7 hours ago, getofflex said:

This is different from what your drug signature says, which is that you reduced your dose at the end of January, so I assumed you only reduced a few days to a week ago.  You might want to clarify in your signatue what date in January you reduced to 1.049, it will help people help you better

@getofflex I went back through my symptoms diary and I've been on the same dose since 10 January 2026. I'm starting to think the keto diet might be a contributor to my current instability as its changed the milieu. I won't change anything until I reach stability where I'll stay for at least 4 weeks.

 

Thanks to @molloi too for the informative YouTube video suggestion. I'll be following up with my physician to discuss further and get some baseline investigations for moving forward.

🙏

6 hours ago, Catbird said:

I’ve been micro dosing, so multiple decrements in a month. I’ve been only putting the current dose at the end of the month. I can see how it’s confusing. Thanks for feedback. I’ll give some thought to how I can better document. 🙏

@Catbird perhaps something like this where you fill out only the latest slide so it’s clear where you are in it and that you’re on the BM method? Might be useful. I must admit some signatures are not the easiest to read. Hard when there is so much going on. Think the most important thing is current drug data. 
 

Current dose history BMS Jan 1 - Feb 15

wk1 - dose

wk2 - dose

wk3 - dose

wk4 - dose

wk5-6 - hold

 

3 hours ago, molloi said:

@Catbird I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I have felt what you're describing for several months last year and it truly is awful. I saw some snippets of an interview Angie Peacock did recently with a keto expert and it was highlighting (as well as the many benefits) that ketogenic diets can accelerate the clearing of medications which might lead to withdrawal symptoms. If this is the case holding until you stabilise and adjust to your new metabolism might be the best option.

 https://youtu.be/hppyFCLZckU?si=7PMNSY0MmyoqsVrt

I did low carb (not keto) for a month last year and I felt mentally a lot worse although it was great for my blood sugar.

I posted this here recently on ar. I found it very interesting and well worth a look. I’ve been thinking about you with regards to Keto and how you. 🤔

 

28 minutes ago, Chippy said:

perhaps something like this where you fill out only the latest slide so it’s clear where you are in it and that you’re on the BM method? Might be useful. I must admit some signatures are not the easiest to read. Hard when there is so much going on. Think the most important thing is current drug data. 
 

Current dose history BMS Jan 1 - Feb 15

wk1 - dose

wk2 - dose

wk3 - dose

wk4 - dose

wk5-6 - hold

Thanks @Chippy Problem is weeks are stretching into months at the moment, but much better for info for moderators. You've prompted a thought though — What do you think of putting the number of days in brackets for each dose reduction? I can update it each day I'm in the forum.  thnx

6 minutes ago, Catbird said:

Thanks @Chippy Problem is weeks are stretching into months at the moment, but much better for info for moderators. You've prompted a thought though — What do you think of putting the number of days in brackets for each dose reduction? I can update it each day I'm in the forum.  thnx

Id try using the template above and just filling in what actually happened perhaps? Obviously mine above is the txt book slide but you could put whatever you wanted in each line. Just the layout makes it clear what you are intending to do even if you don’t achieve it? Was thinking once you’ve completed your latest slide you would put the final dose as you have been doing and reset the board and start again. What ever works for you was just thinking how to make this clear for everyone. 

13 minutes ago, Chippy said:

Id try using the template above and just filling in what actually happened perhaps? Obviously mine above is the txt book slide but you could put whatever you wanted in each line. Just the layout makes it clear what you are intending to do even if you don’t achieve it? Was thinking once you’ve completed your latest slide you would put the final dose as you have been doing and reset the board and start again. What ever works for you was just thinking how to make this clear for everyone. 

I'll think about it. I'm not strictly following BMS at the moment; I need to rely on what my body is telling me and I'm making my own reduction decisions to manage to get to 1mg, then I'll be holding  a while before embarking on an Amitriptyline taper. Thanks for you help.

1 minute ago, Catbird said:

I'll think about it. I'm not strictly following BMS at the moment; I need to rely on what my body is telling me and I'm making my own reduction decisions to manage to get to 1mg, then I'll be holding  a while before embarking on an Amitriptyline taper. Thanks for you help.

Of course catbird. Feel free to document as you would like it’s no problems here. You’re right, there is no rule apart from listen to your body regardless of what tapering strategy you follow. Its my pleasure. 

5 hours ago, Catbird said:

I'll think about it. I'm not strictly following BMS at the moment; I need to rely on what my body is telling me and I'm making my own reduction decisions to manage to get to 1mg, then I'll be holding  a while before embarking on an Amitriptyline taper. Thanks for you help.

This is excellent.  Relying on what our bodies are telling us is the strongest way to taper.  And, holding is almost always a great idea, and will make tapering easier in the future. 

On 2/5/2026 at 9:07 AM, Catbird said:

I'll think about it. I'm not strictly following BMS at the moment; I need to rely on what my body is telling me and I'm making my own reduction decisions to manage to get to 1mg, then I'll be holding  a while before embarking on an Amitriptyline taper. Thanks for you help.

Hey @Catbird really tricky to know what causes what isn't it.. even what starts out well doesn't necessarily stay that way, whether it's supplements, diets, etc., very wise of you to listen to your body at a given time, it's really about learning while moving in this crazy journey.

Hopefully you're better atm, it might be good holding your dose until long stable relief, that's what I'm going to do, if to continue with my current symptoms I doubt I'll make it..

stay strong! take good care.

 

Edited February 6Feb 6 by Fullhealing

Anyone out there (or here) either tapering Amitriptyline or planning to?

Hey @Catbird

 

Just caught up with your thread. I have been not great myself and I see you are struggling as well. So sorry about the the dread, panic, anhedonia, suicidal ideation. Very very difficult to bear and each hour feels likes forever. 

 

I can't offer you any advice on what you are doing and I think you are doing the very best you can do. You have endured so much and have so many things to contend with. 

 

Anyway you are in my thoughts and meta prayers. We are not far from each other geographically as the crow flies. 

 

I really hope you can settle soon, it will pass that is for sure and you will feel so good when you move into a nice window (dirty or clean!)

 

Tracey 💛

Thanks @Tracey Fortunately the dark uncomfortable emotions have settled. I've even managed to decrease the dose a little — feeling it today though.  I feel really vulnerable; physically, mentally and psychologically.

 

How are you doing?  The heat is still with us and the humidity still plagues me. 🤗

Yes it is such a long slow haul and feeling vulnerable is often not far away from me. 

 

I hope you get through this drop ok. 

 

The heat is horrendous out here and all the grass is burnt and gardens are dying. People are really feeling it and tapering just adds insult to injury. The grazing animals are suffering. My horses have plenty of hay but they are wandering around a bit aimlessly wondering where the green feed has gone. 

 

Maybe rain this week and certainly cooler by weeks end, however some damage has been done with these extreme temperatures. 

 

The humidity on the coast would be awful. We have had humidity  but that has all but gone due to no rain or ground moisture left. 😒

1 hour ago, Catbird said:

Thanks @Tracey Fortunately the dark uncomfortable emotions have settled. I've even managed to decrease the dose a little — feeling it today though.  I feel really vulnerable; physically, mentally and psychologically.

 

Feeling you @Catbird very glad you've lifted a bit though, the rest will slowly balance out, just let your body catch up with the cut.

Wishing you a bright easy day.

 

Edited February 8Feb 8 by Fullhealing

1 hour ago, Catbird said:

Fortunately the dark uncomfortable emotions have settled. I've even managed to decrease the dose a littl

Happy to hear @Catbird

2 hours ago, Tracey said:

The heat is horrendous out here and all the grass is burnt and gardens are dying. People are really feeling it and tapering just adds insult to injury. The grazing animals are suffering. My horses have plenty of hay but they are wandering around a bit aimlessly wondering where the green feed has gone. 

 

Maybe rain this week and certainly cooler by weeks end, however some damage has been done with these extreme temperatures. 

 

The humidity on the coast would be awful. We have had humidity  but that has all but gone due to no rain or ground moisture left. 😒

I hope you get a break in the weather soon.

I'm feeling a bit like you — I can't cope with any added stressors at the moment, Even the smallest thing feels like too much.  I'm just trying to go with the flow 🙏

9 minutes ago, Catbird said:

I hope you get a break in the weather soon.

I'm feeling a bit like you — I can't cope with any added stressors at the moment, Even the smallest thing feels like too much.  I'm just trying to go with the flow 🙏

🫂 hope this eases soon sorry to hear this. 

On 2/8/2026 at 4:42 AM, Catbird said:

Fortunately the dark uncomfortable emotions have settled. I've even managed to decrease the dose a little — feeling it today though.  I feel really vulnerable; physically, mentally and psychologically.

Hello @Catbird, how is it going? I hope things have stabilized a bit today. Sending you warm thoughts and a prayer.

Nemina

I highly recommend this YouTube video - it's not long

https://youtu.be/yM74xKYE61c?si=902GOdX3gzy7sxUL

1 hour ago, Catbird said:

I highly recommend this YouTube video - it's not long

https://youtu.be/yM74xKYE61c?si=902GOdX3gzy7sxUL

Thank you @Catbird anything helpful is on my list 🙏

How are you doing?

2 hours ago, Fullhealing said:

Thank you @Catbird anything helpful is on my list 🙏

How are you doing?

Thanks for asking @Fullhealing I’m getting to the pointy end of my Escitalopram taper — only 2 or so years to go!! How are you doing? I can see you’re on paroxetine, must be a real challenge 🤗

3 minutes ago, Catbird said:

Thanks for asking @Fullhealing I’m getting to the pointy end of my Escitalopram taper — only 2 or so years to go!! How are you doing? I can see you’re on paroxetine, must be a real challenge 🤗

@Catbird such a big challenge for all of us, isn't it, especially at low doses, well done for getting there, that's a huge achievement.

I'm bad atm but typical of the process I guess, thanks for asking 🙏

Stay strong and well, good days are coming.

6 hours ago, Catbird said:

I highly recommend this YouTube video - it's not long

https://youtu.be/yM74xKYE61c?si=902GOdX3gzy7sxUL

Thank you @Catbird, excellent video! Especially for those among us who have been on those drugs for a very long time. Reclaiming your actual self. Feeling your emotions. I am learning to cry again and I am really thankful if I can. Yesterday I found myself in tears watching the Olympics, seeing someone being happy about winning. In the 10 years that I took the drugs, I have rarely cried.  I’m still waiting for free laughter and happiness, but it will come. Until then, I’m enjoying the tears.

 

I wish you a peaceful day! ❤️

Oh, and concerning the keto diet, keep us posted. I am interested in what it does for you.

7 hours ago, Nemina said:

Thank you @Catbird, excellent video! Especially for those among us who have been on those drugs for a very long time. Reclaiming your actual self. Feeling your emotions. I am learning to cry again and I am really thankful if I can. Yesterday I found myself in tears watching the Olympics, seeing someone being happy about winning. In the 10 years that I took the drugs, I have rarely cried.  I’m still waiting for free laughter and happiness, but it will come. Until then, I’m enjoying the tears.

 

I wish you a peaceful day! ❤️

@Nemina like you I rarely cry. I sometimes cry at things on TV — things like weddings or happy moments like you describe. I also cry at funerals. One of the most frustrating things at present is I’m starting to feel more emotions like grief, sadness, dread, regret and I feel the welling up in my eyes but no tears. Crying eludes me when I need it most 😑.

 

The keto diet is going really well. My cognition has improved, my gut is so much better, my skin is the best it’s ever been, I’ve had gnawing hunger from Amitriptyline and it has diminished significantly, I’ve lost a couple of kilos. The only concern is cholesterol (LDL-C). I’ve used ChatGPT to help with fine tuning the diet so I’ve made changes swapping saturated fats for MUFAs (EVOO, avocados, macadamias) and times of eating to manage the chemical hunger. ChatGPT has even done a weekly meal plan for me based around main protein for the day. It’s a bit of work to set it up. I’ve been in ketosis for 2.5 months now. I’ve got an appointment with a specialist physician soon to do baseline monitoring tests to track cardiovascular health.

Should have mentioned keto purportedly has calming effects on the brain.