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ConfusedDad: Advise Needed


ConfusedDad

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  • Moderator Emeritus

You're very welcome. Sending hope and positive thoughts. 

 

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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We're seeing his pediatrician tomorrow. He's extremely down about not being able to overcome his anxiety/panic attacks.

 

We will be asking more about diet/sugar.

 

I'm dead set against SSRI's and benzo's but more open to short acting stimulants.

 

So are there any thoughts on beta-blockers? I know nothing about them in terms of risks/dependancies.

 

At the end of the day, I think we are going to have to adjust our expectations and look at alternate options to school.

 

But again, any advice/knowledge/experience with beta blockers?

 

Thanks.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, ConfusedDad. Now I'm a bit confused - you mentioned "more open to short acting stimulants".  Is your son still on Concerta or are you thinking about adding it back in? 

 

Yes, there are risks with beta blockers in terms of dependencies and they do need to be tapered off:

 

Tapering Alpha Blockers or Beta Blockers

 

This is another thread about beta blockers that may help answer some questions:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/999-beta-blockers-propranolol-metopropol-atenolol-etc/

 

If your son has home school as an option and this makes his anxiety manageable, I would be very hesitant to put a teenager on drugs that affect the heart. Ideally, it's best to keep the taper slow and not add on additional drugs. 

 

I know he's struggling, but is he learning mindfulness skills? The problem with SSRIs and stimulants is they can cause a "chemical" anxiety and then the mind can add certain thoughts to this chemical anxiety, and if the thoughts are fear-based, it can become a vicious cycle. 

 

What beta blockers can do is to help with the chemical, or physical, anxiety. They cannot control the thought process. Again, there are risks with these meds and I would be hesitant to recommend them, especially to someone so young.  If he's able to channel his thoughts away from fear and toward excitement or toward "calm", this is a technique that works for many of us. 

 

I learned to have massive waves of chemical fear coursing throughout my body, and channel my thoughts toward my breath, slowing the breathing down, letting the chemical fear pass by without me giving it any attention. It's a process and it's not easy, but once it's mastered, anxiety no longer is a problem.

 

There's a mindfulness teacher by the name of Mooji I found on YouTube. He likes to say, "My thoughts are just visitors, and I am NOT a hotel. Don't invite them in." I would visualize my thoughts as random people walking past. And I learned to ignore them. They simply aren't worth the stress of having a conversation. And they now leave me in peace.

 

So there are a lot of techniques and ways of handling this.   If he can master this now, he'll be a warrior by the time he's off his meds. 

 

 

 

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How is your son's insomnia? Did he try the melatonin? If he is nervous you could tell him it's like taking a vitamin - non-addictive. Some here also find magnesium glycinate (easier on the tummy) calming as well as Epsom salt baths. (Epsom is magnesium). Time released vitamin C can help with early morning cortisol spikes. Fish oil with vitamin to help absorb it can also help w/d symptoms. They recommend here though that you try one new vitamin at a time to make sure there is not a bad reaction and journal any symptoms to see what is helping and what is not. All the best to you and your son.

Medicine History

June 2011 I was put on 10 mg Olanzapine. I stayed on that for 7 months then went down to 5 mg for 3 months and then went down to 2.5mg and slowly went down to less than .3 every few days. I have tried to come off 4 times, each time getting down to less than .3 before having to go back on at 5mg or 2.5mg. I would cut by 50% each taper. From Jan 2015 to June 2015 I reduced from about 5mg to .3 mg. This last time I went on 2.5 mg last June 2015 until July 2, 2016. July 3, 2016 I went down to 1.25mg - withdrawal hit. Up dosed to liquid 2 mg July 23, 2016.

Medicine Current

2 mg Olanzapine as of July 23, 2016

Supplements

Omega 3 1000mg, Vitamin E 400 UI, Vitamin C 1000 mg Time Released, 200 mg Magnesium Bisglycinate, Multi Probiotic, .25 mg melatonin for 3-5 days as needed

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Thanks Shep. Yes, he's been off the concerta since April - I think it just added to his anxiety as a stimulant as you say. I will look into the mindfulness approach, surely difficult to learn, but the right approach. Yes he is getting cognitive behavioral therapy on and off (now on again).

 

herewego, thanks, he's sleeping much better for the last month or so but still frequently very difficult to awaken in the morning (but some improvement compared to a few months ago which is important).

 

He has a real hesitancy/fear to trying new medication or supplements (other than his zoloft, vitamin D and losec) even when we explain that it's like a vitamin so melatonin was a no go with him. 

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

ConfusedDad, you said that he's "still frequently very difficult to awaken in the morning", but that is quite normal for a teenager.  I think one of the problems with psychiatry is they expect children and teenagers to react to these drugs - and in some ways to life itself - the way adults do. And this disconnect is how they rationalize giving very dangerous drugs to young people. 

 

I went on these drugs as a teenager myself many years ago, and just regular teenager neuro-emotions are exaggerated compared to adults. A year for a teenager is viewed as a lifetime. They fear they will never survive high school because it will last forever in their eyes. Fears, anxieties, etc. are also a part of youth. They haven't had the successes in life to build themselves up and the failures in life to know they won't break. There's an all-or-nothing component to youth, an impulsiveness that can drive anxiety. To be young is to be excited, and like I said in a previous post, excitement and anxiety draw from the same source, with different thoughts attached. 

 

He's dealing with both youth and withdrawal, so these are things to consider as he progresses with his taper - don't let the natural aspects of his age conflate with withdrawal. There's a lot to be sorted out, but in the end, I think he'll still be far ahead of his peers. 

 

 

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Thanks Shep.

 

I meant very difficult even for a teenager. There is definite extreme anxiety associated with getting him out of bed. Again, it's better than it used to be but it's still far beyond what is normal for a teenager.

 

Also we are always considering what behaviour might be just being a teenager almost to the point that we sometimes are too willing to accept it as just that (but of course there is always an element of that to be considered and we do).

 

However, with school refusal, and now to the point of refusing to even do school work at home (beyond 20 minutes), it is pure anxiety, being overwhelmed, lack of confidence and evaluation anxiety all mixed together with his obvious ADHD. As you say, all or nothing mentality. 

 

But we are not adding any medication. The goal is to find the right time to continue with his zoloft taper. Besides, he has refused to take anything else and I don't blame him.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • 2 weeks later...

Time to start the taper.

 

I'm planning on tapering with a weigh scale and removing a set amount from each capsule - 10% of the most recent dose. So Starting by going to 45 mg. Should take about a week or so for the scale to arrive. Any recommendations on a milligram scale?

 

How long should he stay at 45 mg? I was thinking 2 or 3 weeks.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator

Hi ConfusedDad-- many of us use the Gemini-20 available on line for about $30.

 

We recommend a hold of at least 4 weeks after a dose reduction.  Some people can get away with less, but more often than not it ends up causing trouble after a few reductions.  

 

Might I suggest that instead of doing a straight 10% reduction that you try using the Brassmonkey Slide Method.  That would be 2.5% a week for 4 weeks followed by an additional 2 week hold.  This gives a 10% reduction over 6 weeks.  By spreading the drops out in this manner people find that the symptoms are greatly reduced and much more manageable.

 

What ever method you choose, best of luck with the taper.

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 like a good approach thanks. I ordered the scale yesterday along with some calibration weights.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • 2 weeks later...

We received the Gemini-20 scale a few days ago and I was quite impressed with its accuracy and repeatability given the low cost. I tried zeroing the scale with different weights to see if performance was better at different weights but differences were not significantly noticeable. I did notice that the scale reaction was frequently 'sticky'. I'd remove a bit of powder onto the scale with no change in output weight and then a bit more it would suddenly show 3-4 mg for example. It also took a bit of time for the scale to settle so 2.5% reduction would have been difficult to achieve reliably/repeatedly.

 

I weighed the powder from four capsules and it works out to 140 mg/capsule so I removed 8-9 mg from this week's capsules (~6%) as a start, not quite the 2.5% (which would have been 3.5 mg) but substantially less than the 10% taper.

 

I first weighed the seven capsules before removing powder and reweighed them after as a check to verify the correct amount was removed. This gave me confidence that my measurements were correct.

 

So it's started. I will be very happy when my son is done with this drug. I'm sure it's been helpful to others but it's only made things worse for him.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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Posted here for future reference...

 

Can you taper faster?
If are not sensitive to a 10% drop, by listening to your body, you may be able to make 10% drops more often than every month.

Many people do fine with a faster taper. Are you one of them? You can't tell ahead of time.

It's best to go slowly at first to find out how you tolerate a reduction. Once you damage your nervous system with withdrawal symptoms, it can take a very long time to feel good again.

The 10% method protects everyone and you have the option of tapering faster if you can tolerate it.

Follow this harm reduction approach to starting your taper:

  • Initially, make a 10% reduction and hold there for a MONTH. It can take several weeks for withdrawal symptoms to emerge. Do that again the second month.
  • If you have very minor or no symptoms from these 2 reductions, you can try reducing by 10% (calculated on the last dosage, the amount of decrease keeps getting smaller) every 3 weeks. Do that twice. If no problems, reduce by 10% every 2 weeks. Do that twice.
  • If no problems after 4.5 months of very gradual reduction, you may be able to reduce by 10% every week.
  • If significant withdrawal symptoms appear, make smaller cuts or go slower. Listen to your body.
  • "Jump off" at the end when you are taking less than 98% of the original dose and reductions no longer cause any reaction at all.

Under this method, the fastest taper takes about 12 months.

 

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/ 

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Administrator

Good for you. You and your son are on your ways!

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Yep.

 

He had a down day today which is day 4 at 47 mg. Heightened anxiety and generally down for most of the day.

 

Although he's had the odd rare down day at 50 mg, it makes me wonder if even at this small decrease of 6%, this is a withdrawal symptom. He had two down days in succession on both 25 mg drops earlier this year before settling  so it's quite possible.

 

If so, I hope he settles tomorrow or the next day. Otherwise it will be extremely tough to get him off this drug if we have to start lower than 6%.

 

Or it could just be coincidence.

 

The roller coaster ride continues.

 

Thanks for your support.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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After holding for a week at initial drop from 50 mg to 47 mg (6%), dropped another 4% from 47 to 45 mg on 29-October.

 

Will hold at 45 mg for minimum three weeks.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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For future reference...

 

FIGURE 3. Relationship Between Striatal Serotonin Transporter (5-HTT) Occupancy and Dose and Plasma Concentration of Sertraline in 14 Healthy and Depressed Subjects

 

https://ils.unc.edu/bmh/neoref/this.dir.unneeded/schizophrenia/review/tmp/352.pdf 

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • 1 month later...

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

It's an empathetic article, which is good to read.  Just be wary of some of his suggestions such as fairly active exercise, hot yoga/saunas, and supplements.  These can be very activating for some of us in w/d. 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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Activating in a good way? Or a bad way.

 

Which supplements in particular should we be wary of?

 

And I thought exercise was a commonly accepted benefit to help stem symptoms?

 

Thanks.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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Good article - thank you!

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Activating in a good way? Or a bad way.

 

Which supplements in particular should we be wary of?

 

And I thought exercise was a commonly accepted benefit to help stem symptoms?

 

Thanks.

 

 

Hi, CD.

 

The term "activating" on this forum means that it can ramp up symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. 

 

This thread may help give you an idea of what supplements to avoid during withdrawal:

 

Important topics about tests, supplements, treatments, diet

 

Exercise can help, but if it's too intense, it can hurt. The main goal is to find the right "fit".

 

Many people find that going for a long walk can help, but going for a run can hurt. 

 

Before I started coming off my drugs, I was an avid long-distance runner and had been for decades. But now I can only go for long walks. When I run, it ramps up symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and GI problems. 

 

So walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc are examples of more gentle forms of exercise.

 

But this is all subjective. Your son's age is definitely to his advantage. 

 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Thanks for that explanation Shep.

 

The hold at 40 mg took four weeks to settle and he's been fine for a week for a total of a five week hold.

 

I was almost at the point of him going back to 50 mg and abandoning the taper because I hated to see him having anxiety episodes so often.

 

Weeks 2-4 he had heightened anxiety but he was back to his happy self all this week which confirmed my belief that he was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. So tomorrow he starts another small drop from 40 mg to 38 mg.

 

His sleep has been all over the place recently. He'd been staying up later and later in the later part of the year until recently he stayed awake through the night and was mostly sleeping during the day.

 

Recent sleep history for example:

 

Jan:

2 na -4:30 pm

3 na- 6:30 pm

4 1:00pm-7:00pm (6 hrs)

5 10:30am-7:30pm (7 hrs)

6 5:30pm-2:00am (8.5 hrs)

7 7:30 pm-

 

Last few days we've been trying to stay up longer to get his sleeping back to overnight so he's getting there.

 

Just wish he'd take melatonin and magnesium to help with symptoms.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Sounds like he's definitely having some clear windows. That's wonderful to read.

 

Would your son be open to epsom salt baths as a way of getting magnesium? He might find it a more gentler and relaxing way to get it and it might relax him into going to bed a bit earlier. 

 

I'm glad he's doing well enough to continue his taper. 

 

 

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Thanks Shep.

 

Haha! No, hard enough to get him into the shower on a regular basis as it is (let alone a bath).

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Lol! Oh yeah, forgot he's a teenager.  :P

 

Well, he's young enough, he'll be okay, he'll survive this as difficult as it is, and go on to have many years of drug-free living ahead of him.

 

I'm so glad you did the research to help him get off these drugs. 

 

 

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

My son craves sugar. Is there a good reference or resource on how sugar affects anxiety?

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

We have this topic:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1165-sugar-its-effect-on-mental-health-and-withdrawal/

 

I listened to a local radio show lately, in which the health-coach was talking about how to manage sugar cravings.  For herself and her clients, she has had success by getting them to have a green smoothie each day.  Here's a link to the related article:  http://www.irmaschutte.com/single-post/2017/02/02/H-A-L-T-your-sugar-craving-without-ditching-your-naughty-treats and an excerpt: 

 

'When you consume enough raw, green leafy plants, your blood sugar levels WILL stabilise. Get that sorted and you’ll be less likely to reach for your creamy chocolate, biscuit, donut or ice cream.'

 

If that sounds reasonable, your next challenge is getting a young person to drink a green smoothie.  But the recipes do sound yummy, with bananas and things added. 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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  • 1 month later...

Thanks KarenB.

 

Another question for anyone who could advise, my son gets anxious/down for a couple of days when adjusting his dose even as low as 5% every four weeks.

 

But over the last six weeks, I've been making smaller 2% drops (as opposed to 5-10%) of his current dose each week (as opposed to 2-4 weeks) and this has so far gone very well and he's currently at 29.5 mg.

 

Any reason not to continue this approach? i.e., more frequent weekly reductions of much smaller 2% decrements?

 

Thanks in advance.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • Moderator Emeritus

What you're doing is something that brassmonkey, a member and moderator, discovered for his own taper. He adds a 3-week hold after the fourth decrease. You can read more about it here:

brassmonkey's post about using a scale and his "slide" technique.
Example of brassmonkey slide.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Thanks scallywag.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • 7 months later...

Zoloft updated tapering in signature...

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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  • 2 months later...

Taper completed! Yay. Thanks for everyone here! Sleep unpredictability continuing and will hopefully resolve over the next several months.

 

·         Started Zoloft ramp up June-2015 up to 100 mg by Dec-2015

·         Held at 100 mg for two months

·         Started tapering from 100 mg in Feb-2016. to 50 mg  by April-2016 (6 weeks)

·         Held at 50 mg for five months

·         Started micro-taper from 50 mg in October-2016  to 25 mg  by June-2017 (7 months)

·         Held at 25 mg June-July, 2017 (2 months)

·         Restarted micro-taper from 25 mg in June-2017  to 0 mg  by Feb-2018 (8.5months). Final jump to 0 mg from 0.7 mg.

 

So two years since we started tapering.

 

14 months for last 50 mg (including a two month hold at 25 mg last summer).

 

He still has GAD but is much happier.

 

I now have a new skill at weighing powder to the nearest half-milligram.

Son with ADHD and GAD tapered from 100 mg zoloft in 2015 to 50 mg since March 2016. Unable to taper further due to symptoms of depression (never experienced prior to zoloft use). Previously tried prozac and Concerta.

Prozac: 01/15 10 mg, 02/15, 20 mg, 03/15 40 mg, 04/15 40->20->10->0 mg

Concerta: 01/16-04/16 18 mg Stopped

Omeprazole: 20 mg Stopped Jul-17

Zoloft:

25 mg 06/15, 50 mg 08/15, 75 mg 10/15, 100 mg 12/15, 75 mg 13-Feb-16, 50 mg 2-Mar-16, 50/25 mg 12-Mar-16,
25 mg 19-Mar-16, 50 mg 01-Apr-16, 47 mg 22-Oct-16, 
45 mg 29-Oct-16, 43 mg 19-Nov-16, 40 mg 4-Dec-16

38 mg 7-Jan-17, 36 mg 26-Jan-17, 34 mg 15-Feb-17,33.6 19-Feb-17, 32.9 26-Feb-17, 32.1 mg 05-Mar-17,

31.4 mg 12-Mar-17, 30.7 mg 19-Mar-17, 30 mg 26-Mar-17, 29.0 mg 02-Apr-17, 28.0 mg 09-Apr-17,

27.0 mg 16-Apr-17,, 26.0 mg 23-Apr-17, 25.0 mg 25-May-17, 23.2 mg 6-Aug-17.... 12 mg 19-Nov-17

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