Posted by Lou Pilder on May 28, 2011, at 22:25:06
In reply to Pristiq - One Heck of a Taper Strategy, posted by Laurie1041 on May 28, 2011, at 21:31:46
> Hi,
>
> I have been on various SNRI's/SSRI's for 11 years and have tried on various occasions to taper off. Now I am in a position where I have no choice and have to get off AD's due to severe mood instability.
>
> Obviously, my pdoc has never tapered anyone off of Pristiq yet because he dropped my dose from 100 mg. to 50 mg. (Pristiq only is available in 50 mg. and 100 mg. time-release tablets). Within 72 hours I was in terrible withdrawal. I tried splitting a tablet (my pdoc said I could do that, even though I was skeptical) and I got terribly ill within 45 minutes of taking the split pill. I hate being the guinea pig, but that is another story.
>
> So, my pdoc said to pick any SSRI, with the exception of Paxil, that is available in a liquid preparation for easy titration. I was advised to take Lexapro 10 mg. with the Pristiq to decrease my withdrawal and to get ready to dump the Pristiq. By the way, yes I acknowledge the inherent risks of Serotonin Syndrome, but have been on dual AD's when crossing over to another AD at least 5 times in the past without a problem. This is just my personal experience, always check with your pdoc.
>
> I am now up to Lexapro 20 mg. + Pristiq 50 mg. and will be dropping the Pristiq tomorrow and I will undoubtedly go into withdrawal and end up increasing the Lexapro to 30 mg. Once I am stable (no withdrawal) the plan is to decrease the Lexapro by 5-10% every 3 weeks (no less than 3 weeks) as tolerated until I can taper off completely.
>
> I wish I never ever started on AD's 11 years ago. They never did anything to help with my depression (nada) and withdrawal can become intolerable and a long drawn out process. I shall be acquiring a new skill - patience. If anyone has any better ideas to get me out of this predicament, please feel free to let me know. Thanks, LaurieLauri1041,
You wrote,[...have to get off ADS...I wish I never...I will go into withdrawal..if anyone has any better ideas to get me out of this predicament..let me know...].
I understand two ways that people withdrawal from mind-altering drugs. One is by human achievment, the other by divine accomplishment.
The withdrawal can be horrific, I know. But you see, it has been revealed to me that healing can come to one in this horrific state. Sadly, it is in the state of withdrawal that irrational thoughts can occupy the mind. Thoughts of suicide or murder. It has been revealed to me that one in this state is in The Heart Of The Earth. This is a state of great tribulation, a state of great fear.
You see, this state is not what we are intended to be in, a state of darkness and death. There is a state, or realm, that we can return to. The realm of light and life. A new life. A new heart. A new spirit...
Lou
poster:Lou Pilder
thread:986490
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110515/msgs/986498.html