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☼ lobster: fight or flight


lobster

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29 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Very happy this worked!

 

Yes, your nervous system needs to hear the music for reassurance. The music keeps it a little bit awake, preventing you from sliding into the deepest sleep, but it will get used to your sleeping and over time, allow you to sleep more deeply. Eventually, it won't need the music to be reassured you're still alive, it will reset to a less sensitive level.

Thank you very much for your help! I'm really hoping this is the beginning of better things to come 🙂 I'll let you know tomorrow how I make out tonight , I will say I have more faith tonight then I did yesterday afternoon and that is a good thing , thanks again for everything  🙂

 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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Good morning Alto , another successful night with the soft music and no issues . I didn't sleep quite as long , but that's not unusual for me 🙂 I'll sleep longer tonight . I'm wondering if I should do something different with my cholesterol med ,since I changed it to morning,  as I understand most cholesterol is made at night . The half life of zocore is fairly short , there are types that are better as I understand and don't disturb sleep.  Or maybe it won't make much difference being switched to morning.  Thank you for everything  🙂

 

 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Administrator

Really pleased the music is helping, lobster.

 

They say statins are more effective taken at night, but it's okay to take them in the morning. You might look this up for your drug.

 

You might switch to another statin or review your reasons for taking one at all.

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 hour ago, Altostrata said:

Really pleased the music is helping, lobster.

 

They say statins are more effective taken at night, but it's okay to take them in the morning. You might look this up for your drug.

 

You might switch to another statin or review your reasons for taking one at all.

Good morning Alto 🙂 the music is still working. I still can't fall asleep yet with out jumping, in other places ,  but I think it's night #4 sleeping in my own bed ,with the music and having no problems. My confidence is growing. The only issue I'm having is , I'm playing it on my phone and if it happens to stop while I'm sleeping I wake up. After it starts again I go back to sleep though.  I have a Dr appointment on Tuesday,  I'll bring up the statin issue to see what can be done.  I'm 38 and have been on Zocor statin since I was 30. Reason being,  my cholesterol was high and wouldn't come down . Family history of heart disease on both sides , my grandfather was 42 when he had his 1st heart attack,  so this was more preventative.  I have been off lexapro for 28 months and in that time I've lost over 70 lbs, when I was taking lexapro it was impossible to loose any weight . I'm back down to what I weighed before my dad passed away and before I had all my problems 🙂 thanks again Alto..

 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 2/9/2019 at 5:01 AM, lobster said:

Hello Giak  🙂 I've been looking into the stellate ganglion block for hyperarousal and anxiety issues.  I've suffered for many years and thought this might be a help . Alto told me you had the procedure done at one point,  I didn't know if you would mind giving me your opinion on the matter?   Sorry this is off topic , but I wasn't sure how to contact you , I'm not very good with forum things lol. Thanks for your time . 

 

 

2 hours ago, GiaK said:

It backfired like anything can when we're hypersensitive 

 

Stellate ganglion block https://beyondmeds.com/2012/02/09/2yranniversary/stellate-ganglion-block/ via @wordpressdotcom

 

 

 

I've moved these posts to the relevant topic.

* 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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On 2/9/2019 at 2:08 AM, Altostrata said:

Really pleased the music is helping, lobster.

 

They say statins are more effective taken at night, but it's okay to take them in the morning. You might look this up for your drug.

 

You might switch to another statin or review your reasons for taking one at all.

Good Morning Alto . I'm still listening to the soft music at night , the only issue I'm having is waking up when the music stops periodically through the night . I'm not sure if it's my phone or what . I've also noticed I'm not dreaming any more ,or not remembering any and that is different.  I'm wondering if it has to do with switching the time of my statin to morning. I think I'll change what I'm listening to alittle, because it seems to be making me alittle irritable in the morning,  maybe it's not the music ,but for some reason I feel it might be . Have a good day 🙂

 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Administrator

Yes, you need that endless loop music.

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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27 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Yes, you need that endless loop music.

Thanks Alto , this has been a rough day . I had to put my cat down early this morning, I've had him since he was a kitten, he was 17 😢  Do you have any suggestion on what I could try to listen to ? I don't have much experience with soft music.  I had good luck with the Marconi, weightless. It's a 10 hour loop on YouTube, but for some reason it stops a couple times in the night . When I have woken up it's stopped,  I start it again and fall back asleep.  I'm not sure if I'm waking up because it stops ,or if I'm just waking up and it has stopped.  I know the feeling of the music is sticking with me and making me feel different during the day. I'm not sure what to make of that , other then my subconscious must be picking up on it lol. I think I put it on last night and was asleep in a very short time.  Thanks Alto .

 

 

 

 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Administrator

Very sorry about your losing your cat friend.

 

I don't know much about endless loop music, how about asking in Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

At least you're getting back to sleep! It could be worse. (Can you download the music to your phone instead? Sounds like the streaming is interrupted via wifi or whatever.)

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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21 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Very sorry about your losing your cat friend.

 

I don't know much about endless loop music, how about asking in Music for self-care: Calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

At least you're getting back to sleep! It could be worse. (Can you download the music to your phone instead? Sounds like the streaming is interrupted via wifi or whatever.)

Thank you Alto , I'll see what I can do . My son is better at this stuff then I'm.  I'm not sure what to listen to for music ,but I'll look through things and see what I can find ..

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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Things went good last night Alto , I didn't have any music playing, for some reason it was irritating me . I got to sleep after a little while ,no problems woke up once and then back to sleep.  I had a dr appointment today , every thing came back good ,except mildly elevated liver and kidney levels.  They want me to stop my statin for a month . I was wondering if the cbd oil ,mixed with the statin put it up. I'm alittle nervous of wd from the statin,  I guess I'm nervous of that stuff after all the wd from lexapro 🙂

 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • 1 month later...

Good morning everyone. Does anyone else find they have nightmares or crazy dreams while taking L-theanine? I just started taking it yesterday and last night I had terrible dreams,  I'm wondering if there is a connection,  thanks.  

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

* 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 ChessieCat, I read through it . No mention of nightmares or bad dreams.  I took it this morning,  maybe that will make the difference. 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • 3 months later...
  • Administrator

Hi, lobster, how are you 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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36 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Hi, lobster, how are you doing?

Hi Alto,  hanging in there. I still have a lot of trouble with heart palpitations, at sleep onset.  It's is going on 8 years of dealing with it, I'm in a bit of a wave now. I also am dealing with constant brain fog and cognitive issues, but hold out hope that one day things will get better.  In October ,it will be 3 years, off lexapro completely.  I have been off my cholesterol medicine for 4 months, because of elevated enzymes.  They wanted me to start taking it again , I tried it recently for a week or so and it made my cognitive issues worse,  my sleep worse and drove my anxiety up , so I stopped it. I had taken it for many years, but couldn't handle getting back on it. I hope all is well with you 😊

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • 1 month later...

@lobster : 

 

Just wanted to know if u had tinnitus and floaters coming off the drugs ?

 

Sept 28 : nov 10 amitriptyline 10 mg

no history of drugs in past 

 

symptoms 

mild grainy vision , visual snow 

tinnitus 

dizziness

floters 

difficult in focusin 

muscle pain

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  • 4 months later...

Hello everyone I have a couple questions. I've been off all meds for just over 3 years and I still struggle with what seems like daily anxiety issues, some days aren't to bad. A long with a bunch of other problems. For the most part I've learned to deal with them and go on with things, but one thing that's really bothering me and dosen't seem to get better is my memory issues and brain fog. I have a lot of trouble with short term memory and also my long term memory.  I'm sure my anxiety contributes to these to an extent.  Most days I'm in a constant fog , I have gotten some what used to the fog after all these years . I do know some foods do make it worse.  I'm just wondering if I'm stuck with these problems this far out , or if they will improve?  The memory problem really makes me nervous,  I'm worried it will continue to get worse as I'm not seeing any improvement in this area.  Any advice would be appreciated  thanks  🙂

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
40 minutes ago, lobster said:

I'm just wondering if I'm stuck with these problems this far out , or if they will improve?  

 

Three years out is not really that far out.  Sometimes it takes longer for symptoms to fade.  I've seen members report it taking five or seven years for some symptoms to disappear.  We're in unknown territory in terms of being able to predict how long it will take.  It's very good you're able to deal with anxiety.  So while I'm not able to give you an answer as to time, I can say that the damage is not permanent and that your brain fog and memory issue to improve.

 

Altostrata, the founder of this site, put together these links about the ability of the brain to heal itself.  She wrote:

 

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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36 minutes ago, Gridley said:

 

Three years out is not really that far out.  Sometimes it takes longer for symptoms to fade.  I've seen members report it taking five or seven years for some symptoms to disappear.  We're in unknown territory in terms of being able to predict how long it will take.  It's very good you're able to deal with anxiety.  So while I'm not able to give you an answer as to time, I can say that the damage is not permanent and that your brain fog and memory issue to improve.

 

Altostrata, the founder of this site, put together these links about the ability of the brain to heal itself.  She wrote:

 

 

Thank you very much.  Some times all it takes is words of encouragement . It took me 5 years to get off lexapro and I've been off completely now for 3 years . The brain fog has been there pretty much since first trying to get off lexapro, in different degrees. The memory issues seem to slowly get worse,  but hopefully they will improve in time.  

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Mentor

Do you snore at night and do you have risk factors for sleep apnea? If so, it's possible that could be a contributing factor. It's probably the withdrawal, but there are some reversible medical conditions that can cause cog fog. You could consider going to the MD to rule those things out.

Now: 100 mg Zoloft am, 50 mg Trazodone.  Daily drug burden decreased from 2050 in 2018 mg to 150 mg 🐢🐢

Zoloft: 1/24/23 increased to 100 mg after suicide attempt 9/17/22 cut 6 mg, 8/14/22 cut 6.5 mg, 5/7/22 cut 12.5 mg 3/20/22 cut 12.5 mg 10/26/21 cut 6 mg 10/17/21 cut 5 mg, 9/17/21 Cut 3 mg,  9/13/21 cut 4 mg, 8/29/21 Cut 2 mg 8/8/21 Cut 3 mg  7/30/21 Zoloft: Converted 25 mg to liquid. Also take 100 mg pill & 25 mg pill=150 mg total
🌞 Feb 28, 2021 0 mg Gapapentin 2021 Gaba each dose 4x/day: Feb 27 7 mg (one dose only), Feb 10, 7 mg, Jan 14 10 mg 2020 Current taper schedule from Aug 30-present: drop 8 mg every 2-3 weeks. Aug 20 31 mg, Aug 18, 33 mg, July 29, 35 mg, July 23 38 mg, July 22 40 mg Jun 24 42 mg, Jun 15 44 mg, Jun 9 48 mg, May 22 50 mg, May 14 54 mg, May 7 56 mg, Apr 16 58 mg, Mar 28 60 mg, Mar 18 62 mg. Feb 26 64 mg. Feb 19, 66 mg. Jan 23, 70 mg. 2019 Dec 19, 72 mg. Nov 14 ,76 mg. Aug 8, 80 mg. Aug 6, 85 mg. Jul 26, 90 mg. Jul 11, 95 mg.

Jul 16 trazodone from 100 to 50 mg.

Jun 17-July 10 Slowly changed gab fr pill to liquid at same dose 100 mg 4x/d.

Apr 24 Stopped klon!!! 🌞 Apr 4  Decreased gaba to 400 mg (100 mg 4x/day)-Apr 4, 2019   0.25 klon March 11  Klonopin .5 mg twice daily, varied dose til Apr 15. Started Klon fast taper 25%, short use

Mar 16, 450 mg gaba 3x/day cut 600 mg--not exact!--updose after learning w/d

Feb 20, 2019 1800 mg gabapentin; MD taper; off 3 days=mvt disorder & autonomic instability. July 2018 temazepam 15 mg 1-2; prn several x/wk til Jan/Feb 2019 when cold turkey, flu illness for months

July 2018 started gabapentin 100 3x/day; titrated up to 1800 mg (600 3x/day)

Buspar, I forget how much, 2 pills a day Jan 2017-July 2018 cold turkey. On Zoloft since maybe 2004? After trying many.

*I speak from my experience. Nothing I say is medical advice. I'm not a doctor.

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7 minutes ago, ShiningLight said:

Do you snore at night and do you have risk factors for sleep apnea? If so, it's possible that could be a contributing factor. It's probably the withdrawal, but there are some reversible medical conditions that can cause cog fog. You could consider going to the MD to rule those things out.

Thanks for the response. I had thought of Sleep apnea as a possibility. I do not snore much ,if at all. I brought it up to my Dr , he checked my tongue and a few different things and said he didn't believe I had any issues with sleep apnea.  So I'm not sure 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Administrator

Hi, lobster! Best wishes of the season.

 

2 hours ago, lobster said:

I do know some foods do make it worse.

 

Which foods make it worse? How do you manage this?

 

Are you still taking simvistatin? Some people say this causes brain fog.

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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9 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Hi, lobster! Best wishes of the season.

 

 

Which foods make it worse? How do you manage this?

 

Are you still taking simvistatin? Some people say this causes brain fog.

Hi Alto  🙂 same to you! 

Sugars,  breads and pastas make it worse and Unfortunately,  there my favorites.  I'm not taking simvastatin anymore,  I've been off it for almost a year.  They tried me on a different statin, after they had me stop the one I had been on for 8 years and do a wash out for a couple months. I couldn't handle it , it made my memory a lot worse and I was forgetting why I came into a room.  So I haven't taken anything for my cholesterol since April.  I'm only 39 and I really hope things turn around at some point.  

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Administrator

lobster, you're in an excellent position to have a diet mostly of proteins and veggies, with maybe some potatoes for fun. Have you tried this?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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3 hours ago, Altostrata said:

lobster, you're in an excellent position to have a diet mostly of proteins and veggies, with maybe some potatoes for fun. Have you tried this?

I haven't,  My diet isn't great.  It's time to make changes in this regard 🙂  Hopefully the fog will clear up some.  As for my memory issues,  I really hope they straighten out as well. Thanks Alto , Have a great day 🙂  

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Administrator

Some people who don't have outright celiac disease say they get foggy brain from wheat and gluten products. (Adding sugar makes it even worse!)

 

You might minimize wheat for a while and see if that improves. I'd miss bread and pastas, too -- but you might find French fries an acceptable substitute!

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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  • Mentor
13 hours ago, lobster said:

I haven't,  My diet isn't great.  It's time to make changes in this regard 🙂  Hopefully the fog will clear up some.  As for my memory issues,  I really hope they straighten out as well. Thanks Alto , Have a great day 🙂  

 

I personally believe diet is key to getting off and healing from these medications. I remind myself that there was a reason I went on these meds to begin with. If I just remove the medication and didn't make changes to the root cause.... I would of just went back to square one(needing the medication again).

 

In my case I know my nutrition was terrible. I changed my nutrition and was finally able to get off this medication after numerous failed attempts. I felt better than I ever have in my entire life after nutrition changes but before coming off the meds. Even though PAWS has pushed me to the limit. With the help of everyone on this forum I was able to power through the worst of it.

 

I strongly recommend The Plant Paradox by Dr.Gundry. I have followed this lifestyle for over a year and everytime I eat outside of the foods outlined in the book my withdrawal symptoms return. I was blown away with the results in a mere 4 weeks. I started to view food as fuel for the body and not for the 5 seconds of taste as I did before! 

 

All the best to you! Everyday that passes is one day closer to being fully healed! :)

I follow The Plant Paradox lifestyle by Dr.Gundry. This lifestyle has given me my life back and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. It has enabled me to finally get off of this medication and truly live my life. Nutrition is the key to health!!!!! 

2008 to 2019  - 20 mg Paroxetine

Attempted 2 CT's around the 5-6 year mark. Were absolutely terrible and reinstated. Was never explained by the doctor the seriousness of the short half life of this drug. 

2017 - Attempted a tapered discontinuation of this drug and reinstated after being unsuccessful.

2019 - Feb. 12 - After a three month taper I am off of paroxetine. The 3 months were terrible, awful withdrawal feelings. I followed the doctors guidelines for the reduction of this drug and now know it was way too fast. 
2019 - Oct. 12 - 8 months off paroxetine. 75% improvement since coming off the drug. Definitely have had tons of challenges along the way. Let’s go!!!! 

2021 - Feb. 12 - 24 months off paroxetine. I have minor challenges now. Tinnitus/Headaches are still around but are reduced by a massive amount. 

 

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  • 1 year later...
  • Mentor

Hey, hope you are well lobster!

 

I'm a bit confused since this thread has the sun symbol but can't find a post by lobster saying he's feeling much better/ recovered?

 

Might be a mistake on my end. Just wondering 

 

Peace and healing

- Escitalopram 10mg from ages 15 - 21

- Severe crash after 4 month taper to 0

- Reinstated, stabilized, slowly tapering.

 

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Hellen Keller

I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice, but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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19 hours ago, Yesyes123 said:

Hey, hope you are well lobster!

 

I'm a bit confused since this thread has the sun symbol but can't find a post by lobster saying he's feeling much better/ recovered?

 

Might be a mistake on my end. Just wondering 

 

Peace and healing

Yesyes123 , it's not a mistake on your part.  I'm still in protracted withdrawal.  I haven't yet written a feeling much better/recovered post. I'm maintaining though,  hopefully one day I will be able to write one.  I'm at about 4.5 years off all medications , I can say I'm better and more able to handle things now then I was in the beginning.  Perhaps it's because of all the things I've been through,  over and over again through the years  🌝 

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
20 hours ago, Yesyes123 said:

'm a bit confused since this thread has the sun symbol but can't find a post by lobster saying he's feeling much better/ recovered?

 

 

  

On 12/2/2016 at 12:42 PM, Altostrata said:

I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol



to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

* 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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  • Mentor

Thanks @ChessieCat!

- Escitalopram 10mg from ages 15 - 21

- Severe crash after 4 month taper to 0

- Reinstated, stabilized, slowly tapering.

 

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Hellen Keller

I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice, but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • 1 month later...

Good morning everyone. It's been quite a while since I've posted, but I'm having a little bit of a rough time and was looking for some advice.  I still deal with heightened daily anxiety,  hypervigilance, brain fog,  cognitive issues, dizziness.  It's been over 4.5 years since I've been off Lexapro.   

 

In October I started taking Glycine to see if it would help me feel better and perhaps help me sleep a little bit better, something I have struggled with since starting Lexapro back in 2011.  I stopped taking it after a couple weeks as it seemed to turn on me, at first I really do think it help me, but then seemed to make my anxiety worse and seemed to give me vivid dreams.  

 

In  November I started to have severe Vertigo and horrible dizziness,  the dreams seemed to come and go , one week nothing,  then the next many.  Some nights all night long.  At first I thought it might have to do with the Glycine, as it all really seemed to start after taking it.  

 

This continued until February,  I realized my blood pressure was getting to low and causing the extreme dizziness and vertigo.  The dreams were also becoming more of an issue more frequent. I decided to cut down and stop the Atenolol 25mg. I first halved it for a bit,  don't remember how long exactly.  I then quartered it for a week or so then stopped it. I didn't notice much of a change,  I could actually feel my heart beating some, it's been a long time. I'm sure because of the withdrawal,  but nothing crazy.  

 

This continued until mid March, the dizziness got better along with the vertigo and clarity seemed to improve, but the dreams got worse almost every night now at this point.  So I decided to stop the supplements that I have been taking as I thought it might be contributing to the vivid dreams . 

 

Now the month of April the dreams are every night,  I might get 4 hours of sleep,  I might get 6.5 hours.  Some are nightmares,  some not. I get the first 4 hours or so with no problems,  but then they wake me up and I can't get back to sleep,  if I do it's right into dreams.  I also notice when the dreams wake me up my heart is beating faster,  then I'm use to because of not having the beata blocker.  It seems like I'm sleeping to lightly,  maybe not.  I'm thankful for the first four or five hours I get uninterrupted,  but this waking up in the middle of the night with dreams is wearing on me . I'm not sure what's causing it , when it will hopefully end . Any advice would be appreciated,  thanks so much.  

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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  • 1 month later...

Hey lobster how are you doing.

Read through your thread and just wanted to check in on you.

 

2013-2018 dxm and alcohol abused

Feb-2020 40mg adderall, 20 mg paroxetine

Jun-2020 15mg olanzapine, 30mg paroxetine, 40mg adderall

Dec-2020 CT everything

Mar-22-2021 10mg olanzapine, 100mg trazadone, 300mg ×2 trileptal

April-25- 2021 CT olanzapine and trazadone

Apirl-29-2021 reinstated 5mg olanzapine

Apirl 29-Current- 5mg olanzapine

Mar 22-current 300mg ×2 trileptal

 

 

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1 hour ago, NNhope said:

Hey lobster how are you doing.

Read through your thread and just wanted to check in on you.

 

Thank you very much for checking in on me.  I'm maintaining I guess. The excessive dreaming has gotten better, but I've developed a nasty case of OCD, paying attention to body sensations,  especially my breathing and it's really bothering me.  I'm having a really hard time with it at the moment Lol, it never ends.  Sometimes I have to laugh at myself,  I never know what's gonna happen next  😅

Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%.

3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin.

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Well it seems as old problem slowly get better you get different one. Could be a sign of healing since stuff does get better. Your brain is probably trying to adjust so its cycling through some symptoms. I hope you heal soon. 

2013-2018 dxm and alcohol abused

Feb-2020 40mg adderall, 20 mg paroxetine

Jun-2020 15mg olanzapine, 30mg paroxetine, 40mg adderall

Dec-2020 CT everything

Mar-22-2021 10mg olanzapine, 100mg trazadone, 300mg ×2 trileptal

April-25- 2021 CT olanzapine and trazadone

Apirl-29-2021 reinstated 5mg olanzapine

Apirl 29-Current- 5mg olanzapine

Mar 22-current 300mg ×2 trileptal

 

 

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