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Hawayah: Tapering plan and Clinical Supervision.


Hawayah

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Hi everyone, I was sectioned on Abilify/ Aripiprazole 10mg in Oct 2019 without any psychosis or behavioural issues for Health and Safety complaint and not sleeping on hotel bed. 

. Since then, I have attempted to taper and come off medication minus clinical supervision twice in  Feb 2020 and 2021.

 

Feb 2020 (fast taper over 3 months) ended in 3days psychosis. Sectioned 14days, second time since Oct 2019.

Feb-April 2021 ( straight to 5mg Ablify from 10mg  and skipping medication ended up in withdrawal symptoms- tremor, insomnia, hip stiffness, Creepetus, diarrehea, splitting urine,etc. 

April-August 2021- Back to 10mg Abilify, symptoms remaining : reduced tremor ( lying down), insomnia, creepetus, occasional tingling in my face and feet, diarrehea.

 

Tapering Plan August 2021

Reducttion by 2.5mg every 3months.

From 10mg to 7.5mg x 3months

5mg x 3months

2.5mg x3months.

Supplements-B6, B12, Magnesium, Zinc and Iodine.

 

Reviewing tapering plan August 2021- I was meant to start tapering June ending / mid July . But I have deferred due the fact that I still experience fragmented sleep and little tremor. The stiffness in my right hip resumed 2 weeks (still ongoing). Please let me have your input on my tapering plan and if safe to start tapeting from 10mg Abilify with the current symptoms I have since April. 

 

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Shep changed the title to Hawayah: Tapering plan and Clinical Supervision.
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, Hawayah. 

 

Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants.

 

It sounds like your previous attempts to come off Abilify were too fast. You'd likely benefit from a much slower taper. 

 

Here is some information to get you started:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off aripiprazole (Abilify)

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

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

 

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

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

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

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

Please continue using this thread to document your taper and to ask questions. 

 

 

 

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Shep,

Thanks for your prompt feedback. Please what do you think about the tapering plan :

 

Tapering Plan August 2021

Reducttion by 2.5mg every 3months.

From 10mg to 7.5mg x 3months

5mg x 3months

2.5mg x3months.

This is the psychiatrist action plan. I have not started yet. So I deferred till this month to see if there are netter options. Also , I am wearied by the 2.5mg reduction per 3momths versis 10% or 1mg. The compunding  chemist confirmed that Abilify is not water soluble .That  the pharmacy can only disdolve abilify in Syrup. But syrup has sugar, which I am allergic to. Psychoatric drug users are more vulnerable to high blood sigar and Diabetes. Plus sugar increases Anxiety. 

 

So I really clueless about how to reduce the taper to 10% versus 25%.

Tapering Plan August 2021

Reducttion by 2.5mg every 3months.

From 10mg to 7.5mg x 3months

5mg x 3months

2.5mg x3months.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator

Dear Hawayah, 

please follow Shep's instructions on the signature. 

 

When we recommend a 10% or less a month tapering plan that means that we are not endorsing a plan like yours that drops by more than 10%. 

If you need help with calculations, they are included below. If you do a 10% or less per month taper, your plan would be as listed below. Note that I have used a conservative rounding - a drop of 10% or less. As you go lower things get harder. I am at this point able to drop by 1% every 10 days or so and therefore you need to listen to your body an may need to go even slower. 

 

1. 10 mg 

2. 9 mg

3. 8.1 mg

4. 7.3 mg

5. 6.6 mg 

6. 6.0 mg

7. 5.4 mg

8. 4.9 mg

9. 4.4 mg (slightly more than 10%)

10. 4 mg

11. 3.6 mg

12. 3.3 mg

13. 3 mg

14. 2.7 mg

15. 2.5 mg

16. 2.2 mg

17. 2  mg

18. 1.8 mg

19. 1.6mg

 

and so on ...  Note: the above does not mean that you should jump off at 1.6 but we can calculate the rest later. 

 

 

Edited by Onmyway

"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

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Shep,

Million thanks for your input. Sp moving forward how do I process this 10mg tablet to the estimated 10% reduction per month since :

A. Abilify is water insoluble

B. Allergy to sugar so compounding  chemist would not help.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Please read the first post in this thread, as it gives the various options for reducing (including using a scale, as well as using pharmaceutical liquids for drugs that are insoluble in water):

 

Tips for tapering off aripiprazole (Abilify)

 

Please add a signature so we know your complete drug history. A direct link to your signature is here:

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

For more, please see:

 

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

 

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@Onmyway @Shep Hi I've added my Signature.

Ora Sweet-The pharmaceutical liquid Ora-plus/sweet is not an option for me. I react to sugar and do not eat animal-based glycerin in the syrup.

Scale- This method is a challenge using 10mg aripiprazole. . How do I chipp-off the tablet and get 9mg constantly without wsste or splinttering the table?

How do I acheive the 10% reduction ?@Onmyway  example:

.

Month        Mg

1               10 mg 

2.              9 mg

3.             8.1 mg

4.             7.3 mg

5.             6.6 mg 

6.             6.0 mg

7.             5.4 mg

8.             4.9 mg

9.             4.4 mg (slightly more than 10%)

10.           4 mg

11.          3.6 mg

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
22 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Scale- This method is a challenge using 10mg aripiprazole. . How do I chipp-off the tablet and get 9mg constantly without wsste or splinttering the table?

 

Some people use a mortar and pestle to crush up the pill. Others use the back of a spoon. The goal is to crush the pill into a powder. Some people do one pill at a time, others like to make up a batch and use an average weight. Please note there are moderators who can help you with the math. 

 

There are several videos listed at the top of this thread. Please check them out - the drug may be different than the drug you're tapering, but the basic procedure is the same.

 

Using a scale to weigh and measure doses

 

This is a scale that many people find works extremely well for tapering:

 

GEMINI-20 Portable Precision Digital Milligram Scale

 

Amazon sells it and you may find it on other online venues for varying prices. 

 

22 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Ora Sweet-The pharmaceutical liquid Ora-plus/sweet is not an option for me. I react to sugar and do not eat animal-based glycerin in the syrup.

 

Some people are able to taper using water, even with drugs that are not soluble in water. They will crush the pill and shake it up in water as best as they can. This creates a suspension. While using something like Ora-plus can create a solution, a suspension can also work, even if it's not quite as accurate. As long as you're consistent with your method and tapering very slowly, you'll be okay. The real take-away is the SLOW taper. 

 

How are you feeling? Are you sleeping well? Please let us know if you have any symptoms. 

 

 

 

 

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On 8/1/2021 at 10:06 AM, Hawayah said:

Hi everyone, I was sectioned on Abilify/ Aripiprazole 10mg in Oct 2019 without any psychosis or behavioural issues for Health and Safety complaint and not sleeping on hotel bed. 

. Since then, I have attempted to taper and come off medication minus clinical supervision twice in  Feb 2020 and 2021.

 

Feb 2020 (fast taper over 3 months) ended in 3days psychosis. Sectioned 14days, second time since Oct 2019.

Feb-April 2021 ( straight to 5mg Ablify from 10mg  and skipping medication ended up in withdrawal symptoms- tremor, insomnia, hip stiffness, Creepetus, diarrehea, splitting urine,etc. 

April-August 2021- Back to 10mg Abilify, symptoms remaining : reduced tremor ( lying down), insomnia, creepetus, occasional tingling in my face and feet, diarrehea.

 

Tapering Plan August 2021

Reducttion by 2.5mg every 3months.

From 10mg to 7.5mg x 3months

5mg x 3months

2.5mg x3months.

Supplements-B6, B12, Magnesium, Zinc and Iodine.

 

Reviewing tapering plan August 2021- I was meant to start tapering June ending / mid July . But I have deferred due the fact that I still experience fragmented sleep and little tremor. The stiffness in my right hip resumed 2 weeks (still ongoing). Please let me have your input on my tapering plan and if safe to start tapeting from 10mg Abilify with the current symptoms I have since April. 

 

I am NOT a medical profess

 

On 8/1/2021 at 10:06 AM, Hawayah said:

Hi everyone, I was sectioned on Abilify/ Aripiprazole 10mg in Oct 2019 without any psychosis or behavioural issues for Health and Safety complaint and not sleeping on hotel bed. 

. Since then, I have attempted to taper and come off medication minus clinical supervision twice in  Feb 2020 and 2021.

 

Feb 2020 (fast taper over 3 months) ended in 3days psychosis. Sectioned 14days, second time since Oct 2019.

Feb-April 2021 ( straight to 5mg Ablify from 10mg  and skipping medication ended up in withdrawal symptoms- tremor, insomnia, hip stiffness, Creepetus, diarrehea, splitting urine,etc. 

April-August 2021- Back to 10mg Abilify, symptoms remaining : reduced tremor ( lying down), insomnia, creepetus, occasional tingling in my face and feet, diarrehea.

 

Tapering Plan August 2021

Reducttion by 2.5mg every 3months.

From 10mg to 7.5mg x 3months

5mg x 3months

2.5mg x3months.

Supplements-B6, B12, Magnesium, Zinc and Iodine.

 

Reviewing tapering plan August 2021- I was meant to start tapering June ending / mid July . But I have deferred due the fact that I still experience fragmented sleep and little tremor. The stiffness in my right hip resumed 2 weeks (still ongoing). Please let me have your input on my tapering plan and if safe to start tapeting from 10mg Abilify with the current symptoms I have since April. 

 

I am NOT a medical professional. Please consult your physician if in need.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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@Shep @Onmyway

Hi all, thanks for the feedback, Iam sleeping better but I feel that is dependency on the med 10mg from 5mg taper. I may be experiencing kindling. I still experience diahrrea since I reverted back from 5mg to 10mg these 4months, hypertension, creepetus, tremor, visual blurr etc

 

Scale method

 I have a pill crusher ,will get a mortar and pestle  and the Gemini 20 scale.  I am unable to use syrup to compound Abilify as it gives me stomach cramps and spikes up Anxiety. I am not too confident about water either. So my only option is / seems to be  the dry method  to crush the 10mg  pill  and weight it accurately on the scale:

1. Gemini 20 scale- Does the Gemini 20 Scale measure in mg? Or do I have to divide by 1000 to calculate the milligram equivalent?

2. Moderators- @Onymyway providedI tapering sample above. I need help to  calculate the taper math from the 10mg due to fillets, bindets etc so the tablet will weigh more than 10mg, Or do I wait till have the scale to know the actual weight of 1 tablet  abilify (10mg)? I prefer moderators to do the math per tablet Please feedback thanks.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
21 hours ago, Hawayah said:

1. Gemini 20 scale- Does the Gemini 20 Scale measure in mg? Or do I have to divide by 1000 to calculate the milligram equivalent?

2. Moderators- @Onymyway providedI tapering sample above. I need help to  calculate the taper math from the 10mg due to fillets, bindets etc so the tablet will weigh more than 10mg, Or do I wait till have the scale to know the actual weight of 1 tablet  abilify (10mg)? I prefer moderators to do the math per tablet Please feedback thanks.

 

This is a review of the Gemini 20 scale. It will help you learn how it works, how to recalibrate it, and use the Tare button, etc. 

 

Smart Weigh GEM20 Digital Jewelry Scale Review video (9 minutes)

 

Since this scale weighs in grams, use this converter to get the amount in milligrams:

 

Convert Grams to Milligrams Calculator

 

We can help you with the math once you have your scale and can let us know what your pills weigh. The active ingredient is the same in each pill, but please note each tablet will weigh a slightly different amount, as each tablet has slightly differing amounts of filler.

 

21 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Iam sleeping better but I feel that is dependency on the med 10mg from 5mg taper. I may be experiencing kindling. I still experience diahrrea since I reverted back from 5mg to 10mg these 4months, hypertension, creepetus, tremor, visual blurr etc

 

 

I'm glad you're seeing improvements in sleep. How many hours of sleep are you getting each night? Have your tremors gotten any better since you went back up to 10 mg? 

 

Yes, you're right - kindling is a concern with so many dose changes over the past months. It will be very important to go slow this time to protect your already traumatized nervous system. 

 

While you're waiting to get your scale, please read over the non-drug coping skills section. They will give you ways to cope as you go through withdrawal and will serve you well into the future so you can live a drug-free life.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Guided mindfulness videos can be a great way of soothing the nervous system, especially before bedtime to help with sleep. There are many other great ideas in that thread. 

 

Are you currently taking any supplements?

 

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

 

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

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

Since you're already dealing with diarrhea, you may want to try epsom salt baths as a way of getting magnesium, as the supplement form can be more likely to cause GI symptoms. 

 

Just a thought, Hawayah. Due to the repeated attempts you've had a coming off this drug and the repeated sections, I would work on building up your non-drug coping skills and adding in a bit of magnesium and fish oil (if your nervous system will tolerate them) before you begin your taper. If you can build up a more stable baseline, you'll set yourself up for success and this taper will be the last one you'll need. You'll be able to rid yourself of psychiatric drugs and of psychiatry, something I'm sure you're tired of at this point. 

 

Please post your thoughts and any questions. 

 

 

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On 8/5/2021 at 1:17 PM, Shep said:

 

Some people use a mortar and pestle to crush up the pill. Others use the back of a spoon. The goal is to crush the pill into a powder. Some people do one pill at a time, others like to make up a batch and use an average weight. Please note there are moderators who can help you with the math. 

 

There are several videos listed at the top of this thread. Please check them out - the drug may be different than the drug you're tapering, but the basic procedure is the same.

 

Using a scale to weigh and measure doses

 

This is a scale that many people find works extremely well for tapering:

 

GEMINI-20 Portable Precision Digital Milligram Scale

 

Amazon sells it and you may find it on other online venues for varying prices. 

 

 

Some people are able to taper using water, even with drugs that are not soluble in water. They will crush the pill and shake it up in water as best as they can. This creates a suspension. While using something like Ora-plus can create a solution, a suspension can also work, even if it's not quite as accurate. As long as you're consistent with your method and tapering very slowly, you'll be okay. The real take-away is the SLOW taper. 

 

How are you feeling? Are you sleeping well? Please let us know if you have any symptoms. 

 

 

 

@Shep Thanks for asking:

1.Sleep-5-7hrs sleep, sometimes fragmented by Polyuria or frequent urination at nighr.

 

2.Gemini Scale (Miligram  version)-

American Weigh Scales Gemini-20 Portable Milligram Scale, 20 by 0.001 G

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00P9K1EPQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_imm_awdb_WYR3SQXR1N03JQ49CKQ5.

Currently out of stock on Amazon UK.  Will check other online retailers.

Question- Do I need to convert to miligramms since its a miligram weight scale?

 

3. Supplements-Is vitamin B12 suitable or tough on fragile nerves? 

 

4. Epsom salt bath- I have shower stall only, will bathing by scopping epsom salt water from a bucket work? Any alternatives?

 

5. Neck, knees and hip stiffness- Left side of my neck is stiff, both knees and right hip joint stiff. Of and on second time  since 2nd attempted 5mg taper and April 2021 re-installement to 10mg( kindling).

6. Nail file- What's your take about shaving off some of the 10mg pill to get the calculated  tapering mg weight ( inc binders, fillers) vs crushing the pill to powder then weighing the taper?

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

 

@Shep Thanks for asking:

1.Sleep-5-7hrs sleep, sometimes fragmented by Polyuria or frequent urination at nighr.

 

Thanks for the additional information. Do you feel well rested or do you feel the frequent awakenings make you feel tired the next day?

 

18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Question- Do I need to convert to miligramms since its a miligram weight scale?

 

Yes, but it's really easy to do using an online converter like this one: 

 

Convert Grams to Milligrams Calculator

 

18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

3. Supplements-Is vitamin B12 suitable or tough on fragile nerves? 

 

If you do try vitamin B12, do so at a very low dose to see how you do because, yes, it can be tough on fragile nerves. Please see:

 


Vitamin B12: essential for mood, nervous system

 

Instead of adding in vitamin B12, you may want to eat foods high in this vitamin. If you're not a vegetarian, you may already be getting enough by eating animals products (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products).

 

18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

4. Epsom salt bath- I have shower stall only, will bathing by scopping epsom salt water from a bucket work? Any alternatives?

 

There are magnesium sprays available. Also, some people like to fill up a bucket with warm water and epsom salts and soak their feet. 

 

18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

5. Neck, knees and hip stiffness- Left side of my neck is stiff, both knees and right hip joint stiff. Of and on second time  since 2nd attempted 5mg taper and April 2021 re-installement to 10mg( kindling).

 

Has any of the stiffness gotten better since you went back up in dose? 

 

You may want to try some gentle stretches or restorative yoga. This is a very gentle yoga practice for chronic pain. Although you don't mention pain, just stiffness, this may be helpful for opening up the muscles and avoiding pain as you go through withdrawal. There are modifications in this video, including sitting on a chair, if that's more comfortable, for some of the stretches. 

 

Yoga For Chronic Pain | Yoga With Adriene video (25 minutes)

 

There are thousands of other videos out there for gentle yoga practices. 

 

18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

6. Nail file- What's your take about shaving off some of the 10mg pill to get the calculated  tapering mg weight ( inc binders, fillers) vs crushing the pill to powder then weighing the taper?

 

Here is the thread on using a nail file. As you will read, it's not precise and we don't recommend it unless you simply have no other alternative. 

 

Did I go wrong with my nailfile? Filing or shaving a tablet

 

18 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Currently out of stock on Amazon UK.  Will check other online retailers.

 

I found it here using the brand name (AWS) but the model is the ‎GEMINI-20. 

 

AWS American Weigh Scales Portable Milligram Scale, Stainless Steel

 

And it's here on eBay in the UK, as well:

 

Ebay - Gemini Scales

 

Hopefully you can find one that's affordable and not have to rely on a nail file. I think you'll do better using a scale. 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi @Shep

Thanks for your support.  I got the scale so I  am ready to start tapering: 

 

1. AWS Gemini Scale 20 Because of vision blurr, I cammot see the grammes unit on the scale. Plesae is it the First push of the button of the Mode Key?

Gemini Scale Manual attached below .


2. Final Taper Calculation- Will the moderators now calculate the tapering dose based on dry tablet method

 @Onmyway above  provided the tapering dose  ( please see below) but without the binder and fillers weight consideted.:

Month        Mg

1               10 mg 

2.              9 mg

3.             8.1 mg

4.             7.3 mg

5.             6.6 mg 

6.             6.0 mg

7.             5.4 mg

8.             4.9 mg

9.             4.4 mg (slightly more than 10%)

10.           4 mg

11.            3.6 mg

 

3.  Weight of 7 tablets - I took the weight of 7 dry Aripiprazole tablets (with fillers, binders etc) here is the weight assuming the first push of the Mode key is grammes (gr): 160gr, 160gr, 156gr,, 154gr,, 158gr,  150gr, 150gr.

Please let me have the final weight for the taper. Thanks.

81t81sStMAS.pdf

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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@Shep 

4. Current dose 10mg- Fotgot to remind you that my current dose is 10mg Abilify. Will the final taper dose be in mg or g?

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator
10 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Hi @Shep

Thanks for your support.  I got the scale so I  am ready to start tapering: 

 

1. AWS Gemini Scale 20 Because of vision blurr, I cammot see the grammes unit on the scale. Plesae is it the First push of the button of the Mode Key?

Gemini Scale Manual attached below .

 

2. Final Taper Calculation- Will the moderators now calculate the tapering dose based on dry tablet method

 @Onmyway above  provided the tapering dose  ( please see below) but without the binder and fillers weight consideted.:

Month        Mg

1               10 mg 

2.              9 mg

3.             8.1 mg

4.             7.3 mg

5.             6.6 mg 

6.             6.0 mg

7.             5.4 mg

8.             4.9 mg

9.             4.4 mg (slightly more than 10%)

10.           4 mg

11.            3.6 mg

 

3.  Weight of 7 tablets - I took the weight of 7 dry Aripiprazole tablets (with fillers, binders etc) here is the weight assuming the first push of the Mode key is grammes (gr): 160gr, 160gr, 156gr,, 154gr,, 158gr,  150gr, 150gr.

Please let me have the final weight for the taper. Thanks.

81t81sStMAS.pdf 298.04 kB · 0 downloads

Hi Hawayah, those measurements do not look right - 160gr is a lot, if that were true then 6 tablets would make almost a kilo. Is that in milligrams?

 

You'd measure each pill and then divide 10mg into 150 or 160 depending on how much each pill weighs and then take only some of that. This assumes that the binders are equally distributed in the tablet. You need to check if that assumption is correct.

 

I can make calculations for you tomorrow on how much you need to shave off of each tablet.

 

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

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Hi, @Shep @Onmyway

I am still struggling (visual blurr) to see whether I correctly weighed the tablet in grammes. But   I used the same unit for weighing the dry tablets which came with the scale originally marked 10g read 10000 on the scale.

So how do we calculate the weight for each taper tablet on 9.0mg for the first month? Here's the new weight for each of 7 tablets: 0.102,  0098,  0.100, 0097, 0.105, 0.105, 0099.

Take 0098g from above list  for example I cannot see where the decimal point is unlike 0.102g above. I live alone so cannot use another eye to see. Do you have this scale yourself?

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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Hi, @Shep

1. Updated tablets weight: Here are 7 tablets in grams 0.101g, , 0.106g, 0.102g,,0.102g,, 0.103g,, 0.107g, , 0.102g with binders  and fillets included

2. Taper Weight 9mg- Please let me have the final taper weight for 9mg, thanks.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Moderator

Hi Hawayay,

 

Shep is quite busy today, so I will help you further for now.

 

The average weight of the 7 pills (0.101g, , 0.106g, 0.102g,,0.102g,, 0.103g,, 0.107g, , 0.102g) is:  0,103 g (which is the same as 103 mg). This is the pillweight.

The active ingredient is 10mg. So 93mg of the pillweight is filling material. The active ingredient is divided equally over the total pill. So don't worry about that.

 

You can shave of 10% of the 103mg (0,103g). The total pillweight you should take coming month is 103 x 90%= 93mg (0,093 g)

 

Hope this is clear to you. Please report when you need more assistance.

 

1993    Anafranil (Clomipramine) for a few months. Later in 1993 Paxil for a few months 1993- 2006      No medication

2006   Effexor, Cymbalta, some Benzo’s. All for short periods. Later in 2006 Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg and shortly after Wellbutrin XR 150mg, against side effects Lexapro 

Since 2006 until end of 2015: Several times on and off Lexapro and Wellbutrin and several slight dosage changes. Mostly taken dosages: 5mg Lexapro and 150mg Wellbutrin

2016  Dosage change Lexapro from 5mg to 2,5 mg. Wellbutrin stayed om 150mg

November 2016 – April 2017 Down from 2,5mg to 0,6mg Lexapro (in steps) without much problems. Wellbutrin down from 150mg to 66mg. Also without much problems.

April 2017 – March 2019       Lexapro 0,6 mg        April 2017 - August 2018       Wellbutrin in small steps down from 66mg in to 37,5 mg . Quite heavy WD after each step.

March 2019 – May 2019 Lexapro down from 0,6 to 0,3mg then Prozac to 0,6 mg switch because severe discontinuation effects (may also have been from Wellbutrin..)    

Wellbutrin down from 37,5mg to 35,3mg 

October 2019        Seroquel 12,5 mg for 4 weeks because of extreme sleeping problems, then weaning off in 2 weeks       Prozac up dosage to 1,2 mg

March 2020     Wellbutrin in 2 steps down from 35,3mg to 33,3mg   Extreme withdrawal effects during 8 months. Stopped tapering Wellbutrin  until total off Prozac. 

February 2020 – November 2020   Prozac down in steps from 1,2mg to 0,57mg. 

Jan 2021  Prozac down to:  0,55> 0,53>0,51mg,   Feb 0,47mg ,  Mar 0,42mg,   Apr 0,37, longer hold because of WD symptoms July 0,36 and hold again, Sept 19 0,35, Sept 26 0,34mg, Oct 3 0,33mg  Long hold of 172 days until March 2022

January 20, 2022:  Wellbutrin from 33,3 to 32,3mg

March 22, 2022 Prozac down from 0,33mg to: 0,30mg, Apr 0,29, May 0,28, 0,27, June 0,26, 0,25, July 0,24, 0,23, 0,22, 0,21, Aug 0,20, 0,19 Sep 0,18, Oct 0,17. 0,16, 0,15, Nov 0,14  Jan 2023 0,13, 0,12, 0,11  Feb 0,10, 0,09 Mar 0,08 ,  June 0,07 , July 0,06,  0,05, Aug 0,04, 0,03, Sept 0,026, 0,024 Nov 0,022, 0,019, 0,016, 0,013 Dec 0,012, 0,011, 0,010, 0,009   Jan 2024 0,008, 0,007,  0,006,  0,005, 0,004, 0,003, 0,002, 0,001, Feb  0,0007.  0,0005,   0,0003, 0,0001,  

Feb 23, 2024:  0,00000

  

Supplements: Fish Oil (3000mg), Magnesium 100 mg, 2 drops of Lavender Oil, only when feeling extreme anxiety. 50mg of L-Theanine only when severe discontinuation effects caused by Wellbutrin

 

Please note this is NOT a medical advice. Discuss all your medical issues with a doctor who understands psychical drugs and really knows how to withdraw from them. I wish that you will find one.

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  • Administrator

@Hawayah if you can order a compounded liquid from a compounding pharmacy, they can use a suspension vehicle with no flavoring or with artificial sweetener, not sugar. You can ask for vegetable glycerine, if that's the vehicle.

 

The process of going off drugs can be difficult, the system is not set up to support it. You may find you need to make some decisions where you will not be able to fulfill some of your preferences.

 

Please note we do not provide clinical supervision here, that's reserved for medical personnel. We're a peer support group.

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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Hi @Shep @Altostrata @Go2zero many thankz for your unflinchimg support:

1. Dry taper method-Starting September.

2. Tapering length 10% or less.- Going by the table @Onmyway (guide) provided it looks like it may take a year to complete the taper?

3. Sleep Re-instatement withdrswal- Insomnia kicked in on reinstatement 10mg Aripiprazole since April 2021. Sleep 8.30pm-2.30amI  I wakeup 2.00-2.30am each day .

 

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

If you have difficulty with the scale, the dry taper method is going to be hard for you.

 

Your sleep declined when you started taking 10mg Abilify again? How much sleep do you get in a night?

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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Hi @Altostrata

To answer your question, Re-sleep decline- I sleep now 5hrs, fragmented sleep.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

You were sleeping better when you took less Abilify than 10mg?

 

How long have you been taking 10mg Abilify this last round? How has your sleep pattern changed in that time? Better, worse, the same? 

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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Hi, @Altostrata

On 8/25/2021 at 9:29 PM, Altostrata said:

You were sleeping better when you took less Abilify than 10mg?

 

How long have you been taking 10mg Abilify this last round? How has your sleep pattern changed in that time? Better, worse, the same? 

 To answer your question, I wssn'r sleeping better when I was on less than 10mg (5mg) Abilify. Rather I went 2-3weeks without any sleep on 5mg. Including tapering by skipping on 5mg (Feb-April 2021).

 

Then I reinstated to 10mg and sleep returned  from 9pm -12.30am then 3.30am-6.30am.. Then later to include afternoon naps. 

Next, I was able to sleep 9pm to 5-6am without polyuria and diahorrea. I am on no medication for insomnia.

 

In April 2021, I developed Creeptus of most of my bones during reinstatement to 10mg.

 

Recently, for the past 2weeks, the insomnia resumed and my sleep pattern returned to 9pm to 1.30am. 

 

However, today I slept better from 9pm to5.50am, went to urimate once . But, then I woke up around 5am by a kind of mild panic attack. 

 

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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Hi @Altostrata I was on 5mg inc tapering skipping on 5mg hold February to April 2021. Then reinstatement April 12-August  ( till date) 2021 on 10mg.

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

Would you say your sleep pattern has been gradually improving (with ups and downs) since April 12?

 

What times of day do you take your drugs, with dosages?

 

(Your final Abilify dose would be a fraction of a milligram.)

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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Hi @Altostrata

On 8/27/2021 at 8:24 PM, Altostrata said:

Would you say your sleep pattern has been gradually improving (with ups and downs) since April 12?

Yes.

 

On 8/27/2021 at 8:24 PM, Altostrata said:

What times of day do you take your drugs, with dosages?

9.18-9.20am.

 

On 8/27/2021 at 8:24 PM, Altostrata said:

(Your final Abilify dose would be a fraction of a milligram.)

I don't understamd this question kindly clarify is it the first taper weight

 0,093 g calculated by @Go2zero August 20th?

 

Tremor and Calmigo

Also, I am experiencing reduced tremor on 10mg. However, I am contemolating purchasing Calmigo for anxiety during tapering. "CalmiGo provides natural, safe, immediate relief for anxiousness and stress".

https://calmigo.com/

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

After you take Abilify in the morning, what effect do you feel from it?

 

On 8/27/2021 at 12:24 PM, Altostrata said:

(Your final Abilify dose would be a fraction of a milligram.)

 

This means your very last dose of Abilify, before you take zero Abilify. You are a long way from this.

 

If your sleep is gradually improving and the tremor has reduced, that would be a sign that your reinstatement of 10mg Abilify is working, correct?

 

We don't recommend any combination supplement for "calm" or anything else. 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. Magnesium can be calming.

 

It may take some time for everything to settle down, see The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

You may wish to wait until your sleep stabilizes before starting your taper. If I were you, I'd plan on a very slow liquid taper.

 

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi @Altostrata

On 9/1/2021 at 2:00 AM, Altostrata said:

You may wish to wait until your sleep stabilizes before starting your taper. If I were you, I'd plan on a very slow liquid taper.

What's the advantage of liquid versus dry taper?

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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@Altostrata

On 9/1/2021 at 2:00 AM, Altostrata said:

After you take Abilify in the morning, what effect do you feel from it?

 It has no effect me so to say. I feel normal as I was before I was involuntary sectioned  in 2019 ,because I made a health and safety complaint, about the hotel not using their hotel bed (not OCD).

 

Tapering WD- Does everyone have anciety attacks during tapering witjdrawals?

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

A liquid taper is easier to measure and less error-prone.

 

5 hours ago, Hawayah said:

Tapering WD- Does everyone have anciety attacks during tapering witjdrawals?

 

If this occurs, it means you are tapering too fast. You would need to stop tapering. 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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi @Altostrata please can you elaborate

On 9/6/2021 at 9:21 PM, Altostrata said:

A liquid taper is easier to measure and less error-prone.

1. Compounding Chemist- I've called the lCompundimg pharmacy/ labs they only accept prescription from private psychiarrist im the UK. I am on the government health scheme. I cannot afford private psychiatrist. 

 

2.  Alternative to AWS Gemini Scale- Any alternative scale?? The scale has developed issues which cannot be fixed by re-calibration. Its reading 0.005 when it should read ZERO with no weight on it. Problem is because the manufacturer is America-based the Amazonn-3rd party seller is playing up unwilling to pay return postage and replacement. Yet there"s a 10year warranty on this scale. So tapering has been delayed. So is tjete any alternative?

 

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

You are experiencing how weighing is error-prone. Better scales cost a lot more, and you'll still have to have very careful technique.

 

It is easier to measure a low dose of liquid accurately using an oral syringe.

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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Hi @Altostrata

10 hours ago, Altostrata said:

You are experiencing how weighing is error-prone. Better scales cost a lot more, and you'll still have to have very careful technique.

 

It is easier to measure a low dose of liquid accurately using an oral syringe.

 

So in light of the above, which way forward? 

i cannot afford to pay for healthcare nor private psychiatrist to get presciption for liquid Compounding Chemist.. I am out of work, on public healthcare.  So what can I do?

Oct -Dec 2019-10mg Abilify tablet  1 daily

Dec 2019-Feb 2020- Tapered by skipping doses weekends, no scale. Feb 2020-Taper ended. Feb -June 2020-No medication

June 2-16, 2020- Sectioned, 10mg abilify tablet 1x daily.

June 2020-Feb 2021- 10mg abilify 1 daily.

Feb-April 2021-2nd taper attempt 5mg Abilify, 1 daily  skipping does. WD . April- Sept 2021 10mg abilify tablet once daily. WD- reduced, tremor, insomnia, diahrrea till date.

Oct -Nov 2021 10mg Abilify 1 daily. Improved sleep, reduced creeptus , bed-time tremor. Diahorrea.

Dec 2021- 10mg Abilfy.- Sleep improved. But stiffness in right hip, both knees & ankles.

Jan- Feb  2022-10mg Abilify, stiffness in lower limbs.

March- Dec 2022 - 10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

Jan 2023-10mg Abilify, tinnitus, leg muscle stiffness

 

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  • Administrator

You will have to make some decisions. We cannot make them for you. Read Tips for tapering off aripiprazole (Abilify) and decide what is practical for you.

 

Once you decide, please let us know how we may advise you about tapering.

 

 

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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