral syringe to take.

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram/Lexapro

Best ideal would be to use a homemade isotonic saline solution (9% salt in water) which is made by dissolving 9 grams of table salt in 100mL of water. This mixture will last for a month or so in the refrigerator if you haven't added the drug to it.  Once the drug is added it will keep for about a week.

 

You may be able to get a saline solution from the pharmacy too, or somewhere that has medical supplies.

I did not liquify Lexapro myself, but did have good success liquifying another medication. 

 

And I found that my tablet dissolved best when using room temperature liquid.  Then I had a container with a lid, and would store it in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator between doses.

 

It's generally best to remix a new batch every 3-7 days, in other words, a homemade solution may not keep as well as a pharmaceutically made solution.

 

Are you able to find oral syringes where you are?  The pharmacy may have some.  And/or you could use Amazon, if they deliver where you are at.

Using oral syringes and other tapering techniques

 

 

Important is to keep your solution protected from light.  So if your container is not color coated, then just cover it, and best to keep it refrigerated between doses.

 

I'll let you look over all that and digest.  Please ask any questions right here.

 

I did come off Lexapro, rather abruptly myself.  And do hope you have an easier time today........as I know what it's like, it can be so tough for awhile.

 

Okay and best.

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

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

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

 

Link to comment

@manymoretodays Thank you! It is easy to make it when you put it like that🙏🏻☀️
 

I am stugguling with making that decision.

 

Today is a bad day physically but I am enduring it.
Just tingling and numbing of the hands and feet, nausea, and shivers from waist down.

Weather is changing in Belgrade so it could be a factor too.

 

I keep repeating to myself: “Body is repairing itself, you don’t have to like it, what can I do to help you”.

 

 

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Hi guys☀️
 

It’s 12:25 pm here in Belgrade, Serbia.

Today has been tough. Usually I either fight mental or physical sympthoms. It’s like my being gave me grace to fight one at the time. Today they merged a bit. I m out of the house, I find that helping. I am not working at the time, I am a babysiter for the US diplomats.


What has helped today? Recording messages to friends telling that today’s hard, praying,  SCREAMING 🗣🗣🗣into a pillow and punching my bed.

 

I wish I had woods near by so I can scream my lung out of frustration and pain. I just know I am going fight even if that makes me crazy in front of my neighbours🗣🗣🗣

 

 

 

 

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Hi Kingfisher86. It is morning here so I just finished my one cup of coffee that I allow myself daily. Outside is beautiful with a clear sky and temp will be in the 80's. The beginning of fall was my favorite season as it seemed to bring a bit of excitement in the air.  I look forward to feeling that kind of enjoyment again. But for now I will just be and try to find contentment as an observer to life that is around me. 

 

I am so sorry that your day has brought you anguish and frustration. I wish I had some bright words of encouragement that would bring you some mindful peace but I don't possess such magic.  Your healing will take the passing of time. But if your experience is like mine was I assure you that you will feel better.  The anger and frustration will subside as it is normal in WD.  Your feelings are amplified right now and I know it is scary and painful.  I read your words and can see that you are strong and brave. You are a fighter. You a winner! 

 

Lucy

  

Paxil  07/1997 - 10/1998 Quit CT  

Neurontin, topamax, trazadone,  ssri AD (don't remember which one) 12/1998 - 06/1999 CT everything

Eflexor Xanax  04/2000 -08/2000 CT  ***01/2008-05/2013 on/off lexapro, lamictalseroquelsaphris, pristiq  Start/Stop CT at intervals 

Zoloft 200 mg 07/2013  WD 04/3/20 - 04/8/20 Quit

Seroquel 800 mg 07/2013 2013 *400 mg 07/2019  *** WD 04/15/2020 - 06/19/20 Quit

Ambien 10 mg 07/2013  WD 5 mg 04/29/2020, 2.5 mg 12/24/20, 1.66 mg 01/21/2021, 1.25 mg 02/16/2021 *** 02/22/2021 Quit

Xanax  2 mg prn 07/2013 - 04/23/20 Quit CT

Lamictal 150 mg 07/2013 WD 05/06/20 -06/11/2020 Quit

Propranolol 03/21/2020 - 04/20/2020 Quit CT

Hydroxyzine  12/14/2020 - 12/27/20 Quit

Allegra 24 hr 01/11/21 Flonase Nasal Spray 01/11/21

Magnesium Glycinate 100mg x3 daily D3 5000iu daily 

Link to comment

Hi @Lucy1983☀️
 

Thank you🐥I love how you started your post. Focusing on what is beautiful around you and things you are looking forward to. We will reach them.🐳

 

We all know we will have harder days but when they come it seems like they surprise me🤦🏻‍♀️ It is little things that get me like burning of my upper back/shoulders and uneasiness in my chest. I try not to dwell on the past but I strugle with finding things to look forward. I know it’s bc WD.
 

It is 5:40pm now and it is raining. Day is passing. I hope I have a good night sleep.

 

Once again, thanks Lucy for being here and being you!🐥🐳☀️ 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

@Gridley🙋🏻‍♀️
 

Thank you for your time🤝
 

I noticed that my symptoms get better in the evening. Like I can tell some of them are here and some are gone, but I feel better and calmer. Is this telling something?

 

I think I decided no to reinstated with 1mg🥺.  I proved myself over and over that I do not always make the best decisions. I am just wondering how one decides if symptoms are severe enough or not? 
For example, today was very difficult, but there are less difficult days. I am in my 10th week and all I can say that there are improvements and there are new things. Like last couple of days my head is slightly buzzing in feeling and sound. I can function even though I do not have desire for certain things. 
Question might sound silly and probably is🙄but how do you know your are getting better?

 

Thank you🙌🏻

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
38 minutes ago, Kingfisher86 said:

but how do you know your are getting better?

You said there are both improvements and also new symptoms.  It's normal for new symptoms to crop up along the way.  To me the more telling events are that there are improvements, that there are days that are less difficult and that you get some relief at night.  It's not all bleak or unbroken symptoms.  That sound like healing to me.

 

41 minutes ago, Kingfisher86 said:

I am just wondering how one decides if symptoms are severe enough or not? 

I can only go by what you've written, but it sounds like you're doing pretty well.  When considering reinstatement it's important to keep in mind that the purpose of RI isn't to get rid of symptoms (though this happens to some) but rather to make them tolerable.  It sounds to me like you're already there.

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

 

19 minutes ago, Gridley said:

It's not all bleak or unbroken symptoms.  That sound like healing to me.

I see your point and I agree. Thank you🤝 or in Serbian Hvala🙏🏻

 

20 minutes ago, Gridley said:

but rather to make them tolerable.  It sounds to me like you're already there.

They are tolerable, and I just want to add that I hate them🙄 

 

🤝

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Just wanted to check in with you guys since it gives me strenght to fight.☀️

 

I am definitely riding a wave😖 very dark place to be. Yet there is nowhere to go but to endure it. 
 

I can tell my body is coping. 
But mentally and emotionally  it is very hard to believe that you will feel different/better.

 

Rationally, all is good but my heart is in so much pain and it is hard to convice it otherwise.

 

Thank you for existing SA and thank you for listening everbody💫

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Hello. I totally feel your struggle. True, I’m only halfway there, but I still suffer. I wish you perseverance.

 2023.01.27 1,6 mg 2023.01.29 1,5 mg 2023.02.27 1,35 mg 2023.03.30 1,2 mg 2023.04.18 1,1 mg 04,26 1,05 mg 2023.01.26 1,05 mg 2023.02.27 .27 .20. .21 0,8 mg 2023.07.14 0,65 mg 2023.08.20 0,45 mg 2023.09.20 0,25 mg 2023.11.14 000000000!!!!!

 

Link to comment

@Johni

 

Thank you🙏🏻
I hope for all of us that we gain strength from less horrible days to endure the rough ones. 
💫

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Hi everybody☀️
 

Just a quick update.🙋🏻‍♀️
It is 12 pm here in Serbia. Today the weather is nicer🌤.

But previous 4 days were rainy and I think that worsen my symptoms.

 

I fell asleep probably around 1 am, woken up once or twice during the night, and was awake around 8 am. I felt weak so I continued to be in bed till 10 30. Trying to lessen my nausea with changing my sleeping positions. I think my body was working hard on repairing itself so I woke up tired.

 

Too, I woke up scared with tension in my whole body, especially arms. Physical symptoms are hard but mental and emotional are very hard.🥀

 

I know I will be ok deep down. I have read encouraging stories here.

🌻It is just the fact that I cannot evoke the feeling of being well so I feel scared I never will.🌻 I know it is a lie but it is hard to not to get scared of it.

 

🦋I will go for a walk. Hoping that makes me feel better. Hoping some of you have good news to share!

 

Thank you for listening🙏🏻

 

 

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Mentor

Hi @Kingfisher86, I red about you story and I completely empathize with you. I know how horrible can be tension all over the body (stomach muscle tensed and gave me on August the sensation of nausea)...I still suffer with this issue on head and neck and shoulder... I try to relax and keep me on exercise but the sensation always scare me...

I totally agree with your words: ‘Physical symptoms are hard but mental and emotional are very hard’... and I like your colorful posts!

I hope we can see and live one day all the colors of our life!🌈

July 2015: the 20mg citalopram for great stress begins

After two years I start tapering (slow but without medical advice) and I guess wrongly. First up to 10 mg, then 5 mg and 2 mg (liquid solution) and skips

January 2020 (I don't remember exactly the day): off citalopram (last dose 2mg).

June 2020: adrenal crash. The beginning of Hell on Earth

 

Current supplement:

- saffron pill (20 mg) + vit. E, omega 3 (EPA + DHA) 2g, magnesium bisglycinate 300 mg, iron , vitamin D3 (2500ui) +K7 (50 ui), vitamin C (1g) + quercitin (25 mg), theanine (as necessary).

 

Try meditating / mindfulness, walking every day, CBT/ACT, massage.

 

"E quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle" ("And so we went out to see the stars again")

(Dante Alighieri, Divine Comedy , Inferno, XXXIV, 139)

Link to comment

@Leila Hi🌻

 

Thanks for reading my post🦋

It is consoling to know I am not alone. If I haven’t found SA I am not sure how would I cope. It gives me strength when I hear that others are fighting too. But some days are just hard, and I know my only shot is to ask for support of friends and family.🐥

 

I want us both to heal💫🙌🏻 TIME is the key, and knowing we will have windows (ups) is what gives me hope.

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment

Hi guys,

 

It was a rough night for me since I felt I couldn’t fall asleep till 3:30 am. I bought melatonin and took 0.25 mg last night to begin with. @Gridley

 

But at 3:30 am I took 20 drops of Valerian Root. I fell asleep till 7:30 am.

Nausea lessened but not to the point of me celebrating about it🥺still feeling sick and scared!

 

My mind is going back and forth about reinstating. Pros an cons. But then moments of calm come and I stop thinking about it.

 

I must report HUGE mistakes I made my 3nd and 4rd week since stoping.

I got few shots of B12 every second day. And for nausea I got 3 shots of Metoclopramide over the course of 3 days.🤯🤯🤯 🗣🗣🗣😡 I am so mad at doctors. So little knoweldge and intrest in patients. What happened to “Do no harm”.

 

Since I found SA everything became clear. 
 

I am strugguling.

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Kingfisher86!

And sorry about your break-up.  I was just reading through your Introduction a bit more.

And I like this:

I keep repeating to myself: “Body is repairing itself, you don’t have to like it, what can I do to help you”.

Yes, talk to the cells in your body......it can be very helpful.

 

Don't keep beating yourself up.

How did you do with the shots of B12?

And did the metoclopraminde offer any relief to your nausea?

 

I find that just B12 is very calming for me.

I'm glad you managed 4 hours of sleep last night.  That's excellent!

 

If you have to ruminate on things.......begin to ruminate on how great it's going to be when you feel better.

You might like this too:

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

 

Okay.  You doing fine KF.  Is your user name taken from the movie by that title?

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

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

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

 

Link to comment

Hey @manymoretodays🙋🏻‍♀️
 

4 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Yes, talk to the cells in your body......it can be very helpful.

I try to! Some days I just have more mental power and I am my biggest cheerleader💃🏼

 

But today was by far the hardest.
I keep telling myself “7pm is coming” and I usually feel much better by that time. Night is my savior. I will try 0.5 mg of melatonin tonight. Lack of sleep gets me like nothing else😖

 

12 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

How did you do with the shots of B12?

And did the metoclopraminde offer any relief to your nausea?

3rd and 4th weeks we crazy for me. Non stop restroom. My mom gave me shots of metoclopraminde, and I think it helped but it didn’t go away. I refused more then one shot a day.

B12 - there was so much going on with my body that I can’t say for sure what it did for me but I believed it would help me.

I wanted to take it since I was on metformin and wanted to make sure my body is equipped to fight.

Now I only take omega 3 and magnesium (ocassionally zinc).

 

18 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

begin to ruminate on how great it's going to be when you feel better.

You might like this too:

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

I will💫 Some days are just hard and the unknown gets me then. Somehow I survived for 10 horrible weeks. I could do more with some less harsh symptoms please🙏🏻

 

22 minutes ago, manymoretodays said:

Okay.  You doing fine KF.  Is your user name taken from the movie by that title?

No😀 My dad used to call me by that name —Kingfisher (bird). I lost him in ‘07. This nickname keeps reminding me of him.

 

Thanks for giving me a much needed

push🌻

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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Hi friends🤝
 

My second night of insomnia. I know I’ve had some sleep since I remember dreaming. That was my second night of taking melatonin 0.25. I am wondering is that small amount messing with my sleep? Is that possible?

I can’t say I am tired but I do not feel refresshed. 


My nausea did lessen. But I hate waking up anxious.

 

My current symptoms are tense and hot arms from shoulder blades down to the elbows. Tightness at the back of my head as well as warmth. Tingling from the elbows down to my finger tips. That is the most prominent now. Sometimes it freaks me out and I cry.
 

I hope today will be easier than yesterday. 
 

I wouldn’t be able to do this without SA support. I would think I am crazy.

 

Thank you for listening🌻

July 19th 2017—July 2018: 10 mg Escitalopram

August 2018— June 2020: 5 mg Escitalopram

 

Tapering started: June 2020—1st of August. Lowest dose was 5 mg (5 mg every second day for a couple of weeks, then 5 mg twice a week for a couple of weeks, and lastly 5 mg once a week until I stopped)

 

Drug free: August 1st, 2020

 

Supplements: Magnesium citrate 2x200 mg and Omega3 – 2x1000 mg.

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