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Conner: help


Conner

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  • Moderator Emeritus

This is the correct place

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

  

10 hours ago, Conner said:

Good morning, 

 

It’s been a long journey but here I am still going. I just updated my signature again. I am looking for some guidance to see if it’s a good place to start reducing this lexapro 10% monthly. I am going to see my doctor in the morning about liquid lexapro. Being from Mississippi and a smaller town he may not know about the liquid version but I am going to ask. I am going to tell him I want off this drug. I believe he will tell me to reduce to 5mg for a month then stop. I cannot do that. These drugs scare the mess out of me after what I have been though. From my signature I am dealing with PPPD from all these drugs. I don’t feel good. I am better than I was but I just feel so off and it isn’t a good feeling. I work out, eat clean, no alcohol, no caffeine, no sugar, meditate, great family, friends, you name it. It has to be the drug. 

 

Instead of telling your doctor that you want to get off your drug completely it might be better to tell him that you want to reduce your dose but you would like to do it gradually which is why you want the liquid.  There is a link to a paper about withdrawal in Post #1 of this topic:

 

how-to-talk-to-a-doctor-about-tapering-and-withdrawal-what-to-expect

 

You have made a lot of drug and dose changes since September 2021, which is only 9 months ago so it is hard to know if you are stable enough to reduce at this time.  If you want to try to reduce your Lexapro, my suggestion would be to start with a very small tester reduction of 0.25mg and no more than 0.5mg.  This is because Lexapro is a very strong drug and because of the large number of changes it is difficult to know what is causing any issues (withdrawal, adverse reaction) that you are currently experiencing.  If you find that the 0.5mg Lexpro doesn't cause any issues then you could try a little bit higher reduction, eg 1mg-2.5mg.

 

You might give him the link to this Youtube video and/or :

 

Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

 

Post #1 of this topic explains how to get non standard doses of your drug.  There is also information about how Lexapro is a very strong drug:

 

Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

 

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Thanks for the reply @ChessieCat. So if I feel good on the 9.5mg I’d reduce another 1-2.5mg from the 9.5? Shouldn’t I go 10%? I’m definitely ready to get off these things but of course want to do it with the least problems bc I already have enough. Appreciate the guidance

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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How do I know when I am stabilized enough being that I feel super off with everything already? @ChessieCat

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator

Hello, @Conner

 

What do you mean by PPPD and rehabilitation?

 

This topic explains where the liquid formulation may be found  Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro) It is widely available from US pharmacy chains. Ask your pharmacist for the ordering number for the liquid so you can inform your doctor about it.

 

Please let us know how you are 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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@Altostratapersistent postural perceptual dizziness. It’s a vestibular disorder from all these meds. I’m going to PT once a week to get back on track. It’s helping some. I feel off balance a lot. 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
44 minutes ago, Conner said:

How do I know when I am stabilized enough being that I feel super off with everything already? @ChessieCat

 

This is why I suggested a test reduction because by making a tiny reduction any issues that arise will not be as bad as if you make a larger reduction.

 

Only you can make the decision about how stable you are.  Please read the following which might help you to understand what stable can mean/feel like.

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

Stability

 

WDnormal

 

And Brassmonkey talks more about it here:

 

tao-of-the-brassmonkey

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator
6 minutes ago, Conner said:

@Altostratapersistent postural perceptual dizziness. It’s a vestibular disorder from all these meds. I’m going to PT once a week to get back on track. It’s helping some. I feel off balance a lot. 

 

It good that treatment is helping, but dizziness is a very common withdrawal symptom, so your drug changes probably brought it on. How do you feel before and after your daily dose of Lexapro?

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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@AltostrataIt sure did. I hope it goes away. I thought about starting the taper once that heals but I’m so ready to start the taper. I’m going to do the test reduction of 0.25mg or 0.5mg. I’m afraid it may make the pppd worse. So most people experience daily dizziness? I realize now this started in October with the med changes. I kept changing meds bc I was so off and dealing with all these symptoms thinking a magical pill would fix it all. 

Regarding on how I feel before and after the lexapro I’m really not sure bc I take it as soon as I wake up about 7am. I then drink a super healthy smoothie then take my daily supplements (fish oil, zinc, vitamin C and D). I feel spaced out all day but my PT says that can be from the PPPD. It messes with my concentration too. I get overstimulated pretty easily but it’s getting better, just very slowly.  It’s been a hell of a ride. I’m about to get engaged soon. These are my best and worst times. I’m glad I have good support. 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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Well, my doc said to stabilize more with how I am feeling for another 5-6 months at 10mg. He said when it comes time to reduce at 2.5mg increments 3 months at a time for a longer taper. He said he couldn’t locate a liquid version. I am going to try to find someone that can. I’m just in a smaller town so this is difficult 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator

Do you feel dizzy or do you feel spaced out? Is there any time of day this is better or worse?

 

1 hour ago, Conner said:

Well, my doc said to stabilize more with how I am feeling for another 5-6 months at 10mg. He said when it comes time to reduce at 2.5mg increments 3 months at a time for a longer taper. He said he couldn’t locate a liquid version. I am going to try to find someone that can. I’m just in a smaller town so this is difficult 

 

He can't locate it? All you need from your doctor is a prescription. Use GoodRx yourself to find a liquid version at a local pharmacy, or get it from a mail-order pharmacy such as honeybeehealth.com (phone them to request liquid; check that they can mail to your state) or healthwarehouse.com. 

 

Check with your insurance company for coverage of the liquid form.

 

For your doctor's information from https://www.drugs.com/pro/escitalopram-oral-solution.html

 

Quote

 

Oral Solution

Escitalopram Oral Solution USP 5 mg/5 mL is a clear, colorless peppermint flavored liquid.

240 mL Bottle NDC 16571-769-24

 

 

The NDC code is the ordering code. 

 

If you cannot get the prescription liquid, you can make your own from tablets, as described in Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

On the other hand, you can follow your doctor's instructions if you wish. Please confer with him if you have any adverse effects.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, Conner said:

He said when it comes time to reduce at 2.5mg increments 3 months at a time for a longer taper.

 

Please do your own research.  If you are currently taking 10mg then a 2.5mg reduction would be 25%.  Reducing from 7.5mg to 5mg will be a 33% reduction.  And reducing from 5mg to 2.5mg is a 50% reduction.  And it is a linear taper method, whereas SA's taper method is hyperbolic.

 

Did you watch this video?

 

Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

 

SA's recommended taper rate is no more then 10% of the CURRENT dose with a hold of about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  The idea is to sneak the drug away a little bit at a time. 

 

It is also important to understand that Lexapro is a very strong drug.

 

This post has drug equivalency information:

 

dose-equivalents-equivalency-comparison-for-antidepressants-and-second-generation-antipsychotics

 

I will tell you what happened to me which might help you to understand how powerful these drugs are.

 

Two weeks after reducing my dose of Pristiq from 100mg to 50mg I was not able to type.  Leading up to this I was experiencing very bad brain fog; even walking took my full concentration.  Being a professional typist for many decades when I wasn't able to type I knew that something was very wrong.  After I took more Pristiq, only 4 HOURS later (hours NOT days) I was able to type again and the brain fog lifted.  There was no way that this was placebo.  I had a benchmark so I knew for certain that it was because of the drug.  When I first started to taper after I found SA I made a 10% reduction and got very bad ear pain.  I took some cold medication but it didn't make any difference.  I ended up taking a little bit more Pristiq (updosed) and about 4 hours later (again) the pain went.

 

I took 6 years to taper off 100mg Pristiq.  Yes it was a long time but it was worth it.  During the majority of that time I was able to function reasonably well.  Most of the major issues I had were right at the start after I had reduced by 50% and got very bad withdrawal symptoms.  I have now been off successfully for 7 months.

 

Please see this topic.  Post #1 has some links to information that can help you to better understand it:

 

Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Thank you @Altostrata. I feel spaced out all day. It’s better in the morning but I’d say more spaced out. I get dizzy/overstimulated with simple things like turning my head or looking up and down, driving, being in a social scene etc. Grocery stores are not fun. A lot of stimuli there. This leaves me even more spaced out. It causes my anxiety and depression to worsen. I noticed I am worse when I eat bad too. The brain fog gets bad but I mainly eat healthy. I am working on exercises daily to recalibrate my brain with my PT. I’m a lot better than I was a month ago with my PT. Thanks for the info on the liquid. I am going to go that route. I am not going to risk any more bad side effects dropping to 7.5mg. I’ve been through hell already. 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
1 hour ago, Conner said:

I am not going to risk any more bad side effects dropping to 7.5mg.

 

Pleased to read this.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Administrator

Do you get electrical sensations in your head or eyes when you turn your head?

 

How do you feel before and after taking escitalopram? What time o'clock do you take it? Do you take any other drugs?

 

Dizzy, disoriented, and hypersensitive to stimuli are very common withdrawal symptoms. You may not be ready to taper. Has your symptom pattern got better or worse over the last month?

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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This is good to know @Altostrata. No electrical sensations/brain zaps or anything. I take it usually between 730-8am. I guess maybe I don’t notice much of a difference before and after bc I go right into work after taking it. My mood is always down and usually spaced out all day. The PPPD can mess with your concentration/spaced out feeling. PT knows it’s from the meds as well. It gets worse depending on how active I am that day but my PT told me to keep staying busy bc my body and brain will adapt and recalibrate overtime. I’ve always been super active with weight training and half marathons. It’s really messed me up with this but I’m slowly getting back but not aggressive with it. I take it slow. I just hate being so off every single day. It keeps me in depression (something I have never experienced until September of 2021). I’m not taking any other medications. My symptom pattern has gotten better actually with the dizziness, disoriented, hypersensitivity to stimuli. I’m actually improving. It’s so slow, very slow. 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator
5 hours ago, Conner said:

My symptom pattern has gotten better actually with the dizziness, disoriented, hypersensitivity to stimuli. I’m actually improving. It’s so slow, very slow. 

 

This is exactly what we expect in recovery from withdrawal syndrome. If I were you, I would not plan to taper again until you're much better.

 

Your PT is correct, moderate exercise but not overdoing it can help your system correct itself.

 

5 hours ago, Conner said:

I take it usually between 730-8am.

 

How often do you take it off-schedule? It's very important to take an antidepressant on a consistent daily schedule, or you could be evoking interdose withdrawal or other odd symptoms.

 

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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This makes sense then @Altostrata. So I should probably hold for another month or two? I know that’s a tough question. Odd question and I know everybody is different but can the drug start actually working again once some of the withdrawals get better? Regarding the schedule of the drugs it’s usually within an hour time frame everyday. I’ll get better about taking it spot on at the right time too. 
 

I think this is the right thing to

do. Hold until I get better then start reducing by 10% each month or so. I hope this fear response can keep getting better overtime. For the longest time my body was stuck in fight or flight 24/7. Many many months. I couldnt function. Now it’s just fear but it still lingers around. I make sure my sleep is good, diet is 90% super clean, hydration, electrolytes, exercise, meditation, box breathing, sunlight, no alcohol or caffeine.

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Mentor

@Conner

Congrats on getting off of the benzo's.  Looks like you are getting close to starting your taper  

It's good to see that your fight or flight response is getting better.  I can relate to the fear. That should get better with time.

Getting good sleep is a good sign also.  So may have a hard time with that.  

 

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24894-greatful-is-this-withdrawal-or-to-many-med-changes-at-once/

1995? Prozac,  tried several Paxil, Serzone, St John's Wart back to Prozac and Trazodone ct:d Traz

 Lexapro. Tried to stop Crash in 2015  Kindled   Hospitalized, Vybrid, Seroquel, Effexor, Abilify  Pristiq, Wellbutrin-- 2016  ended back on   Prozac and Lamictal 200mg

5/2020  thru 12/2020 taper from 20mg  Prozac  down to 3mg.  Crashed  12/13/2020 Zoloft 50mg 1/29ct  1/29/2021 Seroquel 50mg ct  2/12/2021 Wellbutrin 75mg.  Became hypo manic 2/1  6ct Trazodone 50mg 4/25  25mg 2/5/ 2021 Lamictal 150mg.  2/24  100mg   4/9  75mg   4/21 37.5 

2/16/2021 Seroquel 50xr  3/3 100mg  3/17  150mg  side effects ct   4/3 2021 Lexapro 5mg  4/14  7.5mg  4/30 10mg  5/10  7.5mg 

2021/ 5/16  5mg Lexapro   37.5 Lamictal   25mg trazadone,   xanax  .0625mg  3x a day   

Lexapro  Taper> Sept/01/2021  4.90mg>  Sept/25  4.75mg>   Oct/19 4.69mg > Nov/14 4.2mg    Jan/30/2022-- Split dosing 2x a day All liquid  4.2mg  (2.20mg at 8am & 2mg at 4pm) 2/17 4mg>  2/24  3.8mg  slow taper to  Aug/12/2022 2.04mg  2023> 2mg,  1.90mg, 1.80mg, 1.70mg, 1.5mg, 1.4mg, 1.3mg 1.2mg, 1.1mg, 1mg, 0.9mg, 0.8mg, 0.7mg 0.65mg, 0.6mg, 0.55mg, 0.5mg, 0.45mg, 0.4mg, 0.35mg, 0.3mg, 0.25,mg, back to once a day dosing 0 .1mg, 0.07mg

Lamictal  taper  4/17/ 2022 25mg, 9/9/ 22 -20mg, 9/25/22- 15mg , 10/20/22-   0

 Trazodone..2023.>down to 14mg, 7mg, 6mg  July 2023   0

Xanax  0.0625 3 x a day,  2023>  0.042 3x a day

Supplements  Magnesium glycinate, Omega 3, D3, vitamin c , zinc, NAC 

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  • Administrator
2 hours ago, Conner said:

So I should probably hold for another month or two?

 

At least.

 

2 hours ago, Conner said:

can the drug start actually working again once some of the withdrawals get better?

 

What do you mean by "working"?

 

 

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks for your words @Greatful. I definitely hit a double whammy coming off the benzos and still in antidepressant withdrawal. I don’t know how I made it but here I am! I wish the fear would settle. The PPPD keeps my in the depression/fear cycle 

 

@AltostrataI guess I mean will my symptoms reduce more being on a stable dose again? 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator
12 minutes ago, Conner said:

@AltostrataI guess I mean will my symptoms reduce more being on a stable dose again? 

 

Your withdrawal symptoms should fade. Whatever habits of mind led you to take an antidepressant will remain unless you take other action to address them. We help people go off their drugs, we cannot assure you that you will not have to deal with emotional problems.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks. I had a panic attack in 2011 ( 23 years old at the time). From there I was always worried about my next one unfortunately 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator
21 hours ago, Conner said:

I had a panic attack in 2011

 

To me, this is not a convincing reason to expect a chronic problem.

 

You may wish to work with a psychotherapist or counselor to learn ways to manage anxiety so you feel more confident about your ability to cope with a panic attack.

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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Agreed. Does the spaced out feeling ever ease up? This has been a big problem @Altostrata

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator

If it's a withdrawal symptom (which is very common), "spaced out" will tend to go away as you stabilize. If it's an adverse effect from the Lexapro you're taking, it will last as long as you're taking Lexapro.

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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Must be from withdrawal. I never had it this bad prior. I just figured it would ease up but I’ve technically only been back on 10mg almost 4.5 months or so and all the other changes/CT/benzos etc @Altostrata

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator

Correct, it may take some time for you to recover from these adverse drug effects. Do the best you can and let your nervous system settle down, try not to worry about it -- that makes it worse. Be sure to get daily gentle exercise, that will help.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks for your support and quick responses. I’ve just been so off for so long. It gets old but I keep going. Im open to my gf about how I feel. She doesn’t understand but has been super supportive through my lows. I need these highs to come back @Altostrata

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator

I can't make the highs come back. You'll have to do the best you can while you recover.

 

Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see

 

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

 

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

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you. Please let us know how you’re doing.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Been taking these for many many months. I use BioOptimizers magnesium and Thorne fish oil. Been having bad thoughts tonight. This isn’t me and I’ll keep pressing on @Altostrata

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

Link to comment

Also I have never had this many headaches in my life. I also found a pharmacy that will order me liquid. Just need my doctor to send the script in. 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Administrator

There is no need to switch to liquid now if you intend to hold at 10mg for a month or more.

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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I was just preparing bc most of the pharmacies in my town couldn’t get it @Altostrata. I’m so ready to begin the taper. I want off this stuff but know it’ll be a long journey 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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Can it feel like you have cotton balls in your ears? 

36/M, started 10mg escitalopram June 2011

Sept 20th 2021 - increased 10mg to 15mg.
Oct 1st 2021 -November 16th 2021 drug merry go round. Effexor, Zoloft, pristiq.
Nov 22nd 2021 - lexapro 5mg

nov 29th, 2021 - lexapro 10mg

Dec 29th, 2021 - lexapro 15mg

Jan 20th, 2022 - lexapro 20mg

Jan 25th,2022 - lexapro 15mg,Feb 15th,2022 - lexapro 10mg ,Nov 22nd, 2021 - Dec 20th, 2021 -Xanax .25 X2 a day,Dec 20th, 2021 - Jan 16th, 2022 Klonopin .25 daily

2022

,-June 25 - 7.5mg pill, 2.5mg liquid ,-June 28 - 5mg pill, 5mg liquid ,-July 18th - 9.8mg (5mg pill, 4.8mg liquid),-Aug 1 - 9.6mg (5mg pill, 4.6 liquid) ,-Aug 16 - All liquid (9.6MG) ,-Sept 18th - 9.4MG,-Oct 18th - 9.2MG. -Nov 21st - 9MG 2023, April 17th - 8.8MG, May 15th - 8.6MG, June 19th - 8.4MG, Aug 1 - 8.2Mg, Sept 2, 8mg, Oct 9th 7.8mg, Nov 6, 7.6mg, Dec 8th, 7.4mg, Jan 23, 7.2mg magnesium, fish oil

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Yes it might do.  There are many different symptoms that people can experience.  Withdrawal symptoms and adverse reaction symptoms can be the same/similar.  I've already told you what happened to me.

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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