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Waltjie: I'm gonna try to get off my pills


Waltjie

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Hello Friends. I'm a 36 year old male with a 15 year old psych meds addiction. My story started after I survived a terrible car crash, and then suffered from panic attacks shortly after. My GP at the time prescribed me Aropax. I took this for close to a year if I remember correctly and then decided to quit. Her advice was to just "stop taking them". I can still clearly remember the horrible dizziness and the debilitating brain zaps! I went back onto them, but never felt that same level of 'normal'. Then I tried Cipramil. Didn't really make a difference. Then I went onto Effexor and this worked great for a while. The very short Half-Life was a problem for me and made it impossible to come off. I went onto Prozac and managed to taper off it. Things went well for some time, until some bumps in the road and a new job brought my anxiety back to life! So onto Escitalopram I went. I've been on it ever since. I tried to get off my pills about 2 years ago, but rather than using the methods described here, I simply alternated dosages, which ended up not working very well. I also didn't pay much attention to my diet and drank alcohol frequently.

Since then my life has changed dramatically. I live a rather comfortable life with very little stress and I have a great support system. I have decided to give it another shot. Rather than being a slave to the medication for the rest of my life, I have now made some dietary changes and cut out alcohol completely. I've started with my first round of 10% reductions, and hopefully this is the start of a new life for me.

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Waltjie: I'm gonna try to get off my pills...
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  • powerback

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome Waltjie!

 

Good for you for building a strong support system and making dietary changes. That will probably set you up well for tapering escitalopram. It seems you've read our topic on tapering. Just to be complete, I'll post the links here:

Before you begin tapering -- what you need to know.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?.

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

It can be helpful to track symptoms.  I've used an excel spreadsheet (there are pdf and word formats as well) that I downloaded from the first post of this topic:

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

Others need more detail than an daily checklist. So we suggest keepign notes on paper of your symptoms and the times of your dose(s). This post has a useful format for a daily log:

Take notes of doses and symptoms.

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

  • Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
  • Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
  • Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
  • Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
  • A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs.
  • Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is YOUR introduction topic -- the place for you to ask questions, record symptoms, share your progress, and connect with other members of the SA community.

 

I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

 

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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Welcome to the forum! Glad you found us. 

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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  • ChessieCat changed the title to Waltjie: I'm gonna try to get off my pills

I'm now roughly 4 weeks into my taper. Some days are better than others. I guess over all I can say that I feel okay. I do feel slightly tired and I have a persistent fogginess in my head, but this varies from day to day. 

I've been sick with a relentless cold as well, so it is hard to distinguish between cold symptoms and possible withdrawal symptoms. In 5 days I will cut my next 10%.

 

Love to all.

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Waltjie - The cold virus is a stress on your body, making a dose reduction is a second stress. You may want to hold off until your symptoms are stable and your cold has resolved.

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

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


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

Link to comment
1 hour ago, scallywag said:

Waltjie - The cold virus is a stress on your body, making a dose reduction is a second stress. You may want to hold off until your symptoms are stable and your cold has resolved.

Thanks a lot for the advice! If needed I will delay my reduction for a while then, until I feel completely out of the woods with the cold ;)

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

welcome Waltjie ,good for you giving it another go ,I'm 2.5 years sober and its the best thing I've ever done ,it can only help putting less substances in our system while going through this .

take good care during your recovery .

PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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6 minutes ago, powerback said:

welcome Waltjie ,good for you giving it another go ,I'm 2.5 years sober and its the best thing I've ever done ,it can only help putting less substances in our system while going through this .

take good care during your recovery .

PB

 

Thanks so much PB. Well done, I am looking forward to being clean myself one day ;)

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

I believe being clean comes with more respect/responsibility  and understanding for our lives when the drug is out of our system ,its more complex .our decision making ,how we deal with life's challenges of peaks and troughs ,the choices we make and how they impact our life .

be very mindful of your thoughts and feelings in the process of recovery it can be brutal at times so don't let this over take your decisions and choices .

I'm far from clean of drugs ,I'm on a taper but I've learned valuable lessons from my mistakes and I feel more confident this time ,I'm truly sick of these drugs beyond belief .

respect

PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

Link to comment
21 minutes ago, powerback said:

I believe being clean comes with more respect/responsibility  and understanding for our lives when the drug is out of our system ,its more complex .our decision making ,how we deal with life's challenges of peaks and troughs ,the choices we make and how they impact our life .

be very mindful of your thoughts and feelings in the process of recovery it can be brutal at times so don't let this over take your decisions and choices .

I'm far from clean of drugs ,I'm on a taper but I've learned valuable lessons from my mistakes and I feel more confident this time ,I'm truly sick of these drugs beyond belief .

respect

PB

 

Best of luck to you. And thanks again. Keep in touch! ;)

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

same to you , .ile follow your thread and if I can help I will .

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Just a quick updateon my progress... I got over my cold in good time and I lowered another 10% from August 1. Two weeks in today I must say I don't feel too bad, but somehow out of the blue I'm feeling anxious today. A little on edge, but my biggest symptom is having 'knots' in my stomach. Like butterflies you know... I'm still alcohol free, but I have cheated on my diet a bit.... sweets, cakes etc... not good, I know.

Hoping this will quickly pass!

 

Love to all.

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...

Hi Everyone. 

 

Another month, another taper. I cut another 10% on September 1st. Starting to see a pattern here... about a week after a reduction I start to feel a bit weird, but I'm gonna ride it out!

 

Love to all. 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Waltjie, Am very happy to see that you have adopted Surviving Antideprassants recommendations, very good to see.  Just wanted you to know that what you are experiencing are the adjustments that your central nervous system is making to stabilize itself from the reduction.  I don't usually noticed anything until about dsy six or seven and that is the only way I can described it ... feeling weirded out.  It typically takes four days for the body to notice that there has been a change and another couple of days for the change to register in the brain.  One month I didn't see experience any withdrawal symptoms for almost a month which I found strange and it taught me that I need to expect the unexpected and not to get stressed over it. Just wanted to reassure you that what you are feeling is totally normal znd not to be concerned.  

 

Just noticed that that you have yet to complete your withdrawal signature history and wonder if you would take a minute to complete it.  It helps moderators to have a quick view of your medication / tapering history if they need to provide support on your situation.  

 

You can can find the instructions on how to do this at the link below:

 

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

Current Prescription Drugs for Hypothyroidism:  Synthroid 100mcg / Cytomel 5mcg (15 years Pristiq/Effexor)

Tapering Schedule
September 15, 2016 - switched from Pristiq 50mg to Effexor XR 75mg; November 10, 2016 - reduced to 67.5 Effexor XR
December 9, 2016 - reduced 60.75
January 5, 2017 - reduced 54.67
January 30, 2017 - reduced to 49.0
February 20, 2017 - reduced to 44.0 
May 20, 2017 - reduced to 40.25 (holding for additional month due to late onset of withdrawal symptoms after this taper)
July 17, 2017 - reduced to 38.24
August 15, 2017 - reduced to 37.5 (50% of my original dose)

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

November 12, 2017 - reduced to 33.8
December 15, 2017 - up-dose to 35.6
December 28, 2017 - up-dose to 37.5

Link to comment
2 hours ago, baroquep said:

Hi Waltjie, Am very happy to see that you have adopted Surviving Antideprassants recommendations, very good to see.  Just wanted you to know that what you are experiencing are the adjustments that your central nervous system is making to stabilize itself from the reduction.  I don't usually noticed anything until about dsy six or seven and that is the only way I can described it ... feeling weirded out.  It typically takes four days for the body to notice that there has been a change and another couple of days for the change to register in the brain.  One month I didn't see experience any withdrawal symptoms for almost a month which I found strange and it taught me that I need to expect the unexpected and not to get stressed over it. Just wanted to reassure you that what you are feeling is totally normal znd not to be concerned.  

 

Just noticed that that you have yet to complete your withdrawal signature history and wonder if you would take a minute to complete it.  It helps moderators to have a quick view of your medication / tapering history if they need to provide support on your situation.  

 

You can can find the instructions on how to do this at the link below:

 

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

 

Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate it so much! It doesn't necessarily make me feel better but it is always great to hear that what I am experiencing is 'normal' and part of the process :)

I have a very accurate and detailed plan (thanks to my Brother!) worked out for my tapering process. If anyone is interested I will share it. It is based on a 15mg starting point, which is 1.5 tablets, reducing over a 2 year period.

I will get my signature done as requested. 

 

Love to all. 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

Aghhhh. Today I feel like crap! Dizzy and disconnected. Bleh....

Do others also experience bloatedness and feelings nausea?

 

Cheers. 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

HI Waljie, Morning, wish you were feeling better.  I did deal with nausea at the beginning of my taper or when I'd make a reduction but those symptoms did resolve fairly quickly.  Thought I'd include a few links for you to have a look around and to remind you to complete your withdrawal history signature, you can find that link above in my previous post.

 

Digestive problems:  Nausea, Diarrhoea, Bloating, GERD

Derealization or Depersonalization

 

You might also find some ideas on how to help alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing right now at the link below:

 

Symptoms & Self Care

Current Prescription Drugs for Hypothyroidism:  Synthroid 100mcg / Cytomel 5mcg (15 years Pristiq/Effexor)

Tapering Schedule
September 15, 2016 - switched from Pristiq 50mg to Effexor XR 75mg; November 10, 2016 - reduced to 67.5 Effexor XR
December 9, 2016 - reduced 60.75
January 5, 2017 - reduced 54.67
January 30, 2017 - reduced to 49.0
February 20, 2017 - reduced to 44.0 
May 20, 2017 - reduced to 40.25 (holding for additional month due to late onset of withdrawal symptoms after this taper)
July 17, 2017 - reduced to 38.24
August 15, 2017 - reduced to 37.5 (50% of my original dose)

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

November 12, 2017 - reduced to 33.8
December 15, 2017 - up-dose to 35.6
December 28, 2017 - up-dose to 37.5

Link to comment
On 09/09/2017 at 3:54 PM, baroquep said:

HI Waljie, Morning, wish you were feeling better.  I did deal with nausea at the beginning of my taper or when I'd make a reduction but those symptoms did resolve fairly quickly.  Thought I'd include a few links for you to have a look around and to remind you to complete your withdrawal history signature, you can find that link above in my previous post.

 

Digestive problems:  Nausea, Diarrhoea, Bloating, GERD

Derealization or Depersonalization

 

You might also find some ideas on how to help alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing right now at the link below:

 

Symptoms & Self Care

@baroquep I filled out my signature... Please see if you approve? I'm not sure if you need more info?

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Hi All!

 

So today marks the last day of the month and also of my current dosage. Tomorrow I will reduce by another 10% and what's more is that means I will be down to one tablet! So kind of a milestone in itself for me :)

Wish me luck!

 

Love to all. 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Big big milestone!!!  Calls for a bit of a celebration!!!  Congrats!!!  Remember being a pretty happy day when I finally reached that milestone.  Keep up the good work and let us know how things progress.

Current Prescription Drugs for Hypothyroidism:  Synthroid 100mcg / Cytomel 5mcg (15 years Pristiq/Effexor)

Tapering Schedule
September 15, 2016 - switched from Pristiq 50mg to Effexor XR 75mg; November 10, 2016 - reduced to 67.5 Effexor XR
December 9, 2016 - reduced 60.75
January 5, 2017 - reduced 54.67
January 30, 2017 - reduced to 49.0
February 20, 2017 - reduced to 44.0 
May 20, 2017 - reduced to 40.25 (holding for additional month due to late onset of withdrawal symptoms after this taper)
July 17, 2017 - reduced to 38.24
August 15, 2017 - reduced to 37.5 (50% of my original dose)

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

November 12, 2017 - reduced to 33.8
December 15, 2017 - up-dose to 35.6
December 28, 2017 - up-dose to 37.5

Link to comment
42 minutes ago, baroquep said:

Big big milestone!!!  Calls for a bit of a celebration!!!  Congrats!!!  Remember being a pretty happy day when I finally reached that milestone.  Keep up the good work and let us know how things progress.

 

Thanks so much!

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Hi Everyone!

 

Justa quick update and Hello :)

I'm doing really well since my last reduction, and I have decided to give myself a reward by taking the next month off so to speak... Staying on current dose and will only reduce again 1 December. 

 

Love to all. 

 

Waltjie.

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...

Hi Everyone. 

 

So I was supposed to lower my dosage again this weekend, but I am not feeling too well right now... The past week I've been feeling exhausted. I get home from work and I just want to go to bed. Granted I have been working hard which is normal for this time of the year. It's going to be at least another 2 weeks until I go on summer holidays, and I can't afford to feel crapped out. I have to confess that I have been cheating as far as my healthy eating habits are concerned..... Sweets and crisps and other treats. I've started making my own kefir as well, but taking a break from that now. Still no alcohol though... Nearly six months now. I think I need to get some light exercise, because I feel so unfit and lethargic lately.... gosh. Amazing how we can feel fine one week and like crap the next!

 

Peace.

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Waltjie, glad that you have decided to wait until you are feeling a little better before reducing your dose again.  Unfortunately, withdrawal itself can be taxing on the body and am sure that probably adds to your exhaustion.  It seems many people experience lethargy and feel unmotivated and it would be a good idea, as you mention, to add a bit of light exercise and limit sugar consumption.  It is a very good idea to avoid alcohol as it can have a negative effect long after the alcohol buzz has worn off and if I were you, I would avoid it while you are withdrawing from Escitalopram.  Seeing as you will be enjoying summer vacation in a couple of weeks, you might want to hold off on lowering your dose again until next year.  Overall, it sounds like you are doing well and yes, it can be a little discouraging to feel well one week only to feel like crap the next ... :blink: 


 

Current Prescription Drugs for Hypothyroidism:  Synthroid 100mcg / Cytomel 5mcg (15 years Pristiq/Effexor)

Tapering Schedule
September 15, 2016 - switched from Pristiq 50mg to Effexor XR 75mg; November 10, 2016 - reduced to 67.5 Effexor XR
December 9, 2016 - reduced 60.75
January 5, 2017 - reduced 54.67
January 30, 2017 - reduced to 49.0
February 20, 2017 - reduced to 44.0 
May 20, 2017 - reduced to 40.25 (holding for additional month due to late onset of withdrawal symptoms after this taper)
July 17, 2017 - reduced to 38.24
August 15, 2017 - reduced to 37.5 (50% of my original dose)

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

November 12, 2017 - reduced to 33.8
December 15, 2017 - up-dose to 35.6
December 28, 2017 - up-dose to 37.5

Link to comment
On 9/30/2017 at 4:00 AM, Waltjie said:

Hi All!

 

So today marks the last day of the month and also of my current dosage. Tomorrow I will reduce by another 10% and what's more is that means I will be down to one tablet! So kind of a milestone in itself for me :)

Wish me luck!

 

Love to all. 

 

Congratulations! Hopefully the withdrawal process has been going relatively smooth for you.

Drug history - I take the medicine at 2am due to shift work which has allowed me to sleep through nausea/drowsy side effects.

  • Aug 9/10 - Citalopram started Aug 9, 2017 for anxiety.  Doctor prescribed 20mg, cut pill in half to get use to nausea first couple of days.
  • Aug 11/12 - 20mg, slight chest tightness/intrusive thoughts 2nd night, reduced back down to 10mg
  • Aug 13-Sept 19 = 10mg. 
  • Sept 20-27 = Increased anxiety while waiting for refill, increased to 15mg - encountered slight cough/cold like symptoms. 
  • Sept 28/29 - 20mg bad chest tightness/Panic Attack during the night.  Dropped back down to 10mg.
  • Sept 30- present 10mg  [tried tapering down to 8.7 on Nov 4th mild side effects 3 days afterwards]
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On 04/12/2017 at 1:58 AM, baroquep said:

Hi Waltjie, glad that you have decided to wait until you are feeling a little better before reducing your dose again.  Unfortunately, withdrawal itself can be taxing on the body and am sure that probably adds to your exhaustion.  It seems many people experience lethargy and feel unmotivated and it would be a good idea, as you mention, to add a bit of light exercise and limit sugar consumption.  It is a very good idea to avoid alcohol as it can have a negative effect long after the alcohol buzz has worn off and if I were you, I would avoid it while you are withdrawing from Escitalopram.  Seeing as you will be enjoying summer vacation in a couple of weeks, you might want to hold off on lowering your dose again until next year.  Overall, it sounds like you are doing well and yes, it can be a little discouraging to feel well one week only to feel like crap the next ... :blink: 


 

As always, thank you for your valuable input! Much appreciated!! 

I think I will stay where I am for now, and only lower again after the holidays.

 

Much Love.

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

Hi Everyone. 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hopefully you can spend the holidays with loved ones or friends.

So it's been 3 weeks since my last post and boy am I battling with this... :(

I didn't drop my dosage and I have been on 10mg for almost two months now. But what upsets me is that it feels like I have... Especially the last few days I feel like I have this constant dizzy head, LOADS of tension in my back and shoulders and like I'm always on the verge of a panic attack. Horrible!

 

I feel like such a loser! I read other people's posts on here about coming off multiple meds, and here I am on 10mg and feeling like crap.... urgh :( The last few weeks have been especially stressful for me, so I *think* this is the reason for me not making progress... 

 

Here's hoping that things will get better soon!

 

Wishing you all the best. 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

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  • Administrator

Hello, Waltjie. No shame in holding at one dosage for a while to let your nervous system stabilize.

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

A lot of people find them helpful. Try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

Happy holidays to you.

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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On 26/12/2017 at 12:18 AM, Altostrata said:

Hello, Waltjie. No shame in holding at one dosage for a while to let your nervous system stabilize.

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

A lot of people find them helpful. Try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

Happy holidays to you.

Thanks a lot for the feedback. 

 

I guess what upsets me is that I have not reduced in a long time but feel worse off than I did a few weeks ago... And I can't help but wonder if I will stabilize again in order to continue my reduction... and I've only gotten to 10mg!! Gosh. I'm still VERY far away from what I would consider to be a low dosage... 

I havebeen taking both the fish oil and magnesium but I cannot say for certain that it is helping me much. Shortly after getting up this morning I felt so anxious and just had to breathe and force myself to calm down and not panic. 

This is so hard... :(

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

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  • Administrator

Your nervous system is stressed from the tapering you've done. It needs a rest. This is not a reflection of your value as a person.

 

You will experience waves and windows for quite a while as your nervous system settles down.

 

Make sure you take escitalopram at the same time each day.

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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Thanks Alto!

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment
  • Administrator

You're welcome. Please let us know how you're doing.

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
43 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

You're welcome. Please let us know how you're doing.

Will do for sure! 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

Does anyone think it's strange that I'm having this 'wave' now, after nearly two months since my last reduction? And on such a high dose of 10mg? I'm very worried about this... :( Thanks. 

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

Anyone?

(2002 - 2007)

Arapax, Cipramil, Effexor, Prozac

(2008 - June 2017)

Escitalopram, 15mg daily

(Started tapering July 1st 2017, 10% pm)

July 13.5mg

August 12mg

September 11mg

October - 12March 10mg 

12-14 March 9mg 

15 March - present 10mg

Link to comment

Hi waltjie im no mod but there's nothing strange with affects with tapering,I feel your pain im in the same boat with tapering ,im no were near 0 and my symptoms are chronic ,dont panic ,try all the calming techniques .I just thought ide reply and give some suport ,the mods can be busy with a lot .

Peace to you .

PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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