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Ginger23: Need advice


Ginger23

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  • Administrator

I understand you are working hard at keeping notes, @Ginger23 You'll need to help us out by communicating them clearly in a way we can understand, such as posting them in a simple list format, 24 hours at a time.

 

25 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

We need more daily notes. When was the last time you were sleeping fairly regularly?

 

 

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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@Altostrata I’m trying to do the notes. I hv for awhile. There has not been windows only anxiety gone. I will keep trying I’m feeling so bad. 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator
1 minute ago, Ginger23 said:

only anxiety gone.

 

This is an improvement, but probably due to the Valium.

 

When was the last time you were sleeping fairly regularly?

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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@Altostrataso tapering Valium not good idea?  

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator

@Ginger23, I'm asking questions to try and figure out if too much Zoloft is keeping you awake or if you're having a paradoxical reaction to too much Valium, or maybe both.

 

You just said you thought the Valium was keeping you awake. All we can go on is what you tell us. That is why we keep on asking for all this daily detail.

 

For the 4th time, when was the last time you were sleeping fairly regularly?

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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@Altostrata  I answered you already. It was Oct 22. I don’t sleep regularly. I only get sleep if any in the morning. I hv one day (in my notes!!) 3 hour. Next 4-5 waking up constantly.  Then last night zero !   This hasn’t gotten better   There’s no consistency at all!  I told you my dr gv me sleep meds because of this. Now I’m trying without since end Jan into first of feb

 

im screwed from dr advice and I’m so frustrated 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator

You were sleeping on October 22 but after you started taking 25mg Zoloft on October 25, you stopped sleeping?

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 had to repaste this from just a few minutes ago. @Altostrata

last time I slept regularly was right before Oct 23 2021 My sleep vanished I was hit hard by I thought wds. In my profile I hv my story. I stopped started Zoloft 2 months Jan-Feb 2021. Started again full dose. Felt unwell. My sleep was off some. Took bunch otc stuff cbd oil gv me seratonin syndrome Aug 8 2021. I dropped Zoloft again 2.5 months it hit me Oct 23. Went to many drs. 2 psychs. Wanted me on remeron. I said no. Then reinstated Zoloft slapped with tons meds to help sleep (in my signature). I found this site and trying to stick to this schedule nothing is getting better except anxiety. I am in deep depression and anger now. My sleep isn’t normal at all. I get 3 hour one morning then 5-6 waking alot next then 0 next. I can’t tk this. No night sleep ever!!

 

I basically ct twice for 2 months each in a year. First was damn naturopath next was because serotonin syndrome!!

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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@Altostrataim trying to get my story out because it’s complicated and really messed up. I was polydrugged in reinstating also. I had seratonin syndrome after first ct while on cefdinir!  and stayed off Zoloft until shock hit me hard no sleep for days Oct 23.  That day ruined me rest of the time. I went to drs this is were I’m stuck at 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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@Altostrata I reinstated because no sleep for 3 days but he gv me ambien to so I hv no idea how reinstating was. Above 👆 I tell you several times my history. 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Moderator

@Ginger23

 

Are you still taking your diazepam on a regular schedule?

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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  • Administrator
On 3/21/2022 at 7:44 PM, Altostrata said:

You were sleeping on October 22 but after you started taking 25mg Zoloft on October 25, you stopped sleeping?

 

@Ginger23 it would help me a lot if you answered my questions as simply and directly as you can, instead of repeating your entire history.

 

Please understand when I have to ask questions over and over, that takes time away from me living my own life, which I also need to do. Please have more respect for my time.

 

The last time you were sleeping regularly was October 23, but you started 50mg Zoloft again October 25, correct? And you have had poor sleep since then?

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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Not correct. My sleep disappeared Oct 23 I wasn’t on Zoloft. I was off it ct 2.5 months. I hv said this a lot. 
 

25mg Zoloft started for 3 weeks Oct 25 then upped to 50 while taking ambien i hv said this a lot. 
 @Altostrata

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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@Frogie yes I am. I’m tapering 10%. Idk but my sleep sucks I feel same. Just don’t know 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Moderator

@Ginger23

 

I don't think I would be tapering your diazepam with all these other changes going on right now.

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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  • Administrator
1 hour ago, Ginger23 said:

25mg Zoloft started for 3 weeks Oct 25

 

How did taking 25mg Zoloft affect your sleep, before you took 50mg and Ambien? 

 

When you took 50mg with Ambien, how did your sleep pattern change?

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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@Altostrata sleep w ambien first reinstating 25mg was longer then it got shorter as time went on into 50mg and dr gave more sleep meds to try. I took a break from ambien and everything except Valium and my sleep is still almost nonexistent. Sometimes none. Rest is broken sleep in the morning. I have tons of symptoms. Can’t function. Don’t feel rested. Muscles won’t totally relax. I got so desperate I took ambien this week but it still only gvs me few hours. I’m so sick of this I can just die. I hv the worst depression too. I just wonder if I’m in protracted withdrawals and Zoloft is making things worse?  Only thing different is no anxiety. But idk if I screwed myself tkn ambien again. Had it available. I can’t sleep I’m more depressed and pots is worse @Altostrata

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator

Did you ever take 25mg Zoloft without Ambien? How was your sleep then?

 

When you took 25mg Zoloft with Ambien, did you sleep better than when you were taking 50mg Zoloft with Ambien?

 

At what point when you were taking 50mg Zoloft did you stop taking Ambien and started taking other drugs to sleep?

 

Can you see where I'm going with these questions?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

The ***** dr made me believe it was the process of reinstating. I was going on 3 days no sleep and I had already reinstated 25mg for those first 3 days because of my symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks zero sleep tremors adrenaline vibrations and burning skin u name it.  he said it will tk time and gv me 2 months ambien and 1 month dayvigo. And I got more depressed because I still felt aweful and the sleep meds don’t work long I was getting less sleep. I stopped them and was stuck on Valium since my seratonin syndrome like episode august 8 2021. I assume Wd hit Oct 23. No other known cause of my disability 

 

jan-Feb 2021 ct first time naturopath 

reinstated Zoloft 50 March 2021

aug 2021 ss Ct again

oct 23 my life changed with hell

reinstated 25mg Oct 24-Nov 17 2021

updosed 50mg per psych nov17- current hell still. 
 

in this my Valium was up and down and I took whenever like an idiot I had no clue until this site. 
 

@Altostrata. @Frogie

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Moderator

@Ginger23

 

Hold on your Valium dose and don't change it at this time. Be sure you take the same amount at the same time each day.

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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@Altostrata this is what gets me confused my history with Zoloft in 1 year of messing up. 

I took 25mg the first 3 days before ambien did not gv me sleep I was in total cns shock on Oct 23 dr assumed psych med wds 
 

yes to second question but I assumed sleep meds lose their effectiveness 

 

oct through First of February stopped trying sleep meds. 
 

i get confused and can’t concentrate easy to get things straightened with you on my history 

 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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@Altostrata so should I go down to 25?  How if so. 

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator

Did you take 25mg Zoloft for only 3 days before you started taking Ambien as well? Did you ever sleep on the combination of 25mg Zoloft and Ambien? If so, when?

 

Why did you increase to 50mg on November 17? You were still taking Ambien, correct? What was the effect of the increase in Zoloft?

 

 

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

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

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@Altostrata  I took 25 only 2 days before starting ambien. I was going on 3 days no sleep and he said was process. Idiot. Yes I slept more with combo 25 and ambien I was also on Valium regularly. Still on Valium tho my sleep dr says it interferes w sleep 
 

yes Correct. I was still so bad and nonfunctional psych said to go back to original dose. Only anxiety decreased. My muscles are still so tight spasms and burns. I hv major depression. Can’t concentrate barely get around. No way I can exercise. I’m irritable no positive thoughts no emotion. Unwell 24/7

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator

It was a long way around but my guess is 50mg Zoloft is too high for you and may be causing insomnia despite Valium, etc.

 

I would stop changing anything else and start tapering Zoloft by 10%, to 45mg for the first step.

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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@Altostrata  I wonder. Can I be hvn interdose wds?  I’m so unstable it’s overwhelming. I did start ambien again this week I want back off because it Mks me depressed I can’t sleep on my own. My sleep was zero I got so mental I took it. Frogie wanted me to taper Valium too 10% I hv been. On 4.8mg right now. Tapering Valium since 3-15
 

 @Frogie

2009 Zoloft 50mg

2011. Ct Zoloft 50mg 11 months when pregnant no issues resumed after breast feeding 

2016 Valium 5mg ever so 1 every 2 weeks  

2021  Jan-Feb fast taper 1 week Zoloft for 2 months ct basically thanks naturopath 

2021  gabapentin for rib pain only took few 

2021  March reinstated 50mg Zoloft 

2021. August 8 had ss episode was taking a lot of over the counter supplements to sleep and overdose of cbd stimulated it 

stopped Zoloft 50mg ct again Valium 5 mg most days because of muscle spasms 

Oct 23 2021  bad withdrawals plus severe insomnia reinstated 25mg Zoloft Oct 25 3 weeks then upped to 50mg currently 

For insomnia2021 starting ambien 10mg Valium 10mg also Oct 27- Jan 8 2022Tried tapering off with hydroxyzine 50-90mg randomly through Feb 8, dayvigo 10mg random days Dec, tried trazadone 50mg 2 times dec23,24,remeron 3 15mg jan31didn’t like feeling tried unisom 50mg Jan 15-21(I’m polydrugged!!)Jan 10-22 0.147mg tried tapering Zoloft 5%  Jan 22 Stopped taper because can’t sleep not feeling stabilized back at 50mg Zoloft 1:30pm2-23 5mg Valium at bedtime 10:00pm2-15 children Zyrtec at bedtime for itchy rib  or hydroxyzine 50-75mg, or cbn sandlandsleep 11pm, and  8pm. 1/4 melatonin 

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  • Administrator

Extremely unlikely you're having interdose withdrawal from 50mg Zoloft. 

 

You said you thought you were having a paradoxical reaction to Valium, that is why we thought it might be a good idea to reduce it.

 

You added another drug? What times o'clock do you take each of your drugs, with their dosages? 

 

It's very hard to follow what you're doing, @Ginger23 , but it appears you change your drugs frequently. This causes instability. It also makes it impossible to interpret your daily symptom pattern.

 

You have not posted daily notes for more than a week.

 

Please update your signature with the Ambien information.

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

Ginger, taking psychiatric drugs is not like taking an aspirin for a headache.

 

When we take a psychiatric drug the brain adapts to getting the drug.  For a lot of psychiatric drugs it takes about 4 days for a new dose or a change in dose to get to full level/strength in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.

 

The brain likes consistency which is why the best way to get off a psychiatric drug is to sneak a little bit away at a time so that the brain adapts to not getting as much of the drug.

 

Every time you change a dose or add/take away a drug the brain has to work hard trying to work out what to do because of that change.  After one change it takes time for the brain to get used to that change.  If during the time that the brain is getting used to that change you make another change it makes it hard for the brain to do what it needs to do.

* 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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  • 1 month later...
On 3/17/2022 at 10:03 PM, Ginger23 said:

4pm lauricidin and l lysine incase viral and black current seed oil 

Hello @Ginger23! I’m also trying to learn my baseline. Ive messed up a bit but Im learning more. I hope you are able to sleep better. You may have already thought of this, but I have a google speaker that was gifted and its programmed to shut off white light early, then my himalayan salt lamp (red-orange light) later. Orange light is turned on first in the morning and then my “natural” light lamp. It helps me as I have no windows in room. Anyways, I know sleep is so essential so Im hoping you find what works for you. I wanted to ask about the grape seed ok you take. I have read wonders about it. Studies on small groups that show significant results as an aid for asthma, migraines and other conditions. Also, a couple of probably illegitimate sources mentioned it is anti allergies. I read that it was as good as steroids and that got my attention so Im researching more since I have to take allergy and asthma meds all year long. So far what I have read is consistent information but it’s likely due to the wording of my search. How have you found it? How do you ingest it?

I read a study where people use it inside their nostrils. 

2002-2021: 19 yrs on/off psychotropics

2/2022: Wellbutrin 150mg, Lexapro 20mg  3/22: Wellbutrin 150mg xl, Lexapro 10mg    4/22: Wellbutrin 150xl, Lexapro 5mg 

4/2022: Lexa 7.5mg total, Wellbutrin 150mg    5/2022: Wellb 112.5mg xl, Lexa 7.5mg (Stopped Clonazepam & Hydroxyzine- didn't take often)

6/2022: Welbutrin 111mg xl, Lexa 6.8mg          8/2022: Wellbutrin 100mg xl, Lexa 6.8mg            10/9/22: Wellbutrin 100 mg IR, Lexa 6.5 mg

11/3/22: Wellbutrin 96 mg IR, Lexa 6.5 mg       11/30/22: Wellbutrin 96 mg IR, Lexa 6 mg

3/15/23: Wellbutrin 96 mg IR, Lexa 6.2 mg???

Other Daily Meds: Singulair 10mg, Zyrtec 10mg, Spiriva Respimat inhaler.  Rarely taking: OTC pain relievers, Diclofenac, Cyclobenzaprine, anti acids

SupplementsFish oil 1300mg, Nigella oil, Mag Glycinate 200mg, Probiotics 30 billion, 1/5 dose prenatals, Melatonin .38mg, (Reishi, Lion's Mane & psilocybin microdosing by cycles)

 

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  • 3 months later...
  • Mentor

@Ginger23You haven't posted in a while. How are you doing?

Rachel

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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  • 2 months later...
  • Mentor

@Ginger23 How are you doing? I hope you are doing alright.

Warm wishes.

R.

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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