Hi, I'm Klou

Hi @Klou, and welcome! Nice to have you here. Perimenopause can be such a trying time (ask me how I know). I'm past it now, but it was a very difficult time for me. I also suffered from severe PMDD. I never did HRT though. Yes, most medical professionals are clueless when it comes to how to safely taper off psychiatric drugs. Most advise tapers that are linear and too rapid. I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I wouldn't make anymore changes until things begin to improve. I'm glad you're learning about Hyperbolic tapering and how to taper the safe and correct way. Do you think your psych NP would be open to learning about it? You can also tell her about The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines if she'd like to purchase a copy. Considering you've changed your Escitalopram doses and also stopped your HRT, it's no wonder you're having lots of anxiety. Your nervous system will need some time to recover. We have some great anxiety and insomnia tips in the Symptoms and Self-Care section of the forum. It's always good to taper when we're in a stable place and don't have too many things going on. Like you said, it may be wise to wait until after your trips. You'll need some time to stabilize anyway. You're never alone on this crazy journey! Reach out anytime. We're always here to support you along the way. Catina ♥️

Thank you @Catina for your kind reply. I think my psychiatric NP is open to letting me taper at my own pace. I shared a one pager on hyperbolic tapering that I got from Outro. I also found a compounding pharmacy for a liquid Rx and she was on board with that. She did mention that I might have to add Prozac to help me taper. I'm not sure what I think about that. I'm wondering what is a good time frame to expect the anxiety to stabilize now that I'm back to my "baseline" of meds? When the anxiety is present, it's pretty rough and it's tempting to think I need to switch meds or add one. Which doesn't really honor my long-term goals of getting off this junk. Thank you for pointing me in the direction of the resources. I will check those out. Thank you, also for the comraderie. That is very kind and helpful. Blessings!

"I think my psychiatric NP is open to letting me taper at my own pace. I shared a one pager on hyperbolic tapering that I got from Outro. I also found a compounding pharmacy for a liquid Rx and she was on board with that." — @Klou

Great! Just remember to do a gradual crossover from tablet to liquid if you do make the change: https://taper.community/thread/3516b46d-50b6-4048-9abc-533356b74afe

"She did mention that I might have to add Prozac to help me taper. I'm not sure what I think about that." — @Klou

From everything I've learned and seen, it's best to not add in another drug because it can complicate matters. Some people have been able to "bridge" onto Prozac, but it doesn't always work and can make people worse. I wouldn't personally recommend it, but you have to do what you feel is best for your own situation.

"I'm wondering what is a good time frame to expect the anxiety to stabilize now that I'm back to my "baseline" of meds?" — @Klou

That's a tough question to answer! I wish I had an easy answer for you, but everyone's system is so different that it's hard to say. When we're struggling, it's natural to look for something to "fix" it, but truthfully just giving your body time and implementing some non-drug coping techniques is the safest way to cope. Reach out anytime! I hope things improve for you soon Klou. ♥️

"I am definitely considering all of my options when it comes to the next steps." — @Klou

You're most welcome! You're doing the right thing with approaching things cautiously. It will serve you well in the long run.