Prestorb Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 It's been quite a while since I've posted! I think that's progress, I'm less focused on withdrawal and more focused on general health. I was able to get the hot flashes under control with a dosage adjustment to the BHRT and sleep is better, though not consistently great. I was also on a thyroid med for a few months and just recently stopped that so I think I am adjusting to not having it. Replacing it with supplement support specifically for a slightly underactive thyroid. I also take supplements for vitamins D, B's, C and magnesium solution for anxiety and sleep. I actually have days where I feel pretty good and normal at least a couple of days a week, but they are never in a row. After a good day, I usually have a less good or maybe even a bad day. The cognitive functioning is pretty good on the good days, and not very good on the bad days. I think I tend to overdo it on my good days which affects my sleep negatively which affects the next day. Finding the balance between too much and too little activity seems to be key. My system just seems to be easily overstimulated and I'm definitely easily overwhelmed and struggle to cope with too much stress at one time. So it's still a bit of an emotional roller coaster. But overall, I've seen tremendous improvement on all fronts - it's just very, very slow. I've addressed a lot of diet issues more recently in terms of just eating more healthily - more vegetables, fruit and meat trying to cut out or way back on gluten, sugar and dairy. I guess the whole experience has me a lot more focused on long term health. And so I am coming up on one year post zero and I wanted to post an update. At this point, I feel like my symptoms are a combination of withdrawal from Paxil and menopause so I just try to manage them as best I can while making sure my nutritional needs are being met and I'm getting some exercise. 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted March 23, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 23, 2018 Hi Prestorb, Good to hear from you and that you are doing as well as you are. Thank you for updating us on your progress. It is very much appreciated. * 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 Link to comment
AliG Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 Hi Pre. it's so good to see you posting another positive update . 12 hours ago, Prestorb said: The cognitive functioning is pretty good on the good days, and not very good on the bad days. I think I tend to overdo it on my good days which affects my sleep negatively which affects the next day. Finding the balance between too much and too little activity seems to be key. My system just seems to be easily overstimulated and I'm definitely easily overwhelmed and struggle to cope with too much stress at one time. So it's still a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I have struggled with this aspect, too ~ it's so easy to be over - stimulated but then there is the counter - reverse problem of being not quite motivated enough and suffering the anhedonia- type symptoms of this, which can result from either the flat - out fatigue (from not sleeping) or some other hormonal issue arising from the total imbalance that can occur during this .... wondrous experience. LOL. I'm sure you will continue to make progress , as you always have and yes - thank you for updating. Hoping for a success story from you one day - but only when you feel ready. I haven't done one myself yet, because it's a lot of pressure and unfortunately even though I'm miles ahead with healing, I'm still surfing those continual waves that keep cropping up Glad you're feeling somewhat better, Ali Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
lalala Posted June 15, 2018 Share Posted June 15, 2018 (edited) Hi there was wondering how did you tapper clonazapan? Edited June 15, 2018 by ChessieCat Post moved from another topic/deleted unnecessary quote 2007-2016 citalopram 20mg -40mg tappered and discontinued all of oct 2016 6 month taper (wd symptom insomnia and some ocd anxiety) Nov.2016 -May 2017 cipralex 20mg June-Sept 2017 xanax 0.25- 0.50mg 3 times a week June 2017- Sept. 25.2017 Paxil 20mg - last week was 30mg bc of drug feeling reaction Sept 27 - Oct 12 2017 Fluxatine 20mg discontinuation Oct 13-18th 2017 withdrawal from paxil and fluxatine Reinstated Oct 19- 23 Fluxtine 10mg, Oct 24- 2 2017 Fluxatine 5mg, Nov 2-19 2017 Fluxatine 10mg Dec-Jan 4 2018 Fluxatine 20mg, Reinstated Feb 18 2018 fluxatine 1mg, didnt work June 6 Celexa 5mg than 10mg, June 3 Klonopin .5 - 1mg, june 11 oxazepam 5-10mg, zopiclone in june 7.5mg on and off, June 24 reduced to 5mg Celexa Nov. 20 2018 titration k 0.02mg reduction from 0.5- 0.380mg, Nov. 25 2018 mourol 1 dose for cystitis March started Brassmonkey method 0.30 k current 0.28 kcelexa 5mgNov.2021 0.08 updose 0.09 feb. 2022 0.085k march. 0.08 april 0.075k may0.070k june 0.065 june23 0.060 NOTE: using liquid Rivotril - 2 drops of (2.5mg) rivotril with 20ml water Link to comment
Prestorb Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 Hello there! I just updated my signature line and I am definitely feeling SO much better over the last couple of months, even with the major stress of relocation. Hallelujah, praise God, I am SO thankful! It has been such a long road and I wondered if I would ever feel like myself again. But I do use an estrogen cream (Biest 50/50) and I take 100 mg of Progesterone (both hormones are bioidentical) at night. I also take various supplements as well as a thyroid supplement (I'm slightly hypo thyroid). I found an integrative gynocologist that helped me get all this tweaked properly. So it's been a huge effort and expense but worthy every minute and penny. And I have drawn closer to God and grown stronger in my faith on this journey, that is my anchor. Lalala - I did not taper clonozapam because I only used it sporadically so never became dependent on it, thank God. AliG - good to see you on here again, hang in there and keep trying things until you find what works for you my friend! I know how discouraging it can be at times, but TIME truly heals. Thank you ChessieCat! Take care and God bless!!! (((HUGS))) 🙂 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 18, 2018 Administrator Share Posted July 18, 2018 Good to hear you're doing better. This calls for our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to be added to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering. Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually! 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
Prestorb Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 Thank you Altostrata!! I will try to log on periodically to post an update and encourage others... 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
Martina23 Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 That is great Prestorb that you are feeling better 05/2013 Lyrica 100 mg / per day for pain + PGAD resulting from caesarian delivery11/2014 started to taper: 50 mg per day/ for one week then c/tafter one month reinstated at 50 mg /per days of 10 July 2015 drug free- symptoms OCD Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted January 10, 2019 Mentor Share Posted January 10, 2019 hi Prestorb how are you doing? hope all is well with you! : PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
Prestorb Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 It's been a while since I logged in or posted an update so here goes... Keep in mind that I am 50 years old, post menopausal and use bioidentical hormone therapy, so I often cannot distinguish how much of a symptom is from that and how much from withdrawal. But many, many women are post menopausal (as my therapist pointed out) so I think a fair amount is still withdrawal. And it's relatively manageable now, but I still tend to become anxious with poor sleep when something out of the ordinary is happening like going on a trip, etc. But I'm usually fine once I'm in the middle of it and can enjoy myself. My hubby and I went on a cruise for the first time after Christmas and I loved it and had a great time. And then at the other end of that spectrum, when life is just hum drum, I can be a little lethargic and demotivated. I don't remember experiencing this before I ever took antidepressants. A big part of my battle is to NOT beat myself up about it and just accept that it is what it is and that's okay. The hormone dosages most definitely impact energy, sleep and mood - but I think it's amplified due to withdrawal. And I am over two years completely med free now. But I still require a lot of rest, more than most people. I can easily sleep 8 or 9 hours a night. I am easily over stimulated so I try to be careful not to over schedule myself socially. For instance, I skipped travel to a wedding in my husband's family this weekend because we are traveling to another family gathering in a couple of weeks - and that is too much for me in that span of time. I would be exhausted and miserable if I did both. I've learned better self care through this process which is SO important. But I mostly feel good and I think that as time passes, I will feel better and better. I am very thankful for the progress I've made and for how much my overall health has improved during this journey. I didn't realize how unhealthy I was until withdrawal really forced me to examine everything and get help. I still work with an integrative doctor who does a very thorough blood test once a year (and more, if needed), and prescribes hormone therapy and supplements, etc. based on those results. She has been a real blessing and I feel like I am in good hands with her. Hang in there and God bless you in your journey! 1 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ten0275 Posted May 27, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 27, 2019 Awesome update, @Prestorb! It sounds like overall things are solid for you and I wish you much more of it. And congrats on going on, and enjoying, that cruise with your husband - pushing through that very normal anxiety towards an enjoyable outcome! hang in there, you! Dave 1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞 Link to comment
Prestorb Posted July 11, 2019 Author Share Posted July 11, 2019 Thank you @ten0275! And congratulations!! I am seeing now that you have recently hit zero - wow, you have been so patient. I pray that it is going well for you! 🙂 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
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