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Nikki: hi, my rundown with ADs


Nikki

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Thanks Ato for suggesting this...

 

In 1996 I was put on Pamelor (tricyclic) for panic attacks which led to depression. Made a commitment to overcome panic/depression...did alot of homework/self help/counseling.

 

My former spouse is alcoholic and has sex addiction issues so at that time although I was working hard on myself to recover (this included Al-Anon Meetings) I was in a toxic situation and the Pamelor did not seem to touch the depression. Switched to Paxil.

 

Paxil worked very well for me. It alleviated the panic/depression and I was able to walk through a divorce and being a new life as a single parent.

 

In 2006, GlaxoSmith Kline did not release Paxil to drugstores. They were pushing the Time Release Paxil which was an entirely different dosage. This thrusted me into W/D. Very adverse reaction & cold not wait for GlaxoSmithKline to release the orgininal Paxil (40mgs).

 

This led me to crossover (in a few weeks time) to Lexapro which we thought would be similar. The crossover wasn't too bad, however two weeks later I got slammed by Paxil W/D. Paxil W/D supercedes any medication.

 

It took about 3 months to settle down and I was actually okay. After due to weight gain from both drugs I decided to wean down from Lexapro. That took (2) years. Such a loss of precious time.

 

When I got down to 11 mgs. of Lexapro I had reached the end of my rope with the anxiety/depressive episodes from W/D (dropping doses using liquid). MD suggested using Imipramine (tricyclic).

 

In February of 2009 I finished the Lexapro taper and was on 75mgs. Imipramine. And the....we had the ecnomic downturn from Hell. My former spouse who was rather sucessful lost his job (I had alimony which was substantial) and

then I lost my job.

 

It was like surviving from crisis to crisis. My daughter become ill and we found out that she has an autoimmune disease. She was hit by a drunk driver and walked away. Lucky. There were days I wished I just wouldn't wake up.

 

My daughter told me "Mom there isn't a pill in the world that could relieve your anxiety, everything is anxiety producing right now." She was right.

 

In August 2011 I made a decision to crossover from Imipramine to Celexa. The anxiety was lifting, life was improving, however I kept having depressive episodes (severe, uncontrollable crying).

 

About (7) weeks back I finished the Imipramine taper and I am now on 40mgs. Celexa. After about two weeks, Ibegan to experience W/D. I went thru every symptom. And now I am just having Insomnia.

 

In my heart-of-hearts I know that these drugs caused lot of harm. For now, I do not want to do anything (although sleep would be nice) -_-

 

I am hoping to level off/stabilize & at some point in time get off of this stuff.

 

It was long haul, but life is improving each day (econmically).

 

Thanks

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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Your positive outlook on dealing with what has happened to you, with life and the meds, will certainly assist your recovery.

 

You have a lot to be proud of.

:)

Years:150mg Wellbutrin (to concentrate) 20-30 mg Celexa (rumination).

CT 8/2011 during a pregnancy attempt under MD orders. (Idiot!!!) Pregnancy hormones allowed it.

Felt great with 6 mg of melatonin per night to sleep plus preggo hormones-didn't last:(

Best time of my life. Botched IVF in Dec 2011.Stress.

Bone chilling exhaustion and told to go back on celexa and wellbutrin.

4/9/2012 Back on celexa wb for some relief, wb gave me heart palps so dropped and only need 6.6 mg celexa and 1/4 melatonin pill...IMPROVEMENT because my doses are much lower!

REMEMBER to get your thyroid and hormones checked/out of whack ones can appear LIKE MOOD DISORDERS!!

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  • Administrator

Thanks for telling your story, Nikki. It's quite a story!

 

In August 2011 I made a decision to crossover from Imipramine to Celexa. The anxiety was lifting, life was improving, however I kept having depressive episodes (severe, uncontrollable crying).

 

About (7) weeks back I finished the Imipramine taper and I am now on 40mgs. Celexa. After about two weeks, Ibegan to experience W/D. I went thru every symptom. And now I am just having Insomnia.

Yes, it is possible to have withdrawal syndrome even though you're on a second antidepressant.

 

How have your symptoms changed since you quit imipramine? Does your doctor recognize your withdrawal symptoms? Does he or she understand the need to gradually taper?

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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Alto I see a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and she understands W/D (discontinuation syndrome and protracted w/d) thank heavens.

 

In looking back, my daughter was right...there wasn't a pill in the glaxay that could have shieled anyone from the economic downturn that alot of us felt.

 

God Bless Me....I kept plugging away, but the bouts of crying were awful. That was what led me to switch over to Celexa. I felt the effect right away (after two days).

 

I went into business for myself in March 2011 ~ and I wanted to have some clarity to continue to move forward without crying like I was.

 

 

A gradual reduction from 200mgs. Imipramine and a gradual increase to 40 mgs. Celexa wasn't bad. There was some mania, but that stopped. Insomnia set in with each decrease, but would lift after a few days.

 

The problems began after I was off Imipramine altogether: Flu like symptoms, mirgratory aches/pains, raging anxiety and pewking in the AM from anxiety (that lasted for weeks), fatigue, anhedonia, lack of motivation (That's not like me at all), some isolation.

Worst of all insomnia.

 

I am feeling better the last few days. Energy is coming back. Can't complain about

AM anxiety. Hopefully the w/d is over.

 

Still need to lose weight. Business is building. Definitely a light at the end of the tunnel ^_^

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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  • Administrator

If your withdrawal symptoms from imipramine last only a few months, I would count that as a success!

 

Are you planning to reduce Celexa?

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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Hi Alto....

 

I guess I never thought of it as a success. W/D has never been easy for me, however the MD told me it would not be as bad as an SSRI and I found that to be true.

 

Right now I need to remain where I am which is 40mgs. Celexa. Would someday like to get off Celexa. Just can't put myself thru that stress.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

I remember when I was weaning on to Paxil years ago, the Doctor asked me if I was agitated and I said yes. He said that was normal for SSRI's and that it would go away.

 

I have experienced 'agitation' in w/d - big time.

 

I am now on a full dose of Celexa and finished a taper from Imipramine. Went thru every w/d symptom ~ and now I am agitated/irritated. Annoyed very quickly. I am focusing on other people and their 'faults', inside of keeping the focus on me.

 

I am asking myself what it is that I may not be facing ~ or is this a form of distraction, entertainment which is embarrassing to admit.

 

Or is this part of a Discontinuation Syndrome, side effect from Celexa, or am I just angry and scared???????

 

Would love some feedback.

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

Nikki~

I seem to have cycled through every negative emotion over the past year and can't find the positive person I used to be or faked it well~ I remind myself that this is NEUROEMOTION (great thread in SYMPTOMS) but it sure feels ugly --

I've been experiencing what I'd describe as RAGE in the past few weeks and it's scared me - I was always a reserved person and controlled my temper well (maybe too well)--

I have isolated from everyone I knew due to bad family issues~ my primary rage trigger

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Barbara thank you for responding...

 

So you think it may be a residual effect of the medication merry-go-round? I am having trouble not focusing on two people in particular. I remind myself to live and let live, mind my own business and stayed focused on me. I have to do this over and over. Sux.

 

I am in the process of building a business for myself and staying focused on that would be well worth the effort.

 

I know that I have an issue with distracting myself from things. This week I have to pay my property taxes ~ and ~ I thought, well I really don't want to write that check :blink: so maybe this is how I am distracting myself from what's really bothering me.

 

Rage, agitation and irritation....I have experienced big time with drug reduction

 

Barbara the rage does get better...walk hard and stomp your feet as you walk to discharge it.

Journal about it. Throw rocks into a lake.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I remember when I was weaning on to Paxil years ago, the Doctor asked me if I was agitated and I said yes. He said that was normal for SSRI's and that it would go away.

 

I have experienced 'agitation' in w/d - big time.

 

I am now on a full dose of Celexa and finished a taper from Imipramine. Went thru every w/d symptom ~ and now I am agitated/irritated. Annoyed very quickly. I am focusing on other people and their 'faults', inside of keeping the focus on me.

 

I am asking myself what it is that I may not be facing ~ or is this a form of distraction, entertainment which is embarrassing to admit.

 

Or is this part of a Discontinuation Syndrome, side effect from Celexa, or am I just angry and scared???????

 

Would love some feedback.

 

It's not you, it's withdrawal. These spells of irritability are apparently related to Cortisol levels and light sensitivity. Following the suggestions (see 'Symptoms and What Helps', especially the topic on sleeping problems) about wearing a sleep mask and sunglasses has helped me a lot, and I keep the blinds and curtains drawn on all but the most cloudy days. Also, I avoid going out on bright sunny days as much as possible. I'd been pretty mellow for most of last week, but I had to run errands yesterday afternoon in bright sun and despite the sunglasses I was really in a snit by the time I got home. I'm in a snit this morning for that matter. We were supposed to have rain and cloudy weather most of this week, and now that's changed to "partly cloudy". Right now the sunshine is too much for me and I've pretty much put everything on the Do List on hold.

 

I hope that knowing it isn't you helps. I try to keep that in mind.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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Nikki ~

Another thought… I didn't have agitation when initiating SSRIs although I have thought that w/d symptoms sound very similar to the mood symptoms they warn about when starting therapy -

These feelings for me cross over quite a bit with the digging up of emotions masked by SS/NRIs over the years (I think Elizabeth mentioned this in a msg yesterday or today) -

I'm trying to look forward but the rearview mirror keeps getting in the way …

'objects may appear larger than they actually are…'

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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It is WD.

 

I went through the same exact thing. Ironically, I had just moved to NYC at the time so not too many people noticed. But just the slightest thing would make me blow up, I would get along really well with someone only to snap and hate them and obsess about all of their faults. I would yell at sales clerks. I was very hyper, walking extremely fast, pushing my shopping cart at record speeds and if someone got in my way I thought "how dare they!".

 

Yup, it's WD. Today people call me sweet, thoughtful and patient.

Withdrew cold turkey from six medications: Celexa, Zyprexa, Depakote, Ativan, Ambien and Phentermine in 2002. It has been 10 years since I told polypharmacy to take a hike and have joined this forum to let others know that success is possible and to hopefully save people from experiencing the suffering that I did under psychiatric "care".

 

MY STORY

 

"TENSION is when we try to be who we think we should be, RELAXATION is when we are who we really are."

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Whatever I just posted on your My Story Thread....very powerful.

 

It probably is w/d. Maybe all of this time I was looking at myself as such a failure due to decisions I made in the past, and after reading your story, maybe alot of it had to do with drugs.

 

"I would get along really well with someone only to snap and hate them and obsess about all of their faults."

 

This is what I am doing. I've done this before. I am tryng to figure out what's med/WD

and what is my own bad habit/shortcoming.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

I think these meds did more harm than good. Initially when I went on Paxil I really did need a med and it did help.

 

I know I can't handle a taper right now. However I do think about how I would do it.

 

40mgs Celexa right now

 

Get the liquid

 

I would drop 1mg. @ a time in the past. I can't help but wonder if dropping 1 mg. is better or worse than 10%. I suffered with a 1mg. drop.

 

What bothers me is the length of time tapering....it's like lost time. I never took anything for w/d symptoms like Xanax or Propanolol...This time around I would.

 

I can't bear the idea of the anxiety/depression/insomnia that tapers bring on.

 

Has anyone tried Hypnosis???????????????

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

Nikki...thank you so much for your supportive words. I replyied in my INTRO thread, I think you will find my response gives you much to ponder. At least I hope so.

 

{{HUGS}}

Withdrew cold turkey from six medications: Celexa, Zyprexa, Depakote, Ativan, Ambien and Phentermine in 2002. It has been 10 years since I told polypharmacy to take a hike and have joined this forum to let others know that success is possible and to hopefully save people from experiencing the suffering that I did under psychiatric "care".

 

MY STORY

 

"TENSION is when we try to be who we think we should be, RELAXATION is when we are who we really are."

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Wish I had great advice to give...

 

I went off Celexa (20 mg) in August. I also was in the midst of a pregnancy attempt and loaded up on those good hormones. :rolleyes: It was relatively ok...I don't remember anything like the struggle I am going thru to get off neurontin and get my brain back to where it belongs.

 

As I look at my two experiences, I would recommend waiting until you are at a point where life is going well and other concerns will not get in the way of your discontinuing the drug.

 

For getting off Celexa, I had a mother who was very sympathetic, took took over driving, allowed me to just chill.

 

This time I have to deal with a mother who is sick of pmeds and me complaining about them. I also am having to deal with a major life disappointment...that the child I wanted is not coming...that I will have to relocate away from family in August for grad school.

 

Thanks for listening to my rambling, but if your supports are 100% there prior to starting your taper, it just may make it easier.

 

Elizabeth

Years:150mg Wellbutrin (to concentrate) 20-30 mg Celexa (rumination).

CT 8/2011 during a pregnancy attempt under MD orders. (Idiot!!!) Pregnancy hormones allowed it.

Felt great with 6 mg of melatonin per night to sleep plus preggo hormones-didn't last:(

Best time of my life. Botched IVF in Dec 2011.Stress.

Bone chilling exhaustion and told to go back on celexa and wellbutrin.

4/9/2012 Back on celexa wb for some relief, wb gave me heart palps so dropped and only need 6.6 mg celexa and 1/4 melatonin pill...IMPROVEMENT because my doses are much lower!

REMEMBER to get your thyroid and hormones checked/out of whack ones can appear LIKE MOOD DISORDERS!!

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Thanks Elizabeth...

 

Maybe the baby is not coming 'now' and will at some other point in time. You are going thru Neurontin WD. Relocating and leaving family is tough, but this may be a wonderful experience living in a new city. It may serve you well.

 

How long did it take you to wean down from Celexa?

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

Nikki,

You've definitely landed in the best place for help. Someone had their pre-taper plan posted not long ago. I only have the advice 'don't do as I did'.

 

I don't recall anyone using hypnosis for w/d, but it has interested me in the past. Never tried it.

 

I definitely agree that the meds did far more harm in my case. I never responded to serotonergics.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Barb, the pre-taper plan was me. It involved looking after myself, getting "ready" - organized, freezer full of dinners etc, paperwork sorted, taking vitamins (specific to me - I have a tendency to very low folate, for example), gentle exercise (mostly a couple of short daily walks at the moment) and sunshine, giving up caffeine. Also, lining up some distractions like audiobooks for days when I have to do ironing/housework/etc, but need a distraction anyway. The idea is to do as much as I can to head off the depressive symptoms as I taper, and have some wiggle room for bad days where I can just pull out a nutritious meal from the freezer, thus allowing me a bit of free time to take a walk or have a lie down or a coffee with a girlfriend.

 

Bubbles

2005 St John's Wort / 2006-2012 Lexapro 20mg, 2 failed attempts to stop, tapered over 4.5 months in early 2012

January 2013 started Sertraline, over time worked up to 100mg

July 2014 Sertraline dropped from 100mg to 75mg, held for six months, slower tapering until 2019 22 Dec 3.2mg

2020 Sertraline 19 Jan 3.1mg, 26 Jan 3.0mg; 1 Mar 2.9, 7 Mar 2.8, May (some drops here) 24 May 2.5, May 29 2.4, June 21 2.3, June 28 2.2mg,  July 4 2.1mg, July 24 (or maybe a bit before) 2mg, early Nov switched to home made suspension; 29 Nov 1.8mg; approx 25 Dec 1.6mg)

2021 Some time in about Jan/Feb realised probably on more like 1.8mg and poss mixing error in making suspension; doses after 10 Feb accurate; 10 Feb 1.6mg; 7 Mar 1.4, continued monthly

10% drops until 1mg, then dropped 0.1mg monthly.

May 2022,0.1mg, now dropping 0.01mg per week

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

My thread here at SA: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1775-bubbles/page/21/

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

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Thanks Guys...

 

Have you ever logged onto theroadback.org? They have a temendous amount of info of tapering, side effects, etc. ~ and ~ a list of supplements pre-during-after a taper.

 

Bubbles you really set yourself up well for your taper....thank you for responding.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

It's been three months since I got off Imipramine. In August 2011 was when I began the wean off Imipramine and went onto Celexa. The crossover wasn't that bad. The trouble began once I was off the Imipramine.

 

When I was on a small dose of Imipramine (about 10mgs.) plus the Celexa, I felt very good. I had hope, fun, was able to think in a positive manner, the anxiety/depression were basically gone. If they showed up I could talk myself thru it or rely on friends, etc.

 

I am quite depressed. Have anxiety and it is a low I can't seem to escape.

Worry, fear and a complete sense of frustration from living like this for so long.

 

The problems started when in 2007 when I began a Lexapro taper. It took 2 years. I believe that taper set me up somehow for chronic anxiety. At that time I lost my job, my ex lost his job and I freaked out. Became really depressed. Took Imipramine.

 

The problems of job loss, moving, court with ex, daughter getting ill, and a host of other issues has been ongoing since 2009 with economy and prior to that 2007 from Lexapro wd.

 

I had several jobs with what were supposed to be reputable companies, and they were a nightmare. My anxiety grew ~ my self esteem went down the tubes. Money is an issue. I pay my bills, alimony was reinstated, but I went thru most of what I had.

 

In 2011 I went back into business for myself. It takes time to build a business and I am not where I want or need to be right now in terms of what I am pulling in...This week I paid my property taxes, HOA and a life insurance premium and I am a wreck over it. Alot of money. When pay huge bills, I get very anxious and depressed. Huge fear.

 

I am giving you these details, because there are situational things, and then there is medicine and I don't know for sure, where they separate. The line blurs for me.

 

I would really like to be med-free, but I can't go thru wd, not for a long time. I am actually thinking about taking a small amount of Imipramine to see if I can feel better.

BUT....that is a medication cocktail.

 

Basically, I have been living in hell for the last few years. Anxiety, depression, fear, worry. If I was told I had 6 months to live, I think I would feel relieved.

 

Please.....need some help, or just talk. Situational vs. medication, or both. How can I be on a full dose of Celexa and feel this way. Does the Imipramine over-ride the Celexa?

 

I can't seem to find peace or hope, just misery....

 

Need some help

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

Hi Nikki,

 

I just read a wonderful book called hope and help for your nerves by Claire WEekes. That may help you a little.

 

I undrstand excatly how you are feeling. There are days I wonder what the hell is the point of it all? I am not a docotor but I don't feel like that title has much merit these days anyway. All I may suggest. Is that you take note if your feelings before all the meds and then during, if you have new feelings/ symptoms during the meds, its most likely from meds. That advice was given to me by a wonderful neuro.

Also, from my struggles and research, the road to recovery is long and hard. I know excerciae and eating right can only take u so far then there's your own mind and God .

 

I wish the pain would go away for you, me and all of us.

 

I am happy to talk with you. Or listen. GOd Bless Nikki, prayers for you.

Everything was ok. And then it wasn't.

 

Med History

11/2009- 50 mg Zoloft (1st ad ever) in combo w/.50 xanax for 2 weeks then use xanax as needed (1st benzo ever)

9 days on Zoloft, I was awake for 9 days straight C/T Zoloft

11/2009- trazadone to sleep for 2 weeks c/t Trazadone

12/2009 start 10 mg Lexapro w/ Xanax as needed

5/2010-3 week taper off lexapro

9/2010? back to Lexapro 10 mg after 5 or 6 weeks c/t leapro

12/2010-10mg paxil

5/2011-6 week paxil taper

8/2011 5mg lexapro

last lexapro pill January 7 2012

all this as per doc orders Thanks Doc!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Nikki, I'm tapering off Celexa, along with other meds. I cut by half a milligram at a time.

 

Since I'm tapering multiple meds it's slower going--but I think slow going is the most important trick for ANY drug taper. Don't worry about how long it's going to take. Maybe it will take a year, maybe it will take three. The important thing is to go slowly enough that your brain and body can adapt as you taper.

 

I've had some withdrawal symptoms after cuts but so far absolutely no return of depression. In the past, suicidal depression has always been my dominant symptom when I quit or tried to reduce a psych med (I always did it wrong, either CT or dramatic reductions or taking one every other day).

 

And the effects of the drug itself (and I agree, for me ADs always made me worse rather than better) have decreased as I have been tapering. I feel great now, down to 3.5 mg of Celexa.

 

So a long slow taper isn't really wasted time; you can be healing, getting yourself back, and living your life the whole time (because you will have such minimal symptoms of withdrawal that you can still live your life).

 

I've seen SO many tapers in my years on these boards and although some people do well with quick ones, by FAR the most successful are the long slow ones. Especially in the case of someone with a history like yours (previous attempt, went too fast, rebound).

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm so sorry for your suffering, Nikki...

 

I just want to let you know that it's very common for people getting off ADs to experience a worsening of depression and anxiety somewhere around three months out. It's a common pattern. Three months seems to be most common but sometimes it's three to six. It's another withdrawal symptom. It won't last forever, this isn't the "new you".

 

I'm not very familiar with imipramine, as far as tapers and reinstatement. Maybe somebody else has more experience. I know with benzos, reinstatement after three months usually doesn't work, but I think ADs are different.

 

If you do reinstate, though, I do know that you don't usually need to reinstate to the full original dose.

 

And then taper very, very, VERY VERY slowly once you're stable.

 

But personally if it were me I would try every other kind of intervention for depression that I know of before going back on another med. The things that work for me are exercise, light therapy (that is, therapy using natural sunlight and therapy lights), and being very careful with my diet (no sugar, processed carbs, etc., keeping my blood sugar regular by eating low carbs in general, and lots of veggies and nonprocessed foods).

 

Exercise is the most powerful and in studies it works better than placebo or medications.

 

Regular talk therapy is also helpful, especially in combination with the other lifestyle interventions above.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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I remember being told that a Lexapro & Celexa taper were easier than Paxil. Although that is true for me, it was still a murderous process.

 

What I am learning from the people here is that slow and small cuts are easier. That's where I get into trouble. I have such a rush/desire mindset to be drug-free that I may have caused more anxiety/depression.

 

Rhi you and Summer are both tapering Celexa and in both your posts you sound very well considering.

 

Elisabeth you finished your taper in August and that is when I jumped on board the Celexa Express :rolleyes:

 

Elizabeth how have you been doing since August and did you do a slow taper?

 

To be honest, I think I may be on too much Celexa (40) and I think I felt bette @30mgs.

which is why I am considering getting myself down to 30 and then staying put.

 

I don't know what makes me crazier....being on the stuff or worrying about how lousy I can feel....and the "Oh no here I go again jockeying around with this stuff".

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

 

 

Elisabeth you finished your taper in August and that is when I jumped on board the Celexa Express :rolleyes:

 

Elizabeth how have you been doing since August and did you do a slow taper?

 

 

I did it completely wrong. I had hormones flowing in me from a fertility attempt which I think helped balance things for a CT withdrawal Don't follow my path. It is now months out and I still feel crappy.

 

 

How are you doing on the Celexa now? Do you feel like you can wake up and attack each day?

Years:150mg Wellbutrin (to concentrate) 20-30 mg Celexa (rumination).

CT 8/2011 during a pregnancy attempt under MD orders. (Idiot!!!) Pregnancy hormones allowed it.

Felt great with 6 mg of melatonin per night to sleep plus preggo hormones-didn't last:(

Best time of my life. Botched IVF in Dec 2011.Stress.

Bone chilling exhaustion and told to go back on celexa and wellbutrin.

4/9/2012 Back on celexa wb for some relief, wb gave me heart palps so dropped and only need 6.6 mg celexa and 1/4 melatonin pill...IMPROVEMENT because my doses are much lower!

REMEMBER to get your thyroid and hormones checked/out of whack ones can appear LIKE MOOD DISORDERS!!

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Thanks Elizabeth....

 

I am actually quite depressed. I just finished reding Strawberry's Blog & it opened my eyes a bit more.

 

When I tapered off Imipramine, the cuts were big. Initally I was able to handle them.

I was weaning onto Celexa at the same time. Shortly after I made the last drop in dose 12.50 mgs. from Imipramine the **** hit the fan. I went thru every symptom. One would pass and then another would begin.

 

Unfortunately, what I have now is big depression and anxiety. Anxiety can be like a fly in your face, but depression is a whole different thing.

 

I know that it can't all be situational. Look at how many people are on this site and other sites, all battling depression, anxiety and othe issues after dropping a dose or getting off a med.

 

WD + Situational Stress = for me equals the miseries = depression/anxiety.

 

I really admire the people who got off ad's. I don't know how anyone could deal with ongoing depression from drug withdrawal. There are alot of people who have had it for years.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Regarding theroadback.org No recommendations for commercial programs to assist withdrawal

 

We haven't yet found a supplement program for withdrawal that was worth the extra expense.

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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Alto I have looked at their site for years, but never made a purchase, therefore I never followed their pretaper schedule/advise. It is very expensive and that was probably the reason, in conjunction with having tried many supplements on my own which did nothing and cost me a bundle.

 

Actually some of the supplements made me feel worse. Like B's = anxiety.

Black Tart Cherry did not help me to sleep.

 

I don't know if Fish Oil works, but I took it. If I take it after 3pm, it can cause bad dreams. I always took Flaxseed for breast health and that worked for cysts (nothing to do with withdawal).

 

I don't really know if Rescue Remedy works. I never took it consistently.

 

I did just log onto their site and there are liquids which are specific to your problems.

 

Has anyone done this, or is this another waste of money??????

 

I did take Ativa Sativa (not sure of spellling), which is basically oatmeal, and I actually felt better, HOWEVER, and there is always a HOWEVER with WD I cold not tell if I had stabilized at 15mgs. Lexapro and had a good window ~ or ~ if it was the Sativa??????????????????

 

So here are two questions RR and Ativa ;)

 

Alto Bless you Heart, you have a vast knowledge of this whole issue :)

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment
  • Administrator

The information about supplements you can get on this site for free is as valid as what they're selling on their site.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

"I really admire the people who got off ad's. I don't know how anyone could deal with ongoing depression from drug withdrawal. There are alot of people who have had it for years."

 

Just want to reiterate that I am having NO trouble with depression during my withdrawal, but my withdrawal is very very slow. BUT IT'S WORTH IT because I feel so good so much of the time.

 

And I historically had TERRIBLE rebound depression every time I cut or quit any psych med, ADs in particular, over the 20 years I was on the stuff.

 

I do get other kinds of withdrawal symptoms when I cut, which go away as I hold between cuts. And the effects of the drugs themselves do seem to be decreasing as I taper, which is great. But I am certain I would be having a very bad time if I weren't going so slowly. I've got a lot of history of that.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

Link to comment

Rhi....1/2mg at a time works well for you... wonderful. Do you think you were on too much

Celexa and if so, how did it make you feel.

 

Honestly, I would have thought anxiety would have subsided at this point, but it hasn't.

I wouldn't say I am depressed but there isn't any joy in my life. Just burden & worry ~ a heaviness.

 

I was posting with Alto (where I don't remember) that 40mgs. may be too much Celexa. Alto was saying that most meds are being prescribed by too high a dose. I agree.

 

Somewhere on this site someone posted about taking a nail file and making one swipe across the top of the pill to reduce the dose. After 4-6 weeks take 2 swipes. I thought that was a great idea as it only amounts to 'dust' in what it removed.

 

Lots of Cyber Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

40 mg sounds like a lot of Celexa.

 

When I was taking Wellbutrin I'm absolutely certain it was contributing to my anxiety. I don't know if the Celexa was. This time around I only took 10 mg and wasn't on that for long before I began tapering and now I'm down to 3.5.

 

At 40 mg you could probably start with a faster taper, I think 1 mg at a time would certainly be a reasonable speed to start with, and if you did well with that you could try cutting a little more or going a little faster. As your dose reduces you would probably need to slow the taper. That seems to be how it goes for people.

 

May I also add PLEEEEASE don't take Xanax unless you are very careful to not take it two days in a row and not take it more than twice a week. It's a very nasty very addictive drug that's really hard to get off of once you develop tolerance. I've encountered so many people who started benzos just intermittently but then their anxiety became worse (due to withdrawal effects between doses) and they ended up taking more and more until they were hooked. If you use a benzo be very careful.

 

I don't know about propanolol but I don't think it's anywhere near as addictive.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

I agree with Rhi.

 

With Celexa available as a liquid, highly recommend using that to reduce. The nail file method is very approximate. See Tips for tapering off Celexa (citalopram)

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

Even with a miniscule decrease in Celexa I have felt a difference for the better. Go figure..

 

I really do understand the whole Xanax thing. I don't do it very often and don't want to, however once in awhile I need to interrupt the anxiety cycle.

 

I am so sensitive to WD that I would probably start of (using the liquid) a possible 14/ mg. drop in dose, or at the most 1/2 mg. for starters.

 

WD is the absolute Thief of Lifefor me. Thank you so much for you input :)

 

Hugs and have a marvelous weekend....very rainy in South Florida...it's a Movie kind of weekend - or - retail therapy :D

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

Question...

 

With a tiny, tiny drop in Celexa I noticed I am agitated. I have alot on my plate as well.

A little difficulty falling asleep. Can granules of this stuff cause reactions????

 

Anxiety is better. This week I woke with not anxiety, until this morning, Sunday (I go into a funk on sundays). I wanted to have a parade for not waking with anxiety for a good 4-5 days :D How wonderful that felt.

 

Will probably get the liquid and pill. Would like to work my way down to 30 mgs. and coast there if possible.

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

Link to comment

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