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Tips for tapering off escitalopram (Lexapro)


Altostrata

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Im on a ultra low dose of escitalopram. It is possible to taper If you dilute in water. Switching could be a very risky move. If you dont succeed, your symptoms might worsen and your CNS desentisized. At this point, i would take no chances.

<p>Sept 2015: 5 mg Cipralex for 3 weeks. Lots of side effects. Reduced to 2.5 mg for 2 weeks. Experiencing withdrawal and side effects still after dose reduction. Quit after almost 4 weeks on 2.5 mg because of adverse effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms still. Reinstating 1mg after 3 weeks. Reduced to 0.50 after 2 days due to sensitive reaction (dysautonomia) and trip to ER. January 2016: After 14 months of tapering from 0.5 mg im now down to 0.08mg. Planing on one more drop before 4-8 weeks healing, then jump to zero. 14.03.17: Lexapro free!

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Thank you all for your comments, they are much appreciated.

 

I will do some further mulling and probably come back with questions.

 

Best,

JC x

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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What if I was do the shaving off technique with high precision scales and a razor blade?  My plan is to do 10% cuts every 4-6 weeks, however (like many members) I am dealing with TINY amounts of pill.

 

I'm VERY nervous about diluting the 1ml / 20mg liquid Lexapro because the dose drops are so small, and my start point is already very small.  Because of this, I have VERY little faith in my ability to do an accurate titration, and don't want to go down the chemistry lab route.

 

Potentially I could dissolve the pill in purified water and then syringe up the correct dose - this could work out ok.

 

Thanks,

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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So you don't want to be a mad scientist? ;)

 

None of us here at SA expected to be in the situation we are in.  I've actually got it fairly easy compared to a lot of other members.  Very thankful that my compounding chemist is fairly close by, is a reasonable price and can do them in a day.  The "fun" I have is using an excel spreadsheet to calculate how what capsules I need to make up my doses, how many of each capsule dose I need and how many tablets I need to provide to be compounded.

 

Good luck with the method you decide to use.

* 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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Chessie,

 

I'd love to be a mad scientist, just not in this subject area, lol :D 

 

The spreadsheet is done with my dose drops, its just a question of "how/which/what/when" I guess.

 

Am trying to reach a decision on how I can safely get from 2.5mg to 0mg and its taking a while to make that decision because I need all the facts I can get.

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Well you are in the right place!

* 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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Not too mad then, lol!

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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  • Administrator

Junglechicken, if you dilute the escilatopram liquid, you would be drawing a LARGER amount into your syringe, and you would be able to measure the tiny decreases more accurately.

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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  • 1 year later...

Just curious as to what I should do.

 

I am thinking about reinstating but I would be at under 1mg of Lexapro a day. I'm not sure how I can measure that out since I've been told the liquid Lexapro does not exist by more than one pharmacy. My only choice is to use 5mg tablets dissolved, but I have no idea how I would get a .25mg dose using that method. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Lexapro (10-20mg): 2010-2016

Lexapro 5mg: 2016-September 2017

Lexapro 2.5mg: September 2017-November 2017

Lexapro 1.25mg: November 2017-December 2017

Lexapro 1.25mg (every other day): December 2017-January 31 2018

Quick taper since I thought I had sfx, was actually withdrawal

Reinstated Lexapro .25mg: March 10, 2018

 

Lamictal: May 1-July 1 2016

Klonopin: July 1, 2016-August 1, 2016

Seroquel, Clonazepam, Xanax, Paxil, and others: 2010-2016

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1 hour ago, TroubledThoughts said:

Just curious as to what I should do.

 

I am thinking about reinstating but I would be at under 1mg of Lexapro a day. I'm not sure how I can measure that out since I've been told the liquid Lexapro does not exist by more than one pharmacy. My only choice is to use 5mg tablets dissolved, but I have no idea how I would get a .25mg dose using that method. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I just wanted you to know I live in the US. I am using liquid Escitalopram Oxalate (generic liquid Lexapro) to taper. It is manufactured by CAMBE if that helps.

 

I live in a town of 600 people and have to drive 16 miles to a town of 3,000 people to a family owned pharmacy. They order it for me monthly.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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1 hour ago, Frogie said:

I just wanted you to know I live in the US. I am using liquid Escitalopram Oxalate (generic liquid Lexapro) to taper. It is manufactured by CAMBE if that helps.

 

I live in a town of 600 people and have to drive 16 miles to a town of 3,000 people to a family owned pharmacy. They order it for me monthly.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

Thank you Frogie! 

 

I will see if I can find this anywhere. My pharmacy told me they did not make liquid Lexapro.

Lexapro (10-20mg): 2010-2016

Lexapro 5mg: 2016-September 2017

Lexapro 2.5mg: September 2017-November 2017

Lexapro 1.25mg: November 2017-December 2017

Lexapro 1.25mg (every other day): December 2017-January 31 2018

Quick taper since I thought I had sfx, was actually withdrawal

Reinstated Lexapro .25mg: March 10, 2018

 

Lamictal: May 1-July 1 2016

Klonopin: July 1, 2016-August 1, 2016

Seroquel, Clonazepam, Xanax, Paxil, and others: 2010-2016

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1 hour ago, TroubledThoughts said:

Thank you Frogie! 

 

I will see if I can find this anywhere. My pharmacy told me they did not make liquid Lexapro.

This is generic, but I know a lot of people on here use it.

 

Good luck!

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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https://www.drugs.com/pro/escitalopram-oral-solution.html

 

Quote

 

Oral Solution:

5 mg/5 mL, peppermint flavor (240 mL bottle)
NDC# 54838-551-70

 

The NDC number is the ordering number for US pharmacies.

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
1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

https://www.drugs.com/pro/escitalopram-oral-solution.html

 

The NDC number is the ordering number for US pharmacies.

Thank you so much Altostrata for the information on the Lexapro. I use the generic and that's all that's on my label.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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7 hours ago, Altostrata said:

https://www.drugs.com/pro/escitalopram-oral-solution.html

 

The NDC number is the ordering number for US pharmacies.

Thank you very much!!

Lexapro (10-20mg): 2010-2016

Lexapro 5mg: 2016-September 2017

Lexapro 2.5mg: September 2017-November 2017

Lexapro 1.25mg: November 2017-December 2017

Lexapro 1.25mg (every other day): December 2017-January 31 2018

Quick taper since I thought I had sfx, was actually withdrawal

Reinstated Lexapro .25mg: March 10, 2018

 

Lamictal: May 1-July 1 2016

Klonopin: July 1, 2016-August 1, 2016

Seroquel, Clonazepam, Xanax, Paxil, and others: 2010-2016

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  • 3 weeks later...

Has anyone with Gerd issues been able to use the US liquid lexapro with natural peppermint flavoring with no gerd issues?

Just wondering. I was so disappointed to see that as an ingredient.

No psychiatric drugs before 2-Jan-2018. Started for anxiety and insomnia after health issue.

Started Clonazepam 2-Jan-2018. Increased to 1.25 mg a day, mostly for sleep - failed to help.

Started Escitalopram 4-Jan-2018, increased to 10 mg over 2 weeks.

By Feb 2018 no anxiety and falling asleep naturally again. Moved clonazepam evening dose early to 6:30pm.

Tapered Clonazepam 10-Feb-2018 to 15-Aug-2019 with professionally compounded capsules.

Started modified Horowitz/Taylor hyperbolic taper of Escitalopram 14-Oct-2019 from 10 mg. Used prescription liquid. Last dose 0.05 mg on 31-May-2020.

 

 

 

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Liquid lexapro - natural peppermint flavoring - GERD worry
  • 1 month later...

Hi Guys !

 

Question for the taper... If I have 10 ML of Liquid Lexapro and I add 9 ML of water to it have a effectively made a 1/10 GRAM to ML solution , or is water not a good solution to mix and will not distribute the medicine ?

 

Thanks!

JLEX

John

Zoloft 2001-2003 forget MG's taken, tapered slowly (so I thought) to 0MG in 2003

Withdrawal led me to go on Lexapro 2003

Lexapro 15MG (15 years) 2003-2018

Tapered to 5MG over the last year and 1/2 From 01-2017 thru 04-2018 in 2MG tapers roughly a month each some 2 months or more to stabilize 

5MG Pill  to 4ML/MG Liquid Solution on 03/26/18

04-26-2018 re-upped to 4.4 ML due to withdrawal symptoms

05-06-2018 re-upped to 4.8ML due to withdrawal symptoms

05-07-2018 went to 5MG pill

 

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Please read this topic from the beginning. If you have a question about your taper, please put it in your Introductions topic.

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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  • 7 months later...

I didn't see this mentioned in the thread, but has anyone had difficulties transitioning from tablets to the liquid Rx version? 

Successfully tapered off of Valium (Feb - Sept 2019 after 4 months of daily usage) using daily liquid micro taper with minimal symptoms after a failed cold turkey attempt (I took my time with the last 2mg of Valium)

 

33 years old with minimal psych med history that only began Oct 2018

Recently learned I am C677T heterozygous (MTHFR)

 

Current meds: Lexapro (5mg daily) and Mirtazapine (7.5mg daily)

Lexapro Oct 2018 - present

Mirtazapine December 2018 - present

 

Looking to start Lexapro taper late 2019 - early 2020 after giving my CNS some time to heal / stabilize

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2 hours ago, nologic1986 said:

I didn't see this mentioned in the thread, but has anyone had difficulties transitioning from tablets to the liquid Rx version? 

 

Yes, I recall a member a while back who found the liquid (I don't remember if it was homemade or Rx liquid) didn't agree with her and she had to do a crossover back to tablet then do her taper with the tablet.  The body reacts differently to the liquid than to the tablet, including faster absorption.  

 

It's better to post your questions in your main Introduction topic so that all your information is in one place.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • 1 month later...

Has anyone made a liquid from Lundbeck's Cipralex tablets? I tried to dissolve it in water but there is a white residue on the bottom...Is it just the pill shell and the active ingredient is dissolved? I'm not sure if it is save.

Paroxetin in 2002 for about 6-8 months / Trevilor (Venlaflaxin) 2004-2011

Cipralex (Escitalopram) 10mg 2011

Cipralex 5mg in summer 2018

back to Cipralex 10mg in autumn 2018

alternating doses (10mg/5mg) started in winter 2018

7.5mg/day since 14.05.2019

6.25mg/day since 15.11.2019

5.625mg/day since 20.12.2019

5mg/day since 03.03.2020

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Cipralex is sparingly soluble in water, meaning that not all of the active ingredient will dissolve.  So It is very important that the bits that settle to the bottom be fully mixed in the water when you draw out your dose.  Adding enough salt to the water (make it taste like sea water) will help the solubility.  Using a suspension media such as "oraplus" will make it a lot easier to get a smooth evenly distributed suspension.

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

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

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

 

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

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  • 3 weeks later...
On 5/27/2011 at 12:16 PM, Altostrata said:

significant characteristic of Lexapro is that milligram for milligram, it is much stronger than other SSRIs

Hi Alto

Do you know of a link that I can give my doctor. She says it’s no stronger than most other ADs 

Thank you Kx

Lexapro Fast Track/ Cold Turkey

Last dose end Dec 2018 

Tapered 1/2 a daily dose a week (20mg) for  14 weeks, last dose was a 20 mg pill!!  

 3.5 times slower than Psychiatrist recommended, I felt proud of myself!! Little did I know!!!!Got too scared to reinstate because I’d left it too long.

On ADs for 20 years (Prozac approx 10 years/ Pristiq approx 3 years/ Citalipram approx 2 years/. Lexapro a approx  5 years/. Last two years 40mgs Lexapro day.

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On 5/26/2011 at 7:16 PM, Altostrata said:

A significant characteristic of Lexapro is that milligram for milligram, it is much stronger than other SSRIs. Chemically, Lexapro is a variation of Celexa; the molecule was re-engineered to be patentable as Celexa's patent was about to expire. The streamlined molecule is a more potent SSRI, 2 to 4 times stronger than others. (Wikipedia has a good explanation of this at https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Escitalopram.)

 

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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  • 1 month later...

Hi all - hope i'm posting this in the right place as I seem to keep getting it wrong! I've just purchased the Cipralex liquid in the UK so that I can do a 10% taper off of Escitalopram. However.... and apologies if this question has already been asked, I'm sure it has.... the bottle is not like the Mirtazapine liquid that I have, it's in "drops" with "1 drop = 1mg". I can't take the stopper off the bottle to get a syringe in there, and even if I managed to break it off I still wouldn't know what the dose equivalent is for ml - ie. I don't know how many ml is "one drop" of the bottle dosage and therefore can't convert it into mg.

 

Can anyone help? If I drop from my current 6 drops (eg 6mg) right down to 5 drops (5 mg) that's already a 16% drop :(

  • 2010 - 2017: 25mg Sertraline, with numerous failed attempts to come off
  • Feb - May 2017: drug free woooooh 😁
  • May 2017 - Oct 2018: 50mg Sertraline, insomnia episode
  • Oct 2018 - May 2019: 25mg Sertraline
  • May 2019:  Severe insomnia episode, hallucinating, suicide attempt, hospitalised
  • June 2019: Mirtazapine 15mg and switched from Sertraline 25mg to Escitalopram 7.5mg
  • July 2019-May 2020: Successfully tapering the Mirt at 10 every 3 weeks ever since without any major WD. Through taper had successfully reached 2.9mg of Mirtazapine and 5.8mg Escitalopram
  • May 2020: Relapse of insomnia and subsequent extreme anxiety caused by entering perimenopause
  • May-Dec 2020: Increased Mirtazapine back to 15mg, switched from Escitalopram back to Sertraline 50mg
  • Jan 2021 - Dec 2022: slow tapered down Mirtazapine to 3mg and switch over to Trazodone 37.5mg
  • Dec 29 2022: Hormonal fluctuation as part of perimenopause causing severe insomnia and anxiety, started using Diazepam between 2-4mg a day. Increased Trazodone to 75mg, however this caused even more anxiety and palpitations
  • Jan 14 2022: Reduced Trazodone back to 37.5mg and instead increased Mirtazapine to 10.5mg
  • Jan 23 2022: Experiencing bad side effects from increase of Mirtazapine, reduced back slightly to 9.3mg. Stabilised on 2mg Valium once an evening.
  • March 2022: Stabilised on 2mg Valium, 37.5mg Trazodone, 50mg Sertraline. Mirt taper continues and currently at 7.2mg

 

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1 hour ago, Gilla999 said:

 

Can anyone help? If I drop from my current 6 drops (eg 6mg) right down to 5 drops (5 mg) that's already a 16% drop :(

If one drop is 1mg, you don't need to convert.  You're basing your calculations in mg anyway.

 

I'm not sure what a "drop"is or how it comes out of the bottle.  Can you put 1 drop in a small bowl and use a syringe to measure half, giving you 0.5mg and take 5 1/2 drops which is an acceptable 8% decrease.  Save the the other 1/2 drop for the next day.  If this works you can divide further into quarters as you go lower.

Edited by Gridley

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Thanks @Gridley for the reply. I've managed to work out that 1 drop = 1ml and I've also rammed the bottle neck off so I can get a 0.5 syringe in there. Trouble is there is no plastic stopper inside so I can't lift the bottle up to draw it back, but it will do. 

 

However I had a massive migraine yesterday morning which is really unusual for me and then had the "jumping awake when trying to sleep" thing all night - only managed 3 hours. I don't ever usually get migraines and I'm wondering if it's connected to my medication in some way. I've decided to stop taking the liquid (only took it for two days) and go back to my Lexapro pills for now until I feel better and stabilise. Wondering if anyone else has experienced migraines as part of WD or maybe it's just a co-incidence. But last night definitely felt like WD with anxiety and sleep jumps!!

  • 2010 - 2017: 25mg Sertraline, with numerous failed attempts to come off
  • Feb - May 2017: drug free woooooh 😁
  • May 2017 - Oct 2018: 50mg Sertraline, insomnia episode
  • Oct 2018 - May 2019: 25mg Sertraline
  • May 2019:  Severe insomnia episode, hallucinating, suicide attempt, hospitalised
  • June 2019: Mirtazapine 15mg and switched from Sertraline 25mg to Escitalopram 7.5mg
  • July 2019-May 2020: Successfully tapering the Mirt at 10 every 3 weeks ever since without any major WD. Through taper had successfully reached 2.9mg of Mirtazapine and 5.8mg Escitalopram
  • May 2020: Relapse of insomnia and subsequent extreme anxiety caused by entering perimenopause
  • May-Dec 2020: Increased Mirtazapine back to 15mg, switched from Escitalopram back to Sertraline 50mg
  • Jan 2021 - Dec 2022: slow tapered down Mirtazapine to 3mg and switch over to Trazodone 37.5mg
  • Dec 29 2022: Hormonal fluctuation as part of perimenopause causing severe insomnia and anxiety, started using Diazepam between 2-4mg a day. Increased Trazodone to 75mg, however this caused even more anxiety and palpitations
  • Jan 14 2022: Reduced Trazodone back to 37.5mg and instead increased Mirtazapine to 10.5mg
  • Jan 23 2022: Experiencing bad side effects from increase of Mirtazapine, reduced back slightly to 9.3mg. Stabilised on 2mg Valium once an evening.
  • March 2022: Stabilised on 2mg Valium, 37.5mg Trazodone, 50mg Sertraline. Mirt taper continues and currently at 7.2mg

 

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3 hours ago, Gilla999 said:

o back to my Lexapro pills for now until I feel better and stabilise.

Good idea.

 

Many members have reported migraines connected to withdrawal.

Migraines, headaches, neck ache / pain and head pressure ...

 

Headaches, which I know aren't migraines, are #45 on the withdrawal symptom checklist.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Interesting! Thanks very much for sharing @Gridley. Think maybe i'm accepting I need to try and taper off one thing at a time - otherwise it's really hard to know what is WD and if so what's it connected to etc

  • 2010 - 2017: 25mg Sertraline, with numerous failed attempts to come off
  • Feb - May 2017: drug free woooooh 😁
  • May 2017 - Oct 2018: 50mg Sertraline, insomnia episode
  • Oct 2018 - May 2019: 25mg Sertraline
  • May 2019:  Severe insomnia episode, hallucinating, suicide attempt, hospitalised
  • June 2019: Mirtazapine 15mg and switched from Sertraline 25mg to Escitalopram 7.5mg
  • July 2019-May 2020: Successfully tapering the Mirt at 10 every 3 weeks ever since without any major WD. Through taper had successfully reached 2.9mg of Mirtazapine and 5.8mg Escitalopram
  • May 2020: Relapse of insomnia and subsequent extreme anxiety caused by entering perimenopause
  • May-Dec 2020: Increased Mirtazapine back to 15mg, switched from Escitalopram back to Sertraline 50mg
  • Jan 2021 - Dec 2022: slow tapered down Mirtazapine to 3mg and switch over to Trazodone 37.5mg
  • Dec 29 2022: Hormonal fluctuation as part of perimenopause causing severe insomnia and anxiety, started using Diazepam between 2-4mg a day. Increased Trazodone to 75mg, however this caused even more anxiety and palpitations
  • Jan 14 2022: Reduced Trazodone back to 37.5mg and instead increased Mirtazapine to 10.5mg
  • Jan 23 2022: Experiencing bad side effects from increase of Mirtazapine, reduced back slightly to 9.3mg. Stabilised on 2mg Valium once an evening.
  • March 2022: Stabilised on 2mg Valium, 37.5mg Trazodone, 50mg Sertraline. Mirt taper continues and currently at 7.2mg

 

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5 minutes ago, Gilla999 said:

Think maybe i'm accepting I need to try and taper off one thing at a time - otherwise it's really hard to know what is WD

We definitely recommend one drug at a time for the reasons you gave.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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19 hours ago, Gilla999 said:

Thanks @Gridley for the reply. I've managed to work out that 1 drop = 1ml and I've also rammed the bottle neck off so I can get a 0.5 syringe in there. Trouble is there is no plastic stopper inside so I can't lift the bottle up to draw it back, but it will do. 

 

 @Gilla999 Are you using the 20mg per ml solution? 

 

Can you transfer all the contents over to another bottle with a stopper that can be used with a syringe? 

 

Ive just had to do this, and purchased a couple of amber bottles with stoppers and syringes from a compounding Pharmacy. 

Current Dose

0.5mcg Clonidine and 1.25 Diazepam PRN for treatment of iatrogenic hypertension. 

2010 .Prescribed Pristiq 100 mg in July by GP

2010 .Reduced to 50mg by splitting and weighing. Held at 50mg

2014. Reduced from 50-35 .Held at 35mg. 

2017. Taper from 35mg commenced using compounded Desvenlafaxine

2018. 23/06 13.5mg. 21/07  12.5mg. 25/08 11.5mg. 09/2018 10mg. 14/11 11mg (updose) 21/11 -12mg (updose)

2019. Still holding at 12mg and stuck. 

2020. January 2019 Prozac Bridge-- Prozac 2.5 to 10mg and

Pristiq 23rd Jan 6mg/ 27th Jan 5mg/ 28th Jan 3mg/ 30 Jan 0

Prozac 6th Feb 9.5mg. Vitamin D3 5000iu with K2

Magnesium Glycinate with Glycine and Passionflower  600mg 

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@Andie that's a great idea - and yes that's the one I have  - I'm not sure where to buy the empty bottles from (I'm in the UK, not sure we have compounding pharmacies here) but I'm sure they can't be hard to find - I shall have a Google

  • 2010 - 2017: 25mg Sertraline, with numerous failed attempts to come off
  • Feb - May 2017: drug free woooooh 😁
  • May 2017 - Oct 2018: 50mg Sertraline, insomnia episode
  • Oct 2018 - May 2019: 25mg Sertraline
  • May 2019:  Severe insomnia episode, hallucinating, suicide attempt, hospitalised
  • June 2019: Mirtazapine 15mg and switched from Sertraline 25mg to Escitalopram 7.5mg
  • July 2019-May 2020: Successfully tapering the Mirt at 10 every 3 weeks ever since without any major WD. Through taper had successfully reached 2.9mg of Mirtazapine and 5.8mg Escitalopram
  • May 2020: Relapse of insomnia and subsequent extreme anxiety caused by entering perimenopause
  • May-Dec 2020: Increased Mirtazapine back to 15mg, switched from Escitalopram back to Sertraline 50mg
  • Jan 2021 - Dec 2022: slow tapered down Mirtazapine to 3mg and switch over to Trazodone 37.5mg
  • Dec 29 2022: Hormonal fluctuation as part of perimenopause causing severe insomnia and anxiety, started using Diazepam between 2-4mg a day. Increased Trazodone to 75mg, however this caused even more anxiety and palpitations
  • Jan 14 2022: Reduced Trazodone back to 37.5mg and instead increased Mirtazapine to 10.5mg
  • Jan 23 2022: Experiencing bad side effects from increase of Mirtazapine, reduced back slightly to 9.3mg. Stabilised on 2mg Valium once an evening.
  • March 2022: Stabilised on 2mg Valium, 37.5mg Trazodone, 50mg Sertraline. Mirt taper continues and currently at 7.2mg

 

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  • 1 month later...

I am now concerned if the powdered form of Lexapro in the water can have a different impact on the absorption of the drug in the blood. There are many manufacturers for Lexapro and depending on the type of coating material used, it might have slow and proper rate of absorption when consumed as a whole tablet. The powdered form might not act and react the same way it is supposed to be acting. Any thoughts on this?

Jan 2001, was prescribed split personality medications and psychotic meds for severe anxiety, change of behavior and stress and overthinking.( Was 16 years old). I was very very quiet, shy, serious person. Do not remember name of meds. 

2005 to 2008 - on and off on same medications. Didn't use any meds for 2 years and had severe panic and psychosis.almost hospitalized. Went to new psychiatrist and gave Zoloft and Xanax for a month. Didn't work much. 2011 - was prescribed cymbalta (don't remember dose) .it changed my life. Felt like I was born again. Did good for about 4 years. Became less effective slowly. Tried to withdraw myself through amino acids. Worked for some months but then had serious psychosis and panic. Felt like dying and loss of complete control of mind and body.2016 - prescribed 20mg Lexapro and 1mg rexulti. I stopped rexulti after like 2 years 6 months on my own. It was successful.
March 9 2020 - reduced dose to 17.5 mg. After 2 days, had severe withdrawal symptoms of headache, dry mouth, brain zaps, fever, body and muscle pain, lack of control and coordination, improper sleep.

March 13 - went back to 20 mg.

March 22 2020 - reduced dose to 10 mg

Made significant diet and lifestyle changes. Became vegan, gluten free ( no processed or junk food). April 11, 2020 - dose reduced to 5 mg.having no withdrawal symptoms. 

May 4, 2020 - dose reduced to 2.5 mg. Started meditation daily. Having no withdrawal symptoms. Just a little disturbed sleep. May 11 - Having improved sleep, increased libido, feeling inner joy, happiness and calmness, increased energy levels, lost 10 lbs in 2 months, increased sense of humor. May 17 - having 2.5 mg dose on alternate days only. May 26 - having 1.25mg dose everyday.June 1, 2020 final dose of 1 mg Lexapro.May 1, 2021 - due to increasing work load and stress, started back on Lexapro 10mgMay 20, 2021 - back to 20mg Lexapro

Jan 15 2022 - 18mg

Feb 13 2022 - 16.2mg

mar 14 - 14.5mg started cold pressed fish oil April 15 - 14.5mg May 14 13mg June 13 11.7mg July 14 10.5mg aug 12 9.5mg sep 12 8.5mg oct 12 7.65mg Nov 10 6.9mg Dec 9 6.2mg Jan 7 5.5mg Feb 5 4.8mg Mar 6 4.2mg Apr 4 3.6mg May 2 3.1mg June 1 2.6mg June 29 2.2mg July 27 1.9mg Aug 24 1.7mg Sept 22 1.5mg Oct 20 1.3mg Nov 17 2023 1.1mg Dec 14 1mg Jan 2024 10 .9mg

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  • Administrator

Please read this topic and the topic about making your own liquid from the beginning. A do-it-yourself liquid is not perfect but it is good enough. We have many people who have successfully tapered with homemade liquids made from tablets. Lexapro, by the way, is available in liquid form by prescription.

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 Altostrata for the info.

I have another question. Is it possible that we might need more serotonin and dopomine and other neurotransmitters when we are completely withdrawn from these drugs? How do we produce those required neurotransmitters naturally if your body and brain can't produce it anymore.? What if we are naturally deficient from these neurotransmitters right from birth or through hereditary? Can exercise, proper nutrition, support group and natural supplements balance all the hormones and neurotransmitters?

Please advise.

Jan 2001, was prescribed split personality medications and psychotic meds for severe anxiety, change of behavior and stress and overthinking.( Was 16 years old). I was very very quiet, shy, serious person. Do not remember name of meds. 

2005 to 2008 - on and off on same medications. Didn't use any meds for 2 years and had severe panic and psychosis.almost hospitalized. Went to new psychiatrist and gave Zoloft and Xanax for a month. Didn't work much. 2011 - was prescribed cymbalta (don't remember dose) .it changed my life. Felt like I was born again. Did good for about 4 years. Became less effective slowly. Tried to withdraw myself through amino acids. Worked for some months but then had serious psychosis and panic. Felt like dying and loss of complete control of mind and body.2016 - prescribed 20mg Lexapro and 1mg rexulti. I stopped rexulti after like 2 years 6 months on my own. It was successful.
March 9 2020 - reduced dose to 17.5 mg. After 2 days, had severe withdrawal symptoms of headache, dry mouth, brain zaps, fever, body and muscle pain, lack of control and coordination, improper sleep.

March 13 - went back to 20 mg.

March 22 2020 - reduced dose to 10 mg

Made significant diet and lifestyle changes. Became vegan, gluten free ( no processed or junk food). April 11, 2020 - dose reduced to 5 mg.having no withdrawal symptoms. 

May 4, 2020 - dose reduced to 2.5 mg. Started meditation daily. Having no withdrawal symptoms. Just a little disturbed sleep. May 11 - Having improved sleep, increased libido, feeling inner joy, happiness and calmness, increased energy levels, lost 10 lbs in 2 months, increased sense of humor. May 17 - having 2.5 mg dose on alternate days only. May 26 - having 1.25mg dose everyday.June 1, 2020 final dose of 1 mg Lexapro.May 1, 2021 - due to increasing work load and stress, started back on Lexapro 10mgMay 20, 2021 - back to 20mg Lexapro

Jan 15 2022 - 18mg

Feb 13 2022 - 16.2mg

mar 14 - 14.5mg started cold pressed fish oil April 15 - 14.5mg May 14 13mg June 13 11.7mg July 14 10.5mg aug 12 9.5mg sep 12 8.5mg oct 12 7.65mg Nov 10 6.9mg Dec 9 6.2mg Jan 7 5.5mg Feb 5 4.8mg Mar 6 4.2mg Apr 4 3.6mg May 2 3.1mg June 1 2.6mg June 29 2.2mg July 27 1.9mg Aug 24 1.7mg Sept 22 1.5mg Oct 20 1.3mg Nov 17 2023 1.1mg Dec 14 1mg Jan 2024 10 .9mg

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

The neurotransmitter imbalance theory has no validity. Don't worry about your neurotransmitter balance. You already are producing all the neurotransmitters you need naturally.

 

Withdrawal syndrome is not a deficiency in neurotransmitters, it arises from the difficulty the nervous system and the rest of the body have in adjusting to a big change in internal biochemistry.

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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