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Hello,

I've suffered with depression for 33 years.  12 years with no medication because I thought I just needed to try harder.

Finally my father, who had suffered with it too found me a helpful church counselor who convinced me I needed medicine.  This saved my life.  The first medicine Anafranil kept me from suicide.  It got me back to work more steadily and made me able to live.

 

Then I started 21 years of Zoloft and then Paxil.  Oh, with 3 years of Pexeva in between and it was fine.  But government insurance changes forced me back on Paxil the last 3 years or so.

 

I lost my 26 year marriage.  The day after my mom died my wife asked for a divorce and exploded my family.  I had only 1 son who partly stayed with me for the last 5 years.  The other still treats me well but lives with his mother.  She and I are on good terms and I am a Christian who doesn't believe in divorce.  Just FYI with some of this stuff.

 

About 5 years ago i couldn't work any longer and it was the excuse my wife needed to do what she wanted.  Anyway it left me alone with idleness and depression and lonliness in a new town where I could afford to live.

 

6 months ago I went back to my original counselor and wanted to try to taper off, which she is good with.  BTW, my GP knows nothing and just wants to try new meds.  Ive tried them all and can only take a few.

 

So, after gut trouble started 14 months ago I have was taken down from 30 mg to 20 mg Paxil.  Didn't suffer that I noticed.

 

Then I noticed that in a 6 month period of time I had missed 25 days of Paxil.  So I had steadily and accidentally tapered to what amounted to about 15 or so MG.

 

Vitamin B complex made me angry!  I am afraid to take 5htp with Paxil.  

Any suggestions on safe supplements?

Will my gut ever get any better?

My family tends to have IBS D anyway and I have had it for 14 months and am trying to live on Imodium.

 

This site came highly recommended as experts in the field.

I have only met one psychiatrist who knew what he was doing in 33 years.

 

So...........

Pete

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment

Hi Pete

To change password you go to the drop down box at the top right corner.

Then go to 'my settings' then on left hand side go to 'email and password'.

 

Look forward to your pending intro, sounds like a long story, don't worry we love long stories....don't forget to do the drug signature which appears below everyone's posts.

 

Welcome

nz11

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

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Im on 20 mg Paxil but have first accidentally tapered down by missing with no ill effects.

 

Im trying with pill splitting to stay right around 15 mg.

 

If I go down to 10 mg I start feeling withdrawal.  Is that the time or a dose that is just my bottom dose?

 

How did I miss posts or threads about Paxil in particular.  I cant find them.

 

Thanks

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Pete and welcome to SA,

 

I have merged NZ's answer to your password question here and closed the other topic you started.  It is one Intro/Update topic per member on this site.

 

I've also merged your other question into your Intro/Update topic because it relates to your individual situation and keeps your history in one place for both you and other members.

 

Thank you for completing your signature.  It would be more helpful if you could add dates to it so we have a more accurate picture of your drug history.  Details of the last year and summary of anything prior to that is good.

 

Also, are you suffering any withdrawal symptoms since reducing from 20 to 15?

 

Now for the links to information (the Paxil link explains how to get accurate doses):

 

Introduction to AD Withdrawal Syndrome


Why taper by 10% of my dosage?


Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Symptoms Checklist

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine)

 

Digestive problems:  Nausea, Diarrhoea, Bloating, GERD

 

These helped me to understand SA's recommendation of tapering by no more than 10% with a 4-6 week holding period to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  They have helped me to remain patient and taper wisely:

 

Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing)


Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Many members here find Vitamin B6 too activating.  It is better to take supplements individually and start one at a time and with a low dose to see how you react.  The two supplements which member's here use are Omega-3 Fish Oil and Magnesium.  Also, caffeine and alcohol can be an issue.

 

Here is SA's link about 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) and tryptophan

 

Please have a read of these links. You can use your Intro/Update topic to ask questions and to journal your progress.  Please update your signature with date and dose for any drug you change so it remains current and can be seen at a glance.  Click "Follow" top right and you will be notified when someone responds.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Hi Pete. Welcome to SA. I responded to your PM, but wanted to chime in here to bump your thread.

ADs for approx 20 yrs.

Klonopin .05mg 2009-2013 Last dose Aug 2013

APRIL 21, 2015: switched from Paxil cr 25mg (equiv to 20. mg regular paxil) to liquid Prozac 20 mg. Took prozac for 5 weeks. Didn't work.

MAY 21. 2015: switched back to Paxil - liquid 5mg for 1 week. Then upped to 7.5. Waiting to stabilize at this.

Tapered off prozac in 2 weeks.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Pete, I have very little to add to Chessie's informative post!  If you read all of those links (whew!) you will be well on the way to understanding how this works!

 

Additionally, as someone who has had a lifetime of emotional distress - if you are going to remove a drug, you need to think about what you are going to replace it with.

 

Here are a few suggestions, but as we get to know you better, there may be others:

Non Drug Techniques for Coping with Emotional Symptoms

 

Welcome to SA!

"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!

Link to comment

Thanks everyone.

 

I will read through the threads.

 

I do not think I have as much withdrawal as some.  But I also just wonder how my brain/body will do on zero medicine which is where I was when I had the first almost "attack" of depression and anxiety.

 

Thanks.

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment

Hi Pete. Welcome to SA. I responded to your PM, but wanted to chime in here to bump your thread.

Thanks for the bump.

I noticed in your signature you have dealt with Paxil and currently still do.

14 months ago I went from 30 mg to 20 mg because of gut trouble.  My GP was probably taking blind swings.  But anyway, the reduction didn't cause bad effects after a few weeks that I noticed.

 

By simple pill splitting and averaging I am at about 15 mg now.

 

Did you experience adverse affects dropping below 15 mg?  What symptoms?

 

Thanks

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment

Hi Pete

To change password you go to the drop down box at the top right corner.

Then go to 'my settings' then on left hand side go to 'email and password'.

 

Look forward to your pending intro, sounds like a long story, don't worry we love long stories....don't forget to do the drug signature which appears below everyone's posts.

 

Welcome

nz11

Thank you very much.  Finally got it fixed.

Hi Pete

To change password you go to the drop down box at the top right corner.

Then go to 'my settings' then on left hand side go to 'email and password'.

 

Look forward to your pending intro, sounds like a long story, don't worry we love long stories....don't forget to do the drug signature which appears below everyone's posts.

 

Welcome

nz11

 

 

Hi Pete and welcome to SA,

 

I have merged NZ's answer to your password question here and closed the other topic you started.  It is one Intro/Update topic per member on this site.

 

I've also merged your other question into your Intro/Update topic because it relates to your individual situation and keeps your history in one place for both you and other members.

 

Thank you for completing your signature.  It would be more helpful if you could add dates to it so we have a more accurate picture of your drug history.  Details of the last year and summary of anything prior to that is good.

 

Also, are you suffering any withdrawal symptoms since reducing from 20 to 15?

 

Now for the links to information (the Paxil link explains how to get accurate doses):

 

Introduction to AD Withdrawal Syndrome

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Symptoms Checklist

 

Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine)

 

Digestive problems:  Nausea, Diarrhoea, Bloating, GERD

 

These helped me to understand SA's recommendation of tapering by no more than 10% with a 4-6 week holding period to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  They have helped me to remain patient and taper wisely:

 

Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing)

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Many members here find Vitamin B6 too activating.  It is better to take supplements individually and start one at a time and with a low dose to see how you react.  The two supplements which member's here use are Omega-3 Fish Oil and Magnesium.  Also, caffeine and alcohol can be an issue.

 

Here is SA's link about 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) and tryptophan

 

Please have a read of these links. You can use your Intro/Update topic to ask questions and to journal your progress.  Please update your signature with date and dose for any drug you change so it remains current and can be seen at a glance.  Click "Follow" top right and you will be notified when someone responds.

Thank you for so much good stuff.  I will read through it.

 

Hey Pete, I have very little to add to Chessie's informative post!  If you read all of those links (whew!) you will be well on the way to understanding how this works!

 

Additionally, as someone who has had a lifetime of emotional distress - if you are going to remove a drug, you need to think about what you are going to replace it with.

 

Here are a few suggestions, but as we get to know you better, there may be others:

Non Drug Techniques for Coping with Emotional Symptoms

 

Welcome to SA!

Thank you.  So far the only symptoms I have noticed were irritability and anxiety.  But only really if I miss a dose due to business or distraction.  By the next morning roles around(almost 2 days late) I am a little messed up and nervous.

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment

Hello,

 She and I are on good terms and I am a Christian who doesn't believe in divorce.  Just FYI with some of this stuff.

 

So...........

Pete

Hi Pete,

I agree, as Christian I don't believe in divorce and remarriage either.

 

Hope you get better and get off the drugs. The Lord has helped me tremendously. I'm sure He will do so for you.

Prozac 1999-2009 quit semi cold turkey.

 

2012 Placed on Seroquel 25 mg, Tranxene (Clorezepate) 3.75 mg 3x a day, Remeron 30 mg for anxiety/akathesia.

 

Weaned off Seroquel and Tranxene .to Remeron 15 Mg.

In May 2014 tried quitting Remeron at its lowest dose. Had severe withdrawals.Reinstated Remeron at 30 mg by doctor. August 5 2014 entered hospital. Doctor pulled the Remeron and bridged it to Pamelor (Nortriptyline) 40mg and Zyprexa 2.5mg.After removing the Remeron all my bad symptoms went away and I am stable.

 

9/11/14 - 7.5 mg tranxene, 40mg Pamelor, Zyprexa 2.5mg

12/29/14 -  20mg Pamelor, 1/6/15,  7/31/15 3.5mg, 8/10/15 3.2 mg, 9/15/15 2.2mg, 10/15/15 1.8mg

(Feb 2016 - 1.4mg Pamelor only -  OFF OF TRANXENE AND ZYPREXA SINCE DEC 2014 BENZO FREE Since 2014. Nortrityline (Pamelor) .8mg Aug 2016

March 2017 DRUG FREE

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Pete,

 

It is very important to take the same dose every day at approximately the same time.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

 

Hello,

 She and I are on good terms and I am a Christian who doesn't believe in divorce.  Just FYI with some of this stuff.

 

So...........

Pete

Hi Pete,

I agree, as Christian I don't believe in divorce and remarriage either.

 

Hope you get better and get off the drugs. The Lord has helped me tremendously. I'm sure He will do so for you.

 

Well thanks for the encouragement.  Divorce is a little taboo to many Americans even in the churches.  They don't understand.  Most women kind of do.  Most men mostly don't.  Thank goodness, years ago, my dad stuck with me to get me help or I'd a been a goner.  He checked himself into a pyschiatric hospital at age 22, after suffering since age 14.  Talk about nobody understanding.

So, yeah.  My wife had other problems and medical problems and wouldn't stick it out.  I would still be sticking with her medical problems if she hadn't kinda flaked out.  I STILL still help her in an emergency 4 years later.

Today I had to go get her in the heat when she had a flat and she was freakin out!  LOL.  Yeah, Idk what her plans are, but so far she would be homeless without my help and may yet be that way.

 

I am glad of your kindness.

I hope to not need the meds anymore at some point and also hope I can fix my debilitating gut trouble and DRINK COFFEE AGAIN!!

 

You have a nice day.

 

pete

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment

 Divorce is a little taboo to many Americans even in the churches. 

 

I meant to say........Depression is a little taboo , lol.  Oh good gravy.

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

LOL little freudian slip?

 

I think in some communities, because of ad campaigns, Divorce has a greater stigma than depression in the old US of A!  (though some churches still frown upon depression, seeing it as a spiritual failure - which is harder to live with than a "chemical" failure.)

 

So - you have quite a benzo habit there - 25 years on 1-3 per day.  If you need help with that (trying to taper off) - consider talking to moderator Wellness (the Wise!) at our Members Only Benzo Forum

 

When you get your Paxil down a bit - you may need to bring the benzos down, too, as they are depressing.  The time you've been on them, it's a wonder they still work at all - they are famous for dropping out and needing to "up the dose."

 

Please, Paxil is a wicked one to come off of.  It is important that you taper by 10% of your current dose, as Chessie pointed out.  The reason for that is as your dose gets lower, it is still hitting a higher percentage of receptors.  It's curved, not linear, the "coverage" of your receptors.

 

This explains it better than I ever could:  The importance of tapering on plasma concentration

 

Please put dates in your signature - "the past 4 months" will be outdated in no time at all.  

 

So when you try a taper, you would go to 13.5 mg, or 90% of your current dose.  Liquid tapers are the best way to do it.  Then HOLD for at least a month.  There is often a delayed reaction from any changes you make in your drugs.

 

Believe me, it is much better to control your symptoms by going slowly, and still live your life.  After you get about "halfway" down, you will find that your brain comes back, side effects are not so bad, and you realize that you've missed yourself while on the drug, and you might want to learn more about yourself, so persist.   

 

We have some prayer circles here that you might appreciate:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5849-lets-pray-for-one-another/

"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!

Link to comment

LOL little freudian slip?

 

I think in some communities, because of ad campaigns, Divorce has a greater stigma than depression in the old US of A!  (though some churches still frown upon depression, seeing it as a spiritual failure - which is harder to live with than a "chemical" failure.)

 

So - you have quite a benzo habit there - 25 years on 1-3 per day.  If you need help with that (trying to taper off) - consider talking to moderator Wellness (the Wise!) at our Members Only Benzo Forum

 

When you get your Paxil down a bit - you may need to bring the benzos down, too, as they are depressing.  The time you've been on them, it's a wonder they still work at all - they are famous for dropping out and needing to "up the dose."

 

Please, Paxil is a wicked one to come off of.  It is important that you taper by 10% of your current dose, as Chessie pointed out.  The reason for that is as your dose gets lower, it is still hitting a higher percentage of receptors.  It's curved, not linear, the "coverage" of your receptors.

 

This explains it better than I ever could:  The importance of tapering on plasma concentration

 

Please put dates in your signature - "the past 4 months" will be outdated in no time at all.  

 

So when you try a taper, you would go to 13.5 mg, or 90% of your current dose.  Liquid tapers are the best way to do it.  Then HOLD for at least a month.  There is often a delayed reaction from any changes you make in your drugs.

 

Believe me, it is much better to control your symptoms by going slowly, and still live your life.  After you get about "halfway" down, you will find that your brain comes back, side effects are not so bad, and you realize that you've missed yourself while on the drug, and you might want to learn more about yourself, so persist.   

 

We have some prayer circles here that you might appreciate:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5849-lets-pray-for-one-another/

The "benzo habit" might be less than you think.  I have been off those type of pills about 3 times.  But I do have episodes of anxiety and take them as needed.  I've actually found that most ADs that docs prescribe may help depression and anxiety in one sense, but in the bigger picture cause more consistent anxiety as a side effect.

If I am busy and occupied and not under a great deal of stress I can miss lorazepam and not even know it.  But maybe during a time of stress I might feel the need for it.

My dad took it "as needed" for.....well.....Idk.....how long has it been around?  He had a very, long happy productive life.  And never took more or even took any most days.   Him and my mother, 25 years ago told me I was too stressed out and needed a sedative.

Other methods of "treating" depression and anxiety like alcohol have not went well in my family.  So, being a person who occasionally needs something....I chose the less destructive thing.

 

Idk if I will be able to taper off the last 15 mg of Paxil or not.  I'm going to find out.  I have serious gut issues and if i could fix them and absorb proper nutrition I think i might do pretty well.  Right now I know I do not absorb things correctly.

 

I do appreciate your help. Idk exactly what is going to take place but thanks.

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Pete you posted a new topic in the Symptoms forum, "Very Nervous Upon Waking as I continue to attempt weaning."  I've moved that question

 

One of the best ways to find existing topics is to use a web search tool such as Google.

 

Use as search terms both the symptom you're curious about and "survivingantidepressants.org"

 

I found these two topics in the Symptoms and self-care forum:

 

Waking with anxiety - managing cortisol spikes  ** I've moved your post to this thread/topic

 

Fear, terror, panic, and anxiety

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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Pete you posted a new topic in the Symptoms forum, "Very Nervous Upon Waking as I continue to attempt weaning."  I've moved that question

 

One of the best ways to find existing topics is to use a web search tool such as Google.

 

Use as search terms both the symptom you're curious about and "survivingantidepressants.org"

 

I found these two topics in the Symptoms and self-care forum:

 

Waking with anxiety - managing cortisol spikes  ** I've moved your post to this thread/topic

 

Fear, terror, panic, and anxiety

Thanks, I didn't know.

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

I don't really understand if this will be seen but just wanted to post that after just about 1 month at a lowered dose from 20mg Paxil, to 15 mg I am very seldom experiencing the waking with nervousness.

I just hope this good trend continues.

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi pete,

 

That's good to hear.  Definitely hope is continues that way for you.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Pete,

 

I saw your question(I think for me) on your other topic about your belief in the usefulness of AD's for suicidal ideation and/or intent.

 

Yes, I take Trace Minerals.  "Do they help with anxiety?"  I think so........keep in mind though that I am almost...........celebratory dance here...........2 years out from my Lexapro experience...........and that may also play a large factor in my neuroregeneration to date.

 

The L-lysine I use as a non prescription alternative to Acyclovir and it has worked very well for me to date.  For preventative maintenance of a viral infection.  I think it is an amino acid as well.  It's just part of my present regimen.

 

I hope this answers your questions.

 

I hope the good trend for you continues.

 

Be well.  :)

 

manymoretodays

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

Hi Pete,

 

I saw your question(I think for me) on your other topic about your belief in the usefulness of AD's for suicidal ideation and/or intent.

 

Yes, I take Trace Minerals.  "Do they help with anxiety?"  I think so........keep in mind though that I am almost...........celebratory dance here...........2 years out from my Lexapro experience...........and that may also play a large factor in my neuroregeneration to date.

 

The L-lysine I use as a non prescription alternative to Acyclovir and it has worked very well for me to date.  For preventative maintenance of a viral infection.  I think it is an amino acid as well.  It's just part of my present regimen.

 

I hope this answers your questions.

 

I hope the good trend for you continues.

 

Be well.  :)

 

manymoretodays

Ah....thanks.  And for your time.  The only person I have ever seen do any good as a counselor has to take supplements for mild anxiety herself.                           

I am going to have to pay against my bill, (lol) and then call over and ask what does her so much good, but is a natural substance.

I would LOVE to lessen or again quit the lorazepam along with the Paxil.

BUT, my own parents took me aside when i was a young married man and said, "Pete, your too jumpy, nervous and mean to your wife.  You need a pill, really."

 

I can pretty easily stop lorazepam, but don't want to be jumpy, nervous and mean!  

And I don't drink....so......lol

Again thanks for your time.

pete

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

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  • Moderator Emeritus

No problem Pete.  Have you tried alternatives for the management of "jumpy, nervous, and mean".  Not just pills or supplements but perhaps other stuff?  Yoga, meditation, movement, singing, dancing..........many choices out there.   And of course this symptom could be withdrawal.  That is something that you might consider.........rather than a fixed personality trait.  Withdrawal from the Paxil.

 

The IBS...........well, again.........I think you might find some alternative management that might help eventually........   I don't have the ability to post links but maybe one of the others will.  Dietary stuff??

 

Are you here for help in getting off of your medications?  I'm not so sure that just stopping the lorazepam would be in your best interest if you decide to do that.  If I were you I would spend some time getting familiar with this site.........doing some reading and such.   Eventually limiting the harm that might result if you just do like you have always done.

 

A great book that I would recommend would be Robert Whittaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic.  Reading that was a Godsend for me as well as some other synchronicity at that time.

 

However, to each his own.  It's just hard not to share some of my own views........gleaned from struggling.........suffering, if you will...........with the hope of easing someone else's journey.

 

Sorry, about your Divorce and family situation.  Hard to understand sometimes the things we can't control.  I too, have great faith........always searching, hopefully always growing in the right direction..........more on the spiritual lines now and less on the any one Church or man's interpetation of the Great One, Great Spirit.

 

I wish you well.  God Bless.  I do love Sundays most weeks.  :-)

 

mmt

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment

No problem Pete.  Have you tried alternatives for the management of "jumpy, nervous, and mean".  Not just pills or supplements but perhaps other stuff?  Yoga, meditation, movement, singing, dancing..........many choices out there.   And of course this symptom could be withdrawal.  That is something that you might consider.........rather than a fixed personality trait.  Withdrawal from the Paxil.

 

The IBS...........well, again.........I think you might find some alternative management that might help eventually........   I don't have the ability to post links but maybe one of the others will.  Dietary stuff??

 

Are you here for help in getting off of your medications?  I'm not so sure that just stopping the lorazepam would be in your best interest if you decide to do that.  If I were you I would spend some time getting familiar with this site.........doing some reading and such.   Eventually limiting the harm that might result if you just do like you have always done.

 

A great book that I would recommend would be Robert Whittaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic.  Reading that was a Godsend for me as well as some other synchronicity at that time.

 

However, to each his own.  It's just hard not to share some of my own views........gleaned from struggling.........suffering, if you will...........with the hope of easing someone else's journey.

 

Sorry, about your Divorce and family situation.  Hard to understand sometimes the things we can't control.  I too, have great faith........always searching, hopefully always growing in the right direction..........more on the spiritual lines now and less on the any one Church or man's interpetation of the Great One, Great Spirit.

 

I wish you well.  God Bless.  I do love Sundays most weeks.  :-)

 

mmt

Jumpy, Nervous and Mean....well that's a country song about my ex wife,,,, actually only about me in my early twenties.  In 30 years I have mellowed some and learned to cope some and avoid some things.  Like wallpapering, haha.  You are the second person that has mentioned that book, so I have to get it.

I am here to taper off my medications if I can and I won't just stop lorazepam at this point, not this time.  I have more anxiety than I did, mostly during time spent alone now that my family was exploded after 26 years.

But that was 3-4 years ago and I am not broken hearted and my sons have adjusted a great deal.

Time alone and overthinking while inside one's own head too much is not conducive to happiness in a nervous type person!  But I am rebuilding some social contacts(hard for a middle aged man) and have returned to my original childhood church where lot's of people know and care about me and my family.

I DO very much appreciate all your help and the nod towards the book as well as many links posted by another couple folks that I have not even had time to read but a fraction of at this time.

I need to read your sig, but I hope for the best for you and that you do well.

pete

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

I know I am at times a dumb old foggy creature but despite the mods very generous private replies I still have trouble navigating and finding replies to my own posts by current members.

I know they will have up to date things to share.

 

I can not even BEGIN to get through all the gathered information on this site, even that pertains directly to me.

 

I'm glad it's here.

 

And yes, no.  I'm not new. ha.

pete333

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment

I missed 2 days doses of Paxil and am not feeling to bad, but wonder if I should take it 9 hours too late near bedtime when I usually take it around noon or wait?

 

It's been years since I missed 2 days and that made me mean and angry but not dangerous too me or anyone.  That was 4 days during a trip and I was super busy and simply forgot.

 

What should I do and how do I ask the most people, here or otherwise?

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

If it were me I'd be taking it straight away and then take it the next day at the "same time + 1 or 2 hours later" to get back to your normal time.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • 8 months later...

On my phone, how do I find and update my signature?

1993 prescribed Anafranil and something else I can't remember for very major severe debilitating depression that his BEFORE any meds of any kind.1993 prescribed 2 mg x 4 daily Ativan for nerves and anxiety as recommended by family and doctor. Didn't always use it.2002? prescribed Zoloft. 2009 prescribed Paxil. Switched to Paxil by first doctor trying to help raging IBS D that had hit.2012 prescribed Pexeva and IBS dissappeared.2013 government mandated use of Paxil for everyone, went back on it. (Unless you have $1,000.00 per month laying around) IBS RETURNED.June 2015 2nd doctor cut 30 mg Paxil to 20 mg Paxil to try to stop new level of deadly IBS that made me unable to eat.October 2015 began accidentally missing several Paxil doses per month.June 2016 reduced

 

Paxil to 15mg officially to begin to try to taper.

March 2017 Paxil tapered to 10 mg daily. Having trouble going further.

1993 Prescribed 2 mg X 4 per day Ativan as per family and doctor for anxiety and nerves. Quit/tapered Ativan years at a time until divorce 2012.

2017 tapered to 4 mg from 8 mg ativan per day.<p>

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  • Moderator Emeritus

This is a direct link to account settings, you can update your signature here. :)

 

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/settings/signature/

 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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