Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

Questions and answers about liquid medications, use by date, expiry


lionboy

Recommended Posts

  • Mentor

I'm sorry, it's clear that I'm not asking the right question, or asking the question correctly........

 

I think I'm going to have to wait til my brain is able to handle this, and then I'll try again.  :P

 

 

 

in the meantime, maybe this will help explain what I"m trying to accomplish...??
 

I am having a hard time seeing the 0.16 dose in the syringe. Sometime I think I"m getting a bit more, sometimes a bit less. So I want to use like, say, 0.20 instead, which is easier to see. And then mix that with water.  I don't need to make up doses in advance, I don't think... I don't know. I guess it makes more sense to do up a few days doses at once...

 

I am trying, first of all, to get my current dose as accurate as I can.

once the 0.2 (for example) is mixed with water, I need to figure out how much to draw out and discard, I guess? before I drink what's left. To keep the current dose of 0.16

I don't know, it gets very confusing to me after this....

 

OR would it be easier to add say ten times as much, 2mgs right? to water, and then use that to draw up the dose? Oh crap I just confused myself again. maybe I should try playing around with some colored liquid and see if I can figure that out. Right now I am not able to think in abstracts very well.

 

Once I've got this all figured out, THEN, when I decide it's time to taper-  I want to use this method to taper down, so I'd need to figure out what to do after that, like, draw out a tiny bit more each time?? so that I am super micro tapering down very slowly and in very tiny decreases

 

 

does that make sense?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Mentor
On 7/25/2017 at 7:55 AM, scallywag said:

To make multiple doses at once, let's use 5. 

lexapro liquid: 5 x 0.16 ml = 0.8 ml

water to make 8 ml = 7.2 ml

Mix those two amounts together and you'll have a liquid that has 5 doses of 1.6 ml = 0.16 mg lexapro.

 

ok, wait, this is probably what I should be doing

 

LET ME BE SURE I UNDERSTAND:
I put 0.8 mls of lexapro in a container with 7.2mls of water to make 8mls of diluted lexapro solution

 

I draw out 1.6mls per day and this is now my 0.16mg dose, just diluted

is this correct?

(in which case, I don't see how the graduated cylinder comes in, but I'll save that for some other time when my brain is working lol)

 

I will try this starting tomorrow

 

I will work out the decreases in doses later, for now I just need to get the current dose accurate

 

thanks, I guess this is the answer, it just didn't register for some reason :/

 

mornings are the worst for my brain, it doesn't seem to "come online" til about NOON :(

 

THANKS SO MUCH SW !! :)

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • ChessieCat changed the title to Tablets or liquid in withdrawal ?
  • 4 weeks later...

Can I dilute zoloft, klonopin and lamictal once I reach the very low dosages? Is it only certain medications? These are the ones I'm going to taper off.

Thanks

Presently taking all the medications below:

Lamictal 300mgs - September 2008 

Zoloft 100mgs - September 2008

Klonopin 2mgs/3x day - September 2008

Roboxen 750 mgs 3x/day - Jan 2009

Baclofen 20mg - Jan 2009

Buspar 30mg 2x/day ~ Jan 2011

Buprenorphine 1.25mg -January 2017 (dosage has varied from 4mg -1mg)

LDN (low dose naltrexon) - April 2017 (dosage has varied from 3mg - 0.2mg)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Administrator

Please use search in this forum regarding tapering zoloft and lamictal. For klonopin, go here.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I glanced there and I can see already it's different and more difficult. Thanks

Presently taking all the medications below:

Lamictal 300mgs - September 2008 

Zoloft 100mgs - September 2008

Klonopin 2mgs/3x day - September 2008

Roboxen 750 mgs 3x/day - Jan 2009

Baclofen 20mg - Jan 2009

Buspar 30mg 2x/day ~ Jan 2011

Buprenorphine 1.25mg -January 2017 (dosage has varied from 4mg -1mg)

LDN (low dose naltrexon) - April 2017 (dosage has varied from 3mg - 0.2mg)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

QUESTION:  How many days do liquid suspensions last for?

 

I've heard the phrase "it'll last for a few days in the fridge" but I want to get more specific. For instance, if I made a large suspension on day 1 at 11pm, can I still take portions from it on day 3 at 11pm? Does the potency of the drug wear off the older the suspension/ how does the "expiration" date work? Any insights would be appreciated.

Edited by Songbird
add title info, merge topics

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Administrator

Yes, 3 days should be fine. I wouldn't keep it longer than 5 days. Keep it in a dark bottle in the refrigerator.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Alto.

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Hi all,

I’ve been weighing my Lexapro pills for the duration of my one year taper. As I continue down the path of getting to zero, I’m concerned about the accuracy of my scale when I get to the very small doses. I’m currently on 2 MG twice per day, which is manageable to weigh at .025 grams. However, I’m wondering if people make the leap to liquid medication (from the pharmacy) because it’s easier to manage?

 

On the flip side, should I expect withdrawal symptoms to ramp up once I make the switch over? Has it been worth it for those that have made the leap?

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never weighed pills, so take this with a grain of salt. :) I've read that some scales are less accurate at lower weights, so some people get around that by adding a weight to the scale. So, if you are trying to weigh 0.2grams and you think the scale might be less accurate, they put a, say, 1gram weight onto the scale and therefore aim at a reading of 1.2 grams. Did your scale come with tare weights?

 

I used the liquid lexapro when I was tapering that drug. It tastes nasty but it was easy to taper. I made a huge mistake when I first got the liquid - I totally misread the label and grossly underdosed myself. I was meant to drop from 20 to 18mg, but actually went to 1.8mg!!! Not good, and it was very scary but once I figured it out and updosed again it was okay. But it was also totally my fault as I misread the label.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

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

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@bubbles- thanks so much. Great to meet you and I appreciate your reply!

 

Excellent idea about the weights. I do have some so that would work perfectly. 

 

Did you switch from pills to liquid? We’re there any issues in doing so? Did you use the liquid from the manufacturer?

 

I’m on 4 MG of Lexapro and I’ve been on about a 6 month hold. Frankly, I don’t feel great as I don’t think my CNS has totally calmed down after all my medication jumps early in the year before I knew what I was doing. However, if I don’t get moving then I’ll be poisoned by these drugs forever. How long did it take you to taper Lexapro? Did you reduce by 10%? I was thinking about trying to start at 2.5% per month and see how that goes. Any thoughts or advice? I’m terrified to start again...

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went straight from tablet to liquid. This was a long time ago and I don't think there was any advice to cross-taper in those days. As it turns out, it in some ways probably worked in my favor to do it the way I did - it was severe enough that it was fairly quickly obvious what had gone wrong! I did the proprietary liquid. If I could do it again I'd read the label more carefully, and do the recommended cross-taper.

 

I tapered Lexapro much too fast. I tapered slowly enough to avoid the zaps, but too fast to avoid a nasty crash after being off for a little while. I wouldn't recommend it. (I've made peace with it - I had some nasty side effects and that drove the pace to a certain extent. This time around I had a better solution for the side effect so the urgency wasn't there.) This time I'm actually taking longer and often making smaller than 10% drops and I am being more successful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29 August 2022 - first day of zero!

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

Current: Armour Thyroid

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

ryan,

 

I wouldn't taper until you feel stable--stable being not perfect or great but more or less the same symptoms every day, no wild swings.  

 

I've been tapering Lexapro for two years using the Brassmonkey slide method, which is a way of making micro-taper reductions weekly as opposed to a larger reduction each month.

 
 
I use the Gemini-20 scale.  Accurate so far at 4.1mgai (active ingredient).  Bubbles' suggestion to add a 1 g weight to the scale when I get lower seems a good one.
 
Your idea of 2.5% per month to start makes sense.
 
 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i am tapering lexapro, i use the same brown bottle.

i am at 0.6mg- my last bottle lasted 4 or 5 months. i didn't see any difference.

i had wave and window, but nothing out of the ordinary.

however, i have saved 5 unopened bottles just in case my prescription runs out (a bit paranoid) and i think i won't even use them to finish my taper.

june 2014 to feb  2015- on xanax 0.25 to 1mg/day- then CT - jan 2016 - panic attack, went on 3.75mg remeron to sleep march 2016- CT remeron (because it caused me tinnitus)- deep depression, couldn't sleep because of  intrusive Tinnitus

april to june 2016- valium 4mg, xanax as needed, lunesta 3mg

june 2016 - valium 4mg, lexapro 10mg

oct 2016- valium 2mg, lexapro 10mg- hold

march 2017- started daily micro liquid taper of valium and lex- -taper speed 0.0033mg valium daily and 0.033mg lex daily

may 2018- valium 1mg, lexapro 2.4mg - i had to slow down the rate of my daily micro taper considerably

LAST dose of Lexapro: 0.05mg on 05/17/19

LAST dose of valium: 0.04mg on 08/18/19

April 26th 2020- intense panic attack that lasted 4 days, akatisia, 0 sleep- suicidal, almost hospitalized- took rescue doses over 2 days- total: 1.5mg xanax, 18mg valium, 2x5mg lexapro

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Y’all are all very helpful and I appreciate your responses so much. I’ll definitely roll with the Lexapro liquid made by the manufacturer once I get a little more stable. I’m going to eventually have to do it so I’m interested to try it. 

 

Thanks for everyone’s thoughts and advice. Have a wonderful holiday!

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

I am using their 1 ml syringes.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey all,

The more I've thought about it, I'm wondering if the shock to my system by switching from branded Lexapro to generic liquid is worth the pain and suffering.  I can't for sure say that the change will be difficult but most everything during this time has been tough and I foresee this being no different. 

 

I'm on 4 MG of weighed pills (2 x per day at  2 MG) and I'm a long way off from needing to have really small doses.  Clearly, I'm concerned that the scale isn't giving me 100% accurate measurements but I'm pretty nervous to switch over to liquid.  

 

Thoughts on my concerns?  Has anyone done this process and how did it go?

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus

Some people do well on the liquid, some don't.  

 

We recommend a gradual crossover:

3/4 tablet, 1/4 liquid for 3 to 7 days

1/2, 1/2 for 3 to 7 days

1/4, 3/4 for 3 to 7 days

all liquid thereafter

 

I've found the scale to be sufficiently accurate.  Remember, you're weighing pill weight, which is many, many times  larger than milligrams of active ingredient.  The slight variances in pill weight have not been a problem for me.

 

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting. Is it possible to get all the way down to zero using pills and a scale?

 

Lastly, could I do better on liquid than a branded version of a drug? I feel OK but not great. I imagine that’s just how I’m going to feel in withdrawals though. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, and thank you so much. I really appreciate the help, Gridley. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus
23 minutes ago, ryan1982 said:

Is it possible to get all the way down to zero using pills and a scale?

 

BrassMonkey used a scale all the way (weigh 🤣) to the end of his taper, tiny little dose 0.016mg

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
addedc quote

* 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
Share on other sites

Perfect- thanks, Chessie. I’ll stay on the pills for now unless anyone thinks liquid could work better. 

2005- 2008: Lorazepam (max dose- 1 MG daily)

2008- 2016: Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

January 2017- March 2017- Pristiq (max dose- 100 MG daily)

April 2017- June 2017: Trintellix (max dose- 10 MG)

July 2017- October 2017:  Lexapro (max dose-10 MG daily)

November 2017- April 2018- Luvox (max dose- 100 MG)

May 2018- Zoloft (max dose- 18.75)

5/28/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/3/18- 3 MG Lexapro, 6/7/18- 3.5 MG Lexapro, 6/13/18- 4 MG Lexapro, 6/21/18- 4.5 MG Lexapro, 6/28/18- 3/29/21- 4 MG Lexapro, 3/30/21- Present- 3.8 MG Lexapro

**Bad Wave Caused by Trileptal 150 MG (one pill) in December '20 and Low Dose Naltrexone .12 MG (one pill) in April '21**

 

"The Journey is The Reward"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus
13 hours ago, jozeff said:

🤗🤗

Well, a syringe has what is called a dead volume. This is the volume that doesn't come out the syringe when you empty it! This only applies for the first check mark, in this case the first ml. If you empty a 5 ml syringe let's say from 5 ml mark to 4 ml you gave exactly 1 ml liquid. Same for 4 to 3 ml same for 3 to 2 ml. Same for 2 to 1 ml. Same for 1 to 0 ml, but in the latter case you will have some dead volume left in the syringe. You should left this in the syringe because it is designed this way!

 

So, if you suck up liquid in a syringe let's say from nothing to 1 ml mark. Thet total volume of liquid in your syringe is maybe 1.2 ml. This is 1 ml + 0.2 ml dead volume. If you empty the syringe it will release 1 ml. The 0.2 ml dead volume stays in the syringe.

 

If you taper using syringes use the 5 ml syringe from 5 to 1 ml if possible. Below 1ml use the 1 ml syringe. 

Never fill a syringe with another one because the dead volume messes up your calculation.

 

If you need let's say 4.6 ml you take the 5ml syringe and fill it to 4 ml. 

Empty this in a small cup, leave the dead volume in the syringe (the liquid that stays in the tip).

Fill your 1 ml syringe to 0.6 ml mark and empty it in the same cup., Leave the dead volume in the syringe.

Drink your liquid and flush you cup with water and drink that too. 

Flush your syringe with water and throw that away. Dry the tip of syringe with some toilet paper.

Don't drink de dead volume because you will be getting more than 4.6 ml...

 

Hope this is clear. It's important to do the same every day. That way you get the most accurate dosage.

 

I use a volumetric pipette for this (an old one from the lab) but this is not necessary. A syringe will do, I mean we are not talking about 1/1000 of a mg right? One day 5.45 mg and next day 5.46 will be ok. Such a small difference is negligible.

 

 

Good luck!!!

 

Jozeff

Analytical chemist

 

 

* 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
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

If anyone can weigh in on liquid Paxil (expiry/use by date), that would be great. I'm using the manufacturer's oral suspension. 

 

Post moved, explanation added by CC

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added info

 

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus
14 minutes ago, SkyBlue said:

If anyone can weigh in on liquid Paxil, that would be great. I'm using the manufacturer's oral suspension. 

 

The oral solutions of a drug are different from the tablet form and I think it would be best to use before the expiry date and start a new bottle before the recommended time after first opening.

 

You might need to see a knowledgeable pharmacist to get the information about Paxil oral.  If you do get it, please add it to the Tips for Tapering Paxil topic because I've done some fairly indepth searching and can't find anything.  Only about storage temperature.  Thank you.

 

I found this for Lexapro the other day.  From:  https://www.lundbeck.com/au/products/our-products/lexapro/lexapro-oral:

 

Quote

Storage 

Keep LEXAPRO oral solution in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. 

Discard LEXAPRO oral solution 10 mg/mL 3 months after first opening. 

Discard LEXAPRO oral solution 20 mg/mL 2 months after first opening

 

* 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
Share on other sites

From what I’ve seem through some

research Skyblue, liquid suspensions are different and for the most part should be used before expiry . 

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • ChessieCat changed the title to The truth about expiry dates?
  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

You might need to see a knowledgeable pharmacist to get the information about Paxil oral.  If you do get it, please add it to the Tips for Tapering Paxil topic because I've done some fairly indepth searching and can't find anything.  Only about storage temperature.  Thank you.

 

 

Will do. 

 

Yes, @nick1990, that sounds right. Better be safe than sorry of course!

 

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • ChessieCat changed the title to Questions and answers about liquid medications, use by date, expiry
  • Moderator

I just checked the expiration date on my liquid Lexapro. It’s manufactured by Camber. 

 

This was filled last month, and expires January, 2020. 

 

So, it’s good for 1 year as long as it’s kept in a cool dark place. Don’t refrigerate it or keep it in the medicine cabinet. That’s what my pharmacist told me.

 

 

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus
2 hours ago, Frogie said:

So, it’s good for 1 year as long as it’s kept in a cool dark place.

 

That's unopened.  Once it is open it will only be viable for a certain number of months

* 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
Share on other sites

  • Moderator
3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

That's unopened.  Once it is open it will only be viable for a certain number of months

Ok, my pharmacist is wrong then. She said as long as it was kept in a cool dry place it was good for expiry date on the label. I’ll have to let her know.

 

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate your knowledge 😊

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator Emeritus
6 hours ago, Frogie said:

I just checked the expiration date on my liquid Lexapro. It’s manufactured by Camber. 

 

This was filled last month, and expires January, 2020. 

 

So, it’s good for 1 year as long as it’s kept in a cool dark place. Don’t refrigerate it or keep it in the medicine cabinet. That’s what my pharmacist told me.

 

 

 

Expiry date (unopened) is different from the after opening time/discard time.

 

I found this information recently:

 

From:  https://www.lundbeck.com/au/products/our-products/lexapro/lexapro-oral:

 

Quote

Storage 

Keep LEXAPRO oral solution in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. 

Discard LEXAPRO oral solution 10 mg/mL 3 months after first opening. 

Discard LEXAPRO oral solution 20 mg/mL 2 months after first opening

* 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
Share on other sites

  • Moderator
2 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

Expiry date (unopened) is different from the after opening time/discard time.

 

I found this information recently:

 

From:  https://www.lundbeck.com/au/products/our-products/lexapro/lexapro-oral:

 

Thank you for the valuable information.

 

I’m going to talk to my pharmacist about this matter. Obviously she is mistaken.

 

Once again I appreciate your knowledge on this matter. It makes a huge difference in the amount of time to keep the medication.

 

Hope you are doing 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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Update from Yesterday from my long post in the Paxil taper forum

 

 

I seem to be very fortunate to have the Name Brand Liquid Paxil which after a long discussion today in person with the Head Pharmacist who just happened to be at the store.

Does NOT have 2 different expiry dates.

I explained to Her the issue and She spent a good long time looking into it...

And She says there is nothing from the manufacturer of My Particular NAME BRAND that indicates it will loose effectiveness just because the bottle is opened.

She did say that You DO need to maintain the temperature an out of the light, but at least for My Name Brand version there is NO  legal warning to "use by after opening".

If it did, there would be a huge legal disclaimer from the company both in the literature AND ON THE BOTTLE ITSELF..

 

Perhaps the generic liquid Paraxotine is different, or the formulas in different countries of this "type" of med have different regulations,

Or perhaps 7 years ago when this thread was originally started it may have been an issue .

 

But as of right now it seems the Name Brand Paxil Made in Canada by GlaxoSmithKline and Distributed by Apotex group out of the State of Florida doesn't seem to have a "use by" date different than Manufacturer expiration.

 

So if your in the United States, ask your Doctor-Pharmacist to work with You to get that particular Name Brand- Manufacturer.

As I said yesterday I'm finishing up the rest of a bottle that was dispensed to Me January of 2018  and the expiry date is December 31st  2019.and it's fine.

 

 Starting ds 2 (12.5 CR'S) = 25 MG PAXIL CR 1/21/15: 1 Pill + 10mg liquid (2 weeks) 2/4: 1 Pill + 9mg Lq (3 weeks) 2/25: 1 Pill + 8 mg lq (1 week) 3/4: 1 Pill + 6 mg lq (2 weeks) 3/18/15 1 Pill + 4 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/1/15 1 Pill + 3 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/14/15 1 Pill + 2 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/29/15 1Pill + 1 mg lq (16 days) 5/15/15 1 12.5 mg Pill ONLY (9 days) 5/24/15 12 mgs liquid (8 days) 6/1/15 11mg lq (12 days) 6/13/15 10 mg.  12/3/15 Drop from 8mg to 7.6 (24 days to) 12/27/15 7.2mgs 8/4/16 6.8mgs,  11/1/16 6.4mgs, 2/5/17 6 mgs  4/3/17 5.6mgs, 4/24/17 5.2mg, 6/13/17 4.8mgs, 9/20/17 4.4mgS, 11/23/17 4 mgs, 1/1/18 3.6 mgs, 2/15/18 3.2 mgs. 4/13/18 2.8mgs, 5/11/18 2.4mgs, 6/10/18 2.0 mgs, 8/4/18 1.6mgs,  9/27/18 1.2mgs, 12/24/18 0.8mg, 3/24/19 0.64 mg,(syringe change issue date?) 4/22/19 0.60 mg, 5/24/19 0.60 mg, 7/7/19 0.52 mgs, 8/4/19 0.44mgs, 11/4/19 0.36mgs, 2/1/20 0.28mgs, 3/1/20 0.24mgs (crash April 6) Compound started 6/28/21: 0.24mgs, 8/29/21: 0.22mgs, 10/31/21: 0.20mgs, 1/03/22: 0.18mgs, 3/5/22: 0.16mgs, 5/5/22: 0.14mgs.

 

Original Wellbutrin Dose: 6 months from 9/14 to 3/2015, 300 XL 3/15/15: Half to 150 XL ( severe symptoms started on day 12) 4/16/15: 125mg   for 20 days to: 5/6/15:   100mg  for  15 days to: 5/21/15    75mg  for  10 days to: 6/1/15:  56.25mg      13 days to: 6/13/15: 37.25mg    7 days to: 6/20/15  28.12mg   14 days to: 7/4/15  18.75mg, 7 days to: 7/11/15; RAISE BACK TO: 28.12 to 8/14/15: 18.75mg  20 days to :9/3/15 : 12.5mg, 8/4/16 9mg 1/9/17: 8.5mg 2/8/17 8mg, 3/9/17: 7.6  4/9/17  7.2  5/27/17 6.4 6/24/17 5.8, 8/1/17 5.0, 8/29/17 4.2mgs, 10/2/17 3.5mgs, 12/28/17 2.5mgs, 2/27/18 1.7mgs,  4/19/18 0.8 mgs, LAST DOSE: 6/11/18:  3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS, 27 DAYS...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

I spoke to my compounding pharmacist today and asked about the dispose after opening date of liquid drugs.  He told me that generally a liquid needs to be disposed of 1 month after opening, unless is it alcohol based.  The disposal after opening date for alcohol based liquid drugs is 6 months.

 

I asked him specifically if the efficacy of the drug reduces and he said yes. 

 

I also asked specifically about brand name Paxil liquid and he said the same thing applies.

* 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
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 4/14/2014 at 6:19 PM, Rhiannon said:

I would ask the pharmacist or as Alto says, the manufacturer. 

 

It may be fine to dilute with water. We mix water and alcohol all the time, it's not a problem. I think Everclear is something like 50% ethanol.

 

But I'd see if you can get the info from manufacturer or pharmacist first, before experimenting on your own.

Any links on dilution of citalopram liquid 40mg/ml ?

What should I dilute it to as a guide??

I just can’t get my head around this??

To microtaper from 5.4

I use a 1ml syringe currently..

1999:  Paroxetine (20mg). Age 16. 2007-2008: Fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1.5 years (age 25) Citalopram 20mg 2002-2005, 2009: Escitalopram (20mg), 2 weeks, (age 26) (adverse  reaction)/*Valium 5mg/Temazepam 10mg 2010: Mirtazipine (Remeron)( do not remember dosage) 2010, 5 months.                     2010-2017: Citalopram (20mg) (age 27 to 34) 2016: i.1st Sept- 31st Oct Citalopram 10mg , ii.1st November 2017-30th November 2017, Citalopram 5mg iii.1st December 2017- 4th February 2018, Citalopram 0mg, iv.5th February 2018- March 2018 Citalopram 5mg (10mg every other day) 28th February- tried titration of 5mg ( some adverse effects)

2018: 1st March 2018- 1st June Citalopram 10 mg (tablet form) /started titration 8mg , then 7 mg.2018: June 15th- 10th July Citalopram 10 mg pill every other day 2018: 10th July - 13th Sept Citalopram- 0mg  (CBD oil first month of 0mg, passiflora on and off) 2018 13th Sept Citalopram  2mg ,  approx 16th Sept 4mg , approx 25th Sept 6mg held.  2019: 11 Feb 19: 7mg (instant bad rxn) 12 Feb 19 6mg held 1 May 19 5.4mg held 5 Oct 19 5.36mg 22 Oct 19 5.29mg 30 Oct 19 5.23mg 4/NOV/19 5.18mg 12 Nov 19 5.08mg 20 Nov 19 4.77mg 7 May 22 2.31mg 17/09/2023 0.8mg

(Herbal/Supplements since 1st September: Omega Fish Oil 1200mg, 663mg of EPA- 2 tablets a day, magnesium and magnesium bath salts)

I did not die, and yet I lost life’s breath
- Dante
Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy