Junglechicken Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Hope life is better for you now MLG. Welcome to the Cipralex club, lol! Hugs, JC x Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted August 7, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 7, 2016 Hi MLG, I've just caught up with your posts and I'm really pleased that you are feeling more normal now. I hope you enjoyed/are enjoying your trip. And at least you have the knowledge you need. And I'd like to wish you all the best. CC * 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 Link to comment
SetMeFree Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 Hi,I love your story. I have been on Paxil 13 yrs.. Every time I drop from 7mg to 6mg I get hit with flu like symptoms and anxiety. I would like to get compound pills made. What did that cost you. I am here in NY.. I guess I start to drop to fast because of cutting and weighing pills becomes a headache..Any advice I would appreciate it. THX Rob 2002 22.5mg paxil Cr for anxiety 2003 22.5 quit cold nighmare 2004 30mg paxil 2005 30mg quit cold nightmare 2006-2010 40mg-50mg generic paxil 2011 20mg 2011 MAY 10mg paxil then swithched to prozac failure..bad GI ISSUES 2011 sept back too 25 paxil .. major GI Issues 1 year and a 1/2..2012 15mg ..figuring it out. 2012 june paxil liquid to 14mg GI Issues disappeared!!2012 oct 13mg..1 mg a month weaning. 2013 Feb. 9mg headaches.Mar 2013 8.5mg, 3/27 7.6mg 4/24 7 Mg.. Made it back to 7mg 2015 but Im not using Liquid it irritated me to much.. Cutting the pills down..Bad GI Issues.. Link to comment
DizzyGirl Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 In Germany they sell a liquid form of paxil. It is easy to taper. Sad that I discovered it after I cold turkeyed. Maybe in the US you can get it too in liquid form ? Cold turkeyed Paxil in May 2012 Finally recovered / see success story Link to comment
Evoldnahturt Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 Hi Mapleleafgirl! How have you been lately? Are you continuing to stabilize? - 2002-2015: Zyprexa (Olanzapine), between 2.5mg to 5mg - 9/15-2/16: Started a taper that jumped up and down quickly for five months. Got really sick. Took Xanax sporadically throughout taper. Stopping taking Xanax in January 2016. - 2/14/16: Increased dose to 3.75mg and held for two months, quickly got better at first and then slowly continued to get better after that - Apr/16: 3.375mg, May/16: 3.03mg, Jun-Jul/16: 2.73mg, Aug-Sept/16: 2.5mg, Oct/16: 2.25mg, Nov/16: 2.03mg, Dec/16-Jan/17: 1.82mg, Feb/17: 1.64mg, Mar/17: 1.48mg, Apr/17: 1.33mg, May-Sept/17: 1.20mg, Oct/17: 1.08mg, Nov/17: 0.97mg, Dec/17: 0.87mg, Jan/17: 0.78mg, Feb/17: 0.71mg, Mar/17: 0.64mg, Apr/17: 0.57mg, May/17: 0.51mg Link to comment
Livmac Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Hi! So pleased to read of your success. Can i ask, what positives have you found after getting off the Paxil? Any changes in energy, sleep, sex drive, weight gain...? Link to comment
Jake64 Posted November 4, 2017 Share Posted November 4, 2017 great story 20 Mg Paxil (Paroxetine) since 2001 30 Mg Paroxetine to Current Link to comment
Nada678 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Hello. Has anyone had success reinstating paxil at a very low dose after reaching zero. I was at zero for 2 months then reinstated 1 mg for 4 months, but this didn't help. I then increased to 2.5 mg and am still on this dose after 6 months, but am finding no relief from chronic anxiety, diarrhea, brain zaps and insomnia. Do you think I need to updose again or start to taper? I really want reinstatement to help me. Thank you Nada On Paxil 10mg 2008-2015 Withdrew Paxil Sept 2015 - Dec 2016 Reinstated 1mg Paxil end Jan. 2017 Updosed to 2.5mg Paxil June 2017 Reinstatement not working Benadryl 25mg some nights Link to comment
nz11 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Mapleleaf are you able to give an update if you are out there. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
nz11 Posted December 27, 2017 Share Posted December 27, 2017 As I mentioned earlier I'm confused as to why this members story is in the success stories at this point in time. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
anona Posted January 10, 2018 Share Posted January 10, 2018 On 6/8/2016 at 9:33 AM, MapleleafGirl said: with my taper....i would have spent more time at 10mgs to see if there was fallout from the higher doses.....spent more time at 5mgs to see if there was fallout from 10 and down...then obviously now i know...to go to 0 as i jumped at 1mg....so yes it was successful..up until i had the wave and realized some things that i should have done different....4 year taper i did...i would have maybe done 6-7 year taper as crazy as that sounds.... Hi Mapleleafgirl, I remember you from Paxil Progress and I'm happy to see you here at this time. These SSRIs are no joke and to think that jumping from only 1 mg can cause such a wave puts into perspective just how powerful these drugs are. I started my second attempt at a taper around 2014 from 20 mg and four years later, I'm only down 5 mg but I've figured this isn't a race and while I'd like to be off this medication faster, I also need to be able to function both mentally and physically. Paxil taper started circa 2014 from 20 mg. Dec. 11/2016 - 16.25 mg., Mar. 26/2017 - 15.9375 mg., Jul. 23/2017 - 15 mg., Oct. 30/2017 - 13.75 mg., Dec. 24/2017 - 15 mg., Feb. 1/2018 - 17.5 mg., Feb. 19/2018 - 18.75 mg., May 23/2018 - 19.375 mg. Ativan taper started March 2018 from 0.5625 mg. Mar. 7th - 0.53125 mg., Mar. 19th - 0.5 mg., Mar. 29th - 0.46875 mg., April 10th - 0.4375 mg., April 23rd - 0.40625 mg., May 2nd - 0.375 mg., May 22nd - 0.3125 mg. Taper completed in September, 2018. Link to comment
anona Posted January 11, 2018 Share Posted January 11, 2018 On 12/27/2017 at 1:50 PM, nz11 said: Mapleleaf are you able to give an update if you are out there. I just checked Mapleleafgirl's profile and she hasn't logged in since June of 2017. Paxil taper started circa 2014 from 20 mg. Dec. 11/2016 - 16.25 mg., Mar. 26/2017 - 15.9375 mg., Jul. 23/2017 - 15 mg., Oct. 30/2017 - 13.75 mg., Dec. 24/2017 - 15 mg., Feb. 1/2018 - 17.5 mg., Feb. 19/2018 - 18.75 mg., May 23/2018 - 19.375 mg. Ativan taper started March 2018 from 0.5625 mg. Mar. 7th - 0.53125 mg., Mar. 19th - 0.5 mg., Mar. 29th - 0.46875 mg., April 10th - 0.4375 mg., April 23rd - 0.40625 mg., May 2nd - 0.375 mg., May 22nd - 0.3125 mg. Taper completed in September, 2018. Link to comment
nz11 Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 MLG any update, any (taper) plans. Hows that job going. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
coldturkmama Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 On 2017-12-27 at 4:53 PM, nz11 said: As I mentioned earlier I'm confused as to why this members story is in the success stories at this point in time. Yeah I’m wondering the same. I hope she is well. Paxil 20mg from 1998-2011 Paxil 40mg from 2011-2012 while experiencing poopout October 2013 quit cold turkey Oct-mid Nov 2013 great window Late November WD nightmare Windows and waves pattern Now: 28 months cold turkey...doing decent learning to deal with the windows/waves pattern fighting it every step of the way. Link to comment
nz11 Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 MLG was just wondering if you would consider making a short submission for the Scottish government. Your story would really open their eyes to the wdl harms and tapering difficulties. No pressure of course. Regards Nz11 Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
nz11 Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 Greetings MLG Hope you might consider the Scottish submission. thanks Hope you are well nz11 Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
samanthaelizabeth Posted February 19, 2018 Share Posted February 19, 2018 On 1/7/2015 at 7:48 PM, MapleleafGirl said: Hi there:) I was a member of paxilprogress since 2004 and then the site was shut down...I was on paxil for 8.5 years starting in 2001...after a horrible withdrawal ..at 11 months off i went back on paxil again for a few years then did a successful 4 year taper with compounded pills.. i have now been paxil free since June 1, 2014..paxil progress members will know who i am:) Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Admin note: MapleLeafGirl's Introductions topic: ☼ Mapleleafgirl off Paxil So then this isn't truly a success story- I see that you went back on an SSRI in May of 2016?? Are you still on this SSRI? i don't see how anyone can every truly get off of these drugs and be happy? These drugs are worse than Heroin! 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 Link to comment
Jaywill Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I believe I am a success story. I took Paxil for 12 years. I weaned down but have been off medication since Aug 2012, so it was 5 years on Aug 15 2017. I was SEVERELY sick for a long time , but I refused to go back on the meds,I have the majority of my life back. I continue to teach full time, I play hockey, I hike daily. I am on a very restrictive diet,( Paleo with no grains and I really restrict sugar) I do have a chemical sensitivity but I live a very clean life. I did 1 full year of the Dynamic Neural Retraining System which has helped me big time. I have had an MRI and I have developed a small lesion in my right hemisphere. I am not able to eat things like everyone else but I look at it as though I am going to be healthier in the long run and it keeps me trim. I do yoga, i see a naturopath every month, I see a massage therapist every month. I eat well, exercise, drink alot of water, do brain retraining 20 min a day. The way I look at it there is no quick fix to withdrawal. It is an absolute hell that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Everyday it is something else but I do WHATEVER it takes and I am living a great life. So there is no quick fix. It takes time and alot of hard work. I also had my faith and knew that I was going to be well one day. I hope this shows that there is life after meds. 12 year on Paxil 20mg. Dropped to 5mg a few years before weaning, Was on 5mg weaned over a few months and then went off Aug 15, 2012. Severe withdrawal started Nov 2012 and have been slowly recovering. Have had all physical symptoms especially muscle, immune and food sensitivities! Link to comment
Evoldnahturt Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 The good news is it doesn't always matter that there's no quick fix. If you reinstate before it gets too bad, while it might take you years to taper, you don't have to be in pain during that time. - 2002-2015: Zyprexa (Olanzapine), between 2.5mg to 5mg - 9/15-2/16: Started a taper that jumped up and down quickly for five months. Got really sick. Took Xanax sporadically throughout taper. Stopping taking Xanax in January 2016. - 2/14/16: Increased dose to 3.75mg and held for two months, quickly got better at first and then slowly continued to get better after that - Apr/16: 3.375mg, May/16: 3.03mg, Jun-Jul/16: 2.73mg, Aug-Sept/16: 2.5mg, Oct/16: 2.25mg, Nov/16: 2.03mg, Dec/16-Jan/17: 1.82mg, Feb/17: 1.64mg, Mar/17: 1.48mg, Apr/17: 1.33mg, May-Sept/17: 1.20mg, Oct/17: 1.08mg, Nov/17: 0.97mg, Dec/17: 0.87mg, Jan/17: 0.78mg, Feb/17: 0.71mg, Mar/17: 0.64mg, Apr/17: 0.57mg, May/17: 0.51mg Link to comment
AshleeM Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 On 4/23/2016 at 2:41 PM, Hibari said: Dear MapleGirl, I am very sorry you are feeling so bad and I wish I had an answer for you. It's so unfair you are going through this. I know when I have been in a state of depression, my mind feels like it is telling the truth but it is not. I know you have been given some suggestions and it's hard to take action when depression is so crippling. I just wanted to ask where you are at in terms of hormones? My hormones put me through the ringer and it was only when I started using some natural progesterone creme and some natural estrogen that some of my symptoms eased. I have discovered that when we are in extreme states of stress, we go through our progesterone really quickly. You don't even have to be in menopause or peri-menopause to experience huge swings in hormones. I know that medication and withdrawal have a big impact on the endocrine system. I don't want to overwhelm you at this time. Please know you are not alone and if you need to find some way to stabilize yourself, no one here will judge you for it. Hi Hibard, Can you give an update on your hormones? My doctor prescribed me natural progesterone but I’m so afraid to take it but at the same time wondering if it will make me better? ashlee currently taking Celexa 5mg daily Started in 2008 at 20mg Taper: September 1st 2017 down to 15mg October 1st 2017 down to 10mg November 1st 2017 down to 5 mg December 1st completely off REINSTATED at 5mg at the end of December Link to comment
Vonnegutjunky Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Same here - I am in menopause and starting to wonder if these anxiety and depersonalization is related to hormones- but I would never really know unless I get hormone tests *Currently at 8.2-8.5 mg of my 10mg pill of Paxil (they actually weigh 12.5mg) january 2023 I began reducing my med again. I was a 9mg weight for years, I went to 8.9 in January, went to 8.6mg in February, and in March 2023 I went down to 8.5-8.2 mg ( my scale varies, so I stick within that .3 range because of that) *No other supplements or vitamins *Taper schedule in the pdf Blank.pdf https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5vShtJtwAOGA30OxIP87steLmMdFzD29F0fzAPD564 Link to comment
Hibari Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 3 hours ago, AshleeM said: Hi Hibard, Can you give an update on your hormones? My doctor prescribed me natural progesterone but I’m so afraid to take it but at the same time wondering if it will make me better? ashlee Hi Ashlee and Vonnegutjunky, Currently I am on natural progesterone cream ranging from 100mg to 150mgs. I stopped using bio identical estrogen more than a year ago. To be honest, I don't know how much the progesterone is helping. I do have hot flashes but I feel they are withdrawal related and had even asked men on this site if they had hot flashes during wd and they did. I have had stable moods as I taper so I don't think I'm missing the estrogen. I sometimes miss days of using the progesterone but try to use the cream daily. I have not experienced it to be harmful to me but do plan to get my hormone levels tested after I am off my final medication. I know many people find the natural progesterone helps with sleep. My depression pre-medication and before withdrawal started in menopause and I think it was very bad because I was so exhausted (adrenals) from care taking. I do think getting your hormone levels tested is helpful and it doesn't mean you have to go on hormone replacement therapy. If I had to do it again, I would probably focus on my adrenals and actually all the things I was forced into doing now, rest, diet, acupuncture, etc. 9/2013-4/2014: After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro, Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs 1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs 7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021 Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize 10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6 6/16 3.4 6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7 7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0 9/5 1.8 9/16 1.6 9/30 1.4 10/13 1.2 10/26 1.0 11/9 0.8 11/22 0.6 12/6 0.4 12/23 0.2. 2024 1/4/24 Remeron/Mirtazapine free Additional Support: Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs, L-theanine Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted January 6, 2019 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 6, 2019 Hi there, The staff at SA are wondering how you are. We'd love to hear how you are doing now. Would you mind dropping by and giving an update? Thanks. CC * 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 Link to comment
neroli Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 Hello MapleleafGirl It looks like you may not be using the site anymore - I just wondered how you are going and whether you have started reducing the Escitalopram (I'm on it myself and want to reduce when I'm a bit more stable). Hope you're doing ok. Best wishes Neroli 2006 Citalopram 20mg on and off to 2013. April 2013 - July 2014 Sertraline, Venlafaxine, Fluoxetine, Mirtazapine v. bad reactions. July 2014 - CT Mirtazapine. July 2014 - February 2016 Medication free, long term w/d. February - July 2016 Fluoxetine. Medication free, long term w/d syndrome. 2017 Jan physical breakdown. 2017 February - March Escitalopram, Nortriptyline instated. Lorazepam, Zopiclone PRN. April 2017 Lithium Carbonate 250mg 1 wk. 14 August 2017 finish cross to Diazepam 22.5mg daily, stop Zopiclone Tapers: Diazepam 2017 21 August - 30 Dec 21.25mg to 14.5mg 2018 6 Jan - 11 May to 12mg. 2 June updose to 12.25mg - hold. 2019 (0.5mg cuts) 12 Jan - 28 Dec 12mg to 10mg 2020 (0.25mg cuts) - 25 Jan - 29 Dec 9.75mg to 6.25mg 2021 *May have bungled dose and accidentally took 1mg more for about a month (7.25mg), so 4 Jan started again at 6.5mg; 19 Jan 6.25mg; 1 Feb 6.0mg; 23 Feb 5.75mg; 9 Mar 5.5mg; 23 Mar 5.25mg; 9 Apr 5.0mg; 6 May 4.75mg; 13 May 4.5mg; 6 Jun 4mg; 12 July 3.5mg; 2 sep 3.0mg; 15 Sep 2.5mg; 1 Nov 2mg; 15 Nov 1.5mg; 16 Dec 1mg; 26 Dec 0.5mg; 2022 1 Jan - OFF Escitalopram - 2022 1 Mar to 9mg; 29 Mar 8mg; 24 May 7mg; 21 Jun 5mg; 19 Jul 4mg; 1 Sep 3mg; 23 Sep 2.5mg; 31 Oct 1.5mg; 22 Nov 0.5mg; 2023 1 Jan 0.25mg; 1 Mar OFF Nortriptyline 2018 90mg to 2020 1 Dec down to 72.5mg; 2021 20 May 70mg; 8 Jun 67.5mg; 24 Jun 65mg; 31 July 60mg; 12 Oct 55mg; 23 Oct 50mg; 2022 13 Jan 40mg; 22 Jan 30mg; 29 Mar 20mg; 26 Apr 10mg; 3 Aug 5mg; 23 Sep 2.5mg; 2023 1 Jan - OFF 1 March 2023 - off all drugs - 6-year taper off three drugs. Link to comment
MapleleafGirl Posted November 2, 2019 Author Share Posted November 2, 2019 Thought i would write an update...i am still on the Escitalopram.....and have been tapering at a microscopic rate.....this time around...i will be going even slower than i did with paxil...and i thought 4 years was long...but since i did not have withdrawal during my taper with paxil...i am positive i am just one of those people who has massive delayed withdrawal but can reinstate no problem...not sure why...but the withdrawal did not show up for...2 years to be exact...so now i have to drop super slow and wait it out....on this drug...who knows how long it will take...i dont really worry about that...... Michele Michele aka MapleLeafGirl Paxil Free Since June 1st 2014 Was on Paxil for 8.5 years on and off from 2001 Did a 4 year successful taper off 20mgs of Paxil My Successful Tapering Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7812-mapleleafgirl-successfully-tapered-off-paxil/ Tapering Schedule: 3rd attempt at withdrawal going slow..compounded pills05/27/2010 - 03/12/12: Tapered From 20mgs - 6.2 (2nd year into Taper)04/11/2012 - 6.0 - 3.4 - 05/05/2013 (Third year into Taper)06/04/2013 - 3.2 - 1.0 - 05/31/2014 (Fouth and Final Year of Taper) February 9th 2016 month 20 off paxil and four year taper..experiencing a horrible wave bad bad bad May 2016 Made the decision to go back on an SSRI - Currently on Escitalopram 10mgs but planning to taper at some point in the near future Link to comment
neroli Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 Hi Michele Thank you for the update. Sounds like you are functioning ok and taking a really slow taper is helping you to stay that way. Wishing you the very best Neroli 💜 2006 Citalopram 20mg on and off to 2013. April 2013 - July 2014 Sertraline, Venlafaxine, Fluoxetine, Mirtazapine v. bad reactions. July 2014 - CT Mirtazapine. July 2014 - February 2016 Medication free, long term w/d. February - July 2016 Fluoxetine. Medication free, long term w/d syndrome. 2017 Jan physical breakdown. 2017 February - March Escitalopram, Nortriptyline instated. Lorazepam, Zopiclone PRN. April 2017 Lithium Carbonate 250mg 1 wk. 14 August 2017 finish cross to Diazepam 22.5mg daily, stop Zopiclone Tapers: Diazepam 2017 21 August - 30 Dec 21.25mg to 14.5mg 2018 6 Jan - 11 May to 12mg. 2 June updose to 12.25mg - hold. 2019 (0.5mg cuts) 12 Jan - 28 Dec 12mg to 10mg 2020 (0.25mg cuts) - 25 Jan - 29 Dec 9.75mg to 6.25mg 2021 *May have bungled dose and accidentally took 1mg more for about a month (7.25mg), so 4 Jan started again at 6.5mg; 19 Jan 6.25mg; 1 Feb 6.0mg; 23 Feb 5.75mg; 9 Mar 5.5mg; 23 Mar 5.25mg; 9 Apr 5.0mg; 6 May 4.75mg; 13 May 4.5mg; 6 Jun 4mg; 12 July 3.5mg; 2 sep 3.0mg; 15 Sep 2.5mg; 1 Nov 2mg; 15 Nov 1.5mg; 16 Dec 1mg; 26 Dec 0.5mg; 2022 1 Jan - OFF Escitalopram - 2022 1 Mar to 9mg; 29 Mar 8mg; 24 May 7mg; 21 Jun 5mg; 19 Jul 4mg; 1 Sep 3mg; 23 Sep 2.5mg; 31 Oct 1.5mg; 22 Nov 0.5mg; 2023 1 Jan 0.25mg; 1 Mar OFF Nortriptyline 2018 90mg to 2020 1 Dec down to 72.5mg; 2021 20 May 70mg; 8 Jun 67.5mg; 24 Jun 65mg; 31 July 60mg; 12 Oct 55mg; 23 Oct 50mg; 2022 13 Jan 40mg; 22 Jan 30mg; 29 Mar 20mg; 26 Apr 10mg; 3 Aug 5mg; 23 Sep 2.5mg; 2023 1 Jan - OFF 1 March 2023 - off all drugs - 6-year taper off three drugs. Link to comment
Hisame Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 Hi Mappleleafgirl, I’m happy to hear from you, to hear that you’re fine and that you will taper again. We never talked but I thought often about you because you’re the only person which I read the story who did a successful reinstatement after years off ssri. And as I’m 4 years off and my condition is slowly worsening, I think sometimes about reinstatement. I wish you a successful withdrawal 😊 - 2002 -> 2012 : Paxil, 20 mg for anxiety - January 2012 : 1 month withdrawal -> depression, burning sensations in my legs - February 2012 : reinstate 20 mg -> back to normal - January 2014 -> August 2015 : « alternate days » tapering from 20mg to 2,5 mg -> anxiety, back pain and trouble focusing - 4 september 2015 -> panic attack, psychiatric hospital for 1 week, stop Paxil, get Clomipramine, Abilify, Domperidone for 2 weeks, then stop everything - 20 september 2015 : try to reinstate Paxil 20 mg -> permanent tinnitus with only one tablet - Free from paxil since september 2015 ->suffering from permanent side effects : tinnitus, hyperacusis, neuropathic pain, prostatitis, depression, suicidal ideations, akathisia. Link to comment
Rosetta Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 How are you, Maple Leaf Girl? https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
Marta Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 Came across to this story....I had something TOTALLY similar just after 13 months, after a 5 years taper!!!!!! What is this timebomb destroying wave??? So one is doomed for life then. I also don't know how many days i will handle more and when i will lose it and take it again. 🤮 06/2012 - 02/2015 CIPRALEX 10 mg (for somatic abdominal pain + reflux) - prior to this NOT any significant episode of anxiety/depression on medication: emotional-sexual numbness, total inability to cry, +8 kg, fatigue -> abdominal pain gone 02/2015 - 1/04/2015 tapering from 10 mg to 0 mg doctor advised 05/05/2015 huge anxiety, burning skin sensation, panic, fear, not able to cry again, never-had-before insomnia, totally lost appetite, little loss of vision in one eye, sweating, chest pain, short breath, restlessness, accelerated heartbeat, mild akathisia legs-feet 30/05/2015 reinstated 8mg (I was suggested 5 mg here) middle 07/2015 general improving 10/2015 start disastrous too long taper 7mg 11/2015 6mg 12/2015 5mg 1/2016 4mg 2/2016 4mg 3/2016 3mg ->FAIL back to 4mg .... 8/2016 3mg 8/2017 2mg (short wave in summer '17) 8/2018 2mg stable 8/2019 1mg 1/2020 0.6 mg 1/APRIL/2020 0mg FREE! 7/2020 - 10/2020 MILD WAVE(mostly anxiety, poor sleep) 6/2021 - 9/2021 WAVE (anxiety, severe insomnia, total loss of appetite, deep depression, internal restlessness, anhedonia) 0.125g triazolam 2 times 18/03/2022 WAVE (anxiety, severe insomnia, total loss of appetite, PAIN in muscles and nerves, arms and right leg,cannot exercise,hard to walk) 0.125g triazolam 3 times 7/5 rein 0.1mg Link to comment
zen81 Posted August 29, 2022 Share Posted August 29, 2022 Hello, Its great to hear your story. Can someone please tell me if the withdrawal ( slow ) can be less than 4 years if you are taking paxil for only 6 months? Thanks February: 10 mg citalopram - for anxiety related to sleep ( getting adrenal surges on sleep onset ) March : Mirtazapine 15 mg as citalopram side effects unbearable - Mirtazapine prescribed for sleep. Stopped Citalopram cold turkey April: Anxiety around sleep still bad put on Sertraline 50 mg - continued with Mirtazapine - 15 mg June: Anxiety around sleep in good control and able to sleep well most nights. Stopped Mirtazapine 15 mg cold turkey based on Doctors advise May 31st 2022 started 15 ml mirtazapine for sleep onset anxiety june 30 2022 started paxil 25 cr stopped mirtazapine dec 2022 reduced paxil to 12.5 cr based on advise from psych currently on paxil 12.5 cr tried to quit cold turkey with really bad symptoms reinstated at 12.5 cr Link to comment
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