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☼ Brassmonkey: Talking about myself


brassmonkey

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Thank you Shep.  I really do make it sound like a "mile a minute soccer mom lifestyle" but it really isn't.  I take frequent breaks while working on projects, which I work on at a slow pace.  I play simple video games for a few hours a day and watch a lot of TV.  In bed around the same time every night and get 7-8 solid hours of sleep.  Things should be a bit calmer the rest of the year.  One big driving trip in August, which should be pretty laid back then Thanksgiving with family.  The remodel is just about wrapped up so we can get the house back to normal, which will be nice.

 

The chest problems are on the mend, and I have an appointment with a specialist to get them checked out further.  We've also found a kidney specialist to get that checked out further too.

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

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

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

 

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

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"mile a minute soccer mom lifestyle".........B) 

 

And a maybe for me now on the solar eclipse thing now........would involve yet another bio family visit..........and I would be closer to the path of it........in the close shadow.........

You'll probably hear me letting out some "primal utterances", if I do go,...........all the way up in the Portland area.  It just seems too cool to miss...........and I was going to try to just enjoy good old August this year especially.  Torn.  Work, work........or play, play............life is too darn short.  Making slow, steady, progress in the "back to a little work for pay" arena.  Eye exam.......maybe special computer glasses, etc.  

 

Yay on your healing and perseverance with the health.  It's going to be fine.  Same here.

 

Best,

 

mmt

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

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37 minutes ago, brassmonkey said:

Thank you Shep.  I really do make it sound like a "mile a minute soccer mom lifestyle" but it really isn't.  I take frequent breaks while working on projects, which I work on at a slow pace.  I play simple video games for a few hours a day and watch a lot of TV.  In bed around the same time every night and get 7-8 solid hours of sleep.  

 

This is good to read, Tom. I'm less worried now. 

 

38 minutes ago, brassmonkey said:

The chest problems are on the mend, and I have an appointment with a specialist to get them checked out further.  We've also found a kidney specialist to get that checked out further too.

 

I hope you continue to see improvements. You lead a full life and that gives a lot of hope to those of us still in the storm. 

 

 

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Hi brass

thanks for replying to my topic

I read your intro that u had symptoms dizziness and brain fog come an go in cycles. Eventually you came off safely and succesfully.

 

I have some brain fog and dizziness and I believe its the drug that's causing it.how you make the decrease in last drop? Have these subsided now that u re off. thanks

2011 protracted withdrawal symptoms from Effexor, managed to come off
2013-2015  risperidone consta 50 mg, started tapering from March 2015 to 1,66mg/day and from 02/2015 started seroxat 10mg/day

01/17 Seroxat 2,0mg,olanzapine 5mg,risperidone consta 25mg/every 15days

05/17 Seroxat 1mg,olanzapine 5mg,risp.consta 25mg/every 15days

06/17 Seroxat 2drops,olanzapine 5mg,liquid risperidone2mg

07/17 Seroxat 1 drop,olanzapine 5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 10/17 Seroxat 0mg,olanzapine,5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 12/17 Seroxat 1/2 drop, olanzapine 5mg,  04/18 Olanzapine 1,25mg, 04/18 xanax 0,5mg

24/06/2019 doc said to take 10mg olanzapine for 13days and down to 5mg
 been taking 10mg for 14 days, 5mg for 8 days  and  tapered to  3/4quart. 5mg  for 14 days, 1/2 for 14 days,

01/08/19 2,5mg

08/2021 5mg olanzapine

Supplements Omega 3, Turmeric, Bacopa monneri, Mucuna Pruriens

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Hi Miko-- thanks for dropping in.  These drugs are a major cause of brain fog and dizziness, a lot of people report having those symptoms. They were my constant companion for my entire taper.  For the most part they slowly improved as I decreased my dosage.  Now that I'm no longer taking the drug they are really improving but still have a ways to go.

 

The amount of paxil powder I was taking for my last several drops was so small it was very hard to measure so I had to stop doing the Brassmonkey Slide Method and go with just straight drops.  Technically they were quite large percentage wise which couldn't be helped because of the limitations of the scales. I wanted to stay with the six week schedule, however because of my traveling I had to take a longer time on several doses.  In the end I took the lowest dose for the duration of our trip to Egypt and then just stopped taking it when we returned home.  That would be three months ago today.

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

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

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

 

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

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So you say/mean that the last lowest dosage was 1 drop right? thanks

2011 protracted withdrawal symptoms from Effexor, managed to come off
2013-2015  risperidone consta 50 mg, started tapering from March 2015 to 1,66mg/day and from 02/2015 started seroxat 10mg/day

01/17 Seroxat 2,0mg,olanzapine 5mg,risperidone consta 25mg/every 15days

05/17 Seroxat 1mg,olanzapine 5mg,risp.consta 25mg/every 15days

06/17 Seroxat 2drops,olanzapine 5mg,liquid risperidone2mg

07/17 Seroxat 1 drop,olanzapine 5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 10/17 Seroxat 0mg,olanzapine,5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 12/17 Seroxat 1/2 drop, olanzapine 5mg,  04/18 Olanzapine 1,25mg, 04/18 xanax 0,5mg

24/06/2019 doc said to take 10mg olanzapine for 13days and down to 5mg
 been taking 10mg for 14 days, 5mg for 8 days  and  tapered to  3/4quart. 5mg  for 14 days, 1/2 for 14 days,

01/08/19 2,5mg

08/2021 5mg olanzapine

Supplements Omega 3, Turmeric, Bacopa monneri, Mucuna Pruriens

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Hi Brass, 

 

I'm glad that with rest and rehydrating has made a difference and the tests were an anomaly. 

 

Hope the asthma keeps getting better too. 

Hugs!!

 

 

 

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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Yes Miko-- I stayed at a dose of 0.016mg for about seven weeks and then just stopped taking it.

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

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

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

 

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

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Lord, 34 page thread you are popular dude!

I'm sure it's in here somewhere, but what's the brass monkey slide?  I'm sure a taper thing....

Hope

1995-2012 Paxil 20mg, Tegretol 200mg

2012 Gynecologist screwed me up massively by suggesting a quick and easy switch to Lexapro from Paxil.  Eviscerated CNS.  Ended up on...

Paxil 40,  Mirtazapine 15, Lithium 450, Trazodone 50, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 125

August 2014 Pax 20,  Mirt 7.5, lith 450, traz 50, Pristiq 100, Klon .25, Lamic 125

April 2016–May 2019

Verrrrry slow, slow tapering of different ones here and there.  Currently sitting on:

Paxil 20, Lithium 225, Pristiq 100, Klonopin .25, Lamictal 50

Quote

Never surprise the brain!

 

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And this is the short version CabinHope. When they closed down Paxilprogress.com several years ago I had 85 pages documenting the first several years of my taper. It took me three hours to copy and paste it to a word document the afternoon they closed.

 

The Brassmonkey Slide Method is described several times in those 34 pages and in the first line of my signature, but it's good to mention it again.  Before I started my taper I had been in full blown poopout at 40mg of paxil for several years.  It wasn't pretty and was doing a good job of destroying my life and family. I finally realized that something needed to be done and started to research on line and found the above mentioned site. They talked about the success they were having tapering at 10% of the current dose every six weeks.  Reading through the site it all made sense, but it appeared that there was a large hit of symptoms happening just after each reduction.  At the time I was sole provider for the family and couldn't risk any increase in how badly I was feeling.  It occurred to me that spreading the 10% out over several weeks might decrease the symptoms spike.  So I hit on the plan to do 2.5% drops once a week for four weeks and then give things an additional 2 weeks to settle out.  In this way I could still do 10% every six weeks but hopefully the symptom spikes would be more manageable. 

 

The idea was a tremendous success.  There were still spikes with each drop but they were quite manageable, usually stabilized within the week and settled to baseline by the end of the six seek period.  I referred to it as "sliding" instead of dropping and one of the other members dubbed it the Brassmonkey Slide Method.  I have been recommending it ever since and there are many members here using it or a variation with excellent results.

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added link to slide method of tapering

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

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

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

 

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

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Just want to note, I had a very powerful and unexpected (aren't they all) brain zap last night after going to bed.  Haven't had one in several months.  This one was the most powerful one I have ever had. It involved the actual zap going left to right between my temples, I could "see" the spark with my closed eyes and hear the zapping nose.  At the same time an electrical impulse happened in my chest which caused me to jerk several inches off the bed.  I think I remember a bit of a build up for the thirty seconds before it happened, can't really describe it more than to say there was a "disturbance in the force" that I could feel.  I remember similar sensations the last several times.

 

Other than that recovery is going quite well.  Passed the three month mark a few days ago.  The other health issues are slowly resolving themselves. The hot damp weather and air conditioning aren't playing nicely with the bronchial problems but there are improvements. 

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

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

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

 

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

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Yes, I have been using the Brassmonkey Slide for over a year now to move from 75mg of Sertraline down to my current dose of 40.83mg.  This is the lowest dose I have ever reached on my own with no problems.  I take a portion of my dose in pill form and the rest via a liquid I make by dissolving my pills in water.  I am fortunate in that my generic brand of Sertraline disolves and suspends extremely well in water.  I will hit 25mg in a few months and will probably hold there for a decent amount of time (it's the smallest pill dosage, so a convenient pausing point) and then begin again.  I work full-time and have been able to maintain a good quality of life this way, even though I have been on AD's for over 15 years.  Thanks, Brass!  :D

 

Started Celexa in 2001, moved to Lexapro (at doctor's suggestion), then Cymbalta (when Lexapro pooped out), stayed on Cymbalta for several years until it pooped out in 2011 (had a hospital stay and polydrugging that included Seroquel, Trazodone, Remeron, Ambien and Klonopin...never at the same time...just individually with my AD for insomnia).  Tried Celexa again without much success and then settled on Zoloft (Sertraline) in 2012.

 

2012-2014 - Sertraline 150mg

2014-2015 - Sertraline 100mg (after unsuccessfully discontinuing and having to reinstate after about 3 months)

Summer 2015 - Cut dose down to 50 mg over several weeks, but started having anxiety and insomnia again.

Fall 2015-Spring 2016 - Stabilized at 75mg in September 2015 and held until May 2016.

May 2016-December 2016 - **STARTED BRASSMONKEY SLIDE**  Moved from 75mg (25mg liquid and 50mg tablet) down to 50mg.

January 2017-May 2017 - HOLD at 50mg

May 2017 - Starting to taper again from 50mg (25mg liquid and 25mg tablet)

February 2018 - Now at 25mg Sertraline and holding for one year (just to give the ol' noggin a rest)

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Geez bro those brain zaps sound bizarre! Haven't had one myself but sounds kind of cool :/  how's the rest of your recovery? Anything significant or just feeling normal?

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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They're an interesting experience.  As far as we can tell they aren't dangerous, just really weird to experience.  Some how the first one I ever had I knew was drug related, it was back when I was going into poopout at 30mg just before I updosed to 40mg.  I didn't have any more util I was well into my taper and then only occasionally.  Once you realize what they are they shouldn't be frightening any more.  The seem to happen more frequently in people who have CTed or fast tapered, but anyone in WD/recovery can get them.  Interestingly enough several people have reported having them while having brain scans and mris done and nothing showed up on the scan.

 

My recovery is moving along a-pace.  I'm not feeling totally normal, but pretty decent most of the time.  Right now memory problems are the big thing and not thinking as clearly as I'd like.  It's only been three months since "0" day so it's going to be a while longer.

 

Sounds like you're having a good time there in Oz.

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

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

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

 

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

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On July 19, 2017 at 0:48 PM, brassmonkey said:

Just want to note, I had a very powerful and unexpected (aren't they all) brain zap last night after going to bed.  Haven't had one in several months.  This one was the most powerful one I have ever had. It involved the actual zap going left to right between my temples, I could "see" the spark with my closed eyes and hear the zapping nose.  At the same time an electrical impulse happened in my chest which caused me to jerk several inches off the bed.  I think I remember a bit of a build up for the thirty seconds before it happened, can't really describe it more than to say there was a "disturbance in the force" that I could feel.  I remember similar sensations the last several times.

 

Other than that recovery is going quite well.  

 

Hey Brass. The zap sounds intense but looks like you handled that with your characteristic good attitude. Happy three months!

 

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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So it looks like I'm going to be getting a small rehash of a variety of different symptoms.  Nothing debilitating, just a reminder of what I've been through.  Last night I got the "night sweats", woke up drenched in the middle of the night for no good reason.  One of the more yucky ones to experience. Hopefully it will be a one night stand and won't be back.

 

I've been having a great time building some camera equipment for the upcoming eclipse trip, a camera mount that tracks the sun so it's easier to keep it in frame, and a viewer that projects a large image on a screen so several people can safely watch at the same time.  We are making an appointment to finally get the floors installed, the last big piece of the remodel.  I can't wait for it all to be over and we can start to get the house back in order.  It will be a year next month since we tore out the old cabinets.  This afternoon I have to go and get a load of concrete paving stones to put down for a foundation for some small storage sheds that go on the south side of the house.  That will help clean up a lot of the mess over there. Then spend the evening with video games and TV.

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

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

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

 

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

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"Craving and relapse are common features of dependence on alcohol, opiates and stimulants and both can occur after long periods of abstinence " extract from

http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/13/6/447

 

 

In this phrase the terms used stimulants and opiates refer to antidepressants and antipsychotics e.x zyprexa. Someone make it clear to me Thanks

 

 

2011 protracted withdrawal symptoms from Effexor, managed to come off
2013-2015  risperidone consta 50 mg, started tapering from March 2015 to 1,66mg/day and from 02/2015 started seroxat 10mg/day

01/17 Seroxat 2,0mg,olanzapine 5mg,risperidone consta 25mg/every 15days

05/17 Seroxat 1mg,olanzapine 5mg,risp.consta 25mg/every 15days

06/17 Seroxat 2drops,olanzapine 5mg,liquid risperidone2mg

07/17 Seroxat 1 drop,olanzapine 5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 10/17 Seroxat 0mg,olanzapine,5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 12/17 Seroxat 1/2 drop, olanzapine 5mg,  04/18 Olanzapine 1,25mg, 04/18 xanax 0,5mg

24/06/2019 doc said to take 10mg olanzapine for 13days and down to 5mg
 been taking 10mg for 14 days, 5mg for 8 days  and  tapered to  3/4quart. 5mg  for 14 days, 1/2 for 14 days,

01/08/19 2,5mg

08/2021 5mg olanzapine

Supplements Omega 3, Turmeric, Bacopa monneri, Mucuna Pruriens

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I'm glad your recovery is going well.  You are our Odysseus, home from the hellish journey but with a few "housekeeping" matters to deal with. 

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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The night sweats only lasted a couple of nights, I'm glad they're over with as they're uncomfortable and messy.  I've been very tired the past several days because in my typical fashion I'm pushing too hard and not resting enough again.  We went to a haunters convention over the weekend.  Long drives in traffic there and back on both days and a lot of standing and walking in crowds.  The shuffle walk in the crowds really kills my legs and set off the sciatica for a few days.  Then starting Monday the people started installing the new floor, lots of moving furniture and such, not to mention getting up early.  The floor is, however, looking great.  Finished off the small storage sheds last week, so that's a big one off the list.  Today's project will be a lot easier, just finishing off the solar viewer.  That's light fun stuff, but I have to work outside in the heat.  Cloudy today so might gt some rain later, very rare in SoCal in August.

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

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

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

 

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

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Glad the night sweats have passed! Sounds like you have a lot going on - keep hydrated and rested :)

 

 

Started Citalopram in 2005 (aged 15) for apparent "OCD" - 60mg 

July 2015 attempted 2 x 10% + cuts 4 weeks apart. WD symptoms intense at times. Need to slow down.

 

November 2016 - Resumed taper. 1.25 - 1.5% decrease weekly approx.

44.5mg November 2016. Jan 2017 42.5 mg. March 2017 40 mg. June 2017 37mg. September 2018 22mg. Nov 2018 Holding at 22mg to stabilise from moderate wave. January 2020 - Holding, mostly feeling fine, but still having some waves at times. 

 

February 2020 - Resumed taper , 1.5% reduction weekly/every two weeks. 

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Morning fatigue seems to be the order of the day right now.  It's been taking several hours to full come awake and get moving, then the rest of the day is fine.  Partly it's from having workmen back in the house.  At least this crew waits until 9am to get started.  That's still too early but a lot better than having to let people in at 6:30 or 7.  This is the last big part of the remodel.  We still have several groups to come in, but they're for smaller jobs.  I also think the tiredness has to do with being  three and a half months off of the paxil.  There are going to be a few ups and downs as I go through recovery and this is one of the down times.

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

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

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

 

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

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4 minutes ago, brassmonkey said:

There are going to be a few ups and downs as I go through recovery and this is one of the down times.

 

These are blips on a very good and very positive radar screen, Tom.

 

I sense that in the aftermath of completing the taper you are getting symptoms that come, stay for a while, and then you cast off, after which time they won't return.  The night sweats come to mind.  Fatigue, as the most "systemic" of all, is likely to take the longest to discard but once you do it will know better than to come back to you again.

 

You remain one of the true examples of the process.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

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Tom:

 

You are a rue inspiration to me.

 

If all I ever got was fatigue and night sweats, I'd be a happy camper.

 

I don't have much nausea anymore. A day here or there. I guess it's letting me know that it is still hanging around lol... And is gone in a few minutes.

 

I'm stopping my antibiotics, the dentist said I didn't have to take them. I can't wake up everyday for 10 days with horrible nausea (worse than I've had), and dizziness. I only took 1 before bed last night.

 

I'm so glad you are well. :)

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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Andy asked a question about extended holds and this is the explanation I came up with. I wanted to save it so I'm reposting it here.

 

"At the risk of being irritating (something I do well), I ask the following in all honesty as I've never really understood something about holding.  If one first notices a "problem" from the med (benzo or a/d) in the nature of "poop out" or "tolerance", i.e., you are still on the drug and not feeling  better, how does that tie into the concept of "holding".  In other words, if you are having a problem with the med of that nature it would seem that no amount of holding is going to help you.  If that is the case, why is it different when we are tapering?  Doesn't the notion that holding will help assume that we have cut too far too fast and that we are waiting for enough receptors to "upregulate" so that we achieve some level of homeostasis and therefore will feel better?  

 

I am genuinely confused about how these things fit together and any insights are welcome.

 

Best,

 

Andy"

 

 

You basically have the idea Andy, but I'll give a long winded explanation anyway. They're two different but similar situations. Different in the mechanics behind them, but similar in the symptom presentation (sorta).  

 

It all stems from the body being a self correcting homeostatic organism. It's designed to work with a specific balance of neurotransmitters and will do anything in its power to maintain that balance.  Taking an AD causes some the receptors for a specific neurotransmitter to stop working which floods the body with that NT and supposedly makes us feel better because of the excess.  After a while the body finds ways around this and works to regain homeostasis.  When the struggle for control that ensues becomes acute it is known as tachyphylaxis, or poopout.  In order to "cure" it, there must be a clear winner, leaving two options. Updose or taper.  To hold during poopout would only prolong the struggle, and might make things worse as the body continues its fight for control.  

 

By updosing the drug is declared the winner, the symptoms subside somewhat and you continue on, but the body continues to fight.  If a person tapers, the body is declared the winner, repair work is started on the body and the symptoms subside.  BUT, it takes a long time to undo the physical changes the drug has made and the drug is required to maintain those changes while the damage is being repaired. Thereby necessitating a long slow taper.

 

The third time I entered poopout I was there for at least two if not three years and the symptoms continued to get worse as time passed.  The other two times I updosed relatively quickly and the symptoms subsided somewhat, but eventualy poopout returned requiring another updose.  Once I started to taper it took six months to a year for my body to figure out that it was winning and the symptoms to start to decrease.

 

While a person is taking an AD the body struggles to maintain homeostasis and accepts the presence of the drug.  The body establishes a pseudohomeostasis incorporating the presence/effects of the drug allowing it to function somewhat normally. Because of the pseudohomeostasis the body requires the drug to work. If the drug is rapidly removed for some reason (drug change, fast taper, CT) this new pseudohomeostasis is upset, the original homeostasis remains upset and the body goes into chaos not knowing how to function.  

 

By nature the original homeostasis is hardwired into the body and the body tries to return to that state.  But the poor body has a monumental task of sorting out what is hardwired and what is drug modified.  The purpose of an extended hold is to allow the body to sort out the damage and catch up with its repair work.  As the repairs are made the body can return to "normal function" and the symptoms start to decrease.  The symptoms can decrease to the point where in comparison we start to feel fine.  However, there is still a lot of repair work that needs to be done in the background.  If that background repair work is ignored and a taper started, the affects of the taper add to the workload already in place and will eventually throw the body back into chaos. Bringing on a resurgence of acute symptoms.  This make it imperative that an extended hold be continued well past the point of feeling good again. 

 

BTW honest questions are never irritating.  We're dealing with an amazingly complex subject with nuances's that we haven't even imagined yet.  This is how we'll scratch the surface.

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

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

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

 

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

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Wow, this is the most profound yet most precise writing about the most mysterious and complex process!! Doubt anyone else in the whole universe understands it as well as you do!!

 

thank you brfssmonkey for sharing your great wisdom!

Drug free Sep. 23 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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I really like that explanation, it just seems very logical in what often feels like a chaotic and illogical process. Thanks Brass, hope you are feeling much better soon! Your body must just be in need of some extra rest right now.

2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety:  2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression:  2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep:  1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness:  2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD:  2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING:  3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero):  4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!):  4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016)

5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16:  4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD):  Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety

7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too!

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Just got in from a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.  Had a wonderful time.  Took a light picnic dinner with us and ate in our seats.  Being middle of the week the place was only half full so the crowd was well behaved for the most part. Listened to a nice light classical program of Mendelssohn.

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

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

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

 

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

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Sounds wonderful. Glad you had a great time. :)

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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10 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

Just got in from a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.  Had a wonderful time.  Took a light picnic dinner with us and ate in our seats.  Being middle of the week the place was only half full so the crowd was well behaved for the most part. Listened to a nice light classical program of Mendelssohn.

 

So great to hear you just enjoying life, Tom.

 

Well-deserved.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

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So ended up screaming my self awake from nightmares a couple of times during the night.  Haven't had those in a couple of months.

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

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

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

 

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

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Sorry to hear that, Tom.  Not the normal reaction to Mendelssohn, but...

 

I'm sure it was just a passing blip on the rewiring radar.

 

Best,

 

Andy

Sertraline 50mg and Clonazapam .375mg from 2000 -- symptoms of dizziness Spring 2012

increased to .5 Clonazapam and 100mg Sertraline -- no improvement

Benzo microtaper from November 2012 to November 2014 (followed benzo sites "taper benzo first")

Started Sertraline taper in December 2014 cut by 25mg to 75mg; 62.5mg 1/1/15 and 50mg on 2/1/15

Held at 50mg through April 5 to use liquid 
Reduced dosage in 10% or less drops from 50mg to 25mg -- at single tablet of 25mg on 10/5/15

Transitioned to all liquid for accuracy while tapering -- Horrible insomnia -- back to 25mg liquid and held until October 1, 2016

10/16 -- 11/18 tapered very slowly to 10.6mg.  No real improvement and never really stable so updosed to 12.5mg (1/2 a pill) for convenience and long hold.

After 8+ months of holding with no noticeable improvement decided to add .4ml of liquid Prozac (about 1.5mg) to see if that improves the situation

Supplements, Magnesium, D3, Omega 3, curcumin, Valerian, 81mg Aspirin, L-Theanine, Vit. C,

 

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I agree Andy, Mahler, or the later Beethoven I could see, but this was just pretty music. LOL:D

 

Just back from the pulmonologist,  He concurs with what my PCP says, but thought I was struggling a lot more than I should be.  Apparently the inflammation is very well established and will take a while to deal with.  Got two puffers and several other drugs, so we will see what happens.

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

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

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

 

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

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Thinking of you Tom. It's so strange with those sudden wd symptoms. I have them too, like some nights heavy sweating. Time will heal. 

Many hugs! 

Amy

Current dose: 0! Free!  Quit June 2017.

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

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

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

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Sorry to hear about the inflammation problems, they can be stubborn. Hope you feel better soon!

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

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

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

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

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

Paxil taper: dropped 10% every 4-8 weeks

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

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

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

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

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

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Thanks Amy and Aberdeen, it's good to see you drop in.  ATM I don't know what is going on, but I'm really sick.  Left to a four day conference the same day I started several new meds for the inflammation and several other attendees came down with the same symptoms.  Just too many variables to figure it out.  I ended up staying in bed most of the day in a really nice hotel room.  Haven't eaten all day but my stomach is finally starting to calm down.  Not throwing up, but I really wish I had.  Just about to go to the closing night party.  I'm starting to get really paranoid about traveling, seem every time I do I get really sick, and that's no fun.

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

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

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

 

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

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13 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

Thanks Amy and Aberdeen, it's good to see you drop in.  ATM I don't know what is going on, but I'm really sick.  Left to a four day conference the same day I started several new meds for the inflammation and several other attendees came down with the same symptoms.  Just too many variables to figure it out.  I ended up staying in bed most of the day in a really nice hotel room.  Haven't eaten all day but my stomach is finally starting to calm down.  Not throwing up, but I really wish I had.  Just about to go to the closing night party.  I'm starting to get really paranoid about traveling, seem every time I do I get really sick, and that's no fun.

Hi Tom:

 

I hope you feel better soon. 

 

When  we went on our mini vacation, I ended up sick. I know how you feel. I just want to stay home, I feel more comfortable.

 

Hopefully the inflammation will go away soon with the meds you have.

 

Take care,

Frogie xx

PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. 

 Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist.

 Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form)

---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil.

Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper.

19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020)

I am not a medical professional.

The suggestions I make are based on personal experience.

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