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StuckOnMeds: trying to get off psych meds after resolving issues with surgery


StuckOnMeds

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Admin note: link to benzo forum thread - StuckOnMeds: Reinstatement of Clonazapam
 
Fair warning: my journey revolves around PMDD (my menstruation cycle). If this is not your cup of tea, turn back now. 

 

 

 

 

Hi! I'm so happy to be here! Here's the short version of my story... 

 

 

 

 

 

I was misdiagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder when in fact I had PMDD. At first, the symptoms were bearable, but after my last child, everything changed. Suddenly, I was not able to make myself or my children food, not showering, not able to pick my kids up from school. Not only that but my self-esteem was shot and anxiety soaring, and I had about one week a month where I could gather myself back up and try to heal before everything started all over again. This went on for over three years. I was completely broken. During all of this, my Psych started throwing meds at me to see what would stick. Unfortunately, nothing would work, and I ended up on 6 meds for depression and anxiety.  

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, I had had enough and approached my Psych and my Gyn about a full hysterectomy and BSO (ovary removal) to stop the fluctuation in my hormones. By this time I had tried all methods of care ranging from DBT to exercise, birth control to relaxation techniques, and so much more. Anyway, I had the surgery, and I felt (and feel) amazing. Like I had been missing out on living. Unfortunately, I was still stuck on all six meds. And so began the titration. 

 

 

 

 

 

I began titrating risperidone at the beginning of 2015. It is important to me to get off this med because I believe it to be the most dangerous. I started at 1 mg, and currently, I am at 0.18 mg. I am taking a break on my titration but intend to jump after my summer vacation and be done with this demon of a drug once and for all. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a list of my other meds:

 

 

Morning:

 

 

Zoloft                 200 mg

 

 

Wellbutrin XL     300 mg

 

 

Lorazepam        0.5 mg and 0.375 mg ( also take around 3 pm)

 

 

Night:

 

 

Clonazepam      1 mg

 

 

Trazadone         50 mg

 

 

Risperidone       0.18 mg (liquid)

 

 

 

 

 

StuckOnMeds

 

Edited by Shep
added link to benzo forum thread
Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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Also, I am sick sick sick of feeling like crap for so long after each taper. It's like I finally level out and it's time to start again. My anxiety increases, I become angry with a hair trigger, my brain goes to mush along with my memory and concentration, I'm like a big ball of nerves. 

 

I have a lot of anger about being on so many medications. I just want my life back.  

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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You had a real ordeal. It's horrible how your doctor kept piling on Meds without making more of an effort to determine the root cause of your health problems, there are so many people who have ended up on these drugs. at least finally you know what was wrong and now slowly but surely you will get your life back.

Welcome to the forum. Sometimes people do not respond right away as the mods are all volunteers but people here are very supportive

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Stuckonmeds, welcome to SA. I feel so angry on your behalf that you have been given so many drugs when surgery was the thing that was needed. Sadly this happens a lot and people end up here unable to get off the drugs. 

 

Well done with your risperidone taper, you are doing well to take it slowly. I wouldn't start another taper until you are off risperidone and stable for a good few weeks to give your nervous system a break. 

 

Could you go to drugs.com and put all the drugs into the interactions checker then sopy and paste the result here in your thread. This will help us to work out which order to taper them 

 

https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

 

I am so glad that you found us. 

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

 

 

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

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

2002  effexor. 

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

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

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

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

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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Thank you so much for your welcome mamaP and Madeleine! I really appreciate it!! 

 

So these are all my interactions, 4 major and 16 moderate. My two biggest culprits, in my opinion, are Risperidone and Zoloft. Cutting those two from the lineup will resolve 3 of the 4 major interactions and 8 of the 16 moderate interactions. My plan is to cease risperidone at the end of June (from 0.18 to 0). I understand that that will be a grueling 90 recovery and am not looking forward to it but I need this taper to be done once and for all. I have a lot of support from my psychologist, friends, and family, and know I can do it. 

 

I will then likely wait a few months after being completely off risperdone and then start titrating Zoloft. I have successfully gone off Zoloft in the past with only a two week taper, so I assume doing 10% cuts once a month will be even easier. 

 

I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I'm wondering which med should be after the zoloft. At that time I will have 1 major interaction and 8 moderate interactions left. I'm leaning toward either Wellbutrin XL or trazedone. Both of the eliminate 4 remaining interactions including the last major interaction. I feel like it would be nice to continue sleeping well with the trazedone while titrating off the Wellbutrin XL but I could be totally wrong.

 

I am completely open to suggestions and would love to hear positive stories. While I know these meds cause serious damage while being taken and titrating, I need hope to see myself through this long painful journey.

 

Thank you,

StuckOnMeds

 

PS, Is this anger ever going to go away? It doesn't consume me or anything, but being tied to meds day in and day out gets tiresome. 

 

Interactions between your selected drugs

Major bupropion  risperidone

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), risperidone

Talk to your doctor before using buPROPion together with risperiDONE. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, buPROPion can increase the blood levels of risperiDONE, which may increase other side effects. You may be more likely to experience seizures with these medications if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Major bupropion  sertraline

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), Zoloft (sertraline)

Talk to your doctor before using buPROPion together with sertraline. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, buPROPion can increase the blood levels of sertraline, which may increase other side effects. You may be more likely to experience seizures with these medications if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Major trazodone  sertraline

Applies to: trazodone, Zoloft (sertraline)

Using traZODone together with sertraline can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Major bupropion  trazodone

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), trazodone

Talk to your doctor before using buPROPion together with traZODone. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, buPROPion can increase the blood levels of traZODone, which may increase other side effects. You may be more likely to experience seizures with these medications if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate risperidone  cetirizine

Applies to: risperidone, Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Using cetirizine together with risperiDONE may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate bupropion  cetirizine

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Using cetirizine together with buPROPion may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate lorazepam  cetirizine

Applies to: lorazepam, Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Using cetirizine together with LORazepam may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate clonazepam  cetirizine

Applies to: clonazepam, Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Using cetirizine together with clonazePAM may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate sertraline  cetirizine

Applies to: Zoloft (sertraline), Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Using cetirizine together with sertraline may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate sertraline  risperidone

Applies to: Zoloft (sertraline), risperidone

Using sertraline together with risperiDONE can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate lorazepam  risperidone

Applies to: lorazepam, risperidone

Using LORazepam together with risperiDONE may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate lorazepam  bupropion

Applies to: lorazepam, Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)

Excessive use of LORazepam, or abrupt discontinuation following long-term use, may occasionally trigger seizures in patients taking buPROPion. Talk to your doctor before using these medications together if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate trazodone  risperidone

Applies to: trazodone, risperidone

Using traZODone together with risperiDONE can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate clonazepam  risperidone

Applies to: clonazepam, risperidone

Using clonazePAM together with risperiDONE may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate lorazepam  sertraline

Applies to: lorazepam, Zoloft (sertraline)

Using LORazepam together with sertraline may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate clonazepam  sertraline

Applies to: clonazepam, Zoloft (sertraline)

Using clonazePAM together with sertraline may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate clonazepam  trazodone

Applies to: clonazepam, trazodone

Using clonazePAM together with traZODone may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate lorazepam  trazodone

Applies to: lorazepam, trazodone

Using LORazepam together with traZODone may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate bupropion  clonazepam

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), clonazepam

Excessive use of clonazePAM, or abrupt discontinuation following long-term use, may occasionally trigger seizures in patients taking buPROPion. Talk to your doctor before using these medications together if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate trazodone  cetirizine

Applies to: trazodone, Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Using cetirizine together with traZODone may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
  • 5 weeks later...

Well, it's creeping up. I'm going to jump from 0.18 mg to 0 mg of risperdone in a few days. I've been tapering from 1 mg for over two years. 

 

Sometimes I feel brave about it, other times I'm scared shitless. 

 

Im in need of positive support and encouragement. 

 

Thank you!!

Stuck

Edited by scallywag
moved from new topic started in Tapering: Jumping from 0.18 mg of Risperdone
Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Congratulations on getting so close to 0 mg risperidone! Please let us know how the jump to 0 goes for you.

 

I've moved your update post to your introduction topic so that all your information, questions and answers are in one place.

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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Just posted this in another thread above. I had to come off Risperidone 2-3 mg tablets a few years back and start taking another drug straight away. I was worried in the beggining but I got over it in about a month.

 

I'm still here.

2008-2012: Cymbalta, Zyprexa, Valium (5 days supply),

2012 - Seroquel x 4 weeks C/T. 

2014 - Seroquel x 2 Weeks C/T. Crossed to Risperidone 3mg for 6months until December.

2014 - Stopped Risperidone. Xfer > Anti-Depressant 200mg Zoloft and 6mg Clonazepam. 

2018 - 150mg Clomipromine changed Anti-depressant. Tapered Benzo to 1mg Clonazepam. 2019 - xfer to 20mg Diazepam. 

 

Currently:

Anafranil: 75mg. 17th Dec 2022 70mg. 27th Dec 22: 75mg, 14 January 23': 70mg. 16-26th January: 50mg (too fast drop no sleep). Jan 28th 2023: 70mg. 20 Feb 2023: 65mg. 11/06: 60mg 9/08: 55mg 15/08/23 : 50mg
3/03/2024: 60mg (Updose)

 

        Diazepam (V): 25th Oct 2019' 20mg. 22 Dec 19' 19mg. 04 Apr 2020' 18mg,  30 September 20' 17.5mg , 13 Nov 2020' 17mg. 01 January 2021: 16mg, 13th Aug 21' 15mg. 1st Nov' 2021 14.5mg. 1st Dec' 2021 14mg. 13 January 2022: 13.5mg, 11 Feb: 13mg.  11 April 22' 12.5mg, 12 May 22': 12mg, 6th September 2022: 11mg Valium. 9th October: 10.5mg, 25th Oct 10mg. 12 March 23: 9.5mg 2 April: 9.25mg 23 April: 9mg 12/05: 8.75 26/05: 8.5 12/09: 8.25 21/09: 8.5. 3/10: 8.25 17/10: 8mg 20th Nov Brassmonkey: (7.9.,7.8, 7.75) 5 Feb: 7.25mg. 23 Feb: 7mg 

*.      Have tried to go at faster rate than 0.5mg but is currently too fast. 

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On 6/19/2017 at 9:27 PM, scallywag said:

Congratulations on getting so close to 0 mg risperidone! Please let us know how the jump to 0 goes for you.

 

I've moved your update post to your introduction topic so that all your information, questions and answers are in one place.

Thank you!!

 

Two nights ago was my last dose. I was worried about physical symptoms that I've had in the past (diarrhea, stomach pain, not wanting to eat, headache) starting straight away. But so far I feel totally normal. I anticipate some anxiety, lethargy, and foggy brain coming up, but feel happy that nothing started immediately (which has happened during past tapers of Risperidone). 

 

My plan is to stay well hydrated, get plenty of rest, eat well, and get some exercise everyday. I have three+ weeks before I start my graduate classes again (I'm in teaching so have summers off), and hope to arrange dates with my friends to keep my mind occupied. I'm confident that I'll get through this. 

 

Thanks for the support!

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
  • Mentor

well done! fingers and toes crossed that you have few, if any, symptoms

 

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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  • 3 weeks later...

In the middle of my third week. Been feeling very good. A little bit of sour stomach the first few days, slightly more emotional the second week, and this week exhausted and weak feeling (might have a virus). But like the other two symptoms, I'm sure this too will pass. 

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment

congratulations on getting off the risperidone! Yes it will pass.  I will be following your posts as I just got off 1 drug and just started tapering Zoloft, starting at 200 mg so are in a similar boat with Zoloft. 

 

Best wishes 

m

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

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Well into my fourth week free from risperidone! I feel good. I have noticed that I am slightly less hungry than I used to be and that I'm often leaving food on my plate. Which is fine, because I'm about 50 pounds overweight. 

 

I just started back up with grad school, so I'm a little more stressed than normal, but I don't feel the fogginess or apathy that I've felt in the past. 

 

Most days I don't even remember that I'm in a state of recovery. Meaning I don't have the nagging medical anxiety that I sometimes get. 

 

After three if struggling to get off this drug, I'm so happy that I have succeeded!!

 

Best,

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment

Stuck on meds. 

Glad to hear you're on your 4th week of being off and are feeling good. I have been off zyprexa for 10 days and haven't seen improvements. How long did it take you to start feeling better? I'm feeling hopeless as I'm not functioning well daily and I struggle with daily tasks. What are your current symptoms still from the antipsychotics? Thx. 

Dec 2016 Risperidone 1 mg, Seroquel 25mg, Latuda 40mg 

Jan - Mar 2017 Paliperidone (invega) 6 -9mg, Zoloft, Mirtazapine, Proprananol, Ativan

Mar - Apr 2017 Aripiprazole (abilify) 10 mg

Apr 2017 - July 2017 Olanzapine (zyprexa) 5 mg tapered to 0mg

Oct 2017 - Present Effexor 37.5mg and Prozac 10mg 

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On 5/20/2017 at 5:37 PM, StuckOnMeds said:

clonazepam

Hi Plshlp-

 

How quickly did you taper? I tapered risperidone for three years before jumping to 0 from 0.18mg. I have had very few symptoms from the withdrawal and expect more of the same in the weeks ahead. 

 

As for the side side effects from risperidone, I have noticed that my appetite is less and that I'm losing some weight. I also notice that I don't fall asleep as quickly and am sometimes awakened in the middle of the night. But I don't feel drunk or hungover when I wake up anymore which was a common side effect for me. 

 

Any adjustments of risperidone are supposed to level off around 90 days later (according to my doc), so that's what I'm aiming for. 

 

I'm curious to hear about your taper though. How did your other adjustments go? How much did you decrease by each time and how long did you allow for recovery?

 

Be in touch-

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment

Hey StuckOnMeds,

 

Just read this post and felt compelled to say 'You go gurl!' This cocktail you're on sounds bloody awful :/ I'm having a hard enough time getting off one med, let alone six. I hope you're doing good and feeling proud :)

From March 2014-May 2016 20mg Citalopram daily. Tapered to 10mg daily around May 2016 but couldn't continue due to withdrawal symptoms. Doctor tapered me from 10mg to 5mg then to 2.5mg over the course of about 6 weeks, which was unsustainable. stayed at 5mg for 3 months before putting together a more sensible taper for myself.

 

Currently dosage 4mg: Tapering roughly 10% dosage reduction by diluting Cipramil solution (drawing from a dilution of 10mg/ml).

 

Supplements: Deva vegan multivitamin, 3000mg Vitamin D spray, Opti3 vegan Omega oil daily, 80mg magnesium chloride.

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to StuckOnMeds: Trying to get off psych meds after resolving issues with surgery

Approaching week 6. Or what I'm considering half way there. The only thing I'm noticing right now is my lack of articulation. Like I know what I want to say, but I can't think of even the simplest words sometimes. This has happened during all of my other tapers too, so I'm not to worried. It's just a bit annoying. 

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
  • 3 months later...

I'm completely off Risperidone!!!! It's been a little over 4 months. There were very little to no side effects with my jump to zero. 

 

Cut out my afternoon Lorazepam about two months ago

 

Cut my Zoloft from 200 mg to 150 starting today

 

Went CT off Allegra last night. 

 

Overall, I feel really good. I am itchy from cutting the Allegra, but that stuff had to go! I'm excited to taper the Zoloft and have been very successful cutting it in the past (except that it was done in a matter of weeks instead of months). My plan is this initial 50mg cut, then cutting monthly by 12.5mg, 25mg, or 50mg depending on previous cut experiences.

 

At the end of December I'm going to start tapering Zyrtec (I need to have additional allergy testing done, but CT on Zyrtec is not advised).

 

Then in January I'm going to start tapering my morning Lorazepam gradually.

 

I'm very excited to keep things moving after feeling really good off the Risperedone.  

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Whelp. Having some stomach disturbances. Not sure if it’s allergies (I’m allergic to multiple foods) or if it’s from the lowering of the Zoloft. 

 

Does anybody know if stomach issues issues occur with Zoloft tapering?

 

Thank you!!

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...

Made my second dose cut on Zoloft from 150 to 100. It’s been a week. Feel pretty good. Some stomach issues. 

 

I inadventently CT’d my Zertec about three weeks ago, but didn’t have any symptoms. Which I thought was weird, but I’m going with it. 

 

Unfortuantely, today (Christmas), the cold I’ve been feeling coming on finally hit. My eyes are sore and tired, my throat is sore and scratchy, my nose is dripping and burning. Yeah. 

 

I noticed in some other posts that people said they got sick or their allergies got worse when they tapered AD’s. Not sure if that’s it or it’s winter, I teach elementary kids, and I’m bound to get a cold. 

 

Oh yeah. I have more allergy testing tomorrow.  See if I can add some more foods to the long list I already can’t eat. 

 

Taking the time to rest-

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • Mentor

Hi StuckOnMeds,

Congrats on your second cut of Zoloft, as well as the other meds you have been tapering.  May all go smoothly for you.

Best,

Rachel

 

I am not a health professional in any way.  I do not give medical advice.   Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a professional medical practitioner.

 

NEW INFORMATION FOR GABAPENTIN TAPER

April 29, 2022 900 mg to 800 mg (11%), May 29, 2022 800 to 700 mg (12.5%), June 20, 2022 700 to 650mg (8%), July 20, 2022 650 to 575 (12%), August 20,  575 to 500 (13%),  Sept 20, 2020 500 to 475mg (5%) Nov 7, 2022 475 to 425 (11%), Nov 21, 2022 500mg

Medications: Gabapentin, Prednisone 1.5mg a day, Cortisol Inhaler daily. 

HISTORY FOR ZOLOFT TAPER

Feb. 2016 to June 2016  - Was on 150mg Zoloft.  Put on Gabapentin at 900mg a day in 2016 due to antidepressant withdrawal. 

Quit Zoloft (Sertraline) June  2016,  reinstated 50mg of Zoloft July 2016.  From July 2016  to October 2016 went from 50 mg down 2.3 mg. I up-dosed in November 2016 to 12.5 mg. Held there until January 2017 when I started a much slower taper.

STARTING SENSIBLE  ZOLOFT TAPERING USING GUIDELINES FROM THIS SITE

Dec. 10 2016  - switched to Liquid Zoloft (Sertraline) @ 12.5 mg.   Jan. 4, 2020 1.875 mg (6.3%). Jan. 25, 2020 1.75 mgFeb. 29, 2020 1.625mg (7.10%).  Apr. 4, 2020 1.5 mg.  May 9, 2020 1.375 mg.  June 6, 2020 1.25 mg. (9.10%).  July 4, 2020 1.125 mg. (10%).  August 15, 2020 1.0 mg.  Oct 24, 2020 .875 mg.  Nov. 28, 2020 .75mgJan 16, 2021 .685mg (8.7%).  Feb 13, 2021 .62mg. March 12, 2021 .56mg.  May 1, 2021 .375mg.  May 29, 2021 .25mg. June 26, 2021 .0125mg. July 25, 2021 .065mg. August 22, 2021 .048mg.  October 2, 2021 .043mg.  October 10, 2021 .038mg.  October 23, 2021 .035mg.  October 30, 2021 .032mg.  Nov. 13, 2021 .030 mg.  Dec 4, 2021 .0285 mg.  Dec 11, 2021 .0265 mg. Dec 18, 2021 .0246 mg. Dec 25, 2021 .023mg. Jan 1, 2022. 0 mg. OFF COMPLETELY

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Thank you RachelSusan!!

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Hello, StuckOnMeds. That is an unholy drug cocktail. Plus, you're taking Zyrtec and Allegra? Do none of your medical network run drug-drug interaction screens? At the very least, your pharmacy should be doing this.

 

You are cutting Zoloft very fast. This can cause flu-like symptoms. If I were you, I'd stop tapering Zoloft, hold for a good while, at least until the flu-like symptoms go away, then reassess. Let us know how you're doing.

 

Going on and off drugs can make your nervous system even more sensitive to drug changes, supplements, and even foods. With your existing food sensitivities, I don't think you'll want to make this worse. Please consider our 10% reduction schedule Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

What are your current food sensitivities?

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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I’m off the Zyrtec and Allegra. Currently just tapering Zoloft. I’m going to hold at 100 for at least a month and reassess. I’ll be teaching by then, so my next cut will be 12.5 mg down to 87.5 mg. I’ll hold that for at least a month, if not longer. I usually try to go very very slow, but had some break from school and teaching and wanted to knock a chunk out. 

 

My food allergies are ridiculous. I’m actually at the allergist now being test for more foods. Tomorrow I see a GI specialist. This stuff has been going on since before I started tapering several years ago. 

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

Link to comment
On 12/26/2017 at 3:07 PM, Altostrata said:

Going on and off drugs can make your nervous system even more sensitive to drug changes, supplements, and even foods. With your existing food sensitivities, I don't think you'll want to make this worse. Please consider our 10% reduction schedule Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

What are your current food sensitivities?

 

Hi Altostrata-

 

I have had stomach troubles my whole life, but I am almost certain that tapering has made my already sensitive stomach even more sensitive. Right now my doctors think I have IBS, which would make sense when matched up with my childhood and young adult stomach symptoms. 

 

My current food allergies as tested by skin prick and backed by obvious physical symptoms which I have tracked are: soy, peanut, all tree nuts, peas, cantaloupe, Lima beans, coconut, yeast, wheat, barley, rye, and mustard seed. 

 

I also discovered through a series of progressively worse reactions that blueberries are an allergen that causes anaphylaxis. Additionally, I have had one experience with zucchini that I’m keeping an eye on. 

 

My hope is that once I am med free, that some of these will improve. But honestly, I feel great when I avoid the foods so if that’s what’s meant to be, I’m okay with that too. 

 

Thank you Altostrata!

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • Administrator

IBS is a catch-all diagnosis. Unfortunately, medicine is not very sophisticated when it comes to the digestive system.

 

Food sensitivities would not be identified with standard allergy tests, they can be non-IgE reactions.

 

Blueberries and zucchini are both high salicylate foods. You might look into a low-salicylate diet. Could be salicylate sensitivity has been irritating your gut for many years. You might also look into potential histamine intolerance.

 

Please read Tips for tapering off Zoloft (sertraline) before reducing Zoloft again.

 

 

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

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  • 3 months later...

So happy to report that I have completely dropped the medication lorazepam!

 

I've been lorazepam free for three weeks and I feel great! I had almost no symptoms while titrating lorazepam compared to the few I had with Zoloft (holding for now) and the unbelievable ones I had with risperidone (never again). 

 

I'm going to let my body and CNS heal for several more weeks/months before I restart my Zoloft taper, although I am confident that the rest of the taper will go as smoothly as the first part. I feel like I can handle almost anything after coming off of risperidone! 

 

Best,

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 2 months later...

Have been holding steady on all meds since beginning of April, until Monday the 1st when I cut my zoloft from 100 to 75. 

 

The first three days, zero symptoms. Today, headache and looser stool than normal. Also a bit tired and vivid dreams. All in all, not bad. Yet ;). On a scale of 1 (feeling amazing) to 10 (Feeling like death warmed over), I’m contently at a 3. 

 

Just going to take it easy and allow myself plenty of grace. 

 

Take care-

Stuck

 

 

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 3 months later...

Lowered my Zoloft from 75 to 62.5 three weeks ago. Feeling pretty dysregulated the last few days with crying and teariness. Experience tells me that this too shall pass. 

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 7 months later...

Lowered my Zoloft yesterday from 62.5 mg to 50 mg. Feeling really good. 

 

Take care,

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 2 weeks later...

Day nine after lowering Zoloft slightly. Having mild headaches remedied with Tylenol. Slightly grumpier than normal. Woke up this morning about an hour earlier than normal, however I did go to bed about an hour early last night so I’m not concerned. 

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • Moderator Emeritus

You are powering through, girl!  Best Wishes to you on a continued successful tapering journey. Glosmom

2016 - Oct -Daughter started Risperdal (for steroid induced psychosis that never went away after stopping prednisone)

Nov - dose increases stopped at 1.5mg in Dec

2017 - Jan- weaned from 1.5 to 1.0 in 2 weeks then 1.0 to .5 in two weeks and then off. Feb. 3 weeks of increased psychosis, pacing, insomnia, other awful symptoms so late Feb  - Back on 1.5 mg Risperdal. May  - decrease to 1.25mg, two weeks later 1.0mg - symptoms started again. June - held steady at 1.25mg for 6 weeks and switched to liquid (3 ml syringe). July - started 10% taper every 3 weeks, October -  .8 mg, December - .7 mg .

2018 -Jan- 0.65 mg,  Feb- 0.59,  Mar-0.50, late April - .40mg, July- .36 mg, Aug - switched from 3 mL syringe to 1 mL syringe for more accuracy (her dad and i were not sure we were giving her the same dose when in between the 'dashes' on the 3 mL syringe.) Aug -.30 mg (3mL syr)/.44 mg (1 mL syr) difference due to med in the tip of both syringes). Sept- .28 mg (3mL syr)/.42 mg (1 mL syr). Oct - .16 mg (3 mL syr)/.30 mg (1 mL syr). Nov.- .06mg (3mL syr)/.20 mg (1mLsyr). Dec. - tip only/unmeasurable (3mL syr)/.10 mg (1mLsyr)

2019- Jan -.06 mg (1 mL syr), Feb- .025 mg (1 mL syr), Feb 27, 2019 - jumped to zero!!

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Two weeks since my dose cut. Feeling great!! I have more energy and am not as tired. Still having occasional headaches but Tylenol continues to work. 

 

So happy this cut is going so well!!

 

Best,

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 2 weeks later...

Four weeks post Zoloft cut. Feeling amazing and loving life!! 

 

I believe some of my ongoing headaches were of the sinus variety as it was peak season for tree pollen in my area. Haven’t had to take Tylenol in at least a week. 

 

Edit: I did have a small dip in energy last week (week three), but I had been working hard on a variety of physically and mentally exhausting projects so I allowed myself the rest. 

 

All the best to you,

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 1 month later...

Holding Zoloft at 50 mg (8 weeks since dropping from 62.5). All is well. 

 

Also, started to lower Clonazapam last night. Went from 1mg to .75. I tolerated tapering off Lorazapam really well last year and am expecting a nice taper from Clonazapam as well.

 

While some people might say that my positive attitude is naive because no two tapers are the same, even within the same med, I have found that being optimistic as opposed to worried and scared helps me more effectively deal with any discontinuation symptoms that do come up.

 

This journey through PMDD, overmedication, and titration has taught me valuable lessons about who I am, how my unique body works, and what my true passions are. That coupled with the skills I’ve learned through DBT, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness I am confident that I will continue to successfully taper AND live my life to the fullest!

All the best to all of you-

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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  • 2 weeks later...

Two weeks since starting my taper. I’ve been moody and emotional, but know that I’m in the thick of things right now and these feeling should be resolving shortly. 

 

Stuck

Morning 
 Zoloft  (start ‘96 with 1 one year hiatus-present) 200 mg: ⬇️Nov 11, 17 to 150mg; ⬇️Dec 19, 17 to 100mg ⬇️Jul1, 2018 to 75mg ⬇️ Sept 17,2018 to 62.5  ⬇️May 10, 2019 to 50 mg

Wellbutrin XL (2013-2020)  mg ⬇️ January 01, 2020 to 150 mg ⬇️ February 23, 2020 to 0  🚫

• Lorazepam (2012?-2018) 0.5 mg (am) and 0.375 mg ( 3 pm): dropped 3 pm Sept 19, 17;  Mar 27, 18 dropped am dose after tapering 3 months🚫

 

Night
Clonazepam (2012?-present) 1mg ⬇️ Jul 6, 19 to .75 mg ⬆️ Jul 29, 2019 to .825 ⬆️ July 30, 2019 to 1 mg

Trazodone (2011?-present) 50 mg

 Risperidone (2013-2018)2 mg: 0.18 mg (liquid) dropped to 0 Jun 23, 18 after 3 yrs tapering🚫

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