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Using an oral syringe and other tapering techniques


stan

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Can anyone help me find a 1 ml syringe with large markings?  I have poor vision and cannot see the tiny marking between the larger markings on the 1 ml syringe.  

 

2016-Aug-Prescribed 2 mg Ativan & 10 mg Ambien; Oct-c/o from 20 mg Lexapro to 60 mg Cymbalta; Nov-Dec-Tapered off 10 mg Ambien    

2017-Jan-Feb c/o from 1.75 mg Ativan to 13 mg Valium & begin daily liquid micro taper; May-taper Cymbalta 60 mg to 48 mg with severe withdrawals.  Begin 11 month Cymbalta hold.

2018-Jan 11 completed Valium taper; Apr-Resume Cymbalta taper.  Interval dose progress: Apr 43 mg; May 40 mg; Jul 35 mg; Sep 29 mg; Dec 21 mg; 

2019- Apr 14 mg; Jun 11 mg; Aug 9 mg; Oct 7 mg; Nov 6 mg

2020-Jan 5.2 mg; Feb 4.8 mg; Mar 4.3 mg; Apr 3.9 mg; May 3.5 mg; Jun 3.3 mg; Jul 2.9 mg; Aug 2.7 mg; 28 Sep 2.4 mg/12 beads; 25 Oct 2.2 mg/11 beads; 22 Nov 2.0 mg/10 beads; 20 Dec 1.8 mg/9 beads

2021- 17 Jan 1.6 mg/8 beads; 14 Feb 1.4 mg/7 beads; 18 Mar 1.2 mg/6 beads; 18 Apr 1.0 mg/5 beads; 16 May

0.8 mg/4 beads; 13 Jun 0.6 mg/3 beads; 11 Jul 0.5 mg/2 beads; 8 Aug .03 mg/1 bead; 5 Sep 0 mg.

Brutal, agonizing, slow 4.5 year Cymbalta taper completed as of 5 Sep 2021.  100% psych drug free.  

 

 

 

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  • 3 months later...
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On 6/17/2016 at 8:08 PM, Altostrata said:

Thanks to Lise:

   On 6/11/2016 at 8:09 PM, Lise said: 

Thanks for the answer! :)
Since I last wrote I have been questing all over Ye Olde Internet and found out that:
such a thing as microlitre syringes actually does exist - and I've ordered one (100 microlitre with 0.2 microlitre intervals) at a very reasonable price (around five dollars) from Germany.
A microlitre is 0,001 ml.

 

I am looking for a microliter syringe in case I need to slow my taper down more at the end.

The least expensive I am finding is $28 and they go up to the hundreds of dollars.

I'd love to find a five-dollar one! 

 

If anyone has leads, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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8 hours ago, SkyBlue said:

 

I am looking for a microliter syringe in case I need to slow my taper down more at the end.

The least expensive I am finding is $28 and they go up to the hundreds of dollars.

I'd love to find a five-dollar one! 

 

If anyone has leads, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

I'm still looking too! I'm overwhelmed by the choices on Amazon. In the photos you can't really see the markings, and I want to make sure the increments are really as small as I need them to be. And yeah, they're all really expensive. And you probably need at least two, because when you rinse them out, there is still water in there the next day, and you'll end up introducing water into your bottle of medicine.

Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. 

 

Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time.  2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg.  2017:  1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23

 

Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. 

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14 hours ago, Rachelina said:

I'm still looking too! I'm overwhelmed by the choices on Amazon. In the photos you can't really see the markings, and I want to make sure the increments are really as small as I need them to be. And yeah, they're all really expensive. And you probably need at least two, because when you rinse them out, there is still water in there the next day, and you'll end up introducing water into your bottle of medicine.

 

Yes, so many choices! 

Do we know how long these things are? What I am hoping for in a microliter syringe is a very long, extremely narrow syringe that will let me see the 0.001 gradations--essentially so I can break up a 0.01 gradation into its ten parts. But the ones I'm seeing do not look very big at all. 

Also, many seem to come with a "cemented needle," which won't work for us because that sounds like it's not removable.

 

I have a 0.5ml syringe but it's not useful because the gradations are so tiny as to not be visible. (Also all the markings wore off.)

 

Okay, we will figure this out! 

 

 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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On 1/23/2018 at 10:08 PM, SkyBlue said:

 

Yes, so many choices! 

Do we know how long these things are? What I am hoping for in a microliter syringe is a very long, extremely narrow syringe that will let me see the 0.001 gradations--essentially so I can break up a 0.01 gradation into its ten parts. But the ones I'm seeing do not look very big at all. 

Also, many seem to come with a "cemented needle," which won't work for us because that sounds like it's not removable.

 

I have a 0.5ml syringe but it's not useful because the gradations are so tiny as to not be visible. (Also all the markings wore off.)

 

Okay, we will figure this out! 

 

 

If you put clear packing tape over the markings, they will never wear off! The syringes still wear out after a while.

 

Let me know if you figure anything out!

Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. 

 

Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time.  2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg.  2017:  1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23

 

Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. 

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Rachelina, that is so smart!!! Yes, I'll keep you updated. :)

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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  • 3 weeks later...
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I got a microliter syringe! 

It is a high-quality, glass Hamilton 250(u) (250 microliter).

So it is .25 ml capacity.

It is like this one,

Hamilton 7657-01 1725RN Syringe, 250 Microliter, No Needle 

but I found it for $24.99+shipping on eBay (new, sealed in package).

 

I will post as soon as I start using it, which I hope will be this weekend.

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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On 2/9/2018 at 4:57 PM, SkyBlue said:

I got a microliter syringe! 

It is a high-quality, glass Hamilton 250(u) (250 microliter).

So it is .25 ml capacity.

It is like this one,

Hamilton 7657-01 1725RN Syringe, 250 Microliter, No Needle 

but I found it for $24.99+shipping on eBay (new, sealed in package).

 

I will post as soon as I start using it, which I hope will be this weekend.

Yay! I can't wait to hear how it works out. So, the syringe has a 250 microliter capacity, which is .25 mL, which is .5 mg of liquid Paxil - did I get all that right? And I see that your dose is .5 mg, so you're getting it at the perfect time. If I were to use it I would have to fill it three times to get my dose, and I'm not sure if that would be a good idea - like, I'd have to be super careful not to let it touch my mouth. So maybe I'll wait until I'm down to .5 mg, or look for a 500 microliter syringe that I can start using when I get to 1 mg, in a few months. Anyway, I am eager to hear your review!

Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. 

 

Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time.  2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg.  2017:  1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23

 

Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. 

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15 hours ago, Rachelina said:

Yay! I can't wait to hear how it works out. So, the syringe has a 250 microliter capacity, which is .25 mL, which is .5 mg of liquid Paxil - did I get all that right? And I see that your dose is .5 mg, so you're getting it at the perfect time. If I were to use it I would have to fill it three times to get my dose,

 

Hi Rachelina,

Thanks! And yes, that's exactly correct. I'm impressed! Sometimes it takes me a minute, and it's my actual dose!! lol 

 

Yes, I agree that waiting until your dose is near the 250 (or 500) microliter range would be a good idea. I wouldn't want to fill it multiple times.

I accidentally almost ordered a 25 microliter one, and I would have had to fill that ten times!

 

I'll definitely keep you posted! 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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I got it from the pharmacist but I doesn't really tell me where .5 is.  

  • Ativan Mid April 1999-to end of May 1999 ( COLD TURKEY and flushed them down the toilet) I went through hell for 3 months-I had no idea what was happening to me there was no information on the internet about this drug)
  • Zoloft 200mg 1999 to 2017
  • Wellbutrin 2015 6 months Started having exterme anxiety-quit taking switched back to Zoloft ( I have quit about 6 jobs from this time0  Klonopin .5-1.0 of and on for two months (tapered off in Dec-Jan)
  • 15 mg Remeron 2012-presnt
  • **Started tapering down Zoloft 12/?/17 12/09/17 down to 50mg; 12/12/17-12/14-17 Zoloft 100mg; 12/16/201712/19 -Zoloft 150mg; 12/20/17-01/06/18 Zoloft 200mg; 01/07/18-01//18/18 Zoloft 180mg
  • 01/18/18-present Zoloft 200mg
  • February 2018-Copaxone 40mg (3 times a week shots) (for Multiple Sclerosis)2/17/18 begin transition to liquid 200mg
  • magnesium, fish oil

 

 
   

 

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I have a 5 ml syringe I'm trying to measure 190MG of Zoloft which is 20mg= 1ML so I guess I need to measure 9.5ml.  This isn't really accurate for the .5 part of it, it just has the 2 black lines with 5 little lines in between.  Please let me know when you have a chance.  I am transitioning for a while on my regular dose of 200mg.  So for now that will be easy to measure.  Please let me know.

  • Ativan Mid April 1999-to end of May 1999 ( COLD TURKEY and flushed them down the toilet) I went through hell for 3 months-I had no idea what was happening to me there was no information on the internet about this drug)
  • Zoloft 200mg 1999 to 2017
  • Wellbutrin 2015 6 months Started having exterme anxiety-quit taking switched back to Zoloft ( I have quit about 6 jobs from this time0  Klonopin .5-1.0 of and on for two months (tapered off in Dec-Jan)
  • 15 mg Remeron 2012-presnt
  • **Started tapering down Zoloft 12/?/17 12/09/17 down to 50mg; 12/12/17-12/14-17 Zoloft 100mg; 12/16/201712/19 -Zoloft 150mg; 12/20/17-01/06/18 Zoloft 200mg; 01/07/18-01//18/18 Zoloft 180mg
  • 01/18/18-present Zoloft 200mg
  • February 2018-Copaxone 40mg (3 times a week shots) (for Multiple Sclerosis)2/17/18 begin transition to liquid 200mg
  • magnesium, fish oil

 

 
   

 

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12 hours ago, samanthaelizabeth said:

I have a 5 ml syringe I'm trying to measure 190MG of Zoloft which is 20mg= 1ML so I guess I need to measure 9.5ml.  This isn't really accurate for the .5 part of it, it just has the 2 black lines with 5 little lines in between.  Please let me know when you have a chance.  I am transitioning for a while on my regular dose of 200mg.  So for now that will be easy to measure.  Please let me know.

 

You can get a 1 mL syringe for measuring the .5 mL part. Usually they give them out free at the pharmacy; just ask. 

 

I also think it would be fine if you just shoot for the midpoint between the two main lines, even though there isn't a line there. I looked at my 5 mL syringe and it looks easy. There are actually 4 smaller lines, so you'll be shooting for the midpoint between the center two lines. To me this would be accurate enough, but if you don't feel that it is, just get a 1 mL syringe.

Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. 

 

Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time.  2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg.  2017:  1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23

 

Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. 

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5 hours ago, Rachelina said:

 

You can get a 1 mL syringe for measuring the .5 mL part. Usually they give them out free at the pharmacy; just ask. 

 

I also think it would be fine if you just shoot for the midpoint between the two main lines, even though there isn't a line there. I looked at my 5 mL syringe and it looks easy. There are actually 4 smaller lines, so you'll be shooting for the midpoint between the center two lines. To me this would be accurate enough, but if you don't feel that it is, just get a 1 mL syringe.

Thank you Rachelina

  • Ativan Mid April 1999-to end of May 1999 ( COLD TURKEY and flushed them down the toilet) I went through hell for 3 months-I had no idea what was happening to me there was no information on the internet about this drug)
  • Zoloft 200mg 1999 to 2017
  • Wellbutrin 2015 6 months Started having exterme anxiety-quit taking switched back to Zoloft ( I have quit about 6 jobs from this time0  Klonopin .5-1.0 of and on for two months (tapered off in Dec-Jan)
  • 15 mg Remeron 2012-presnt
  • **Started tapering down Zoloft 12/?/17 12/09/17 down to 50mg; 12/12/17-12/14-17 Zoloft 100mg; 12/16/201712/19 -Zoloft 150mg; 12/20/17-01/06/18 Zoloft 200mg; 01/07/18-01//18/18 Zoloft 180mg
  • 01/18/18-present Zoloft 200mg
  • February 2018-Copaxone 40mg (3 times a week shots) (for Multiple Sclerosis)2/17/18 begin transition to liquid 200mg
  • magnesium, fish oil

 

 
   

 

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I'm practicing with my glass microliter syringe using Jell-O (lol!) -- the same consistency as liquid Paxil. 

 

I'm going to use the syringe for my actual Paxil dose tonight. I'm going to wait a while at this dose, just in case there are changes from my previous syringe to this one, with how much tiny amount is left in the barrel, etc. As Alto mentioned earlier, we don't need to worry about that little amount. I think it's important to be reasonably cautious when switching syringes, though. (For example, this syringe doesn't seem to have any liquid left after using, because it doesn't have a tip, exactly -- the plunger goes flush with the end of the syringe. It's not indented, or pointed at the end, if that makes sense.) 

 

Wish me luck! 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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2 hours ago, SkyBlue said:

I'm practicing with my glass microliter syringe using Jell-O (lol!) -- the same consistency as liquid Paxil. 

 

Very clever thinking!

 

2 hours ago, SkyBlue said:

I'm going to use the syringe for my actual Paxil dose tonight. I'm going to wait a while at this dose, just in case there are changes from my previous syringe to this one, with how much tiny amount is left in the barrel, etc. As Alto mentioned earlier, we don't need to worry about that little amount. I think it's important to be reasonably cautious when switching syringes, though.

 

Very good idea and worthwhile for other members to know about and remember.

* 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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Thanks, Chessie! 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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  • 2 months later...

Hello! I need some help.

 

I have been using a digital scale (Gemini) for measuring doses for months. The reading on the scale has always flickered back and forth, and then settled down to what I was satisfied was the accurate reading. That seemed OK while my taper was going along with no WD symptoms, but now I am not so confident and wondering if maybe my doses aren’t truly accurate and are adding to my problems. Yesterday the scale flickered back and forth so much that I decided to switch over to liquid.

 

I had already bought syringes, and had read all the instructions here on the tapering forum, so I just switched over to the liquid. Symptoms have intensified again today, and I’m nervous that maybe it was a mistake to have switched over like that. I know that symptoms can also fluctuate for no reason, but I guess I’m asking for some confirmation as to whether this was the right thing to do or not. 

 

I always calibrate the scale before I start, make sure it’s sitting steady, practically hold my breath. It bounced around yesterday more than ever. I finally did weigh out a Celexa dose, then recalibrated the scale just to double check it and the measurement was way off. It had been .042, and now weighed .038. That’s when I gave up on the scale. Maybe it needs a new battery...?

 

Anyway, just hoping for some reassurance or guidance with this. Thanks!

1991: Start Prozac / 1993: Stop Prozac / 1995: Restart Prozac

1997: Add Wellbutrin / 2002: CT Prozac & Wellbutrin

2004-2017: Start 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin 

2007: Add Ativan / 2009: Stop Ativan, start Klonopin & Seroquel

2012-2013: Taper off Klonopin & Seroquel

Aug 2017: Start tapering 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2018: 6.5mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2019: 5.4mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Nov 2019: Start tapering Wellbutrin

Sept 2020: 5.4mg Celexa & 50mg Wellbutrin

June 5, 2021: 5.4mg Celexa & 32mg Wellbutrin

Dec 2021: 5.2mg Celexa & 30mg Wellbutrin

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MammaP, one of our moderators, recommends a crossover from tablet to liquid:

 

"There can be problems switching from tablets to liquid, even with the same maufacturer.  We suggest taking part tablet and part liquid and increasing the liquid over time while decreasing the tablet. You could cut a tablet in half then cut one half in half so you have one 1/2 and 2 x 1/4 . Take 3/4 of the tablet and the rest in liquid. After a few days ( I make it a week if I change brands ) take half tablet and half liquid, then 1/4 tablet and the rest liquid, then all liquid. Alternatively you could make a liquid from tablets yourself. Lots of people do this and it works well."

 

Regarding your Gemini scale, have you changed batteries?  My scale went haywire but I finally got it calibrated.  Just to be safe, I ordered another one (not yet arrived). 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

AuntieBea,

 

I just ran across this post by Brassmonkey about using the scale:

 

"These scales can be very sensitive to air currents, fans, open windows, people walking past, breathing.  It will make the display jump all over the place.  There were times I would cup my hands around mine to shield it, which helped some.  The biggest thing was to work in a very still room, and use the calibration weight to get into the midrange of the scales sensor.  Either have the weight in place in the pan when you turn the scales on, pr place it in the pan and press TARE."

 

You could also wear a face mask so your breath isn't a possible factor.

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Oh thanks!

Yeah, that’s how sensitive the scale seems to be...so it’s not just me.

I could try using the calibration weight like Brassmonkey suggests, but now that I’ve done the liquid for two days, I’m wondering if I should just stay with that...? Does the body absorb the drug differently straight on the tongue through the liquid, than through

digesting the tablet? Now I’m concerned about making so many changes. I’m already pretty goofed up. Any suggestions...?

 

 

1991: Start Prozac / 1993: Stop Prozac / 1995: Restart Prozac

1997: Add Wellbutrin / 2002: CT Prozac & Wellbutrin

2004-2017: Start 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin 

2007: Add Ativan / 2009: Stop Ativan, start Klonopin & Seroquel

2012-2013: Taper off Klonopin & Seroquel

Aug 2017: Start tapering 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2018: 6.5mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2019: 5.4mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Nov 2019: Start tapering Wellbutrin

Sept 2020: 5.4mg Celexa & 50mg Wellbutrin

June 5, 2021: 5.4mg Celexa & 32mg Wellbutrin

Dec 2021: 5.2mg Celexa & 30mg Wellbutrin

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Oh! Just saw your first post. I missed it before.

I’ll try changing the batteries.

I’m making a liquid from the tablets, so am I hearing correctly that the crossover is not necessary

when using the manufacturer’s liquid formula? 

1991: Start Prozac / 1993: Stop Prozac / 1995: Restart Prozac

1997: Add Wellbutrin / 2002: CT Prozac & Wellbutrin

2004-2017: Start 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin 

2007: Add Ativan / 2009: Stop Ativan, start Klonopin & Seroquel

2012-2013: Taper off Klonopin & Seroquel

Aug 2017: Start tapering 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2018: 6.5mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2019: 5.4mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Nov 2019: Start tapering Wellbutrin

Sept 2020: 5.4mg Celexa & 50mg Wellbutrin

June 5, 2021: 5.4mg Celexa & 32mg Wellbutrin

Dec 2021: 5.2mg Celexa & 30mg Wellbutrin

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There's a different absorption rate, so the crossover is advisable to get your system accustomed.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Thanks Gridley! I really appreciate you help. I’ll start the crossover tomorrow.

I guess that one method is not preferable to the other. It’s just about being consistent...?

1991: Start Prozac / 1993: Stop Prozac / 1995: Restart Prozac

1997: Add Wellbutrin / 2002: CT Prozac & Wellbutrin

2004-2017: Start 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin 

2007: Add Ativan / 2009: Stop Ativan, start Klonopin & Seroquel

2012-2013: Taper off Klonopin & Seroquel

Aug 2017: Start tapering 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2018: 6.5mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2019: 5.4mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Nov 2019: Start tapering Wellbutrin

Sept 2020: 5.4mg Celexa & 50mg Wellbutrin

June 5, 2021: 5.4mg Celexa & 32mg Wellbutrin

Dec 2021: 5.2mg Celexa & 30mg Wellbutrin

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Yes, it's whichever method works better for you.

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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OK good. Thanks again!

1991: Start Prozac / 1993: Stop Prozac / 1995: Restart Prozac

1997: Add Wellbutrin / 2002: CT Prozac & Wellbutrin

2004-2017: Start 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin 

2007: Add Ativan / 2009: Stop Ativan, start Klonopin & Seroquel

2012-2013: Taper off Klonopin & Seroquel

Aug 2017: Start tapering 10mg Celexa & 150mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2018: 6.5mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Apr 2019: 5.4mg Celexa & 100mg Wellbutrin

Nov 2019: Start tapering Wellbutrin

Sept 2020: 5.4mg Celexa & 50mg Wellbutrin

June 5, 2021: 5.4mg Celexa & 32mg Wellbutrin

Dec 2021: 5.2mg Celexa & 30mg Wellbutrin

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  • 2 months later...

Hi, I have a question about taking my medication through liquid suspension.

 

Lets I've made a liquid of 15 mg in 15 mL water, and my daily dose is 7.5 mg.

On day 1, I measure 7.5 mL of shaken suspension into the syringe and swallow it. On day 2, can I just drink the rest of my vial safely (or do people measure it out exactly each time?)

 

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

With Love+Compassion,
Pepper
-----
cPTSD | Generalized Anxiety | OCD | Insomnia | Nightmare Disorder
- Gabapentin: Oct 2014 - Dec 2014 > Taper from 1100 mg: Jan 2015
- Oxazepam: Oct 2014 - Apr 2016 > Taper from 30mg: May 2016 - Jun 2016
- Prazosin: Nov 2016 - Jun 2018 > Taper from 4 mg: Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
- Mirtazapine: May 2016 - Aug 2021 > Taper from 22.5mg: Jun 2018 - Aug 2021
PSYCH MED FREE!

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  • 3 weeks later...

My oral syringe markings wore off after 2 weeks, even after redrawing them on with permanent pigment liner. I looked up google what people do to prevent this and just read that just covering it with clear tape helps. I'm gonna try this :) 

With Love+Compassion,
Pepper
-----
cPTSD | Generalized Anxiety | OCD | Insomnia | Nightmare Disorder
- Gabapentin: Oct 2014 - Dec 2014 > Taper from 1100 mg: Jan 2015
- Oxazepam: Oct 2014 - Apr 2016 > Taper from 30mg: May 2016 - Jun 2016
- Prazosin: Nov 2016 - Jun 2018 > Taper from 4 mg: Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
- Mirtazapine: May 2016 - Aug 2021 > Taper from 22.5mg: Jun 2018 - Aug 2021
PSYCH MED FREE!

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  • Moderator Emeritus
55 minutes ago, Pepper88 said:

My oral syringe markings wore off after 2 weeks, even after redrawing them on with permanent pigment liner. I looked up google what people do to prevent this and just read that just covering it with clear tape helps. I'm gonna try this :) 

 

A great idea! 

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

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4 hours ago, Pepper88 said:

My oral syringe markings wore off after 2 weeks, even after redrawing them on with permanent pigment liner. I looked up google what people do to prevent this and just read that just covering it with clear tape helps. I'm gonna try this :) 

 

That's what I do -- I just wrap a short piece of packing tape around the markings on the syringe.  Has worked for months now!

Dextroamphetamine 30 mg, started 2011 -- still taking

Paxil 2004-2005

Wellbutrin/Bupropion 300 mg, started 2005 -- still taking

Prozac/Fluoxetine 40 mg, started 2006 -- still taking

Abilify/Aripiprazole 5 mg, started 2014 -- started taper in 2017, finished 2020

  • At 0.5 mg February 2018
  • At 0.2 mg/mL September 2018
  • At 0.18mg/mL October 30, 2018
  • At 0.17mg/mL December 20, 2018
  • At 0.16mg/mL January 10, 2019
  • At 0.15mg/mL February 19, 2019
  • At 0.14mg/mL April 25, 2019
  • At 0.13mg/mL June 22, 2019
  • At 0.12mg/mL August 5, 2019
  • At 0.11mg/mL September 5, 2019
  • At 0.10 mg/mL November 7, 2019
  • At 0.05 mg/mL February 1, 2020
  • Jumped off March 23, 2020

 

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Clever idea!

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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21 hours ago, RubyJ said:

 

That's what I do -- I just wrap a short piece of packing tape around the markings on the syringe.  Has worked for months now!

Awesome! Good to hear. I can't believe I didnt think of this simple solution before.

With Love+Compassion,
Pepper
-----
cPTSD | Generalized Anxiety | OCD | Insomnia | Nightmare Disorder
- Gabapentin: Oct 2014 - Dec 2014 > Taper from 1100 mg: Jan 2015
- Oxazepam: Oct 2014 - Apr 2016 > Taper from 30mg: May 2016 - Jun 2016
- Prazosin: Nov 2016 - Jun 2018 > Taper from 4 mg: Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
- Mirtazapine: May 2016 - Aug 2021 > Taper from 22.5mg: Jun 2018 - Aug 2021
PSYCH MED FREE!

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2 hours ago, Pepper88 said:

Awesome! Good to hear. I can't believe I didnt think of this simple solution before.

 

I was afraid at first that water would get under the bumps in the tape (I am not very good at making it flat, I found) and create grossness of some sort but even if water gets under the tape a bit it seems to dry out with no problems.  I was relieved.

Dextroamphetamine 30 mg, started 2011 -- still taking

Paxil 2004-2005

Wellbutrin/Bupropion 300 mg, started 2005 -- still taking

Prozac/Fluoxetine 40 mg, started 2006 -- still taking

Abilify/Aripiprazole 5 mg, started 2014 -- started taper in 2017, finished 2020

  • At 0.5 mg February 2018
  • At 0.2 mg/mL September 2018
  • At 0.18mg/mL October 30, 2018
  • At 0.17mg/mL December 20, 2018
  • At 0.16mg/mL January 10, 2019
  • At 0.15mg/mL February 19, 2019
  • At 0.14mg/mL April 25, 2019
  • At 0.13mg/mL June 22, 2019
  • At 0.12mg/mL August 5, 2019
  • At 0.11mg/mL September 5, 2019
  • At 0.10 mg/mL November 7, 2019
  • At 0.05 mg/mL February 1, 2020
  • Jumped off March 23, 2020

 

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  • 5 months later...

Hello everybody,

 

I am not sure if my signature will show below and am trying to fix this. In a nutshell, I have been withdrawing from 20mg Seroxat (paroxetine) since February 2018, dropping by 10% every four weeks. I am currently taking 5.96mg daily (2.98ml).

 

I am using the liquid suspension, which here in the UK is formulated so 10ml = 20mg.

 

I have some practical questions about this and I hope the answers will help anyone else with similar queries.

 

1. Do oral syringes age? I am currently using 1ml and 10ml syringes from here (sorry, this is definitely not an advert):

 

https://www.medisupplies.co.uk/Syringes-Needles/Syringes/BD-Oral-Syringes

 

I bought 30 each of these 1ml and 10ml syringes almost a year ago now, and started using them in rotation the day they arrived. After each use, I wash them out in warm water with a little anti-bacterial liquid soap, before rinsing them thoroughly and leaving to dry in a warm room. As a year has passed, it's likely that each syringe has probably had at least six uses. Should I replace them? Do the components wear out over time, compromising the accuracy of doses?

 

2. Are doses with such syringes truly accurate, or as accurate as they can be? I'm often concerned about the tiny amount of suspension that is left at the bottom of the barrel and impossible to get out. Likewise, some suspension is always left in the tip. Does this matter?

 

3. Thinking ahead to my future, smaller, doses, is it possible to get smaller capacity oral syringes? I cannot find any that are smaller than 1ml total capacity, but have found hypodermic syringes, with removable needles, that are available in less than 1ml. Could such syringes be used?

 

4. When I do get to the smallest doses, where hardly any liquid is expelled by the syringe, does this really get into the body? So far, when I have taken doses like 5.34ml (which I make up with 5ml in the 10ml syringe and 0.34ml in the 1ml syringe), it does not feel like the 0.34ml from the 1ml syringe is even entering my body and I can barely feel it on my tongue. Does this matter?

 

Some of these questions have been with me since day one of this latest taper. However, my eagerness for answers has been ramped up recently after I mistakenly dropped too much – 11.2% instead of 9.9% – and experienced symptoms that, although mild by comparison, were reminiscent of my previous, fast taper in 2013.

 

Thank you all for your help and advice.
 

LATEST SITUATION

*GSK-BRANDED LIQUID SEROXAT*

CURRENTLY HOLDING AT 4.84MG LIQUID SEROXAT (PAROXETINE) DAILY, FOLLOWING 5% TAPER SINCE JUNE 2020 AS FOLLOWS:

  • 1 APR 21: UPDOSE TO (AND HOLDING SINCE) 4.84MG PER DAY, AS 4MG LUNCHTIME, 0.84MG EVENING
  • PREVIOUS TAPERING SINCE JUNE 2020: 13 Mar 21 (CRASHED 19 MAR 21) 4.72mg per day, as 4mg lunchtime, 0.72mg evening | 13 Feb 21: 4.96mg per day, as 4.24mg lunchtime, 0.72mg evening | 16 Jan 21: 5.2mg per day, as 4.48mg lunchtime, 0.72mg evening | 19 Dec 20: 5.48mg per day, as 4.76mg lunchtime, 0.72mg evening | 21 Nov 20: 5.76mg per day, as 5.04mg lunchtime, 0.72mg evening | 24 Oct 20: 6.04mg per day, as 5.32mg lunchtime, 0.72mg evening | 26 Sept 20: 6.36mg per day, as 5.64mg lunchtime; 0.72mg evening | 29 Aug 20: 6.68mg per day, as 5.96mg lunchtime; 0.72mg evening | 1 Aug 20: 7mg  per day, as 6.28mg lunchtime; 0.72mg evening (bereavement, didn't reduce) | 4 Jul 20: 7mg per day, as 6.28mg lunchtime; 0.72mg evening | 6 Jun 20: 7.36mg per day, as 6.64mg lunchtime; 0.72mg evening

*OTHER MEDS/SUPPLEMENTS*

Since my March 2021 crash (above), I have very occasionally taken a benzo, and increased some of my supplements. Please see this document.

————————————————————————————————

PREVIOUSLY

From 12 May 19 to 5 Jun 20 inclusive: 7.72mg per day, as 7mg lunchtime; 0.72mg evening. Split my doses in May 2019 as I suspect half-life is more of a factor at lower doses. Further history here.

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I have discovered that when titrating using a syringe to dose liquid preparations, not all syringes are created equal.  

 

To achieve accuracy in dosing, it is important to use a syringe that is, as I call it, a “smooth operator.”  This means one in which the plunger glides effortlessly through the tube, without gripping the sides.  This is important for accurate dosing.

 

When the plunger is gripping the inside of the tube, one has to apply more pressure than needed to get it to move, often moving past the point of the desired dose.  This causes one to have to back the plunger up, again drawing in more medicine, to make another attempt at achieving an accurate dose. With a grippy plunger, I found myself doing this over and again.  Frustrating.

 

The syringes I was having trouble with are made by CareTouch and I found them on Amazon.com.  I do not recommend these, despite their very positive reviews.

 

The ones that are working for me are by BSTEAN, also found on Amazon.com:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ4BZ15/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I am using their 1 ml syringes.

 

A couple nice things about the syringes from BSTEAN is that: (1) they have every 100thmarked and, (2) the plunger tips go all the way to the end of the tube.   Though, it is not a show stopper if the plunger does not go all the way to the end of the tube, as one can just suck the little remaining drop of liquid out.

 

I am sure there are other syringes out there that are “smooth operators” like the BSTEAN brand.  Just know that if you find yourself with a grippy plunger, you can change it out for one that works better.

 

Another trick when using the syringes for liquid dosing is to apply a strip of clear, glossy scotch tape over the length of the numbers.  This will keep them from rubbing and washing off, giving you an extended life on the syringe.  I read about this trick from other users, one on Amazon.com and also in @RubyJ's topic.

4/2001 - Clonazepam, .5mg (at bed); 5/2010: 1 mg; 9/2018: .5 mg; 10/20/2018: .47 mg; 10/24/2018: back up to .5 mg.  Began daily micro taper by liquid prep on 3/12/2021 (avg. 10% redux of last dose every 28 days).  At .17 mg/ml as of 12/24/2021.

4/2002 - Alprazolam, .25 mg (PRN), up to 2x/day.  DISCONTINUED 10/21/2018
5/2010 - Mirtazapine - 15 mg (at bed)
3/2012 - Aripiprazole - 2 mg (in A.M.) - Began reducing Dec. 30, 2018.  Daily micro-taper by liquid preparation.  DISCONTINUED 1/14/2021.

6/2012 - 500 mg  Metformin ER, 2 tabs, 2x/day.  DISCONTINUED April 2020.

Supplements: Multi Vit Calcium-600 mg x2 / D3-5000 IU / C-1000 mg x2 Fish Oil-1000 IU Magnesium-200 mg x2 / Zinc-50 mg / Biotin-10,000 mcg / Glutathione-500 mg / Quercetin-1000 mg

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Thanks for all that info, Cleerity! Nice to find another syringe geek :) 

 

I will definitely check out those syringes. Do you find they stay smooth even after reusing them for weeks? Every brand I've used has been smooth at the beginning, but then gradually lost that smoothness over time until becoming unusable.

 

What really sounds great about them though, is the plunger tip going all the way to the end. All that space that's normally at the end of a syringe can lead to a variation in dose from day to day. Sometimes the space is totally full with a drop ready to fall out, other times it's mostly empty. I switched to smaller .5 mL syringes just because the tip is smaller, so the variation is smaller. But yours look like there's going to be much less variation than with the ones I'm using now. Which is awesome because as I get lower in dose, that tiny variation becomes a greater percentage of the dose.

Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. 

 

Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time.  2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg.  2017:  1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23

 

Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. 

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Determined Anna, I'm terrible at using the quote function, so I'll just give my answers one by one. I'm interested in what others have to say too!

 

1. I wouldn't worry. I usually keep 3 to 5 syringes in rotation and use them until they become so "sticky" (i.e. they don't move smoothly so it's hard to get to the right line) that they are unusable. I use them way more than 6 times each and they seem fine....I can't think of any reason why accuracy would decrease over time. 

 

2. This is a concern for me. Honestly at the dose that you are at, I don't think that tiny variation makes much of a difference, but as you get lower in dose, it becomes a greater percentage of the whole. I am super excited to try the syringes mentioned by Cleerity in the post below yours, because it looks like there is hardly any space at the tip for that variation to occur. I also have little tricks to reduce that variation, like I keep trying until I get an amount that's not about to drip out but the tip isn't totally empty either. 

 

3. Yes - I am using .5 mL syringes and SkyBlue found a .25 mL syringe. But I'm probably going to switch back to 1 mL because of the tip variation thing - unless they make a .5 mL in the same style. To me tip variation is more important than having smaller increment markings. The .5 mL ones I'm using actually don't have smaller increments, but I think SkyBlue's .25 mL syringe does.

 

4. I don't know! I was wondering the same thing about the really tiny doses. But .34 mL isn't such a tiny dose. My dose is currently .37 mL, which equals .74 mg of Paxil. And it's substantial, not a lot but like a tiny sip. So it's strange that you could barely feel it entering your body. Maybe it just seemed small compared to the larger amounts you were used to?

 

Hope this helps, and best wishes with your taper!

Trying to get off Paxil since 2007. Was tapering by 0.1 mg every 4-5 weeks. Had awful crash in November 2015 at .5 mg; updosed gradually to 2 mg. 

 

Doing better and tapering again, much slower this time.  2016: Dropped from 2 mg to 1.62 mg.  2017:  1.62 mg to 1.2 mg. 2018: 1.2 mg to .76 mg. 2019: .76 mg to .56 mg. 2020: .56 mg to .33 mg. 2021: .33 mg to .13 mg. 2022: .13 mg to .03 mg. 6/12/23 .002 mg. OFF PAXIL 9/4/23

 

Started Klonopin in November 2015 to deal with crash. 1/10/16 started milk titration taper from .5 mg. Finished taper 12/6/17. Still take Klonopin for agoraphobia 2 - 3 times a week. 

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