freespirit Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Ali, I'm sorry about your brother--in-law. I think one day, people will look back at cancer care and see how barbaric it is. As you know, I traveled that path with my wife and vowed I'd never do traditional treatment for cancer. I hope your trip to the funeral goes okay and you're able to return home and see even more healing this year. It's good to hear you're primarily symptom-free. I know your journey has been arduous, to say the least. You deserve a medal, in addition the sun symbol! Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission. Current Medications: Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats.. My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282 Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself. “After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.” ― Mary Oliver Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted January 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 6, 2018 Sending healing vibes to you and your family, Ali. Please do lots of self care and give yourself time and space. Link to comment
Rosetta Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Thank you for your kind words, Ali. I'm sorry to hear that your brother-in-law passed away and that he was mistreated by the doctors. That is very sad. The cure is worse than the disease. Yes, I will pop in occasionally to try to document my recovery a bit. Maybe that will help in some small way to stop the use of ADs and to give hope to those hoping to recover. As my mind clears a little bit every day, I keep having realizations, and I can see now how spellbound I was. My mind simply stopped working properly, but I continued to believe it was me and not the pills I was taking. After only 10 months of freedom, I am clear headed enough to see how truly ill I was. It is horrifying that these meds are prescribed. Talk about the cure being worse than the disease. Here's to your wonderful recovery and to your continued good health, Rosetta https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted January 6, 2018 Moderator Share Posted January 6, 2018 Hi Ali-- I'm so happy to hear that you had a good holiday. I'm also very saddened to hear about the loss of your BIL. The shock of how fast it can happen is tough. I'm sorry for your loss. ((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) Brass 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Scorpio Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Hi AliG so sorry to hear of your news , such a cruel and heartbreaking loss. Thinking of you scorpio 2006 After sudden death of mother put on 20mg of citaloprom for depression. 2014 Drug stopped working after two weeks of panic attacks felt fine. Aug 2014. Doctor put me on lyrica for rash on face, diarrhoea, sleeplessness,muscle cramp, bruising. Initial dose too strong, halved dose. Stopped taking it 22/10/14 2014 severe anxiety after several ssri's attempted, seem to have developed severe sensitivity to any drug, but giving severe reactions put on cipralex drop form.started on 2 drops and had to increase by 1 drop every 3 days. Eventually got to 12 drops and had to stop as side effects every step of the way dreadful. Psychiatrist kept telling me to stick with it and my body would get used to it. Eventually down to 8 drops. Bad reactions throughout the time I was on it Have been on this until may 2017. Stopped over two weeks. Felt fine for 5 weeks after initial dizziness, nightmares, nausea, insomnia. Given diazepam by gp and told to take them when anxiety bad. Have only taken them very rarely as they frighten me. Last two weeks severe anxiety returned and feeling hopeless 11July 2017. Cipralex 2mg. Anxiety, nausea still severe 13 July 2017 Cipralex 1mg due to advice of too high dosage by kind person on thus site. so dropped from 2mg to 1mg and feelings of anxiety still at severe. As well as nausea, headaches, fatigue. 15 July still feeling extremely anxious verging on panic. Nausea, feelings of fainting, fatigue. Lots of head pains 3 August. Three weeks into trying to stabilise on one drop of cipralex. Still have waking from 4am. Sporadic upset stomach. Nausea. High anxiety. Throbbing/burning in nether regions seems to have eased for time being but stabbing/burning in calves of legs. Tinnitus. Occasional half to whole better days but mainly still struggling. Fatigue Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted January 6, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 6, 2018 (edited) Oh dear AliG, Yes.....so sorry for your loss. And our, seems to be universal, poor medical system of care. Safe travels. And hey, no worries on the slow response time, to me, I'm a turtle, soon to grow into a flying emu(for focus, which is improving, slowly yet surely). Sad and sometimes frustrated right beside you. The work goes on..... Love, peace, healing/inrecovery, and growth....... mmt Edited January 6, 2018 by manymoretodays Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
JS11 Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Hello AliG. I've never written you before but have so enjoyed what you have posted to others. I just read of the loss of your brother-in-law and I wanted to tell you how very sorry I am for you and your family. Cancer is such a wicked thing and has struck many in my family as well. I wish for continued healing for you and all those touched by your brother in law's loss. take care, JS11 26 years of Anti-depressants (probably 32, lost track, alone and/in combination Vyvanse 30mg Discontinued Feb. 22, 2013 Topamax 25-75mg Feb 23, 2013--Feb 2016 0.0 mg Discontinued Lamotrigine 25-50mg Jan 15, 2016-Adverse Reaction Discontinued Feb 2, 2016 T3 25-50mcg Feb.11, 2016 Discontinued April 23, 2016 Escitalopram 20mg-omg fast taper Nov. 2015-Jan.7, 2016 Crash! Reinstated 20mg Taper Jan 14, 2016 0.0mg Sept 2016 Reinstated Feb.21, 2017 Escitalopram 5mg Dosage Adjustments Escitalopram to 2.5mg June 28-30; Increased to 3.75mg July 1-28, 2017 July 29-Aug 4 10mg, alternated between 5 and 10mg next couple days. Aug 9, 7.25mg; Aug 10-14 10mg; Aug 15-25 7.25mg, August 25-29, 10mg. Levofloxacin (January 2017 2 doses) (Adverse Reaction: Neurotoxcity; 3 daysE.R.$30k+tests) Adderall 25mgXR (start April 23, 2013) (Nov.2016 20mg) (Dec.2016 15mg) (Feb. 5, 2016 10mg) (June 15, 2017) 5mg XR Crossover July 7 to Adderall I.M 5mg Discontinued Reinstated Adderall 5mgXR July 28th Minipress 1mg began July 20-23, 2mg July 24 last dose Discontinued (Prescribed to assist with side-effects of updose of Escitalopram) WellbutrinXR 150 mg July 24, 2017 Discontinued; Hydroxyline 25-200 mg daily, began July 20, Discontnued; (Prescribed for side-effects-sensitized; W/D)Gababentin 100mg August 28, 8/29: 00mg, 8/30/17 100mg discontinued (Prescribed for side-effects of sensitized, W//D)Zolipidem PRN (2.5mg.) Reinstated May 15, 2017 after18m+ discontinuation Between May and Aug18-Aug 30, 2017 Discontinued Aug. 30. 2017 Escitalopram 8.2mg, Sept. 6 Ecitalopram (7.25 tablet) September 28 Escitalopram (7 mg tablet) Omega 3's , October 1 Escitalopram (6.25...I think) November 1, Escitalopram (approx. 5.75mg) December 1 (5mg) Missed .75 for few days, lowered dose. W/D ramped up Dec.23; Escitalopram 4mg tab. .75ml liquid March 5. Adderall XR 5mg, Synthroid 112mcg March 23 Escitalopram 4mg tab .50ml liquid.April 23 Escotalopram 4mgtab .25ml liquid Escitalopram dropping .25 every 30 days; July 23, 2018 Escitalopram 3.50mg, Adderall XR 5mg, Synthroid 112mcg July 2021: Took last dose of Escitalopram .02mg. Do dah! Current: Synthroid/Generic 100mcg decreased November, 2018 (TSH has changed 5 times since August 30, 2018 resulting in both Hyper and hypothyroid symptoms.) November 1, 2018, increased Adderall XR to 10mg to combat brain fog after decrease in Synthroid. Link to comment
Marsha Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Hi Ali. I am happy you are feeling much better., but so sorry to hear the sad news. Offering my condolences and please continue to take care of yourself. I am not a medical professional. My comments and posts are based on personal experiences. Please consult appropriate medical professionals for advice. I was started on psych drugs back in the late 80's. You name it. I probably was on it. 47 different drugs. Over 57 thousand pills. Tapered off final cocktail February 1st, 2013- September 9th, 2019. For Hashimotos I take Levothyroxine. Liothyronine. BP meds. For supplements I take B12 hydroxy. Fish oil w/D3. Bee pollen. Magnesium Glycinate. Link to comment
RealMe Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Hello Ali, I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your brother-in-law. I'm sending healing thoughts and prayers to you and your family as you go through this sad time. You have often stopped by my thread to offer help and hope, and I want you to know how very important and precious your kindness is to me and to others in this forum. I made a list of suggestions for healing, and I included several ideas you have posted. I refer to them almost every day for encouragement and inspiration: This process takes time and patience. Have an action plan to get moving in the mornings (do not stay in bed ruminating) Positivity. Fresh air, sunlight, whole food, water, exercise, meditation, sleep, purpose and love Become our own health advocates and research everything health - related. Don't necessarily take your doctor's word on anything ~ always look it up. It pays to become an expert in your own health Best of hope and healing, RealMe Alcohol periodic excessive 1963-1976, Valium sporadic 1964-1973, Imipramine off & on 1982-1985, Fluoxetine 10mg-80 mg. Oct., 1995-Jan., 2014; Cymbalta, other ADs 1/2014-3/2014; Abilify 5 mg. 3/2014 - 8/8/17; Trintellix 20 mg. 3/2014 - 9/2017; Propranolol 60-80 mg. sporadically Sept-Oct, 2017; Seroquel few days Sept 2017 (c/t); Wellbutrin 150 mg. Sept, 2017 updosed to 300 mg. few days till c/t Oct 8, 2017, fish oil, vitD, vitE Oct 16, 2017-pres. Lipoflavonoid 4/2017-pres. Fluoxetine 10 mg. Sept-Oct 8, 2017, 20 mg. 10/9- 10/15; 10 mg. 10/16 - 12/29; 9 mg. 12/30 - 2/9; 2 mL liquid (8.1mg) 2/10 - 3/7; 1.8 mL (7.29 mg) 3/8 -3/20; 1.6 mL (6.561mg) 3/20-4/2; 1.4 mL (5.9 mg) 4/3-4/14; 1mL (4 mg.) 4/15-4/22; .9mL (3.6mg) 4/23-5/1; .81mL (3.24 mg) 5/2-5/24; .73mL (2.916mg.) 5/25-6/8; .65mL 6/9-6/23; .6mL 6/24-7/17; .58mL 7/18-7/28; .525mL 7/29-8/13; .5 mL 8/14-21; .45mL 8/22-31; .4mL 9/2-21; .35mL 9/22-10/4; .3mL 10/5-28; .25mL 10/28-11/10; .2mL 11/11-11/24; .18mL 11/25-12/3; .1mL 12/4-12/18. Zero-12/19/18-present. Link to comment
LexAnger Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Congratulation dear Alig!! im so happy for you getting your life back and thank for sharing the most beautiful update and hope!! lex Drug free Sep. 23 2017 2009 Mar.: lexapro 10mg for headache for 2 weeks. 2009-2012: on and off 1/4 to 1/3 of 10mg 2012 June--2013 Jan,: 1/4-1/3 of 10mg generic, bad jaw pain 2013 Jan-Mar: 10 mg generic. severe jaw and head pain; 2013 Mar--Aug. started tapering (liquid ever since) from 10 to 5 (one step) then gradually down to 2.25 mg by July. first ever panic attack, severe head/jaw pain 2013 Aug.: back to 2.75 mg; Nov: back to Brand Lex. 2.75mg -- 3mg, 2014 June: stopped PPI, head pressure/numbness. up-dosed 4.5mg, severe reaction mental symptoms added on 2014 Aug--2015 Aug: Micro taper down to 3.2mg, .025mg (<1%) cut holding 2-3 weeks. 2015 Aug 15th, Accidental one dose of 4.2mg. worsening brain non-functional, swollen head, body, coma like, DR 2016 Feb., started dosing 10am through 11 pm everyday 2/13--3.2mg, 3/15-- 2.9mg, 4/19-- 2.6mg, 6/26--2.2mg, 7/22 --1.9mg, 8/16--1.8mg，8/31--1.7m g, 9/13--1.6mg, 9/27--1.5mg, 10/8--1.4mg, 10/14--1.3mg， 11/1--1.2mg, 11/29--1.1mg, 12/12--1mg, 12/22--0.9mg 2017: 1/7--0.8mg, 1/15--0.7mg, 1/17--0.6mg, 1/20--0.52, 1/21--0.4mg, 1/22--0.26, 1/23--0.2, 2/13--0.13mg, 2/20--0.06mg, 3/18--0.13mg, 6/1--0.12mg, 7/6--0.1mg, 7/14--0.08mg, 8/17--0.04mg, 8/20--0.03mg, 8/28--0.02mg, 9/6--0.0205mg, 9/8--0.02mg, 9/17--0.015mg, 9/20--0.01mg, 9/21--0.0048mg, 9/22--0.0001mg, Link to comment
AmyK Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Ali, what a wonderful post about your recovery. I am so happy for you. Gives hope! So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother in law. My condolences. Love, Amy Current dose: 0! Free! Quit June 2017. 2017: Last dose zoloft: 17 June 0,00065 mg 18 May 0, 001 mg 14 May 0,002 mg 9 May 0,003 mg 28 April 0,006 mg 19 April 0,009 mg 8 April 0,013 mg 25 March 0,019 mg 22 March 0,039 mg 18 March 0,052 mg 16 March 0,079 mg 4 March 0,086 1 March 0,099 mg 22 February 0,11 mg 15 February 0,13 mg 6 February 0,145 mg 24 January 0,15 mg 19 January 0,19 mg 10 January 0,20 mg 3 January 2016: 0,98 to 0,22 mg; 2015: 2,35 to 1,01 mg; 2014: 4,9 to 2,5 mg; 2013: 9,1 to 5,1 mg; 2012: 15,7 to 9,7 mg; 2011: Started on 25 mg - then 50 mg- dropped to 25- to 12.5 mg - back to 25 mg - after 18.75 mg started tiny tapering to 16.6 mg Started on 25 mg Zoloft in March 2011 due to stressrelated tinnitus that gave me panicattacks. Had a terrible reaction to Zoloft from start, but was told to "hold on". After four months I was stuck. Therefore the long taper. Crazy, I know... Super sensitive to drops and have dropped by 4-6 % from the previous dose. Link to comment
PluckyPony Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Happy new year, Ali. Thank you for sharing your struggles and triumphs with kindness and authenticity. In gratitude, Plucky 2006-2009 Zyprexa and Wellbutrin (dc Wellbutrin cold turkey, dc Zyprexa cold turkey with disastrous results) 2009-2010 Transitioned from Zyprexa to Abilify 2010-2015 Reduced from 20 mg of Abilify to 8mg. Cold turkeyed once during this period but finally learned my lesson. 12/2015 - 8mg of Abilify. 04/15/ 2016 - 7mg of Abilify. 09/15/2016 - 6.3mg of Abilify. 11/2016 - 5.7 mg of Abilify. 11/30/2016 - 5.1mg of Abilify. 01/2017 - 4.6mg of Abilify, 02/2017 - 4.1 of Abilify, 03/2017 - 3.8 of Abilify, 04/2017 - 3.4 of Abilify, 05/2017 - 3.0mg of Abilify, 07/2017 2.7mg of Abilify, 8/2017 2.5mg to 2.3 of Abilify , 9/2017 2mg to 1.8mg of Abilify, 10/2017 400mg of Abilify Maintena, unknown amounts of paroxine (sp), geodon and unknown benzo (forced), 11/2017 Abilify 6.0mg , 12/2017 Abilify 5.5 , 1/2018 Abilify 5.0mg, 3/2018 Abilify 4.5mg, 10/2018-1/2020 Abilify 15-20mg, other inpatient drugs, in and out of the hospital at this time, given tons of nonsense that I don't remember, 1/13/2021 - 3/31/2022, Abilify Maintena ?, Haldol Deca (injectable)250mg, Cogentin 5mg, Tergetol ? (inpatient), 4/2022 - 2/22/2023 Haldol Deca 200mg, March 25th, 2023 Done! Last injection in February!!!! I am finally free after more than 16 years of psychiatry! Let's Goooooooooooo! It's always darkest before dawn. Link to comment
Rosetta Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Hi Ali, Just stopping by to say hello. I hope you are doing well. It's lovely to see you all over the site offering advice and counsel to those in need. Rosetta https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
AliG Posted January 13, 2018 Author Share Posted January 13, 2018 (edited) Hi All. Thank you so much ~ I haven't been here very much in the last few weeks : I've been getting over the loss and moving on. It's been hard for me and my husband ~ I think he's still in denial which is understandable, as it has been so very sudden and sad. I thank you all. Your thoughts and best wishes have really helped me. It surprises me how well I have managed to get through this. It's yet, another example of healing and getting back to some level of normality. I have really felt that since Xmas ~ the usual angst has been missing. It's just gone. I've still had issues with family ~ but the degree of involvement, has been much less than previous years. I feel that I have dropped a lot of the associated emotional baggage. Its hard to understand if it's time off drugs or something else, but in effect ~ nothing else has changed , so it really is me off drugs and how I deal with life "stuff". It has taken a while but it's worth it to know that, my emotions are now my real emotions and not just " fake/ chemical " toxic neuro -emotions. It's good to feel like "myself"again. It's taken a while but I know it's me starting to come back to life... Edited January 15, 2018 by AliG Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Scorpio Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Hi Ali it is so hard for your husband but he will gradually come to terms with such a sad loss it is such a shock for you both and a very hard time. Its such good news to hear you are having an easier time with life and all it throws at us and knowing it is really you that is able to cope. ‘’You give the rest of us who are struggling hope for the future. 2006 After sudden death of mother put on 20mg of citaloprom for depression. 2014 Drug stopped working after two weeks of panic attacks felt fine. Aug 2014. Doctor put me on lyrica for rash on face, diarrhoea, sleeplessness,muscle cramp, bruising. Initial dose too strong, halved dose. Stopped taking it 22/10/14 2014 severe anxiety after several ssri's attempted, seem to have developed severe sensitivity to any drug, but giving severe reactions put on cipralex drop form.started on 2 drops and had to increase by 1 drop every 3 days. Eventually got to 12 drops and had to stop as side effects every step of the way dreadful. Psychiatrist kept telling me to stick with it and my body would get used to it. Eventually down to 8 drops. Bad reactions throughout the time I was on it Have been on this until may 2017. Stopped over two weeks. Felt fine for 5 weeks after initial dizziness, nightmares, nausea, insomnia. Given diazepam by gp and told to take them when anxiety bad. Have only taken them very rarely as they frighten me. Last two weeks severe anxiety returned and feeling hopeless 11July 2017. Cipralex 2mg. Anxiety, nausea still severe 13 July 2017 Cipralex 1mg due to advice of too high dosage by kind person on thus site. so dropped from 2mg to 1mg and feelings of anxiety still at severe. As well as nausea, headaches, fatigue. 15 July still feeling extremely anxious verging on panic. Nausea, feelings of fainting, fatigue. Lots of head pains 3 August. Three weeks into trying to stabilise on one drop of cipralex. Still have waking from 4am. Sporadic upset stomach. Nausea. High anxiety. Throbbing/burning in nether regions seems to have eased for time being but stabbing/burning in calves of legs. Tinnitus. Occasional half to whole better days but mainly still struggling. Fatigue Link to comment
Littlegrandma Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 That’s such great news Ali. Good for you and for all of us following your story. Gives us hope that there is light at the end of this long dark tunnel, and life after these drugs. How wonderful that that you can deal with life “stuff” and the curve balls thrown at you. You can grieve properly for the loss of your brother in law and be strong support for your husband. Again, I’m sorry for your loss. Lg Lex 4.3mg, 3/2/18 Ativan ,5 mg, lunesta 2 mg , toprol 25 mg Oct 16-28 2018 C/O to 19 mg V from 1.5 mg Ativan, 1.3 mg lunesta jan 22 2019- 11 mg V jan 23 - pneumonia, 2 AB’s. Hold taper july 5- 10.72 V July 6- 11 mg V- ugly bad july 11- 10.72 mg V, 4.3 lex, 25 mg toprol Link to comment
Moderator Frogie Posted January 13, 2018 Moderator Share Posted January 13, 2018 Ali: I'm so sorry for your and your husbands loss. Know you are and will always be in my thoughts. Take care, Frogie xx PREVIOUS medications and discontinuations: Have been on medications since 1996. Valium, Gabapentin, Lamictal, Prilosec and Zantac from 2000 to 2015 with a fast taper by a psychiatrist. Liquid Lexapro Nov, 2016 to 31-March, 2019 Lexapro free!!! (total Lexapro taper was 4 years-started with pill form) ---CURRENT MEDICATIONS:Supplements:Milk Thistle, Metamucil, Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine 25mcg, Vitamin C, Krill oil. Xanax 1mg 3x day June, 2000 to 19-September, 2020 Went from .150 grams (average weight of 1 Xanax) 3x day to .003 grams 3x day. April 1, 2021 went back on 1mg a day. Started tapering May 19, 2023. July 28, 2023-approximately .87mg. Dr. fast tapered me at the end and realized he messed up. Prescribe it again and I am doing "slower than a turtle" taper. 19-September, 2020 Xanax free!!! (total Xanax taper was 15-1/2 months-1-June, 2019-19-September, 2020) I am not a medical professional. The suggestions I make are based on personal experience. Link to comment
nz11 Posted January 15, 2018 Share Posted January 15, 2018 Hope you are doing okay ALiG Sorry to hear of the passing of a family member. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017 Link to comment
Rosetta Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 On January 13, 2018 at 12:38 PM, AliG said: It surprises me how well I have managed to get through this. It's yet, another example of healing and getting back to some level of normality. Its hard to understand if it's time off drugs or something else, but in effect ~ nothing else has changed , so it really is me off drugs and how I deal with life "stuff". It has taken a while but it's worth it to know that, my emotions are now my real emotions and not just " fake/ chemical " toxic neuro -emotions. It's good to feel like "myself"again. It's taken a while but I know it's me starting to come back to life... Ali, Wonderful! After all you have been through, I am so very happy you are feeling like yourself again!! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to us in the midst of it all, too. Yours, Rosetta https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/16629-rosetta-ct-may-2011-too-fast-taper-feb-2017/?page=25 2001-2011 Celexa 10 mg raised to 40 mg then 60 mg over this time period May 2011 OB Doctor's Cold switch Celexa 60 mg to 10 mg Zoloft sertraline (baby born) 2012-2016 - Doctors raised dose of Zoloft up to 150 mg 2016 - Xanax prescribed - as needed - 0.5 mg about every 3 days (bad reaction) 2016 - Stopped Xanax Late 2016- Began (too fast) taper of Zoloft Early 2017 - Trazodone prescribed for bedtime (doseage unknown) Feb 2017 - Completed taper/stopped Trazodone Drug free since Feb 2017 2017 - Unisom otc very rarely for sleep Link to comment
Survivor1 Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 AliG, It's been a while since I checked in, but wanted to congratulate you on your healing. I am so glad you are doing well. A year ago, I was doing very poorly and you were generous with your support to help pull me through, and I'll forever be grateful. I wish you continued healing and condolences on your recent loss. Best. PAST Gabapentin: about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin) Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin) Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months). Seroquel: June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome. CURRENT Supplements: Vit D, turmeric Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg; 10/01/16- 62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months) Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg Link to comment
AliG Posted January 21, 2018 Author Share Posted January 21, 2018 (edited) Thank you, everyone . I so appreciate your support. Have a look at this video ~ it's helping me ~ I'm also going to post this in Symptoms & Self care. It makes so much sense to me, right now ~ and seems to be, on point ~ please listen. Hopefully the light will come on for some. It all makes perfect sense to me. It's quite a long video ~ but well worth it. Be patient. Let me know what you think ~ This was a " lightbulb" moment for me. I've been following a vegan diet and going downhill ~ it made perfect sense at the time and the science, even though compelling, really wasn't working for me. I thought it was, but it's only since I switched, that I now have much more clarity and a sense of calm ~ all day. Anxiety is down, depression is really non -existent, I'm not moody and I have super energy. My mood is even. I'm happy and I'm exercising ~ I'm losing inches and I'm not hungry all day long ~ it's all about the insulin. This is life -changing and a huge turn around for me. For some a vegan diet works quite well ~ It's all very individual ~ that's great and I really thought I was one of them, but my weight went up and my mood went down. Too much sugar ... Please watch ~ no matter what side you are on. Try both and see how you feel ~ for me this is the way. It's been like night and day. since I started this I have been like a new person. It makes so much sense and the practical aspects of this works. I have been trying all sorts of regimes lately ~ looking for something that is sustainable long term. This plan is helping, majorly ~ it took a bit of research but , I feel like the last pieces of the puzzle are finally starting to come together. If anyone has success with this , please let me know. Love, Ali Edited January 23, 2018 by AliG Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted January 21, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 21, 2018 44 minutes ago, AliG said: I've been following a vegan diet and going downhill ~ it made perfect sense at the time and the science, even though compelling, really wasn't working for me. I thought it was, but it's only since I switched, that I now have much more clarity and a sense of calm ~ all day. Anxiety is down, depression is really non -existent, I'm not moody and I have super energy. My mood is even. I'm happy and I'm exercising ~ I'm losing inches and I'm not hungry all day long ~ it's all about the insulin. This is life -changing and a huge turn around for me. This is brilliant, Ali! I'm so happy for you. 44 minutes ago, AliG said: It makes so much sense and the practical aspects of this works. I have been trying all sorts of regimes lately ~ looking for something that is sustainable long term. This plan is helping, majorly ~ it took a bit of research but , I feel like the last pieces of the puzzle are finally starting to come together. If anyone has success with this , please let me know. After I left the vegetarian diet (which I'd been on for 32 years, since I was 15) and started eating fish and chicken, withdrawal got much easier. I also lost the 25 pounds I'd put on during withdrawal. I'm rarely hungry and the sudden drops in blood sugar became less and less problematic. The fish and chicken seemed to regulate blood sugar levels better. My diet now is a modified Paleo Diet. I don't eat sugar, caffeine, processed food, fruit juices, and I limit bread and other carbohydrates. Mainly sticking to a diet of fish, chicken, veggies like raw spinach, plain yogurt, fresh fruits, various types of nuts, coconut milk, mint and Rooibos teas and plenty of water throughout the day. That seems to be the key for me. So a lot of what's in the video makes sense to me. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Ali. Your thread is very inspirational and educational. Congratulations on your "aha!" moment and the new healing path you're on. Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted January 21, 2018 Mentor Share Posted January 21, 2018 Hi Ali I am so sorry to learn of your recent loss, my condolences to you and your husband. I didn't watch the video yet but plan to. I, too, have tried many different dietary approaches but I found that, going thru WD/Recovery, I was losing so much weight, so SO fast, that I did need to eat some meat just to slow down the weight loss. I ate fish at least twice a week too. I think maybe we all need to experiment with what works for us. When I was not eating much meat, I found that taking glycine helped me to relax and sleep more deeply- and glycine is found most abundantly, I believe, in meat. So it seems like that was something I needed. Since eating meat more often, the glycine has no effect at all. I will soon be transitioning back to a mostly plant based diet, still low sugar, low sodium and lower fat, because I've finally been able to gain weight! I had, I guess, the opposite issue, I was losing wt so fast! I needed to lose it but I lost it too quickly and lost a lot of muscle mass and strength at the same time. One measure of how healed I am, is that now I can't get away with eating poorly and still lose wt. If I eat too much, I gain weight, just like a "normal" person. Last year, I could eat a lot and I'd still drop pounds. It was discouraging, because I was getting cold and weak. Yeh, I know, no sympathy for the thin people, hahahaha! I looked sickly and I felt awful. Now I'm finally going the other way and need to put the brakes on and eat better (I go to a place where they serve free cake, pie, cookies, etc EVERY DAY! and I've been indulging, nearly every day and I've got 10 extra pounds to prove it) anyway looking forward to watching the video. I am glad you are doing so well. I am finding that we all have our own path, and that these paths often intersect with others here. It's nice to share what works for us, just in case it may work for someone else at some point in their journey! I was a die hard vegan coming into this journey and while I still believe in the vegan ethic, I no longer feel badly that I could not stick to a vegan diet while going thru this ordeal. I had to do what worked for me. I think that's the best anyone can do. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
Littlegrandma Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 Thanks Ali i watched the video. It confirms what I’ve been saying since I started lexapro and subsequent taper....if I had changed my diet, eliminated sugars, cut out carbs, I wouldn’t have needed the drugs and wouldn’t be in the mess I’m in now. Thanks for posting the video. I just ordered Nora’s book Primal Body Primal Mind. xx Lg Lex 4.3mg, 3/2/18 Ativan ,5 mg, lunesta 2 mg , toprol 25 mg Oct 16-28 2018 C/O to 19 mg V from 1.5 mg Ativan, 1.3 mg lunesta jan 22 2019- 11 mg V jan 23 - pneumonia, 2 AB’s. Hold taper july 5- 10.72 V July 6- 11 mg V- ugly bad july 11- 10.72 mg V, 4.3 lex, 25 mg toprol Link to comment
AliG Posted January 21, 2018 Author Share Posted January 21, 2018 Thanks Shep and H2H. LG. ~ yes so much information that we didn't know, previously. 1 hour ago, Happy2Heal said: am finding that we all have our own path, and that these paths often intersect with others here. It's nice to share what works for us, just in case it may work for someone else at some point in their journey! So true ~ that's always the end point. Always, just putting the information out there and then each to their own individual journeys. However, information is knowledge and that always helps ... as knowledge is power. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
Mentor Happy2Heal Posted January 21, 2018 Mentor Share Posted January 21, 2018 17 minutes ago, AliG said: However, information is knowledge and that always helps ... as knowledge is power. it sure is! knowledge gives up the power to make the best choices for ourselves. imagine if we'd had the knowledge about how toxic these drugs are.... *sigh* PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME PRIVATE MESSAGES, thank you. pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until Sept, then acute WD hit!! reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106 Tapered off to zero by Oct. 2017 Doing very well. Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content PRESENT DAYS: Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs Link to comment
AliG Posted January 21, 2018 Author Share Posted January 21, 2018 I know H2H ~ our lives would have been very different ~ but we can't dwell ~ it's painful ~ have to move on. I'm going to do an update soon ~ and it's positive, Much Love, Ali Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
powerback Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 8 hours ago, AliG said: Thank you, everyone . I so appreciate your support. Have a look at this video ~ it's helping me ~ I'm also going to post this in Symptoms & Self care. It makes so much sense to me, right now ~ and seems to be, on point ~ please listen. Hopefully the light will come on for some. It all makes perfect sense to me. It's quite a long video ~ but well worth it. Be patient. Let me know what you think ~ This was a " lightbulb" moment for me. I've been following a vegan diet and going downhill ~ it made perfect sense at the time and the science, even though compelling, really wasn't working for me. I thought it was, but it's only since I switched, that I now have much more clarity and a sense of calm ~ all day. Anxiety is down, depression is really non -existent, I'm not moody and I have super energy. My mood is even. I'm happy and I'm exercising ~ I'm losing inches and I'm not hungry all day long ~ it's all about the insulin. This is life -changing and a huge turn around for me. For some a vegan diet works quite well ~ It's all very individual ~ that's great and I really thought I was one of them, but my weight went up and my mood went down. Too much sugar ... Please watch ~ no matter what side you are on. Try both and see how you feel ~ for me this is the way. It's been like night and day. since I started this I have been like a new person. It makes so much sense and the practical aspects of this works. I have been trying all sorts of regimes lately ~ looking for something that is sustainable long term. This plan is helping, majorly ~ it took a bit of research but , I feel like the last pieces of the puzzle are finally starting to come together. If anyone has success with this , please let me know. Love, Ali Thanks A I must watch this ,I'm 3 months on a plant based whole foods diet and I'm not really seeing a massive change in my withdrawl for the positive enough ,so I've some thinking to do . Sorry for you and your husbands loss . Respect . PB Alcohol free since February 2015 1MG diazepam 4.5MG PROZAC. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted January 23, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted January 23, 2018 Yup......will do. Watch in it's entirety. Thanks AliG. I'm really hoping to possibly drop some of my supplements eventually........hopefully with dietary adjustments. ((((AliG))))) mmt Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing Link to comment
Survivor1 Posted January 26, 2018 Share Posted January 26, 2018 Hello AliG, I am very happy fo you that you are in a great place in terms of healing, moving on with life. I wanted to reach out to you because I am looking for some insight into a WD symptom I have been having for some time: Alerting sensations while resting, causing insomnia. I have been having them for about 7 months now, since discontinuing mirtazepine, and they are actually getting worse! I know that you have experienced the same for a while also. Can you please let me know how long it took to resolve, and did you find anything effective in mitigating these sensations. They are positively frightening and are the only symptom that can send me in a downward spiral. I appreciate your input as always. Thank you! PAST Gabapentin: about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin) Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin) Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months). Seroquel: June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome. CURRENT Supplements: Vit D, turmeric Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg; 10/01/16- 62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months) Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg Link to comment
Kristine Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 On 10/03/2015 at 11:28 AM, AliG said: I think I've accepted this as my "new normal". I don't fight it as much , as I have in the past. I have been in withdrawal before and not realised it . I thought it was the "depression " recurring. I just feel at the moment like this is my journey for whatever reason and I'm trying to go with the flow. At least now I know what it is and that is a big relief, in a way. That sounds strange but it feels like the whole "chemical imbalance / major depressive disorder, that I thought I had has just gone up in a puff of smoke because it didn't exist. That feels like a burden has been lifted so that when all these symptoms of withdrawal settle down with time I'll be able to go on with no illusions and even if I'm never exactly the same as I was I will accept that. At least whoever I am will be me and not the drugs. Hey Ali, I've been reading your thread and you are such a strong, wise and insightful person. I can relate strongly to so many af your thoughts and experiences. The above quote is precisely how I feel at the moment. This process is so difficult (understatement) but knowing what is happening to me (and the past WD, which I thought were relapses) is empowering. I feel stronger because I know it is the drugs, not me. Not sure if you can even remember these feelings presently! You have come such a long way...I guess it shows how important each members documentation is throughout this hideous process. It helps so many and will hopefully lead to international reform of the mental health system and the prescription of these toxic drugs. Also my condolences to you and your family for your loss xox Sending you hugs and healing, K xox 🌻 Citalopram 20mg - 40mg ~ approx 2010 - October 2015 (stopped over one week) Parnate 20mg - 50mg and olazapine 5mg ~ Jan 2016 - May 2016 (ceased over 2 days) Lithium 450mg-900 mg and Thyroxin ~May 2016 - May 2017 Diazepam various doses (including PRN) ~ 2015 - 2017 Oxazepam various doses (including PRN) ~ May 2016 - June 2016 Lurasidone 20mg ~Mid May 2016 - Mid June 2016 Vortioxetine 10mg - 20mg ~ 6th June 2016 - 20th July 2016 (abruptly ceased) Amitriptyline 200mg ~July 2016 - September 2016 (ceased over 1 week) Nortriptyline (dose ?) ~October 2016 ~ November 2016 (abruptly ceased) Seroquel XR 100mg - 300mg ~ May 2016 - August 2017 (ceased over 3 weeks) Escitalopram 10mg - 30mg ~ August 2016 - March 2017 (ceased over 2 weeks) Bupropion 300mg ~ December 2016 - May 2017 (ceased over 1 week) Clonazepam 1.5mg daily ~ July 2016 (started tapering May 2017 - September 2017 currently on 0.375mg..ie 0.125mg TDS) 27th May 2018 5% 0.357mg (possible paradoxical reaction - see benzo thread) 28th June 5% 0.337mg, 28th July 10% 0.303mg, 12th September10% 0.272mg, 18th September reinstated 10% due to intolerable WD 0.303mg, 1st October-11th Oct 10% (1% reduction over 10 days) 0.272mg, 22nd October clonazepam ceased crossed over 10mg diazepam Dexamphatamine 20mg ~ December 2016 (started tapering October 2017 - tapered 1.25mg 4th Dec 2017, 1.25mg 19th Dec 2017 6.25mg, Speed up decrease due to major interaction between Dex and fluoxetine- ref to thread 10% 17th Feb 2018 5.63mg, 10% 21st Feb 2018 5.1mg, 10% 26th Feb 2018 4.5mg 10% 28th Feb 4.1mg, 10% 1st March 3.7mg, 10% 5th March 3.3mg, 10% 8th March 3mg, 10% 10th March 2.7mg, 10% 12th March 2.4mg, 10% 14th March 2.16mg, 10% 16th March 1.94mg, 10% 18th March 1.74mg, 10% 20th March 1.57mg, 10% 21st March 1.41mg, 10% 22nd March 1.26mg, 10% 23rd March 1.13mg, 10% 24th March 1.01mg, 10% 25th March 0.9mg, 10% 27th March 0.81mg, 10% 29th March 0.73mg, 10% 31st March 0.66mg, 10% 2nd April 0.59mg , 10% 4th April 0.53mg, 10% 6th April 0.47mg, 10% 8th April 0.42mg, 10%10th April 0.37mg, 11th April 0.2mg, 12th April 0.1mg (last dose) OFF! Fluoxetine 40mg ~December 2016 - 31 Jan 2018 reduced to 20mg (probable serotonin toxicity) 10th March 2020 10mg (1:1 ratio), 7th April 9mg, 1st May 8.5mg, 15th May 8.0mg, 27th May 7.5mg, 8th Sept 7.2mg, 2nd Oct 7mg, 19th Oct 6.8mg, 28th Oct 6.6mg, 5th Nov 6.4mg, 26th Nov 6mg, 2nd April 2021 5.9mg, 9th April 5.8mg, 19th April 5.75mg, 22nd April 5.7mg, 26th April 5.65mg,28th April 5.6mg, 1st May 5.5mg, 4th May 5.45mg, 7th May 5.4mg, 10th May 5.35mg, 12th May 5.3mg, 15th May 5.25mg, 18th May 5.2mg, 20th May 5.15mg, 22nd May 5mg, 10th July 4.5mg, 9th Aug 4.48mg (switched from syringe to pipette method), 12th Aug 4.46mg, 14th Aug 4.4mg, 18th Aug 4.38mg, 19th Aug 4.36mg, 20th Aug 4.34, 21st 4.32mg, 22nd 4.3mg, 23rd Aug 4mg (hold), (micro-taper) 12th Oct 2021 3.98mg, 14th Oct 3.96mg, 15th Oct 3.94mg, 16th Oct 3.92mg, 17th Oct 3.9mg, 18th Oct 3.88mg, 19th Oct 3.86mg, 21st Oct 3.84mg, 22nd Oct 3.82mg, 23rd Oct 3.8mg, 24th Oct 3.78mg, 25th Oct 3.76mg, 26th Oct 3.74mg, 27th Oct 3.72mg, (WD reached intolerable level, reinstated 0.06mg) 28th Oct 3.8mg, 7th March 2022 3.7mg, 21st March 3.6mg, 4th April 3.5mg, 18th April 3.4mg, 2nd May 3.3mg, 16th May 3.2mg, 20th June 3.1mg, 4th July 3mg, 18th July 2.9mg, 12th September 2.7mg, 18th October 2.5mg, 14th Nov 2.3mg, 12th December 2.1mg, 18th January 2023 1.9mg, 9th July 2023 1.88mg, 16th July 1.86mg, 23rd July 1.84mg, 30th July 1.82mg, 6th Aug 1.80mg, 10th Sept 1.7mg, 12th Oct 1.68mg, 23rd Oct 1.66mg, 30th Oct 1.64mg, 6th Nov 1.62mg, 13th Nov 1.60mg, (2:1 ratio) 30th Dec 1.597mg, 7th Jan 2024 1.595mg, 8th 1.592mg, 10th 1.589, 11th 1.587, 12th 1.585, 13th 1.583, 14th 1.58 cont… 5th Feb 1.56mg, 11th Feb 1.55mg, 19th Feb 1.54mg, 26th Feb 1.53mg, 4th March 1.52mg, 11th March 1.51mg, 25th March 1.50mg, 1st April 1.49mg, 8th April 1.48mg, 15th April 1.47mg, 22nd April 1.46mg, 29th April 1.45mg Diazepam 10mg ~ 22nd Oct 2018, 10th November 8mg, 14th Nov 7mg, 8th December 6mg, 30th December 5mg (Nocte), 7th March 2019 4.5mg,14th March 4mg, 5th April 3.5mg, 9th April 3mg, 18th April 2.5mg,1st May 2mg, 17th May 1.75mg, 25th May 1.6mg, 4th June 1.59mg, 5th June 1.58mg, 6th June 1.57mg, 7th June 1.56mg, 8th June 1.55mg, 22nd June 1.4mg, 4th July 1.2mg, 16th July 1mg, 30th July 0.8mg, 13th Aug 0.6mg, 28th Aug 0.4mg, 10th Sept 0.2mg, 23rd Sept Off! SR Circadin 2mg (melatonin) 25th May - 20th June Zolpidem 10mg 25th May (7 tablets) Supplements: Magnesium glycinate (soluble - sip throughout the day) "Whenever you feel yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome" Unknown Link to comment
AliG Posted February 10, 2018 Author Share Posted February 10, 2018 On 1/22/2018 at 8:10 AM, powerback said: Sorry for you and your husbands loss . Respect . PB Thank you, PB. I really appreciate that. It has been very sad but we are getting through it. I hope you are doing well. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
AliG Posted February 10, 2018 Author Share Posted February 10, 2018 Thanks MMT. Are you back from your trip, yet? Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
AliG Posted February 10, 2018 Author Share Posted February 10, 2018 On 1/27/2018 at 8:58 AM, Survivor1 said: I wanted to reach out to you because I am looking for some insight into a WD symptom I have been having for some time: Alerting sensations while resting, causing insomnia. I have been having them for about 7 months now, since discontinuing mirtazepine, and they are actually getting worse! I know that you have experienced the same for a while also. Can you please let me know how long it took to resolve, and did you find anything effective in mitigating these sensations. They are positively frightening and are the only symptom that can send me in a downward spiral. I appreciate your input as always. Hi Survivor. I've been away ~ have messaged you. I will look in on your thread. Sorry, it took a while. I just haven't been around much. I hope you're doing better, now. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
AliG Posted February 10, 2018 Author Share Posted February 10, 2018 On 2/3/2018 at 9:30 AM, Kristine said: On 3/10/2015 at 10:28 AM, AliG said: I think I've accepted this as my "new normal". I don't fight it as much , as I have in the past. I have been in withdrawal before and not realised it . I thought it was the "depression " recurring. I just feel at the moment like this is my journey for whatever reason and I'm trying to go with the flow. At least now I know what it is and that is a big relief, in a way. That sounds strange but it feels like the whole "chemical imbalance / major depressive disorder, that I thought I had has just gone up in a puff of smoke because it didn't exist. That feels like a burden has been lifted so that when all these symptoms of withdrawal settle down with time I'll be able to go on with no illusions and even if I'm never exactly the same as I was I will accept that. At least whoever I am will be me and not the drugs. Hey Ali, I've been reading your thread and you are such a strong, wise and insightful person. I can relate strongly to so many af your thoughts and experiences. The above quote is precisely how I feel at the moment. This process is so difficult (understatement) but knowing what is happening to me (and the past WD, which I thought were relapses) is empowering. I feel stronger because I know it is the drugs, not me. Not sure if you can even remember these feelings presently! You have come such a long way...I guess it shows how important each members documentation is throughout this hideous process. It helps so many and will hopefully lead to international reform of the mental health system and the prescription of these toxic drugs. Also my condolences to you and your family for your loss xox Sending you hugs and healing, K xox 🌻 🌻 Thanks Kristine. It's always helpful when we can relate and share our experiences. I'm glad this resonated with you, as this way of thinking has been empowering for me ~ and helped me get through this. Once I knew the truth - I was resolute in my determination to come out the other side and take my power back. I had lost it for such a long time and it feels good to be back in the driver's seat. I will never give that up to any doctor, or drug again. We always have to be in charge of our own health. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
AliG Posted February 10, 2018 Author Share Posted February 10, 2018 Just a quick add - on while I'm here, to say that I'm doing so well and don't really think much about withdrawal, anymore. I feel " normal " again, and will probably write a success story fairly soon. At least once I'm convinced that this isn't just a long window ! Probably, in May at the 4 year mark. I know it seems like such a long time, but a lot of it has been feeling so much better after the 2 year mark. I consider it to be more like " fine - tuning" from that point on. Not perfect, by any means but livable and able to enjoy life , most of the time. It has been some windows and waves and life stressors - since then, but it's always been heading in an upwardly positive direction. For that, I'm very thankful. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
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