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wareagle82: First Day of the Rest of my SSRI Free Life


wareagle82

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Hello
I am 56 year old male, panic sufferer since age 10.  I tried cognitive therapies in my 30's and 40's but was almost agoraphobic in the 90's.  Had an alcoholic dad who liked to drive fast and crazy (as well as drunk) and I developed an anxiety related to car trips.  Avoided anything but a small area of roads that were in my safe zone. 

 

Wife and kids wanted to go on vacations and such, and I finally succumbed to SSRI's prescribed by a psychiatrist.  Paxil.  It worked, as I was able to travel, but I had many unpleasant side effects.  It made me somewhat reckless and brought out a gambling mentality heretofore never a part of my personality.  Later he put me on Lexapro, with less of some side effects, but more of new ones.  I tried weaning a few times in there but the anxiety would re appear and make it difficult to function as in driving to vacation, or flying somewhere on a plane.  So I picked up the crutch again each time. 

 

Met a really interesting person at a civic club--an acupuncturist.  She explained the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to wellness, and I decided to give it a try.  That was April 2016.  She immediately started me on Floradix for my extreme blood deficiency, as well as acupuncture treatments.  I began to heal.  It has been amazing.  I may not be typical, but my sleep apnea disappeared, as well as arthritic back pain, TMJ, and a host of other annoyances.  She has earned my trust and my eternal gratitude..

 

We discussed my anxiety problems and she recommended I heal from the blood deficiency before trying to wean Zoloft.  She also told me to speak to my PCP about it.  Yesterday he agreed to let me try it by reducing to 50mg immediately.  I knew better than to go that fast.  Acupuncturist said to drop to 75mg and stay there until no symptoms.  I started today!  I am so excited (and a little scared)!!  I really want to be free of it and learn to manage my anxiety with non prescription methods.  I will continue acupuncture and Floradix--as well as B12 1000mg Sublingual lozenges-and some Magnesium too.

 

Let the journey begin!!

Edited by scallywag
adding white space between paragaphs; looks like 'quick" post editor is deleting them

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Hi Wareagle and Welcome.  How wonderful that Chinese Medicine is working for you so well and congratulations on starting 

your journey !  This is a wonderful site with helpful people who have wide ranging experience. 

I will not proffer advice as I am very much a newbie but I will say that going too quickly was a mistake for me.

SA recommends 10 % or slower as a guideline......I am sure one of the Mods will be along soon with some useful tips.

 

Anyhow.....very exciting and all the best on your journey.

 

Bruin

Anti Depressants for  25 years. Valium between 2006 to 7 tapered off over a month without too bad withdrawals.

For last 15 years 150 mg of Effexor and 30 mg of Mirtazapine. Occasional short term benzo use without habituation.

March 2015 stopped Effexor after rapid taper. 6 weeks. 

One month fluoxetine June 2015...stopped CT July 2015.

October 2013 to December 2015 Zopiclone 15 mg at night,

Dec 2015 to Early March 2016 Lyrica 75 mg at night. 

Stopped too quickly as  adverse side effects.

January to May 2016 tapered Zopiclone to 7.5mg 

Crossed over to Valium and now ..March 28th 2017 Benzo Free.

Also on 30 mg Mirtazapine and holding until have finished Benzo taper.

IN protracted WD from Effexor.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

wareagle -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants
 
I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums enlightening and helpful for your taper.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us. Thanks for posting your signature.
 
As Bruin said it's terrific that TCM has helped you with issues that affect quality of life so much -- sleep and back 
 
You've made 25% cut in your dose, more than our 10% recommendation. Please read these topics to understand the rationale:
 
Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

What is withdrawal syndrome
 
Also relevant to your situation: Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline)

Please talk with your acupuncturist and PCP about what slow taper looks like, i.e. far less than 1 pill. Good for you for being more cautious than your PCP! Both of them might find the information in this research paper eye-opening:
Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves

 

This thread is your place to track your progress, note any symptoms, ask questions and chat with others.  You may way want to follow this topic so that you get notifications when someone posts in your thread.  Click the gray "Follow this topic" button. A dialog box appears:  select one of the notify options, then click follow this topic in the dialog box. If you haven't already, setting this web page as a bookmark or favorite in your browser will help you navigate back to it.

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Thanks so much for the warm welcome.  I found the dose occupying curves very interesting.  I will go slowly.  My son is a pharmacist who also takes Zoloft.  I will have him compound it up in small increments.  He isn't a true believer in the withdrawal symptoms that we are all concerned about.  The 25 mg drop is not indicative of how I plan to proceed.  Future increments will be smaller. 

I have a bad headache today, day 2, and didn't sleep well.  Gotta keep Benadryl close by.  I had the thing where you move your head, and the visual isn't keeping up with the movement.  Weird.  But I went to the gym, sweated a lot, and am pushing through.  I know God will walk this journey with me and take me safely through to the finish line.  Faith.  It will be my main support. 

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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wareagle -- A pharmacist son, what a great idea! Somehow I forgot to have one of those. :D
 
There's a considerable amount of research backing up the existence of anti-depressant withdrawal syndrome and other psychoneuroactive drugs.  If he's interested in that, point him to our no-membership-required forum found on the home page under "Current events."  From journals and scientific articles,
 
People can have problems with Benadryl, please be judicious in using it. The posts here may be instructive: Benadryl topic
 
Have you always worked out? If so, keep it up. If not, build up very gradually to what you think you should be doing. A body going through withdrawal is not the same as a body that has recovered from treatment. 
 
I used to walk and walk, hours at a time. I'd walk instead of driving, something do-able where I live. Since starting Cymbalta and dealing with the conditions that initiated the prescription and effects of the drug I've been relatively inactive for 3-4 years.  In April I met up with a friend, a very fit 74 year-old, for a 3-hour fast-paced walk.  I kept up with her no problem but I was wiped out for a week or so after. Embarrassing  :blush: but true.

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Scallywag,

Yes I am a daily gym person.  (4-5 days per week) 

I have been building up to this point--the time to say goodbye to SSRI's forever.  I wanted to start tapering sooner, but Acupuncturist said to wait.  She wanted me to be braced for the Withdrawal symptoms.  Her analogy was a big wave--when you know it is coming, you brace for it.  So she is guiding me on this journey.  She says acupuncture will help with the wd as well.  Her treatments to date really gave me the courage to start the taper.  I just feel it is time.  I cant explain it any other way; I have something in my heart telling me to do it.  I am really sick today but still optimistic.  It will be ok...I will succeed.

 

My son is a new pharmacist, and he doesn't yet have the perspective of experience with the SSRI's.  I will show him the studies, but he thinks that they have overall good effects that outweigh the negatives.  I did/am doing well on Zoloft.  But it is time to cope in a new way.  I am bringing new tools that I am praying will help me as much without the negative side effects.  Tools like faith, confidence, and putting away worry.  I have been bringing out those qualities inside of me, and I am ready to see if they're enough to deal with life "in the raw". 

 

I am having a bad day, day two, but it is ok...I will persevere.

 

This is a great site; thanks to you for being so kind. :D

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Your acupuncturist sounds like a gem! It's great that she knows about withdrawal. You may want to discuss "stimulating" treatments with her. Some folks here have had intensification of symptoms from acupuncture treatments.

This discussion may have useful information for you: Acupuncture

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Day four of my Zoloft wean.  First two days were massive headaches.  Some nausea but no vomiting, thankfully.  Sleeping has been good.  Some abdominal bloating. 

On the plus side, no anxiety, depression or low feelings. Less brain fog already!  I feel very optimistic about the wean.  It makes me want to go fast but I will stay here at 75mg for a while--to allow the healing to begin.  Acupuncture, magnesium and prayer.  These are my weapons.  I will win this fight.  It may take a long time, but I am getting my life back.  No more SSRI's.

Edited by scallywag
Moved from Zoloft thread

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi wareagle -- It's good to read that you're experiencing some improvements despite early symptoms.

 

I've moved your post to your intro thread, where more people will see it and where your other progress notes are.

 

A cut and paste from a post above

 

This thread is your place to track your progress, note any symptoms, ask questions and chat with others. 

 

You may way want to follow this topic so that you get notifications when someone posts in your thread.  Click the gray "Follow this topic" button. A dialog box appears:  select one of the notify options, then click follow this topic in the dialog box.

 

If you haven't already set this web page as a bookmark or favorite in your browser, doing so will help you navigate back to it.

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Sorry SW...I am making all the newbie mistakes, as you can see!  I will use this forum for updates.

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

No apology necessary. Thanks for acknowledging the implied request.

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

DAY 5

 

Interesting new w/d showed up Day 5.  I became irritable with the frustrating task of replacing the string in a String Edger!  Spoke to my wife this morning who noticed it--she was kind enough not to say anything but I apologized for it.  She assumed it was w/d--and let it go.  Good support!!!

 

DAY 6

 

Feeling so good last night I briefly considered a little more taper for today.  But yesterday's entry plus the early morning nausea said NO.  No more headaches, just nausea for the first couple of hours in the morning and slight dizziness.  I went to the gym anyway-- pushing through--telling myself it will pass.  And it did.  No Zaps yet or crying spells--I am really doing well. No recurrence of panic or anxiety either.  Darn ear ringing is still there, although maybe a little lower in decibel level. Outlook is optimistic.  I am winning.  Zoloft is losing.  Just like I wanted!!

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Feeling so good last night I briefly considered a little more taper for today.  But yesterday's entry plus the early morning nausea said NO. 

 

Wareagle (I'm assuming you might be an Auburn grad from 1982 given your name?),

 

Welcome to the site and congrats on your decision and early successes.

 

One of the things that can drag you under in this process is failing to understand that the effects of withdrawal are not necessarily linearly tied to reductions.   In other words, until you know there is a definite pattern to symptom appearance after a reduction, you cannot assume that feeling good after a cut means you won't suffer additional symptoms a few days or even weeks later (especially true after a larger cut).  There are many, many examples of people having symptoms on a delayed basis after a large, early reduction.  You need to be very careful.

 

We recommend the 10% because it has been tested and allows a "fast enough" taper without going "too fast" for most people.  Having said that, a test cut of 25% at the top end is recommended by a lot of people so I have no problem with you going that route.  If you have an issue you need to respond quickly and updose to a more comfortable point.   Your next cut after this, however, should definitely be 10% or less. If you exceed that you are setting yourself up for problems and the challenge is that sometimes the problems come so far from the cut it is tempting to believe it is a "return of the underlying symptoms."  Just go slow and be safe.

 

You are VERY fortunate to have the acupuncturist in your camp.  The guidance and validation are fantastic.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

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Hi Andy,

 

Yes you got the college and year correct!

 

I appreciate the feedback.  I will definitely move the taper slowly.  I am not interested in speed at all.  The success thus far is encouraging, but I will stay on plan.  The PC doc would have me on 50mg right now, no taper.  I knew better from reading here.  :excl:

My son is a pharmacist (also Auburn grad Ph,D) and he will compound me some 68's for the next step.  I don't know when that will be as I am letting my body tell me as much as possible. 

My acupuncturist is on stand by to treat me as needed.  I have great support by having her in my corner and you all online here. 

 

I am looking in to the future a bit as well.  I need follow up therapy after withdrawing totally.  I am intrigued by EMDR therapy.  Ronald Reagan once said "hope is not a strategy."  So I am reading and working on a post Sertraline plan as well.

 

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

Steve

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 7

 

Early in the day, I feel as if I am moving in slow motion.  Went to the gym as usual but the physical output is very hard right now.  Nausea and bloated stomach have, at least for now, disappeared.  Using Dr Glenmullen's checklist, I would check worsened mood and low energy.  My vision is a little blurry.  Tinnitus still there.  I fear it may be permanent.  

 

My original problem, panic disorder, has yet to make an appearance.  :)

No headaches either, which is improvement. 

 

I do best in the evening as many of you have mentioned.  Fluctuating cortisol levels?  I plan to read up on that topic. 

 

Still, I am optimistic as the first week wasn't as bad as I feared.  I will hold here at 75mg until these symptoms settle down.  I am soldiering on to week 2!

You are gonna lose Sertraline! 

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Congratulations Wareagle !  It will get better......You have a great attitude and approach.  The very best to you.

Anti Depressants for  25 years. Valium between 2006 to 7 tapered off over a month without too bad withdrawals.

For last 15 years 150 mg of Effexor and 30 mg of Mirtazapine. Occasional short term benzo use without habituation.

March 2015 stopped Effexor after rapid taper. 6 weeks. 

One month fluoxetine June 2015...stopped CT July 2015.

October 2013 to December 2015 Zopiclone 15 mg at night,

Dec 2015 to Early March 2016 Lyrica 75 mg at night. 

Stopped too quickly as  adverse side effects.

January to May 2016 tapered Zopiclone to 7.5mg 

Crossed over to Valium and now ..March 28th 2017 Benzo Free.

Also on 30 mg Mirtazapine and holding until have finished Benzo taper.

IN protracted WD from Effexor.

 

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DAY 8

 

Great workout this morning at the gym, much more energy output as compared to earlier this week.  I was really normal last night--even thinking to myself this feels totally comfortable.  No nausea, zaps, emotional feelings--just plain ole me.  A window opening this early?  I will certainly take it.  Sleeping has been very much easy and normal.  Awakened today to the beauty of no dizziness or that weird sort of disconnected from my body feeling.  Very good.

 

My old friend anxiety is still MIA.  But Mr Tinnitus is still ringing that bell.  Irritating. :(

 

No taper planned yet.  Too soon.  As I am typing this a very bright light came out of nowhere and it feels like a headache (migraine) is coming. 

 

I am still winning.  Sertraline w/d has no power over me.  I have the ability to cope.  Faith.  Prayer.  Knowing that these are only temporary issues.  These are my weapons.  Thanks to all the support on here as well.  Reading and learning from all of you is also empowering.

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Hopefully for you- Cortisol levels will remain academic. Something you only read about with others. But as it turns out- we all have different symptoms of withdrawing.  Try to 'memorize' the good times- for when things aren't so good.  For tinnitus I've found that a running fan producing white noise will help to drown that out in the early stages. It (tinnitus) will like all other symptoms gradually improve until it's no more.

 

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

1)Zoloft- 6/99 to 8/04 2)Escitalopram- 8/04 to 8/10 3)Citalopram 8/10 to 4/14 (C/T), 4)Paxil a week or so, 5)Wellbutrin a week or so, 6)Reinstated Citalopram- 9/14 to 7/15

Before Taper- Celexa/20 mg....Taper Start- 04/21/15- 15mg....05/26/15- 10 mg...06/22/15- 5 mg...07/18/15- 0mg. http://tinyurl.com/qjfoqe9 Ativan/Lorazepam use/taper 10/14 to 2/15- http://tinyurl.com/ljebp84

Baclofen- Intermittent use of from 2008 till 2014. Some use of Promethazine. Some use of Zofran. Clobetasol Propionate- for Lichen Planus. Some Flexeril use. 

Ativan- GABA,A receptor Agonist., Baclofen- GABA,B receptor Agonist., Celexa/Lexapro- Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor Agonist., Zofran- Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Agonist..Promethazine- Histamine H1-Receptor Antagonist. Flexeril- Serotonin 5HT2a Antagonist.

 

My self imposed Amino Acid Therapy: Tyrosine 500mg 1xday, Theanine 200 mg 1xday, & Taurine 500 mg 2x day. (All neurotransitter pre-cursors)- seems to have helped me immensely. And of course- eating healthy, including Black Beans for the oligosaccharides for gut health.

 

The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of trick learned while mastering the Art of Living. - Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning.

 

 

 

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Thanks RCC.  I will definitely hold on to the good moments.  I have read much of your journal and pray for your success too.

 

Glad to read your comments about tinnitus.  It is one of the main drivers for me to leave the Zoloft behind.  I am so ready for it to end.

 

Steve

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Hi wareagle! Just visited auburn with my daughter ~ she wants to be a pharmacist. Beautiful campus. I can only echo what others have said ~ go slow. Listen to your body. I'm a huge fan of natural medicine/homeopathy. Believe what we eat & take as supplements play a huge part in our recovery from these drugs. Prayer & scripture carry me through the worst of times. Perfect love casts out fear. Welcome!

On Zoloft for 10 years (50 mg) for GAD & panic attacks

Weaned off fall of 2013, terrible set back in Feb '14 back on 100 mg & trazadone to sleep.

Did CT off of Zoloft in May 2014 - bad decision!

Back on 50 mg Zoloft & Xanax as needed (was upped to 75 mg by doctor in Feb 2015)

Started to wean off of Zoloft in April 2015 ~ totally off Zoloft in Oct 2015 and now am on Buspar 11.25 mg to help.

I was on a 50 mg pill & 25 mg pill - I cut the 25 mg pill in half (12.5) and took that with the 50 for 6 weeks - 1st week June 2015

 50 mg for another 6 weeks. 25 mg in half and the 50 mg in half (37.5), 25 mg mid Sept for about 2 weeks.,1/2 of the 25 mg last week of Sept/1st week of Oct then off.

Update** 9 mg Zoloft reinstated early Nov 15, along with 1.5 mg Buspar daily. On .50 of Buspar & 9 mg of Zoloft. Oct '16 - off of Buspar, Nov '16 - down to 7.5 mg Zoloft. March'17 - 4 mg Zoloft. July'17 - 2 mg, Sept 1 mg. Oct'17 - off! Done!

I also take magnesium, L theanine, Gaba Calm, L Glutamine, Vit B complex(for methyl issues), Liver & Gall bladder support, Zinc, Whole Food Vit C & Fish Oil. DARE & the bible are the tools I use to help navigate this  process.

 

 

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Hi Bromor

 

Glad to meet you and thanks for the kind encouragement.  I have a son who is a Pharm.d from AU!!  I am having him compound me some small mg versions of Sertraline.  I knew all that money would pay off one day! :D

 

Good luck to your budding pharmacist.  It is a terrific career to pursue, even with the problems that some of the meds have. 

 

Best wishes on your tapering journey too...my mantra is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Thanks for sharing your scripture too!

 

Blessings,

Steve

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 9

 

Poor sleep last night, awakened at 3am and had difficulty going back to sleep.  It is amazing how loud Mr. T is when it is quiet.  :angry:  I forgot my evening dose of magnesium.  That may have been the problem, but that is speculative.  Wont forget it tonight.  

 

Went to the gym as usual, but the output was weaker than yesterday.  I got thru it, but it wasn't my best day. 

 

Serotonin flu symptoms today!!  Lots of sneezing, as well as feeling run down.  Slight runny nose. 

 

Stomach symptoms are non existent today, which is a positive.  No problem with mood or panic.  Also good!

 

Slight hand tremble today.  That is a new one.

 

Not bad overall.  I can handle these w/d symptoms easily. 

 

No timeline for further taper.  I am giving these symptoms a chance to work their way out first.

 

Praying that it will continue to go well.

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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Wareagle,

 

Just found your thread and want to also welcome you to the community!

Love your very positive altitude, energy and will power to beat this beast!

 

Best luck and wishes for continuous winning!

 

Lex

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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DAY 10

 

Sleep last night was good but full of disturbing dreams.  Not scary, just stuff in my past I would rather forget.  Brain rewiring? I don't know.  I did remember the magnesium last night. 

 

This morning's workout was great!  Lots of sweat in an hour of cardio.  Best output in a long long time.  Heart rate up to 140's versus 120's.  Not bad for an old guy. 

 

Feeling really confident today, no symptoms to speak of except for Mr T.  He is still there ringing that bell.  Minor irritation last night when I got a couple of "drunk texts" from a friend.  Shook it off pretty quickly. 

 

No abdominal pain or bloating, no nausea.  Still winning!!!!

 

Praying that God will abide with me on the journey.  I feel He is really the source of my healing. 

 

Praise be to God.

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 11

 

No gym today--nice time on a local casino cruise.  Won money!  Well at least a little bit of money.

 

During the cruise a little anxiety, but worse was the obtrusive thoughts that came out.  I kept thinking about dropping my phone overboard or what it would be like to  jump off the ship.  Not really suicidal just weird random obtuse thoughts. 

 

Not a great feeling.  But I recognized it for what it was--w/d symptoms.  Pushing through!  It is all okay. 

 

I am keeping it in perspective.  Ups and downs.

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 12

 

Outstanding day. No anxiety or obtrusive thoughts. Great morning of worship and then lunch with family.

 

Tinnitus still there although slightly lower volume. I'm doing great with God walking this road with me.

 

Winning through His power.

 

Excited about the journey...SSRIs will not control my life.

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 13/DAY 14

 

Fourth of July was great--watched F16's buzz the coastline to roaring applause from the folks at the beach. 

 

No anxiety, no odd thoughts, no headache, some abdominal bloating and discomfort,  and of course, Mr T.  He is a little lower in volume but still there.  :angry:

 

Feeling very normal in almost every  way.  I have added L-Theanine as suggested by Rocking Chair Cat.  Still taking 500mg Magnesium Oxide twice per day.  Holding still at 75mg "Sertra-mean" although I may try a small taper soon-assuming the progress remains steady.

 

I really believe God is walking me through this as it has been on my heart for quite some time to try to stop the medication.  It took a little while for me to gather up my puny strength to give it a try!! 

 

I am glad I have begun!  I was unsuccessful in the past but I now realize that this journey is something you have to be prepared for--spiritually, physically, and emotionally.  

 

Winning!!!!!

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Steve, it's great to read your upbeat posts. Keep doing what you're doing -- it's working!

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Hello. Yes, L-theanine is a staple supplement for me!

 

During my devotions a few days ago ~ was reading in Psalms. This verse really spoke to my heart "when anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:19.

 

I also use the "DARE" response when I get the crazy physical sensations or thoughts. Defuse, acknowledge, run toward, engage. Sounds like you were doing that when you got those thoughts. I just tell myself "so what" and not fear what my body is going through as I taper off these drugs.

 

Anyway, I enjoy reading your journal. Your positive attitude is contagious!

On Zoloft for 10 years (50 mg) for GAD & panic attacks

Weaned off fall of 2013, terrible set back in Feb '14 back on 100 mg & trazadone to sleep.

Did CT off of Zoloft in May 2014 - bad decision!

Back on 50 mg Zoloft & Xanax as needed (was upped to 75 mg by doctor in Feb 2015)

Started to wean off of Zoloft in April 2015 ~ totally off Zoloft in Oct 2015 and now am on Buspar 11.25 mg to help.

I was on a 50 mg pill & 25 mg pill - I cut the 25 mg pill in half (12.5) and took that with the 50 for 6 weeks - 1st week June 2015

 50 mg for another 6 weeks. 25 mg in half and the 50 mg in half (37.5), 25 mg mid Sept for about 2 weeks.,1/2 of the 25 mg last week of Sept/1st week of Oct then off.

Update** 9 mg Zoloft reinstated early Nov 15, along with 1.5 mg Buspar daily. On .50 of Buspar & 9 mg of Zoloft. Oct '16 - off of Buspar, Nov '16 - down to 7.5 mg Zoloft. March'17 - 4 mg Zoloft. July'17 - 2 mg, Sept 1 mg. Oct'17 - off! Done!

I also take magnesium, L theanine, Gaba Calm, L Glutamine, Vit B complex(for methyl issues), Liver & Gall bladder support, Zinc, Whole Food Vit C & Fish Oil. DARE & the bible are the tools I use to help navigate this  process.

 

 

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Thanks for your notes, Bromor and Scallywag.  I am really committed to success.  I think positive thinking is

better than the alternative! 

 

Bromor, I like the DARE acronym...I didn't know I was doing it--but I will use that tool if it is needed in the future.

 

So many forums end up in what I call the "Yelp Effect."  It is too much negative feedback and definitely not enough positive.  I am being honest in my experiences, for sure, but the observation I have made is that the folks who post on forums seem predisposed to the negative.  Honesty is the center line I am shooting for. 

 

I am praying for you both as well.

 

Steve

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 15

 

Sleep was fine last night, although I woke up with stomach bloating (uncomfortable pressure in upper abdomen).  Good workout at the gym, as I notice that my output is much better with the tapered Zoloft.  Heart rate gets higher, more sweat, just that good feeling afterward that you have exercise. 

 

I do have a slight increase today in anxiety, feeling an "unease" that I haven't felt for a few days.  I can't pinpoint any particular source other than Zoloft withdrawal.  Tinnitus (Mr. T!) still bothersome, but no worse than "normal".

 

Good thing I am committed to a long term process, because it is a journey of a few steps forward, a couple back. 

 

Nothing in these symptoms are horrible.  I am still winning.  Still gaining my health back without medications. 

 

Gonna read some devotionals from the Psalms-I don't have it nearly as bad as David did!  His life was a real mess!!!

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 16

 

Good night's sleep.  I have stopped the 20ml per day Floradix Liquid Iron temporarily.  Acupuncturist said I could transition that to a one week per month treatment for maintenance after 3 months.  So I have graduated off of it daily!  I also began to wonder if it was causing a little of my abdominal bloating.  Of course it could just be the w/d from Zoloft.  Stomach feels slightly improved today.

 

Good work out at the gym...heart rate high, sweating like crazy.  No weird thoughts, no shakiness.  Feeling pretty much normal.  Mr.T is still there of course. 

 

I am stable at 75mg.  Probably hold a bit longer.  Gonna have my son the Rx make me some 65mg tabs soon.  Looking forward to a taper but trying to be patient at the same time.

 

Winning!!

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Iron supplementation can be troublesome for many. It's worth a try to ease up on it. 

 

You're going to try a 13% dose reduction?  (75-65 mg) I almost positive that you know 67.5 mg is the recommended 10% cut. If you decide to go with the slightly larger one, I'll cross my fingers for you. You might welcome a prayer more, but crossed fingers and good thoughts are what I've got. :)

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 Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Thanks Scally!

 

My math skills are not so good.  I will ask him for 67.5's.  In my head I was thinking 10% but instead subtracted 10mg.  I don't think I can blame w/d for that.  :blink:

Thanks for the warm thoughts and the math check!!

 

Steve

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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DAY 17

 

No noticeable sleep disorder...but I awakened with a slight headache.  Low mood earlier, but shaking it off as some good things happening at work today.  A few random thoughts about things long ago that I have obsessed about in the past.  Stomach bloating is better today and very well may have been Floradix Liquid Iron and not as much w.d symptoms. Called the dr and decided to ask for liquid sertraline script to prepare for tapering.  Waiting to hear back. 

 

I am doing pretty well.  Maybe I am slightly more jumpy than on 100mg but nothing terrible.  Mr. T is still there dang it! 

 

Blessed in so many ways!  I'm still winning!!!

Began Paxil for situational panic attacks in 2000. Then psych put me on Prozac to transition me to Lexapro in 2008. I forget the dosage of Paxil and Lexapro. Switched to100mg Sertraline since 2011.

 

75Mg taper began 06/21/2016. 67.5 mg taper began 07/10/2016. 61mg taper began 08/01/2016. 54mg taper began 08/24/2016. 48mg taper began 09/06/2016. 44mg taper began 09/20/2016. 40mg taper began 10/11/2016. 35mg began 10/25/2016. 25 mg began 11/15/2016.  20 mg began 12/03/2016.  12.5 mg began 12/22/2016.  DRUG FREE JANUARY 16, 2017!!

 

Began daily meditation 12/01/2016.  Very helpful!!

 

Prayer, always, and Acupuncture, as needed.<p>Isaiah 50:7 (NLT): Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will triumph!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Well, done, Steve.  You ARE winning and you will win in the long run.

 

Just keep hanging in there and keep listening to your body.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

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