electron Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Yes the first reason was that it is 'too expensive', although at roughly ten pounds per bottle that's just incorrect, and the second was that they thought I should try the alternate day method again but more slowly. It is available on the NHS but they just won't prescribe it for me; I guess could try a different doctor. The reason they suggest the missing a day method is, as is well known, fluoxetine has a longer half-life in the body than the other SSRIs, therefore reducing by one tablet per week should be acceptable. However, this is all in theory and some people (including myself) find that this method does not work. Would you agree Strawberry? Currently withdrawing from fluoxetine after a switch from sertraline.04/12-12/12 5.0-0.9 ml30/01/13 - 0.88 ml 29/08/13 - 0.72 ml 21/11/13 - 0.66 ml 16/04/14 - 0.63 ml 29/03/15 - 0.58 ml22/02/13 - 0.86 ml 12/08/13 - 0.74 ml 04/12/13 - 0.64 ml 21/11/14 - 0.62 ml 08/05/15 - 0.57 ml14/05/13 - 0.84 ml 25/09/13 - 0.72 ml 19/12/13 - 0.62 ml 26/12/14 - 0.61 ml 23/05/15 - 0.56 ml 11/06/13 - 0.80 ml 13/10/13 - 0.70 ml 31/12/13 - 0.63 ml 23/01/15 - 0.60 ml 06/07/13 - 0.76 ml 07/11/13 - 0.68 ml 06/01/14 - 0.64 ml 08/03/15 - 0.59 ml Link to comment
xDebbiejo Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Hi electron Could you phone "Mind" to help you with this as they have very recently published leaflets on the importance of a slow taper using liquid. I would also print of all the withrawal schedules that have been done by the doctors and people in the know and take it to your doc - This is absolutely disgraceful ! It is also discrimination!!!! Strawberry and myself both have the liquid, it is wrong to single people out! I'm wondering if this is the beginning of something that could start effecting all of us! Sorry to go on, if I can be of any help at all please let me know Debbie x 17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat 2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat 2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam 2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam 18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5 Diazepam Free! 13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml 01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted June 9, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 9, 2012 Wow is that all it is? £10 a bottle? no the alternate day thing just does not work, it's so misguided. Debbie has a brilliant idea about Mind, I didn't know they had leaflets and were on board about tapering. Can you change doctor? another idea is to get hold of the book "Coming off Antidepressants" by Joseph Glenmullen, and highlight the relevent points to show your doctor. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
xDebbiejo Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Alto has put a link on here to the "Mind" leaflets not long ago but I can't find it at the mo - sorry x 17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat 2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat 2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam 2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam 18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5 Diazepam Free! 13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml 01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!! Link to comment
electron Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Is this what you're referring to? http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2331-mind-uks-making-sense-of-coming-off-psychiatric-drugs/page__p__23059__hl__mind__fromsearch__1#entry23059 It mentions a slow taper using liquid. I haven't been on the Mind site before, thanks for the recommendation Debbie! Thanks for the support, I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, I've managed to get a prescription privately, although obviously at a higher cost. Currently withdrawing from fluoxetine after a switch from sertraline.04/12-12/12 5.0-0.9 ml30/01/13 - 0.88 ml 29/08/13 - 0.72 ml 21/11/13 - 0.66 ml 16/04/14 - 0.63 ml 29/03/15 - 0.58 ml22/02/13 - 0.86 ml 12/08/13 - 0.74 ml 04/12/13 - 0.64 ml 21/11/14 - 0.62 ml 08/05/15 - 0.57 ml14/05/13 - 0.84 ml 25/09/13 - 0.72 ml 19/12/13 - 0.62 ml 26/12/14 - 0.61 ml 23/05/15 - 0.56 ml 11/06/13 - 0.80 ml 13/10/13 - 0.70 ml 31/12/13 - 0.63 ml 23/01/15 - 0.60 ml 06/07/13 - 0.76 ml 07/11/13 - 0.68 ml 06/01/14 - 0.64 ml 08/03/15 - 0.59 ml Link to comment
xDebbiejo Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Yes thanks Electron! I'm going to buy some of these leaflets and hand them out to the deaf doctors and pharmasist lol hopefully they just need educating. How are you doing with your taper? Are you experiencing any WD symptoms? Ooops sorry Strawberry I think im invading your thread Debbie x 17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat 2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat 2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam 2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam 18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5 Diazepam Free! 13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml 01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!! Link to comment
electron Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 That sounds like a good idea, I might try that myself! My taper seems to be going ok so far, still early days though. I have side effects from taking the meds so it's hard to know what's what. How about yourself? Currently withdrawing from fluoxetine after a switch from sertraline.04/12-12/12 5.0-0.9 ml30/01/13 - 0.88 ml 29/08/13 - 0.72 ml 21/11/13 - 0.66 ml 16/04/14 - 0.63 ml 29/03/15 - 0.58 ml22/02/13 - 0.86 ml 12/08/13 - 0.74 ml 04/12/13 - 0.64 ml 21/11/14 - 0.62 ml 08/05/15 - 0.57 ml14/05/13 - 0.84 ml 25/09/13 - 0.72 ml 19/12/13 - 0.62 ml 26/12/14 - 0.61 ml 23/05/15 - 0.56 ml 11/06/13 - 0.80 ml 13/10/13 - 0.70 ml 31/12/13 - 0.63 ml 23/01/15 - 0.60 ml 06/07/13 - 0.76 ml 07/11/13 - 0.68 ml 06/01/14 - 0.64 ml 08/03/15 - 0.59 ml Link to comment
Barbarannamated Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Hi all. Thought it would be helpful to gather info and resources from the UK in one spot. I started a thread, then found that someone had the bright idea before me I put the previous link in with the one I started. Im trying to think of best way to notify all from UK. Perhaps you can post link to your own threads so it will all be linked. Strawberry, will you also post a link to your blog? Thanks! http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2403-united-kingdom-uk-mind-nhs-resources/page__pid__23941#entry23941 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
xDebbiejo Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Hi barb Hope you're ok I will try and post the link in my thread, not to good at this type of stuff lol Debbie x 17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat 2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat 2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam 2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam 18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5 Diazepam Free! 13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml 01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted June 10, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 10, 2012 That's a great idea about a UK thread. I don't mind my thread being hijacked btw it's just nice to see it active! *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
meistersinger Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Yes thanks Electron! I'm going to buy some of these leaflets and hand them out to the deaf doctors and pharmasist lol hopefully they just need educating. How are you doing with your taper? Are you experiencing any WD symptoms? Ooops sorry Strawberry I think im invading your thread Debbie x I'm tempted to giving my soon to be former shrink, my GP and therapist a copy of the harm reduction guide to psychotropic drugs published by the Icarus project. My GP, since he is a second year resident out of Penn State Hershey Medical, may be more receptive than my psychiatrist (he already knows my prowess as a researcher. Besides, he's also from Western PA (Hollidaysburg, to be exact), and I'm familiar with where he did his undergraduate work (St. Francis of Loretto, right off Cresson Mountain, which until very recently, had an excellent Basketball team). My soon to be ex shrink, might be receptive, but I can never tell with him. This is the same psychiatrist that put someone that was diagnosed as being bipolar on Viibryd, which is indicated for those with major depressive disorder (no wonder I had such a nasty reaction). My therapist I'm also not sure of, as I only had 1 session with him. (Barb, please no jokes about spinning out of control on Cresson mountain. I've done that one time too many as an undergrad between semesters.) I was also recently emailing a member on the Daily Drool list. The Drool, as it is known, is a mailing list for Bassett hound owners. Since my brother put down his bloodhound last week, I received condolences from this lady. I made a crack about antidepressants and diabetes. Turns out her husband is a psychologist, and is of the opinion that a diabetic's metabolism is already screwed up, why the hell does my psychiatrist have me on any psychotropics, let alone Viibryd? Hell, her basset hound trio (the law firm of Nigel, Llewis and Conley), have more sense than most shrinks, including her husband. I decided not to argue the point, especially with basset hounds. History: 1995--Prozac--Quit CT by GP 1995--Effexor--Quit per my GP 1996--Amitriphene--Quit CT when changed GP 2005--Citalopram and BusPar. Prescribed when I decompensated in my GP's office. GP referred me to behavior health. Psychiatrist prescibed these drugs. Taken off citalopram in 2011 due to FDA warning. Quit Buspar during transition to viibryd. Viibryd--2011 to present. Had a severe reaction in March 2012. Advised both GP and Psychiatrist I was trying to get off these drugs. Link to comment
Barbarannamated Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 LOL! I recall a few major whiteouts and resultant chain reaction crashes on Cresson Mountain. Thanks! I needed a chuckle! 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
Nikki Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 ishoos Like that spelling better than issues I do admire your patience and the way you have navigated your tapers. Your website is terrific. Strawberry - Rhi - Shanti are our coaches for going slow + miniscule drops. 10% reduction for me, is a major change. Eventually I will be attempting a taper from 40mgs. Celexa, and I am going to need the three of you to give me constant reminders Lots of Love 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 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted June 18, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 18, 2012 I like ishoos as well, can't remember where I got it from, we all have ishoos though. Thank you so much for your compliments about my blog. I love it when I get a private e mail from someone who stumbled on it and found something that really resonated with them. Sometimes I feel over exposed by it because it's not anonymous. I am lucky in that I have a hugely supportive husband who is really on board with the slow taper, in fact it's him who helps me keep it slow. Perhaps when you start your celexa taper, start a thread on here, alert me and others to it, and we'll help you to keep it slow! *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Shanti Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 I jumped off the Prozac about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Well, I didn't quite jump. I just tapered real fast the rest from about 5 mg. I just went 5 mg. to 2 1/2, over just a few days, then stopped. I've been fine. No problems at all. I really felt I was just done. Taper from Cymbalta, Paxil, Prozac & Antipsychotics finished June 2012. Xanax 5% Taper - (8/12 - .5 mg) - (9/12 - .45) - (10/12 - .43) - (11/12 - .41) - (12/12 - .38) My Paxil Website My Intro Link to comment
Shanti Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Yes, I'm off Antidepressants anyway I'm going to wait on the Xanax. But it does feel great to be off the ADs. It's just been so smooth, except for a couple of bumps that was caused from other things messing with my CNS anyway, that I just felt like I'm ready. I haven't had a zap or anxiety or anything for quite some time. Not even tinnitus. I hope others that try the Prozac Switch have as much success at it as I have. Taper from Cymbalta, Paxil, Prozac & Antipsychotics finished June 2012. Xanax 5% Taper - (8/12 - .5 mg) - (9/12 - .45) - (10/12 - .43) - (11/12 - .41) - (12/12 - .38) My Paxil Website My Intro Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 2, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 2, 2012 This is a self indulgent bump up for my thread Was really excited because I've been asked to help mod the tapering forums and looky looky I have a little "staff" badge next to my name, I'm so easily pleased Bit daunted by all the techy stuff in the background and hope I can do justice to the moderating job. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted September 2, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 2, 2012 Good for you Sheila! You should be suitably proud How are you going with your taper? 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 laterBack 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 yearsReduced 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 shorterJan - 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 Link to comment
Barbarannamated Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 Hey Strawberry! Congrats! Looking forward to seeing more of 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
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted September 2, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 2, 2012 This is a self indulgent bump up for my thread Was really excited because I've been asked to help mod the tapering forums and looky looky I have a little "staff" badge next to my name, I'm so easily pleased Bit daunted by all the techy stuff in the background and hope I can do justice to the moderating job. Awrighttt, glad to see we have someone else lending a hand in the tapering forum. Way to go. Looking forward to reading your posts. 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
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 2, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 2, 2012 My own particular taper has halted a bit at 0.90mls liquid Prozac, my last reduction has been the hardest of all, I was warned it would be harder the lower I got. It's nothingmajor like years ago, I've had waves of depression to start with but that seems to have gone but I'm still getting like early morning anxiety/depression. It does dissipate when I get going but I'm wondering if it's still withdrawal or just me and how I am wired up. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 2, 2012 Administrator Share Posted September 2, 2012 I am so pleased you've agreed to be a mod, strawberry. Don't forget the tiniest divisions on your tiny oral syringe. I'm tapering Lamictal by .01mg at a time myself. 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
Nikki Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Strawberry congratulations You have alot of knowledge and experience to pass on. Thank you, Nikki 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 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 5, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 5, 2012 Thanks Nikki, that comment means a lot. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Horty Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Strawberry, I;ve been reading your blog and I'm really impressed by your persistence and all of the info you have in it. I've already passed the link onto a friend who I know has has multiple unsuccessful attempts to come off antidepressants. I am curious though about your previous attempts. Can you share some more about how slowly you went, when the symptoms started/got worse and how long you waited before going back on the drug each time. Horty Benzos (Xanax and then DIazepam) April 2009-Feb 2011 (Tapered off from Oct 2010-Feb 2011). Antidepressants April 2009- present Mirtazapine, Clomipramine, Effexor, Prisique then Mirtazapine again...on Mirtazapine since April 2010. Tapered from 15mg-7.5mg over May-July 2012. Still experiencing strong withdrawals from the benzos but want to come off the mirtazapine. Desperate to get well again and away from the horror drugs! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 5, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 5, 2012 Thanks for your comments Horty, I hope you and your friend get something out of reading my blog and all the info, this site is great for info and support. My previous attempts used to be as per doctors instructions, they would tell me to take my sertraline tablets on alternate days for a fortnight, then every third day for a fortnight, then maybe one tablet a week. Sometimes I tried doing this but over many more weeks to string it out, but the result was always the same, chronic withdrawals. Mostly I would go rushing back onto the drug for relief after a few weeks, one time in 2003 I'd taken my last tablet at the start of the year, and I decided I was just going to tough it out, but as the months went on I got more and more ill, it just all got progressively worse with no light at the end of the tunnel. The experience can be different though for different people but generally it's all variations on the same theme. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted September 23, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 23, 2012 Back on my taper now, gone to 0.85ml Prozac today, was a bit of a compromise, I wanted to go to 0.80ml but I really felt the last cut so decided to follow Alto's advice and go smaller cuts now I'm near the end, If I'm feeling fine in 4/5 weeks I'll make another cut. *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 23, 2012 Administrator Share Posted September 23, 2012 Yay, 'berry! 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
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted September 23, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted September 23, 2012 go girl! 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 laterBack 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 yearsReduced 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 shorterJan - 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 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted October 1, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 1, 2012 It's a week since my last tiny cut in liquid Prozac and I'm suffering really poor sleep, strangely I feel fine emotionally, I just feel exhausted and grumpy, and like I'm stuck on a work and housework treadmill. Like many people we haven't had a holiday in years and all our energies have been going into keeping a business going during a recession for so long. Our house needs loads or work doing, painting, carpets, curtains but we never have enough spare money or energy to do it, most of the time I'm fine, but just lately it's been getting to me, I expect lack of sleep doesn't help. Just needed a vent sorry. As you were *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted October 1, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 1, 2012 Hi Strawberry, I hope you settle soon - I am glad you just took a small cut this time.... 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 laterBack 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 yearsReduced 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 shorterJan - 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 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted October 1, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 1, 2012 Thanks Peggy, so am I (glad I made a small cut that is) *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted October 17, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 17, 2012 Struggling with terrible anxiety/insomnia at the moment *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus peggy Posted October 17, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 17, 2012 Hi Strawberry, So sorry you are having a hard time Is the anxiety unrelenting or do you have some breaks? Are you able to tolerate magnesium? or melatonin? 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 laterBack 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 yearsReduced 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 shorterJan - 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 Link to comment
xDebbiejo Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Hi strawberry I'm sorry too I hope you feel better soon Debbie x 17 years on seroxat/paxil CT off - thought I was dying luckily found this site. 21st May 2012 12mg seroxat Stable - Tapered Diazepam slowish.1st June 10mg Seroxat 2nd June 1mg Diazepam.15th June 9mg seroxat 2nd July Changed to 2.5[ml liquid diazepam]2mg=5ml. 16th July 2ml Liquid Diazepam 2nd August 8mg/4ml Seroxat/Paxil 2nd August 1.5 ml Diazepam 18th Aug 2012 1ml Diazepam 1st - 5th Sept 0.5 Diazepam Free! 13th Oct 7mg/3.5ml seroxat - 26 Jan 2013 3.25ml/6.5mg-Mar 3ml-April 2.7ml-May 2.5ml 01/07/14 very slow taper over the last year now on 0.5 ml of liquid Seroxat ......November 14 Seroat Free!!!!!!! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus strawberry17 Posted October 18, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 18, 2012 The anxiety isn't unrelenting, I remember how that feels, however it was pretty bad most of yesterday, although "no sleep" really doesn't help does it? Some nights I just feel "wired" and cannot switch off, other nights I sleep like a log. I already take 250mg magnesium and have for quite a long while, never taken melatonin, can you tell me more about it? *** Please note this is not medical advice,discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner***http://prozacwithdrawal.blogspot.com/ Original drug was sertraline/Zoloft, switched to Prozac in 2007. Tapering from 5mls liquid prozac since Feb 2008, got down to 0.85ml 23/09/2012, reinstated back to 1ml(4mg) 07/11/2012, didn't appear to work, upped to 1.05ml 17/11/2012, back down to 1ml 12/12/2012 didn't work, up to 1.30ml 16/3/2013 didn't work, bumped up to 2ml (8mg) 4/4/2013 didn't work, in July 2013 I reinstated Sertraline (Zoloft) 50mg, feeling better now. A few months down the line I switched to 5ml liquid Prozac and tapered down to a compromise dose of 3ml liquid Prozac and have stayed there ever since, no withdrawals and no emotional blunting/loss of libido. Link to comment
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