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31 minutes ago, Daisy said:

I switched from Prozac 40 mgs to Lexapro 5mgs on 3/22/18. I am feeling pretty miserable. Could I be having discontinuation syndrome from the Prozac while on Lexapro? How can I find out?

 

While Lexapro is a stronger drug, 5mg Lexapro is an inadequate substitute for 40mg Prozac, it's equivalent to 15mg Prozac at most.

 

Daisy, if you want to go off drugs, Prozac is a better choice. We can't counsel you on drug switches if what you want to do is stay on an antidepressant. That's your doctor's job.

 

Please put all updates in this topic, your Introductions topic.

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

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Thank you for sharing.

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I owe you a public apology Altostrada. My mind was so clouded, I thought you were blowing me off. Now I see that you were not. I know it is no excuse, but my sister's husband passed away suddenly April 9th. The pain my sister is going through is incredible. I feel so helpless because I know I can not take that pain away. The one year anniversary of my Mom's death was Feb 14th. Now a good friend of mine is having surgery tomorrow and I am fearful of complications and losing him too. I am just so weary.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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You're going through a bad patch, Daisy. Be gentle with yourself, take slow, deep breaths, and put one foot in front of the other.

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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20 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

You're going through a bad patch, Daisy. Be gentle with yourself, take slow, deep breaths, and put one foot in front of the other.

Good advise and I will try to remind myself of it every minute of the day. I am a survivor of of many things and I can get through this too.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Did not get the quoting right. The below was my response.

 

"Good advise and I will try to remind myself of it every minute of the day. I am a survivor of of many things and I can get through this too".

 

I only lightly touched on wondering if my brain fog may be from withdrawal from the Prozac and starting a low dose of Lexapro. Now the Lexapro is even at a lower dose of 2.5 mgs because the 5 mgs caused such fatigue, lack of motivation, sleepiness and lack of focus. I updosed the Lexapro to 10 mgs one night and the next day, I had even more difficulty processes my thoughts, had increased lack of focus, short term memory loss and I could hardly keep my eyes open.all day. Crying jags came out of nowhere. I am a mess. I function, but with great difficulty. My doctor does not believe what I am experiencing is from  the sudden change to the Lexapro. But I had no choice but to switch because I could no longer tolerate the Prozac anymore.. It was causing serious  anxiety and a terrible knot in my stomach and swallowing difficulties. I had to get off it and switch to something else. I even tried reducing the dosage of the Prozac, but I had the same symptoms as before. I just feel like I am in a pickle. All this is is having an impact on being able to work even part time. I have my wits about me to preform when I am with my patients and their families, but I almost collapse when I get home..  I am having to go over this post frequently to get it organized and the spelling correct. Along with what I am going through in my personal life and my problems with the meds, is really hard to deal with lifr right now. My therapist of a long time is trying to help me, but he is the one that is having the surgical procedure and I am afraid I am going to loose him to complications or even death. Thank the good Lord I am not suicidal or even have suicidal ideations.

Daisy

.

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I have to take a leave of absence from work. It sounds like they are willing to work with my and not ask me to resign for which I am grateful. My doctor is willing to bridge the withdrawal from Lexapro with 10 mgs of Prozac. I am also grateful he is listening to me and not trying to raise the Lexapro medication mgs because he thinks I am having some kind of horrible relapse. I can reduce the Lexapro as slowly as I need to.. The Prozac of 10 mgs is not exactly what Surviving Antidepressants would recommend, but because I was having an adverse reaction to 40 mgs of Prozac, I am afraid to go any higher. Please wish me luck and if you pray, please include me in your prayers. I will keep all here that are suffering in my prayers because I am a believer in God and Jesus. I am do not judge anyone who has different religious beliefs than me. I am asking those who differ not to judge me. If I an breaking Surviving Antidepressant's protocol  as far as discussing religion beliefs, please let me know.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I went through a horrible patch of withdrawal going from 5 mgs Leaxapo to 2.5 mgs. I had a couple of days of shaking, dizziness, a bouncing sound in my ears when I moved my eyes, nausea, crying jags and really bad brain fog. The only thing that stopped the shakes and crying jags was Xanax. I walked around like a zombie for a few days. No shakes today. I was able to drive safely even though I still feel off balance. PD was very supportive and understood what discontinuation syndrome was and I was not exaggerating. Thank goodness for that. I talked to him a lot online and even once on the phone just to make sure he knew how bad of shape I was in. I am being bridged with 10mgs of Prozac. 10 mgs of Prozac is not enough...I know that. But I had to come off of the amt of Prozac I was on and on to the Lexapro because the Prozac shot my anxiety out through the roof. I felt desperate to feel better. Now look where I am. I am in a mess once again.

I am afraid to stop taking an antidepressant because of what happened to me  with the Effexor XL back in 2012.  I guess the important thing right now is to get more stable and go from there.  

I hope what I have written makes sense because I am still foggy.

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I wish I could be more supportive of others than I am right now. But I am having a rough time managing the withdrawal and other things that are happening in my life.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Update. No shakes from head to toe yesterday and today. I did not have to take xanax for it. I guess the bridge of 10 mgs  of Prozac of is doing its job even only having been on it for 4 days. Over the counter  Antivert ( generic name meclizine 25 mgs) has helped  tremendously with the dizziness, nausea and has reduced the bouncing noise in my ears. I have been taking it once a day for 3 days.  1000mgs mgs of Tylenol occasionally has helped with the headaches.

 

I feel safe driving and was able to run some errands yesterday in the morning hours. I still tire easily and I think it is due to my poor body being under a lot of stress with the withdrawal. Emotionally I am still very tender, and I still have a problems with focusing on one task at a time, but that is getting better to. I have to talk myself through the task I am doing to to help me stay organized, but at least I am able to do that where as before, I was all over the place. For instance, I would put a coffee cup under the drip and just get sidetracked and forget what I had done. Consequently, I ended up with coffee all over the counter when the cup over flowed. What I am doing as far as meds and getting off the Lexapro because I was not tolerating it, had to be done this way and as did just stopping the Prozac 40 mgs had to be done this way due to reasons I think I stated in my prior posts. I do not recommend it and encourage a low taper off all antidepressants for those that experience discontinuation syndrome. Do not follow what I had to do in regards to a fast taper. I would not want anyone to suffer what I have been going through this week. 

 

On a different note, my therapist or 30 years made it through his surgery and is now home resting. Thank goodness for my PD who was kind enough to call my therapist ( they know each other on a professional basis), and called me to report that my therapist is out of the hospital and  on bed rest for a few days at home. He is okay which is a relief to me because I was quite worried about him. My therapist has gone above and beyond through the years to be there for me. He does this for all his patients and I am lucky to have found him. He was the one who recommended my PD in 2012 when I survived my suicide attempt, and I am finding out this PD is also going above and beyond to help me with meds  which has being put to the test lately.  I learned he actually listens and believes me when I tell him the reactions when I am having a reaction to the meds, instead of blowing me off and trying to fit me in with what he learned in school as the norm. He actually said I know best as to what my body is telling me and that we are a team.

 

I have had to e mail him frequently the past week and 1/2 and he promptly answers me. When I told him I could not tolerate the side effects 5 mgs of Lexapro and let alone go up to  the 10 mgs which I did for 1 night, he did ask me initially to continue the 10 mgs. I refused. When I told him that he can fire me as a patient when I insisted I had to go to 2.5 mgs of Lexapro because of my particular reaction to having been on the dosage of 5 mgs for I think over a month were not getting any better, he did not fire me for being non compliant and worked with me instead.. I feel blessed to have these two professional people because I know from things that other people have posted on this site about their GP or PD, this is usually not the case. 

I have said a lot and to those that are in bad shape and may not be able to follow all I have said, that is okay. I have been there and fully understand. If I have gotten too medical, forgive me because I am an RN and I think and sometimes write like one.

 

Sincerely and with many hugs to all that read this. Feel free to make any comments you want to, positive or negative. I feel strong enough emotionally right now and I am pretty sure I can handle negative posts to what I have said and welcome any positive ones. What I do not know is if I can offer any help with what you are going through because my confidence in myself is being affected plus I am not an expert in psychiatric medications. I just know right now what is working for me. . Take what you want from what I have written and leave the rest.

Daisy

Edited by Altostrata
added paragraph spacing

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Administrator

Hi, Daisy. Good to hear you're feeling a bit better.

 

On 5/15/2018 at 12:51 PM, Daisy said:

The Prozac of 10 mgs is not exactly what Surviving Antidepressants would recommend, but because I was having an adverse reaction to 40 mgs of Prozac, I am afraid to go any higher.

 

We definitely would not urge you to take a higher dose of Prozac. In fact, you may find that 10mg is too much. The Prozac will keep building in effect over the next week, while it gets to steady-state in your bloodstream. You may want to reduce it. Please let us know how you're doing as time goes on.

 

Good to hear your psychiatrist is working with you. That is how the doctor-patient relationship should be.

 

(When you post, please write in short paragraphs for easier reading.)

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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 Thanks for the kind reply and advice. I will cut it down my post length and make it simple and easier to follow.  If I need to give an excuse as for for the long posts, it is I am coming out of a brain fog and am so grateful to the professionals who are helping me that I have a lot to say. I will judge how I respond to the 10 mgs of Prozac in the next week and will ask my PD on May 22nd for 10 mg tablets. All I have now are 10 mg capsules that are left over when the Prozac was being increased

Sincerely,

Daisy.

Edited by Daisy
added a word to make sentence grammatically correct

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Administrator

The post isn't too long, we just need paragraph breaks for our poor tired eyes.

 

Please let us know how you're doing over the next week. You might find you want to stick with the capsules, which are full of powder that might be made into a liquid to fine-tune the dosage.

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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Okay. I will break up the paragraphs. My eyes are tired too , so I understand. I have already ask my PD by e mail for 10mg tablets I think I can break in half. I personally do not trust the fillers that are put in the powder to really get an accurate dose. I may be wrong though.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Alto

PD called in the 10 mg tabs for me. They are scored so I can easily break them in half. I got the  Lexapro 5mg/5ml solution  when I went down to 2.5 mg of Lexapro so I could  measure out 2.5 ml which equals 2.5 mgs. 5 mg Lexapro tablets were not scored and crumbled when I used a pill splitter.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Administrator

However you want to do it, Daisy. You may end up making a liquid from those tablets.

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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Alto

Well I just did make a liquid from the capsules. The pharmacy will not have any tablets in until Monday. I went to the link on how to do it and found it very helpful. Thank you.

 

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Administrator

Let's wait to see how you do on 10mg Prozac before discussing titration.

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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Good idea. I have the shakes again'.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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A hot bath and heating the house to 78 degrees helped.

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I feel like I am nuts having all these weird symptoms. I do not understand it.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Administrator
8 hours ago, Altostrata said:

The Prozac will keep building in effect over the next week, while it gets to steady-state in your bloodstream.

 

Your symptoms may continue to fluctuate as your system settles down. This may take weeks.

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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Thanks for the reassurance. Temp is fine, but BP is 87/45. I am not dizzy though. Shakes are gone.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Do you suggest drinking a little coffee to bring it up or just monitor it?

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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BP gradually coming up on its own. It is now 94/62. I am just going to move around,  get my circulation going and drink water.

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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BP 106/64. Guess I am going to live.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Per PD, the xanax I am taking to help me get through this withdrawal more than likely reacted with the Antivert I was taking for dizziness and nausea giving me low blood pressure. I also am withdrawing from a 2.5 mg drop from the Lexapro which was a bad antidepressant for me. I am maybe even be in withdrawal from abruptly having to stop 40 mgs of Prozac due to the extreme anxiety and panic attacks it all of a sudden to started giving me.

 

I am now on 2.5 mg Lexapro at night, 0.5 mgs Xanax 3 times a day and 10 mgs of Prozac in the morning. The Prozac is to bridge the Lexapro. The Xanax is to make sure I am not going into withdrawal from it.  I feel like a walking zombie. I am forcing myself to get out and walk the dog all the way around the block daily. I have a good friend who is willing to drive me to do errands because it is not safe for me to drive. He is also taking care of my 2 cats in my second residence near by.

 

I am doing my best to eat 3 nutritious meals a day and stay hydrated. I am miserable but know this is temporary and I can get through this in time.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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How long have you been taking Xanax? That's what's probably making you feel like a zombie.

 

What is your plan for the Lexapro?

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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At this time I do not have a plan for the Lexapro. I am just trying to get through the day until I feel more stable. Yes, the Xanax is causing my Zombie state. But right now it is necessary until I am stable enough to take it on a PRN basis again. Just too many changes in meds  to keep going up and down on anything right now. In my opinion, my central nervous system has had too many shocks to it over the past month. I am under the care and advisement of a PD and I think we have been talking daily by e mail this past week. I just need some support from those that have been there and understand what discontinuation syndrome is all about and that the severity of it varies from person to person.

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I know that it would be easier on me if I would just accept what is going on as far as withdrawal, but I am finding that hard. I also find it hard to humble myself and ask for help with the symptoms, but I am doing that at a little bit at a time.

 

Right now I am not good at navigating this site to look for what I need help with. My powers of absorption of information are also impaired.

 

I am also so needy right now that I am embarrassed. I live by myself and I have one person I trust to call when things are particularly bad. But he has a life and I would not expect or want him to be there for me all the time. It would not be fair.

 

Please forgive my posting errors and frequency of posts while I go through this.

 

Daisy

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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I am miserable and need advice. Should I reinstate the Prozac 40 mgs that I abruptly stopped? 

 

Should I continue on the 2.5 mgs of Lexapro daily,  5 mgs of Prozac daily and Xanax 3 times a day? Yes, I confess that I am taking 5 mgs Prozac vs 10 mgs because I got scared when 10 mgs seemed to have caused 1 night of sleeplessness.

 

My PD helped me set up a schedule of when to take the medication I am on based on how I had documented the Lexapro, Prozac and Xanax made me feel physically. We decided to reduce the Xanax from 0.5 mgs three times a day  to 0.5 mgs in morning, 2.5 mgs at noon and 0.5 mgs at dinner. Take the Prozac in the morning.  Take the Lexapro 2.5 mgs at bedtime. 

 

To be perfectly honest, I am scared right now to make any changes in the antidepressants because I feel so unstable. But maybe I am doing myself a disservice and there is a better and easier way of doing this. 

 

My ultimate goal is to get off antidepressants. I am tired of the roller coaster. My other goal is to have a full life again instead of the half life I have in right now.

 

One more thing, my PD is enlightened enough to admit withdrawal from antidepressants is very, very real and is person specific. We are making up the medication plan to get me off them as we go along depending on how I am doing. My PD and therapist actually talk to one another periodically. I trust my therapist. Now I am starting to trust my PD. 

Daisy

PS. I have seen my PD since 2012 and am just now starting to trust him. Do you think I have trust issues:rolleyes: LOL

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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This is an example as to how Lexapro effects me. 5 mgs made the effects worse and 1 night of 10 mgs I could barely keep my eyes open,  let alone think a clear thought. Crying jags during the little more than a month that I was on it. Anybody else have that reaction or am I just "special":huh:

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EXAMPLE

Lexapro 2.5 mgs  8:30 PM then lay down on the couch to watch TV with alarm next to my ear set for 9:30 PM intending to take the Xanax, take care of the animals and then go to bed.
Never heard the alarm even though I have the sound turned up. I woke up on my own at aprox 12:45 AM. I am drowsy, but can semi function but only at a  very slow pace. I am shuffling my feet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 FYI-Alarm goes off continuously for 10 minutes then goes into snooze mode for 5 minute and sounds again for 30 seconds. Snooze repeats itself 2 times

 

 

 

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Daisy, I have become confused by your recent drug changes since you came back in May.

 

Is it your intention to go off the antidepressants or are you in the middle of an antidepressant switch? I think it's possible you're not having withdrawal symptoms at all; your symptoms are side effects of the drugs.

 

On 5/10/2018 at 5:24 PM, Daisy said:

I switched from Prozac 40 mgs to Lexapro 5mgs on 3/22/18. I am feeling pretty miserable. Could I be having discontinuation syndrome from the Prozac while on Lexapro? How can I find out?

 

Why did you switch from Prozac to Lexapro? How was 40mg Prozac affecting you? What did you mean by "feeling pretty miserable"? What were your symptoms?

 

On 5/15/2018 at 3:08 AM, Daisy said:

wondering if my brain fog may be from withdrawal from the Prozac and starting a low dose of Lexapro. Now the Lexapro is even at a lower dose of 2.5 mgs because the 5 mgs caused such fatigue, lack of motivation, sleepiness and lack of focus. I updosed the Lexapro to 10 mgs one night and the next day, I had even more difficulty processes my thoughts, had increased lack of focus, short term memory loss and I could hardly keep my eyes open.all day. Crying jags came out of nowhere. I am a mess.

 

^I'm really confused by this. Is this your current symptom pattern? When did it start? Did you have these symptoms when you were taking 40mg Prozac?

 

7 hours ago, Daisy said:

Xanax from 0.5 mgs three times a day  to 0.5 mgs in morning, 2.5 mgs at noon and 0.5 mgs at dinner. Take the Prozac in the morning.  Take the Lexapro 2.5 mgs at bedtime. 

 

Please answer these questions:

 

On 5/20/2018 at 3:20 PM, Altostrata said:

How long have you been taking Xanax? That's what's probably making you feel like a zombie.

 

Exactly what times of day do you take your drugs, and their dosages?

 

Your current dose of Lexapro makes you sleepy in the evening? What is your symptom pattern during the day?

 

Why did you add in Prozac only 4 days after starting 5mg Lexapro? The weepiness may be caused by the Xanax.

 

Please update your signature.

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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I am going to do my best to answer your questions:

I started Prozac I think 20 mgs in 2012 when I attempted suicide maybe to a failed attempt to stop Effexor XL. I had reinstated because I needed to work again, but I was not functional enough and was fired from 2 jobs. I got another job, but the stress was too much and I just could not stand living with the high anxiety anymore, thus the suicide attempt.  I also was trying to taper off Xanax during these 3 new jobs but failed again.

 

When I was out patient  program 1/2 day, after the suicide attempt, the PD whom I had never met before, wanted to increase the Effexor XL to 300 mgs but I refused. Effexor XL was not a good drug for me. I had experienced being C/T off it for 7 days due to covering internist refusing to give a refill because I had not gotten into the office in a timely manner, thus some pretty severe withdrawal symptoms. He put me on the Prozac and had me take the Effexor XL every other day for I do not know how long.

 

I found a psych recommended by my therapist because he was conservative with medications. He continued me on Prozac and I think the dose got up to 40 mgs. I also was put on Buspar 30 mgs twice a day, then Remeron 7.5 mgs at bedtime for sleep. This was all in 2012 I think.  I managed to get off the Buspar and only took the Remeron maybe 2-3 times a week to get a good sleep somewhere between 2013 and 2014. I continued the Prozac at 40 mgs for a while and tried unsuccessfully to get off it. I think I got down to 20 mgs again, but not by titrating the dose down gradually. I just did it. It did not work out so I went back up to 40 mgs. 

 

After my Mom's death in Feb of 2017 my grief was so deep that first I tried Lorazapam which really did not do the trick. I was switched to Xanax first at 0.125 mgs as needed daily at my request, Gradually the Xanax was increased to 1.5 mgs of Xanax daily as needed for panic.

 

Somewhere I think in Feb of 2018 the Prozac was  increased to 50 mgs because I was depressed due to the 1 year anniversary of my Mother's death. I continued with the Xanax as needed which was every day. After I do not know exactly how long after being on the Prozac 50 mgs my anxiety shot through the roof and I had a knot in my stomach and throat that made me feel I was having difficulty swallowing to the point that I did not even want to swallow my own saliva.

 

It was decided  to start me on 3/22/18 on 2.5 mgs of Lexapro for three days then up to 5 mgs. That is when the fatigue, forgetfulness, crying jags and drowsiness started so I switched to taking it at night but still had the same symptoms.

 

Going back to 3/22/18 with the stopping of the Prozac and the starting of Lexapro; I hung with the 5 mgs Lexapro till 5/9/18 when I went up to 10 mgs at night which was the psychs dosage goal. The next day I could hardly keep my eyes open and the mental cloudiness was even worse. On May 10th I told my PD that I just could not tolerate the Lexapro anymore and I was going down to 2.5 mgs again which was better and he could fire me as a pt if he wanted to. I meant it. So I did just that. 

 

On May 15th I sent my PD an e mail because I had started a couple of days earlier with the same sensations and other stuff that I had when C/T off the Effexor XL in 2012. That scared me because I did not want to go through the same thing again. The PD wanted to try and bridge the reduction of Lexapro by putting me on 10 mgs Prozac daily and continuing the Lexapro at 2.5 mgs. I had one night of sleeplessness when on the Prozac 10 mgs and I got scared and insisted on going to 5 mgs which is where I am today. 

 

I started to have episodes of  shaking and crying and other symptoms, so instead of the Xanax being as needed, I was ask to start Xanax routinely at 0.5 mgs 3 times a day because the PD thought maybe I was in withdrawal from Xanax and the reduction of the Lexapro. 

 

I saw my PD yesterday. I had to have someone drive me because I was dizzy and nauseated and motion made it even worse. I felt like I was shaking. I had to keep my eyes closed the whole time while my friend drove me there. Seeing that I was not in acute withdrawal from the Xanax, because he could barely see any tremors.  But to me it felt like my whole body was trembling. The PD changed the Xanax to 0.5 mgs with breakfast, 0.25 mgs at lunch and 0.5 mgs at dinner. The Lexapro is 2.5 mgs at bedtime. The 5 mgs of Prozac is 5 mgs at breakfast.

 

As far as the Xanax, it is not new to me and never made me weepy. I take it routinely now because I feel like I tremble if I do not and it makes the other symptoms more bearable.

 

Then lets get to my reaction to the Antivert I tried for 2 days for the dizziness, bouncing noise in my ears and the nausea. On the second day of taking it, I woke up from a nap in the evening and immediately started to have jerky shaking like I was extremely cold. I am not sure how I managed, but I quickly drank a glass of Almond milk and ran myself a hot bath. My temperature was normal so it was not due to a fever coming on. The bath stopped the shaking, but being a medical professional, I decided to check my blood pressure. It was 77/45 and it took over an hour for it to come up to I think 106/60. This has never happened to me before, so I contributed it to the Antivert reacting with Xanax that was in my system. Before taking the Antivert, I checked with the pharmacist where I get my medications if there was any adverse reactions between Lexapro, Xanax and Prozac. I was told no. I have no underlying cardiac disease or other diseases except GERD. I do not have Dementia or Alzheimer's  even though right now I have times where I feel like I do. The only other medication I take is Prilosec. I am not over weight and I try to walk at least around the block no matter how I am feeling.

Believe me or not believe me that I am in withdrawal from an antidepressant. At this point I do not even care But because I have been there before, I know first hand what is going on. With or without your help here at Surviving Antidepressants, my goal is to get off all medication except the Prilosec. But I am too unstable right now to start a reduction of the Lexapro even by a drop.

 

By the way, I had to take a leave of absence from work when I started to react to the 50 mgs of Prozac. I went back for awhile, but how the Lexapro effected me caused me to take another leave of absense. I just could not take the stress of faking that I was alright anymore.

 

If you want to keep me here, please do not ask me to update my signature right now because writing this took quite an effort. I  had to research through e mails to the PD and also try to remember what I have been through and I am done in. I have done the best that I can right now to put all of it down in a semi organized fashion.

 

If I come across differently in any of the posts I have written since I came back here, it is because my emotions and physical self are all over the place and  unpredictable.  I have not always been this way. I own a small condo, worked full time  as a non licensed medical person in a acute hospital while I went to school full time to get my professional license and a college degree. I maintained a 3.8 grade average during the 2 years of the medical training and I earned my college degree prior to getting into the 2 year medical program. I worked full time as a medical professional for many years, but since the C/T of the Effexor XL, that has changed. But somehow I have managed not to lose my home or any other possessions. I have maintained my relationships with my siblings and now deceased Mother. I lost my Father to cancer when I was 27. I have survived a divorce, I have survived an Uncle who was a pedophile  and I was one of his victims when I was still in grade school. I have survived 2 suicide attempts and have worked hard to develop more confidence in myself and develop a better sense of self worth.. I have maintained the friendships of two good friend for over 25 years.  

 

Daisy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Administrator

Daisy, all of that information is important information. But it's too much to read. To make the best use of my time, please focus on answering the questions that I ask.

 

Answer them in a clear way that I can follow easily. What exactly is your drug schedule now? One drug per line, please.

 

Was your benzo intake recently increased?

 

As I've said before, it looks to me like your symptoms might be side effects of your drugs, particularly the Xanax -- which does not appear at all in your signature -- or drug-drug interactions. If your doctor is continually ramping up the Xanax to quash your symptoms, he or she might be creating them. Dopiness is a classic symptom of overdrugging with a benzodiazepine.

 

Please put ALL your current drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php

and copy and paste the results in this topic.

 

This may show you what's going on.

 

This is a site for going off drugs. What is it you're trying to do here? Yes, you have a complicated drug past. If what you want to do is get properly medicated with psychiatric drugs, that's your doctor's job. My time is unpaid.

 

I'm sorry if responding here is difficult for you. It's the only way we can get information. I am sorry you are overdrugged, but I cannot take the responsibility for balancing your cocktail.

 

 

 

 

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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www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1013-565,1750-1118,1115-648,133-54

 

Xanax was not recently increased

 

 

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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