lobster Posted September 9, 2014 Author Share Posted September 9, 2014 Its good to see you back and great to see how far along you have come. I do hear that things are less-than-pleasant at the moment. The first few days are always killer for me. I hope that your body/mind settle in quickly. Its hard to take that step forward with a decrease when your body starts to complain. Deep breath. Blessings your way! Thank you for the kind words :-) I'm doing pretty well right now it seemed as the first two days were the roughest . Witch seemed a little different usually I'm fine at first and it's about 10 days later withdrawal starts. I am optimistic it will continue to get better. The weather is helping to its nice to be out side. I'm getting things ready for fall and winter it won't be long I'm actually looking forward to snow I know I'm a little crazy lol..I hope you are doing well take care of yourself :-) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 10, 2014 Administrator Share Posted September 10, 2014 It must be beautiful out on the ocean now.... This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
lobster Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 It must be beautiful out on the ocean now....[/que] Hi alto :-) The weather has been beautiful. Very pretty sunrises it's getting a little cooler now mornings it was in the 40s this morning. It has been one of the best seasons of my career. I still miss having my dad on the water with me but I have him in memory :-) the catches have been very good this year along with a better price. We needed it after the last couple of really hard years. The end of next month things will be slowing down For the winter. The summer has gone by so fast. I think the fact I have been feeling better and working most days has made it go fast. I dropped my lexapro recently only had a couple days of not feeling good I feel a lot better now. I think it will continue. I think I'll do it again in about 5 weeks that Will make a 6 week hold. We will see how I do between now and then. I hope you are still doing good. Take care, your friend lobster :-) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 12, 2014 Administrator Share Posted September 12, 2014 Thank you, lobster. Very happy you're doing so well now. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 3, 2014 Author Share Posted October 3, 2014 Hi every one. An up date on my progress today marks one month since my last cut. I have had increased anxiety vivid dreams and a general feeling of being unwell. For the last three or four days. Feeling better today. It seems as a pattern I have increased with draws between 4 and 6 week's after a cut. Although they seem to peak around day 3 then subside. So in all it hasen't been to bad at least I know some What to expect :-) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
mattinsmom Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 Glad to hear that you are feeling better today. Finding the pattern seems to help me remember that things do get better. Wishes that you continue to feel better each day. Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Good morning every one. I dropped yesterday on my lexapro to 2 mg. Hoping it all goes we'll. Last night was rough my 13 year old son only got about two hours of sleep. He keept waking with panic attacks when he would fall asleep. This has me freaked out as this has been one of my issues. We talked about What was happening he has had some anxiety in the past. I'm not sure on What is triggering this. I am trying to minimize it as to not have him worrie about it. I worrie that the last few years of me having problems have had an affect on him. He is so much like me all I can do is try and comfort him and try to make him believe it will be OK. It's hard for me to see him like this. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted October 15, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hi Lobster, Thank you for the update, I hope your cut goes well. I'm sorry you had a difficult night with your son, but try not to worry. Kids go through a lot of physical and hormonal changes around that age and it can disrupt sleep. If this continues, maybe you can try some of the methods for improving sleep, in our self care section. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/604-important-topics-about-symptoms-including-sleep-problems/ Scroll down a bit for the sleep section. Minimizing stimulation in the evening will probably help and making sure that nothing is worrying him. I'm sure I don't need to write this, but do what you need to do to avoid medication. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
lobster Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Thanks Petu. A bad night a gain. My anxiety was sky high yesterday I'm wondering if I should have stayed put on my lexapro dosage a while longer. My last cut was 5 weeks ago. Today is day number 3. I am also really worried about my son. He went to bed last night same thing waking with racing heart shaking anxiety. So remembering when he was little when we couldn't get him to sleep we would take him for a ride in the truck. He fell a sleep shortly so we drove around for two hrs while he slept and when we came home he fell asleep OK and is still sleeping. As for me I only managed a couple hrs of sleep and kept having Sleep jerks and panicking. I can Handel my self OK but seeing him like this takes it out of me.. also No medication not after seeing What has happend to me. Thanks Petu. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted October 15, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 15, 2014 Dear Lobster, I'm sorry to hear about new developments but that's why we are here for you. I'm learning from all of you for when it comes my time to tackle Lexapro. I noticed that people can tolerate only small cuts especially as the dose decreases. S maybe next time you could try making a smaller cut, maybe 5 % and see how it goes with that. I really hope things settle down soon. I completely understand you when it comes to your son. Do you have any ideas about what might be causing this? Is anything bothering him in his life, any stress or a change of routine of any kind? Anxiety is usually a response which signals that we find something too overwhelming. I know that you are a bit off mainland but can he start some sort of therapy to explore what is it that bothers him and work on developing better techniques pf dealing with stress and life in general? I found talk therapy extremely helpful to understand myself and better manage my responses. How old is he? You mentioned he was still going to you and helping you on the boat if I remember it correctly... You are doing so much for him and it means a world to have you there for him and understanding what he is going through. (And not piling drugs). These are just growing pains and with your support I'm sure it will go away. But I'd like to get to the bottom of this... Will be watching for more updates from you. Your friend, Bubble Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hi bubble: -) My son is 13. He just recently went to a school camp for 3 nights and had anxiety about that. That could have had something to do with it. He has had some anxiety issues in the past. But we are very supportive parents and always try and make him feel the best he can. He has seen me have a hard time with things. I can't help but think it's had a contribution to his anxiety. He was fine until the night before last. He went to sleep and woke two hr later all shake and panicky..Each time he tired to sleep it was the same. Of courses I recognized What was going on because this happens to me all the time when I'm really stressed or anxious. It of course frightened him and he thought about it all day yesterday and made it worse last night. I used all my knoweledg that I have to help him understand he was going to be OK. He had a hard night but was good this morning before school. He may have a couple more hard nights but I'm hoping once he sees That it's OK he will relax and not have any more issues. We really don't have access to any talk group or things like that here. I guess I'm it for him at least I am going through the same things and can help him. I think my problem is more that I'm worried about him. No doubt I'm having some with drawl to my cut but I'm unshore as to How much. It's coincidental that he had this problem the next day after my cut. On a positive note I stayed up until 2 am and refused to take any thing to sleep although I panicked a lot I did eventually sleep for a couple hours. Six months a go that would have been an impossible feat.. Thanks for responding to me. Take care :-) 1 Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted October 15, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hey lobster, you said it's been 5 weeks since your last cut, and a few posts back you said your pattern is withdrawals get worse between 4 and 6 weeks, so sounds to me like this is normal and if you just hang in there and don't cut again yet, this will pass and you'll get to feeling better again soon. I agree with Bubble that it might be worth a try to make smaller cuts like 5% and see how that goes, now that you're down to such a low dose. I'm sorry your son is having problems. It's such a difficult age with all the hormones and changes happening, and all the other kids in school are also going through it and not usually being very nice too. Can you take a look at what he's eating and how much exercise he's getting and what time of day? Boys this age usually need lots of calories and often they are eating lots of sugar and white flour and junk foods which can actually mess up your natural intestinal balance and affect the nervous system. I know there's not a lot you can do about what a teenager eats but maybe just make sure he's well supplied with access to lots of healthy food and don't keep much junk food in the house so at least when he's at home he will reach for a banana or apple if there aren't cookies, if that makes sense. And maybe you can get him to eat some yogurt to help keep his intestinal balance in better shape. It makes a lot of difference for me. Also, kids this age can usually tolerate a lot of exercise and that can help with anxiety and with sleep, as long as it's not too close to sleep time. Maybe he's already playing sports and doing a lot, I don't know, but if not and if work has slowed down and he's being less active and back in school with all that sitting, that might be a thing. Just a couple of thoughts, hope it helps, I'm sorry it's rough. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hi RHI. Today is day number 3 on my cut. I had been 5 weeks. On a hold I thought I was OK to drop down. With this problem with my son I'm anxious I do feel better today so I'm not sure. My son does eat things that aren't the best choice but he also eats a lot of good things vegtables and things like that. He is active and likes to be outdores.He is 13 years old 5foot one and weighs about 95 lbs . So he's good like that. I wish I was lol. He is a good kid but sensitive. His school there is only about 30 kids it's a small island school. His teacher this year is new to teaching so her ways are different than What he's used to. I'm sure it will pass it just stresses me to see him suffer. if I could take it away for him I would in a heart beat. So I'm not sure if my issue is with drawl or dealing with him. They happend so close together it's hard to tell. I also started him on 200mg of magnesium yesterday that might help to calm him some .Thank you so much: -) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hi every one: -) I'm going to try to buy and takeTaurine. Can some one recommended a good brand and place to buy it and recommended a dosage for me to start? I'm thinking it might help with my inner anxiety and shaking. It's worth a try. I have had for over two years at least 4 times a week when falling a sleep a sense of panic and shaking racing heart so it's worth a try. I'm also taking 400 mg magnesium a day. Thank you: -) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 Good morning: -) I decided to go back up on my lexaoro last night. I don't think I waited long enough to do a cut yet. I guess I need longer than 5 weeks on a hold. I slept better last night..on my next drop maybe I'll only try 5% . Thanks every one. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 Good morning. Just an update on my situation. I went back up on my lexapro it seems to have helped some. Next time I'll try a 5% cut and see How that goes. My son has been sleeping better. He was waking with panic and each time he would start to fall a sleep it would happen. The first night was bad and the second night to. It took a lot of convincing him that he would be OK and it would stop once he calmed down so the third night I had him convinced it would be OK and he slept fine and has since. So I gained some credibility that I know What Im saying lol now why can't I convince my self like that lol. I ordered taurine to try. I'll start with 250mg in the evening. I have done a bunch of research on it. I read it might help with tinnitus and has a key roll in the production of melanin which is responsible for skin pigment. I have vitiligo so my body attacks the pigment cells. Maybe it will help with some anxiety to. I'm not to hopeful but it couldn't hurt. Is there any danger in taking these supplements long term? I'm taking magnesium and I'm going to start the taurine. Thanks: -) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted October 18, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 18, 2014 Glad you are feeling better Lobster, at lower doses the cuts are better smaller, it is easy to rush because we are near the end but the brain has other ideas! Start low with taurine, I had some help from it but then ran out and couldn't get hold of it so my local shop ordered some for me, I will be collecting it today. It is used by body builders and the lady had a little grin on her face when I asked for it, lol. I take it with magnesium at night Too much might give you muscles in places you didnt know existed, hehe . **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
lobster Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 Glad you are feeling better Lobster, at lower doses the cuts are better smaller, it is easy to rush because we are near the end but the brain has other ideas! Start low with taurine, I had some help from it but then ran out and couldn't get hold of it so my local shop ordered some for me, I will be collecting it today. It is used by body builders and the lady had a little grin on her face when I asked for it, lol. I take it with magnesium at night Too much might give you muscles in places you didnt know existed, hehe . Lol. I will start small and see How it goes I'm going to take it with magnesium as we'll. It's worth a try. I don't mind more muscles. It will help with the heavy trap gear I have to move around lol. Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Good morning. I have taken 250 mg taurine. For two days. Today will make day number 3 this morning I am noticing some dizziness. If I move my head it takes my eyes time to catch up.. I was wondering if any one else who has taken this has noticed any thing like this. It might not even be related. I havent changed or added any thing else .Just curious Thanks. 1 Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted October 23, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 23, 2014 Hi Lobster-- Glad your son is feeling better. What a good dad you are! I'm sure your reassuring him makes all the difference for him, he must really look up to you. I'm glad he has you. I don't know much about taurine. I think I tried it but quit taking it for some reason. Seems like every time I use a supplement it works for a few days and then it quits working or has the opposite effect or something. But other people here have done well with supplements so your experience could be very different from mine. I just wanted to point out again that this last cut you made at 5 weeks, you said yourself somewhere else that your withdrawal symptoms usually get their worst at right about 4 to 6 weeks after the cut, so maybe 5 weeks isn't good timing to make another cut for you. You might want to wait next time, get through that "worse" period, and then cut once you start to feeling better after 6 weeks or so. Just from what you yourself have said about how it has gone for you in the past, maybe that's better timing for you. Your body is the expert. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion. Link to comment
lobster Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Hi Lobster-- Glad your son is feeling better. What a good dad you are! I'm sure your reassuring him makes all the difference for him, he must really look up to you. I'm glad he has you. I don't know much about taurine. I think I tried it but quit taking it for some reason. Seems like every time I use a supplement it works for a few days and then it quits working or has the opposite effect or something. But other people here have done well with supplements so your experience could be very different from mine. I just wanted to point out again that this last cut you made at 5 weeks, you said yourself somewhere else that your withdrawal symptoms usually get their worst at right about 4 to 6 weeks after the cut, so maybe 5 weeks isn't good timing to make another cut for you. You might want to wait next time, get through that "worse" period, and then cut once you start to feeling better after 6 weeks or so. Just from what you yourself have said about how it has gone for you in the past, maybe that's better timing for you. Your body is the expert. Thank you Rhi ???? My son is doing good. He hasn't had any problems since.I hope the worst is behind for that. I did do a cut to quickly next time I'll wait at least six weeks. My anxiety has been better since I went back up on the lexapro a little. I'm hoping to have good luck with the turine. It's still early to tell I started low at 250 mg a day so we will see How it goes. The dizziness could be from the cut I did six weeks ago. And not the turine but it could be me getting used to the turine to. It should stop in a few days. Thanks for the input. Take care Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted October 29, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 29, 2014 Hi Lobster, the dizziness could be from the taurine. I take 500mg, but I take it just before I go to sleep, it helps me sleep better, and when I wake up in the night, I can go back to sleep easier. I've tried taking it during the day, but it has an unpleasant effect for me for daytime use. Perhaps if the dizziness continues, you could try taking it at night. I'm happy to hear that your son is ok now. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
lobster Posted October 29, 2014 Author Share Posted October 29, 2014 Thanks Petu ????. I am taking 250 mg taurine in the evening. The dizziness only lasted a couple days and is better now. I might have just been adjusting to it. I think I'll hold at 250 mg for a little while longer then go up to 500 mg in the evening. Things have been a little stressful the last few days my son has been home with a bad cold. The weather has been rainy not great for the mood. I fInd I feel a lot worse mentally when I'm not busy. I'm ready for some sun shine. I hope you are we'll take care: -) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
mattinsmom Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Hi Happy to see that the dizziness has passed. And I am sorry to hear that your son doesn't feel well. Its hard when our kids are sick. Hard being the parent, hard to pick up the extra that comes with sick kids. And, rain sucks. Hope your son is feeling better and that the sun has shown itself. Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 10, 2014 Author Share Posted November 10, 2014 Good morning. Just an update I'm doing pretty good I haven't done another lexapro cut yet. I am having problems with my sons anxiety again. The last two nights have been horrible. He's waking through the night with panic attacks. Again this is the second time in a month. It happens over and over.now he's afraid to sleep. I watched him he fell asleep for about an hour then rolled over and woke panicked shaking shivering. It's horrible I don't know What to do. Other than reassure him it will be OK. I am having him take magnesium and a small dose of taurine. I absolutely don't want him on any meds. I will make sure of that.I am at my wits end with all of this. He is having the same problem I have with sleep. I have come to realize after 3 years. If I lay there through it after a while I will sleep and it might happen a couple nights but it does get better and stops for a while before it starts again. I had the same problem last night because of being worried about him. I never have day time panic attacks it's always when I'm falling or am a sleep . I'm seeing the same thing in him and it's extremely worrisome. Just looking for a little advice.Thank you all ???? Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 10, 2014 Author Share Posted November 10, 2014 Hi Happy to see that the dizziness has passed. And I am sorry to hear that your son doesn't feel well. Its hard when our kids are sick. Hard being the parent, hard to pick up the extra that comes with sick kids. And, rain sucks. Hope your son is feeling better and that the sun has shown itself.[/quote Thank you. Yes my dizziness has passed I think I was getting used to the taurine. I'm still having a hard time with my son and his anxiety problems at night it really sucks. The weather has been Nasty lately we had a big storm last week and lost power for a few days. But the sun is shining today: -) have a good day Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted November 11, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 11, 2014 I have come to realize after 3 years. If I lay there through it after a while I will sleep and it might happen a couple nights but it does get better and stops for a while before it starts again. I had the same problem last night because of being worried about him. I never have day time panic attacks it's always when I'm falling or am a sleep . I'm seeing the same thing in him and it's extremely worrisome. Just looking for a little advice.Thank you all Hi Lobster, I'm sorry you and your son are having sleep issues again. I just read back through your thread and noticed that several things have helped you. Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin and Milk, perhaps these things will help your son too. Something I have learned through raising my daughter (through the teenage years), is that they go through a lot of changes and all kinds of health issues/symptoms/changes in patterns of behavior. Most things settle down by themselves with calm reassurance and natural remedies. If your son is sensitive, he will detect that you are worried about him, this will magnify his own anxiety. So my advice is to do your best to be calmly reassuring to him and yourself. Waking up in the night and sudden feelings of panic/fear, are not life threatening conditions. Maybe they are normal reactions of a nervous system undergoing elevated stress or other changes. Unpleasant and inconvenient, but not as serious as it temporarily makes us feel. Perhaps you could teach your son some breathing techniques for calming anxiety and panic so then he learns how to control his own emotional states. 1 I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Meimeiquest Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I don't know if you are up for this, but I recently talked to a mom who "cured" her two-year-old of sleep problems/terrors with the GAPS diet. But it is a lot of work. 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment
lobster Posted November 11, 2014 Author Share Posted November 11, 2014 I have come to realize after 3 years. If I lay there through it after a while I will sleep and it might happen a couple nights but it does get better and stops for a while before it starts again. I had the same problem last night because of being worried about him. I never have day time panic attacks it's always when I'm falling or am a sleep . I'm seeing the same thing in him and it's extremely worrisome. Just looking for a little advice.Thank you all Hi Lobster, I'm sorry you and your son are having sleep issues again. I just read back through your thread and noticed that several things have helped you. Magnesium, Fish Oil, Melatonin and Milk, perhaps these things will help your son too. Something I have learned through raising my daughter (through the teenage years), is that they go through a lot of changes and all kinds of health issues/symptoms/changes in patterns of behavior. Most things settle down by themselves with calm reassurance and natural remedies. If your son is sensitive, he will detect that you are worried about him, this will magnify his own anxiety. So my advice is to do your best to be calmly reassuring to him and yourself. Waking up in the night and sudden feelings of panic/fear, are not life threatening conditions. Maybe they are normal reactions of a nervous system undergoing elevated stress or other changes. Unpleasant and inconvenient, but not as serious as it temporarily makes us feel. Perhaps you could teach your son some breathing techniques for calming anxiety and panic so then he learns how to control his own emotional states. Thanks Petu. I am trying to stay calm it's extremely difficult to see him go through that. It really frightens me this is What led me to the meds. It's taken me years to not grab for things to help me sleep when the hipnic jerks and panic attacks start. I have learned through great pain if I lay there long enough they will stop and I will sleep. I still have it happen regularly. It also happens with out fail every time I try and nap during the day. It usually happens with in minutes of falling asleep. This has continued for three years. I'm only trying natural things for my son. Taurine magnesium and melatonin. He at least has my years of experience with this that I can help him with. It is exhausting but What ever it takes. I was over thirty before I had any problems with any thing and it took an extreme loss for me to start having the sleep problems. He's only 13 I'm hoping it's hormones for him. When I started having problems I had No one to tell me it was going to be all right he does. Maybe that will make the difference. Thanks Petu :-) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 11, 2014 Author Share Posted November 11, 2014 I don't know if you are up for this, but I recently talked to a mom who "cured" her two-year-old of sleep problems/terrors with the GAPS diet. But it is a lot of work.[/quote Thanks ???? I will have to look into it. I'm up for most any thing now as long as it's natural. ] Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted November 12, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 12, 2014 Dear Lobster, I am a bit pressed for time but still wanted to let you know that I have been following your situation. I very much liked the advice you got here and couldn't think of anything useful to add. I just wanted to let you know how I think you are an amazing father and you are doing the best possible thing for your son. I think that this kind of support you are giving him and the kind of attitude Petu described is the best that he can get at the moment. At the moment I am reading a very interesting book called the Highly Sensitive Person. There is even a website with a self-assessment tests: http://www.hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/ I find this concept very useful in understanding myself and the way I function better. I'm just making a wild guess here that you and your son might also belong to this category of special persons whose sensitivities are so valuabel for the human race but they at the same time make life more challenging for us. In any case we all have to learn how to live in our skins more comfortably (without anxiety). I mentioned talk therapies which have been an enormous help in teaching me how to unlearn some of my non-functional patterns of experiencing life and reacting to life situations that were causing me to be anxious. I know that you said therapy is not an option for you but there are lots of great self help books which can help us change our troublesome anxiety causing patterns. Can't remember any of the top of my head but I'm sure if you google something you will get a lot of hits. Here is something that looks OK at a glance: http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/how-to-overcome I found it extremely useful to know that I can do something about my anxiety and understanding where it comes from and why helped me to deal with it and not to be so dredafully scared of what I was experiencing. To sum up, you are doing the best a parent can do and your son is really blessed to have you. It is a long process of learning but I am convinced that both of you can make it. hugs, Bubble Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
lobster Posted November 12, 2014 Author Share Posted November 12, 2014 Hi bubble ???? I want to say Thank you for the kind words. I also took the test. I according to it am a highly sensitive person. I Love music I also have to be careful because I can get lost in the song. Or a good book. I am doing all I can for my son. He hasn't had any problems the last two nights. But I have been a wreck. Yesterday his emotions were all over the place. I'm sure that is hormones. I don't remember having much problems during puberty. So this is new to me. I'm sure the hormones have made his anxiety worse. I have become extremely sensitive to How people feel. It frightens me to have him go through What I have. I feel like I am gaining ground on my anxiety. Each time I have problems at night I find I at least get some sleep Eventually . That is giving me confidence. In the beginning I had Xanax to help me sleep. That was just a crutch I have been forced to deal with with my issues now with out it and each time I do it gets better. I'm sure that this is What eventually will help me get better. This is What I'm teaching my son or trying lol. My wife is taking online college classes to become a teacher. So one of her classes is psychology the book has explained some of my situation. I will look into getting some self help books. I think talk therapy is a good thing. I live on an island and it's expensive to get off on the boat it's about 75$ for the ferry fair. Then there is limited time as the boat only runs during the day. So if you don't get an afternoon boat your stuck off and have to get a hotel room. It's a pain but I Love it :-) I actually saw a therapist for two years I'm not sure it helped. The kept trying to turn it into marriage counseling and there was and is nothing wrong with my marriage. They never helped me to understand my self and What was happening. I guess I could have found a different one. If my son keeps having problems then I will find a better therapist to help with the situation.. Thanks again bubble 1 Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
lobster Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 Hello every one. Wanted to give a quick update on my progress. On Nov 26 I dropped from 2.2 mg lexapro to 2 mg. I had a couple days of feeling sick early on but that has passed and haven't been doing to bad. So I'm gaining slowly but as long as I'm gaining. Hope Every one is as we'll as can be take care :-) Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted December 19, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 19, 2014 Thanks for the update Lobster, glad that you are doing well after your recent drop. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
mattinsmom Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment
lobster Posted December 25, 2014 Author Share Posted December 25, 2014 Stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas Thank you very much and the same to you and yours???? Lexapro 1 1/8 mg and 10 mg Propranolol. I jumped down to 2.5 mg lexapro from 5 mg on oct 2 where I had been for 7 months and went from 2.5 mg to 1 1/8 mg not sure when maybe around nov 2 went back up to 2.5 mg December 30 . May 13 small cut lexapro 2.5 mg down to 2.4 mg 9/4/14 dropped 8.33% to 2.2 mg 10/13/14 dropped to 2mg lexapro. Back up to 2.2 mg 10/15/14. Dropped to 2 mg lexapro 11/26/14. Dropped 10% to 1.8 mg lexapro 1/11/15. 2/23/15 . Cut of 5%. 3/11/15 cut of 5% 5/3/15 cut of 5% 6/3/15 cut of 5% 7/19/15 cut of 5%. Continued small cuts of 5% every six weeks or so untill October 8th 2016 ,last dose . Last dose was 0.8mg. Currently taking 10 mg propranolol in the afternoon. 1400mg fish oil. 250 mg magnesium, 250 mg L-Taurine, 500 mg Tumeric. 40 mg Zocore simvistatin. Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now