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Clatterbust: on the road to recovery


Clatterbust

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Hey everyone!

Im a male dental student in my early 20s and began taking 20mg of Paxil at the age of 18 for anxiety, depression and anger issues (The typical teenager phase, slightly elevated :P). Anyway, I felt better for around a year, and then the drug started pooping out on me theoughout the second year. I decided it was time to get rid of the drug, and went cold turkey (having no knowledge whatsover about the withdrawal syndrome). For the first week or so, I felt fine. However, after a while, I started getting severe anxiety,hypersensitivity, agarophobia and panic attacks. ( I dont quite remember the physical symptoms I had, but they were mild). After 2 months of enduring this phase, I started researching, and found this forum (and other sites). I then reinstated at 20mg, but ignorantly did not wait to stabilize on that dose. My nervous system was still in shock, and although my symptoms were not as severe as they were when I was completely off the drug, they were still present. I then tried to taper off the drug (10% per month) but I still couldnt do it. I repeated that process a few times but it never worked. (I now realize that it was most probably due to the fact that I never gave my nervous system enough time to stabilze following reinstatement. I tried tapering off after around a month of reinstatement).

Anyway, following the failed attempts of tapering off the drug, I went to a psychiatrist. As in most cases, he told me to switch to another drug (Citaloptam at 30mg). I followed his advice and tried to stabilize on it for 2 months but felt there was no progress. I then went to another psychiatrist and he advised me to switch to Lexapro 15mg. Ive been on that dose for 4 months and am starting to see progress. My symptoms (which were severe) have noticebly decreased. I am feeling quite a lot better than before and just wanted to send you guys positive information and hope! I do have one question though. How much longer would you advise me to stick to the drug, before trying to taper off again?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants (SA)
 
I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful in answering your questions.  I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements? Please use calendar dates, e.g. "May - Aug. 2015", rather than "for 3 months." It gives us all a better picture and who needs to do more math than necessary? ;)
 

This thread has details on how to create a signature:

Please put your withdrawal history in signature

 
From what you've posted, it looks as if you've made a lot of abrupt and dramatic changes in the last year. Knowing my response to changes in medications and supplements, I'd want to let things settle until I'd been on the same drug at the same dose for at least a year before trying to taper. Applying that to your situation, that would mean a minimum of another 8 months, especially since you tried recently to taper 10% per month when your CNS (central nervous system) wasn't stable.
 
You may experience symptoms of withdrawal that come and go while on Lexapro; they are likely related to your CT of Paxil or discontinuation of citalopram. We call this a "windows and waves pattern."   Doctors almost always respond by adding or changing medications when we report these symptoms. New or more drugs will often cause new or more symptoms. :(  


The Windows and Waves pattern of stabilization

 
Please pay attention to your body's signals, ask about them here and search or browse the Symptoms forum.
 
Here are a few threads relevant to your situation:

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Micro-taper instead of 10% or 5% decreases

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

This is YOUR introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

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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Since you seem to be doing well on the Lexapro, why is it that you want to taper off?

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 

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Why would you mess with stabilization? Many of us would love to be in your shoes. Im not a moderator but I suggest look us back up in a year and reassess.

Lexapro: started in 2002 at 10 mgs.

Ambien: started as a as needed sleep aid in 2010.

Quit Lexapro cold turkey in June 20015 due to contributing to low sodium issues.

Restarted Lexapro in late November for a week (only 5 mgs) but quit due to dizziness side effects. Side effects worsened for 3 weeks until

12/24/15: Protracted WD hit, experienced extreme anxiety, insomnia lack of full concentration and social challenges.

Reinstated Lexapro on 1/1/16 at 5 mgs. Increased per Dr to 7.5 MG. Tapered off Lexapro in March 2016.

Started 50MG of Seroquel in late January 2016 for bedtime to help in eliminate Ambien. Tapered off both Seroquel and Ambien in March 2016.

2/14/16: Prescribed both Remeron (15 MG) and Temazapam (15 MG) for sleep. Also use Klonopin and Ambien again in place of Temazapam to avoid addiction. However I did take Temazapam 60 straight days

6/15/16: Stopped use of all benzo's and now use Belsomra 1-2 times a week. Still on 15 MG of Remeron

10/11/16: Off all psych medications

 

After kindling, trying to regain my strength suffering from severe mental and physical fatigue.

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Hey mate. I had wd from tapering too fast and too quick (21% in about 4 weeks) it has been 9 months since updosing and I'm almost completely back to where I was before the mess. Its slow, and frustrating as anything but stability happens. Im still planning on holding til October/November just to be extra kind to myself then plan on tapering successfully 5% every 6 weeks or so. Give it a year if I were you. Let everything settle. Then taper by no more than 10% every 6 weeks. Your in a good position. Just hold where you are mate

 

Nick

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Hey guys,

 

Thanks for the quick responses.

Scallywag- I have updated my signature. I may have spoken too soon, as this week my symptoms have increased for some reason. I am familiar with the Windows and Waves pattern, and presume I am going through a wave. My quesion is: incase I dont see any improvement throught the next few months, would you advise me to start tapering? Im asking brcause Ive read other posts saying it could be due to my nervous system being too sensitive to the drug now, which is the reason for the symptoms?

 

Nick 1990 - Thanks for the help man. What exactly were your symptoms throughout your reinstateme phase? Did you also go through the windows and waves pattern? Is there anything you have come across that might help the recovery process?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

At a stable dose of 15 mg, you will likely experience decreasing symptoms. The only way to know what to do in a few months is for you to keep good notes about your symptoms.
 
Have a look at this topic for some suggestions on effective ways do that:

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

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

Hey Scallywag! Im in a bit of a dilemma. Ive been experiencing some symptoms, that I believe are associated to the side effects of the drug rather than the wothdrawal: increased sweating, anhedonia and just feeling careless and indifferent about everything. I feel like nothing can make me laugh or be geniunely happy.. every laughter seems forced.. leading to even more anxietyi feel. As Im on a fairly strong dose of Lexapro (15mg), I was wondering if you think it is a good idea to taper a very minimal amount (0.5mg) and hold on to that for a while (atleast 6 weeks) and depending on whether or not I feel better (or the same), I can continue the taper or not.

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator

Hi K -- All the changes in medication you've done this year, on top of the CT and several failed tapers have left your system in a very confused state.  This is going to give you a combination of WD symptoms and Side Effects for quite a while as your system sorts itself out.  Any changes in the dose that you're currently taking will only add to that confusion and increase the amount of time it will take for things to settle down.

 

All the symptoms you describe are very common during the unsettled parts of WD and should decrease as your body sorts things out, but this is going to take a lot of time. As uncomfortable and frustrating as they are, it is best to just adapt to these symptoms and live with them as best as you can until things stabilize.  Then you can start a very slow taper to get off of the drugs for good.

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

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

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

 

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

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Anhedonia is a very common side effect of Lexapro. I started experiencing it big time after I had been on the drug for about a year. I didn't realize that it was a side effect at the time, and of course neither did my doctor. I believe this is at least in part responsible for the added diagnosis of ADD.

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 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi,  sorry to hear that withdrawal symptoms found you and caught you.  :(

 

brassmonkey gave you good advice. He knows far more than I do about living with and through symptoms.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

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

Thanks for the replies guys!

Do you think the anhedonia or emotional numbness, is a side effect of the drug itself? Or is it a withdrawal symptom? Also, Ive noticed that whenever I drink alcohol (even 1 beer), I feel "drunk" immediately. Is that common?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Anhedonia is listed as an adverse effect of many SSRIs, including escitalopram.  Some people also experience that when tapering the drug.
 
You've taken several different SSRIs and changed doses many times over the last year.  It is more likely that the anhedonia is the result of the destabilization of your CNS (central nervous system).  Although the symptoms are unpleasant and often difficult, sometimes we just have to ride them until they weaken and/or settle down.

 

Some topics in our Symptoms and self-care forum that are relevant:

 

Anhedonia, apathy, demotivation, and emotional numbness

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

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

"Also, Ive noticed that whenever I drink alcohol (even 1 beer), I feel "drunk" immediately. Is that common?"

 

I haven't been able to drink at all for years because of the meds. I'd never even get through one drink without a raging headache. Forget any pleasant feelings. I'd just get instantly sick. Since I've been tapering, I haven't been able to drink caffeine. Just one cup of coffee can make me extremely agitated. When I was on the full load of drugs, I could bang down two cups and go right back to sleep.

 

Both caffeine and alcohol are psychoactive in their own right. It only makes sense that our tolerance to them would change as our intake of other psychoactives does.

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 

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I cant take this anymore. I think the 15mg Im taking of Lexapro is too activating. When my psychiatrist told me to increase the dosage from 10mg to 15mg 4 months ago, it made no difference to me whatsover, my CNS was already dedtabilized. But this feeling of void and the withdrawal effects simultaneously is too much.. I think if I started tapering now I could find some relief..

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi K -- All the changes in medication you've done this year, on top of the CT and several failed tapers have left your system in a very confused state.  This is going to give you a combination of WD symptoms and Side Effects for quite a while as your system sorts itself out.  Any changes in the dose that you're currently taking will only add to that confusion and increase the amount of time it will take for things to settle down.

 

All the symptoms you describe are very common during the unsettled parts of WD and should decrease as your body sorts things out, but this is going to take a lot of time. As uncomfortable and frustrating as they are, it is best to just adapt to these symptoms and live with them as best as you can until things stabilize.  Then you can start a very slow taper to get off of the drugs for good.

 

 

This was posted a week ago.  In my opinion this response still applies.

 

"I think if I started tapering now I could find some relief."

 

And you might not.  You may even end up worse.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi,

 

I've had a look at your signature and you state that you reinstated 20 mg Paxil (highlighted in blue below).

 

"Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg."

 

  Regarding your very last reinstatement of Paxil

  1. when did you reinstate the last time
  2. when did you stop taking it
  3. how did you stop taking it

I am unable to work out if you were on Paxil immediately before going onto Citalopram earlier this year.

 

It would be helpful if you would include the information I have requested into your signature.  Thank you.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Hey ChessieCat,

 

Thanks for the quick reply! The last time I reinstated was sometime in January of this year (cant remember the date). I was lost and couldnt figure out what to do with the mixed withdrawal symptoms and side effects of the drug, so I went to the psychiatrist at the beginning of February and he prescribed me 30mg of Citalopram. I stopped the paxil CT and began the Citalopram the next day. I stayed on that until March 18th, when I stopped it CT and switched to Lexapro 10mg (the psychiatrist told me it would work). I stayed on that dosage until April 15th, when I went to the psychiatrist again and he updosed the Lexapro to 15mg. Ive been on that dosage since.

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi again,

 

Thank you for providing the additional information.  Because your last dose of Paxil was in January this year it may be that you are getting withdrawal symptoms from stopping Paxil.

 

Many people find that they are not able to drink alcohol and drinks containing caffeine.  Artificial sweeteners can sometimes be a problem too.

 

Here are some links that you may find helpful:

 

Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing)


Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Claire Weekes' Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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So.. does it make any kind of difference? I read James Heaneys articles and came across this:

"...Once withdrawal symptoms have appeared, the nature of SSRI use has changed. There is a point where you put yourself on a track to wean off the drug and can’t really get back to the previous state of SSRI use. You can take your original dose, but the effect will be different. Instead of creating the mental environment that you experienced before, it’s now a mix of withdrawal and the SSRI numbness. Once you’ve experienced a mental state without an SSRI, it’s very hard to go back. Just as you’re very aware of the effects of withdrawal, restarting an SSRI makes you very aware of the effects of the drug. Reinstating an SSRI is a mixed bag. Deciding to start back on an SSRI should be done carefully. Be prepared to experience some form of withdrawal symptoms as well as the general slowing of mental functions that accompanies SSRI use."

 

In my case, I traded severe WD symptoms for a fierce level of apathy and anhedonia upon reinstatement of a much lower dose of Paxil --- the likes of which I never experienced in the ten years of continuous use of a much higher dosage. Clearly, something changes. On a positive note, these reinstatement symptoms - which would surely lead me to suicide if they were permanent - are forcing me to taper and ultimately be free of the effects of SSRIs on my brain. I'd much rather be anxious and have OCD with a full complement of emotions, pleasures, and energy then continue to be the walking dead. 

 

Doesnt this mean that I could start tapering now?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

How about this: you give it another 2 weeks to see what happens with your symptoms and then reassess?

 

Starting a taper while symptomatic is never a good idea.

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Youre right, I should give it more time. Ill try to be more patient. I really appreciate the effort everyone and especially the moderators put into this. Once Im more stable Id like to cobtribute to make ignorant doctors more aware of everything.

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey,

 

I'm in agreement with the other mods - it's still less than a year since you had major drug changes, and in this business, the changes are worse than the doses, most of the time.

 

Here's information on why alcohol can delay your healing more, and even bring on more intense symptoms:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8717-alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome/

 

and

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/919-six-mistakes-ive-made-in-withdrawal/?view=findpost&p=225350&hl=alcohol

 

I hope you see the sun today!

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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  • Administrator

  

On 8/13/2016 at 6:44 PM, Clatterbust said:

I cant take this anymore. I think the 15mg Im taking of Lexapro is too activating. When my psychiatrist told me to increase the dosage from 10mg to 15mg 4 months ago, it made no difference to me whatsover, my CNS was already dedtabilized. But this feeling of void and the withdrawal effects simultaneously is too much.. I think if I started tapering now I could find some relief..

 

What do you mean by withdrawal effects? When do these occur? Why do you think the Lexapro is activating?

 

Please keep daily notes on paper of your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
requoted after name change

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi,

 

I once stopped cold turkey for 45 days and then the bottom fell out. Horrible symptoms. My doctor reinstated at a higher dose, which caused withdrawl and reinstating effects. Please, give CNS time to stablize, once your CNS settles it gets better. Took me about 6 months to get back to 75%.

12 years Prozac, tapered off start of February . 20 mg to 10 mg (Extreme exhaustion, some anxiety, jaw pain) then from 10 mg to 5 mg in March ( Extreme exhaustion, anxiety, mood swings, tingling and numbness in feet, legs) April was 0 mg (crying spells, agitation, anxiety, mood swings, depression) End of June started spasms, burning sleep disturbances,waking every two hours. 

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Hey JanCarol, this evening I actually felt better than I have for a while! The symptoms were milder, and I felt like I could laugh genuinely (if that makes sense). Thank you.

 

Hey Alto! Sorry, I meant Side effects rather than withdrawal effects. By this I mean mainly the Anhedonia, also some memory loss increased sweating (which arent that problematic). By activating, I mean the dosage is too high, hence the increased side effects.

 

Hey Osotough! Thanks for the response, it gives me hope. Are you fully recovered now? Did you improve past the 75% mark?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey - 

 

Congratulations on seeing the window, even if it was only brief - it is a good sign that you are healing!  Healing occurs in Waves and Windows , good days alternate with difficult ones, so when symptoms return, please just tell yourself, "It's only symptoms," and believe that they will pass.

 

How can you tell "withdrawal effects" from "side effects"?  If it happened within a year after any changes in dose (especially a cold turkey withdrawal), then it is more likely to be "withdrawal effects."  What you are reporting are also common "withdrawal effects."

 

I prefer to call them all "drug effects," or "change effects," or (if I get to make up language):  "bounce effects." 

 

Every change in dose is a bounce. A cold turkey withdrawal and a huge reinstatement is a B-I-G big bounce! And your brain is not a basketball, nor is it made of rubber.  Each bounce gets harder for your brain and nervous system to adjust to.

 

Like Alto said, we need steady information about your symptoms in order to determine whether or not you are suffering toxicity from the drug.  More likely, it is destabilisation from that monster bounce 5 months ago.

 

As you are keeping records on paper, it might be interesting to note when you have alcohol - how your mood is following that event.  I find that people have heavier symptoms about 3 days after drinking, even if it is just 1-2 drinks!  Sorry, that is not what you want to hear, but really, abstinence for a year, might give you your whole future back!

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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Hey JanCarol -

 

I really appreciate your response. I will start noting my symptoms on paper. In general however, my stmptoms have followed The Windows and Waves pattern. In terms of hypersensitivity to sounds, I remember that the slightest sound, such as a door opening or my phone ringing would give me an adrenaline rush. Although I still have some hypersensitivity, its not severe like that anymore. It is worse on some days and better on others. Same goes for anxiety, its still lurking there and increases in certain situations (still pretty bothersome), but I believe it has decreased aswell. Tinnitus is still present but less intense, and anhedonia had been bothering me a lot recently but yesterday and hopefully today I feel "happier". I dont believe its drug toxicity either, because I dont have any physical symptoms except increased sweating and tinnitus. What are the usual toxicity symptoms? And in terms of the alcohol, I also feel that way. Usually on the 2nd and 3rd days after drinking, I feel much more agitated.

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator

"And in terms of the alcohol, I also feel that way. Usually on the 2nd and 3rd days after drinking, I feel much more agitated. "

 

This is a very common reaction to alcohol while using these drugs. It can then take many more days up to a week or so for the symptoms to calm down.  During that time there is often more drinking and the problem just compounds itself.  Alcohol is an easy one to self medicate with, I did it for years, and hard to resist in social settings, plus the drugs themselves cause alcohol cravings and lower our resistance to taking that drink.  So it's a tough place to be.  It really is best to stop drinking all together until you're off the drugs all together.  Then a small amount of social drinking can be experimented with. One of the biggest keys to my taper was getting the drinking under control and then quitting.

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

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

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

 

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

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  • Administrator

when does the sweating occur, in relation to when you take escilatopram?

 

Drinking alcohol definitely muddies the picture.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hey Alto,

 

I dont notice a relation between when I take escitalopram and sweating. I just sweat excessively in situations where another person would sweat much less (that has always been the case, even before all the destabilization) however,ever since I started with all the zigzagging between drugs (taking a drug then stopping then reinstating etc) the rate of sweating just doubled in those certain situations. It could be also due to the increased anxiety of cns destabilization.

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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Btw, Ive had some GI problems ever since going on the meds, that got worse when I went cold turkey. Ive gotten better now but am windering, what do you guys think of probiotics?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Administrator

Yes, sweating is an indication of autonomic destabilization.

 

Please keep daily notes on paper of your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. If the sweating or other symptoms occur at certain times of the day, they could be related to your drug dosage.

 

You might want to try probiotics -- take a very little bit at first to see how it affects you. Or, you may wish to try fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, they contain lots of bacteria.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hey,

 

Ive just been wondering a lot recently as to whether my symptoms are from drug toxicity or from withdrawal. How can I make sure? Theres no pattern of when I take the drugs and the symptoms. My nervous system is just more sensitive to stimulus in general, which is giving me the anxiety. I dont have any bad physical symptoms, arent those common for toxicity?

Paxil (20mg): Nov. 2012 - June 2014. CT of paxil. Severe psyhological symptoms. Reinstatement of Paxil (20mg): September 2014. Several attempts (4 or 5) of withdrawal, failing each time (due to increased symptoms:hypersensitivity to sounds, panic, anxiety) and reinstating back to 20mg. Last reinstatement was in January 2016. Symptoms still present. Stopped paxil cold turkey by the end of January, and switched to Citalopram (30mg)

Citalopram (30mg): Feb 1st 2016 - March 17 2016. CT off Citalopram.

Escitalopram (10mg): March 18 2016 - April 14 2016

Escitalopram (15mg): April 15 2016 - on going. Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic, Hypersensitivity to sounds, Tinnitus, Anhedonia.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Escitalopram reaches peak serum (blood) concentration about 5 hours after taking it. (FDA prescribing information)

 

If there is no pattern related to the time of your daily dose, it is likely withdrawal not toxicity.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey - how are you going?

 

Do you feel like things are starting to settle?  You have been on 15 mg Lexapro for a few months now - it's still early days, since last year was several "bounces" that might take until later this year to start settling down.

 

Be patient with yourself.  Take up a practice - whether it is coloring books (it sounds so childish, but is so engaging and healing, to lay down the colours on the page).

 

My first practice was just walking in the daylight for 10 minutes a day.  When I got so that was a regular practice, I added yoga.  When I no longer suffered - my post withdrawal symptoms look like an autoimmune disorder, but there is nothing there - for days after the yoga class, I took 2 yoga classes a week.  Then I switched the second yoga class for tai chi, which was more settling, and I never crashed after tai chi, I always felt better.

 

You've received the link to Non Drug Techniques for Coping with Emotional Symptoms - have you looked at this link, and seen if there is anything there which helps you to feel better?

 

At this point in time , go towards what makes you feel better.  Pay attention to what makes you feel worse - and try and manage those.  But it's more important to go towards what makes you feel better.  If that is 10 minutes of sunshine, or climbing a tree, or dancing to music that you like, or watching cartoons, getting a massage, taking epsom salt baths - find what works for you.  We are all different.  But even though we are all different, to have a regular practice of some sort gives you a bank upon which to draw energy, as well as increases your basis for resiliance.

 

It can get better, and it will, as long as you are patient, and disciplined.  Don't be tempted to make a change every time your emotions shift - it's just windows and waves.  It's just symptoms.  Like clouds from the sky, they will pass, and it will get better.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed name

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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