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John9988 Celexa WD


John9988

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Prescribed 20 MG Celexa in June 2018 after a couple of close deaths within a short period of time.  I felt brain fog on the meds but it did help with the depression/anxiety.  Wanted to get off of the drug, so talked with Dr. in November of 2020 and without much research or knowledge, tapered quickly over a few weeks.  Short term, I felt great.  I had more energy, no brain fog, and actually started going to the gym again and lost 15 lbs.  In March of 2021, a huge wave hit me and didn't see it coming.  The last month and a half has been a battle!  Faith and friends have helped me a ton, although still a moderate level of depression/anxiety.  I found this website last night, and I have to say, what a a relief to know that I am not alone in my recent struggles.  What I am feeling is not because something is wrong with me, but due to the drug, or at least I hope that is what it is from!  I am confused why the delay from November to March to have WD.  Also, anyone else have any GI issues in WD?  I have what feels like a knot in my abdomen that I am getting checked out.

 

I have been reading a few of your stories, and man, I wish I would have known about the other side of this stuff before starting to take it.  Yes, I was going through a really hard time, but this has been just as hard.  You all sharing lets me see light at the end of the tunnel, whenever that will be.  It also gives me motivation to get up in the morning and get through the day to be a husband and dad, knowing that there will be a day when I feel better. 

 

Any thoughts/insights are very appreciated and please don't hesitate to ask for support in any way.  Going through the last 3 years has definitely opened my eyes of how hard life can be at times.  It is also beautiful when you find people coming together to help each other out.

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello, and welcome to SA.  We are a peer owned and run forum of people who have been or are getting off of psychiatric drugs.  I'm sorry that you got hit with this tsunami of psych med withdrawal.  You have come to the right place.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of doctors are very good at putting their patients on these meds, but don't have any idea how to taper them off properly.  This happened to me as well man others on this forum.  It sounds like you tapered off of it very fast, so your brain did not have time to adjust, and hence the symptoms.  It is unusual for it to take 5 months for the symptoms to appear, but everyone is different.  

 

Are you having any other symptoms besides depression, anxiety, and GI issues?  How is your sleep? Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worse, how would you rate your symptoms? 

 

On 4/19/2021 at 8:18 AM, John9988 said:

Faith and friends have helped me a ton

This is excellent, that you have such a strong support system.  My faith helps me a great deal as well. 

 

Can you please give us specific information about your drug history for all drugs you are on and have been on, especially for the past 18-24 months?  It would be especially helpful to have the details of your taper in a concise list (no symptoms), only specific dates (as best you can say for example early March if you don't recall the day) and dosages of each medication decrease or increase.  Please read the link below for instructions.  This will allow us to give you the best guidance.  

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is some information about how these drugs actually work.  

 

How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain

 

This helps you understand what withdrawal syndrome is: 

 

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

 

Even though you are already off the drug and no longer tapering, this link explains why we suggest a very slow, exponential taper.  

 

 Why Taper by 10% of my Dosage  

 

 

Also, as we are recovering, we suggest keeping things slow, simple, and stable. 

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

 

When we recover, there are times of feeling OK mixed in with times of feeling bad.  This is called windows and waves.

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here are some techniques to cope with symptoms: 

 

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Here are threads that discuss the issues you are having: 

 

GI Issues

 

Neuro Emotions

 

Getting Though Unpleasant Emotions

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I've given you quite a bit of information here.  Please read through it, and mull it over, and we will take it from there. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and take heart.  We in this forum have been through this, and we understand first hand the pain and discomfort you are going through.  Please know that the brain is amazing in it's healing abilities.  It takes time, but healing can and will happen. 

 

Edited by getofflex

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Sorry for such a delayed response, and thank your for all the information.  My history is very short compared to many. 
 

Anxiety, depression and GI issues are my only symptoms. After a really tough 6 weeks or so, I had a better couple of weeks, but now seem to be back in the tougher times.  Doom and gloom is probably the best way to describe it. I am able to get done what I need to do but it is a fight. I feel like I am struggling to be a good husband and dad, as well, and I really struggle with that. 
 

I felt awesome after going off Celexa, I had more energy for the first couple of months, with a clearer brain and energy to workout and live well. Boy, that seems like forever ago and it was just 2 months. 
 

I pray a lot, I rest when I feel really tired and that seems to help for a bit. 
 

I know that I was really down when I started taking Celexa due to some close losses in my family in a 6 month period, but this seems almost worse. 
 

I am open to all suggestions, although I really don’t want to go back on any form of AD’s. If what I am going through is in fact WD, I only want to do this once. 
 

 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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  • Altostrata changed the title to John9988 Celexa WD
  • Administrator

Hello, @John9988

 

How's your sleep? Are you taking any other drugs?

 

5 hours ago, John9988 said:

I felt awesome after going off Celexa, I had more energy for the first couple of months, with a clearer brain and energy to workout and live well. Boy, that seems like forever ago and it was just 2 months. 

 

Hypomania is a known withdrawal effect from going off antidepressants.

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see


https://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/


https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

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

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Thank you for your help and insight.  I am going to try fish oil and magnesium. I will try anything! 
 

My only other meds are for allergies and hypothyroid. 
 

My sleep is good. In fact, I feel like I want to sleep too much. I have been getting more sleep and still finding myself taking a nap when I can, especially when I feel really down. I usually wake up feeling at least a little better for a time. 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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Hello John.  What you are describing sounds to me like the typical nonlinear windows and waves pattern of recovery.  Hang in there, it gets better slowly.  Someday you will probably be glad you did.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Thank you.  The encouragement on this board is awesome.  
 

What do you mean that someday I will probably be glad I did?  
 

 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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On 5/6/2021 at 12:02 PM, John9988 said:

What do you mean that someday I will probably be glad I did?  

What I meant was that by hanging in there, and staying the course, you will eventually feel better.  Then, you may look back on this time, and be glad that you stuck it out, that is, didn't go back on the meds. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Thank you. I never want to touch those meds again. I am sure that many here feel the same. 
 

Has anyone here ever used the services of Michael Priebe?

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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I feel the very same way.  

 

I have not used his services, but I am subscribed to his YouTube channel.  I find it very encouraging.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Yeah, I watched a couple of his videos and it was encouraging, like this site. 
 

Before discovering what I was dealing with, and that there is a community of people going through the same things, it was extremely lonely, confusing and dark. 
 

 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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On 5/7/2021 at 5:16 PM, John9988 said:

Before discovering what I was dealing with, and that there is a community of people going through the same things, it was extremely lonely, confusing and dark. 
 

Isn't it amazing how helpful it is to know others who are trudging the same road?  Sharing the burden with others really helps.  I'm glad you are here with us. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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It is really helpful, and I truly hope there is some way that I can help someone else going through it. Understanding it is not just a spiritual weakness or falling into a deep depression definitely helps. To be able to tell myself I will be ok and it is a process of my body healing helps keep light at the end of the tunnel...and I pray and pray and pray. 
 

 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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  • Moderator Emeritus

@John9988yes you certainly can help other people going through this.  Just go through the threads in the Intro and Updates forum, and read and respond.  Just offering support and understanding can go a long way in helping people see that they are not alone, and that is very comforting.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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I definitely will do that. Support is so important. I have also found watching Michael Priebe’s videos to be helpful.  To hear it will get better helps when you wonder if you will be feeling this bad the rest of your life. 
 

The waves are so nonlinear. Even within the day or for multiple days. I have been determined to keep adding things on my schedule and keep getting my work done. It often leaves me exhausted but for moments it takes my mind off how bad I feel. I would really encourage anyone to push yourself to try and do the same.  This is improvement as I was cancelling things off my calendar up until these past couple of weeks. 
 

I am weary of looking around at everyone and wondering how they can possibly be enjoying life while inside I feel so bad, but I hope we can all encourage each other that we will get back there. This isn’t our fault and it isn’t who we are. 
 

Lastly, at the beginning of this WD, in my anxiety and darkness, I questioned if I was having a breakdown of my faith, which has been very important to me. What I have figured out is I don’t feel like this because a lack of faith, in fact me turning to my faith, tons of prayer...the fact that was where I turned hopefully means my faith is strong.  God hears our cries and is with us. He will carry us through our worst days even when we feel so far away. He promises that eternity will be free from days like these. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
 

For anyone who has made it this far down the thread, hang in there. Please let me know how I can pray for you. I want to begin a prayer list for anyone that wants it.  It will be a good way to focus on hope and you feeling better and less on my current feelings. 
 

-John

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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Thanks John.  I appreciate your support.  Just please pray for me that the Lord will heal my nervous system.  Thank you! I, too, find Michael Priebe on YouTube very encouraging.  I'm praying for you, too. 

On 5/17/2021 at 9:20 PM, John9988 said:

This isn’t our fault and it isn’t who we are. 

I know.  So true. 

 

On 5/17/2021 at 9:20 PM, John9988 said:

I questioned if I was having a breakdown of my faith, which has been very important to me. What I have figured out is I don’t feel like this because a lack of faith, in fact me turning to my faith, tons of prayer...the fact that was where I turned hopefully means my faith is strong.  God hears our cries and is with us. He will carry us through our worst days even when we feel so far away. He promises that eternity will be free from days like these. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Oh so true!  This painful WD has strengthened my faith and caused me to turn to God even more.  Have you seen this section of our forum?  

 

Finding Meaning

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Thanks for the response!  I will definitely be praying for you and the healing of your nervous system.  I can definitely use the same prayer.  I am at least thankful when I find myself not feeling as down as I have been.  Last night and today so far have been a window of better.  

 

Going through this has definitely strengthened my faith.  Even though I am struggling feeling hope, joy and peace, it doesn't stop me from praying for it.  I am very thankful that I know where I will find it when my brain is able to produce those feelings again.  One day at a time.

 

Thanks for the link to that part of the board!  I hadn't seen it but will check it out.

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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On 5/20/2021 at 10:45 AM, John9988 said:

I can definitely use the same prayer.

I'm praying right now!  

 

On 5/20/2021 at 10:45 AM, John9988 said:

I am struggling feeling hope, joy and peace,

Altostrata, the founder and owner of this forum, said in a recent interview that our unpleasant emotions come back first, and later the more pleasant emotions return.  

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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Thank you @getofflex!  I so appreciate the prayers.  I believe in them. Even if He doesn’t heal me immediately, I want this to bring me closer to Him.  
 

I am not a fan of the unpleasant emotions coming back first. It would be so much better if it was the other way around.   

The one constant, no matter the level of sadness, anxiety, fear I happen to be having is a lot of fatigue. I think I could take multiple naps a day and sleep a full night. I know some have the opposite issues.  I feel bad because I want to be a more active husband and dad. I don’t want it to rob me of time with them. 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 5/21/2021 at 8:20 PM, John9988 said:

 I believe in them. Even if He doesn’t heal me immediately, I want this to bring me closer to Him.

So true!  Trials bring us closer to the Jesus.  As he says in Psalm 23: though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.  

 

On 5/21/2021 at 8:20 PM, John9988 said:

I feel bad because I want to be a more active husband and dad. I don’t want it to rob me of time with them. 

I understand this feeling.  The one good thing about this is given lots of time, eventually our nervous systems will heal, as long as we don't keep throwing more psychotropic or mind altering drugs at them. 

Edited by getofflex

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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  • 1 month later...

It has been a month and a half or so since my last update.  The office has opened back up and that has been a good distraction. It helps to be around others and tasks with deadlines that require full attention.  I will say that those times are when I feel the best - I seem to forget all the problems. Other times go from manageable to downright depressed - so sad and anxious.  I am so frustrated with it. Going on 4 months of this.  I just want to enjoy being with my wife and kids doing fun stuff,  not just surviving it through hopeless thoughts. 
 

Honestly, I can’t even believe this is life at this point. So dramatically different than before any of this crap started 3 years ago. 
 

I wish I was updating saying that my progress has been dramatic and I am feeling normal and like I could conquer the world. 
 

I continue to cling to my faith and pray that I will become the person I was created to be.  I won’t stop but it is hard when you can’t find hope and joy. Any help in getting your mind flipped to the positive would be so helpful. I am so tired of the fear and anxiety. I hate it. 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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23 hours ago, John9988 said:

 I will say that those times are when I feel the best - I seem to forget all the problems. Other times go from manageable to downright depressed - so sad and anxious.  I am so frustrated with it. Going on 4 months of this.  I just want to enjoy being with my wife and kids doing fun stuff,  not just surviving it through hopeless thoughts. 
 

It's really good that you are having windows when you feel good!  This is a very good sign.  I'm sorry for the waves though, I know those really suck.  These drugs make profound changes to our highly complex nervous systems, and it takes months to years to heal from them.  Since I know you are a bible believer, let me quote you these verses.  

 

John 16:33 ESV

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

 

Romans 5:3-5 ESV 

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

 

2 Corinthians 4: 8 says "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;"  

 

Have you read any of the success stories?  Here are some: 

 

Purplestars22 Celexa Success Story

 

Selsdon Man Successful Tapering Citalopram

 

Hang in there.  I'm praying for you.  This will get better, sooner or later.  

 

 

 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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@getofflexThank you…for the encouragement, verses and success stories.  I cling to all of it. 
 

The moments I get lost in the present are much needed although I wish they would happen during times I should be enjoying myself and not in my work.  I have trouble looking forward to things and a lot of the time just want to sleep.  
 

I am fighting to be there for my wife and kids. I used to feel like I would run through a wall for them at any time. I just want that back. 
 

Sorry for the lamenting. I want to be an encourager and give people hope. 

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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Has anyone reading this used any counseling through the process?  

5/2018 Celexa 20mg

11/2020 went of Celexa over 2 weeks

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I haven't used counseling through the psych drug withdrawal process, but I've had therapy and counseling in the past.  Some therapists are very helpful, others not so much.   I would suggest you find one who is on board with being drug free. 

On 7/5/2021 at 8:27 PM, John9988 said:

am fighting to be there for my wife and kids.

I'm sorry to hear this.  I'm praying for you.  Someday, this will pass, it just requires a lot of time and patience. 

Please do not private message me.  Only tag me for urgent questions about tapering and reinstating - thank you.  

 

***Please note this is not medical advice.  Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a doctor who understands psych meds and how to withdraw from them, if you can find one.

 

Lexapro   Started Apr 15 2010 - 10 mg;  started taper August 2017, recent taper info: Apr 2 '20  0.18 mg; Jul 16  0.17 mg, Aug 23  0.16 mg, Oct 7  0.15 mg, Nov 8 - 0.14, Jan 16 '21 - 0.13, Feb 7 - 0.12, Feb 22 - 0.11, Mar 26 - 0.10, May 21 - 0.09, June 15 - 0.08 Aug 16 - 0.07, Oct 6 - 0.06, Nov 21 0.05, Dec. 17 0.04, Jan 14 '22 0.03, Feb 19 0.02, Apr 18 0.01, May 15 0.005,  Jul 8, 0.00.  Psych Drug Free as of July 8, 2022!!  Woohoo!!!

other meds: Levothyroxine 75 mg

magnesium in small amounts at 4 AM, before bed

suppl AM: fish oil, flax oil, vit C, vit E, multivitamin, zinc

suppl 8 PM: magnesium 350 mg, extended release vitamin C, melatonin 2 mg

 

Paxil 2002 - 2010, switched to Lexapro 2010 

Trazodone 50 mg. 2002 - 2019, fast tapered in 2019 

Xanax 0.5 mg as needed 2002 - 2019, up to 3x weekly 

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