I'm hoping someone can help me. I suffer general anxiety disorder . I am trying to taper off Diazepam (since March of this year) but it's very very difficult. I was at 6mg daily, now down to 2.5mg. I'm also on Lyrica and Sertraline. My main symptoms are anxiety and severe muscle tension, especially the back of head and neck area. I started taking chlorpromazine 5 days ago to help ease the symtoms. The problem is I hate the side effects, my eyes feel really sore and the pupils are pinned and I feel a bit depressed. Which is unusual for me, I have purely GAD, not depression. My question is, can I just stop taking the chlorpromazine or reduce by half every day or every other day? Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi Orla, your probably better discussing this with your GP as the side effects may only be temporary given you only started 5 days ago.
Hi . I have had anxiety for years . Take diazapam . No other meds now . And just take Diaz on rare occasion like social events otherwise I try to push on without it , but I know.its there if I need it . Over years have tried other meds, the tapering off I would sujjest you talk to doc . I stopped taking a med once and it was pure hell, increased my anxiety . My doctor helped me taper off another and we worked out a plan cutting down vey gradually. Some people taper off quite easily , suppose it depends on med and everyone's different. Would get docs opinion if you can❤️
P.s Orla my tension in my neck, back,and head are a killer, really get me down, being anxious makes me tense up , never seem to relax , know how you feel❤️
I cannot believe what I just read. Chlorpromazine? Why did you start taking it? Was it prescribed by a psychiatrist? Have you ever suffered from any psychotic symptoms (dellusions, halucinations, paranoia) that were resistant to treatement wiht atypical antipsychotics?
I suggest you see another specialist and ask for a second opinion about this 'treatement'. We live now in the 21st century, there are other medications out there that can help with GAD and that have a much better safety / side effects profile.
Regarding your question, a gradual withdrawal of this drug is the preferred option. However, taking into account that you have been taking it for 5 days only, the withdrawal could rely on taking half of the ususal dose tomorrow and a quarter on the following day.
So sorry to hear this, Edwina. It's awful isn't it
Yes, Chlorpromazine lol. It's prescribed off label for anxiety. I'm going through debilitating withdrawals from Valium and the sertraline and lyrica don't seem to be enough.
Nope, never had any psychotic symptoms
Your response was highly knowledgeable and informative, thanks