tapering and tolerance

do you think slow tapers increase the risk of developing tolerance. That's what they say about the benzos. Just wondering if It's the same with ssri's.

Teryn

[Light]

Hi Teryn,

I think you may be over thinking this. The bigger issue with you is withdrawal. I suggest that you get stable at your current dose and then do a slow taper over many months. Tolerance is something that typically happens over a period of months or years and I don't think it's going to matter that much whether you stay at a particular dose for two weeks or month. The bottom line is that you taper slowly while maintaining the highest level of functioning possible.

I'm just trying to figure out what went so wrong that last couple of months that led to w/d being unleashed in c/t strength. If someone is tolerant at a particular dose, do they ever stabilize while holding at that dose. I seem to be stabilizing. I'm hoping it just a sign I need to go more slowly instead of being in tolerance and in complete c/t hell all the way down.

[Light]

I don't think tolerance is the issue. A slow taper will make things much easier than what you just went through. However it may get more difficult when your dosage gets lower. Now promise us you are going to get the liquid

[scotty]

If you think about logically...you weren't responding to a higher dose. So you drop the dose, which leaves the brain to adjust to that dose, which can result in decreased symptoms of withdrawal. So you are "training" the brain to respond to lower doses. Now, in true tolerance you would have to increase the dose to get the same reaction...which makes the brain want more. Going lower you are forcing the brain to "respond" to ever lowering doses..no tolerance there.

[Light]

Originally Posted by scotty

If you think about logically...you weren't responding to a higher dose. So you drop the dose, which leaves the brain to adjust to that dose, which can result in decreased symptoms of withdrawal. So you are "training" the brain to respond to lower doses. Now, in true tolerance you would have to increase the dose to get the same reaction...which makes the brain want more. Going lower you are forcing the brain to "respond" to ever lowering doses..no tolerance there.

Yes, withdrawal symptoms initially spike in response to the taper but neurons do adapt. In essence tapering is a cue for the CNS to heal.

i just went up a crumb about 4 days ago to 11.25 mgs. I FEEL that I could have stabilized at the 10 i was on. I don't think that crumb could have kicked in by now.

I know i'm so annoying right now. Just help me figure this out.
and yes, I PROMISE to get liquid. I didn't realize there was such a big difference

[Light]

You aren't annoying. I just don't want you to be racked with anxiety about the process.

I actually believe that the 11.25 may have kicked in that quickly. You are on the right track. What are you thinking 2-4 weeks at this dose?

oh Mike, here's the question...

If the crumb kicked in.....then am I i complete c/t hell tolerance at 10 mgs and somewhat comfortable at 11.25??? Is that possible? Or was it just a time issue of leting the brain adjust?

catch my drift???

[Light]

Could have been a little bit of both but I would guess that it was the increase. You hit a critical threshold (for you) at 10 mg. And increasing that little bit gave your body what it was screaming for. A lot of people don't stabilize this easily or even reach a point of no return in which they can't stabilize so this is really good news. For now, let's take it.

Does "critical threshold" just mean major dependence or does it mean "tolerance?"

I'm just so scared of being in tolerance. I don't care how long it takes me to get off this crap as long as I don't go back to the place I was earlier this week.

Teryn

[Light]

Originally Posted by emmy

Does "critical threshold" just mean major dependence or does it mean "tolerance?"

Critical threshold of withdrawal.

Originally Posted by Light

Critical threshold of withdrawal.

I'm sorry to ask this, but what does THAT mean?

[Light]

When people taper they often find that it's easier in the beginning at higher doses but when they get to a certain point (critical threshold) that all hell can break loose. 10mg isn't that low of dose of lexapro but relatively speaking it's a lot lower than where you were at. You also have tapered off of multiple drugs. Your body has had to adjust to adapt to a lot. 10mg was the breaking point. Make sense?

[Ginger]

you are in w/d no matter how you dice it or slice it. it can be pretty aweful. try to hang on and wait it out. it will get better but not necessarily on anybody elses time table. this is your body, give it a chance to heal and believe that it will.

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....this is what I WANT you to say to me if you could, but no one can....

"There there, Teryn. It's going to be ok. You are just at the lower doses. You've done this before, and it won't be anything you haven't survived before. Just take it nice and slow, and you will neither die nor go insane. You will be able to care for yourself and take it easy at home."

I wish there was a crying smilie.

Teryn

let me add to that, "And, Teryn, you will heal from all of this. You will go one to have a good and normal life."

[scotty]

Teryn....You WILL get through this!!! There were so many days when I thought I would never see the "real" Ryan again. Many tears, many sleepless nights, many "why's","what if's". But slowly but surely his amazing personality, humor and sensitiveness returned.

You will never be the same...you will be better having taken these tough steps!!

was he polydrugged, too?

[scotty]

No, he was just Paxil, but at 50mg when we started weaning.