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Hello from marystone78


marystone78

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H

I'am so greatful to be here,I have got myself in a total mess right now. :blink: As you can see, I'm not new to getting off of medications, the benzo was by far the hardest and took the longest, 1 1/2 years! I was in a rehab the first time I tryed to get off the benzo, of course it was way too fast, and it failed horrifically! While I was in the rehab they decided I had restless leg syndrome and put mr on Requip,now looking back, I think it was w/d!!! :o Anyway, since I have sucessfully come off all of my other meds.,and I was finally feeling really good. I thought it was time to tackle the requip.I attempted a cold turkey last year, big mistake, had to reinstate. So this time I decided to cut the tablet, I went from 1 mg. stayed there a month, then cut it to 3/4(which wasn't accurate) then got the .05, stayed there a month, and now on .25 for 9 days. Way too fast, I'll bet? :unsure:

Well I have not been able to sleep for more than 2 or 3 hours, I have restlessness,anxiety,depression and just not functioning very well! So with the help of a friend, I was advised to go back on the .05 tonight, see how I do for 3 days, if not better, go up to .75 and so on. What do you suggest? I really need to feel better now. I feel better just knowing I finally can get some guidance on this, I thought this drug would be a walk in the park...no way! Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you,

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Administrator

Hi, Mary, welcome to our community.

 

Clearly, you are a person who needs to go slowly to finally get off Requip.

 

We suggest people let their nervous systems settle down if they get withdrawal symptoms. You might want to stay at .25mg for a month or more, allowing your sleep to recover, before you attempt another cut.

 

You might be interested in this post http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/889-schuyler-the-benzo-lyrica-connection/page__view__findpost__p__25281 Here's an example of how to make a solution yourself: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2022-making-a-celexa-solution-yourself

 

Or, you might get a liquid made by a compounding pharmacy. It is likely to be stable longer than the one you make at home.

 

A digital scale is also helpful to make measurements more precise if you want to continue to cut up tablets.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks for the response, I was really thinking about updosing to .05 right now. I have so much on my plate right now, my husband was recently diagnosed with cancer and his stepfather was just taken off of life support this afternoon. Kinda alot, I need to be stable for a bit,and tackle it later. I really need sleep too.I WILL need support though, I'll let you know hpow the updose goes.

mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks for the response, I was really thinking about updosing to .05 right now. I have so much on my plate right now, my husband was recently diagnosed with cancer and his stepfather was just taken off of life support this afternoon. Kinda alot, I need to be stable for a bit,and tackle it later. I really need sleep too.I WILL need support though, I'll let you know hpow the updose goes.

mary

 

Mary, Alto's advice is much better than what I gave you on BB (I did not know you would be on board here so fast). But, if you did up dose, how did you do? Up dosing does not always go smoothly so it can be better to hold and ride it out, not to mention you need to taper down from .5 instead of .25m mgs. That said, family emergencies do not go with withdrawal symptoms.

 

I'm very sorry to hear about your husband and his step father and hope you feel a lessening of your symptoms soon. ~S

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

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I did the updose last night, actually got to sleep right away, at about 11pm. I did wake a little too early, 3:30 am. I had some resslessness/anxiety, but not as bad as before. I hear what your saying about me someday having to come off of the .05 instead of the .25. I know the repercussions...right now I just need to get stable.Is there something different about these drugs, than benzos? IDK...I just feel I need to start over here, and someday when I feel ready, then I wil tackle it.

I'm ready to wean, I will do it right, by titrating/getting support on here too! It will be Okay! Thanks for writing, I will check in with you again. How are you feeling, tell me about what you are going through? It's not all about me, yesterday, I was having a meltdown! ha ha

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Is there something different about these drugs, than benzos? IDK...I just feel I need to start over here, and someday when I feel ready, then I wil tackle it.

 

You may have been so sensitized from the previous tapers they are effecting that of requip. Then too, you may just be more sensitive to Requip, or both.

 

I'm ready to wean, I will do it right, by titrating/getting support on here too! It will be Okay! Thanks for writing, I will check in with you again. How are you feeling, tell me about what you are going through? It's not all about me, yesterday, I was having a meltdown! ha ha

Mary

I'm good, and the tinnitus seems a bit better today, so I'm hopeful. FYI.. I just dissolved a tablet of requip in water with no problems (will not be doing a mt yet, but it would be better to split the BID dose evenly).

 

Glad you got some sleep!!! Will look forward to seeing you in future. ~S

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

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Hello...just checkin' in, I wanted to tell you that i'am doing 100% better, now that I reinstated the Requip. I went back to .05, which is better that being on the 1mg. where I began. Wow...powerful little pill, sure did knock me right off, not looking forward to tapering it! I'am going to stay on this dose for awhile, I'm really glad I feel better!!! My husbands step father passed away and we have to fly to Seattle for the funeral. I couldn't have done it the way I was feeling before...so things work out for a reason! Thanks for the support you have given me.

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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Hi Mary,

 

Just wanted to hop on over and let you know that it is nice to see you over here on SA.

 

I am so glad that you are feeling better once you updosed. I think you will find a lot of knowledge, help, and support on this site.

 

You may know me as Klonkers on BB. Again, nice to see you here!

 

:) Hugs, Annej

My Intro
2000-Effexor and Klonopin
April 2011- C/T Adderall, lithium, Seroquel, Lunesta; Pristiq and Klonopin cut by 1/2 due to med-induced "rapid cycling"
May 2011- Pristiq/Lexapro bridge/taper
June, 2011- K cut to 0.5 mg (doctor)
July 18, 2011 - Lexapro done
October 2011- K taper started
Jan, 2012- Off K, Remeron started -bad idea
March 2012- Horrific Tardive Akathisa/TD (Dx: TA versus withdrawal akathisia secondary to K w/d)
May 2012- Reinstatement of K
Current Psych Meds: Klonopin 2 mg + Propanolol 15 mg and titrating up
As of June 2013: TA gone or suppressed - struggling with tolerance to benzos - beta blocker helping

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Thanks Angej...that was very sweet of you to greet me, I'll be around!

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • 1 month later...

Hello...I'm back! Well I have not felt very well these days. I did go back on the Requip, I on .05 mg., I felt better once I reinstated. Now I'am having anxiety/depression, insomnia with agitation. I am trying not to go down that road that I may actually NEED AD's, it comes in waves, so I don't think it is depression! I know I have come off alot of psyc meds. I shouldn't be so hard on myself, but it's hard! It's hard and it's been a long road for me.I'm tired of it!!! I was on a bioidentical hormone for about 3 1/2 months, just took myself off cause I was afraid of the side affects from them. I could be having w/d's from that, IDK, I'm perplexed! Like is it w/d, menapause, depression???? Anyway,I guess I need a little suppport, thanks for letting me vent!

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Administrator

Welcome back, mary. You're right to suspect the hormones -- you can get withdrawal symptoms from them, too!

 

Probably quitting the hormones destabilized your nervous system again. You know what to do -- reinstate at a low dose, and if you want to go off completely, taper.

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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Yes, hormones are VERY POWERFUL. I recently changed Estrogen patches, same dose, and really felt it. Went back to original and doing much better.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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I too think the hormones could be a strong possibility.

 

Long ago, when I was young and birth control pills were very potent (much higher levels of hormones than now), I tried to take various ones at different times and they made me CRAZY. It was only some time after a doctor had me stop taking one to make sure my periods would still be normal, and an emotional crisis (major and very difficult life changes) suddenly became manageable and I felt happy again within myself even though the situations I was dealing with were painful ones, that I finally made the connection. I'd been wracking my brains as to what made me "back to normal" again since the problems in my life were still very real, and after thinking through every likely possibility and nothing adding up, I suddenly had an "aha" moment.

 

And you mention "waves." One thing I found while taking the bc pills and getting crazier and crazier (I'm not exaggerating), I remember telling the campus psychiatrist I'd consulted about this, that I'd become aware of increasing "cycles" (in terms of number of days) that I'd started realizing were so regular except for the decreasing number of days that I had started realizing I could pretty much plot out on a calendar when each phase would occur.

 

There were no other meds involved except antihistamines, to the best of my recollection. (That was so long ago it was when psychiatrists did the "50 minute hour" talk therapy rather than whipping out prescription pads.)

 

I agree with Alto that you should try tapering off the hormones if you choose not to take them, and give your body time to adapt before thinking there's something wrong with you. Hormones definitely affect emotions, and I've long suspected that a lot of common antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are from hormonal balances being put in a state of flux.

I was "TryingToGetWell" (aka TTGW) on paxilprogress. I also was one of the original members here on Surviving Antidepressants

 

I had horrific and protracted withdrawal from paxil, but now am back to enjoying life with enthusiasm to the max, some residual physical symptoms continued but largely improve. The horror, severe derealization, anhedonia, akathisia, and so much more, are long over.

 

My signature is a temporary scribble from year 2013. I'll rewrite it when I can.

 

If you want to read it, click on http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/209-brandy-anyone/?p=110343

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Thanks ladies...I will go back on them and then figure out how to taper. How does everyone feel about risks of bioidentiacl hormone replacment? I was using a cream, it had estrogen,progest, DHEA. I have heard and my doc told me that the DHEA can cause anxiety. She ordered it w/o the DHEA,because I was having anxiety while on it. I have not used the new cream yet. So I really have no idea what to do, I guess I should try the new one w/o DHEA? Uggg so sick of any sort of med. Thanks for the advice

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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Thanks Tezza...hope you are hangin' in there as well! Have a blessed day,

Mary

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Administrator

Hi Marystone

 

I use bioidentical hormones ... in my reading bioidentical hormones are less risky than artificial hormones. I don't think you are going to do any harm by going back on them and then tapering off if that is what you decide to do.

 

I recently tried to switch from my current version of bi-est to the estradiol patch and because of bad information from the prescribing doctor I ended up going off of all estrogen and ended up with awful anxiety and irrational fears. I've since returned to my original form of estrogen and I'm getting better. But I still wake with morning anxiety and battle irrational fears first thing in the morning.

 

Hormones definitely have an impact and I think especially if we are already hypersensitized by our AD withdrawal.

 

Karma

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

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

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


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

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  • 3 years later...

I've been on amytriptaline 50 mg, for about 6 months now! I started tapering, I know I have gone way too fast, I guess I thought I could do it! Nope!!!

I saw the post on 10% decrease! I'm gonna do it!

Anyway, in the meantime, I went from 50 mg to 25 mg in 11 days!

At first I felt great, then bam, it hit me! I now have anxiety, nausea, insomnia and depression!

I need some support! Should I go back to 50mg again? Idk!!!

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Mary and welcome back to SA,

 

Your original Intro/Update topic is here.  The mods will merge this new topic with your previous one.  On your original topic you can click Follow this Topic (top right) and you will be notified when someone replies.

 

In order for the voluntary staff to answer your question they will need to know more details about the dates of your doses of the drug/s your are taking.  So what date did you last take 50 mg of amitriptaline?  What date did you last take 25 mg of amitriptaline?

 

I suggest you update your signature to show ALL drugs, including drugs, dates and doses and how you decreased/increased them.  This will allow members to see you drug history at a glance and help the staff be able to offer suggestions.  Instructions here:  Please put your Withdrawal History in Signature

 

Here are some links for you to read:

 

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Tips for tapering off amitriptyline - Surviving Antidepressants

 

Brain Remodelling

 

Video: Healing from Antidepressants: Patterns of Recovery

 

Please ask any questions you have in your original topic, and use it to journal your progress.

* 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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Mary ,   welcome back.

 

Please update your signature with dates and dosage of your recent cut from 50mg to 25mg.

 

11 days is a bit borderline - you might be fine going back to 50mg , or it may prove a bit too high after this long.

You might try going back on 40 / 45 mg and see if you can stabilize there.  

If you click the link that Chessie provided on Tapering Amitrptyline , you will see how to measure smaller doses.

 

best wishes ,  Fresh

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

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  • 6 months later...

Need support

I went from 5 mg to 2 1/2 mg Abilify

It's been 3 weeks

It just hit me 5 days ago

The symptoms are horrible

Should I reinstate back to 5 mg to get stable again

I was doing really good before this!

Help!!!!

Remeron 15mg. 2008 to 2011

Prozac 20mg. 1991 to June 2011

Klonopin 4 mg 1991 to Nov. 20 2010

Requip 2008 to 2010

Presently on amytriptaline 50 mg started taper

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Did you take any doses between 5 mg and 2.5 mg (e.g. 4.5 to 4.0 to 3.5 to 3.0)? Or did you make one dose reduction from 5 to 2.5?

 

3 weeks after decreasing from 5 mg to 2.5 mg, you may not need to return to 5 mg.  Are you dry-cutting a 5 mg tablet or a 10 mg tablet?

 

Also, would you update your signature with the medication tapers and changes since March 2016 and with your current medications? Please put your withdrawal history in signature

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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