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Jennie Off Lexapro - On hormones


Jennie

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This has been a very trying time the last few months. In menopause - on compounded hormones (estrogen & progesterone). Before I started the hormones, I was noticing anxiety while on Lexapro (Probably menopause rearing it's ugly head or Lexapro wasn't working any more at 10 mg). Psych NP prescribed Fluoxetine (20 mg) with Lexapro and to start tapering off. 9/27 - had anxiety cycling and was taken to ER. Dr. there really had no clue what was happening but gave me Haldol. Then 10/9, I began horrible tremors and was taken by ambulance. Given Ativan after multiple tests to rule out something more serious (had a splenectomy in 2011). Saw Psych next day and she said no more Prozac. But, nothing was really mentioned about it possibly being Lexapro and coming off too quickly. Psych office did tell me when I stopped Prozac after the 'reaction', I could go back on Lexapro or take Xanax. I've been doing the Xanax.

 

I'm either having anxiety or depression. Gyno office upped compounded Estrogen a bit and that seemed to help some. But now I'm really blue.

I'm very, very frustrated with doctors and their lack of knowledge in medication symptoms. I even wrote a 'Letter to the Editor' as an open letter to all doctors to please pay attention to a patient's symptoms but the local paper would not print as it was not part topic being discussed currently.

 

I want to curl up in a ball and die. Then the next minute I'm okay! Or the next it's anxiety. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Jennie (I mistyped my name in the profile)

Jennie

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  • Administrator

Welcome, Jennie. I corrected your screen name.

 

Your doctor switched you from Lexapro to Prozac? How did you go off Lexapro?

 

How much Lexapro were you taking?

 

Yes, you might be suffering withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro. Rather than get dependent on the benzo, you may wish to reinstate perhaps 5mg Lexapro to start.

 

Lexapro comes in a liquid. If I were you, I'd call your doctor and ask her to phone in a prescription right away.

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

Hi Jennie

 

Welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear you have been having such a difficult time. You'll find people here are supportive and well informed.

 

Can I just clarify a couple of things. Did you taper off the lexapro. If so, how? Over what period, reducing by how much and when was your last dose?

 

From what I have read it sounds like you are having some common withdrawal effects from the lexapro. In terms of your earlier panic attacks it would be difficult to know whether this was an effect of lexapro withdrawal or adverse reaction to the introduction of Prozac because both were happening at the same time

 

Other than the emotional issues. Have you had any other symptoms and has any of this changed over time?

 

Dalsaan

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Sorry for doubling up on the questions. I think alto and I were writing our posts at the same time. I didn't see hers before I posted mine

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

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Thank you so much for responding!

 

I was originally on 10 mg of Lexapro. She added Prozac (20 mg) and then said to half the dose of Lexapro to 5 mg if I'm remembering correctly. I did that for only a couple of weeks. (IF I'm remembering correctly again). Again, this started in September.

 

I became very depressed yesterday. I just want to go to bed and stay there but then my mind keeps me from sleeping unless it's at night in which I am sleeping fine right now anyway.

 

I started having anxiety last year. It was mostly about my son who sometimes ignores me!! He is now married and has a child with a step son. I usually see them once a week (they live close). I was on the Lexapro and the psych's NP prescribed a couple of different things a couple of different times to see if it would help. I.e., Vyvanse with Lexapro - nope, that was a nightmare. And then she tried me on Wellbutrin. Nope, not for me!

 

I'm at my wit's end! I'm scared to start the Lexapro again, but if it will take this depression away, then great.

 

FYI: Last week, I called my menopause specialist due to anxiety and she said to up the Estrogen (Triest cream).

 

I'm looking for a new counselor to work through feelings of lonliness or whatever it is! Been there and done that but always willing to counsel again.

 

Thank you very much for your replies.

 

Jennie (Thanks for correcting the name on profile).

Jennie

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  • Administrator

Anxiety is a very common withdrawal symptom.

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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Hey there. I had/have crazy anxiety in Lexapro withdrawal, to the point of curling up in bed and not getting out for days, not eating, etc., while my heart raced and all my muscles cramped up in panic.

 

After reinstating Lexapro (10 mg) the anxiety is gradually going away and I feel a bit better every day.

 

However, I was not combining Lexapro with other meds, so I don't know how that plays in, sorry :(

1998-2001 Cipramil (Citalopram) 20-60 mg
2001-3 drug free
2003-5 Cipramil 40 mg
2005-7 Cipralex (escatilopram/Lexapro) 20 mg
2007 unsuccesful 3-month taper, mild depression resulted in meds restart
2007-9 20 mg Cipralex
2009 3-month taper, same result
2009-10 20 mg Cipralex
2010-12 slow taper, stable on 10 mg for half a year. Tapered completely over 3 months or so the summer of 2012. Slow onset of depressive/withdrawal symptoms over 1-2 months to severe depression, anxiety in September-October.
Back on 10 mg since oct 10th or so, withdrawal symptoms abated but still present.

2016: at 1,6 mg and slowly tapering off. Feeling GOOD!

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I started back on the Lexapro 10 mg this morning. I'm still depressed of course. It will take some time as I know. I just want this to stop!! I cried last night for about two hours. Talked to a friend who helped. She's never been on anything in her life!!

 

If this doesn't work in a couple of weeks, I'm going to see a new Psych for assistance.

 

By the way, do you guys see your actual Dr. or the NP's? I always see the NP, not him anymore. IF in fact you go to a psych.

 

Jennie

Jennie

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I really hope you get some relief soon!

I see a pysch dr - my doctor is very good, but i know that many are not.

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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HI...

 

Sounds like there are three things going on. Jockeying around with Lexapro and other meds.

This will cause anxiety and depression.

 

Menopause can be greatly helped by bio-identical hormones. It does not stop anxiety or depression from going on and off medications.

 

The issue you mentioned about your son....talking about it cuts the pain in half for me.

 

For the hormones you need to have a blood test or saliva test to evaluate your levels and then adjust the hormones accordingly.

 

If you need to go back on Lexapro to stabilize/feel better than why not?

 

I took Lexapro a few years back. I have been on bio-identical hormones since 2000. I recently stopped taking progesterone/testosterone cream and much to my surprise I feel fine.

I am slowly lowering estrogen.

 

I take Celexa and Imipramine. I have been decreasing Celexa every few months and that is working out for me too. When I decrease the dose again I may or may not have WD symptoms.

 

I was very worried to stop hormones because I thought I would be a basket-case, but it hasn't happened yet :D

 

I think your issue may be the changes in your AD's. Prozac can cause terrible anxiety.

 

Hope you feel better...

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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I restarted Lexapro (10 mg) two days ago. The depression has lifted a bit! I have had all hormones tested. On compounded estrogen topical cream, Progesterone capsules and now DHEA supplement as of yesterday. I felt great yesterday afternoon after my first DHEA pill. However, I had trouble sleeping last night. I am exhausted today and just feel weird.

 

I also am trying to get into a new psychiatrist. The one I see now... well, you only see the Nurse Practitioner and not the doctor. I am on another forum for menopause which is helping but I just hate this! Menopause is horrible. Not sure if I can mention that site on here if someone needs it. It's helpful to talk about it with others.

 

Thanks for the response!

Jennie

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  • Administrator

Be prepared -- unfortunately, even psychiatrists know little about withdrawal.

 

Who was it that suggested the DHEA? How much are you taking?

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'm not going to take DHEA any more. I was not well yesterday after taking it. I'm so sensitive to anything, especially since the splenectomy. I am having some rapid thoughts since last night. I am so frustrated and feeling like screaming! I'm going to call the Dr's office again and tell them. But, Lord, I have no clue what she will say this time. I'm trying to change Psych's. Ever feel like no one can help you? That's how I feel and I'm scared...

 

I just don't understand why these doctor's don't know more about withdrawal symptoms.

Jennie

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DHEA is a strong prohormone with unpredictable effects taken at far too high dosages.

 

Don't blame yourself, Jennie. It's not right for everyone.

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'm off DHEA (only did two days of that). I saw a new psych and liked her. I started Cymbalta today. Weaning me off Lexapro however she only wants me to half the dose until Sunday. I disagree! She thinks the episode I had of tremors and sweats was a panic attack (when I was on Prozac/Lexapro) and not a reaction to the drugs. We'll see...

Jennie

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Cymbalta can be very difficult to discontinue.

 

Since you decided to go off Lexapro, why did you agree to go on a new antidepressant?

 

If you've already experienced withdrawal from Lexapro, if I were you, I'd go off it very carefully. Taking another antidepressant does not always compensate for withdrawal syndrome.

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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Lexapro was NOT working. It was also causing me to be very anxious. I can tell Cymbalta is already working. I will probably taper longer on the .5 mg of Lexapro.

 

All of them are hard to get off of... I have to do something. Not wanting to live isn't exactly a good thing. :(

Jennie

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  • Administrator

If your symptoms are caused by the medications, that's also not a good thing.

 

Menopause can make one very fragile emotionally, because of the hormonal changes. Antidepressants do nothing for those hormonal changes, plus add a lot of their own.

 

Please consider having your menopausal symptoms more carefully evaluated by a specialist in menopause. Doctors are tending to throw antidepressants at everything, and they're not good for older people, with side effects of raised diabetes, stroke, and hypertension risks.

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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Anxiety and activation are common side effects of Lexapro. When you reinstated, you may have been taking too much. Once your system is sensitized by withdrawal, often it can tolerate only a low dose.

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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  • 4 months later...

I have been on Cymbalta now for a few months. First it was 30 mg and it was too much. Heart pounding and heart palpitations. Decreased to 20 mg. Better but was still suffering from anxiety and depression. Dr upped it again to 30 mg and I got more depressed. Back on 20 mg and doing better but with counseling, prayer, and learning to ACCEPT things in life. Menopause is part of the issue BUT not everything. I have realized I went from 2000 to now on something with the exception of 3 months off I didn't know how to really deal with things. I think the anti-depressants were masking problems and I would blow them off. Good, but was I really coping in a good way? Not sure. I thought I was.

 

The Psych did a test called 'GeneSightRx' on me. I get the results today. Has anyone heard of it? They swab your mouth, send them in to a lab and they check a few genes to determine which medication is best for you. The results will show low, medium and high risk meds. We'll see what happens!

 

I'm still having heart palpitations some but not as bad. I wore a holter monitor to see what was happening about two weeks ago.

 

Anyone else experience this? Scary stuff.

Jennie

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  • Administrator

If you're having heart palpitations, the dosage sounds like it's still too high for you.

 

Cymbalta has a whacking bad withdrawal syndrome, too.

 

It sound like your doctor is testing for liver enzymes. All this shows is which drugs might cause adverse effects, it doesn't show which drugs will work for you.

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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The test is called 'GeneSightRx'. It shows what meds you cannot tolerate well and the ones you should be able to tolerate. Check it out online!

 

All doctors should do this!!!!

 

J

Jennie

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  • Administrator

The P450 system to which GeneSightRx refers has to do with liver enzymes. I know it well. Here's an article about this test:

 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/06/25/doctors-depression-and-dna.html

....Although they know fairly little about the genetics of mental illness, they know much more about genes that influence the way the body processes drugs. They’ve developed a particular expertise around a group of enzymes referred to as the “cytochrome P450 superfamily,” or CYP450 for short, which is involved in how the liver metabolizes many chemicals. If you have certain variants in the genes that make proteins in the CYP450 group, you may metabolize a drug more quickly (causing it to zoom through your system, with its effects soon wearing off) or slowly (causing it to hang around in your bloodstream, remaining effective for longer) than other people.

 

....

What GeneSightRx essentially does is take all that work out, running the genetic analysis and then sorting medications into color-coded categories based on the results: green for drugs that will be safe for a patient who metabolizes them in a particular manner, yellow for those that need to be used “with caution,” and red for those to avoid.

If you are a poor metabolizer, such testing might help you avoid getting poisoned, which can be quite valuable to about 10% of the population -- and you might be among them. But otherwise, not that much 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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  • 1 month later...

Well, the test really wasn't conclusive.  It showed I was okay to take Cymbalta which I was not!  It caused horrible side effects - anxiety/panic attacks/tremors/heart palpitations.  I am now on Viibryd along with hormones.  I am so frustrated.  Tried going up on Viibryd to just 10 mg and had bad anxiety.  Is there no end to all of this?  I wish I didn't have to take anything!!!!  Your input is needed!!!  Thank you!

Jennie

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Hi Jennie,

 

I'm almost 53, so we probably have some things in common....

 

I wonder if the antidepressant "train" has jumped the track for you, and they're just not going to help anymore? This is just my opinion, but I wonder if you have the choice of (1) moving into new classes of medications or (2) making the tough decision to go through a difficult withdrawal and go med-free. I got a lot from the Harm Reduction resource at www.theicarusproject.net (it's under the resources tab). If you were to go off meds, I would hope for a more expert opinion here on which drug to work off of since you've been on the new one such a short time.

 

Regarding menopause, my "vision" is to see it as a way to "reboot" for the next phase of life. Easier said than done! I think exercise is the great balancer of hormones and neurotransmitters...but that's easier said than done as well.

 

Best, Meimei

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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Thanks.  What would a new class of meds be??  I am working through some codependent stuff which has worsened since I've been on Viibryd. Weird!!  I've done only two of the SSNI's (Cymbalta-nightmare and now Viibryd).  I've done the SSRI's - Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro.  Dr says I'm not bi-polar which is good.  I'm on hormones as I've mentioned which I wonder if menopause is part of this... as it's worsened.  You would think by now that the hormones would be helping.  I feel like I'm losing it!!

 

I'll look at the site.  Thank you for the response.

Jennie

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I am now taking Viibryd - on 5 mg for a few weeks.  Dr has tried to up me to 10 mg twice and my anxiety was through the roof, so we went back down.  I'm still having anxiety!!  I try to take very little Xanax.

 

If you have taken this, I would like your feedback.

 

I'm so very tired of this.

 

 

Jennie

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  • Administrator

Jennie, I merged your topics to keep your history together.

 

Some people are not suited to ANY of the antidepressants, they are too sensitive to the activating effects.

 

NONE of the antidepressants are a free lunch. You might want to focus on non-drug methods to manage your symptoms.

 

If I were you, I'd find a doctor who is not so enthusiastic about experimenting on you.

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 told about 5-HTP by a friend.  She said she suffered with side effects and slowly tapered along with 5-HTP.  However, I won't do this until I know more. 

 

I'm not feeling like I want to die, so seeing psych today.  

 

I am doing counseling; CODA (Codependents Anonymous) and prayer.  Finding a doctor - that is a challenge!!!!  Some don't want to ever taper you at all.  Been there, done that and ended up in ER twice.

 

I'm very frustrated.

Jennie

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Be careful with 5-htp, it can be powerful.  It does not interact well with antidepressants, don't take it if you're still taking (or weening off of) antidepressants.

3 Years 150 mgs Effexor

2 month taper down to zero

3 terrible weeks at zero

Back up to 75 mgs

2 months at 75

6 or so months back to regular dose of 150 - was able to restabilize fine.

3 month taper back to zero

1 HORRENDOUS week at zero

2 days back up to 37.5

3 days back up to 75

One week at 150 - unable to stabilize.

Back down to 75 mgs

At 75 mgs (half original dose) and suffering withdrawal symptoms since October 2012.

 

"It is a radical cure for all pessimism to become ill, to remain ill for a good while, and then grow well for a still longer period." - Nietzsche

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Jennie,

 

I feel your pain. I have a great resource for anxiety that has helped me tremendously. It is a website called anxietycentre.com. I live in Ft Worth too. Are you going to the FemCentre for your hormones. That is where I go. I to am on Viibryd 40mg. I am currently weaning off Abilify 2mg that was added on to my AD about a year ago for severe anxiety and depression.  I attend ALANON for codependency issues and AA. The 12 step program has really helped me. I am planning on weaning off of Viibryd after I wean off of the Abilify.  I am also on 1mg of the Vivelle Dot patch which is a bioidentical estrogen. I used to be on Triest and I liked it, but it got to expensive, my insurance covers the Vivelle Dot. I am also on progesterone and testosterone.

 

You will get better, it sounds like you are being very proactive and doing things to help yourself. Prayer definitely helps. I will also pray for you. The anxiety centre also has information on tapering off medications which really helped me. They also have therapists that suffered from anxiety themselves and know how to help you overcome it for good. You can and will recover, you just need the appropriate resources. God will guide you and put people in your life that will help you

 

Hang in there Jennie and remember this too shall pass..

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  • 1 year later...

Happy to report that after getting on a good med - Doxepin as well as bio-identical hormones (Estrogen & Progesterone), DHEA and Vit D3, I am much better. Working in therapy for the last year has helped me tremendously.  No one ever told me 'don't believe everything you think!'  Or that we have choices.  My counselor has taught me about the Ego States and it works well.  Pulling yourself out of the child/adapted child and moving into the adult state.  Practice, practice, practice!

Jennie

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you for coming back to let us know how you are Jennie.  Its great to hear that you are feeling better.

 

No one ever told me 'don't believe everything you think!'

 

:)  It was a huge breakthrough for me too when I learned this.

 

Please would you put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature.  Putting a short version of your drug and tapering history in your signature helps people understand your context, it appears below each of your posts.  Here are instructions for how to do it:

 

http://survivinganti...your-signature/

 

I'm happy that you are finding Doxepin helpful at the moment.  If you ever decide to stop taking it, please let us know, we have a Doxepin tapering topic.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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