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JustBella: Need encouragement. Rapid taper off escitalopram 10 mg multiple times and 10 month taper off .5 lorazepam


JustBella

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Yes,I am new here, but have been looking through the information for about a week.

Please bear with me as I try to phrase my situation and questions to this group.
I am looking to you for information about healing.  Can what I have done cause permanent damage?  Do people heal from situations like mine?  What are thoughts about reinstatement to  escitalopram?
I am 73 and have had disabling symptoms for 2 1/2 years which I attributed to benzo tolerance but now wonder if they were related to previous cold turkeys from escitalopram.  I so want to feel I will regain some quality of life again, but need to know your honest opinion about my chances of healing and the possibility of reinstating escitalopram successfully and permanently. I also have the MTHFR gene mutation C677T and therefore have a strong trend to anxiety.  
 
I tapered off .5 lorazepam after decades of prescriptions, kindling and tolerance withdrawal.  I did a 10 month taper and finished August 10, 2020. My many symptoms continue to be debilitating. 
A factor that I did not recognize as significant earlier, but now realize how much impact it  has,  is that about a month before I started the benzo taper I did a rapid doctor directed taper (weeks) off of 10 mg escitalopram  that I had taken for about 5 months.  I had taken escitalopram on and off for several years usually for months at a time but once for a little over a year.  I always came off it in a matter of weeks.  Therefore I was probably kindled on that as well.  Since I was already off of the escitalopram, I did not think about it while doing the benzo taper.  
I only realized the significance of this a few weeks ago as I was so focused on the benzo and did not realize that ADs require slow tapers as well add have debilitating withdrawals as well.   I am frantically trying to put this in perspective.  My recent research indicates that after 16 months off, reinstating the escitalopram  very risky.
In summary, I have been off of escitalopram  about 16 months and lorazepam 6 months.
My ignorance of how both benzos and ADs impact the mind and body was appalling.  I was always under the direction of medical professionals, and trusted what they told me to do. Currently, no medical professionals agree that the symptoms I am experiencing are related to discontinuance of these drugs.
I submitted my medication history on the New Person page, but not sure how to create a signature.
Edited by manymoretodays
reduced font to 14, name to title, remove white space

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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Correction.  The taper was 10 months not 20 months.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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  • manymoretodays changed the title to JustBella: Need encouragement. Rapid taper off escitalopram 10 mg multiple times and 10 month taper off .5 lorazepam
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, JustBella.

 

From your first post, it sounds like you've already done some research and already know about withdrawal, kindling, and that this is indeed and very lengthy recovery process. Yes, from what you've written, it's unlikely that reinstating is an option for you. But that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to aid your healing. 

 

You may find some helpful information to handle your symptoms here: 

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements, as many members report their nervous systems are simply too fragile to handle them. However, magnesium and fish oil tend to be calming to the nervous system and many people report they do help. Please only add in one supplement at a time and at a small dose. For more, please see:

 

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

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

Please add a signature.  Include drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements in the last 12-24 months. Also include supplements. This will help us give you the most accurate advice we can. 

  • Any drugs and supplements prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years. 
  • Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago) 
  • Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016. 
  • Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses. 
  • A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 
  • This is a direct link to your signature:  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

Are you currently taking any other drugs or supplements? Please continue to use this thread to document your recovery and to ask questions. 

Edited by Shep
fixed typo

 

 

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Hi Shep,

Thank you for your response and the information. I have added my signature.

You are correct, I have been researching.  It is a little late as the damage is now done. I found out about the benzos ion Sept 2019 but had no idea about the ADs until a few weeks ago.   So much I did not know and was trying to be careful all those years by not increasing dosage and not staying on AD for long periods of time.  Little did I know.

I know any information you give me is your opinion only, but just curious if you think any healing could have been on from the AD cold turkey (Sept 2019) during the benzo taper (Oct 2019 to Aug 2020) or could healing only begin after I was free of both.  Do they hit the same receptors? Or was the disruption to the CNS a key factor?

I am seven months off the lorezapam and often feel i am getting worse rather than seeing improvement. Is this common?

I understand that there are many common WD symptoms from both benzos and ADs.  Are food and chemical sensitivities common in both?  Do those thing heal as well?

 

 

 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

Hi Bella,

 

Welcome.  There are a number of us Lexapro people that have joined in the past month or so.

 

I want to let you know that you have my utmost respect for the benzo taper, that must have been really hard.  I hope you find some answers here, and that you heal.

 

Take care,

 

Crochet

 

 

2012-present - Escitalopram currently 2.55 mg

Supplements:  Daytime- Green Lipped Mussel 1200mg, Omega-3s 1710mg, Wheat Germ Oil 770mg, Multi-Min 2 tablets, Liposomal Glutathione 4 pumps, Probiotic 1 capsule, Beyond Balance herbal tinctures for lyme and gut healing (including one only taken during menstruation); Nighttime - L-theanine 200mg, melatonin 1mg, magnesium glycinate 400mg.

History:

2012-2017- Escitalopram 10mg

2017-2020 - Escitalopram 5mg

07/2019-11/2019 - Valium 10mg, every 2-3 days, then stopped

11/2020 - Stopped Escitalopram 5mg abruptly (crashed January 2021)

1/2021-12/2021 - Escitalopram Reinstated 2.5mg to 5 to 10 to 7.5 and then started slow taper

1/2021-2/2021 - Ativan .5mg - Took 13.5 pills over the course of 22 days and stopped

2/2021-9/2021  Hydroxyzine - 50-100mg tapering down to .8mg, then cross-tapered to Claritin and stopped

9/2021-9/2022 - Claritin 5 mg (tapered off)

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@Shep
I am not sure how to reply to a specific person.

To Shep:, can you help me with that?
I am having many debilitating symptoms and will list a few:  24/7 boaty dizziness, blurry vision on and off; brain fog; insomnia; food and chemical sensitivities; extreme fatigue: exercise intolerance.  The list goes on.  
 Still curious about when healing could have begun.  
 


To Crochet: thank you for your welcome!

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

Hi JustBella,

 

To contact a specific person, you can type the "at" symbol and then the name, for example, @Shep

 

Then they will be notified.

 

Take care,

Crochet

2012-present - Escitalopram currently 2.55 mg

Supplements:  Daytime- Green Lipped Mussel 1200mg, Omega-3s 1710mg, Wheat Germ Oil 770mg, Multi-Min 2 tablets, Liposomal Glutathione 4 pumps, Probiotic 1 capsule, Beyond Balance herbal tinctures for lyme and gut healing (including one only taken during menstruation); Nighttime - L-theanine 200mg, melatonin 1mg, magnesium glycinate 400mg.

History:

2012-2017- Escitalopram 10mg

2017-2020 - Escitalopram 5mg

07/2019-11/2019 - Valium 10mg, every 2-3 days, then stopped

11/2020 - Stopped Escitalopram 5mg abruptly (crashed January 2021)

1/2021-12/2021 - Escitalopram Reinstated 2.5mg to 5 to 10 to 7.5 and then started slow taper

1/2021-2/2021 - Ativan .5mg - Took 13.5 pills over the course of 22 days and stopped

2/2021-9/2021  Hydroxyzine - 50-100mg tapering down to .8mg, then cross-tapered to Claritin and stopped

9/2021-9/2022 - Claritin 5 mg (tapered off)

Link to comment

@crochet thank you!  You are so kind. 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

@Shep
I am not sure how to reply to a specific person.

To Shep:, can you help me with that?
I am having many debilitating symptoms and will list a few:  24/7 boaty dizziness, blurry vision on and off; brain fog; insomnia; food and chemical sensitivities; extreme fatigue: exercise intolerance.  The list goes on.  
 Still curious about when healing could have begun.  

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
9 hours ago, JustBella said:

I am having many debilitating symptoms and will list a few:  24/7 boaty dizziness, blurry vision on and off; brain fog; insomnia; food and chemical sensitivities; extreme fatigue: exercise intolerance.  The list goes on.  

 

I'm going to list some threads relating to your symptoms (you may have already come across them in your research):

 

Dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, rocking or swaying sensations

 

Vision symptoms: floaters, snow, blurred/dimmed vision, twitching, dry eyes and pain

 

Brain fog: blank mind, comprehension, concentration cognitive and memory problems

 

Tips to help sleep: so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Food sensitivities

 

Asthenia: Weakness, muscle fatigue in legs, arms or body

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ME, CFS

 

Exercise ... Do more, do less, do nothing? What worked for you?

 

10 hours ago, JustBella said:

Still curious about when healing could have begun.  

 

It already has begun! But the symptoms make it hard to see that your mind/body is already in the recovery process. It takes a long time. These threads explain more:

 

Are We There Yet? How Long Is Withdrawal Going To Take?

 

How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain - on antidepressant withdrawal

 

What is happening in your brain? - on benzo withdrawal

 

Healing from antidepressants. Patterns of recovery video (4 minutes)

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Do you notice upticks in symptoms when you take Valsartan and / or  Preservision AREDS2? If so, you may be sensitive to these drugs, as withdrawal can make us sensitive to other drugs, even ones we've been taking for a long time. 

 

Please do as much self care as you can. These symptoms will fade out in time. 

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Just checking in.  I am very scared.  I think I have a very dire situation. Looking for thoughts on how to handle my total terror that I will never heal.

 

I was on and off antidepressants and benzos multiple times over decades.  This was always done as prescribed/directed by medical professionals, but not slow tapers and no mention of the dangers of multiple on/off incidents.  I believe I have been severely kindled and sensitized by doing this. I had no idea this could happen and only realized that both benzos and ADs cause these terrible withdrawals in the past month.  I thought only benzos could cause this.

I did a three week taper off 10 mg escitalopram in October 2017 after taking it approximately one year. ( I had taken it less than one year multiple times prior to this.) I did not experience noticeable symptoms in the weeks and few months following my withdrawal.

In July2018 I began experiencing very debilitating symptoms after consuming a couple of alcoholic drinks. In March 2019 I began taking the 10 mg of escitalopram again to combat depression brought on by my debilitating symptoms.  It did not help reduce the symptoms.

After 14 months of seeing various doctors and specialists, and several different adjustments to meds,it appeared that my long term use of lorazepam could be causing the problem.  I then tapered off the escitalopram in a few weeks and was prescribed Pristiq, Zoloft and trazodone , which were all stopped abruptly due to much worse symptoms after taking them for a short period.  This was done at the direction of a psychiatric nurse practitioner just a few weeks before I began a 10 month taper off of .5 lorazepam.

 I was not stable when I began the lorazepam taper and did not stabilize during the taper.  I thought it was related to tolerance withdrawal and previous kindling on benzos. I now realize that the symptoms I began experiencing in July 2018 may have been related to the escitalopram discontinuation in October 2017.

 

To shorten this, I am concerned that was had already destabilized and sensitized. before I then began a taper that continued to destabilize me.  I am 17 months past the escitalopram discontinuation and 7 months past the benzo discontinuation.  My symptoms continue to worsen and I am terrified.  
 

Can anyone recover from this type of nightmare?  Can the damage be permanent?  I am 73 and in good health other than these horrible withdrawal symptoms, but I don’t know how much longer I can hold on. I have terrible food sensitivities so have a clean diet, no alcohol or caffeine or dairy.  I try to manage stress, but it is difficult not knowing what my future holds and seeing my one full life slip away.  
 

Was I increasing the injury and sensitivity during the 10 month taper? Could I have done any healing at all?

 

I have looked through success stories, but I don’t see anything like my situation.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

@Altostrata

i am new and having some difficulty navigating the site. Is this post visible to anyone?

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

@getofflex

justvwant to be sure someone can see my posts.  I saw your recent response to pecannut so thought I would ask you.

 

I am new and having some difficulty navigating the site.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

Hi @JustBella

I wanted to say that your posts are visible in the activity feed. I believe all the moderators of this site
are volunteers. It may take a little time for a reply but they are very good about answering. 
I’m sorry you’re going through this ordeal. Praying that you begin feel better very soon. 
md

💜

1997 Prozac ?mg

1991 Sertraline ?mg

2002 Escitalopram 10 mg

2018 2.5 mg - stopped by Dr./Reinstated, up-dosed to 7.5 mg

04/19 Began BM slide @7.5 mg

CURRENT  0.36 mg 🌼

 

"If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

Mark 9:23

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Hi Bella,

 

My understanding is that healing is always happening.  You are not alone and I am praying for you.

 

With love,

Crochet

2012-present - Escitalopram currently 2.55 mg

Supplements:  Daytime- Green Lipped Mussel 1200mg, Omega-3s 1710mg, Wheat Germ Oil 770mg, Multi-Min 2 tablets, Liposomal Glutathione 4 pumps, Probiotic 1 capsule, Beyond Balance herbal tinctures for lyme and gut healing (including one only taken during menstruation); Nighttime - L-theanine 200mg, melatonin 1mg, magnesium glycinate 400mg.

History:

2012-2017- Escitalopram 10mg

2017-2020 - Escitalopram 5mg

07/2019-11/2019 - Valium 10mg, every 2-3 days, then stopped

11/2020 - Stopped Escitalopram 5mg abruptly (crashed January 2021)

1/2021-12/2021 - Escitalopram Reinstated 2.5mg to 5 to 10 to 7.5 and then started slow taper

1/2021-2/2021 - Ativan .5mg - Took 13.5 pills over the course of 22 days and stopped

2/2021-9/2021  Hydroxyzine - 50-100mg tapering down to .8mg, then cross-tapered to Claritin and stopped

9/2021-9/2022 - Claritin 5 mg (tapered off)

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  • Administrator

Yes, @JustBella, your posts are visible. You're doing this correctly.

 

What was the reason you went off benzos the last time? What are your worst symptoms now, and what times of day are they the most intense? The least intense? How's your sleep?

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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@Altostratathank you for responding.

What was the reason you went off benzos the last time? 
I went off because research into the drug indicated that I could be suffering tolerance withdrawal from long term use of the drug and previous kindling.  That research also revealed I needed a slow taper as did the Psyciatric Nurse practioner I was working with.

 The nurse practitioner did not indicate a slow taper was needed to come off the AD. The AD was tapered in about 3 weeks. The AD had been rapid tapered in October2017 after taking for a year.  It was reinstated in March2019 to address anxiety and depression due to unexplained symptoms.  It did not help and was rapid tapered in August2019 and replaced for short periods bu Pristq( 3 weeks), Trazadone (1 week) then Zoloft (5 days) after which I was extremely destabilized and refused Vrylar.  

 

What are your worst symptoms now, and what times of day are they the most intense? The least intense? 

Dizziness, brain fog, food sensitivities, vision issues, severe fatigue, depression,  Severe SI.  there are so many.

usually most intense in the morning then lesson late evening.  That is not always the case though.  I do have waves and some reduction of symptoms from time to time, however I feel symptoms are currently overall worsening

 

 How's your sleep?

Sleep is broken with wake ups every one to two hours.  Usually a total of 4,5,or 6 hours.  Sometimes only 1 or two hours.

 

I know what I have done (unknowingly) has caused much disruption, but am curious if I did serious damage by starting and doing the taper while probably experiencing withdrawal from the AD.  

 

I had no idea that the withdrawal from the AD was contributing.  I was very naive and did not question coming off the AD very rapidly multiple times.  It was only after continued worsening that I tried to reconstruct things through the years and then found SA where I habpve learned so much.

 

I am now afraid I have done too much damage to heal and am so far out (17 months after last AD) that reinstatement is not feasible.

 

I am 7 months off the benzo.

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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  • Administrator
19 minutes ago, JustBella said:

I could be suffering tolerance withdrawal from long term use of the drug and previous kindling.

 

What were the symptoms you attributed to benzo tolerance withdrawal and kindling?

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

What were the symptoms you attributed to benzo tolerance withdrawal and kindling?

The symptoms, which started July 2018, were similar to what I have now.  Dizziness, vision issues, food sensitivities, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, brain fog, headaches behind my ears,anxiety, depression, SI.  These pretty much came on suddenly after a BPPV vertigo attack.  The headaches and brain fog had started in March 2018 and were diagnosed as ear aches and muscle tension. Prescribed muscle relaxers which I only took one night.

After reviewing information on SA. I now think the symptoms may have been delayed withdrawal symptoms from the October 2017 rapid taper ( 3 weeks , half, then half then every other day of the 10 mg escitalopram).

unfortunately, I had no idea that could be the case until the past month.  
 

Lorazepam taper was begun October 10, 2019 tapering .5 lorazepam @ a fixed rate of .050 per month using capsules from a compounding pharmacy.  Symptoms generally worsen as I tapered which I thought was because of kindling and tolerance withdrawal. My last dose of .025 lorazepam was August 10,2020.
 

I know you hear this over and over but  I am amazed about how naive I was about both benzos and ADS. and that I just blindly did what medical professionals said.  I did question them occasionally but was assured the drugs would cause no harm if taken as prescribed.  It is so bizarre because I did not do this in any other aspect of my life including other types of medication.

I did have concerns about staying on the ADs long term which is why there were multiple on/off incidents.  
I was assured multiple,e times that the “low dose” benzo would never be a proble.

 

 I now know there is not a low dose benzo and that 10 mg escitalopram is not low dose either.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

@Altostratai honestly had hope when I thought I was only dealing with the benzo withdrawal. The double whammy of both benzos and ADs terrify me.  Do people heal from this type of situation?

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment
  • Administrator
9 minutes ago, JustBella said:

The symptoms, which started July 2018, were similar to what I have now.  Dizziness, vision issues, food sensitivities, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, brain fog, headaches behind my ears,anxiety, depression, SI.  These pretty much came on suddenly after a BPPV vertigo attack.  The headaches and brain fog had started in March 2018 and were diagnosed as ear aches and muscle tension. Prescribed muscle relaxers which I only took one night.

 

Yes, this sounds a lot more like escitalopram withdrawal than benzo tolerance withdrawal. What is BPPV?

 

My best guess is low-dose diazepam to address the protracted withdrawal symptoms from multiple drugs, particularly the insomnia. Getting more sleep will help you heal. You will taper diazepam later.

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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@AltostrataBPPV is benign paroxysmal  positional vertigo, when ear crystals get out of place and it appears the room is spinning.  Physical maneuvers are performed to get the crystals back in place and the room spinning stops.  I had residual dizziness that was different than the room spinning after the ear crystals were cleared. Also had vision problems I did not have before. 

 

I can not take diazepam. I can not ever take a benzo again because of the kindling that occurred from on/off times with benzos.  If I were to take another I would have similar risks as reinstating an AD.  It appears I am kindled from both benzos and ADs, which is why I am so concerned about healing.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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  • Administrator

When was your last episode of kindling from a benzo, at what dosage?

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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@AltostrataBPPV is benign paroxyal positional vertigo when ear crystals get out of place and it appears the room is spinning.  Physical maneuvers are performed to get the crystals back in place and the room spinning stops.  I had residual dizziness that was different than the room spinning after the ear crystals were cleared.

 

I can not take diazepam. I can not ever take a benzo again because of the kindling that occurred from on/off times with benzos.  If I were to take another I would have similar risks as reinstating an AD.  It appears I am kindled from both benzos and ADs, which is why I am so concerned about healing.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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@AltostrataCTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016)

my known kindling was:

CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016)

 

Prior to these dates I was on PRN for many years and probably kindled then.

 

The CT in March 2015 did not produce severe symptoms.  However I reinstated in a couple of months due to insomnia and anxiety.  

The CT in October 2016 ended up in a hospital stay, but the benzo issues was not recognizedby me or doctors.  I then saw a Med doctor who I reinstated on clozapam but then went back to lorazepam. Reinstatement was successful and Escitalopram was added.  Did not realize the severe symptoms were related to benzo stop until 2019.  

 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

@AltostrataBPPV is benign paroxyal positional vertigo when ear crystals get out of place and it appears the room is spinning.  Physical maneuvers are performed to get the crystals back in place and the room spinning stops.  I had residual dizziness that was different than the room spinning after the ear crystals were cleared.

 

I can not take diazepam. I can not ever take a benzo again because of the kindling that occurred from on/off times with benzos.  If I were to take another I would have similar risks as reinstating an AD.  It appears I am kindled from both benzos and ADs, which is why I am so concerned about healing.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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@Altostrata

my benzo lorazepam dosage was one .5 mg tablet at night.  I was prescribed two, but usually took one and occasionally two.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

Link to comment

@Altostrata This is a little long but appreciate any feedback you could provide based on your vast knowledge and experience with ADs 
Detail:
Thinking back on the several times I took the Escitalopram then got off then back on, (I don’t have all specific dates, only vague recollections),  it seemed to relieve symptoms but then side effects became too much so I got off.  I would be ok for a while (months or years ) after stopping but then not as ok. I never related it to coming off the escitalopram but attributed it to relapse of symptoms or new stressful situations. The dose was always 10 mg. 
In October 2016 when I was reinstated on the benzo after cold turkey horror and the escitalopram was added I felt almost immediate relief.  Once again the side effects kicked in so went off in October  2017. I believe the last time I had taken it and stopped prior to that was mid 2015. However, in March 2019 when I  reinstated again after the unexplained symptoms began in July 2018 it really didn’t seem to help. BUT I now realize that after it was abruptly stopped again in August 2019 and the lorazepam taper began that I went severely down hill in a few months, but thought it was because of the lorazepam taper. 
Summary:

In summary it seems that in the past, reinstatement of the 10 mg escitalopram provided relief even when I had not taken it in a year or more. However,  the reinstatement in March 2019 did not provide immediate or substantial relief. Reinstatements were not made due to recognized symptoms of withdrawal but it was due to “relapse “ of various symptoms.
Question:

After reading through information here it appears that at this point (off any AD since  September 2019) it is not an option to reinstate but sometimes wonder if a small dose reinstatement (.5 to 1 mg) might be worth a try?

I  know you don’t give medical advice but wonder what your observations have been in this type situation.  If it worked I would plan to stay on for the rest of my life. 

If I did try the escitalopram and it wasn’t good would I have to wean off the reinstatement dose?

I am in such bad shape these days that I am desperate to try anything that may help but can’t afford to get worse. 
Reinstatement of the benzo is not an option. 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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  • Administrator

I believe you have misunderstood kindling. It does not appear to me that you have experienced kindling from benzos. Kindling means a bad reaction when you reinstate the drug, or even take a little bit. You successfully reinstated a benzo at least once. You have not had a kindling event since.

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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@Altostratathank you. I really appreciate you responding to me.
 So is kindling on ADs the same, a bad reaction when you reinstate the drug?

Did you see my question on reinstating escitaplam after 17 months off and the benzo taper?
 

 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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  • Administrator
On 3/24/2021 at 4:08 PM, JustBella said:

This was done at the direction of a psychiatric nurse practitioner just a few weeks before I began a 10 month taper off of .5 lorazepam.

 

I think you mistook escitalopram withdrawal, reaction to alcohol, etc., for tolerance withdrawal from the benzo. I believe you may be primarily experiencing benzo withdrawal. 

 

I do not believe reinstatement of escitalopram would help much.

 

On 3/25/2021 at 5:13 PM, Altostrata said:

My best guess is low-dose diazepam to address the protracted withdrawal symptoms from multiple drugs, particularly the insomnia. Getting more sleep will help you heal. You will taper diazepam later.

 

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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  • 4 weeks later...

@Altostratainjustbresd an article where you said that a very small dose of lamotrigine helped you four years out. 
I am wondering about trying that in my situation. Can you provide more information about that. I believe you said you took 1 to 1.5 mg. How long did you take it?  Did you have to taper off?  Any information about your experience will be helpful to me. Am meeting with a new addition specialist this week. 

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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Hi, Bella,

 

While you are waiting, here’s the thread for Lamictal.  Click on the red language in the first post, please, and read the whole FAQ.  There are issues with taking it that are explained there.  https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/3769-lamictal-lamotrigine-to-calm-post-acute-withdrawal-symptoms-paws/?tab=comments#comment-11585

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25

2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period

May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born)

2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg

2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction)

2016 - Stopped Xanax

Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft

Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown)

Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone

Drug free since Feb 2017

2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep

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  • Administrator

I don't know if low-dose lamotrigine may help. It might, it might not. 

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 5 months later...

I believe I am posting this in the correct area.  
This question is specific to my situation and a possible micro dose reinstatement after 2 years cold turkey.

My question is:  does being kindled impact whether a micro dose reinstatement could work?
I know that it is basically a crap shoot, but wondering if being kindled would make the possibility of success lower.

Mid and late 1990s various antidepressants including Prozac, Pamelor, Zoloft, Trazadone for brief periods of time  Usually one month or less with no taper.

1998 to August 2020   .5 mg lorazepam, first PRN then daily. CTed Jan 2015 RI March 2015 (6 wks): CTed October 2016 RI Nov 2016 (3 wks (October 2016). 10 month taper begin Oct 2019 finished Aug 10, 2020. 2000 to Sept 2015 periodic use Escitalopram 10 mg.  Brief periods, 3-6 months, with rapid tapers or cold turkeys.Oct 2016 Cymbalta and Remeron for a period of about 2 weeks. Stopped cold turkey.Nov 2016 to October 2017 10 mg escitalopram.  One month taper

Last 2 ½ years:

Ongoing daily .5 lorazepam originally began in 1998 PRN, then daily 2008.  March 2019 to August 2019 10 mg escitalopram; rapid taper about 3 weeks. Sept 2019 to Sept 2019 Pristiq 25mg, taken 2 weeks then a every other day taper for one week.  25 mg trazadone for one week, no taper.  Zoloft 25 mg for 5 days, no taper. October 2019 -August 2020 10 month taper from .5 lorazepam.

Currently taking Valsartan 40 mg daily and Preservision AREDS2 one capsule daily.

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