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gigi63: Weaning Bupropion


gigi63

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Thank you ShakeyJerr. Thank you for your response. I know precisely the difference, it is just so angering that this is legal. You know, it is my belief that MOST people have no idea of this truth. If in truth, people were educated and the truth was set before them at the time they opted for and filled their script, how many might choose or have chosen differently. I know I would have. It is as you say, we are choosing withdrawal. Though the process is long and difficult, the hope is for freedom and restoration. I know many individuals who are on and have no intention of ever coming off. I simply long for those of us who want to be healed and set free, to BE healed and set free!!!!

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Freedom is definitely what we need!

 

In my case, I resisted going on medications for a long time. Then I read the book "listening to Prozac." The psychiatrist-author said he was against medications for the longest time until he studied Prozac and found it to be helpful. That convinced me to give in to my doctors and say okay. This was almost 20 years ago, and I didn't think to do any further research. Of course, there probably wasn't much information online back then like we have access to now.

 

I had to come off of the meds. I knew it was negatively impacting my personality. My marriage was in shambles from the angry, rage-filled person I was. And I thought about just wanting to die a lot. As soon as I started my (non-scientific/poorly done) taper, my mood got better and my marriage began healing. Though now I kind of wished I had stayed on a minimum dose (Effexor 75mg). Maybe I could have been in a sweet spot and avoided all of this pain.

 

SJ

Main thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/14472-shakeyjerr-say-hello/

History: Prozac & Lithium from 1999 to 2003. Ended up back on after 4 months because taking a beta-blocker caused immediate depression (just 2 doses - turned out I didn't even need it; I had no other withdrawal symptoms - I might have ended up med and withdrawal-free otherwise :(). - Switched to Effexor (75mg 3/day) and Seroquel (50mg 3/day) in 2010. - Did a self-taper during 2016. - Developed Discontinuation Syndrome 02/17.

Supplements: Magnesium-Glycinate 400mg split into 4 100mg doses throughout the day. Vitamin C 500mg - once per day. Fish Oil 1360 mg (950 mg Active Omega-3) - twice per day.

I'm not a doctor. I use the internet, experience, and trial & error. Seek medical advice if necessary.

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SJ, we are going to heal!!! The hard part for me is the acute slowness of the process. My mind knows that I cannot expect my CNS to just adjust after 8.5 YEARS on the drug, but my heart would like it to do so as of yesterday. In the past year at steady small RI dose, I have seen positive healing all be it at SLOTH pace slow. It is as so many who have gone before us have said, the passage THROUGH is hard and slow, yet they have gone through and they are our great cloud of witnesses. Healing awaits us too. Timeline, who knows, but it is there for each of us. Three deep breaths with exhales and forward we go. A friend here on the site said to me, "maybe the slowness is the bodies natural way to ensure that we don't get too ahead of ourselves and our healing?" Perhaps this is very true. There is so much learning that is occurring in the process. SJ, we will walk this 1000 mile treck, one step at a time , one moment at a time. (((( hugs)))). Jamie

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SJ, by the way, Read Hudgens success story if you haven't already. He was on one antidepressant or another for 20 years. His last being Effexor. This fall will be three years off for him. He did an almost four year taper, he is fully recovered. For those of us that tapered too quickly, yes, we can look forward to healing too, there are several success stories on this site.

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Thanks for all of your great words, triplem - they help immensely, Though right super-horrible. I ended up taking a tylenol pm because my back hurt and the benadryl in it is like using hydroxyzine, which my doc gave me for when symptoms get really bad. I think it may have been a bad idea. It made my body feel all "floating" in a bad way, like it was about to turn off and I would die (which, by the way, the hydroxyzine sometimes makes me feel like, especially it and lay down... stupid me to do the same thing with the benadryl). So I got up out of bed to force myself to be moving around. I'm at my wits end.

 

I feel like God is not listening or helping. I know that is not true, but it is how I am feeling. This has been the worst withdrawal day so far over the months.

 

SJ

Main thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/14472-shakeyjerr-say-hello/

History: Prozac & Lithium from 1999 to 2003. Ended up back on after 4 months because taking a beta-blocker caused immediate depression (just 2 doses - turned out I didn't even need it; I had no other withdrawal symptoms - I might have ended up med and withdrawal-free otherwise :(). - Switched to Effexor (75mg 3/day) and Seroquel (50mg 3/day) in 2010. - Did a self-taper during 2016. - Developed Discontinuation Syndrome 02/17.

Supplements: Magnesium-Glycinate 400mg split into 4 100mg doses throughout the day. Vitamin C 500mg - once per day. Fish Oil 1360 mg (950 mg Active Omega-3) - twice per day.

I'm not a doctor. I use the internet, experience, and trial & error. Seek medical advice if necessary.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hello MMM and SJ. I just came by to say hi and wish you both well. I am on the benzo board and actually don't post much, but I do read. I think you are both very courageous people!

 

MN

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Hello MMM and SJ. I just came by to say hi and wish you both well. I am on the benzo board and actually don't post much, but I do read. I think you are both very courageous people!

 

MN

 

Thank you so much for your kind words. I am drawing my courage from God, my wife, my daughter, my friends and prayer partners, and the people here on SA.

 

We are in this together! We will heal!

 

SJ

Main thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/14472-shakeyjerr-say-hello/

History: Prozac & Lithium from 1999 to 2003. Ended up back on after 4 months because taking a beta-blocker caused immediate depression (just 2 doses - turned out I didn't even need it; I had no other withdrawal symptoms - I might have ended up med and withdrawal-free otherwise :(). - Switched to Effexor (75mg 3/day) and Seroquel (50mg 3/day) in 2010. - Did a self-taper during 2016. - Developed Discontinuation Syndrome 02/17.

Supplements: Magnesium-Glycinate 400mg split into 4 100mg doses throughout the day. Vitamin C 500mg - once per day. Fish Oil 1360 mg (950 mg Active Omega-3) - twice per day.

I'm not a doctor. I use the internet, experience, and trial & error. Seek medical advice if necessary.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello all, I have what might seem like an odd question, had anyone gone out on a boat in the midst of waves and windows, and had a setback because of it due to the motion???

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Hey I've been on 300mg Wellbutrin XL for almost the same amount of time. I tried quitting roughly 5 years ago when I was on 150mg/day. After 6 months of tapering down to 75mg I basically gave up. Then within the next 2 years depression got so severe that I was brought back to 150, then 200 then 300 all in 3-6 month intervals back to 300 where I'm currently at now.

 

One thing about Wellbutrin is that the GENERIC DOESNT WORK. I get all the horrible side effects when I take the generic. Brand name only for me. I KNOW my body and the generic doesn't work. It works for about 4-6 hours only if it's the Watson SR version but got to take 2x a day. Other then that nothing else works.

 

Good luck with your withdrawal. I'm still not ready to drop the Wellbutrin yet as my life is relatively stable and I'd like to try and keep it that way. Hope things go well and I'll be reading and observing how it goes for you. Seeing stories like this online makes me feel I'm not the only person that I know going through this struggle.

Current daily meds:

Wellbutrin 300mg XL (BRAND-NAME ONLY) - 7 years

Trazodone 50mg - 7 years

Vyvanse 70mg - been on it since it came out, adderall 30 before.

Ritalin 10mg IR - 3 years

 

On hand: Valium 10mg (rarely take only for panic attacks 1-2x month or less).

Xanex 0.25mg (only for those rare moments - shorter duration)

 

WD history : lexapro 7 years ago, Ativan 5 years ago.

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Triple, I get a setback if I drive on the freeway (world moving too fast) or try to mow the lawn (vibrations and noise), so I would say a boat could give you a setback!

 

MN

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

 

On April 22, 2017 at 9:38 AM, triplem15 said:

My mind knows that I cannot expect my CNS to just adjust after 8.5 YEARS on the drug, but my heart would like it to do so as of yesterday.

Hi TripleM, 

I can relate to that!! I saw your post on another thread and it was so encouraging (Jennifer 78's thread) so I stopped by here. I've read through your thread and will be following your progress too. Hope you are doing well. <3

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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Thanks MMM. :)

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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How are you doing today, TripleM?

Main thread: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/14472-shakeyjerr-say-hello/

History: Prozac & Lithium from 1999 to 2003. Ended up back on after 4 months because taking a beta-blocker caused immediate depression (just 2 doses - turned out I didn't even need it; I had no other withdrawal symptoms - I might have ended up med and withdrawal-free otherwise :(). - Switched to Effexor (75mg 3/day) and Seroquel (50mg 3/day) in 2010. - Did a self-taper during 2016. - Developed Discontinuation Syndrome 02/17.

Supplements: Magnesium-Glycinate 400mg split into 4 100mg doses throughout the day. Vitamin C 500mg - once per day. Fish Oil 1360 mg (950 mg Active Omega-3) - twice per day.

I'm not a doctor. I use the internet, experience, and trial & error. Seek medical advice if necessary.

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Hi all, I was reading a success story from just less than one year ago. Rhiannon had given Andy a bit of advice on his original thread of, and finally off zyprexa.  I have read so much of Rhiannon's writing and her firm belief of the health benefit if the sloooooo taper. I have nicknamed her, 'Queen of the slow taper'. What I am wondering is where is she?   I would love to talk to her.  Thanks.  

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  • 2 weeks later...

I am just checking this out. Is this the correct place to post if I have questions or concerns for the mods?  Honestly since the upgrade, I am not sure if this is the same place or where I would go?  Thank you.  If someone could please answer I would appreciate this. 

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Yes, this is the place.  This is your personal journal thread for keeping records, asking questions and talking with friends.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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Rhi pops in only every so often these days.  She's now getting on with her life after w/d.  Her writing is amazing isn't it?  I've gotten so much from it myself. 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi,  I am looking for some advice.  I have been in protracted withdrawal for some time now.  I believe I have a cavity under a crown and will need mandatory dental work. I am very fearful because they will need to freeze the area with ? Lidocaine.  This drug crosses the blood brain barrier. I am very fearful for how my CNS will process this. Does anyone have any knowledge of this???

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Hi, triplem.

 

I've had a couple of dental procedures during withdrawal and I asked the dentist to use carbocaine instead of novocaine, since novocaine contains  epinephrine, which can ramp up symptoms in some people. 

 

You'll find more information and other people's experiences in this link:

 

Dental surgery - dental medications - tooth discoloration

 

 

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi everyone.  I haven't posted on my thread for some time. Thank you Brassmonkey and Karen for responding. I am just reading these replys  now.  So, Rhi is completely done? I sure hope so and Hods blessing!!! I am posting today for a couple of reasons. 1) I am today beginning month 18 at my current RI dose of 18.75mg.  I have been coming in the right direction very very slowly.  I am listening intently to my body and I am still not at good and steady.  I continue to have waves and windows but the waves in some ways have become less intense. New symptoms have also come, aches and pains in various areas of my muscles and nerves. For all intents, I am healing as one who cold turkeyed. The process is very slow. My RI dose is also quite small as I was at 150mg and am now at 18.75. I plan to stay put and let the healing continue.  I have done much reading on this site and have gleaned so much helpful information from veterans and others on this site. This leads me to my second reason for checking in. I want to thank every moderator on this site for what you have chosen to do. Your work and help here can never be valued more!!!  I am so appreciative of each and every one of you!!!!  The world is not listening to the truth of antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. I am so blessed to have found this site when I crashed.  I have an undetermined amount of time yet to go to stabilize and then, sit some more to "allow the paint to dry" before I resume my taper but I am so grateful to KNOW you are all here.  Thank you so much!!!  onward I go, hoping and praying and waiting for good and steady.  Nothing in my life could have prepared me for this journey!!!  Absolutely unbelievable!!!  Indeed truth can be stranger than fiction!!!!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello.  I am wondering if anyone can direct me to any information or theories of;  what is it about us here on this site and other forums, those of us in protracted withdrawal, what is it about us that makes our experience coming off of these drugs so difficult where as many can just go through a few months of discontinuation symptoms and off they go???  Is there any literature that speaks to this???  Thank you.  

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Hi Gigi! I just answered you on my success story thread! Sorry I disappeared for months. I'm not a regular poster.

 

About your question above, I have wondered the same. I think all our brains are slightly different. It could come down to genetic differences, for example. But it could also have to do with how long we were on the drugs, and how we were on them... like the dosage, combinations, whether we took generics or not, if we'd skip doses, if we'd change to different meds... there could be so many factors! Hopefully more research will be done.

 

I know for me, I wondered, especially given how I was treated by doctors, if there was something wrong with me. But you know... this kind of thing happens with all meds, where some people have no major issues, and others do!

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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  • 2 months later...

Hello all. I am looking for some sound advice.  I am in need of a crown.  I saw my dentist today because of tooth pain. I know  pain in the teeth often is a direct result of WD.  I do have pains, numb and tingling feelings on and off and in different teeth and my jaw on and off.  I went in because I am a grinder and clencher and wanted to be fit for a guard and wanted this one tooth checked out because the nerve pain was very intense.  He did pictures and testing and I do have a cracked tooth in a filled tooth. To prevent further complications he advised a crown.  I cannot get in for almost one mos and that is a different issue. Today the pain is much improved so I know WD nerve healing and such are a factor in this also.  I was tol by Shepherd some time back that carbocaine should be used. No epinephrine.  I also know I cannot take quinolone.  Is there anything else I need to know to protect my fragile CNS?  I am still holding st 18.75 mg for 20 months now and still in waves and windows. Not at good and steady.  Please advise if there is anything else I should know. Thank you.  

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello, I have a question.  I am wondering if anyone has any experience with using ibuprofen during WD?  I am still waves and windows with slow gradual improvement.  I am 20 months into my small RI and not at good and steady.  Last week I had to under go an emergent root canal.  I knew to ask for carbocaine.  Just two days ago I started to use 1/4 of tablet of ibuprofen to assist with inflammation.  I am fearful to use more due to feared hypersensitivities to everything and paradoxical reactions.  Any good advise for me here?  I try diligently not to take anything to complicate the healing process.  Thank you.  

 

 

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  • 4 months later...

I just came across this very belated. I've taken naproxen which is very similar to ibuprofen. No problems.

How are you doing these days?

MN

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