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Ladybug's Pax-hell Journey


ladybug

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Excellent up date keep up the good work.

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

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

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

 

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

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Well I got the job! I've been there for a week now and so far I love it. The atmosphere is relaxed and my coworkers are very friendly and welcoming. I must admit it's scary considering I haven't worked full time in 8 years. Of course, I was worried about my anticipatory insomnia ruining things but I'm happy to say I have not had one sleepless night since I started, not even the first night! However, I am sleeping very little (averaging about 4-5 hours per night.) I've always been a night owl and it's near impossible for me to fall asleep before midnight. So even on a good night I fall asleep around 12am and then my brain wakes up at 5am and I sleep off and on until 6am or so. It's hard but it's way better than no sleep. I've also begun dating someone and it's going well.

 

Things are definitely looking up (so my catastrophizing brain is waiting for it all to come crashing down) and if it wasn't for this awful issue "down there" I'd say I was pretty happy. But this issue is making me miserable and I'm counting down the days (or months) until my appt. with a specialist. As for tapering I've been on this dose for 8 weeks now because I decided to hold a bit longer because of the job and holidays. Tapering while working is always a stressful situation chock full of "what ifs" but I'll take it one day at a time. So that's it for now. Hope everyone is doing well or at least having a better day today. <3

Jmarie

I'm not on here very much these days.....we just got in from xmas eve party and I'm playing with the iPad santa brought me and I stumbled upon your update. Gosh I am thrilled for you! No it's not going to come crashing down. You've worked so hard for so long .....enjoy the fruits of your labor. It's been a long time coming. You deserve it.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Congratulations. I hope we can all get there.

Update 8122017

Zoloft  2004. Effexor 2004-2006. Paxil 20 mg for 2006-2010. Ct 2010, bad effects back on, stable by 2011.  Poopout June 2015. Zoloft with paxil for a while, stopped Zoloft.

Sep 2016 paxil 16.2 mg alone(295 mg pill weight). Started tapering 11/14/2016.

Took off 1 mg pill weight(total pill weight of 20 mg = 365 mg and 16 mg is 295 mg). Went down 1 mg per week of pill weight so down to 291 mg by end of November. Starting getting anxiety issues starting since 12/10/2016. Hoping that a faster taper will help.

12/14/2016 - 15.95 mg (291 mg pill weight)

12/16/2016 -  15.83 mg (289 mg pill weight)

12/23/2016 -  15.67 (286 mg pill weight)

8/12/2017 -  15.34 (280 mg pill weight)

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This sounds so promising, I am so pleased for you! 

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

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Indeed, regardless how slow and challenging, the brain heals!

Very happy for you Ladybug!

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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Thank you everyone for your kind words!

 

Lotusflower and Rachelina, it's so good to hear from you! I hope everything is going well with you both.

 

Well work is still going well thankfully. Still miserable from my issue and today I caved and took the Diflucan I was prescribed 8 months ago. I've read some truly terrifying reviews and given how sensitive I am to even supplements in WD I was pretty scared. I guess that goes to show how desperate I am for relief. I have a 3 day weekend for the holiday and figured it was now or never. I'm supposed to take it every 3 days for 9 days and then once a week for months or something like that but it seems like overkill. This drug is supposed to be very hard on the liver and of course my doctor wasn't concerned enough to order liver tests even though I read that is what you should do if you are on a prolonged course of it. Fingers crossed I'm not one of the people that has such a bad reaction I have to go to the hospital. I know, I know...step away from the internet. LOL.

 

Thanks again for the encouragement everyone, it means so much to me. Love you all. <3

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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It'll be fine, yes step away from the Google,lol. You've had so many big changes lately, just wanted to remind you how awesome you're doing in spite of them all, it means you're getting stronger!

2 Timothy 1-7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Effexor 75mg to 262.5mg 2005-2010 for post partum depression

Started having poop out mid 2010, also switched generic brands, then crashed in Dec 2010 (anxiety/ "terror", intense DR, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, chills, insomnia, horrible intrusive thoughts, disorientation, ect)
Rapid "tapered" from 262.5mg Effexor in 3 months

Tried Celexa,Cipralex, then Paxil to deal with wd(this switching made things worse and added akathesia)

Found online support and started tapering Paxil 7 months after quitting Effexor (at this point was having small windows).

Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks

Year 1 October 2011 to Nov 2012 20mg to 10mg

Year 2 March 2013 to Feb 2014 10mg to 4mg

Year 3 April 2014 to May 2015 4mg to 1.1mg

Year 4 June 2015 1.1mg , dropping by 10% until .5mg, after then dropped by 0.1mg every 5 weeks until 0.1mg.

Finished! Official last dose of 0.1mg on June 15/16

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And Happy New Year!

2 Timothy 1-7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Effexor 75mg to 262.5mg 2005-2010 for post partum depression

Started having poop out mid 2010, also switched generic brands, then crashed in Dec 2010 (anxiety/ "terror", intense DR, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, chills, insomnia, horrible intrusive thoughts, disorientation, ect)
Rapid "tapered" from 262.5mg Effexor in 3 months

Tried Celexa,Cipralex, then Paxil to deal with wd(this switching made things worse and added akathesia)

Found online support and started tapering Paxil 7 months after quitting Effexor (at this point was having small windows).

Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks

Year 1 October 2011 to Nov 2012 20mg to 10mg

Year 2 March 2013 to Feb 2014 10mg to 4mg

Year 3 April 2014 to May 2015 4mg to 1.1mg

Year 4 June 2015 1.1mg , dropping by 10% until .5mg, after then dropped by 0.1mg every 5 weeks until 0.1mg.

Finished! Official last dose of 0.1mg on June 15/16

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What is diflucan for?  Hope you are doing okay and all best for this year, hoping you can see some more improvements and better days!  x  Glad to hear your job is going well.

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

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  • 2 weeks later...

What is diflucan for?  Hope you are doing okay and all best for this year, hoping you can see some more improvements and better days!  x  Glad to hear your job is going well.

 

Diflucan is an oral antifungal used for yeast infections and other fungal infections. Well I didn't have a bad reaction to the drug which is amazing considering how terrified I was to take it for so long. Unfortunately, it didn't help my issue either so back to the drawing board.

 

I just posted this to another member in a private message and I realized it's a good update so reposting it here:

 

"I am still doing ok, holding on this dose for almost three months now. I admit I have thoughts of staying on this dose indefinitely as I have been feeling so much more functional lately but I know that is not possible. I am still doing well at work. Over a month working full time I can't believe it! Things are also going well with the guy I'm dating, we made it "official" this past weekend lol. This is my first relationship in 10 years, it's exciting but a bit scary too as he only has known me in a window. I still have so much fear of it all crashing down as it's been too good lately. In fact, I had some anxiety and DR in the shower right now and was like "oh no it's starting!" Ugh.

 

There is even more pressure as I will finally be getting another car in the coming weeks (haven't had one for years) which means I will have car payments and I'm also supposed to be moving out within 6 months or so. If something happens WD wise and I am unable to work I don't know what I'll do. Before, I didn't have any of that so it was ok for me to not work during crashes, etc. Trying not to borrow trouble as they say but it's very hard. "

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Wow, look at you, girl! You are moving on and doing great! Just enjoy it. You are so worth it.

Love, Amy

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

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Keep on going! Hugs!

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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  • 1 month later...

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've done an update. Time really does fly by now that there is so much going on.

 

Ok, so I'm happy to report I am still working full time. I really can't believe it myself. Now I've definitely gone through waves since I started, and in fact I'm in a bit of a wave right now but somehow, someway I have managed to drag myself to work in spite of it and haven't had to call in once.

In other good news I finally bought a new car! This has given me so much more freedom of course but it also comes with the added pressure of having another debt to pay off and the what ifs abound, but I try to think positively as much as I can.

 

More changes are on the horizon as I will be moving out soon as well. This is probably the most frightening for me as rent is a lot and my constant worry is that my WD will get worse and I'll have to leave work again and how will I be able to take care of the tons of bills I have now. In the past I was living with my mom and had little to no bills so it wasn't a big deal when I wasn't able to work, now I HAVE to work as there is no alternative. It's puts an intense amount of pressure on me but I keep reminding myself not to borrow trouble and to take it day by day and cross that bridge when I come to it. Worrying about it constantly is not going to protect me from it happening is it?

 

One thing I'd like to report is how much having a job/purpose and regular schedule has helped me in my WD. I am not depressed as often as I was when I slept in every day and just stayed home stewing in my misfortune. I remember dealing with incredible fatigue on a daily basis and that was one of my biggest worries when looking for a job, some days I barely had the energy to wash dishes or brush my teeth, how could I be expected to work 8 hours a day every day? But if anything my energy has improved tremendously with this new schedule. I'm so grateful for this.

 

However, I do believe I have been pushing myself too hard lately and this has a lot to do with the relationship I started a few months ago. I try to be as normal as I can so I'm working full time during the week and then being social all weekend. It's caught up to me lately and I've had to come to terms with the fact that I do need more rest and recuperation than other people not dealing with WD and I've always known that it would take a VERY understanding and special person to support me through this and for that reason I'll be moving on from this relationship. It's sad but I'll get through it.

 

It's astounding to me how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time. New job new relationship, new car and now moving out on my own again after over a decade. Lately I have felt very overwhelmed with it all but these are things I've been wishing and praying for for years and I deserve to let myself enjoy them for a while rather than letting my worry overtake me.

 

As for tapering I always seem to be even MORE cautious about going slow (if that's even possible) when working and this is a dose range I've been scared of ever since I started my taper many years ago so I've decided to slow it down to 8 weeks between drops again and hopefully that gives my brain and body the time it needs to adjust.

So that's it for now. I might post again soon about symptoms I've been having lately but I've said enough for now lol. Have y'all missed my novel length posts? I think of you guys often and am always checking on your progress even though I don't post much. Love you all!

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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  • Moderator

That update was well worth the wait Ladybug.  I'm so glad that so many things are falling into place. Pace yourself and start enjoying life and friends.

 

((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))

 

Brass

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

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

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

 

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

That's really great news about the job and the car.  And good luck with the move.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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Sounds you are doing pretty well. Very happy for you!

Slow is the right path ( just learned my lesson) , and keep the good work being slow!

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks.

2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg

2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain

2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain;

2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain

2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg,

2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on

2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks.

2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR

2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg,8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg, 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg

2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg,

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So happy for you ladybug! I always figured as much when it came to this:

 

"One thing I'd like to report is how much having a job/purpose and regular schedule has helped me in my WD. I am not depressed as often as I was when I slept in every day and just stayed home stewing in my misfortune. I remember dealing with incredible fatigue on a daily basis and that was one of my biggest worries when looking for a job, some days I barely had the energy to wash dishes or brush my teeth, how could I be expected to work 8 hours a day every day? But if anything my energy has improved tremendously with this new schedule. I'm so grateful for this."

 

Im glad that's how it worked out for you. I know for me, i feel better being out and busy then at home stewing. More energy too. 

You have enough on your plate, you've had so much going on, I think the relationship break will be for the best, it sounded a bit demanding to be honest.

Hang in there, 8 week waits sound reasonable enough, I'm sure your brain will be happy, especially with so much else going on.

:wub:

2 Timothy 1-7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Effexor 75mg to 262.5mg 2005-2010 for post partum depression

Started having poop out mid 2010, also switched generic brands, then crashed in Dec 2010 (anxiety/ "terror", intense DR, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, chills, insomnia, horrible intrusive thoughts, disorientation, ect)
Rapid "tapered" from 262.5mg Effexor in 3 months

Tried Celexa,Cipralex, then Paxil to deal with wd(this switching made things worse and added akathesia)

Found online support and started tapering Paxil 7 months after quitting Effexor (at this point was having small windows).

Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks

Year 1 October 2011 to Nov 2012 20mg to 10mg

Year 2 March 2013 to Feb 2014 10mg to 4mg

Year 3 April 2014 to May 2015 4mg to 1.1mg

Year 4 June 2015 1.1mg , dropping by 10% until .5mg, after then dropped by 0.1mg every 5 weeks until 0.1mg.

Finished! Official last dose of 0.1mg on June 15/16

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Jmarie

I am so happy for you......love reading your updates. I agree with Aberdeen.... The right relationship will happen for you when the time is right. Your story is an inspiration.

June, 1998 zoloft 50 mg. Had entered menopause, was irritable and anxious

Summer 2010, added welbutrin to zoloft, switched to effexor,did not work
9/ 2010 zoloft 75 mg. 11/25/10 50 mg.  12/30 45
1/19/11 40.5 2/6 36.5 3/7 32.8
3/29 29.5 4/20 25 5/28 22.5
6/16 20.2 7/7 18.2 7/28 16.4
8/18 14.7 9/8 13.0 9/23 12.5
10/10 11.2 11/6 10.6 11/9 11.2
12/7 10.5 1/1/12 10 2/1 9.5
3/1 9 3/23 8.5 4/30 5/29 7.5 6/26 7 7/31 6.5
8/22 6 9/15 5.5 10/2012/17 4.8 (switched to homemade liquid) 2/8/2013 zoloft free

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Thank you everyone for the kind words, but the truth is I don't feel like an inspiration at all because I'm still struggling a lot. The breakup hasn't helped matters. I was very open with him about my WD and I felt he understood as he's had his own struggle with med WD, and I was encouraged by the fact that he looked up Paxil WD (and found this site) but at the end he couldn't deal. He said I was emotionally exhausting and that even though he knew I wasn't bipolar I seemed bipolar. Well duh, how many of us would be (or have been) misdiagnosed as bipolar while going through this crap.

 

My hormones are out of control and it's not something I can control but honestly I was in a window for most of the time we were together so I didn't think what he witnessed was bad at all. Just a couple of bouts of moodiness or feeling sad. He even implied he couldn't plan for a future with me because how would I be if I had a child. This was like a knife to my heart as this is something I've always wondered about myself and felt bad about. So I've been really down ever since as this was the first relationship I've had in a decade and it basically confirmed that I can't be a good girlfriend while going through this and it's too much to ask of someone to be with someone like me anyway. So that has me down. BUT he had his own issues and I was done before he even brought any of this up but it still hurts to hear.

 

I still feel awful at least two weeks out of every month due to my hormones and I'm STILL having vaginal issues. That makes two years of going through it now and I'm convinced that my chronic yeast infections have caused me to develop vulvodynia for which there is no known cure and the top treatment is *drum roll* antidepressants!

 

These issues have worn me down immensely and didn't help matters in the relationship either. I'm coping as best I can and my appt with a vaginal disorder specialist is finally coming up but I will have to pay for it all out of pocket and the appointment alone will cost me over 200 dollars. More stress! So even though it seems I'm doing great I'm really not.

 

Yesterday I was so fatigued I came home and immediately got into bed and went to sleep. I've been pushing myself so hard to be normal these past few months and it's a bit of a relief that I can just rest again. 8 weeks on this dose now and unsure whether a drop will improve things or make them worse. The eternal question of tapering haha.

 

So that's where I'm at now, just trying to get through each bad day and looking forward to the good days returning. Well as good as it gets while dealing with all this stuff. Thanks for listening. ❤❤❤

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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  • Moderator

(((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))

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

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

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

 

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

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  • 3 months later...

Hi all! I haven't been here much lately so decided I should post an update.

 

Things are still going quite well. I have now been at my full time job for six months which is in itself a huge accomplishment as I haven't been able to hold down a full time job in almost a decade. I have moved out of my mom's place, finally have my own car, it's great. It's a lot of pressure to "feel well" but so far so good. I've even felt so normal that I've been experimenting with alcohol, not good I know, but it's been 8 years since since I've been able to have a drink. I have one drink a week, sometimes two and haven't experienced much more than some increased anxiety the week after.

 

Another huge acccomplishment was that I had my first overnight trip out of town a couple of weeks ago. If you recall I hadn't been able to go out of town for fear of not sleeping. It had been 10 years since I'd done it but I did it and it went well! Had some trouble sleeping but that was more due to my hotel mate's snoring than anything else lol. Gave me the confidence to try another trip, maybe even out of the country  who knows. 

 

So as you can see I've been doing better than ever...with one exception. I might have mentioned it here or in another thread but 10 years ago for the first time in my life I started experiencing a problem with hormonal acne. We all know what long term use of these drugs can do to your hormones and I've had many issues with mine, including bad depression and anxiety after my period.

 

I was scared to take any sort of birth control to regulate it as I've only tried it once and that was when I had my major crash in 2002 (akathisia, the works.) I still don't know if it was the bc pills that caused it or the fact that I was tapering too fast (this was before PP or SA ever existed.) but it was enough to scare me off them permanently. So I tried topical treatments instead and over the past 10 years I've exhausted every one of them. Some helped for a but then quit working.

 

Now my face is permanently scarred from all the acne and it's a source of depression and self loathing. When my last treatment stopped working I consulted two dermatologists who agreed that it was hormonal and I should go on this drug called Spironolactone. It's a diuretic used for high blood pressure but it's also used off label for female hormonal acne because it blocks androgens in your body.

 

If you know me you know I'm sensitive to even supplements and so avoid prescription medicines like the plague. But I had to go on a course of Diflucan recently for some chronic yeast issues I was having and that went ok so I guess that gave me the confidence that not all prescriptions would cause an instant crash for me like I assumed.

 

So now I've started this drug at the lowest dose. What worries me is that from what I've read it can indirectly raise cortisol levels which is terrifying since we all know the link between WD and high cortisol. But Im desperate. Unless you've experienced chronic disfiguring adult acne you have no idea the toll it can take on your self esteem. I've become obsessed. So I guess I'm just chronicling it here for the time when I do indeed crash, lose everything I've gained in the past year and you can say "I told you so!" Lol. Well that's where I at right now. Thanks for reading. :)

Edited by scallywag
insert paragraph breaks for readability

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Really well done on ALL fronts Ladybug.........you've really moved forward in your life, even though some things (like the facial acne) must feel like punishment.

 

If its any consolation to you, I've got awful acne scarring all over my shoulders and back of neck and permanent eczema all over my face, scalp and chest.  I'm beginning to think its hormonal too (peri-meno).  This despite a big improvement in baseline mood.

 

Anyway, you're doing so great and have a new life chapter to look forward to (health issues aside).  I say that because I rarely feel as though I'm physically in good shape.....there are always "symptoms" of one sort or another.

 

Hugs,

JC 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

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

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  • Moderator

Hi Ladybug-- that is such a wonderful update, I'm so happy to hear that so many things are improving and coming together for you.  Happy Monkey Dance.

 

A quick google of the Spironolactone didn't raise any red flags.  Just need to keep an eye on your potassium levels.  I truly hope it helps the situation.

 

(((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))

 

Tom

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

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

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

 

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

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Ladybug, it's amazing to hear that work is working so well for you. That must be a good feeling. And an overnight trip also, good for you! 

I am sorry about your problems with acne. I don't have any advice though. I hope it solves. 

 

Take care and many hugs!!

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

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Hi Ladybug.

I dont know if you remember me because its been over two years since I last spoke with you.  For some strange reason I got a notification in emailmthat referenced your blog here.  I havent been on SA in a very long time and I had to read your blog for a whilembefore I remembered who you were.  The last time I spoke with you was over teo years ago when I was tapering Klonopin while also going through Prozac withdrawal.  Things went south for me and in May 2015 I ended up going into a rehab clinic where they detoxed me C\T off of Klonopin.  It was the worst experience of my life and 25 months later Im still struggling to recover.  My cognitive function has suffered greatly, especially my memory, and it feels like I'll be like this from now on.  I'm stillnhoping that I will recover but as time passes I find my optimism slipping.  Right now I'm going through a very bad wave so maybe once it passes my optimism will return.  

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you're working.  It sounds like you are starting to get your old life back again. I know that my job helps me to stay distracted and I probably would have gone insane had I not had a job to keep my mind occupied.  I was forced to go back to work 5 weeks after detox.  It was very difficult but my boss was very understanding and at that time my work was slow.

I hope you continue to improve and continue to successfully taper off that poison they call Paxil.  These drugs have stolen so much from all of us.  

Take care.

Dave

 

My Intro topic

1997. Started Prozac for GAD, switched to Celexa.  worked well for anxiety.
Nov 2013. Switched back to Prozac and began taper.
Feb 2014. Finished Prozac taper after 3 months.  
Apr 2014. Began taking Klonopin to help with Celexa withdrawals.
Dec 2014. Developed Klonopin dependency.
May 12, 2015. Unable to taper Klonopin; cold turkeyed in rehab clinic. Put on Gabapentin 1200 mg/day.
June 2017. Started very slow liquid titration off Gabapentin.
March 2019. Current GPB dosage 542 mg (232 am, 300 mg pm); Sept 2 2021. Current dosage 180 mg (90 mg x 2)  doing microtaper

Oct 5 2021. Major surgery (colon resection). mid Nov 2021. w/d symptoms increased along with cognitive deficits.  Post-operative complications?

Feb 10 2022. Still at 180 mg / day, switch to 3 doses per day due to constant w/d and cognitive deficits.

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Well it's only been 6 days on this drug and I don't think I can do it anymore. Only 6 days on the lowest dose and already experiencing DR, fatigue, dizziness, increased anxiety, loss of appetite, frequent urination (which I anticipated and is the least of my worries), and last night for the first time in a long time I couldn't sleep. I think having felt well for so long tricked me into thinking I could handle it but nope, still pretty darn sensitive.

 

It also reminded me of a time in my life when I felt it was easier to swallow a pill to solve my problems rather than do any of the hard work it would take to begin to heal myself. Well that didn't work too well for me now did it? LOL. 

 

I did forget to mention in my last post that the course of Diflucan and, indirectly, my breakup improved my lady issues "down there" immensely. I still have issues from time to time but it's nowhere near the constant discomfort it was once was. I am so grateful for that as I was seriously scared it was going to plague me for life. Thanks for all the support, guys!

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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18 hours ago, Hope4Healing said:

Hi Ladybug.

I dont know if you remember me because its been over two years since I last spoke with you.  For some strange reason I got a notification in emailmthat referenced your blog here.  I havent been on SA in a very long time and I had to read your blog for a whilembefore I remembered who you were.  The last time I spoke with you was over teo years ago when I was tapering Klonopin while also going through Prozac withdrawal.  Things went south for me and in May 2015 I ended up going into a rehab clinic where they detoxed me C\T off of Klonopin.  It was the worst experience of my life and 25 months later Im still struggling to recover.  My cognitive function has suffered greatly, especially my memory, and it feels like I'll be like this from now on.  I'm stillnhoping that I will recover but as time passes I find my optimism slipping.  Right now I'm going through a very bad wave so maybe once it passes my optimism will return.  

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you're working.  It sounds like you are starting to get your old life back again. I know that my job helps me to stay distracted and I probably would have gone insane had I not had a job to keep my mind occupied.  I was forced to go back to work 5 weeks after detox.  It was very difficult but my boss was very understanding and at that time my work was slow.

I hope you continue to improve and continue to successfully taper off that poison they call Paxil.  These drugs have stolen so much from all of us.  

Take care.

Dave

 

I do remember you and I'm so sorry to hear that you had to suffer through a hellish detox off benzos. I know from my time on the boards that it is probably the worst experience with these drugs one can go through. I can't believe you were able to (not that you had a choice)

go back to

work only 5 weeks later. You are so strong! 

 

I'm sorry you're still struggling but I truly believe that time is the greatest healer and you will absolutely get to where you want to be eventually. I've had some truly dark periods in my taper where I never thought I would feel ok again, but it happened. I still have such a long way to go in my taper so I don't kid myself by thinking that the dark days are completely behind me but having this period of wellness shows me that if/when that darkness descends again if I just keep hanging on and get through each day then I will get to the better place again eventually. Thinking of you and sending you good, healing vibes. Remember you are always healing, even when it doesn't feel like it. :)

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Hi again! Have you looked into nutricuancy; low inflammation food? I just listened to a (Swedish) pod about it today. Very interesting. It might help acne maybe. Just a thought.

Hugs! 

 

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January

2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg

Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose.

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So pleased to see your update Ladybug!!  Glad you are out and about and living, that is great and I hope it continues for you.  Even though you not been on for a long time, I still think about you a lot and pray for you.  I'm sorry about the acne, it's such a pain, isn't it, there is always "something"!  I hope you can find an answer for this. 

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

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On 6/26/2017 at 6:21 PM, AmyK said:

Hi again! Have you looked into nutricuancy; low inflammation food? I just listened to a (Swedish) pod about it today. Very interesting. It might help acne maybe. Just a thought.

Hugs! 

 

I will definitely look into it as I do feel my body has some sort of chronic inflammation or maybe an exaggerated immune response causing this issue for me. I hope going dairy free will help matters in some way. Thank you!

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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On 6/27/2017 at 1:12 AM, grandmaD said:

So pleased to see your update Ladybug!!  Glad you are out and about and living, that is great and I hope it continues for you.  Even though you not been on for a long time, I still think about you a lot and pray for you.  I'm sorry about the acne, it's such a pain, isn't it, there is always "something"!  I hope you can find an answer for this. 

I think about you often too, Gran! I hate to see how long you've been suffering with this back pain. It's just not fair, you did everything "right" and still have this huge issue. These drugs are evil. I will try to be around more, it's just become more difficult since my laptop decided to stop typing A's and well...A's are pretty damn important! Lol. Saying a prayer for you, fellow turtle. ❤❤❤

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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Good call quitting the spiro for sure. I hope whatever BS its caused is short lived. I think you're going to be fine for the rest of your taper, just keep going slow. Happy for your bits too. :)

2 Timothy 1-7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Effexor 75mg to 262.5mg 2005-2010 for post partum depression

Started having poop out mid 2010, also switched generic brands, then crashed in Dec 2010 (anxiety/ "terror", intense DR, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, chills, insomnia, horrible intrusive thoughts, disorientation, ect)
Rapid "tapered" from 262.5mg Effexor in 3 months

Tried Celexa,Cipralex, then Paxil to deal with wd(this switching made things worse and added akathesia)

Found online support and started tapering Paxil 7 months after quitting Effexor (at this point was having small windows).

Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks

Year 1 October 2011 to Nov 2012 20mg to 10mg

Year 2 March 2013 to Feb 2014 10mg to 4mg

Year 3 April 2014 to May 2015 4mg to 1.1mg

Year 4 June 2015 1.1mg , dropping by 10% until .5mg, after then dropped by 0.1mg every 5 weeks until 0.1mg.

Finished! Official last dose of 0.1mg on June 15/16

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  • 1 month later...

Ladybug will you be doing the wdl survey?

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

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12 hours ago, nz11 said:

Ladybug will you be doing the wdl survey?

 

Yep, I filled it out last night. :)

a.k.a JMarie

Paxil since Mar.1998

2006-2007:40-20mg
2009: 20mg to 14mg 2010: 14mg to 10.5mg 2011: 10.5 to 7.6mg  2012: 7.5 to 6.8mg

2013: 6.7-6.3mg 2014: 6.2mg-5.8mg 2015: 5.7 to 5.15mg 2016: 5.1-4.6mg

1/19/17: 4.5mg 3/17/17: 4.4mg

6/15/17: 4.35mg 8/10/17: 4.3mg

1/29/18: 4.1mg 5/07/18: 4.0mg

7/31/18: 3.9mg

 

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:)

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

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Hi ladybug!  How are you doing these days?  Have you continued to drop or are you still holding?

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

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