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☼ lotusflower: Tapering zoloft


lotusflower

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I've been tapering from 75 mg. zoloft since November, 2010. I was on 75 mg. for only about 6 weeks, I had increased from 50 which I had been taking for 13 years prior. I'd entered menopause, was irritable and anxious...no depression really, so my family doctor shoved some sample zoloft in my hand and said, try this, they are very mild, just like aspirin. Right! He said they were not addictive, very safe. I resisted at first, but then caved and tried it. The first year or two was just great. I was in love with zoloft. But after about two years, I tried to taper because I knew I shouldn't be on it long term and I was once again irritable and anxious. Doc advised fast taper over 4-6 weeks and I fell apart emotionally...crying, depresssed, raging, suicidal.

He said my original symptoms returned and that I needed to go back on zoloft. These were not my original symptoms but he was the doc so I did what he advised. Also, my therapist at the time agreed with him. She said I'd have to take it for life. I really respected her because she did help me with a lot of childhood issues.

But after a couple more years of no sexual feelings (I was newly married when I went on it), numbness, and overwhelming fatigue, I tried to go off again. I tried going slower on my own, but not slow enough because I ended up the same way as before. Just before I began my taper in Nov. 2010, my pdoc switched me to effexor for a month, did not work, then celexa, did not work, then up go 75 mg. zoloft from the 50 I'd been on for years.

Then I began to read online and found information which illuminated the problem. So this attempt to taper is very slow. I'm at 7.5 mg. now. I've been tapering for 18 months at a rate of 10% or previous dose once every 3-6 weeks. But since I hit 10 mg. I've been tapering 5% previous dose. In my mind, I'm going at a snail's pace but still have days when I'm a total mess.

Today I'm on day 10 at 7.5 mg. and am overwhelmed with anxious dread. Usually days 7-10 after a taper are the worst. I am losing my resolve. Just don't think I can make it like this for another year or more.

More info: I'm retired....could not have worked while doing this. But I am functional.

I go out, shop, make meals, travel, and do look forward to some things. Today that is not the case. Today my anxiety and feelings of dread are through the roof. Thankfully, I do have windows or I would have gone back to the doc begging for more drugs. Today, I can not remember any window that i ever had. It feels like i have always felt like this.

Sometimes I wonder if my age, (I'm 65) is the reason why this taper is so hard. Maybe I'm too old to stop and will need to go back? Also wondering if the little sliver of zoloft that I am currently taking is really registering in my body. I'm wondering if I should just stop now? I know that 50 mg. zoloft is equal to 20 mg. paxil and some of the other ssri's.

The 7.5 I'm on now is equal to 3 mg. of paxil or others like it. Do folks usually ditch at 3 mg. paxil?

If I continue to taper the zoloft, I'll be on it for at least another year. And in the coming year, we are likely selling our house and moving to a new city. Ugh!!! I honestly don't think I go through with this type of major change feeling like I feel today. And am wondering if just stopping right now may help? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi wakingup

 

Sorry to hear you have been having such a tough time. I am relatively new here myself so am not in a position to give advice. I can assure you that everyone is really welcoming and supportive here and that someone will be along soon to respond to the issues you raise in your post. In the mean time ave a look around, there is a lot of information on withdrawal symptoms, tapering etc.

 

Take care

 

Dalsaan

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I honestly don't think I go through with this type of major change feeling like I feel today. And am wondering if just stopping right now may help? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

 

Hello and welcome. You are still tapering faster than your body wants. You need to stabilize before going further, so don't make any further cuts for now. Later, you can probably just coast off with tiny cuts, so small you don't even know you are reducing, but no more for now.

 

More informed help is on the way. Our moderator, Alto is on the west coast of the US, a little behind you in Italy :) ~S

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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I honestly don't think I go through with this type of major change feeling like I feel today. And am wondering if just stopping right now may help? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

 

Hello and welcome. You are still tapering faster than your body wants. You need to stabilize before going further, so don't make any further cuts for now. Later, you can just coast off with tiny cuts, so small you don't even know you are reducing, but no more for now.

 

More informed help is on the way. Our moderator, Alto is on the west coast of the US, a little behind you in Italy :) ~S

 

Schuyler, thanks for your kind welcome! I don't believe I can cut any smaller than I am now. I am using a jeweler's scale which I believe will only allow me to go down .5 mg. from here and no less. So that would be after this 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5, etc.

I am wondering if I should just ditch it altogether because I'm wondering if it is making me feel worse rather than better....that is still being on it, albeit just a small amount.

 

Dalsaan, thanks for your kind words, appreciate it.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

I don't believe I can cut any smaller than I am now. I am using a jeweler's scale which I believe will only allow me to go down .5 mg. from here and no less. So that would be after this 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5, etc.

I am wondering if I should just ditch it altogether because I'm wondering if it is making me feel worse rather than better....that is still being on it, albeit just a small amount.

 

Dalsaan, thanks for your kind words, appreciate it.

 

I'm not the one with the know how regarding tinier cuts, that's one of Alto's areas. But, if you decide not go further.. well.. ya did good to get where you are! Yes indeedy. :) ~S

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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  • Administrator

Welcome, wakingup.

 

Yes, it sounds like you've gone a little too fast. If I were you, I'd go back up to 10mg Zoloft and see if it helps.

 

Can you get liquid Zoloft from the pharmacist? Using an oral syringe, you will be able to make decreases of .10mg or less, with the smallest oral syringe.

 

If you need to you can crush the tablet and make your own homemade solution with water.

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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Welcome, wakingup.

 

Yes, it sounds like you've gone a little too fast. If I were you, I'd go back up to 10mg Zoloft and see if it helps.

 

Can you get liquid Zoloft from the pharmacist? Using an oral syringe, you will be able to make decreases of .10mg or less, with the smallest oral syringe.

 

If you need to you can crush the tablet and make your own homemade solution with water.

 

Altostrata,

Thanks so much for your response. I can not do liquid zoloft....been clean and sober from alcohol for 20 years today!!!!!!! and I can't take the liquid due to the high alcohol content, 12%, I believe. Also live in Italy where they do not compound. I am using a jeweler's scale and can't figure out yet if I can weigh any less than the .5 mg. I 'm going on a trip tomorrow for a week and when I get back, I'll come back with more questions.

For now, I am interested in making the liquid with my tablets. Is there a specific syringe that will tell me how much I am taking? many, many thanks, joanne

 

Here is my tapering history: Do you think it is too fast? Mostly, it has been very tough going. Some windows which motivate me to keep on.

 

zoloft 50 mg. 97-2010 was on 75 mg. for a couple months before tapering:

11/25/10 50 mg. zoloft 12/30 45

1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8

3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5

6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4

8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5

10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2

12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5

3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 8

5/29 7.5

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Administrator

Joanne, it wasn't too fast going by our guideline, but your body is saying it has gotten a little too fast lately.

 

Ask the pharmacist for 2 sizes of oral syringe, a 5mL or 10mL oral syringe to measure water and a tiny .5mL or 1mL oral syringe to measure your dosage (you'll probably want several of the tiny ones as you'll use one a day).

 

See these topics:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2022-making-a-celexa-solution-yourself

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/235-tapering-techniques

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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  • 3 weeks later...

Altostrata and community,

 

I am back from my trip and doing much better. I think that a lot of the anxiety was due to anticipation of the trip. I can function well, actually. I am retired so don't have the pressure of work, but I sleep well (8-10 hours a night), take a vigorous walk every other day, eat a very healthy diet, zero alcohol, caffeine, almost zero sugar....I do indulge in a little dark chocolate every day. Take fish oil every day. Get out of bed, dressed, shop, cook, socialize, and travel often. Some days it is very easy, I look forward to lots of stuff, mainly seeing friends, laugh easily and cry easily. Feel strong anxious dread in the mornings or when I have too much time on my hands. Feel anxious dread consistently if I'm stressed out about something. Tomorrow I will drop to 7 mg. My question is this:

I know that 50 mg. zoloft = 20 mg. paxil, or 5 mg. zoloft = 2 mg. paxil

Right now I am at about the equivalent of 3 mg. paxil I think. I am wondering if I may be able to ditch the zoloft at 5 mg. or sooner. What do you think? I've been tapering from 50 mg. for 19 months. Thanks in advance for any input.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Hi...

 

Can totally relate to morning dread. Alot of have it. Please don't ditch meds until you are down to a zero dose. Please don't compare zoloft to paxil, etc. These drugs have a mind of their own. Do the taper from zoloft in the tiniest cuts possible all the way to the end.

 

Follow Alto's advise on the liquid. If you can't go smaller than what you are doing then you may want to remain at each dose for a good amount of time. You said you feel WD 7-10 days after a drop in dose. So maybe waiting 6 weeks between cuts or even 8 weeks would be easier on your system.

 

The anxiety you described resonates with me. I have a problem with it and it rears it's ugly head upon waking up. Apparently cortisol levels peak in the early morning. I believe it is also an association thing with me. The "oh no it's morning, here comes anxiety."

 

You eat well, exercise, socialize and take care of yourself which is great. It's working for you. Ineedto follow your routine.....

 

Nikki

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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Thank you, Nikki, maybe I should re-think dropping to 7 mg. tomorrow. It was 4 weeks today at 7.5 and I'm just beginning to feel better....maybe stay put for another week.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Administrator

Wakingup, some of us have found the morning dread is triggered by morning light.

 

Have you tried darkening your bedroom with blackout curtains or shades plus wearing a sleep mask? These can help.

 

The more you can keep your nervous system calm by reducing stimulation, the more it can heal.

 

As far as when you can go completely off Zoloft -- how do you feel when you make a 5% drop?

 

If it hits you hard and the withdrawal symptoms don't go away in a few days, you don't want to go faster than that. It sounds like you should make even smaller drops than 5%. You'd really feel a drop from 5mg to zero.

 

(You might consider making a homemade solution with water. Rhi is our resident expert on this: See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2022-making-a-celexa-solution-yourself )

 

Your current dosage may seem like a tiny amount, but clearly it's doing something. Don't discount it just because it's a little sliver. These drugs are much stronger than they need to be.

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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Altostrata,

 

Can't thank you enough for your support. I'm considering the liquid but I'm not good with figuring it all out so I'm hoping to be ok with .5 drops here on out. I tapered down to 7 mg. two days ago and am doing fine.

Have had huge windows for the past two days. Days 7-10 are usually when I most acutely feel each taper.

Yes, it's hard to believe that the sliver I ingest everyday cna have any affect on my body at all. That is why I keep thinking that it can't make any difference if I just stop. Thanks for reminding me of the potency of this crap. I am so grateful to be functioning well on 7 mg. God willing, I will never put another ssri in my body as long as I live.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Hi...

 

Please don't rush like I have done and regretted it. Congrats on you anniversary date.

 

Easy does it:)

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

Nikki,

 

Thanks so much for your support and congratulations. I started out in Alanon, actually found AA through a dear Alanon friend, who was really my first sponsor. Here in Italy, thankfully I've been able to find Coda to help me with my codependent and relationship issues. I've read some of your posts and just want to wish you all the best. I know what you're going through.....quitting alcohol and even cigarettes was a cake walk compared to this withdrawal. Amazing.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • 2 months later...

I'm currently at 6 mg. zoloft down from 50 mg. In the first few months of my taper, I was exhausted all the time....would sleep 12 hours and then take several naps during the day. Then that lifted. But now it's back once again....well not quite as bad, but nonetheless so bad that I'm always exhausted and can fall asleep anytime of the day if I don't fight it. Then if I go out and socialize one day, I'm practically bedridden with exhaustion the next day.

The stimulation of talking and being around other people totally drains me even if I'm enjoying it. Then I can't go out for the next couple of days. Can anyone relate?

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Honestly, that is not a bad thing, my problem being off was that I couldn't sleep at all , therefor not being well rested at all, still can't really and now am start 25mg Zoloft so hoping my sleep get's back. To be an insomniac is not fun at all..but at the same time your body/brain is rewiring and healing, so get as much rest as you can and fight through the slogginess (i know it's not a word lol) Just don't feel like it's a problem that you are sleeping lots. You are healing and this all takes time and the body is thankful for the sleeping/rest.

 

 

Just my two thoughts,

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Administrator

Hi Wakingup,

 

Welcome to the forum. I see you are down to 6 mg Zoloft from 50 mg. How have you been tapering off of Zoloft? Do you have any other symptoms?

 

I added your name to your question - this is your introduction and the thread for any updates or other questions you want to ask.

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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  • Administrator

Thanks, Karma. I merged Wakingup's new topic with her old topic.

 

Hello again, Wakingup. I agree with Mr. A., my guess is sleeping a lot is better than the opposite, which happens to a lot of people when withdrawing.

 

Perhaps sleeping is helping your nervous system repair itself?

 

Do you have any other withdrawal symptoms?

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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Thanks so much for your responses everyone, appreciate it!

 

Alto, yes I am having some physical symptoms that I never had until a month or two ago. Started out as mild neck pain and clicking every time I turned a certain way. And now the pain is very intense. It feels like there is a knife stuck in the back left hand side of my neck right where my neck meets my shoulder. I'm icing it right now cause that did help a bit yesterday. Actually my back hurts too but not as bad as the neck. I was on my feet a lot during the past two days.....first time in a long time and that may have triggered it getting worse....do you think this is w/d?

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Administrator

The pain might be part of withdrawal hypersensitivity.

 

I found acupuncture to be very helpful for the hand, shoulder, and back pain I felt for a while. Chiropracty might help, too.

 

Are you taking magnesium? This can help relax tight muscles which contribute to pain. Search in the Symptoms and Self-Care forum.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 1 month later...

Two weeks ago I awoke at midnight with a POUNDING headache. I mean so bad and painful I had to get out of bed. The first time I've had a headache in years. Took about a quarter piece of ibuprufen. Felt worse after that, then vomited about 8 times. Could not believe how much came up....since it had been about 6 hours since my last meal.

I mention this because I have been under the weather ever since then....two weeks now. Stomach aches esp when I awake in the morning....and sometimes throughout the day...not painful, just an ache. Sometimes ginger tea helps with this. The worst part is the fatigue and body aches. I feel like I have the flu but it's not bad enough to keep me in bed all day..but just enough to keep me from going out with friends.....I'm just too tired to make the effort. I can do errands, cook meals, and just a little gentle exercise. More than that wears me out and the next day I can barely move. Also terrible brain fog, bad memory, can't think straight. Writing this out is not easy. I thought that maybe I had stayed too long at the previous dose, so I dropped to 5 mg. three days ago.

No change in how I feel. Also want to mention that my sleep and appetite are both good, just feel like I have the

flu and no energy for much outside the VERY basic stuff. The month of August was one long window. Better than all the years on zoloft. I though that I was through the worst of it.....then this came back, so disappointing.

My husband have a long weekend trip planned for Thanksgiving I know that is a month away....but there is no way I can go anywhere feeling like this and it's been a solid two weeks now.....I don't even know what I'm asking...maybe just reassurance that this will pass. Life just isn't worth living without the energy to enjoy something. All I can do is the basic stuff....no fun, no laughter, just getting by.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Waking...

The array of ever changing symptoms we can get is never ending isn't it? The sudden onset of severe headache is troubling though. Is your blood pressure high?

Good appetite and sleep though are positive signs.

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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Peggy,

 

No, in fact, my blood pressure is low, usually 90/60....always has been, thanks

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Hi Waking up

 

I have just been reading your resent posts.

 

I too am tapering and on 7mg Seroxat/Paxil at present and Im experiencing headaches, not as bad as you have described. I am experiencing the stabbing feeling in my upper back though.

 

I also was wondering if you might be going a little too fast looking at your signature.

I will be holding on my 7mg now until my symptoms have gone. Maybe if you could also hold for longer periods and take really small cuts when stable, it might help. Just a thought.

 

Hope you feel better soon :)

 

Debbie x

17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat

Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat

2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat

2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam

2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam

18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5

Diazepam Free!

13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml

01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!!

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Debbie,

 

Thanks very much.....my signature is totally written incorrectly, I will fix it asap. I have been tapering between 5-10% of previous dose every 3-6 weeks since Nov. 2010. I must have inadvertently messed it up when I added my last drop yesterday. xo

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Hi wakingup

 

Yes, I did read you were tapering 5-10% of previous dose.

 

But now you're on a small dose, maybe it will be better to go even slower with longer holds.

I think that is what I will have to do , I guess it will take me another year or so.

 

I think I get far too impatient lol

I've already messed up once and am lucky I found this site in time and stabilise :)

Anyhow, enough about me

 

I just hope you feel better soon

 

Debbie x

17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat

Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat

2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat

2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam

2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam

18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5

Diazepam Free!

13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml

01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!!

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Debbie,

 

My problem with making smaller cuts is that my scale will not allow me to cut any less than .5 from here on out....and I can not take liquid zoloft due to alcohol content....so for now this is the only way I know. Altostrata suggested making my own liquid but i doubt if I can figure that out given my brain fog..xo

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Hi Waking Up

 

Was talking to a friend who gradually got off Zoloft and lost 53 pounds. She looks terrific and is doing well off the Zoloft.

 

She told me that is she becomes seriously depressed again she would consider taking it again, but she is doing well, and the weight loss helped her alot.

 

Don't know if you experienced weight gain, but it is good to know that people can get off of these medications and return to health.

 

Best Regards

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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  • Administrator

Wakingup, I strongly suggest you make a liquid to taper from here on out. It sounds like you are having large reactions to small decreases.

 

Using the liquid to measure smaller decreases probably would make the withdrawal process a lot easier.

 

The pharmacist probably does not need to use an alcohol base to make a liquid. I've had several liquids made and I don't believe any of them had an alcohol base.

 

You may wish to hold at 5mg for a while until you're sure you're feeling better.

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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Alto,

 

Thanks very much for your input.

In the country where I live, the pharmacy cannot/will not make the liquid without alcohol. There are no compounding pharmacies here. In fact, their suggestion for me is to buy their liquid, put it in a pot and boil it for 10 minutes until the alcohol burns off!! I 'm just not comfortable doing that. I'm alcoholic and for me, alcohol does not ever completely "burn off." Also don't know if heating it will change the chemical composition of the zoloft. In fact, that idea just seems crazy to me. But that is not surprising given the culture here. So I am going to continue tapering this way. It's not unmanageable. Sometimes it gets a little hairy but nothing like the sheer torture I went through when I fast tapered. I'm on day 4 or 5 at 5 mg. and am feeling much better than in the days before I tapered. I think my body needed for me to drop. It seems that if I wait longer than 3-4 weeks at any dose I start to feel worse.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Hi Waking Up

 

Was talking to a friend who gradually got off Zoloft and lost 53 pounds. She looks terrific and is doing well off the Zoloft.

 

She told me that is she becomes seriously depressed again she would consider taking it again, but she is doing well, and the weight loss helped her alot.

 

Don't know if you experienced weight gain, but it is good to know that people can get off of these medications and return to health.

 

Best Regards

 

Hi Nikki,

 

No I did not gain a lot of weight on the zoloft....maybe 2-3 pounds tops....and my weight is good for my height. And they have fallen off, so I'm back to pre zoloft weight. It's great to hear about your friend...that gives me hope. May I ask how old she is? Some believe that older folks (I'm 66) have a more difficult time coming off ssri's.

 

Actually, if there are any senior success stories out there i'd love to hear from you.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • 3 weeks later...

Anyone out there have a bad reaction to epsom salt baths? Started taking epsom salt baths about ten days ago..... The first couple baths were wonderful....felt calm and grounded afterward. So, I started taking one every day (likely oto much). A few days ago all hell broke loose....i could feel my pulse/heart beat pounding loudly throughout my body, also felt over the top anxious dread, irritability, reactivity, and sobbing uncontrollably. I'm confused since the first few days were great.....then it turned on me.... Could it be that the magnesium in the bath salts is the reason for this?

Anyone else have this? Should I continue the baths with less frequency? Would appreciate your insight if you've had any experience or have knowledge regarding the effects of magnesium on a sensitive CNS.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Administrator

That sounds like a paradoxical reaction.

 

Try the baths every other day rather than every day.

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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Altostrada,

 

Thanks so much for your reply. I seem to be ultra sensitive to everything right now. The confusing thing is that at first i could feel a noticeable calming effect from the magnesium so way over did the baths because I wanted more of a "good" thing.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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  • Administrator

Yes, we all do this.

 

You also might want to try a bit of magnesium powder dissolved in water, sip when you feel stressed.

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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