Rose9975 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 Thank you Fresh XxX well located ...so many gems on this site....snap read the first O/P and could really identify with it. The brain is tried now.I look foward to reading the rest.Time for bed. Nite All xx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 6th April to today feeling my old self.No unusual symptoms so I might take it that I have stabilised???? Any feedback welcome Today I feel angry but think is due to feeling stressed.I am struggling with 'holding my tongue' a shut mouth catch's no flies as they say. I'm still working on relaxing & calming my mind.I'm finding acupuncture amazing for calming body & mind. All is well over all. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 9, 2016 Administrator Share Posted April 9, 2016 That's a very good sign, Rose. You may be on your way. Don't be surprised at the occasional wave.... 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
Rose9975 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 Lexapro Package Leaflet last revised June 2015 Pregnancy, breast - feeding & fertility In form your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.Do not take lexapro if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved. If you take lexapro during the last 3 months of your pregnancy, you should be aware that the following effects may be seen in your newborn baby: trouble breathing, bluish skin, fits, body temperature changes, feeding difficulties, vomiting, low blood sugar, stiff or floppy muscles, vivid reflexes, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, lethargy, constant crying, sleepiness and sleeping difficulties. If your newborn baby has any of these symptoms,please contact your doctor immediately. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 Make sure your midwife and/or doctor know you are on lexapro.When taken during pregnancy, particularly on the last three months of pregnancy, medicines like Lexapro may increase the risk of a serious condition in babies, called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), making the baby breathe faster and appear bluish.These symptoms usually begin during the first 24 hours after the baby is born. If used during pregnancy, Lexapro should NEVER be stopped abruptly. It is expected that Lexapro will be excreted into breast milk. MEN on planning to be fathers Citalopram, a medicine like escitalopram, has shown to reduce the QUALITY of sperm in animal studies. Theoretically, this could affect fertility, but impact on human fertility has not been observed as yet. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 Thanks Altostrata, you may wish to reprint the above some where on your website.I personally was shocked to read it finally be acknowledged somewhat in their package leaflet. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 If YOU STOP TAKING LEXAPRO Package leaflet 2015 Discontinuation Symptoms include: Feeling Dizzy (unsteady or off balance) Feelings like pins & needles Burning sensations Electric Shock Sensations (in the head) Sleep disturbances (vivid dreams, nightmares, inability to sleep) Feeling anxious Headaches Feeling sick (nausea) Sweating (including night sweats) Feeling restless or agitated Tremor (Shakiness) Feeling confused or disorientated Feeling emotional or irritable Diarrhoea Visual disturbances Fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) I hope this helps individuals on the same journey xxx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted April 30, 2016 Author Share Posted April 30, 2016 DOSE:17 mg Lexapro holding What a week 23rd Saturday 2016 Crying, emotionally unbalanced. A stressful family situation needed to addressed.Still working on emotional boundaries & the tenancy to rescue & enmeshment.Pulled myself out of that hole but it has taken a lot out of me. 24th April bed Exercise 25th April o.k worked from home 26th April bed 9p.m 27th April Exercise bed 9p.m 28th April 2016 Highly emotionally sensitive today....I went to acupuncture got a lot of positive energy & went for exercise afterwards 29th April 2016 What a up down day Started strong ...joined group for coffee stay with social anxious feelings, separated myself for lunch & took care of myself came back positive & strong Went for exercise after work ate dinner & the day ended by me falling into a deep depressive state.Horrible I haven't had one in a long long time....I don't know what triggered it? DEPRESSION.I didn't want to interact withanyone, feeling suicidal, heavy head.Fell asleep 9.00p.m 30th April woke up heavy head like I was drinking last night I want to be by myself alone on a island **** off everyone I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted April 30, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted April 30, 2016 Did you drink coffee? Eat anything high in sugar? It just may be that you overdid it and it caught up with you. I hope it passes soon. * 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
Rose9975 Posted May 1, 2016 Author Share Posted May 1, 2016 30th April 2016 Was really not myself for most of the day. Left the house & went to the beech.I was invited to head out around 9p.m but just wanted to be alone.I undertook reports for work which gave my mind a focus.I went to bed 2a.m 31st feeling Myself this morning feeling much better.I prayed to God last night asking for support.What happened yesterday? Was Depression my mind saying enough STOP ruminating? I find rely on distracting the mind with work reports/case notes etc. Is this workaholic tendencies? Is this avoidance style of social interaction or a bit of both? Lesson: Grateful for the moments of relief Grateful for my BF Grateful for having an income Grateful for being physically healthy Grateful for a healthy family Grateful for this website that I feel my experienced is been witnessed.This is important as I'm learning to be seen. Thank you Chessie Cat for your commen. I do need to reduce sugar & coffee alright.Had lovely coffee & muffins yesterday to pick me up. Sending you love & light xxxxx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted May 1, 2016 Author Share Posted May 1, 2016 Challenging day again 3p.m got hit with another wave of depression & anxiety today.I'm only at 17mg!!!! Will keep holding for the month of May. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted May 24, 2016 Author Share Posted May 24, 2016 16th May Drop to 16mg Lexapro 4th May 2016 1st session Theta Healing 18th May 2016 2nd session of Theta Healing Hit by wave of deep depression 18th May Hit by mini wave of depression Saturday 21st May I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
dowdaller Posted May 24, 2016 Share Posted May 24, 2016 You are doing great, take your time, keep going and dont get discouraged. I was only on lexapro for a short time awfull stuff. I am off all meds 16 months I had been on olanzapine, Effexor zanex and assorted sleeping meds for approx 2 years. Weaned off 375 mg effexor over two years, I had previously come off xanax, rivotrill and olazapine. Reinstated 75mg of effexor on the 22/12/16 Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 16mg Lexapro: Hi All, I feel low today and for the last few days in general.I low low energy. I feel run down.Am I coming down with something or is it depression. I feel flat, dead, expressionless .My job is very stressful and not a good match for me even though I'm good at it!!! I went for a deep full body massage as I haven't been in a while. Excellent choice it really freed up my neck etc. & I booked in an acupuncture session tomorrow. I will keep on fighting.**** this tapering process is hard.I have this days anyhow's on or tapering from the medication. How do individual's parent with depression? I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 Symptoms crying,self pity, low form, wanting to isolate myself, allergic to people, don't want to cook,feeling negative,angry I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 I will hold until next taper in July 16th?? Any advice please I feel that 5% taper every two months would be best. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted June 15, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 15, 2016 Holding at your current 16mg sounds like a good idea, Rose, as is trying a smaller cut next time. Good thinking -- nothing wrong with your cognition! This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to 0.0 mg Aug. 12; details here scallywag's IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 17, 2016 Author Share Posted June 17, 2016 Came home from work today and fell into a Deep DEPRESSION.Thoughts of suicide,flatness, unmotivated, inertia. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 17, 2016 Author Share Posted June 17, 2016 Here feeling life is on hold....possibility of getting pregnant shattered while still on toxic Lexapro.I'm only at 16mg...how many years will this take? What will be the impact on my life? Will it be all work then crashing and just existing ...I feel negative defeated lonely not understood hopeless tonight I keep asking God and looking for light & guidance. Feeling really quiet untalkative flat unsociable unlovable tonight. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted June 18, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 18, 2016 Nothing ever stays the same Rose - one day you'll find yourself moving out of these hard times and into easier days. One sure thing that is happening is that you are becoming a stronger person, and one who knows herself more deeply than most people get to do. I've been in those desperate places - defeated (I once believed I was broken like a glass gets broken, unable to heal), lonely, hopeless, and very unloveable. I can say that with time and care these things will change. It still amazes me that I got from there to here, but I did. And I'd almost given up. Keep going Rose, just keep holding on to whatever good things there are, no matter how small. One will lead to another, and your foundation for healing will strengthen. Also, if suicidal thoughts are an issue, be sure to keep yourself very safe. Call a local helpline, or a friend - just be sure not to sit alone. Karen x 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 December - Now on 5 micro-beads Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. Symptoms begin to increase. 2024 April - Updosed to 6 microbeads - immediate increase in symptoms for 4 days. Decreased to 5 microbeads. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 18, 2016 Author Share Posted June 18, 2016 Karen, Thank you for your response.It means I'm not alone & someone understands what it's like.Bless you.Tears welling up in my eyes and I feel less flat/dead.someone reaching towards me when I am struggling to reach within. Pushed myself out for a walk & a coffee.reflected on the following; -The Guidelines for tapering on this site are too high for me.I feel like what is wrong with me like the doctors tapering dosages guidelines were too high for my brain.When I tune into my brain it is saying slow down more.Leave me heal.Give me time.Have patience. Therefore, I will hold for two months then see can I taper by 2.5/1.5ml if I can get a syringe etc. -life seems on hold 'sometimes'the need to remind myself that this time will pass. -I am recovery. Nameing my experience in order to make sense and understand it.Like an individual withdrawing from any other substance (alcohol,drugs etc) so maybe it would be helpful for me to read how these people cope also with chemical imbalance. -This process is much more than healthy positive thoughts & attitude.My brain is healing like my knee when I slipped off a mountain.I see the scar on my knee.I cannot see the scar in my brain however which makes the process harder.I need to have faith & hope. I am trying to make sense of this journey.Today is a new day. Love & light to those supporting & empowering individuals on this website xx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
AliG Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Hey Rose : Came home from work today and fell into a Deep DEPRESSION.Thoughts of suicide,flatness, unmotivated, inertia. These feelings are so normal in withdrawal , and I hope you can get through them . They're not you. Never were. It's the drugs and their effects. You are in Recovery and need to remember that . Please don't " beat yourself up ". You are doing the best you can at this point in time . I can see that you have been through a lot , and continue to recover . Yes , you can't see the scar on your brain but it will heal in time. Faith and hope needed. We have all been there. If you have a broken arm , it takes time to heal . Why would it be any different for drugs ? Be kind to yourself . Acceptance needed. Yes. Slow down. If you do that , it will go well. Listen to your body . Hugs, 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
Rose9975 Posted June 18, 2016 Author Share Posted June 18, 2016 Thank you Ali for your words of encouragement.My younger sister is after me under her wing for the day.When I'm like this difficult to receive. I engage in avoidance strategies also shut people out big time through just crying uncontrollablly to my little sister I have somehow regulated myself.Still waves of flatness coming over me. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted June 21, 2016 Author Share Posted June 21, 2016 19th June 5p.m returned to myself.Monday and today doing good.I got my period today.I'm put of the wave Thank God feeling grateful & blessed xxx I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
PatriciaVP Posted June 21, 2016 Share Posted June 21, 2016 Lexapro - great stuff huh? Seriously wish psychiatrists had an inkling of the madness they were unleashing when they prescribed this garbage. It made me extremely angry, irritable too after I had been taking it for a while. Wish I had realized then it was a side effect and not symptoms of bipolar disorder. "Just add another drug' - psychiatry's answer to everything. You're doing great! Just remember to let yourself feel what you feel without judgement. There is no wrong here. There's just healing. Grasping along in the dark of night. You're not alone. Peace, love and healing. PatriciaVP@AbleWriterSays My Intro Zoloft 150-200 mg- on and off between 1998 and 2004. Lexapro 40 mg - 2004-2013 30 mg 2013 - August 2015 20 mg August 2015- September 2015 15 mg September 2015 - October 2015 10 mg October 2015 -Nov. 1 2015. Nov. 2015 increased dose to 12.5 mg to stabilize. Dec. 28 2015 11.25 mg March 29, 2016 10 mg. August 1, 2016 9 mg. October 23, 2016 8.1 mg. Nov. 29, 2016 7.5 mg. Feb. 25, 2017 7 mg. April 9, 2017 6.5 mg. June 2017 6 mg. Aug. 2018 5.75 mg March 2019 5.5 mg Apr. 2019 5.25 mg. June 2019 5 mg Sept. 2019 4.75 mg Nov. 2019 4.5 mg Dec. 2019 4.25 April 7 2020 4mg Depakote 1000 mg 2008-2013 750 2013-Dec 2015 500 mg Dec 2015 to Feb 2, 2016. Sopped completely Feb 2 2016. Adderall 40mg 2004-Feb 29, 2016. Feb 29,2016 - reduced Adderall to 20 mg based on pdoc's recommendations. March 29, 2016 - Reduced Adderall to 15 mg. April 30 reduced Adderall to 10 mgs. May 28, 2016 reduced Adderall to 5 mgs.June 8, 2016 stopped taking Adderall due to extreme agitation. Amphetamine 20mg 2008 - 1/16. 1/16 - Stopped Amphetamine completely because pdoc did not renew script. WWW.PSYCHFREE.NET Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted June 25, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 25, 2016 Beautiful reflections Rose. You are right that some of us do need to go slower. Good on you for listening in to your body and recognising that. The more you listen in, the smoother the path will be. Hugs, Karen 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 December - Now on 5 micro-beads Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. Symptoms begin to increase. 2024 April - Updosed to 6 microbeads - immediate increase in symptoms for 4 days. Decreased to 5 microbeads. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted July 22, 2016 Author Share Posted July 22, 2016 Current dose 16mg Lexapro: negative symptoms flatness, isolation preferable, bouts of depression, tiredness,less energy thoughts of killing myself,positive symptoms anxiety reduced,windows of contentment. Where to go from here lads? 7 months of these symptoms and only at 16mg. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted July 22, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 22, 2016 As far as I can tell, you've proceeded with great caution with your taper. Unfortunately, some people have symptoms all the way throughout their taper no matter what they do. Options are hold at current dose for longer to allow your central nervous system to catch up, reduce dose or updose. Which feels right to you? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to 0.0 mg Aug. 12; details here scallywag's IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment
blazesboylan Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 Hi Rose, Just saying hello as I am in Ireland also. Dublin actually. I wish you the best of luck with your taper. All the best, Blazes. Previously - zopiclone, risperidone, lyrica (pregabalin), ativan (lorezapam) 01/Aug/2016 - 65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 12/Aug/2016 - 75mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 03/Oct/2016 - 70mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 29/Oct/2016 - 65mg effexor, 4.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 25/Nov/2016 - 65mg effexor, 4mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 25/Dec/2016 - 60mg effexor, 3.6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 18/Jan/2017 - 60mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 27/Mar/2017 - 54mg effexor, 5.25mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 23/Apr/2017 - 54mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 09/May/2017 - 75mg effexor, 7.5mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 08/Jun/2017 - 75mg effexor, 6.75mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine 18/Jul/2017 - 75mg effexor, 6mg olanzapine, 15mg mirtazpine Sometimes valium. Not daily. Supplements - Sterols and Stanols. Note : I would really hope that nobody uses my tapering history as a guideline. It might not work well for somebody else tapering similar medications. Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted July 25, 2016 Author Share Posted July 25, 2016 Went to the gym after work today really felt great afterwards.Thank you God. I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted July 26, 2016 Author Share Posted July 26, 2016 Hit by was a massive wave.Came home from work pain in the back of my eyes...felt a angry, furious, dysregulated, verbally attacked my boyfriend.....went for exercise & pushed myself to the max in the rain cried & get I was losing my mind going mad!!!@@ sitting down feeling tired...head feels better...pain in the back of the eyes after exercise better now Possible trigger: Work Stress I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted August 6, 2016 Author Share Posted August 6, 2016 16mg Lexapro: overall a good week.I did an intensive exercise class after work Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday & Saturday. I started a new treatment today called LENS (The Low Energy Neurofeedback System).She said that it will aid in the healing of my brain while tapering process is ongoing.I wonder if anyone knows of this intervention with depression? Exercise is saviour at the moment the energy I get from it & mental clarity clears my foggy brain & I feel what it is like to be 'normal'. Love & light XXX I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Gimpyegghead Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 I have taken a class in Neurofeedback and am very interested in your results! I have a congenital neuromuscular disorder. On Celexa 10 mg on and off from 2002-2014; due to chronic pain was changed to Cymbalta 60 mg in 6/2014. Pleuropericarditis and hypothyroidism (.5 mcg synthroid daily) in 2013 and possible UCTD.On prednisone in doses up to 40 mg due to pleural effusion relapses from 2013-2015. Since 2014 off all gluten. Last Neuro visit he suggested reducing the Cymbalta to 30 mg due to risk of meds interaction causing Serotonin syndrome. Tried an every other day taper for 2 weeks then picked up Rx for 30 mg Cymbalta. Yes I'm depressed too! Cymbalta 60 mg (for pain) – daily; Tramadol 50 mg as needed for pain; Baclofen 5 mg in a.m., 5 mg at HS;Ropinirole .5 mg in afternoon and at HS Flovent 110mcg 2 puffs twice a day; Astepro .15% 1 spray each nostril twice daily;Nasacort spray 1 sprays each nostril bid Clarinex 5 mg 1 tab daily;Singulair 10 mg in afternoon/evening;Synthroid 50 mcg in a.m.; Nexium 40 mg in am B complex + CoQ10; 1000mg Fish oil; Boswellia caplet; Chondriotin Sulfate; Undenatured Type II Collagen 40 mg;1500mg Calcium/Magnesium -bone health ****ALLERGY TO NSAIDS – CAUSES ASTHMA ATTACKS;ALLERGIC TO PENICILLIN;SENSITIVE TO OPIATES (CAUSE HALLUCINATIONS);ALLERGIC TO NEURONTIN (CAUSES EXTREME EDEMA);GLUTEN SENSITIVE - CAUSES JOINT PAINS AND SWELLING - Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 I had only one session of Lens (3 zaps) and experienced uncomfortable feelings of tiredness, muddled thoughts and tiredness straight after. I did not experience any improvement it's hard while simultaneously going through the tapering process. I experienced a lot of 'nerve energy' in my head today like circuits connecting disconnecting ...I would love to cut open my head to see what is going on in there....Today was not a good day felt depressed...pain in the back of eyes ..feel angry/negative. I will go back to LENS again when I have stabilised again....hormonal this week so that never helps...What was your experience of neurofeedback? I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
Rose9975 Posted August 20, 2016 Author Share Posted August 20, 2016 (edited) What a ***** few days....woke up muddled thoughts pain in my head seriously thinking of upping dosage depressive thoughts ...I was researching last night the effect of Lexapro on the fetus looks like I'm not going to be a mother Edited August 20, 2016 by scallywag clean up language I've started taking antidepressants in 2001. I took Cipramil for 3 years. Elflexor for 1 year. Lexapro 10mg - 20mg since 1992 approximately. STARTING DOSE 20mg Lexapro 2016 19mg Lexapro (3rd January 2016)-Taper 5% 18mg Lexapro (8th February 2O16)-Taper 5% 17mg Lexapro (? March 2016) - Taper 5% - 16mg (16th May 2016) Taper 5 % 17mg (21st August 2016) + 5% 16mg (3rd January 2017) - 5% 15mg (4th February 2017) -5 14mg (6/02/18) -5% Link to comment
PatriciaVP Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 Sorry you've been feeling so poorly, Rose. Please don't give up on motherhood. Not yet. Remember you have plenty of time to give up on stuff when you're feeling better. Peace, love and healing. PatriciaVP@AbleWriterSays My Intro Zoloft 150-200 mg- on and off between 1998 and 2004. Lexapro 40 mg - 2004-2013 30 mg 2013 - August 2015 20 mg August 2015- September 2015 15 mg September 2015 - October 2015 10 mg October 2015 -Nov. 1 2015. Nov. 2015 increased dose to 12.5 mg to stabilize. Dec. 28 2015 11.25 mg March 29, 2016 10 mg. August 1, 2016 9 mg. October 23, 2016 8.1 mg. Nov. 29, 2016 7.5 mg. Feb. 25, 2017 7 mg. April 9, 2017 6.5 mg. June 2017 6 mg. Aug. 2018 5.75 mg March 2019 5.5 mg Apr. 2019 5.25 mg. June 2019 5 mg Sept. 2019 4.75 mg Nov. 2019 4.5 mg Dec. 2019 4.25 April 7 2020 4mg Depakote 1000 mg 2008-2013 750 2013-Dec 2015 500 mg Dec 2015 to Feb 2, 2016. Sopped completely Feb 2 2016. Adderall 40mg 2004-Feb 29, 2016. Feb 29,2016 - reduced Adderall to 20 mg based on pdoc's recommendations. March 29, 2016 - Reduced Adderall to 15 mg. April 30 reduced Adderall to 10 mgs. May 28, 2016 reduced Adderall to 5 mgs.June 8, 2016 stopped taking Adderall due to extreme agitation. Amphetamine 20mg 2008 - 1/16. 1/16 - Stopped Amphetamine completely because pdoc did not renew script. WWW.PSYCHFREE.NET Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now