shannonjoyjoy Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 Hi all, I am currently withdrawing from Celexa 10mg after 9 years on, and Latuda 10mg after 1 year on. I had an episode (panic attack that put me in the ER) back in June that my psych doc suspected was being caused by these meds and we had to stop them. I went from 10mg Celexa to 2.5 abruptly. It was very rough for a week or so and then I started to feel a bit better and could return to work. Then, this past week I was hit so hard. Unbearable panic and anxiety, nausea, no appetite. I was encouraged to get off Celexa completely. Now the brain zaps are back and the anxiety is off the charts. I take Propranolol, 10 mg three times a day to help with the symptoms but there are times like right now where it’s not touching it. Lab work is all good except progesterone was a bit high… getting that checked out tomorrow. I’m wondering if anyone on here can give me some hope about this ending at some point. I know it’s a process and is going to take awhile, especially after being on it for nine years, but I’m really worried that this is going to last forever. Any help is greatly appreciated. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted July 28, 2021 Moderator Share Posted July 28, 2021 Welcome to SA, Shannon! I am sorry you are going through all this but know that there is an end to this. It is not permanent. You may want to check the Symptoms and Self Care forum for help in managing some of the symptoms. Have you considered reinstatement or, in your case, a small updose? Can you pls put your drug signature in your profile so we can have a look at it at a glance to better advise you? You can find the instructions at the top of this forum. Or go to your profile, settings and you will find the link to the signature there. Hope you get some respite soon but know that this will get better OMW 1 "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 1, 2021 Author Share Posted August 1, 2021 Thank you so much for your reply. I was taking 2.5 mg every other day and my doctor has had me stop all together as of last Friday. I am re-experiencing the pure hell that I already went through and wasn’t finished with, all over again. The amount of anxiety and sensory disturbances I have is unreal. Sure hoping this ends soon, not sure how much more I can take. I am currently off work on FMLA, but not getting paid and need to get back!! I will try to figure out how to add my meds in my signature. Again thank you for your kind words 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Strugglingmama Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 @shannonjoyjoy i just wanted to check in to see how you are doing? I myself am struggling with withdrawal as well. I was recently taking some propranolol to see if it would help. Domperidone 50mg Feb to june 2020 (weaned off over 5 weeks) sertraline 25-100mg June 2020-august 2020 (weaned over 4 week) Notriptyline 10mg/sertraline 25-50mg Nov 2020-dec 2020 nortriptyline 10mg Jan 2021-May 2021 escitalopram 5mg may 2021 for 6 days then stopped Sept 1,2021- reinstated sertraline 6.25mg Jan 10, 2022- sertraline 5 mg , feb 9, 2022- sertraline 4.5mg, Feb 22, 2022- Sertraline 4.3mg, March 7, 2022- Sertraline 3.8mg, April 16,2022- Sertraline 3mg , May 6, 2022- Sertraline 2mg, May 31,- off Sertraline Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 10, 2021 Author Share Posted August 10, 2021 Hello! I am doing so much better. Not 100% but not the crippling anxiety I had for over a month.. Just in the last 3-4 days things have improved quite a bit. I took two weeks off of work. And actually went back today. I have slowly lessened the Propranolol to bedtime only. (I was taking 4-10mg pills a day) I am SO sorry you are going through it too. I really thought that it would never go away and though I am feeling a lot better, I still have ups and downs and days where I feel like those uncomfortable sensations will come back. I am still getting some brains zaps in the evenings but they are tolerable. The anxiety is what I feel will be my biggest struggle. After all it’s what I went on Celexa for in the first place! I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through any of it without Propranolol. I hope you have some and that you find peace in this battle soon. I’m starting to finally believe there is an end to all the misery. When did you come off? Please reach out if you need anything or have anymore questions!! xx 1 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Beautifullady8 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 Hello Glad you are doing better how long you’ve been off med? mom struggling it’s tolerable but It’s annoying Im on day 25th Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 27, 2021 Author Share Posted August 27, 2021 Really needing some hope right now. I have been off Celexa 10mg, after 9 years, since July 23rd and it is NOT going well. I have had a handful of days that were tolerable but I am usually an anxious mess. I wake up to immediate anxiety and panic and barely make it though the work day. I come home and usually have more anxiety, crying spells, extreme panic. Things just feel so off. I am taking 10mg Propranolol 3x a day, and klonopin at night (weaning). Is this all normal? This week has been especially awful, and I feel like I am going backwards. Does anyone have a time frame for how long these symptoms last? I feel like it is never going to end and it is unbearable. My psych doc wants me to try Clomipramine for panic disorder, and I am terrified to start and yet can’t take another day like this. I never had panic disorder before Celexa. Just GAD and an occasional panic attack. Does anyone have any advice or similar story? Any help is so greatly appreciated. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 27, 2021 Author Share Posted August 27, 2021 I went from 10 mg after nine years, down to 2.5 mg for two weeks and then cold turkey on July 23. It’s interesting reading my reply to you because this last week has been absolutely awful. I feel like I have taken a giant step backwards. How are guy feeling? 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 27, 2021 Author Share Posted August 27, 2021 Really needing some hope right now. I have been off Celexa 10mg, after 9 years, since July 23rd and it is NOT going well. I have had a handful of days that were tolerable but I am usually an anxious mess. I wake up to immediate anxiety and panic and barely make it though the work day. I come home and usually have more anxiety, crying spells, extreme panic. Things just feel so off. I am taking 10mg Propranolol 3x a day, and klonopin at night (weaning). Is this all normal? This week has been especially awful, and I feel like I am going backwards. Does anyone have a time frame for how long these symptoms last? I feel like it is never going to end and it is unbearable. My psych doc wants me to try Clomipramine for panic disorder, and I am terrified to start and yet can’t take another day like this. I never had panic disorder before Celexa. Just GAD and an occasional panic attack. I don’t feel that adding in another med is a good idea, but don’t see these symptoms ever going away. Does anyone have any advice or similar story? Any help is so greatly appreciated. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
runningthestreets Posted August 28, 2021 Share Posted August 28, 2021 I am not a specialist but I wouldn't try Clomipramine to fix your problem. I am taking Clomipramine right now and my life has been ruined. I think that taking Clomipramine in your condition is like play Russian roulette. There's a chance to be a good decision but there are a million of possibilities to be a bad decision. But after all, its up to you! 2020 Oct 2 75 mg anafranil and 1mg lorazepam 2020 December reduced to 3/4 of lorazepam, and then to half of the pill of Lorazepam in december and stayed in that dosis, because I couldn't go to 0.25 mg2021 Jan 26 to Feb 17 fast tapered Anafranil 37.5 mg2021 Feb 17 of 2021 (fast tapered again) 18.75 mg of Anafranil, alternating days without it (one day yes, other not). I experienced a lot of symptoms of withdrawal through the process.2021 March 1 I stabilized in 18.75 mg of Anafranil without alternating because my father who is doctor recommended it and later I found this page in March 20 that clarify my situation. I stabilized in 0.5 mg of Lorazepam too because I couldn't taper to 0.25 mg because withdrawal symptoms. Then, I decided to quit off this drugs little by little. 6 july My father lowered my dose to 14 mg of Anafranil without my consent and I have been taking it thinking that it was the same dose that before (18.75 mg) Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 28, 2021 Author Share Posted August 28, 2021 2 minutes ago, runningthestreets said: I am not a specialist but I wouldn't try Clomipramine to fix your problem. I am taking Clomipramine right now and my life has been ruined. I think that taking Clomipramine in your condition is like play Russian roulette. There's a chance to be a good decision but there are a million of possibilities to be a bad decision. But after all, its up to you! Thanks for responding. I decided to wait and not take any meds for a couple months and see if this fades. I am not feeling very hopeful. 1 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
lucidity Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 I also developed panic disorder from AD withdrawal. The best non-drug treatment I've found in the midst of an attack is cold water. I've tried cold showers, cold baths, and keeping a large bowl of ice cold water in the fridge to submerge my face in. The showers worked really well, but I would always get nausea several hours later. Now, I keep cold water in the bath tub and lay in it for a minute or so when I'm in trouble. The theory goes, that the CNS chooses to deal with the cold rather than keep the panic state going. It can be tough to do, but I don't know of a worse feeling than a panic attack. Best of luck 1 1997-2019 Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Amitryptiline, Mirtazapine, Lexapro (mostly, 10-20mg) Jan 16-Feb 2019 Fast tapered Lexapro after spontaneous kundalini syndrome Feb-Jul Used various herbs to deal with severe anxiety (bacopa, gotu kola) Sept 2019 Developed histamine intolerance and daily panic Currently taking high DHA fish oil, magnesium. Occasionally l-ornithine, l-lysine, l-glycine, melatonin for sleep. Dayvigo for sleep, and l-thp or seroquel (haven't settled on dose) for sleep when in sleep deprivation crisis Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 I’ve been reading about this! I’ll have to give it a try. It makes sense. Can I ask if the panic disorder faded over time or did you have to go on another med? 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
lucidity Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 At the moment I've been sleeping a little better with higher dose phosphatidyl serine and dayvigo ( it's supposed to be non-addictive, but have serious doubts about this). Since sleep deprivation is responsible for ~90% of my problems the panic has died down ..for now. 1997-2019 Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Amitryptiline, Mirtazapine, Lexapro (mostly, 10-20mg) Jan 16-Feb 2019 Fast tapered Lexapro after spontaneous kundalini syndrome Feb-Jul Used various herbs to deal with severe anxiety (bacopa, gotu kola) Sept 2019 Developed histamine intolerance and daily panic Currently taking high DHA fish oil, magnesium. Occasionally l-ornithine, l-lysine, l-glycine, melatonin for sleep. Dayvigo for sleep, and l-thp or seroquel (haven't settled on dose) for sleep when in sleep deprivation crisis Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 1 minute ago, lucidity said: At the moment I've been sleeping a little better with higher dose phosphatidyl serine and dayvigo ( it's supposed to be non-addictive, but have serious doubts about this). Since sleep deprivation is responsible for ~90% of my problems the panic has died down ..for now. I hope it continues to get better for you. I am hoping with time my symptoms dissipate. Sleep definitely plays a role in the panic! 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Rusty1 Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 On 8/27/2021 at 4:07 PM, shannonjoyjoy said: Really needing some hope right now. I have been off Celexa 10mg, after 9 years, since July 23rd and it is NOT going well. I have had a handful of days that were tolerable but I am usually an anxious mess. I wake up to immediate anxiety and panic and barely make it though the work day. I come home and usually have more anxiety, crying spells, extreme panic. Things just feel so off. I am taking 10mg Propranolol 3x a day, and klonopin at night (weaning). Is this all normal? This week has been especially awful, and I feel like I am going backwards. Does anyone have a time frame for how long these symptoms last? I feel like it is never going to end and it is unbearable. My psych doc wants me to try Clomipramine for panic disorder, and I am terrified to start and yet can’t take another day like this. I never had panic disorder before Celexa. Just GAD and an occasional panic attack. I don’t feel that adding in another med is a good idea, but don’t see these symptoms ever going away. Does anyone have any advice or similar story? Any help is so greatly appreciated. You went off Celexa very quickly. I would recommend reaching out to a moderator for advice. 40 yo Male. Started Paxil about 15 years ago. 10 mg (pill weight .125 - .129 g). 5 yrs wanted less side effects, doctor took me off Paxil over couple week period and put me on Wellbutrin. Not good. Went back on Paxil. Relieved my symptoms, but didn't work as well and more side effects. Severe reaction between Paxil and Zomig Summer of 2012. Head was affected during warmer days (cloudiness, confusion, pressure). Began 10% withdrawal 10/24/12. Withdrawel helped many symptoms, but also added side effects: nausea, dizziness, tiredness. Hyper-anxiety started January 2014. Went through a 2 year period of de-realization (2016-2018). Rarely any windows. Current dose: 0.00 as of 4/10/21. Made a lot of progress in my withdrawal symptoms the last 2 years of my taper. I think doing a liquid taper helped stabilize things on the lower doses. A lot of my symptoms have reduced significantly. Hoping for even more improvement now that I am off. My thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8909-rusty1-paxil-withdrawal-help-and-advice-welcome/#entry150222 Link to comment
SeekingAnswers Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 On 8/27/2021 at 3:57 PM, shannonjoyjoy said: I went from 10 mg after nine years, down to 2.5 mg for two weeks and then cold turkey on July 23. It’s interesting reading my reply to you because this last week has been absolutely awful. I feel like I have taken a giant step backwards. How are guy feeling? I read your thread and wanted to reach out. I hope you are doing a little better today. My son was also on Celexa for years and tapered off too quickly under psychiatrist's care (completely off by end of July). I think it took about 6 weeks for him to taper off. Definitely not enough time. Like you, he is having a lot of anxiety. I hope both of you recover quickly. My son who is in withdrawal's history: 2006 - 2021 Started on Celexa 10mg, increased to 20mg then 40mg. May 2021: Started to taper off. Down to 0mg by end of July under doctor's care. September 2021 started 200mg magnesium twice per day, 1000mg fish oil once per day, Vitamin D3, and 100mg N-acetyl cysteine twice per day. Oct. 12, 2021: Reinstated at 1mg liquid Celexa per day to hopefully alleviate intrusive thoughts (never had them before quitting Celexa). Nov. 1, 2021: Was supposed to increase to 2mg Celexa per day, but he was accidentally only taking 0.1ml per day. Nov. 18, 2021: Increased to 2mg liquid Celexa per day after realizing he was not taking the correct dosage for 17 days. Dec 29, 2021: Increased to 3mg liquid Celexa. Jan 31, 2022: Increased to 4mg liquid Celexa. Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 1 hour ago, SeekingAnswers said: I read your thread and wanted to reach out. I hope you are doing a little better today. My son was also on Celexa for years and tapered off too quickly under psychiatrist's care (completely off by end of July). I think it took about 6 weeks for him to taper off. Definitely not enough time. Like you, he is having a lot of anxiety. I hope both of you recover quickly. Hey there, I am doing quite better today and hoping last week was just a bad wave. The Propranolol taken three times a day does help some. Thanks for checking in on me! 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 2 hours ago, Rusty1 said: You went off Celexa very quickly. I would recommend reaching out to a moderator for advice. Yah unfortunately I didn’t have the option to taper as the Celexa allegedly caused some nasty side effects suddenly after 9 years! It landed me in the ER. Very shocking, but apparently it can happen with long term ssri use. Definitely the worst thing I’ve ever gone through in my life. Hoping that my symptoms slowly start to subside. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
SeekingAnswers Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 That's really good to hear and I'm so happy you're feeling better today. 🙂 My son who is in withdrawal's history: 2006 - 2021 Started on Celexa 10mg, increased to 20mg then 40mg. May 2021: Started to taper off. Down to 0mg by end of July under doctor's care. September 2021 started 200mg magnesium twice per day, 1000mg fish oil once per day, Vitamin D3, and 100mg N-acetyl cysteine twice per day. Oct. 12, 2021: Reinstated at 1mg liquid Celexa per day to hopefully alleviate intrusive thoughts (never had them before quitting Celexa). Nov. 1, 2021: Was supposed to increase to 2mg Celexa per day, but he was accidentally only taking 0.1ml per day. Nov. 18, 2021: Increased to 2mg liquid Celexa per day after realizing he was not taking the correct dosage for 17 days. Dec 29, 2021: Increased to 3mg liquid Celexa. Jan 31, 2022: Increased to 4mg liquid Celexa. Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted August 31, 2021 Author Share Posted August 31, 2021 I am 6 weeks off Celexa after abruptly ending it due to side effects. So I met with my psych doc today and she basically said if I choose not to try the Clomipramine she recommended that she won’t really be able to treat me as the Propranolol is just a “band aid” and I won’t truly feel better until a new anti depressant can help “heal the damage” She also thinks my 1 Xanax a day for the last 3 months has contributed to withdrawal of the ssri. I feel almost forced to take the new med or I won’t have a doctor! Does this make sense to anyone? Do I need to find a new doc? 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 5, 2021 Administrator Share Posted September 5, 2021 Hello, @shannonjoyjoy Yes, you need a new doctor. Any doctor can prescribe these drugs, it doesn't have to be a psychiatrist. How are you feeling now? How often are you taking Xanax, what dosage and what times o'clock? 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
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 5, 2021 Author Share Posted September 5, 2021 4 minutes ago, Altostrata said: Hello, @shannonjoyjoy Yes, you need a new doctor. Any doctor can prescribe these drugs, it doesn't have to be a psychiatrist. How are you feeling now? How often are you taking Xanax, what dosage and what times o'clock? I am doing a bit better. The last 3 days have been the best since I came off the Celexa. But there are small waves are anxiety still. My doctor put me on klonopin last week to wean off Xanax. (Longer acting) I was taking one .5 tablet daily before bed for 4 months. So hopefully it will be a quick wean. I have been sleeping good with the .5 klonopin and Propranolol 10mg 3x a day. But lastnight was rough. I woke up every hour and had extreme anxiety. Hoping it was just an off night and not a full blown wave coming through. I decided not to take the Clomipramine and try to ride this out. I am worried about what my body will do when we begin to taper the klonipin though. Thanks for responding. ❤️ 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 5, 2021 Administrator Share Posted September 5, 2021 When did you start Klonopin? For what symptoms are you taking propranolol? We can help you taper Klonopin. Please update your signature with drug dosages and this new development. 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
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 5, 2021 Author Share Posted September 5, 2021 Hi, I started .5mg klonipin one week ago, she wanted me to take one nightly for 30 days and then begin taper. The Propranolol is for the heightened anxiety during withdrawal. I will update my signature now. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 6, 2021 Administrator Share Posted September 6, 2021 It's likely you were getting interdose withdrawal from taking alprazolam. It makes sense you feel better with clonazepam, it lasts longer. However, you may get interdose withdrawal from clonazapam as well. If you start getting "panic" attacks during the day, that would be interdose withdrawal, which means you need to take clonazepam twice a day, 12 hours apart, then stabilize and taper off by tiny amounts. See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1687613/ 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
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 13, 2021 Author Share Posted September 13, 2021 Hi everyone, I am 7 weeks out from stopping cold turkey Celexa due to some sudden akathisia/extreme panic side effects. I feel I am on this site approximately every other week lately. I will feel a glimpse of hope for for four or five days, and then it seems a brand new, or familiar symptom will creep up and shatter my weekend. Or week. I guess I am wondering if other people experience this. Last week was ok. I was able to go to work, come home, have dinner with my family, and feel somewhat hopeful for the future. In no way did I feel like my old self and I had to push myself, but I did it. Then suddenly Friday I am hit with some residual brain zaps, (haven’t had these in a month) extreme nausea, physical anxiety and I am thrown right back where I was two months ago. Friday and Sat evening were spent in bed bawling, scared, sick, avoiding the 4 family members we had invited over for dinner; embarrassed. Trying to hide my tears from my sons. I know I am fairly fresh into withdrawal, but this is so scary. I truly feel I have lost myself and that I will never have the old me back again. The future has never been so frightening and uneasy feeling. I have avoided going on another med as I feel that would be a bad idea right now. My goal is to not be on any psych meds but there are days when I want to just give in because the withdrawal side effects are so unbearable. I’m currently taking Propranolol 10 mg three times a day for anxiety symptoms through withdrawal and I feel it’s causing extreme nausea. I also take Klonopin .5mg at night for the last two weeks and will begin taper 9/21. I am at a loss lately. I am wanting to hear from some others that have experienced this so that I don’t lose hope all together. Will it slowly get better? Do I just need to have faith and keep pushing through? Or are some destined to feel this way until another med is introduced? Any help is greatly appreciated ❤️ 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
baderaalfaydi Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 There is always hope. I think our body need to calibrate it self and the world is not perfect for this process to be smooth. Stay away from meds and alcohol and avoid to much physical and mental stress.. And dont lost hope no mater what. 2020-8...Prescribe Paxil 20mg.2020-9. Diagnosed with schizophrineha and prescribe olanzabine 5mg.(stop paxil) and i almost go crazy and back to paxil 20mg with olanzapine 5mg.2020-11..stop paxil again and hell broke loose again and diagnosed with bipolar and prescribe olanzapine 10mg and lamotrigine and back to paxil 20mg.2021-2..quit olanzapine and lamotrigine and start tapring paxil. 10mg.2021-3..tapring paxil 5mg..2021-4..quit paxil..2021-5..feeling not good and reinstated to 10mg. 2022-1...off Paxil 1.5 mg dose 2023-4...Relapse due to toothache, i did not take paxil 2023-5.. Symptoms improved. Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted September 16, 2021 Moderator Share Posted September 16, 2021 On 9/13/2021 at 7:36 PM, shannonjoyjoy said: Hi everyone, I am 7 weeks out from stopping cold turkey Celexa due to some sudden akathisia/extreme panic side effects. I feel I am on this site approximately every other week lately. I will feel a glimpse of hope for for four or five days, and then it seems a brand new, or familiar symptom will creep up and shatter my weekend. Or week. I guess I am wondering if other people experience this. Last week was ok. I was able to go to work, come home, have dinner with my family, and feel somewhat hopeful for the future. In no way did I feel like my old self and I had to push myself, but I did it. Then suddenly Friday I am hit with some residual brain zaps, (haven’t had these in a month) extreme nausea, physical anxiety and I am thrown right back where I was two months ago. Friday and Sat evening were spent in bed bawling, scared, sick, avoiding the 4 family members we had invited over for dinner; embarrassed. Trying to hide my tears from my sons. I know I am fairly fresh into withdrawal, but this is so scary. I truly feel I have lost myself and that I will never have the old me back again. The future has never been so frightening and uneasy feeling. I have avoided going on another med as I feel that would be a bad idea right now. My goal is to not be on any psych meds but there are days when I want to just give in because the withdrawal side effects are so unbearable. I’m currently taking Propranolol 10 mg three times a day for anxiety symptoms through withdrawal and I feel it’s causing extreme nausea. I also take Klonopin .5mg at night for the last two weeks and will begin taper 9/21. I am at a loss lately. I am wanting to hear from some others that have experienced this so that I don’t lose hope all together. Will it slowly get better? Do I just need to have faith and keep pushing through? Or are some destined to feel this way until another med is introduced? Any help is greatly appreciated ❤️ Hi Shannon, this is what we refer to as the Windows and Waves pattern of recovery. Withdrawal is not linear, unfortunately. You can read more about this here. The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants I am going to move your post to that thread so others can find it easily when they read about the windows and waves as well. Hope you get some respite soon, OMW "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 16, 2021 Author Share Posted September 16, 2021 Thank you! 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Kat66 Posted September 23, 2021 Share Posted September 23, 2021 On 9/13/2021 at 7:36 PM, shannonjoyjoy said: Friday and Sat evening were spent in bed bawling, scared, sick, avoiding the 4 family members we had invited over for dinner; embarrassed. Trying to hide my tears from my sons. I know I am fairly fresh into withdrawal, but this is so scary. I truly feel I have lost myself and that I will never have the old me back again. The future has never been so frightening and uneasy feeling. Hi @shannonjoyjoy I just wanted you to know you’re not alone in this. Please lean on the folks on this site, we’re all going through it, or have been through it. Everything you’ve said rings true for me, especially the bit I’ve quoted above. Use the resources on this site, there’s so much useful stuff. Take it day by day, and above all be super gentle with yourself…xx History of depression and anxiety. Symptoms of PTSD. 1998-1999 Venlafaxine 2006-2007 Prozac.2013-15 Sertraline 50mg. 2015 cross-tapered to citalopram 20mg. 2015-2021 Citalopram 20mg (brief increase to 30mg for 2/3 months in 2019. 01/2021 Dropped from 20mg to 10mg, back up to 20mg til June. 25/6/21 stopped CT. Started 50mg 5htp after a week without citalopram in the hope this would balance out my serotonin levels. After 3 days increased to 100mg 5htp. 11/7/21 Stopped 5htp with the intention of reinstating citalopram at 1mg. 16/7/21 Reinstated cit at 1mg. 2/8/21 Increased dose to 2mg. 28/11/21 10% reduction to 1.8mg. 8/12/21 2mg 6/1/22 1.8mg 10/2/22 1.6mg 13/5/22 1.5mg 4/6/22 1.55mg 4/7/22 1.4mg 4/8/22 1.25mg 1/11/22 1.1mg 3/3/23 1mg 18/4/23 0.9mg 2/6/23 0.8mg 4/10/23 0.7mg 11/11/23 jumped off @0.7mg started on 5htp 200mg -400mg, L-Theanine, and L-tyrosine 200mg. 25/11/23 came off 5-htp, l-tyrosine and l-Theanine. 24/12/23 went on 7.5mg mirtazapine. 27/12/23 stopped mirtazapine & reinstated citalopram @.35mg. 1/1/24 increased to 0.5mg. PTSD diagnosis October 2023. 11/11/23 started EMDR therapy for PTSD. Multiple unsuccessful attempts to taper off citalopram. Vegan, otherwise healthy lifestyle. Other medications; tapering off combined HRT. Other supplements; magnesium glycinate, vegan omega3. Completely OFF caffeine (since July 21). Finding it difficult to completely give up alcohol but haven’t had any since 25/12/23. Main symptoms; crushing depression, anhedonia/emotional anesthesia, irritability, rage, anxiety/fear, intrusive thoughts, cognitive fog, inability to focus, restlessness and some insomnia Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 30, 2021 Author Share Posted September 30, 2021 On 9/23/2021 at 9:40 AM, Kat66 said: Hi @shannonjoyjoy I just wanted you to know you’re not alone in this. Please lean on the folks on this site, we’re all going through it, or have been through it. Everything you’ve said rings true for me, especially the bit I’ve quoted above. Use the resources on this site, there’s so much useful stuff. Take it day by day, and above all be super gentle with yourself…xx Thank you so much. I just see no end in sight right now. Although my boyfriend has been beyond supportive, he keeps telling me to “think positive” and have a “different frame of mind”. I know he is right. But when I am anxious, nauseous, trembling, my surroundings look almost pixelated…. and my hope for the future is all but gone it’s very hard to stay positive. I am working a full-time job, and have children and just getting through the day is absolutely horrendous of times. I was NOT like this before. My doctor now thinks that the .5 of Xanax I took for two months at night is making things worse so put me on Klonopin to wean. 3 days ago was when I went from one pill to half and my world has exploded again with all new symptoms of withdrawal. I don’t know if I need to talk to a different doctor who’s willing to allow me these meds temporary while I go through this or if getting off is the right thing to do. Thanks for responding with your kind words it means a lot. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 30, 2021 Author Share Posted September 30, 2021 (edited) Desperate advice regarding benzo?? Desperately looking for some advice right now. I hope I am putting this in the right thread. I am 2 1/2 months out from stopping celexa cold turkey due to abrupt side effects after nine years and Latuda for 1.5. Throughout the worst of of this withdrawal I was taking .5 Xanax at night for sleep. I never abused this and always took as prescribed. My doctor thinks that my withdrawal effects are worse due to the Xanax. She put me on Klonopin to wean off. I was on .5 of that for 30 days, and three days ago was to start the half pill per night. If things weren’t bad enough before I am now dealing with a whole new set of symptoms due to this taper. Extreme nausea, a very strong full body tremble, agitation, derealization, heart pounding anxiety etc. My doctor is very stern about not allowing me to be on a benzodiazepine while I’m going through withdrawal from the Celexa. Though I don’t love the idea of taking it, it seems to be the only thing that’s getting me through the night and keeping me somewhat stable throughout the day when I take one .5 at night. I’m wondering if anyone has experience with this and if getting off of it and riding out these horrible additional side effects is worth it, or if I need to talk to her more in depth about the need for one at night to get me through while I continue to withdraw from the ssri. I am unable to pause my life. I don’t know how I’m going to go to work every day, be with my children, and make it through this. I’m so so scared I am going to lose everything. Edited September 30, 2021 by ChessieCat added topic title before merging with intro topic 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 30, 2021 Administrator Share Posted September 30, 2021 @shannonjoyjoy, you are tapering Klonopin too fast and getting withdrawal from that. That is not good. @Frogie will explain to you how to taper Klonopin. If your current doctor won't help you taper Klonopin properly, you'll need a new doctor. 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
shannonjoyjoy Posted September 30, 2021 Author Share Posted September 30, 2021 That’s what I think too. She made it very clear she wants me to take 1/2 pill for 30 days, I had to beg to take 3/4, then 1/2 alternating nights. She won’t prescribe me more than this taper. It’s very bizarre as I’ve never overused or had issues with Xanax or this. I think I need to make an appt with my primary care and see if she willing to supervise the taper instead. 4/2011- Started Celexa 10mg 2/2020-Lamotrigine 25mg, x2 weeks. Latuda 10mg, .5 Xanax prn at night, Traz 6/1/2021-Sudden aversion to Celexa 6/15/21 2.5mg Celexa, off Latuda Propranolol 10mg 4x/day Lithium 75mg x 1 week-made sx worse 7/23/2021-Stopped Celexa 2.5, .5 mg Xanax prn at night for sleep Propranolol 10mg, 4x/day. 8/24/2021 Klonopin .5 at night to taper 10mg Propranolol 3x daily Link to comment
Moderator Frogie Posted September 30, 2021 Moderator Share Posted September 30, 2021 That is way too fast to taper. I hope you can work with your primary dr to come up with a prescription. You don’t want to taper faster than 10% a month. Keep me posted if you need help😊 Take care, Frogie xx PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist. Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form) ---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil. Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. 19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020) I am not a medical professional. The suggestions I make are based on personal experience. Link to comment
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