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Hibari: tapering Remeron and want to start tapering Lamictal


Hibari

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2 hours ago, Rabe said:

Hi Hibari...wanted to thank you again for stopping over and let you know that I am thinking about you so much.  

I think we all drift in and out of the place of wanting to find the fix that will make things better...that will keep us stable...that will make us feel better, especially when we are having a particularly challenging day.  I know that I have done that for so so long but am finally becoming more aware of it and trying hard to work on acceptance that this is how WD is.  Im not stable and it will take lots of time to heal and move forward.  

Today I was able to get a carwash which for me is huge....and go for a long walk in the sun though chilly.  Yesterday it was very hard...today I walked better and longer.  Hoping longer will be ok and grateful for the carwash!  

You are way stronger than I feel you believe....you will make it through all this Hibari.  We are all here with you and for you!  Love and hugs!💜  

Thank you Rabe.  I am strong and worn out at the same time.  

 

I have such acute anxiety most of the time but have been listening to the meditation track you suggested quite a bit. It has helped.

 

Many people tell me to go out for a walk and at times I have been able to get out sometimes. I live in a large metropolitan city and am also sick quite a bit so it's been hard.

 

I know that time is the fixer of this and if I felt physically more stable. The way I did for the majority of my wd, things would be different.  But Lamictal made me so sick both on it and off towards the end that I am really sick most of the time.  

 

I'm so glad you got out to the car wash and are able to drive.  Those are big accomplishments.  You are a determined soul.  

 

I wish the best for you.  

 

H

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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22 minutes ago, wantrelief said:

Hi Hibari - Thank you for your kind message on my thread.  I know you are disappointed being on clonazepam but sometimes we have to do what we have to do. You are still going to make it to the finish line....there just has been an unexpected detour. I hope you are feeling a bit better than you were.  Thinking about you - WR.

Thank you WR.  

 

I got some decent sleep last night and had a little period of being okay.  But for the rest of the afternoon, quite sick with headache and nausea.

 

Thank you about the benzos.  Though I am still upset, I have to accepr it.  

 

When I spoke to Baylissa, she told me she reinstated benzos twice in her journey.  She made if off so i have to hope for the same. 

 

I'm looking forward to crossing the finish line. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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I am glad you got some decent sleep last night, Hibari, and felt ok for a little while....hopefully these are signs of things slowly improving.  I will keep my fingers crossed the headache and nausea pass quickly.  That is good to know about Baylissa....and look at her now!    

-1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD)

-10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot

-Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram
-Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015

-8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?)  - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg).

Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin

Citalopram taper:  2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg

 

 

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SO glad the meditation is helping!  YAY!  

I do know that getting out is not easy...but I also know that when I sit here I usually am more anxious than if I can get out for a bit...an errand or a short walk...something.

I have been telling myself to try...can always come back...and that has helped.  I dont make it a must and then a fail if I dont make it...just the trying is a step in the right direction for me.  Take care Neroli!!!💜

-Nardil 1976 < year, stopped. React to AD's. Klonopin .5BID 1990, 2.5mg til 2016

-Klonopin doubled Jan '16. Taper to 2.25mg May to Nov '16. Bad react to Lexapro, stop. React to Prevacid too, taper off. 

-November '16 Tapered .25mg Klonopin in hospital. Jan '17 started Viibryd, 20mg from Feb to June '17,     

-20mg to 10mg Viibryd from 3/25 to 6/10 2017, 12/15 10% Viibryd taper...back up next day

-Clonazepam 2mg to 1.85mg 4/14 '17 to end November; taper to 1mg Clonazepam in hospital 9/1 tp 9/14 '17

-Feb '18 Amiloride .25mg  5/18 off Amiloride d/t react. Clonaz compounded  

-4/27 '18 Viibryd 9.5mg, 6/11 9.0 mg, 1/27 '19 Viibryd 8.75mg, ; Clonazepam .2mg 530pm and .7mg 1130pm, Premarin .3mg 830PM CARAFATE QID 2/27/19 to 3/5/19

-July 6'19 1/2 10mg Claritin 230pm, stopped it about July 18, started Oct 11 '19, 

-7/27 Viibryd 8.5, 8/29 8.25, 10/24 8.0, 12/19 7.75, Feb '20 7.50, 3/20 7.25, 5/20 7.0, 6/20 6.75, 7/20 6.5, 8/20 6.25, 10/2 20 6.0, 11/25'20 5.75, 1/9/21 5.5, 2/23 5.25

-1015 AM Viibryd, vit D 4,000IU 130, 415 Clonazepam .2mg, 815 Premarin .3mg, 1015 Clonaz .7mg,

  1115 3t fish oil+D 1145 Castor Oil 650mg(4) 1230 Carafate 1/2GM,Methylated B Vit  1/week,Reacted Mag prn

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Such a hard day today.  Not a lot of sleep and a deep feeling of depression and  sadness over this process.  

 

I keep hoping as I head into this 3rd month of wd to experience some Lamictal wd relief but I haven't seen so much.  I was so sick being on Lamictal and had to jump but I've been sick ever since too.  Maybe some things have shifted, not such horrible physical tension and mental anguish but sill anxious and nauseous. 

 

I know taking the benzos probably complicated things and as I get my dosing stable,  I hope other things happen as well. Right now, I'm just existing.  I have played some computer games and talked with friends.  Going to take a walk with my husband but to be honest its painful to be outside with others who seem so normal.  

 

Just need to share my loneliness and sorrow.  

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Alto, got my thyroid test back and its normal.  Also tested negative for Lyme disease.  Just waiting on cortisol results. 

 

I've been posting my logs on the benzo aide for now. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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13 hours ago, Hibari said:

Alto, got my thyroid test back and its normal.  Also tested negative for Lyme disease.  Just waiting on cortisol results. 

 

I've been posting my logs on the benzo aide for now. 

Also, would you take a look at my Lamictal symptoms on the logs?  I still have some hyperness and fearfulness about a 1/2;hour after I take them.

 

Still taking  .20 tenths of a milligram. 

.10 at 8:30 and .10 at 1:30. 

 

Thank you. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Received an in home acupuncture treatment as a gift to help.calm my nervous system and for insomnia. 

 

I had to time the session around my afternoon Lamictal dosage.  

 

So started to feel pretty relaxed during the session  after a horrible day with no sleep and then a 1/2 hour after my dose, I felt the usual anxiety kick in.  The pattern of hyperness after the dose is very specific. It disrupted the last part of the session.  

 

I would like to drop down my reinstatement dose but would like a moderator opinion.

 

Still taking two divided doses of .10 

8:30am and 1:30pm.  

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
13 hours ago, Hibari said:

I would like to drop down my reinstatement dose but would like a moderator opinion.

 

Please don't ask tapering advice for both your benzo and your lamictal on the same day, Hibari.

 

Only work with one drug at a time.

 

Please see your benzo thread and let us know if you're going to stay on the benzo or come off. That needs to be a priority as you are right at the window of becoming dependent again. 

 

 

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I posted this to the benzo side and Shep told me to come over to my main thread since I am now stuck on the benzos for awhile.

 

I have been in acute Lamictal wd since November with no significant relief.  

 

The Clonzapam has helped a bit with sleep but that's about it. Of course now that I am dependent, I know I will have to hold.  I actually think I am in some kind if benzo wd initially no set dose to start with.

 

I just don't know what to do regarding the Lamictal at this point.  I am taking 2 tenths of a reinstatement dose since November 24th.  

 

The daily pain and strain is wearing me down and I  have no quality of life at this time. While my goal has been to be med free, I don't known if that is possible for me despite my determination over the past few years.  

 

I know all the reasons why and what led to this should  but I just don't know my next steps should be. 

 

Looking for  guidance and direction at this time.  

 

I currently take:

8:30 .10 Lamictal

1:30  .10 Lamictal

 

7AM .25 Clonzapam

9:30  .375 Clonzapam

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Administrator

What problems do those 2 Lamictal doses cause?

 

As ever, I need to see your daily drug schedule with symptom pattern. You must know this by now. Please don't make me keep asking for it!

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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30 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

What problems do those 2 Lamictal doses cause?

 

As ever, I need to see your daily drug schedule with symptom pattern. You must know this by now. Please don't make me keep asking for it!

Alto, you asked me to post on the benzo side while I was working my way through that issue.  I posted my Lamictal symptoms in all my logs there. 

I haven't posted in the last couple of days as I was considering a rapid taper.  

 

I always give you what you ask for and I don't understand when you say, don't make me keep asking for it. 

 

I posted there quite frequently and just switched back over here today.  Do you want me to copy the logs from.a few days ago to here? 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Administrator

I want to see your logs from yesterday and today. They are not in your Benzo topic.

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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Okay, here they are. 

 

1/12/18

Slept after going to bed early. 

7:00AM .25 Clonazampam

8:00AM 75 Thyroid

8:30AM .10 Lamictal

9:00AM  Feel some hyperness

Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs and bannab

12:00PM Lunch Tuna Fish

1:30PM .10 Lamictal

2:00PM  Some speediness

4:00PM Feel anxiety spike and feel restless, cry with husband

5:00PM Steamed chicken and brown rice

6:00PM Alanon meeting, leave at 6:30 due to trembling

7:30 More chicken and brown rice

10PM .375 Clonzapam

Very poor sleep, deep sweating off and on all night

2AM Take one magnesium and 1 Tryptophan

Awake all night, aching joints and mental anguish, very physically tense

 

1/13/18

Feel very sick in the morning.  Sweating, stomach ache, achy body, wd symtoms of head pressure and shaking

7:00AM .25 25 Clonazampam

8:00AM 75 Thyroid

8:30AM .10 Lamictal

Feel to sick to notice any reaction.   Very scared and tense

10AM Bannana, toast

11:00 Very tense, crying, feel so anxious and scared about wd

12PM Almond butter smoothie

1:30PM .10 Lamictal

2:00PM Some minor speediness

2-4  Very depressed, in bed, tense, anxious, headache, upset stomach, some sweating, very upset about being on Clonazapam

4PM Hamburger and bannana

5PM Very restless

 

 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Administrator

So where are you with reducing thyroid hormone? What if too much thyroid hormone is the cause of your symptoms?

 

Read this https://www.verywellhealth.com/could-you-be-overmedicated-on-thyroid-drugs-3233271

 

Please stop brooding about Lamictal. My sense is those two small doses are not the cause of your problems.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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I posted specifically  in this thread a few days ago that I got my thyroid test and it was normal. And that my Lyme test was negative.  

 

I am not brooding about the Lamictal doses, just wanted to know if I should continue to hold them as I don't know much about reinstatement and when to drop doses.  

 

I dont understand what's going on in our interaction? You asked me to get my thyroid checked and I did.  I'm waiting for the cortisol.results. 

 

 

 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Administrator

No, I said those numbers regarding your thyroid didn't mean anything to me, and that if I were you, I try a reduction of thyroid hormone and see what happens.

 

You can have "normal" thyroid labs (very unclear what "normal" means) and still have symptoms from taking too much thyroid hormone. It's possible you never needed thyroid hormone supplementation in the first place.

 

Did you read the article about too much thyroid hormone? Did you see your symptoms described there?

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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  • Administrator
On 12/17/2018 at 10:20 PM, Hibari said:

Had them checked in May.   My psychiatrist felt the T3 was a little high so brought me down from 90mgs of thyroid to 75 mgs.

 

Is it your psychiatrist, and not an endocrinologist, who is monitoring your thyroid drug dosage? Did you feel any different when you decreased to 75mgs (must be 75mcg?)? Did your labs change after the reduction?

 

Personally, I would never depend on a psychiatrist for endocrinological treatment. They don't even understand their own drugs.

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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24 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

Is it your psychiatrist, and not an endocrinologist, who is monitoring your thyroid drug dosage? Did you feel any different when you decreased to 75mgs (must be 75mcg?)? Did your labs change after the reduction?

 

Personally, I would never depend on a psychiatrist for endocrinological treatment. They don't even understand their own drugs.

It was this endocrinologist who did the test.  Do you mean other blood work when you say labs?  They seem within normal range.  

 

No I did not feel a difference when i reduced my thyroid. 

 

Believe me I am.way beyond disappointed wirh my "holistic psychiatrist"  She jas caused me heartbreak around the benzos, which I take responsibility for as well.  

 

I read the article and yes, while I see some.of my symptoms in there, I also see them in the list  Lamictal wd symptoms as well.  When I started having hyperness after dose, you were the one who caught the paradoxical reaction

 

That in addition to the physical tension,(the kind where you can't move),  mental anguish, every other day insomnia, and akathsia started when I came off Lamictal.  That's what landed me in the emergency room.  

   

 

 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Administrator

I believe you are hypersensitive to drugs and you are having a paradoxical reaction to those small doses of Lamictal. This is a short-lived reaction after you take your doses. However, my guess is that Lamictal is also stabilizing your nervous system to some extent.

 

Your need for thyroid hormone (if it ever existed) can vary. Going on and off drugs can affect this, too.

 

It appears your symptoms are not due to Lamictal withdrawal, although that cold-turkey didn't help, or those small doses of Lamictal would reduce them. It's possible it's still Cymbalta withdrawal -- but it's not behaving like Cymbalta withdrawal. Your symptom pattern points to a drug cause, particularly the nighttime sweating. That's usually from too much drug.

 

If your current "anxiety, nervous energy, tremors", "feeling irritable, overemotional, erratic, or depressed", "difficulty sleeping", sweating at night, etc. are actually caused by too much thyroid hormone, you can play with your Lamictal and clonazepam dosing for years and still have no change in symptoms.

 

Testing whether you're taking too much thyroid hormone is easy and low-risk: You simply reduce it and observe for a couple of months. If your symptoms gradually improve over that time, reducing thyroid hormone was the right move. Perfect labs is not the goal of thyroid treatment, feeling good is the goal. (Your labs might not even be affected.)

 

What happened after you reduced thyroid hormone to 75(mcg?)? It might take a month or so before you notice a difference in T4. I take it you didn't notice any difference and your labs remained normal? This means you were taking a dosage you didn't need and you may still be taking excess thyroid hormone.

 

This is my best guess. I feel we have hashed your Lamictal dosing to the point of exhaustion (mine) and I'm not going down that path again. I'm not going to deal with clonazepam dosing. I don't understand why you went the high-risk route with clonazepam instead of the low-risk route with reducing T4.

 

So this is it from me, I have no more ideas.

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 minute ago, Altostrata said:

I believe you are hypersensitive to drugs and you are having a paradoxical reaction to those small doses of Lamictal. This is a short-lived reaction after you take your doses. However, my guess is that Lamictal is also stabilizing your nervous system to some extent.

 

Your need for thyroid hormone (if it ever existed) can vary. Going on and off drugs can affect this, too.

 

It appears your symptoms are not due to Lamictal withdrawal, although that cold-turkey didn't help, or those small doses of Lamictal would reduce them. It's possible it's still Cymbalta withdrawal -- but it's not behaving like Cymbalta withdrawal. Your symptom pattern points to a drug cause, particularly the nighttime sweating. That's usually from too much drug.

 

If your current "anxiety, nervous energy, tremors", "feeling irritable, overemotional, erratic, or depressed", "difficulty sleeping", sweating at night, etc. are actually caused by too much thyroid hormone, you can play with your Lamictal and clonazepam dosing for years and still have no change in symptoms.

 

Testing whether you're taking too much thyroid hormone is easy and low-risk: You simply reduce it and observe for a couple of months. If your symptoms gradually improve over that time, reducing thyroid hormone was the right move. Perfect labs is not the goal of thyroid treatment, feeling good is the goal. (Your labs might not even be affected.)

 

What happened after you reduced thyroid hormone to 75(mcg?)? It might take a month or so before you notice a difference in T4. I take it you didn't notice any difference and your labs remained normal? This means you were taking a dosage you didn't need and you may still be taking excess thyroid hormone.

 

This is my best guess. I feel we have hashed your Lamictal dosing to the point of exhaustion (mine) and I'm not going down that path again. I'm not going to deal with clonazepam dosing. I don't understand why you went the high-risk route with clonazepam instead of the low-risk route with reducing T4.

 

So this is it from me, I have no more ideas.

 

Dear Alto,

 

I'm not sure what is happening in our interaction. 

 

I will take your suggestion and reduce my thyroid.

 

I'm also not sure what you mean about Cymbalta. 

 

I did not ask you to discuss my reasoning for taking Clonzapam. It's already too raw a topic for me anyway and has caused me great upset.  

 

I have always responded to your questions the best I could and until I became sick on Lamictal tried to do my best here. 

 

So I will step back from the site for now  because I am feeling a level of frustration coming towards me that I dont understand nor can I handle at this time. 

 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Administrator

Please let us know how you're doing a few weeks after you decrease your thyroid drug. It would be a good idea to keep notes every day.

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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10 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Please let us know how you're doing a few weeks after you decrease your thyroid drug. It would be a good idea to keep notes every day.

I will reach out to Shep when I am ready to start tapering the benzo.  

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hi Hibari,

 

I came across your post when I was searching for armour thyroid.  Can you get a full thyroid panel from a doctor for your thyroid? Many endocrinologists don’t test the whole panel and only go by TSH and miss the whole picture.  

 

You would need to test your Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3 as well as get a full iron panel and a blood cortisol.  In order for a natural desiccated thyroid to work you have to have optimal iron levels and optimal cortisol as well.  If your levels are not optimal taking or increasing armour will cause side effects as it will not be getting properly absorbed.  

 

Also, you mentioned that you started when you were 30 and now 59 at 90 mg of armour.  From what I’ve read 90 mg is a starting dose and is considered low.  Some experience return of hypothyroid symptoms if the dose is too low.  This is based on patient experience as described on Stop The Thyroid Madness.  I am not recommending you increase or decrease without getting proper blood work done first to see where you are.  I would try to look for a naturopath or a functional medicine doctor who is willing to work with you and get all the proper testing done.

 

I got diagnosed hypothyroid this summer based on my symptoms and a full thyroid blood panel.  My TSH was in range but my Free T3 and T4 were low.  I was put on armour 15.  At first I felt better and the fatigue decreased but when I did not increase I plateaued because I was not optimal and was holding at a low dose too long and my symptoms came back.  I also had trouble increasing my armour and got major anxiety so I went down and doing a bit better thankfully.  I have to work on iron and cortisol as well.  

 

Hope you will feel better soon 

 

 

 

04/10 Luvox 25 mg PM, Nortriptyline 1 mg PM

03/08/19: Buspar 2.5 mg AM, 5 mg PM

01/01/19: Xanax 0.125 AM 5 times a week. Occasionally, 0.125 twice a day AM & noon

12/18 Armour Thyroid 60 mg (for hypothyroidism) 

 

Supplements: B Complex, B12 (adeno), multi-vitamin, D, Adrenal Cortex, iron

  • Lexapro 20 mg 2007 - 2013 with various attempts to stop
  • 2013 found a new Dr and started trying other meds: Prozac, Notryptoline, Effexor, Buspar, Gabapentin, Paxil, Nardil
  • Lexapro 15 mg 2015 - 04/2016
  • Vibryiid 10 - 15mg 05/16-06/16 
  • NO MEDS 07/16 - 10/31/16
  • Reinstated 10/31/16 at 2.5 mg lexapro, increased to 5 mg   
  • 1/13/17 switched to Luvox 50 mg before bed
  • 1/20/17 Luvox 37.5 mg PM
  • 12/18 Luvox 10 mg PM, Nortriptyline 2 mg (started Nortriptyline 06/17 at 10 mg)
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  • 5 months later...

Hi Chessie,

 

I see that you get your medication compounded.  

 

I am considering doing that for the rest of my benzo taper.  Facing the scale everyday has been stressful. 

 

May I ask about your experience with compounding pills?  I had two previous medications compounded with liquid,  one successfully, one not so successfully. 

 

I found out that the compounding pharmacy I want to use can use the brand I've been dry cutting so far. I think for me it's a bit about letting go of control.  

 

Thank you. 

 

Hibari. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 11/12/2011 at 6:53 AM, Altostrata said:

MOD NOTE:  If you cannot find a pharmacist who will compound your drug I suggest you contact the main compounding association in your country and ask them if your drug can be compounded and if it can, to advise you of a pharmacy who can do the compounding for you.  Or you could ask the compounding pharmacy to contact the compounding association.

 

PCCA - Professional Compounding Centers of America (includes:  Bahamas, Canada, US, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Malaysia)

 

* 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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10 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

 

11 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

Hi Chessie, I have two compounding pharmacies I can use, I was more interested in your experience in using then for your pills.  Thanks.  

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Sorry but I don't understand what you are asking.  Could you please explain?  Thanks.

* 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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1 hour ago, ChessieCat said:

Sorry but I don't understand what you are asking.  Could you please explain?  Thanks.

Sure, sorry if I was unclear.  

 

I have been dry cutting my pills but lately feel like I want to have someone else do the work of weighing out my pills.  I have found a compounding pharmacy to do that but I think I have a little irrational fear that they will get the weight or dosage wrong.  I was asking about your experience with getting your medication compounded during your taper and if you found it helpful.  

 

Hope that is clearer! 

 

H

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

At the start of my taper there was very little information on SA about how to get needed doses of Pristiq because it comes in a tablet where the slow release is actually part of the tablet matrix (the "glue" in the tablet) so when you break up the tablet it becomes immediate release IR.  Also the tablets are a shape that makes it difficult to cut them evenly so it is difficult to get consistent doses because of the irregular sizes which would mean irregular release of the drug depending on the size of the pieces.  Of course I also didn't have much knowledge at the time so was having to really on SA information.  Only yesterday I had the thought that the Pristiq tablets could be filed down and weighed, which I probably would have done on the larger doses and it would have saved me a lot of money.

 

I asked my compounder what are the smallest doses he can make and he said that he can do whatever I need.  For my next batch I will be getting 0.125mg capsules made, and the batch after that (about March 2020) I will be getting 0.625mg capsules.

 

There is one member who was having difficulties stabilising when she changed to capsules so she had some tested and there was a fairly large variation in the doses.  I will admit that it was something that I hadn't even considered, but after finding that out, I decided that it was no good worrying about it.  I had been using capsules for about 3 years at that time and I'm not patient enough to be weighing out tiny amounts of powdered Pristiq, which would need to be halved and taken twice a day once crushed and IR.  And I feel reasonably confident that the doses my compounding pharmacist is creating are more accurate that what I would be able to manage.  Once I under 10mg I started splitting my doses (not in half) and taking it twice daily.

 

The one big issue for me with using compounded capsules is working out how many I need because I have to make assumptions about the holding time on each dose.

 

Andie is another member who is using capsules to taper.

* 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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Thank you for that explanation.  

 

I appreciate you taking the time. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed quote

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hi Hibari...I am the one that had some issues with the compounding pharmacy.  But things have improved since I bought it to their attention.  They have the same person do the compounding so they can track it better.  The scale was not always right and I had trouble with it so for me this is a good option...but yes...letting go ad trusting is not easy for me at all given all that has gone on these past few years.  I think you will find it to be a nice thing...the compounding. Love and hugs.💜

-Nardil 1976 < year, stopped. React to AD's. Klonopin .5BID 1990, 2.5mg til 2016

-Klonopin doubled Jan '16. Taper to 2.25mg May to Nov '16. Bad react to Lexapro, stop. React to Prevacid too, taper off. 

-November '16 Tapered .25mg Klonopin in hospital. Jan '17 started Viibryd, 20mg from Feb to June '17,     

-20mg to 10mg Viibryd from 3/25 to 6/10 2017, 12/15 10% Viibryd taper...back up next day

-Clonazepam 2mg to 1.85mg 4/14 '17 to end November; taper to 1mg Clonazepam in hospital 9/1 tp 9/14 '17

-Feb '18 Amiloride .25mg  5/18 off Amiloride d/t react. Clonaz compounded  

-4/27 '18 Viibryd 9.5mg, 6/11 9.0 mg, 1/27 '19 Viibryd 8.75mg, ; Clonazepam .2mg 530pm and .7mg 1130pm, Premarin .3mg 830PM CARAFATE QID 2/27/19 to 3/5/19

-July 6'19 1/2 10mg Claritin 230pm, stopped it about July 18, started Oct 11 '19, 

-7/27 Viibryd 8.5, 8/29 8.25, 10/24 8.0, 12/19 7.75, Feb '20 7.50, 3/20 7.25, 5/20 7.0, 6/20 6.75, 7/20 6.5, 8/20 6.25, 10/2 20 6.0, 11/25'20 5.75, 1/9/21 5.5, 2/23 5.25

-1015 AM Viibryd, vit D 4,000IU 130, 415 Clonazepam .2mg, 815 Premarin .3mg, 1015 Clonaz .7mg,

  1115 3t fish oil+D 1145 Castor Oil 650mg(4) 1230 Carafate 1/2GM,Methylated B Vit  1/week,Reacted Mag prn

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Thank you Rabe.  I was thinking last night, after not sleeping again, that I need to turn it over to a compounding pharmacy and take that stress off my self.  

 

Thanks for sharing your experience with me.  

 

Hibari. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hibari has written her success story.  As is SA's custom this topic will be locked.

 

Link to Hibari's Success Story:

 

hibari-polydrugged-benzos-twice-and-now-im-well

* 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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  • ChessieCat locked this topic
  • 5 months later...

Severe Setback

 

Hi,

 

It's with deep sorrow that I have to post that I'm in a setback due to unavoidable surgery. The anesthesia and components used really put me back into withdrawal even though I asked for many things not to be used. 

 

It's been 10 very difficult weeks and I lost my sleep after 6 weeks. I tried to stay with just magnesium but it didn't work. 

 

I have a specific question. I had tried Trazadone for about 1 month with a dose ranging from 75mgs to 100 mgs. The results were mixed.  I have been switched to low dose Mirtazapine 7.5mg, with better results. 

 

May I ask for support and guidance on tapering the short term use  Trazadone? I have not taken it nightly for the past week, 4 out of 7 but have a feeling to has to be tapered. 

 

I plan to taper off the Mirtazapine after I stabilize from the setback. 

 

As you can imagine, this has been a very hard thing to go through after thriving for 17 months. 

 

I will also look at the tapering information. 

 

Hibari 

 

Current meds

75-100mgs Trazadone Sept 8-Oct. 9.  One night with both. 

7.5 Mirtazapine Oct 5-Oct 9th Taken 

Magnesium 100-200mgs 

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added Intro topic title before merging with intro topic

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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  • ChessieCat unlocked this topic
  • Administrator

Sorry to hear this after all you've been through, @Hibari

 

Since you've skipped taking trazodone, why do you think you need to taper it?

 

Good to hear the mirtazapine helps. That will need to be tapered when the time comes.

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

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