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yyeehhaaww: How do I keep going ?


yyeehhaaww

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have been on 10 mg since 5/14 ...

 

started cutting and holding to now more than 1/2  since 7/12 

HORRIBLE insomnia and withdrawal from clonazepam (.5 (a few days took 2 or 3) from 12/15/14 to 3/30 first cold turkey then by hospital on 4/30.  Given many drugs for about a month some just a few days but off of them (seroquel, depakote, lithium, lorazepam, temazepam, gabapentin).  just trying to heal from benzo wd

 

very difficult like y'all to live each day

Edited by scallywag
split from yyeeh's thread about her sister
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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Welcome, yyeehhaaww.

 

Yes, people have been able to go off those drugs. See Tips for tapering off Z drugs for sleep (Ambien, Imovane, Sonata, Lunesta, Intermezzo, etc.)

 

Do you still have symptoms from benzo withdrawal? It may be too early for you to taper another drug.

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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thank you so very much for all you and everyone does here.  I am too sick to do much of anything even type this.  just lie in bed and recliner where I sleep at night for a few hours .  Am in my 60's and too old to go through this.  Was on medical leave until 7/23 so had to resign from job I loved and planned on working for a few years.  Have husband who is 71 who is taking care of me.  No friends- no one else but God.  Married daughter estranged.  Sister worse off than me with her suicide attempt on 3/1.  Hair coming out in handfuls.  Exhausted from all this.  Do not feel will ever get better.  was on 10 mg of zolpidem and started needing more and prescription only for 10 so knew I had to get down.  Doing dry micro cuts and holding

 

What is your story Alto?

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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Husband watches TV a lot so i move.  Can't take his snoring after over 34 years of it not bothering me after cold turkey of .75 clonazepam on 3/30 for 4 months.  Heard birds chirping outside that could not take.   I am also sensitive to light and have put sheets on top of curtain to block out lights in 3 rooms. Cannot eat.  If anyone has had this does it go away? 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

This is one for the Symptoms and Self care Section.   You might look there to see things other people do to help similar symptoms.

Sensitivity to sounds and light goes away as you get better.

 

If this is you introduction . . . welcome to the site.

 

Fresh

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Topics merged with the main introductory thread... only one thread allowed per customer in this forum.  This is so we can better follow your journey. Please read this thread for how to tips.  If you have trouble keeping track of where this thread is, you could link to it through your signature.. see mine below. Thanks

 

As Fresh suggested, you might want to do a search in Symptoms and self-care for others who have had similar issues.  Unfortunately, light and sound sensitivity is not uncommon.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Mine comes and goes......almost 9 mos. off Lexapro now as does the ear ringing, brain zaps, hyperemotionality(someone here coined it as neuroemotion), and a lot of other symptoms.

 

I am 58 and still feel driven to see this through.  Yes, very exhausting.

 

Hugs.

 

Welcome.

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

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I think my ex-husbands story correlates with yours a bit yehaw.  He "borrowed" some of his Dad's Ambien and has suffered ever since.......pretty severely with increased stressors.  I will let you know if he finds anything helpful.

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

 

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  • 1 year later...

been on so many many psych drugs... now off of all plus benzos and everything else including lithium (many heath problems) .... EXCEPT trileptal... on only 4 months... 900mg... cut to 600mg yesterday (believe may have liver problems from it)  have daily diarrhea and do not know what causing it... need help/support for trileptal withdrawal

off of all the following:

 

XANAX 2 mg 4 few wks 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30
PAINFUL 2 recall meds last 2 yrs
6 nightly 4 insomnia
`c/t 20 mg Belsomra 8/20/16 off&on 4 a yr
`wd 8/16-9/16 zanaflex/silenor/prozasin/doxepin on all few months except for silenor (year)

C/T KLONOPIN WHICH BEGAN THIS MESS end of 3/15 after on for 4 months began horrible insomnia took .5 sometimes 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t at hospital 5/15 temazepam/seroquel/lithium when left hospital
tolerance to temazepam after 1 month
seroquel akathasisia & rash depakote
then ambien side effects & tolerance last on 5/16
latuda 3/16 bad 
GEODON 4/16 BAD AKATHASIA
zyprexa bad
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin did nothing so got off 
probably more 
medication sensitive & have paradoxical side effects

in past before last 2 years Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil to name a few

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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I also failed to mention that in my 2nd month of Xanax withdrawal and still have a lot of waves ... depression, anxiety, head pain, etc.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Would you put your current medications in a signature along with a brief summary of your medication & withdrawal history?

 

Instructions: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature

 

If you are using a mobile device, instructions and screen captures are in Post #8 and Post #9

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

Has anyone gotten off of trileptal?

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

You can search the site by using a websearch tool such as google with these search terms

site:survivingantidepressants.org trileptal

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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I do not know how to delete or change the title of my original post over a year ago that does not apply any longer.
I want off of my last poison drug.
trileptal .....
began it around July so only on for 4+ months... 900mg.
 
 I am 68... so tired of cutting, withdrawing, this whole mess (see signature).  

 

After getting off xanax after only on for 19 days this past June when realized it was a benzo, dr lied and said I could not get addicted to it if I took it the same time every day???????  Took 3 months to taper it.  cannot do this any more.  

 

Am suffering benzo withdrawal hell madness any wat ... worst main wave symptom of anxiety most recently.  

 

Took over a month to get off lithium 600mg recently (been off and on it for 3 or 4 years) as it does nothing good for me and was killing me.... knocked out thyroid, very bad hand tremor, diarrhea (maybe lithium maybe not) have  pain in upper right abdomen do not want to wait for my kidneys/liver to fail.  

 

Reduced trileptal to 600 mg on Nov. 10th.  On the 15th, to 450mg.  Hope to do another cut tomorrow to 300mg.  I do not want to be on it any longer and do another taper that takes longer than actual time on it.  My brain is ruined any way, my CNS is shot, i see very little hope of ever being well.

Edited by scallywag
merged from new Intro topic; added 'graf breaks for readability
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
Link to comment

Please  anyone please skip to my last few posts and give me some feedback?  I really am so tired and done with all of this.  I also do not want to have to go back to pdoc and get more trileptal.. she did not want me to cut the lithium below 300 but I did ??? why what value was that? and did not want me to get off trileptal.

 

do not want to cause myself more pain....I do not want to do a long withdrawal for it since only on 4 months.  Need help, reassurance, suggestions, input.  Struggling today as usual, but trying to remain calm. I know no one knows the outcome, just best educated guesses in direction I want to take.  Would like to do remaining 450mg taper as quickly as possible.  THANKS Y'ALL. 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

You are in a tough spot -- dealing with symptoms of withdrawal from your previous fast-tapers and hard stops of medication. I get that it's frustrating and heartbreaking to look at the time and effort it will take to taper the one last medication.

 

We can't help you with what you say you want -- to get off trileptal quickly with no pain or suffering. Your CNS (central nervous system) is in charge of what you experience while you fast taper trileptal.

 

A full recovery from these medications is possible. If you'd like assistance and ideas on how to taper safely off trileptal, please post to let us know.

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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We can't help you with what you say you want -- to get off trileptal quickly with no pain or suffering

 

I know and understand there will be pain and suffering.  I miscommunicated, please forgiv

 

i know no one knows THE answer.  I guess my question is since trileptal is NOT a benzo NOR an anti[-depressant, and in light of the fact I have only been on since July, (a little over 4 months), and am now done to 450 mg from 900 what are some recommendations for the remaining 450 and how long to take .... just some suggestions for remaining taper.  I am having recent anxiety, but today a window.  I know I am only 7 weeks post benzo withdrawal and my brain/CNS are screwed up.  I know I will continue to have symptoms.  

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Trileptal is an anti-convulsant. It acts on the CNS (central nervous system). The CNS modifies receptor/transmitter cells and neurotransmitter processes in the regular presence of a neuro-active substance.

 

Please (re-)read this topic:

Tips for tapering off Trileptal (oxcarbazine)

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


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

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Thanks so very much for your reply.  Please forgive me, I know and understand.  

 

post

 

 I know I am only 7 weeks post benzo withdrawal and my brain/CNS are screwed up.  I know I will continue to have symptoms.  I know and understan all these psych drugs mess up brain, neurtoransmitters, CNS.  

 

I am simply trying to lessen the impact of being on trileptal on top of all the other things.  I am looking for help on tapering other than 10% remaining of 450 mg of trileptal since only on for 4 months.   Is that the ONLY tapering method?????  I do not want to be on it for another 4 months, but do not plan on c/t today or tomorrow.  I am not an epileptic ... was given for depression along with my other polydrug cocktail.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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Gosh, I realized I left off details.

 

I was fired by pdoc in 2014 for stopping lithium and paxil

 

Then I fired 2 pdocs... one for giving me 1000 mg depakote and 800 mg of seroquel AND temazepam 30 mg and ambien 10 mg all to sleep at night.in July 2015.. so very drugged.  next pdoc fired for all the many drugs given including the xanax that he told me I would not get addicted to this July 2016.  I have tried to forgive them.  He is also the one who gave me trileptal.... said was so mild that children take it..... whatever.  Given 300 mg and told to take 1, then next night 2, then 3.  all for sleep/depression.

 

New pdoc who I went to to get off 6 drugs for insomnia in August wanted me to cut lithium to 300 mg from 600 mg.  I tried it but felt like it aggravated depression and since was trying to wean off of those 6 which included xana so went back on but then we agreed to cut to 300 mg in October.  Since then have cut lithium entirely with I believe no great harm.  

 

She also wanted me to cut trileptal in august from 900 mg to 600, but again I backed off.  I had only been on it for about 6 weeks then so I should have, but hindsight is always greater.  She had no plans for me to withdraw, but simply cut back.  Then in October I wanted to cut trileptal, but she did not want me to.  I have done so any way beginning on 11/10/16... from 900 to 600 mg like she recommended in August - 2 months later.  I take them twice a day so was doing 1 1/2 in am and again in pm. ... then went to (1) 300 mg twice a day.  5 days later I cut the am dose to 1/2 or 150 and left evening at 1 or 300 for a total of 450 mg per day.  That is where I am.  I have been somewhat stable today.... anxiety ok.  Now for the last 450 mg.  My thoughts were to cut the evening dose by 1/2.  It is scored and very easy to do in halves.  would be difficult to cut more as is oblong.  want to do cuts 5-7 days IF somewhat stable.   FEEDBACK, COMMENTS???

PLEASE

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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actually the way I have felt most of the day, I could live like this the rest of my life... I am not suffering in pain like I have with the waves ... many windows since October but the waves make me lose sight

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

You are unlikely to receive suggestions for faster tapers on this site.  Our goal is to help people taper off meds safely at a rate that seems to offer the best balance with reduced risk of symptoms. The rate at which you taper is up to you.

 

There are other approaches to discontinuing medications, including those that doctors think are advisable. A web search with google or bing is likely to yield suggestions that meet your time frame.

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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I did not expect a blessing for a fast taper.  I know it is up to me and do not want specifics that I will or will not follow.  

 

All I wanted was what could be some input for a taper for trileptal after only being on it for 4 months?  I simply do not see how it could be the same rigid 10% across the board for months vs years.  There has to be a faster rate when one has only been on a poison drug for less than 6 months that is not a benzo or ad.  I am not trying to be rude but just wanting some feedback.  I know all about slow, simple, steady.  When you look at my signature you have to see I have been at this and been through a c/t with klonopin.  If anything I believe with xanax I took over 3 months to taper after only on for little over 2 weeks out of fear but the pdoc was helping was dragging it out.  I believe the time I tapered being so very long exposure harmed me and did not help.  It certainly did not lessen my withdrawal side effects and most probably compounded them.      

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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by the way, I forgot.... 

 

There are other approaches to discontinuing medications, including those that doctors think are advisable. A web search with google or bing is likely to yield suggestions that meet your time frame.

 

I have not been able to find those, or I would not be asking here.  

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

A fast taper off a drug which you have been on for a short while is only suggested if a person has never taken psychiatric drugs previously.  Because you have been on and off other drugs before, your CNS has become sensitised (the effects are cumulative).  This is why a 10% taper of your newer drug is suggested by SA.

 

These helped me to understand SA's recommended slow taper which allows the brain to adapt as we reduce the drug:

 

Brain Remodelling


Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery


What is Happening in Your Brain

 

Brain adaptation can occur in a very short period of time after starting a new drug (maybe 2 months?).  In your case you have been on Trilepal for 4 months.

* 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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Oh, Dear Sweet Chessie,

 

Thank you ... Thank you.... THANK YOU....from the top to the bottom of my heart with literally tears running down my cheeks in gratitude for the time YOU spent to help me.  Instead of throwing me a beach ball as I am floundering and going under the water while in the Pacific Ocean since you are in Ausftralia,

YOU GAVE ME  NOT ONLY A LIFE JACKET BUT A LIFE RAFT by your post.  You Aussies are truly amazing people.... I was going to send a pm  to you  but decided to post and bare my soul in the hopes that if any other poor soul who is as confused, messed up from all the polydrugging can be righted 

 

Capsizing (or keeling over) is when a boat or ship is turned on its side or it is upside down. The act of reversing a capsized vessel is called righting.

 

I think deep down I had red flags but my brain can no longer really figure stuff out clearly.  You helped me see and have put the brakes on my fast taper.  I know you cannot tell me what to do.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE .. any expert opinion on how I proceed.  

 

to review

 

900 mg of trileptal - (3) 300 mg pills split in a.m. and p.m for a total of 450 mg each from July - Nov 10th

 

STUPIDLY cut (1) 300 pill out so down to 600 mg -- Nov 10th - 15th - == so 600 mg a 33% cut

 

Nov 15th ANOTHER CUT so presently at 450...

 

I am assuming I hold for a while and will then cut .75 mg 

 

FEEDBACK

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Moderator Emeritus

Joseph Glenmullen, MD presents a faster approach to discontinuing medication, which we do not endorse, in his book, The Anti-Depressant Solution.

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, Scal.... this will be words from a mad woman who is trying to think clearly DESPERATERLY....I simply did not understand UNTIL the post from Ches.  I have so many thoughts .. I was rushed this morning as I had to go to sleep dr to get home study as I have been told I have sleep apnea dxd in 2014 .... have lost weight and it may be better BUT THERE IS NO WAY I CAN WEAR A BIPAP MASK IN THIS STATE... CLAUSTROPHOPEDIC LEAKING PIECE OF CRAP....My hope is it will not be as bad as was before with in lab study.  At any rate, I wanted to post in order to get Ches's input and did not take the time to figure out what time it was in Australia and did not want to miss her but realize she is NOT the only expert here but feel a kindred connection but will take your helping guiding spirit in my battle.

 

1.  My first real concern is to updose or stay on current of 450.... while I suffered horrible anxiety from Tuesday - Saturday, I have had a decent window out of it yesterday and today despite the stress of going traffic parking to UT Southwestern -- hate place for home study.  I am calm despite chaos.

 

2.  My thoughts on taper when I begin again ?????? is to proceed at dry cutting the stupide trileptal 300 mg in half and then again so it will be 75 mg.  It is doable.

if it does not crumble.  I did not see that before and had I done it would probably have been better off but past and hindsight, etc  I will hold a week or 10 days.  Have another blasted place I have to go to right now... so little time.... I just took my a.m. dose of 150.... was concerned about having to get more but stupidly did not realize perhaps I can even get it by a phone request and NOT go in and face and tell pdoc what I am doing or if I have to will not tell her and get script

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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YH. Would you mind updating your signature as it is a little confusing and doesn't seem to be current. If you can simplify that would help . Dates , drugs and any discontinuations or reinstatements in the last year or two.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5990-tips-for-tapering-off-trileptal-oxcarbazepine/

This link might help :

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Ali that is my drug history in the last 18 mos to less than 2 years EXCEPT for last line...the 16 stands for this year 2016

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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It's hard to decipher what you are on right now without going back through your thread. Maybe you could highlight your current drugs.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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sorry -- first line 

 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD off of all the following only have trilepal left

 

now down to 450 mg taken  am dose 150 mg

pm dose 300 mg'

 

 

Oh, I forgot 

 

THANK YOU

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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  • Administrator

I did not expect a blessing for a fast taper.  I know it is up to me and do not want specifics that I will or will not follow.  

 

All I wanted was what could be some input for a taper for trileptal after only being on it for 4 months?  I simply do not see how it could be the same rigid 10% across the board for months vs years.  There has to be a faster rate when one has only been on a poison drug for less than 6 months that is not a benzo or ad.  I am not trying to be rude but just wanting some feedback.  I know all about slow, simple, steady.  When you look at my signature you have to see I have been at this and been through a c/t with klonopin.  If anything I believe with xanax I took over 3 months to taper after only on for little over 2 weeks out of fear but the pdoc was helping was dragging it out.  I believe the time I tapered being so very long exposure harmed me and did not help.  It certainly did not lessen my withdrawal side effects and most probably compounded them.      

 

yyeeh, there is no such "escape clause" for people on a drug for a short while; more than a month runs risk of withdrawal symptoms. Your rate of taper is determined by your reaction to dosage reductions.

 

Obviously, if you have had a bad reaction from precipitous cutting of your dose, the reduction is too much. Making another reduction after experiencing withdrawal symptoms usually causes even worse symptoms.

 

At this point, you have these choices:

- Stay at your current dose in the hope your withdrawal symptoms will calm down in the near future

- Increase slightly and see if that helps.

- Decrease more and risk worse withdrawal symptoms

- Quit and risk worse withdrawal symptoms

 

Which do you think is best for you? It's up to you to make the decision.

 

What exactly is your current symptom pattern? Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm glad you found those links helpful.  They have helped me to remain patient and keep to a slow taper.

 

The mods have different knowledge and different personal experiences and log in as we are able.  We work as a team and are all volunteers.

 

These might help you with regards to conversing with medical professionals:

 

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?


How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

 

Your drug signature is very wordy and difficult to glance at to get the information which is most helpful for the mods.  I suggest you copy and paste your current signature into a post which you can then create a link to in your new signature.

 

The following would be much to read.  Other than original reason for starting psychiatric drug, please do not include diagnoses, symptoms and explanations.  Just the bare bones.  If more info is needed the link can be clicked on.

 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD     Link to detailed drug history

 

Reason (for being prescribed very first psychiatric drug):

 

Drug Name:  date, dose; date, dose; date, dose

 

Drug Name:  date, dose; date, dose; date, dose

 

Other drugs (not mentioned elsewhere in signature):  name, name, name

 

Current:  Trilepal – date, dose; date, dose; date, dose

* 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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I am sorry.  I do not know where to post signature and how to link.  

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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Alto, thanks.  i am honored by your reply.  I appreciate YOU and ALL the moderators (Chessie, Scalwag to name a few) for helping me/us when quite literally no one else can.  I appreciate y'all and the patience and compassion and wisdom that is shown to each of us.  I cannot find enough or the right words to express my gratitude for your time given to literally hurting people you do not know who are so lost, confused in so much chaos in our lives and brains.  Again, THANK YOU Y'ALL.

 

OK, I will hold at 450 mg of Trileptal after my pouring of gasoline on my brain and body by cutting it by 50% in 10 days from 900 mg.  I have been fairly stable since Saturday night after suffering the WORST ANXIETY that began on Tuesday since I started my withdrawal descent in August from the 6 drugs supposed to help me sleep including Xanax.  This insomnia first started after my c/t of Klonopin in March 2015.  I was held together by bandaids of Belsomra and Silenor finally from August 2015 to March 2016 when Latuda knocked them out.  It was given for depression followed by more harmful drug exposures quickly from March to July this year. Most recently I was no worse in symptoms after taking my last lithium.  So I did not connect the dots for the rapid Trileptal taper and thought it was just another bad wave from Xanax.  I was so focused on getting off of. the Trileptal. 

 

Beginning this past August, I was in hell with bad insomnia, anxiety, anxiety breathing, bad head pain, sick like flu, exhaustion, fever, hot and cold, sound & light hypersensitivy and many more from what I believe was mainly XANAX withdrawal.  Regardless whatever. It is all so very complicated by all the cocktails I have been on.  The insomnia and head pain and anxiety breathing and flu like fever hot and cold are much improved and some even gone so I am healing. 

 

I stayed up late until 2 on Saturday night trying to research Trileptal .... I have spent countless hours trying to figure out how to taper in the last 2 weeks.  I should not have stayed up late like your self care says (sleep hygiene) along with so many other good points I am trying to do ... wished I had had these in August.  Many I have figured out on my own like no sugar, no caffeine, etc.  I again wrongly stayed up past midnight last night BUT WAS NO LONGER FRANTICALLY SEARCHING FOR TRILEPTAL TAPER.  i am literally exhausted, but I am CALM, because I have hope and a reasonable realistic plan with the wealth of information given here.

 

If and when I remain stable, I will resume tapering.  However, at that point, I will cut 75 mg which is below the original 10% of 900 mg or 90 mg I should have done. I cannot cut the 300 mg pill below 75 mg without it disentegrating so I cannot get to 45 mg.  I do not want to do a water titration - tried that with klonopin.   I realize and expect many more waves for a long time. I hate them. I believe my rush was also driven by wanting to avoid going to see pdoc and telling her what I was doing and getting another script.  I think I thought I had to survive with the pills I had left.  DUH??? Somehow did not even think about how I could maybe get the pharmacy or me to telephone a refill request as she would not honor so I would run out.  Was not able to even rationally think I could go see her and get the script without telling her what I was doing.  DOUBLE DUH.  I have or used to have a good brain, high IQ but it is not really functioning well.

 

i would not have been able to put the brakes on my crazy rapid taper without the help and knowledge given here.  With the help from y'all, my boat is righted, and I am holding and have a more realistic taper plan.  Thank you.  Now you can move on to help someone else who is in far worse shape than me.

 

May God Bless each of you, and I am so very thankful for SA.  It is a phenomenal site.  

 

 

 

I was so focused on getting off of. 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD = NOW only on TRILEPTAL 450mg began w/900mg 7/16 -- off LITHIUM 600mg (sometimes 300mg 5/15 -11/16 took 2 months to taper) .... XANAX 2 mg for 2 weeks but addicted in 6/16 tapered 7/16-9/16 JUMPED 9/30 (believe have kindling from previous benzos)
6 meds nightly for INSOMNIA includes XANAX .. BELSOMRA 20mg c/t 8/20/16 off & on for a yr ZANAFLEX 8 mg /SILENOR 6mg/PROZASIN 15 mg/DOXEPIN 50 mg on all nightly 2 months 6/16 - 7/16 except for silenor (year) wd ALL 8/16-9/16 w/pdoc help
c/t KLONOPIN .5mg which began INSOMNIA end of 3/15 after on for 4 months also horrible sound& light sensitivity sometimes took 2 or 3 reinstated & then c/t@hospital 5/15 on TEMPAZEPAM/SEROQUEL/LITHIUM when left hospital tolerance to temazepam after 1 month given ATIVAN in hospital& later
SEROQUEL started @ 200 mg and overnight to 800 mg had horrible akathasisia & rash DEPAKOTE 1000 mg off after few wks ALL I COULD ENDURE
then AMBIEN side effects & tolerance on for few months 5/15 - 8/15 and then again 2 mos 5/16 LATUDA 3/16 on days BAD/GEODON 4/16 on less 2 weeks BAD AKATHASIA/ZYPREXA bad mouth shaking almost 24/7 off & on few months in 2015 & again in 2016
trazodon/remeron/gabapentin/sonata/lunesta did nothing to help INSOMNIA so got off after few days - also short time SAPHRIS BAD 
MEDICATION SENSITIVE & have paradoxical side effects -- CANNOT TAKE BENZOS, ATYPICAL-ANTIPSYCHOTICS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
PAST prior to 2 yrs on Prozac even1/4 pill caused BAD ANXIETY, CELEXA OK, Abilify, Pristiq, Lamictal, Paxil BAD - more but can't remember
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