Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted November 7, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 7, 2021 Mutfael, it looks like you're tapering too fast. The below quote is from your signature: Quote In August 2021 it reached 9 mg and increased anxiety, depression, and lethargy On September 12, 2021, it was reduced to 8 mg On October 12, 2021, it was reduced to 7 mg Going from 9 mg to 8 mg is 11.12% decrease. Going from 7 mg from 8 mg is a 12.5% reduction. We only recommend reducing 10% from the previous dose (not the original dose). Please see: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? You may want to updose to 7.25 mg and see if that helps. And definitely going forward, please stick to 10% or less a month. Otherwise, you may crash your nervous system and end up with acute PAWS (protracted withdrawal syndrome). Link to comment
Mutfael Posted December 21, 2021 Author Share Posted December 21, 2021 (edited) When does the lethargy go away? 😞 Hello all I hope not to move the topic because I want an answer and an answer from those who have gone through previous experiences, and thank you for managing the forum My question is when will the lethargy go away from the body, as I have been suffering from lethargy in the body and a lot of sleep since I took psychiatric medications 15 years ago. I was browsing by chance on old forums in which I wrote the first topic about my psychological suffering in 2005, 6 months after I had taken the drug, as I mentioned that I suffer from severe lethargy and sleep a lot. This made me make sure that the lethargy is due to medication and not from anxiety and panic and not from smoking..! Yes, I am now in the last third of the doses of these toxins and I still feel that I am getting old due to inactivity, I feel like I am 90 years old, and even the elderly are more active than me when I am 39 years old!!! I want an answer from you, my dears, and I thank you very much Edited December 21, 2021 by ChessieCat added Intro topic title before merging with intro topic I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted December 21, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 21, 2021 I did a search in the Success stories forum. These are the links to the results: lethargic lethargy * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Mutfael Posted December 21, 2021 Author Share Posted December 21, 2021 Why is this topic moved to my page?! Here I know that I will not get an answer, please return the topic to the section I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted December 24, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 24, 2021 On 12/21/2021 at 5:32 PM, Mutfael said: Why is this topic moved to my page?! Here I know that I will not get an answer, please return the topic to the section We only allow one Intro topic per member, so your last post was moved here. Please see ChessieCat's post here. She answered your question - "when will the lethargy go away" - by linking to the relevant success stories of people who've recovered from this symptom. Also, please see my post here from November 7. Your taper is too fast. According to your signature, since that date, you went onto to taper from 7 mg to 6 mg in November and then 6 mg to 5 mg in December. 7 mg to 6 mg is a 14.3% reduction and 6 mg to 5 mg is a 16.67% reduction. We advise tapering by 10% or less of your previous month's dose. Your symptoms will likely get worse and last much longer if you continue to taper by reducing 1 mg per month. It looks like you may be thinking your lethargy and other symptoms may be a side effect of the drug instead of a withdrawal effect. But if this symptom is getting worse, it's likely withdrawal more than a side effect. This means you need to slow your taper down and possibly updose to at least where you were on December 12. Please see: How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain 1 Link to comment
Mutfael Posted December 25, 2021 Author Share Posted December 25, 2021 Also, please see my post here from November 7. Your taper is too fast. According to your signature, since that date, you went onto to taper from 7 mg to 6 mg in November and then 6 mg to 5 mg in December. 7 mg to 6 mg is a 14.3% reduction and 6 mg to 5 mg is a 16.67% reduction. Your words are very true and accurate. Thank you.. but if I decreased by 10% from the last dose, I might not get rid of Cipralex after years!!!! I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted December 25, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 25, 2021 The recommended taper rate of 10% about every 4 weeks is a hyperbolic taper and in actual fact you never do get to 0. Some people have to go even slower than this rate. It is a guideline. It took me 6 years to get off 100mg Pristiq, but I have done it successfully and other than the initial huge withdrawal issues which brought me to SA in the first place, my taper rate was such that I had minimal withdrawal symptoms and was able to live my life as normally as possible. Once my dose got lower I started feeling like my former self; I didn't have to wait until I was completely off. Once I got to the very small doses I would remind myself that I didn't need the drug but my brain needed it. The aim is to get off the drug with as little discomfort and disruption as possible. Any reduction made is reducing the amount of drug you are taking, which is a good thing, and heading in the right direction towards getting off. There are SA members who have tried to go too quickly and it has ended up taking them longer than if they followed used the recommended taper rate. Some of them have ended up switching to a different drug (which can have its own issues and you might still withdrawal from the original drug) and some have ended up on an additional drug which they will then need to taper. When it comes to getting off psychiatric drugs our brain is what dictates the taper rate. It has nothing to do with how strong or determined we are as a person. 2 * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted December 25, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 25, 2021 And it took me 3 years to taper 5mg Pristiq. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted December 26, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 26, 2021 18 hours ago, Mutfael said: Your words are very true and accurate. Thank you.. but if I decreased by 10% from the last dose, I might not get rid of Cipralex after years!!!! Yes, but if you're functional and feel good, isn't that better than rushing your taper and ending up sick for years with PAWS (protracted withdrawal syndrome)? 17 hours ago, ChessieCat said: When it comes to getting off psychiatric drugs our brain is what dictates the taper rate. It has nothing to do with how strong or determined we are as a person. Brilliantly said. For this issue, it's best to be smart than to be fast. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted December 26, 2021 Author Share Posted December 26, 2021 Yes I understand..thank you both I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted January 1, 2022 Author Share Posted January 1, 2022 I have a problem, which is that for two months I have not felt sexual desire at all! Until now I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted February 26, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted February 26, 2022 On 2/24/2022 at 10:47 PM, Mutfael said: Thank you for telling your success story.. I'm still on 4 mg of Lexapro and I don't know if the withdrawal symptoms will last or not? Does a 4 mg dose have withdrawal symptoms? Many members find that the lower their dose gets the slower they need to go, reducing less and/or holding for longer. It is important to listen to your body/symptoms and not reduce again until you are stable: Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist See: Stability WDnormal And Brassmonkey talks more about it here: tao-of-the-brassmonkey You might consider a slower taper method: the-brassmonkey-slide-method-of-micro-tapering * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Mutfael Posted February 27, 2022 Author Share Posted February 27, 2022 On 2/26/2022 at 11:49 AM, ChessieCat said: Many members find that the lower their dose gets the slower they need to go, reducing less and/or holding for longer. It is important to listen to your body/symptoms and not reduce again until you are stable: Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist See: Stability WDnormal And Brassmonkey talks more about it here: tao-of-the-brassmonkey You might consider a slower taper method: the-brassmonkey-slide-method-of-micro-tapering Thank you from the bottom I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted April 30, 2022 Author Share Posted April 30, 2022 (edited) Am I on the right path? Welcome.. I don't know English, so I speak to you through Google Translator. I hope you will understand me. It has been a full year since March 2021. I was on 15mg Lexapro and now 3.3mg Lexapro. My symptoms have increased recently. My question is, are there withdrawal symptoms in the 3.3 mg stage, knowing that I gradually decrease very slowly by 10% every 4 weeks? The question is more clearly formulated... Are the withdrawal symptoms more severe in the last stages of the gradual reduction? Thank you all🌹 Edited April 30, 2022 by ChessieCat added topic title before merging with intro topic I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 1, 2022 Administrator Share Posted May 1, 2022 Hello, @Mutfael When did these withdrawal symptoms first appear? How much Cipralex were you taking then? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted May 2, 2022 Author Share Posted May 2, 2022 On 1/5/2022 at 23:35, Altostrata said: مرحبًا،تضمين التغريدة متى ظهرت أعراض الانسحاب هذه لأول مرة؟ كم كنت تأخذ سبرالكس بعد ذلك؟ Symptoms appear since the beginning of the decrease, but the symptoms increased during this month, as I had a lack of appetite, headaches, sinuses, and general discomfort.. I am currently taking 3.3 mg I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 6, 2022 Administrator Share Posted May 6, 2022 How are you feeling now? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted May 23, 2022 Author Share Posted May 23, 2022 (edited) (Post and replies moved from Siderale's Success story) Sorry, I speak English through Google Translator.... I am glad that you have recovered from escitalopram and I have a question. I am now taking 3 mg of Lexapro. Does this dose have withdrawal symptoms? Or stop the medication completely without waiting? Edited May 29, 2022 by ChessieCat added note I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
siderale Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 On 5/24/2022 at 1:24 AM, Mutfael said: I am now taking 3 mg of Lexapro. Does this dose have withdrawal symptoms? Or stop the medication completely without waiting? Hello ! Sorry for the late reply I was not at home; as far as I know, any dose can have withdrawal symptoms. I am not a professional, but I would suggest to taper it slowly just in case! Better days are ahead. If you read this and are still struggling - hang in there. It'll be worth it. My success story: I recovered from Escitalopram withdrawal. Aug 2017 - May 2018 -> Escitalopram 10 mg. Nov 2018 - Jan 2021 -> Escitalopram 10 mg. Feb 2021 - 5 mg. Feb-March 2021 - 5 mg, one day out of two. Since March 13th, 2021 -> Escitalopram 0 mg. Withdrawal appeared 1 week after last dose. Profile image: Edward Robert Hughes' "Night" Link to comment
Ariel Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Hi @Mutfael I noticed that you posted a taper-related question in another member's thread. On 5/24/2022 at 1:24 AM, Mutfael said: Sorry, I speak English through Google Translator.... I am glad that you have recovered from escitalopram and I have a question. I am now taking 3 mg of Lexapro. Does this dose have withdrawal symptoms? Or stop the medication completely without waiting? For any questions you may have about your own drug dosage and taper, it's best to ask them here in your own intro topic. This way the mods can help advise you on how to proceed. Best of luck to you on your healing journey, A. 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted May 28, 2022 Author Share Posted May 28, 2022 Thanks I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted May 28, 2022 Author Share Posted May 28, 2022 On 5/6/2022 at 3:51 PM, Altostrata said: How are you feeling now? Now I feel great irritation and not sitting in one place and I feel uncomfortable and since a week and a half from now the symptoms have increased brutally, I can no longer deal with the symptoms, anxiety and depression are more dominant than ever! As for the current dose, it is 3 mg of Cipralex (Lexapro). The withdrawal symptoms were supposed to be less severe, since I am taking a small dose, I think it does not affect, but the reality is very different, the symptoms have increased and strong.. I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted May 28, 2022 Author Share Posted May 28, 2022 9 hours ago, Ariel said: Hi @Mutfael I noticed that you posted a taper-related question in another member's thread. For any questions you may have about your own drug dosage and taper, it's best to ask them here in your own intro topic. This way the mods can help advise you on how to proceed. Best of luck to you on your healing journey, A. Yes, thank you, I'm sorry but I think there is no reaction in my topic 😔 I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted May 29, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 29, 2022 On 5/24/2022 at 9:24 AM, Mutfael said: I am now taking 3 mg of Lexapro. Does this dose have withdrawal symptoms? Or stop the medication completely without waiting? Lexapro is a very strong drug. 3mg is NOT a small amount. Taking 3mg of Lexapro (escitalopram) is about the same as taking: 33mg Zoloft (sertraline) 11mg Paxil (paroxetine) 13mg Prozac (fluoxetine) 50mg Effexor (venlafaxine) Generally SA recommends tapering to about 0.025mg before stopping your drug. See this topic: When to end the taper and jump to zero? Some members think that because their dose is lower that they can go faster. But this is not the case. In fact it is usually the opposite. Many members find that as their dose gets lower they need to go slower, reducing less and/or holding longer. If you watch the video linked in Post #1 of this topic it explains why you might need to go slower. Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 29, 2022 Administrator Share Posted May 29, 2022 When was the last time you made a change in your escitalopram dosage? You were taking 3.5mg, now you're taking 3mg, correct? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 1, 2022 Author Share Posted June 1, 2022 On 5/29/2022 at 6:17 AM, ChessieCat said: Lexapro is a very strong drug. 3mg is NOT a small amount. Taking 3mg of Lexapro (escitalopram) is about the same as taking: 33mg Zoloft (sertraline) 11mg Paxil (paroxetine) 13mg Prozac (fluoxetine) 50mg Effexor (venlafaxine) Generally SA recommends tapering to about 0.025mg before stopping your drug. See this topic: When to end the taper and jump to zero? Some members think that because their dose is lower that they can go faster. But this is not the case. In fact it is usually the opposite. Many members find that as their dose gets lower they need to go slower, reducing less and/or holding longer. If you watch the video linked in Post #1 of this topic it explains why you might need to go slower. Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves Very strong !!!😮 I thought it was an ineffective dose and that the situation would be better, but I was attacked violently .. A week ago, the situation was so bad that I was thinking of going back to the usual dose of 15 mg I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 1, 2022 Author Share Posted June 1, 2022 On 5/29/2022 at 6:37 PM, Altostrata said: When was the last time you made a change in your escitalopram dosage? You were taking 3.5mg, now you're taking 3mg, correct? I was on 3.5 for exactly two and a half months and then in mid-May the dose was reduced to 3mg I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted June 1, 2022 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 1, 2022 30 minutes ago, Mutfael said: I was on 3.5 for exactly two and a half months and then in mid-May the dose was reduced to 3mg Going from 3.5 mg to 3 mg is a 14.3% reduction, which is too high a percentage. Before that, you reduced from 4 mg to 3.5 mg, which was a 12.5% reduction. And before that, going from 4 mg to 4.5 was a 11.12% reduction, which is also too high. We've been writing this again and again on your thread - you're tapering too fast. We recommend no more than a 10% reduction a month based on the previous month's dose (not the original dose). Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage Mutfael, it's really important that you understand this, especially as you get to the lower dose amounts. The lower doses can be even harder to taper. As you can see in the first post in this thread, these drugs tend to be more concentrated in the lower doses: Why taper? SERT transporter occupancy studies show importance of gradual change in plasma concentration Do you know anyone who reads English and can help you with the translation? It's important that you slow down your taper. 1 Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 1, 2022 Author Share Posted June 1, 2022 8 hours ago, Shep said: Going from 3.5 mg to 3 mg is a 14.3% reduction, which is too high a percentage. Before that, you reduced from 4 mg to 3.5 mg, which was a 12.5% reduction. And before that, going from 4 mg to 4.5 was a 11.12% reduction, which is also too high. We've been writing this again and again on your thread - you're tapering too fast. We recommend no more than a 10% reduction a month based on the previous month's dose (not the original dose). Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage Mutfael, it's really important that you understand this, especially as you get to the lower dose amounts. The lower doses can be even harder to taper. As you can see in the first post in this thread, these drugs tend to be more concentrated in the lower doses: Why taper? SERT transporter occupancy studies show importance of gradual change in plasma concentration Do you know anyone who reads English and can help you with the translation? It's important that you slow down your taper. Note: I am talking to you through Google Translator, and I do not have a person who speaks English, but I understand what you are saying, and hopefully you will understand what I am saying.. 😌 As for the decrease, I may be decreasing in an average and not very big way.. Note that a year and two months ago the decrease began and I think it is a long time. But I just found out that the dose of Cipralex is very strong and it is twice as much as the doses in other medicines I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 I currently feel the same as the feeling of a relative who died, or whose mother or father died!! Feeling of sadness and melancholy as if you are in a funeral!!!😔 I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Yesterday the situation was relatively normal only for one day, but today is bad unfortunately! I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Since I started with a dose of 3 mg, the withdrawal symptoms have started to increase and intensify, and its symptoms are depression, lethargy and general fatigue.. I do not enter the forum unless I am in a bad state, but from today I will mention all the waves and windows I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 8, 2022 Author Share Posted June 8, 2022 I read this post in the forum and my fear and anxiety increased. Is it possible that withdrawal will continue even after 6 years of complete quitting!!! (Like everything else WD there are no statistics on how long recovery from CT will take. But we have a lot of case histories that give us some indication. I frequently post about several of my taper buddies that CTed 40mgai of Paxil at the same time I started my taper. Currently it has been six years, I’m off all my meds and living life at about 95% plus of normal. They, on the other hand, are still suffering waves that rival their initial acute period. On the positive side they are also experiencing very nice Windows. But they are still struggling on a daily basi) I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 11, 2022 Author Share Posted June 11, 2022 I have a window for the past two days, but today I have a strange case, which is anger at my children and their intolerance and intolerance of their screaming! This case came to me twice, for about an hour. I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 14, 2022 Author Share Posted June 14, 2022 It is strange in terms of idleness, sometimes I sleep only three hours after dawn, then I wake up for work and be active all day, and sometimes I sleep at ten o’clock at night and wake up to work and my whole day is lethargic and lazy!! I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
Mutfael Posted June 16, 2022 Author Share Posted June 16, 2022 A window two hours ago and so far, hope and morale rose slightly I don't speak English fluently but I speak to you with google translator 2005-2006:Diversity in taking medications 2006-2019 Seroxat 20 mg 2020-2021 Cipralex 15 mg Mar 2021 it has decreased from 15 mg to 12.5 mg/Aug 2021 9mg/Sep 12, 2021 8mg/Oct 12, 2021 7mg / Nov 12, 2021 6mg / Dec 12, 2021 5mg / Jan 12, 2022 4.5mg /Feb 12, 2022 4mg/Mar-Apr 3.5mg/May 3mg The beginning of severe withdrawal /sep 23, 2022 2.5mg On March 19, 2023, I ended up in the emergency room, with severe palpitations, panic, and severe mental and physical fatigue, then I went back to a dose of 20 milligrams of Seroxat to this day. Link to comment
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