angie007 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/side-effects/201107/antidepressant-withdrawal-syndrome-findings-recommendations-and-resources Began taking 30mg Seroxat on 15th Jan 1997 for grief issues. Remained at that dosage until Dec 05, did doctor ct, akathesia set in along with being non functional and overly emotional, brain fog. Doctor prescribed prozac, propranelol and diazeapam to counteract side effects, and told me to ct those 3 after 2.5/3 months use, induced wd seizure on 2nd day after ct. Was reinstated on seroxat 20mg in april 06, remained at that dose until Nov 07 and began a very slow taper lasting 56 months, finally DRUG FREE on 11th may 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 How have I not seen this before?? Is the Admin slacking? Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted July 16, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 16, 2012 What an impact your work is having, Alto! (((((APPLAUSE))))) And a big "Thank you!" to Angie for posting! Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinephile Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I remember this article well. A great one. I too want to thank the great Altostrata. She's one of the only heroes left in this country, one of the last true Americans: independent, practical, and graced with a never-say-die belief that good days are still ahead. Keep the knowledge circulating, Alto. Been on SSRIs since 1998: 1998-2005: Paxil in varying doses 2005-present: Lexapro. 2006-early '08: Effexor AND Lexapro! Good thing I got off the Effexor rather quickly (within a year). **PSYCHIATRY: TAKE YOUR CHEMICAL IMBALANCE AND CHOKE ON IT! APA=FUBAR FDA=SNAFU NIMH=LMFAO Currently tapering Lexapro ~10% every month: STARTING: 15 mg 11/7/10: 13.5 mg 12/7/10: 12.2 mg 1/6/11: 10.9 mg 2/3/11: 9.8 mg 3/3/11: 8.8 mg 4/1/11: 7.8 mg 4/29/11: 7 mg 5/27/11: 6.4 mg 6/24/11: 5.7 mg 7/22/11: 5 mg 8/18/11: 4.5 mg 9/14/11: 4 mg 10/13/11: 3.6 mg 11/9/11: 3.2 mg 12/7/11: 2.6 mg 1/3/12: 2.1 mg 2/2/12: 1.8 mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Is this article getting the Drs. Fava confused? Giovanna is with Dr. Belaise in Italy, I thought. Mauricio at Mass General?? "In addition to providing peer support for patients struggling to end their SSRI-treatment without massive,harmful problems,"Surviving Antidepressants" notifies readers of research-in-progress,including work by Dr. Carlotta Belaise,a colleague of Fava's and a frequent co-author with him of scientific papers challenging the long-term use of antidepressants. While Dr. Fava's research recently has been publicized on sites such as The Daily Beast ,Dr. Belaise,a research fellow in the Affective Disorders Program of the department of psychology at the University of Bologna,Italy,is collecting data on antidepressant withdrawal syndrome.." Sorry, not too clear today. Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr1985 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Thank you so much, Alto! I'm amazed that you have turned your suffering into something so invaluable for all of us AD sufferers. I am a member of another w/d support site, but I particularly like this one for it's more scientific approach to withdrawal. 2003-2011: Paroxetine,Citalopram,Effexor; Aug/Sept 2011: Effexor to Mirtazapine; Oct 2011: C/T Mirtazapine back to Effexor; Nov/Dec 2011: Fast Tapered Effexor - w/d hell; Feb 2012: Reinstated Effexor 37.5mg; June 2012: Dropped to 35.6mg; Jan 2016: Propranolol 2.5mg per day for general anxiety; Feb 2016: Finasteride 0.25mg per week to slow hair loss; 18th May - 8th June 2019: Started Vyvanse 7.5mg and increased by 7.5mg weekly to 30mg (lowest “therapeutic” dose for adults).; 21st June 2019 - 12th July: Cross tapered from venlafaxine brand Rodomel to Efexor (1/4 > 1/2 > 3/4 weekly before ditching Rodomel); 13th July 2019: Cut Vyvanse dose to 15mg; 15th July 2019: Akathisia returned after years of being free; 16th July 2019: Went back up to Vyvanse 30mg Supplements: Omega-3, Vitamin D, Zinc, Phosphatidylserine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Is this article getting the Drs. Fava confused? Giovanna is with Dr. Belaise in Italy, I thought. Mauricio at Mass General?? "In addition to providing peer support for patients struggling to end their SSRI-treatment without massive,harmful problems,"Surviving Antidepressants" notifies readers of research-in-progress,including work by Dr. Carlotta Belaise,a colleague of Fava's and a frequent co-author with him of scientific papers challenging the long-term use of antidepressants. While Dr. Fava's research recently has been publicized on sites such as The Daily Beast ,Dr. Belaise,a research fellow in the Affective Disorders Program of the department of psychology at the University of Bologna,Italy,is collecting data on antidepressant withdrawal syndrome.." Sorry, not too clear today. Giovanna Fava and Carlotta Belaise http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/529-fava-2007-the-concept-of-recovery-in-major-depression/page__fromsearch__1 Did the Psychology Today article mention Giovanna Fava or only Mauricio Fava? Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 This is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will read it more carefully later, but after reading it quickly, this is so needed and should also be a seed for more that so very badly needs to get out to people. Alto, your efforts are awesome with this group, and now I see that work increasing exponentially. The sky's the limit!!!!! (Ange, thanks so much for letting us know about this!) Big hugs to both of you! I was "TryingToGetWell" (aka TTGW) on paxilprogress. I also was one of the original members here on Surviving Antidepressants I had horrific and protracted withdrawal from paxil, but now am back to enjoying life with enthusiasm to the max, some residual physical symptoms continued but largely improve. The horror, severe derealization, anhedonia, akathisia, and so much more, are long over. My signature is a temporary scribble from year 2013. I'll rewrite it when I can. If you want to read it, click on http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/209-brandy-anyone/?p=110343 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I remember this article well. A great one. I too want to thank the great Altostrata. She's one of the only heroes left in this country, one of the last true Americans: independent, practical, and graced with a never-say-die belief that good days are still ahead. Keep the knowledge circulating, Alto. Cine, You've done your share of increasing knowledge thru your brilliantly written posts/comments on various medical blogs. THANK YOU! Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gem Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Just brilliant, thank you so much. I think Alto’s work will gain more and more recognition as time goes on. I came off Seroxat in August 2005 after a 4 month taper. I was initially prescibed a benzo for several months and then Prozac for 5 years and after that, Seroxat for 3 years and 9 months. "It's like in the great stories Mr.Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn't want to know the end because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines it'll shine out the clearer." Samwise Gamgee, Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted July 17, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 17, 2012 Just brilliant, thank you so much. I think Alto’s work will gain more and more recognition as time goes on. I sure hope so. We need this article, and more. Alto Rules! As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angie007 Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 WAY TO GO ALTO, fantastic work my friend, I along with everyone here would like to thank you for all the hard work you do to educate and run a support group here too, alongside your own wd issues. You are one of psychiatrys PIONEERS my friend, WELL DONE, I APPLAUD YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! Began taking 30mg Seroxat on 15th Jan 1997 for grief issues. Remained at that dosage until Dec 05, did doctor ct, akathesia set in along with being non functional and overly emotional, brain fog. Doctor prescribed prozac, propranelol and diazeapam to counteract side effects, and told me to ct those 3 after 2.5/3 months use, induced wd seizure on 2nd day after ct. Was reinstated on seroxat 20mg in april 06, remained at that dose until Nov 07 and began a very slow taper lasting 56 months, finally DRUG FREE on 11th may 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 19, 2012 Administrator Share Posted July 19, 2012 Oh, you guys. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarannamated Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Another tremendous recognition and accomplishment, Alto! You didn't really think this news could stay in hidden in Journals, did you?! http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3132-belaise-2012-patient-online-report-of-selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor-induced-persistent-postwithdrawal-anxiety-and-mood-disorders/page__pid__34268#entry34268 Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus dalsaan Posted October 13, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 13, 2012 Good find barb, well done Alto Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist. Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014. Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September. Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015. Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15). Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past. DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017 >My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 14, 2012 Administrator Share Posted October 14, 2012 Shucks. Well, it did take years of correspondence to make that happen. 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 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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