LostInMarshes Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Am I out of luck if I'm on Medicaid? I fear all psych docs who take my insurance are subpar and unable to see the truth. 2000: Paxil, low dose. 2001: Paxil, quickly tapered off. 2006: Zoloft, 25mg. 2007: Wellbutrin, low dose, discontinued after a week or a month. 2007-2009: Zoloft, increasing dose (up to 75mg). 2009-2011: Zoloft, failed withdrawal attempts (cold-turkey; fast tapering). 2009-2011: Trying out Cymbalta, Celexa, Prozac, Lexapro, Ambien, Ativan, and Xanax. 2012-2015: Zoloft, 100mg to 200mg. 2013: Trazadone for Zoloft-induced insomnia, 25mg to 50mg. 2015: Trileptal, dose?, withdrew; Bupropion, up to 200mg. 2016: Zoloft, 137mg, Bupropion, 150mg, Trazodone, 25mg. 05/21/16: Began Zoloft taper - 10% from 150mg - 137ish mg 06/23/16: Zoloft taper - 125mg 08/03/16: Bupropion XL taper - cut 150mg pill in crude half (mistake) 10/31: Zoloft successfully down to 100mg. Staying on 100mg for 2-3 months to let my brain rest. 11/09: Wellbutrin SR prescribed, 150mg once a day, for withdrawal. 12/11: Wellbutrin SR, twice daily - minus 18ishmg = 112.50mg 09/30/17: Off Wellbutrin SR successfully. Zoloft taper: 90ish mg (shaving it off). Trazodone: still at 50mg. June 2018: Zoloft: 80ish (shaving off). Trazodone: 6mg. End of 2018: Off Trazodone. 01/20: Zoloft: 70ish? 08/20: Still around 80 or 70. Tapering by only 15 shaves each month. 04/2021: 50mg! 11/2022: 40ish mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted August 9, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 9, 2016 Stormstrong, I replied to you in your introduction thread. 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 IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevang Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 (edited) i am looking for help outside of what my current psychiatrist can provide, i think he is kind of at a loss as to what to do with me. preferably would like to contact someone with both medical training and a lot of knowledge and experience with psych med withdrawal. Edited August 27, 2016 by KarenB merged topics brief overview of med history: took some combination of AD, AAP and benzodiazepine for 7-8 years since '08. was treated for depression, anxiety, social anxiety and presumed personality disorder, along with presumed psychotic depression/schizoaffective disorder (depending on the time frame)October to December 2015: started weaning self off Abilify after being on multiple AAPs for 7-8 years. was also taking Prozac and a benzo (either ativan or klonopin, can't remember)January 2016: started weaning self off of benzo, was given Valium to make the process easier. also replaced prozac with LexaproMay 2016: decided to come off Lexapro after being on ADs for 8 years.have now gone through 2 1/2 months of SSRI withdrawal, although some of the symptoms might be attributatble to antipsychotic and benzo withdrawal as wellupdate: reinstated Prozac at 10mg August 15, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglechicken Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Jevang - just to say that psychiatrists are qualified MDs who have gone on to specialise in helping people with mental disorders. 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevang Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 not looking for help with mental disorders, i'm looking for help with withdrawal. someone who knows what they're doing since there's a lot of misinformation out there regarding withdrawal. brief overview of med history: took some combination of AD, AAP and benzodiazepine for 7-8 years since '08. was treated for depression, anxiety, social anxiety and presumed personality disorder, along with presumed psychotic depression/schizoaffective disorder (depending on the time frame)October to December 2015: started weaning self off Abilify after being on multiple AAPs for 7-8 years. was also taking Prozac and a benzo (either ativan or klonopin, can't remember)January 2016: started weaning self off of benzo, was given Valium to make the process easier. also replaced prozac with LexaproMay 2016: decided to come off Lexapro after being on ADs for 8 years.have now gone through 2 1/2 months of SSRI withdrawal, although some of the symptoms might be attributatble to antipsychotic and benzo withdrawal as wellupdate: reinstated Prozac at 10mg August 15, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fema4psychiatrists Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 You were another unwitting victim of a mass drug experimentation assualt programme carried out by the state. The truth is no one really knows the best way to deal with this damage. Except the CIA, drug companies or whoever is REALLY behind this. however weaning off slowly is a good idea. Eating vegetable smoothies, exercise, yoga and meditation might be a good idea aswell as staying away from police and mental health systems at this difficult drug withdrawal damage limitation time... some people have found lessening of symptoms with supplementing helpful apparently however that is also untested... it has only made it worse in my case best of luck, regards Cocktail drugged since 9 Genitals went numb Extreme intestinal gas and pain Extreme anxiety cant concentrate All permanent Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) http://pssdblog.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Have you checked this out? http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/988-recommended-doctors-therapists-or-clinics/ Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010 Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006 Finished taper on June 10, 2010 Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016 Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevang Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Have you checked this out? http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/988-recommended-doctors-therapists-or-clinics/ I have not, thank you!! brief overview of med history: took some combination of AD, AAP and benzodiazepine for 7-8 years since '08. was treated for depression, anxiety, social anxiety and presumed personality disorder, along with presumed psychotic depression/schizoaffective disorder (depending on the time frame)October to December 2015: started weaning self off Abilify after being on multiple AAPs for 7-8 years. was also taking Prozac and a benzo (either ativan or klonopin, can't remember)January 2016: started weaning self off of benzo, was given Valium to make the process easier. also replaced prozac with LexaproMay 2016: decided to come off Lexapro after being on ADs for 8 years.have now gone through 2 1/2 months of SSRI withdrawal, although some of the symptoms might be attributatble to antipsychotic and benzo withdrawal as wellupdate: reinstated Prozac at 10mg August 15, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compsports Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 You're very welcome. I hope there is someone near you. Drug cocktail 1995 - 2010 Started taper of Adderall, Wellbutrin XL, Remeron, and Doxepin in 2006 Finished taper on June 10, 2010 Temazepam on a PRN basis approximately twice a month - 2014 to 2016 Beginning in 2017 - Consumption increased to about two times per week April 2017 - Increased to taking it full time for insomnia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine13 Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 I am curious if anyone has been able to find a psychiatrist who understands protractes withdrawal/discontinuation symdrome and has helped ease the symptoms in some way? I have only found a few holistic and very expensive psychiatrists...just curious if anyone has had any luck with this or are we all kind of in the same boat, doing it alone, but together... 2015/2016 - Abilify briefly, Prozac 60mg, Tegretol 200mg for a few months before starting Lamictal. Started Lamictal 4/11/2016 at 25mg, increased to 50mg on 4/26/2016, 75mg on 5/4/2016, 100mg on 5/27/2016. Tapered to 75mg on 7/31/2016, 50mg on 8/6/2016, 25mg on 8/12/2016, 12.5 on 8/20/2016 and stopped completely on 8/26/2016 On 2/15/2016 I dropped from 60mg Prozac to 40mg, then to 20mg on 4/10/2016, stopped completely 6/16/2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anja Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Can anyone recommend a physician in Seattle, WA that can help support benzo withdrawal? I called the Ballard Addiction Center, and was told they have just started seeing some patients with this, and they have a drug cocktail they give...I don't want more drugs, rather someone who can help guide my process and support me in what I envision is a long taper from a shockingly short time on a relatively low dose. My regular MD and pdoc are shocked that I cannot just stop (both times I tried I got extreme, very obvious withdrawal symptoms), and they are convinced I just need to get on an SSRI. Thanks! Ativan (0.5mgx1 daily): Aug 24-Sept 14 2016; Sept 27-29 2016 for anxiety brought on by possible serious illness (stopped for 1 week and had BAD withdrawal) Buspar (22.5mg over 2 doses daily): Sept 20-present 2016 Clonazepam (0:5mgx1 daily): Sept 30-present 2016 (titrated down 25% per 5 days after illness scare passed, but had bad withdrawal at 0.125mg, so went back to .25mg Oct 17) Clonazepam liquid taper: Oct 26: 0.22mg, (11.11% cut) Nov 7: 0.2mg, (12.5% cut) Nov 12: 0.175mg, (14.3% cut) Nov 16: 0.15mg (16.7% cut) Nov 24: 0.125mg Supplements: D3: 1000 IU (drops), B12: (Methylcobalamin- 2500mg; Folate- 400mg; B6- 10mg), Pro-biotics: 25 billion, Magnesium glycinate: 100 mg x 2-3, Fish oil: 2000mg, Chromium picolinate: 200 mcg, Holy Basil: 500mg, Phosphatidylserine: 100mg, Curcumin:500mg; Zinc Picolinate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InvisibleUnless Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 (edited) im sorry to report but it seems dr eleanor hynote, napa, CA - has passed away, a few years back. i tried contacting her about a year ago and then read up on the situation. i saw that she is still listed here so i figured to drop a message. Moderator note: Original post in this thread that listed Dr. Hynote's contact information is no longer visible Edited November 26, 2016 by scallywag remove link; add mod note from 2005-2012, i spent 7 years taking 17 different psychotropic medications covering several classes. i would be taking 3-7 medications at a time, and 6 out of the 17 medications listed below were maxed or overmaxed in clinical dosage before i moved on to trying the next unhelpful cocktail. antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, tetracyclics): zoloft, wellbutrin, effexor, lexapro, prozac, cymbalta, remeronantipsychotics (atypical): abilify, zyprexa, risperdal, geodonsleep aids (benzos, off-label antidepressants & antipsychotics, hypnotics): seroquel, temazepam, trazodone, ambienanxiolytics: busparanticonvulsants: topamax i tapered off all psychotropics from late 2011 through early 2013, one by one. since quitting, ive been cycling through severe, disabling withdrawal symptoms spanning the gamut of the serious, less serious, and rather worrisome side effects of these assorted medications. previous cross-tapering and medication or dosage changes had also caused undiagnosed withdrawal symptoms. brainpan addlepation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mort81 Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Austin Texas psychologist http://www.wildestcolts.com Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDK Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 Do you know any doctor from Italy? Took Risperdal (4 mg for one week, 2 mg for some weeks and 3 mg for three days) from early August to early September 2016. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shortcake Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Are there no doctors in Canada? I live in Ottawa Started weaning from Effexor XR (put on these in 1999)in September 2013 150 mg by removing a few little balls a week and ended at 8 mg January 2017. ER doctor stopped them January 3rd, 2017 due to what she thought was seratonin syndrome. I now know it was withdrawal. Reinstated 2.25mg Effexor Xr February 4, 2017 Previous meds Zoloft 1997-1999 stopped abruptly July 1999. A few months later I was diagnosed as bipolar and put on Effexor XR, Epival, and Trazadone. A few years after that I was told the bipolar was a misdiagnoses and they stopped the Epival. At some point I stopped the trazadone myself. Supplements:omega 3 fish oil, vitamin d, magnesium, high dose probiotic.Ativan when needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anongrl5590 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I found a psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA named Dr. Eric Noble, MD. He has worked with patients undergoing withdrawals from SSRIs. Phone: 818-962-0472 Address: 10921 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #412 Los Angeles, CA 90024 E-mail: eric@noblepsychiatry.com He does not take insurance (he says he will give you an invoice at the end of the month and you can get reimbursed with your insurance company) and charges pretty high ($200-300) but it may be worth it... I will see him this weekend My medication -- Prozac August 2015: Started on 10mg/daySeptember 2015 to May 2016: Increased to 20mg/dayMay 2016: Abruptly stopped 20mg for 2 weeks (withdrawal symtoms arose but assumed it was worsened depression)June 2016 to August 2016: increased to 40mg (my body reacted very badly to this dose)August 2016: decreased back to 20mgSeptember 2016: tapered off 10mg this month aloneSeptember 30, 2016: last day of ProzacOctober 2016: month long windowNovember 2016-Present: WD symptoms (too many physical sxs and some mental sxs)February 5-20, 2017: Reinstated at 1-2mg // February 21, 2017: Back to no meds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhasski Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Does anyone know any good doctor in India who believes in ssri withdrawals ? All I have been to believe there is chemical imbalance and made me patheic right now. 08/13 - 01/14Olanzapine, petril MD (Clonazepam ), Dicorate ER (divalproex). Soza 10 (Zolpidem) 02/14 - 05/14Flunil 20mg , Divaa OD 250 mg(divalproex), Amisulpride 50mg (1-0-2), zolfresh 5 mg , Quetiapine05/14 - 08/14 Venlafaxine 75 xr ( 1-0-1), zapiz 0.2510/14 Zaptra 12.5mg , Oxetol xr 150mg (0-0-1)11/14 - 08/15Paris CR 25 (paroxetine) , Oxetol xr 600 mg (0-0-1), nitrest 5mg , Quetiapine for a month.09/15-11 Venlafaxine XR 75 ( 1-0-1), Mirtazipine 15, Respiredal 0.5, Lamitor 25, zillion 10.12/15-02/16 Off Meds (C.T) 03/16-Mid April Sertraline, Aripropazole, Quetiapine, Etizolam. After that : CT and on OTC supplements (Roadback), now on Ayurveda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squeakykin Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Hello, I was a patient of Dr. Kelly Brogan in New York City for over 3 years. She claimed that we had a partnership in our doctor / patient relationship. Although she agreed to writing the prescriptions to reduce my med at the amounts that I asked for, she eventually became extremely dogmatic about her treatment protocols and began treating all of her patients, her entire practice, with the same treatments regardless of the individual cases and issues the patient was having. This came to a head when I started consulting with other professionals over these irresponsible protocols, one explicitly being daily coffee enemas. She accused me of not trusting her. Since I verbally told her that I do not wish to do this protocol, she told me that she could no longer be my doctor unless I performed this protocol. She also currently insists that her patients eat a Paleo diet and not to deviate from that. Because I asserted my needs and conveyed to her my sensitivities to most, if not all of her recommendations; that she was doing more harm than good, she ended our relationship. She also claimed that she could not guarantee results for her patients unless they did her strict protocol. She stated that she was "afraid that she would lose her medical license if by chance a patient had the bad fortune to be hospitalized by not adhering to her protocol". She told me that she has fired many of her patients who leave her office crying because they did not adhere to her strict protocol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 squeakykin thanks for posting this. That is too bad, to hear Dr. Brogan was too hard on you, but I am not completely surprised. Like many high achievers, it sounds to me that she is pushing too hard, with her patients as she has with herself. She has helped a lot for people dealing with this type of illness, getting off antidepressants, but it sounds like she is too driven herself and so then with her patients also. Aug.22.2019 20mg | July.4.2019 20.5mg | May.16.2019 22mg | Mar.28.2019 23.5mg | Feb.7.2019 25mg | Dec.20.2018 26.5mg | Nov.1.2018 28.5mg | Sept.13.2018 30.5mg | July.26.2018 32mg | June.7.2018 33.5mg | Apr.19.2018 35.14mg | Mar.1.2018 37mg | Jan.11.2018 39mg | Nov.2.2017 41mg. | Sept.21.2017 stepping down to 43mg. Aug.10.17 45mg. | June 1.17 47mg.| Apr.20.17 50mg | Feb.12.17 53mg | Jan.1.17 56mg | Nov.9.16 59mg | Sept.1.16 62mg | June 16 .16 65mg. May 21 2016 Stepped down to Venlafaxine 70mg. April 22 2016 switched from Venlafaxine XR 75mg to: different brand, Venlafaxine non-extended release 75mg. Been taking Effexor XR 75mg. many years. Tried reducing last year, began having bad side effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squeakykin Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Yes, she has formulated a set system which was primarily based on her deceased mentor, Dr. Nicholas Gonzales' theories. Yet he was a cancer specialist, whereas Brogan is dealing with mental illness and psychiatric drug withdrawal. She seems to have extrapolated part of his protocol to her practice and made it dogma. Yet if you look at Gonzales' youtube videos about diet, he advocated several different diets depending on the person's body type and other factors. There was a great variation in his treatment for his patients. Whereas Brogan has a treatment protocol that is strictly limited and it is applied across the board to all of her patients. Frankly, I think she has bitten off more than she can chew in her drive for success for herself and her patients. Since there is a very long waitlist for her services now, she feels that she can pick and choose who she wants to help, and by doing this very easy strict protocol she has not taken on any challenges of anyone differing from the prototype. Most of her patients come to her from very wealthy backgrounds who have become depressed by having eaten a lousy diet most of their lives. A simple change in diet off processed foods seems to be all that they really need. Then the coffee enema is applied to detox the antidepressant very quickly, and they are off their drug in no time. A healthy eating coach could do this same protocol. The only advantage of Brogan's approach is that she is a MD and can write the prescriptions for the taper. I think it is a real crime that her fees are so exorbitant. Her approach is mostly on autopilot once one changes her diet, starts the taper, and does the enemas. The rest is smooth sailing for Brogan. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I'm sorry Squeakykin you had to go through all that. Does that work, tapering faster with coffee enemas? Gross to consider but I'm curious. I've just started my second year of tapering off Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) and anticipate it taking about five years. Aug.22.2019 20mg | July.4.2019 20.5mg | May.16.2019 22mg | Mar.28.2019 23.5mg | Feb.7.2019 25mg | Dec.20.2018 26.5mg | Nov.1.2018 28.5mg | Sept.13.2018 30.5mg | July.26.2018 32mg | June.7.2018 33.5mg | Apr.19.2018 35.14mg | Mar.1.2018 37mg | Jan.11.2018 39mg | Nov.2.2017 41mg. | Sept.21.2017 stepping down to 43mg. Aug.10.17 45mg. | June 1.17 47mg.| Apr.20.17 50mg | Feb.12.17 53mg | Jan.1.17 56mg | Nov.9.16 59mg | Sept.1.16 62mg | June 16 .16 65mg. May 21 2016 Stepped down to Venlafaxine 70mg. April 22 2016 switched from Venlafaxine XR 75mg to: different brand, Venlafaxine non-extended release 75mg. Been taking Effexor XR 75mg. many years. Tried reducing last year, began having bad side effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squeakykin Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Hi Kay, I am only repeating what Dr. Brogan told me, saying that many of her patients got off the drugs in months rather than years. She stands behind her claim that coffee enemas are safe. But I consulted with several respected alt. health professionals who all warned me of its many dangers. I think it would be dangerous for anyone in a weakened state or for one who is older to do these enemas. I have 6 more years to go with my taper and although it is very tempting to think that by doing the enema the taper process could be cut to a fraction of the time, there are other factors at play here as well. Being that I have been on psych drugs for 34 years, it is recommended that a slow taper is safer giving the body/mind/spirit much needed time to adjust to the myriad changes it undergoes in healing. I believe long term healing takes time and a quick fix is dangerous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 OK thanks a bunch for that info Squeakykin. My feeling was that it was best to stay the course I'm on. I've taken the med for about 13 years myself. It is difficult! Aug.22.2019 20mg | July.4.2019 20.5mg | May.16.2019 22mg | Mar.28.2019 23.5mg | Feb.7.2019 25mg | Dec.20.2018 26.5mg | Nov.1.2018 28.5mg | Sept.13.2018 30.5mg | July.26.2018 32mg | June.7.2018 33.5mg | Apr.19.2018 35.14mg | Mar.1.2018 37mg | Jan.11.2018 39mg | Nov.2.2017 41mg. | Sept.21.2017 stepping down to 43mg. Aug.10.17 45mg. | June 1.17 47mg.| Apr.20.17 50mg | Feb.12.17 53mg | Jan.1.17 56mg | Nov.9.16 59mg | Sept.1.16 62mg | June 16 .16 65mg. May 21 2016 Stepped down to Venlafaxine 70mg. April 22 2016 switched from Venlafaxine XR 75mg to: different brand, Venlafaxine non-extended release 75mg. Been taking Effexor XR 75mg. many years. Tried reducing last year, began having bad side effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 28, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 28, 2017 Hi Kay, I am only repeating what Dr. Brogan told me, saying that many of her patients got off the drugs in months rather than years. She stands behind her claim that coffee enemas are safe. But I consulted with several respected alt. health professionals who all warned me of its many dangers. I think it would be dangerous for anyone in a weakened state or for one who is older to do these enemas. I have 6 more years to go with my taper and although it is very tempting to think that by doing the enema the taper process could be cut to a fraction of the time, there are other factors at play here as well. Being that I have been on psych drugs for 34 years, it is recommended that a slow taper is safer giving the body/mind/spirit much needed time to adjust to the myriad changes it undergoes in healing. I believe long term healing takes time and a quick fix is dangerous. Hi Squeakykin, welcome to SA, would you like to start a topic for yourself in our Introductions forum? You seem very well educated in withdrawal and I am sure many would benefit from your experience. Thank you for sharing your experience with Dr Brogan. **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 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MillerPeter92 Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Hi, My name is Miller- I was wondering if anyone knew of places in the US (or outside) that are aimed at helping people taper/withdrawal from antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants (such as Gabapentin). It seems as though many residential programs aren't aimed at getting people off of certain medicines- but aimed at 'stabilizing' them on the same meds they are currently on (whatever that means) Or tapering people off their current meds and putting them on different ones. Any information would be helpful. I have looked into the Alternative to Meds Center, but the information they and others give out seems fishy to me. Thanks and God Bless. -Miller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus scallywag Posted June 8, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 8, 2017 (edited) Altostrata and I responded to your question in your intro topic. Alto's post. Edited June 8, 2017 by scallywag 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 IntroductionOnline spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridgetini Posted July 31, 2017 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Hi Alto, thanks for compiling these contacts. Regarding Dr. Terry Lynch in Limerick, Ireland: his website says that he is not taking on new patients. http://doctorterrylynch.com/contact-me/ I am looking for a sympathetic G.P. in Limerick. Jan 2023: Venlafaxine XR 100 mg, Lorazepam 0.25 mg, Oestradiol 100 micrograms Dec 2022: Venlafaxine XR 100 mg, Lorazepam 0.25 mg. HRT stopped for hysterectomy surgery 5 Dec 22 (potential clotting risk) September 2022: Venlafaxine XR 100 mg, Lorazepam 0.25 mg, Oestradiol 100 micrograms, Progesterone 100 mg. Apologies but I can't remember or find details at the moment, but I slowly reduced Venlafaxine and Lorazepam through 2020-2021-2022. Jan 2022: HRT increased by GP for unknown reason to oestradiol patch 100 microg, progresterone 100 mg June 2021: started HRT (oestradiol patch 50 microg, progresterone 100 mg). August 2020: Made a 16% reduction in Lorazepam at psychiatrist's recommendation (1.25 mg) while holding Venlafaxine at 150 mg. March 2019 - March 2020: Venlafaxine XR tapered from 337.5 mg to 150 mg (60% reduction), while continuing 1.5 mg Lorazepam. March 2016 - January 2019: Mirtazapine taptered to 0, while continuing on 1.5 mg Lorazepam and 375 mg Venlafaxine XR. Feb. 2015: 7.5 mg Mirtazapine + 1.5 mg Lorazepam + 375 mg Venlafaxine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marsha Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 I just wanted to say that Jon Keyes is wonderful and very knowledgeable. He has helped me through some very tough times. Does not prescribe but has recommended in the Portland Oregon area Amenda Clinic for tapering, prescrubing, nutrition etc. Jon's website is Hearthside Healing. Very good counselor. I am not a medical professional. My comments and posts are based on personal experiences. Please consult appropriate medical professionals for advice. I was started on psych drugs back in the late 80's. You name it. I probably was on it. 47 different drugs. Over 57 thousand pills. Tapered off final cocktail February 1st, 2013- September 9th, 2019. For Hashimotos I take Levothyroxine. Liothyronine. BP meds. For supplements I take B12 hydroxy. Fish oil w/D3. Bee pollen. Magnesium Glycinate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainbowDbc Posted September 1, 2017 Share Posted September 1, 2017 Hi Alostrata I guess the possibility of having a skype session with a doctor is difficult. I live in south america. I tried a doctor maybe 3 years ago, from skype forgot his name but he was from North Carolina. The taper started off at 25% from lithium and it spiraled into catastrophy. If doctors dont see the situation with integration and believe its only psychological there isnt much that they can do. He knew very little about microtapering, relapse or how a reaction touches other systems of the body. Hi. New signature...Sept 4 I am currently on 450 mgs of lithium and I take it three times a day after meals. I take 1 mg of klonopin as well before sleep. Im not changing or tapering for atleast 2 months. I cold turkeyed respirodone that I took between April and June due to psychosis. Having signs of involuntary movement or signs of tardive dis. every afternoon since I tapered lithium.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanceLucky Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 On 1/9/2015 at 5:32 PM, Altostrata said: Ira Steinman, MDhttp://irasteinman.com/index.html 339 Spruce St. San Francisco, Ca 94118 tel: 415 221-1377 irasteinman // gmail.com Dr. Steinman is listed on MadinAmerica.com http://www.madinamerica.com/service-directory/30151/ira-steinman/ I spoke to him myself. He is very kind, accessible, and understands the dangers of the drugs. I spoke with him today. He was a nice guy, but he recommended that I increase my Celexa dose. He explained that he tries to get people off anti-psychotic drugs but is not worried about harmful long-term effects of antidepressants. I don't know if you want to put any info. about this on page 1 of this thread next to his name. I wouldn't have spent the money I did on him if I'd known this. So it might save other people from this expense if they're looking for help tapering antidepressants. -I was on an SSRI (most recently Celexa at 40mg/day) for about 15 years for anxiety. I tapered off over about 8 months and in 2015 and had worsened anxiety and well-being once off it. In the fall of 2015 (I believe) I did a low dose reinstatement and was doing better. I stayed on roughly 1 ml (2 mg) for a while but eventually lowered it to .5 ml and was on this for a long time. -Around late mid May (2017) my anxiety was worse and I increased the Celexa to 1.5 ml. At first, I felt significantly better but I developed a hand tremor. I also was having some attention and concentration difficulties. In mid July (over about 2 weeks) I tapered off of the Celexa and was off it for about 2 1/2 weeks before I started to feel an intense increase in anxiety and my hand tremor returned. -Aug 13, 2017 I did a low dose reinstatement of 0.5 ml a day and am currently still taking that. Initial response is good. -Early September 2017 to present - hand tremor returns and attention and concentration are impaired. Feeling of unbalance/unsteadiness from using treadmill. Mild changes to sexual performance too. -Sept 18, 2017: 0.4 ml Celexa. Everything is generally improving although hand tremor is worse. Attention, concentration, and anxiety are good. -I am also on Wellbutrin (200 mg/day) for anxiety and take a Benadryl at night for sleep and allergies. Eventually I'd like to be off everything. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9730-chancelucky-antidepressant-withdrawal-social-anxiety-pessimism/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 15, 2017 Administrator Share Posted September 15, 2017 Sorry to hear that. It's very hard to find a doctor who will help people taper properly. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanceLucky Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 17 hours ago, Altostrata said: Sorry to hear that. It's very hard to find a doctor who will help people taper properly. No problem. I appreciate that you made this list and try to update it. -I was on an SSRI (most recently Celexa at 40mg/day) for about 15 years for anxiety. I tapered off over about 8 months and in 2015 and had worsened anxiety and well-being once off it. In the fall of 2015 (I believe) I did a low dose reinstatement and was doing better. I stayed on roughly 1 ml (2 mg) for a while but eventually lowered it to .5 ml and was on this for a long time. -Around late mid May (2017) my anxiety was worse and I increased the Celexa to 1.5 ml. At first, I felt significantly better but I developed a hand tremor. I also was having some attention and concentration difficulties. In mid July (over about 2 weeks) I tapered off of the Celexa and was off it for about 2 1/2 weeks before I started to feel an intense increase in anxiety and my hand tremor returned. -Aug 13, 2017 I did a low dose reinstatement of 0.5 ml a day and am currently still taking that. Initial response is good. -Early September 2017 to present - hand tremor returns and attention and concentration are impaired. Feeling of unbalance/unsteadiness from using treadmill. Mild changes to sexual performance too. -Sept 18, 2017: 0.4 ml Celexa. Everything is generally improving although hand tremor is worse. Attention, concentration, and anxiety are good. -I am also on Wellbutrin (200 mg/day) for anxiety and take a Benadryl at night for sleep and allergies. Eventually I'd like to be off everything. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9730-chancelucky-antidepressant-withdrawal-social-anxiety-pessimism/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mort81 Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 If in Toronto id try http://www.marniewedlake.com Haven't met her myself but she seems promising. Noticed her taking an interest to this on social media https://www.madinamerica.com/2017/10/continuing-education-course-withdrawal-psychiatric-drugs/ At the very least I think she would listen and be open minded. She's a Psychologist Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbeginning Posted December 8, 2017 Share Posted December 8, 2017 On 5/21/2017 at 7:48 PM, Squeakykin said: Yes, she has formulated a set system which was primarily based on her deceased mentor, Dr. Nicholas Gonzales' theories. Yet he was a cancer specialist, whereas Brogan is dealing with mental illness and psychiatric drug withdrawal. She seems to have extrapolated part of his protocol to her practice and made it dogma. Yet if you look at Gonzales' youtube videos about diet, he advocated several different diets depending on the person's body type and other factors. There was a great variation in his treatment for his patients. Whereas Brogan has a treatment protocol that is strictly limited and it is applied across the board to all of her patients. Frankly, I think she has bitten off more than she can chew in her drive for success for herself and her patients. Since there is a very long waitlist for her services now, she feels that she can pick and choose who she wants to help, and by doing this very easy strict protocol she has not taken on any challenges of anyone differing from the prototype. Most of her patients come to her from very wealthy backgrounds who have become depressed by having eaten a lousy diet most of their lives. A simple change in diet off processed foods seems to be all that they really need. Then the coffee enema is applied to detox the antidepressant very quickly, and they are off their drug in no time. A healthy eating coach could do this same protocol. The only advantage of Brogan's approach is that she is a MD and can write the prescriptions for the taper. I think it is a real crime that her fees are so exorbitant. Her approach is mostly on autopilot once one changes her diet, starts the taper, and does the enemas. The rest is smooth sailing for Brogan. I never liked Kelly Brogan. Just a gut feeling. Her arrogance, exorbitant fees and insistence that Big Pharma wants to silence her because she's oh so important rubbed me the wrong way. Then she started a cookie cutter program that charges people hundreds of dollars for non-personalized advice given online. It's like she wants to profit from alternative psychiatry and promote herself first, and helping clients and the community is just a secondary goal for her. She knows nothing about withdrawal. Many of the supplements she recommends constantly can aggravate withdrawal. And this idea that enemas detox drugs makes no sense. Drugs change the brain and body. No amount of enemas will change that. It's not like the drug is stored in tissue. It changes the structure and function of the brain and other body systems. Or at least the evidence we have suggests that. Because that's the other thing: there are no studies about this. So how does Kelly own this absolute truth in the absence of evidence? Based on her very limited list of rich patients? Please. SSRIs 3-4 times in the last 14 years; would take them for 6-8 months and then taper off under dr supervision with no problems. Med history prior to 2015: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6012-newbeginning-my-withdrawal-story/?p=267313#entry267313 04/2015: Prozac decreased to 15mg over last 3 months; effexor held steady at 8mg; current effexor XR: 20 beads of a 75mg capsule per day (about 8mg) 06/2015: Prozac: 10mg; effexor XR: 19 beads (about 7.5mg); 07/2015: Prozac: 8.5mg; effexor 18 beads; 08/2015: Prozac: 7.5mg; effexor: 17 beads End of August: withdrawal: depressive symptoms, crying spells. Realized I was measuring prozac dose wrong for the last 2 months. Reinstated Prozac 8.5mg; Kept effexor at 17 beads. Stabilized in 5 weeks. 10/2015: Prozac: 8.5mg; effexor: 17 beads; 11/2015: Prozac: 1.9ml (7.5mg); effexor: 16 beads; 12/2015: Prozac: 1.6ml; effexor xr: 16 beads. Withdrawal: neuroemotions 01/2016: prozac: 1.6ml; effexor xr: reinstated 17 beads, withdrawal improved; 02/2016: Prozac 1.5ml; Effexor: 17 beads; 03/2016: Prozac 1.3ml(5mg); Effexor: 17 beads (7mg)-withdrawal (flu-like malaise, lightheaded, drowsy) started end of March. April 15: reinstated Prozac 1.5ml. Stabilized. 2 weeks ok. End of April: Withdrawal (neuroemotions). Eventually stabilized in April-May. Apathy improved. 3 month hold until August. August 2016: apathy came back; October 2016: updosed to Prozac 1.6ml. Bad reaction: anxiety, depression. End of October: went down Prozac 1.5ml. Stabilized over several weeks. Dec 9: tried macca for energy: anxiety/depression. Improved over several weeks, but not completely resolved. Dec 31: cut Effexor 5% to 16 beads. After 9 days: withdrawal anxiety, depression; tried updosing to 17 beads Feb 7 but anxiety got worse; went down to 16 beads May 2017: Anxiety improved; severe depression continues; September 2017: finally stabilized!!!!!! 09/07/2017-12/31/2017: hold Stable on Effexor 6mg and Prozac 6mg until around 2019-2020. Side effects (fatigue, anhedonia) continued, but had some long lasting windows thanks to therapy. Windows lasting 5-6 months each year followed by relapses. 2019: bad reaction to melatonin 3 mg. Withdrawal after taking it 2 months. When I tried to stop it developed severe insomnia that lasted 6 months even after I reinstated melatonin. Only slept again because I took hydroxyzine 5 mg 3 times a week for few months. Stopped hydroxyzine with no issues. Sleep normalized. 2020-2021: Holding on Prozac 6mg, Effexor 6mg, Tapered melatonin 1 drop every 2-4 weeks down to 1.5mg. Had to hold because further cuts were causing severe drowsiness. 2021: Insomnia returned due to caffeine use for few months (only started after months of use). I also had a concussion at this time. 2023: took hydroxyzine 5-100mg for one month (kept increasing dose every 3 days because I developed tolerance). Tapered for 1 week. After 1 month: withdrawal neuroemotions. Reinstated 5mg 2 months after stopping. Gradually increased to 25mg, stabilized, but withdrawal came back after 10 days. Kept increasing dose and withdrawal returning. Currently at 40mg. Not sure how to stabilize. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dabhob33 Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 On 9/23/2015 at 11:33 AM, Pdg610 said: Dr. Francoise Adan - Psychiatrist She is the medical director of University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network in Cleveland, Ohio. She is well versed in the withdrawal symptoms of anti-depressants and very supportive of a slow taper. Dr. Darla Sedlacek - Psychologist - She has an amazing philosophy on helping patients. She is a licensed psychologist, personal trainer, yoga teacher. She integrates the mind, body and spirit in her work with patients. I see Dr Adan is well versed in anti depressant wd. Does she have experience with benzo?) Dabhob33 - Pristiq 25mg July 20, 2017 / 100mg November 29, 2017. Last dose 25mg December 20, 2017 - 28 yrs on antidepressants. Only other drug currently on is Lithium - 675mg. - 1st stint on benzos (100mg Librium) November 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 (rapid taper) - 2nd stint on benzos (20mg Valium) started May 1 2017. Reinstated due to Librium rapid taper. Tapered 100mg pristiq in 4 weeks (Jan 2018). Currently tapered down to 10.5mg Valium where I began holding on February 12, 2018 due to rough patch. Using Ashton Method pill taper. Updose valium to 12mg on Feb 28, 2018 / Prozac .5mg March 3 - March 5, 2018 / March 13, 2018 - valium drop of .5 to 11.5mg Valium now 10mg as of May 23, 2018 Lithium 150mg August 8, 2017; 900mg August 23, 2017 Tested on July 13, 2018 .60 mmol/L result. Normal range is .60-1.00 mmol/L Took doxylamine sporadically (between 12mg and 25mg). Last taken on July 5, 2018. Don’t plan on continuing to take. I was given a 500mg dose of Levaquin for a UTI (ended up not having a UTI). Only one dose, but wreaked havoc on me. Is it still affecting me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus JanCarol Posted March 30, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 30, 2018 (edited) OKAY I met a Psychiatrist from Melbourne. I wrote a story about him here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15557-jancarol-undiagnosed-off-all-bipolar-drugs/?do=findComment&comment=336029 He is retired, only practicing 1-2 days a week. He seemed familiar with bead counting. When asked by my husband how he gets people off the drugs, he replied, "As quickly and as slowly as possible!" I gave him my Surviving Antidepressants business card, so that he can find our protocols. I'm hoping he came here to visit and see what we are doing. He said that his cohorts at his clinic practised similar medicine. They were more interested in people than they were pharmacology. He was an old-style "analyst," that would rather talk to you and help you work through your crisis instead of drugging it into submission. His name is Dr. Peter Wigg Victorian Counselling & Psychological Services 62 Wellington Parade East Melbourne, VIC 3002 03-9419-7172 He was also affiliated with a clinic in Sydney, where he took some training about coming off of psychiatric drugs. Fully retired, but may be able to find people to help: Russell Meares, Sydney Westmead Hospital. If anyone contacts either of these clinics, please let us know! Edited March 30, 2018 by JanCarol "Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again. My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices. A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia. CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013. Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine). Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years on Lithium). Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made. The tedious thread (my intro): JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium The happy thread (my success story): JanCarol - Undiagnosed Off all bipolar drugs My own blog: https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/ I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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