pianoman Posted March 2, 2016 Share Posted March 2, 2016 Greetings, I have been coping with the effects of an extremely traumatic childhood, including physical and severe mental abuse, for my entire life. Unfortunately, this has featured a lot of prescriptions from a lot of psychiatrists. I really want to get off the psych med crazy-go-round, but feel I will need to get some stability and structure in my life before I can begin. I hear you folks have the knowledge, experience, and skills to help people with problems like mine. I thank you in advance for whatever you can do to help me get out of a dark, scary place. Right now, I am experiencing increased symptoms (social anxiety, agoraphobia, insomnia with nightmares, depression, etc.) after stopping Paxil suddenly six weeks ago. A friend has suggested this “cold turkey” may be the cause and recommended this site to me. I would very much like to make contact with others who are or have been in a similar situation, and could give me some information and guidance about how to heal myself. Thank you for listening to me, and for caring, pianoman I’ve taken many antidepressants over the years, but I’d like start with my recent history. About a year and a half ago, a psychiatrist prescribed Effexor for major depressive disorder. Shortly after, he prescribed prazosin and Seroquel consecutively for PTSD-related nightmares/insomnia. They seemed to help the nightmares, but left me feeling hung over the next day. He then switched me to other antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.) one at a time, about every two months, without a change-over period between the drugs. After that, he tried Paxil, which I took for 12 weeks and discontinued suddenly about six weeks ago. The main effects of sudden withdrawal so far have been the worsening of my depression, and the return of severe insomnia with nightmares. The psychiatrist told me I had tried most of the available SSRIs individually without result, and I asked him if I could start trying them in combinations. He agreed, and Rx'd 75mg Effexor in the morning and 45mg Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days, generally at bedtime to help with the insomnia and nightmares, also with increasingly severe agoraphobia. I sometimes take more under severe stress, but am very averse to becoming dependent on another drug. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted March 2, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 2, 2016 Hi Pianoman, Your friend is very wise and pointed you in the right direction! A cold turkey is NOT advised; even the drug makers put in their inserts that sudden cessation will cause "discontinuation syndrome." All the symptoms you have listed are well-known psych drug withdrawal symptoms. What would help the mods and everyone who might have experiences to share would be for you to fill out your signature block with your drug history, including dates and dosages to the best of your ability. You can get instructions for how to do this by going here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ Your signature block serves as a quick glance way for people dropping in to your thread to see what your history is. Since most people don't really understand what these drugs do to the nervous system and why it is important to do a slow taper off, it would be helpful to read this topic: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/603-what-is-withdrawal-syndrome/ Since you have only been off Paxil for six weeks, it is very likely that reinstatement is your best bet, and a moderator will be along shortly to give you specific recommendations. Most people really don't want to go back on, feeling they want the poison out of their system, but your symptoms are occurring precisely because your nervous system became dependent on the drug's presence to operate somewhat "normally," remodeling to take its action into account, and now that the drug isn't part of the equation, the machinery cannot work properly, so to speak. Reinstatement is usually a very small dosage compared to what you were on, just enough to alleviate symptoms without triggering start up side effects, since your system will have changed a bit since coming off. Reinstatement is not a failure but a harm reduction approach, with the goal being to stabilize and then commence a slow taper to come off with fewer problems than a cold turkey or fast taper cause. You can learn more about reinstatement here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7562-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-reduce-withdrawal-symptoms/ That is probably enough material for now! Give those topics a read, and then ask any questions you have here on your intro thread; your thread is a place to ask questions, document your progress, and give updates. I'm glad you found your way here. You are not alone! SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted March 2, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 2, 2016 Welcome Pianoman, I'm glad your friend recommenced our site, there is a lot of good information and friendly support for people who are looking to safely taper off their psychiatric drugs. As SG wrote, going CT off psyche drugs is not a good idea, it will often cause withdrawal symptoms, which then get diagnosed as a return of the original illness or diagnosed as a new one. We would normally suggest reinstating a small amount of the drug and then tapering slowly. But it sounds like you have already started taking 2 new drugs, its this correct? When did you start taking Effexor and Remeron? How long have you been taking Ativan? How are you feeling now? Please put ALL the drugs you take in the drugs.com Drug Interactions Checker at: Drug Interactions Checker You may post the results here in your thread. I'd highly recommend reading Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker. Psych meds can cause harmful side effects and long term, they can worsen health, increasing the risk of other illnesses. Just so there's no misunderstanding, we are a site for helping people safely taper from their medication and to provide help and support for anyone recovering from withdrawal syndrome after stopping too fast. Are you wanting to come off these new medications in a safe way? Here is the link to our symptoms and self care section, you may find some useful ideas to help manage any current symptoms. Especially read the topics pinned at the top. Petunia. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Jerome Posted March 2, 2016 Share Posted March 2, 2016 Squirrelly girl, Your simple yet accurate description of how psych meds change the nervous system in ways that prevent it from functioning without the med should be pinned somewhere — it's great! You say "ask any questions you have here on your intro thread; your thread is a place to ask questions, document your progress, and give updates." I'm a little unclear; when you refer to "your thread" and "your intro thread", do you mean this thread, titled "a long road home"? Pianoman, It's very handy to have someone who will point out posts relevant to your specific situation. It saves a lot of time paging through threads. I have always thought reinstatement was a major option, but didn't want to say anything about it for the reason Squirrelly girl mentions: I mean, you go to a site that's about helping people taper off psych meds and the first thing they tell you is "take more drugs"? Of course, that's not what they're telling you, but it can look that way, especially to someone who's confused and frightened and has been lied to by many "experts". Jerome 72 years old, no history of AD meds. Single dose of Ativan ramped up to 6-8 mg/day (!) for 7 years, initial Rx for insomnia. Summer of 2012 I learned about IW sx and began the change to 3X day dosing, finishing in October. Big improvement in sx. I also take opiate pain meds. Finally got under way with a hybrid [wet/dry] daily cut taper in Dec. 2012, at 0.0125 mg/day reduction. I was able to taper down from 8 mg/d to 4 mg/d in 2 years at that rate, interrupted by several medical adventures (heart block, wrist fracture, endocrine problem). I'm currently [9/2021] stable at 4 mg/d and plan to start a micro-taper at an initial reduction rate of 0.035 mg/d. Now (10/2023) at 1.75 mg/day, I'm getting what I think are some w/d sx. so maybe hold for a while. My taper method, which has gone through several iterations, is linked here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5037-jeromes-wetdry-taper-revised/?hl=jerome. At the moment, I'm not using a solution, but rather dealing with dry 0.5 mg tablets. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted March 2, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 2, 2016 Squirrelly girl, Your simple yet accurate description of how psych meds change the nervous system in ways that prevent it from functioning without the med should be pinned somewhere — it's great! You say "ask any questions you have here on your intro thread; your thread is a place to ask questions, document your progress, and give updates." I'm a little unclear; when you refer to "your thread" and "your intro thread", do you mean this thread, titled "a long road home"? Hi Jerome, Yes, for Pianoman, his intro thread, a long way home, is where he can post about his own experience. You can post under other topics, but mods may merge them into your intro thread if they feel it belongs there instead. As for pinning the topic about what happens on to the nervous system on the drugs, it is pinned at the top of the Symptoms and Self-Care forum, one of the Read This topics at the top, What is Withdrawal Syndrome? http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/ I'm glad you found it helpful! SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Shep Posted March 3, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 3, 2016 Hi, pianoman. Welcome to the forum from me, too. I was initially placed on a cocktail of psych drugs when I was 17. I also came from an extremely traumatic childhood, but my trauma was misdiagnosed as manic depression. That was 30 years ago. I'm now almost 10 months off all drugs and recovering slowly but I'm doing okay. I read a book called "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. It's the best book I've read so far. He also has some lectures on YouTube. Just google his name and they come up. Definitely worth looking into because he mentions several non-medication ways of healing from trauma. I've found mindfulness to be the best way to cope so far. I never did well in CBT and Dr. van der Kolk explains why many people dealing with trauma will not do well with CBT. I really understand a lot more of what happened and how to cope off of drugs. Here is a link to a great site for a free 8-week long online mindfulness course. http://palousemindfulness.com/ That site helped me get started with a really good mindfulness practice. I hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you much success in your recovery. There really is peace at the end of the road. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 3, 2016 Administrator Share Posted March 3, 2016 Welcome, pianoman. If you take Ativan regularly, you will become dependent on it. How long have you been taking it? When did you start taking Effexor? Did you start taking them together? What is your daily symptom pattern now? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
pianoman Posted March 5, 2016 Author Share Posted March 5, 2016 Altostrata, Thanks for your response and sorry it took me so long to reply. Jerome is helping me learn to navigate the website. I only took a few Ativan and have stopped taking it knowing how addictive it is. My anxiety is through the roof right now and wish that was not the case since it really takes the edge off! Will 1mg taken every 3 or 4 days get me hooked? I started on the Effexor and Remeron 10 weeks ago with the same results as all the other SSRI`s I have tried. Nada. My psychiatrist says that I have way too many `external` problems in my life right now for any of them to work. Not sure what you meant by `daily symptom pattern` but I have suffered from severe insomnia my whole life NOW accompanied by the worst nightmares imaginable when I do sleep and pray for an end to this existence every minute I am awake. I appreciate your feedback and hope you are doing well! Pianoman I’ve taken many antidepressants over the years, but I’d like start with my recent history. About a year and a half ago, a psychiatrist prescribed Effexor for major depressive disorder. Shortly after, he prescribed prazosin and Seroquel consecutively for PTSD-related nightmares/insomnia. They seemed to help the nightmares, but left me feeling hung over the next day. He then switched me to other antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.) one at a time, about every two months, without a change-over period between the drugs. After that, he tried Paxil, which I took for 12 weeks and discontinued suddenly about six weeks ago. The main effects of sudden withdrawal so far have been the worsening of my depression, and the return of severe insomnia with nightmares. The psychiatrist told me I had tried most of the available SSRIs individually without result, and I asked him if I could start trying them in combinations. He agreed, and Rx'd 75mg Effexor in the morning and 45mg Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days, generally at bedtime to help with the insomnia and nightmares, also with increasingly severe agoraphobia. I sometimes take more under severe stress, but am very averse to becoming dependent on another drug. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 5, 2016 Administrator Share Posted March 5, 2016 Please keep daily notes on paper about when you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms. I need the times of day for all. Effexor can be activating, causing anxiety, agitation, insomnia, etc. Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and copy and paste the results in this topic. Does the Remeron help you sleep? Do you have any Paxil left? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted March 6, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2016 Just helping out: Interactions between your selected drugs Major venlafaxine mirtazapineApplies to: Effexor (venlafaxine), Remeron (mirtazapine) Using venlafaxine together with mirtazapine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. Moderate lorazepam venlafaxineApplies to: Ativan (lorazepam), Effexor (venlafaxine) Using LORazepam together with venlafaxine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. Moderate lorazepam mirtazapineApplies to: Ativan (lorazepam), Remeron (mirtazapine) Using LORazepam together with mirtazapine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
Jerome Posted March 6, 2016 Share Posted March 6, 2016 Hi ChessieCat, Thanks very much for checking the interactions between these drugs. I have two questions. Did you check for reactions between all of the drugs mentioned, which would mean of them all, only Effexor, Remeron, and Ativan have significant interactions. Also, what is the source of this information? Again, thanks very much, Jerome 72 years old, no history of AD meds. Single dose of Ativan ramped up to 6-8 mg/day (!) for 7 years, initial Rx for insomnia. Summer of 2012 I learned about IW sx and began the change to 3X day dosing, finishing in October. Big improvement in sx. I also take opiate pain meds. Finally got under way with a hybrid [wet/dry] daily cut taper in Dec. 2012, at 0.0125 mg/day reduction. I was able to taper down from 8 mg/d to 4 mg/d in 2 years at that rate, interrupted by several medical adventures (heart block, wrist fracture, endocrine problem). I'm currently [9/2021] stable at 4 mg/d and plan to start a micro-taper at an initial reduction rate of 0.035 mg/d. Now (10/2023) at 1.75 mg/day, I'm getting what I think are some w/d sx. so maybe hold for a while. My taper method, which has gone through several iterations, is linked here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5037-jeromes-wetdry-taper-revised/?hl=jerome. At the moment, I'm not using a solution, but rather dealing with dry 0.5 mg tablets. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted March 6, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2016 Hi Jerome, I only checked the ones that Pianoman appears to be taking currently, ie Effexor, Remeron and Ativan (from his signature: He agreed, and Rx'd 75 mg of Effexor in the morning and 45 mg of Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days). Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com...eractions.html Also, this is a Symptoms Recording Chart for noting symptoms throughout the day. You will need one for AM & PM (just cross out or circle which is applicable at top left) and you can add the dates across the top. It is broken down into 1/2 hours blocks and is for a period of 1 week. * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
pianoman Posted March 6, 2016 Author Share Posted March 6, 2016 My new friends, I take Remeron usually around 4pm daily and Effexor around 4am. My anxiety, depression and insomnia are worse than ever. I have no Paxil left and no longer take Ativan. My psychiatrist has had me on 7 different SSRI`s the last 18 months with zero tapering etc. between each. I have gone off one and started the next immediately after so you can imagine my confusion over which is causing my worsening symptoms. The Remeron does not help me sleep and I take it when I wake up as prescribed.... Thanks to you all! I’ve taken many antidepressants over the years, but I’d like start with my recent history. About a year and a half ago, a psychiatrist prescribed Effexor for major depressive disorder. Shortly after, he prescribed prazosin and Seroquel consecutively for PTSD-related nightmares/insomnia. They seemed to help the nightmares, but left me feeling hung over the next day. He then switched me to other antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.) one at a time, about every two months, without a change-over period between the drugs. After that, he tried Paxil, which I took for 12 weeks and discontinued suddenly about six weeks ago. The main effects of sudden withdrawal so far have been the worsening of my depression, and the return of severe insomnia with nightmares. The psychiatrist told me I had tried most of the available SSRIs individually without result, and I asked him if I could start trying them in combinations. He agreed, and Rx'd 75mg Effexor in the morning and 45mg Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days, generally at bedtime to help with the insomnia and nightmares, also with increasingly severe agoraphobia. I sometimes take more under severe stress, but am very averse to becoming dependent on another drug. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 6, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 6, 2016 Hi pianoman , in the past week , what has your sleep pattern been? I wonder if you'd mind having a go at redoing your signature in the format similar to ChessieCat , Shep and SquirrellyGirl above - a summary of dates and dosages. It makes it easier for readers to understand at a glance. Instructions are here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ Best wishes , Fresh 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 6, 2016 Administrator Share Posted March 6, 2016 My guess is you need to reinstate Paxil. Also, you need a new doctor. Please be aware a side effect of antidepressants can be emotional anesthesia, which can last long after quitting. Why do you take Effexor at 4 a.m.? How do you feel before taking it and how do you feel after taking it? When do you go to bed? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
pianoman Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share Posted March 7, 2016 Thanks again everyone, I will talk to my psychiatrist about reinstating Paxil at a lower dose to see if that helps. I have been a professional pianist in SF 5-6 nights a week for the last 30 years and get home MUCH later than most people from work. I`m also the musical director for a recording studio so tend to compose music after that since very `amped` up after performing. I have NEVER been able to fall asleep before 4 or 5am even when I went off to college or had 9-5 jobs and assumed it was due to viscous alcoholic parents forcing me to stay awake ALL night 7 nights a week for my first 18 years since I was 6 months old. I feel no difference before or after I take Effexor and usually go to bed around 8am these days due to my increased anxiety. I’ve taken many antidepressants over the years, but I’d like start with my recent history. About a year and a half ago, a psychiatrist prescribed Effexor for major depressive disorder. Shortly after, he prescribed prazosin and Seroquel consecutively for PTSD-related nightmares/insomnia. They seemed to help the nightmares, but left me feeling hung over the next day. He then switched me to other antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.) one at a time, about every two months, without a change-over period between the drugs. After that, he tried Paxil, which I took for 12 weeks and discontinued suddenly about six weeks ago. The main effects of sudden withdrawal so far have been the worsening of my depression, and the return of severe insomnia with nightmares. The psychiatrist told me I had tried most of the available SSRIs individually without result, and I asked him if I could start trying them in combinations. He agreed, and Rx'd 75mg Effexor in the morning and 45mg Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days, generally at bedtime to help with the insomnia and nightmares, also with increasingly severe agoraphobia. I sometimes take more under severe stress, but am very averse to becoming dependent on another drug. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 7, 2016 Administrator Share Posted March 7, 2016 If I were you, I'd get a prescription for liquid Paxil. You might tell your doctor you wish to cross-titrate up so as not to do a cold switch. This means taking a small amount of Paxil, perhaps 3mg, wait a few days, then start reducing Effexor. Or, you might take this opportunity to switch to liquid Prozac, which may or may not compensate for Paxil withdrawal syndrome, but might be a little easier to reduce than Paxil. Do you have the kind of Effexor XR that contains tiny beads in a capsule? Read Tips for tapering off Paxil (paroxetine) Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine) The Prozac switch or "bridging" with Prozac The Prozac topic discusses the principle of cross-tapering to switch drugs. Your inverted sleep cycle may be contributing to "depression." This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
pianoman Posted March 11, 2016 Author Share Posted March 11, 2016 Hello, So very confused about reinstatement of the Paxil since the other 6 SSRI`s I have tried the last 18 months have left me feeling the same exact way after I stopped them plus haven`t taken Paxil for 10 weeks now. Could it just be my depression is becoming worse? Should I stop the Effexor or the Remeron to bring the Paxil back in for reinstatement? Just need to make sense to my psychiatrist with this new way of thinking for him. Unclear whether I am going through withdrawls or just need meds that work for me. Thanks to you all!! I’ve taken many antidepressants over the years, but I’d like start with my recent history. About a year and a half ago, a psychiatrist prescribed Effexor for major depressive disorder. Shortly after, he prescribed prazosin and Seroquel consecutively for PTSD-related nightmares/insomnia. They seemed to help the nightmares, but left me feeling hung over the next day. He then switched me to other antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.) one at a time, about every two months, without a change-over period between the drugs. After that, he tried Paxil, which I took for 12 weeks and discontinued suddenly about six weeks ago. The main effects of sudden withdrawal so far have been the worsening of my depression, and the return of severe insomnia with nightmares. The psychiatrist told me I had tried most of the available SSRIs individually without result, and I asked him if I could start trying them in combinations. He agreed, and Rx'd 75mg Effexor in the morning and 45mg Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days, generally at bedtime to help with the insomnia and nightmares, also with increasingly severe agoraphobia. I sometimes take more under severe stress, but am very averse to becoming dependent on another drug. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted March 12, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 12, 2016 "If I were you, I'd get a prescription for liquid Paxil. You might tell your doctor you wish to cross-titrate up so as not to do a cold switch. This means taking a small amount of Paxil, perhaps 3mg, wait a few days, then start reducing Effexor. Or, you might take this opportunity to switch to liquid Prozac, which may or may not compensate for Paxil withdrawal syndrome, but might be a little easier to reduce than Paxil. Do you have the kind of Effexor XR that contains tiny beads in a capsule ?" 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 12, 2016 Administrator Share Posted March 12, 2016 It sounds to me that you are experiencing Paxil withdrawal syndrome and Effexor isn't helping at all. In these situations, we often suggest reinstatement of the original drug. "Cross-taper" means you add a little Paxil while you reduce Effexor until you are on Paxil only. We're talking about reducing your withdrawal symptoms. We can't address your underlying "depression," you'll have to find non-drug ways to cope with that. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
pianoman Posted March 16, 2016 Author Share Posted March 16, 2016 My psychiatrist was not happy that I searched for ways to help myself outside of his domain. He has thrown his hands up regarding my condition and is the only `welfare` psychiatrist in my county. At a loss as what to do next since I am unemployed for the first time in my 55 years. All other psychiatrist have treated me the same way since severe PTSD/depression seems to be a crap shoot to all of them. I just feel like giving up on trying to treat this TERRIBLE condition which has gone on for 53 years now. Just wish life was like it was before I was born. Peaceful without the constant pain. I’ve taken many antidepressants over the years, but I’d like start with my recent history. About a year and a half ago, a psychiatrist prescribed Effexor for major depressive disorder. Shortly after, he prescribed prazosin and Seroquel consecutively for PTSD-related nightmares/insomnia. They seemed to help the nightmares, but left me feeling hung over the next day. He then switched me to other antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.) one at a time, about every two months, without a change-over period between the drugs. After that, he tried Paxil, which I took for 12 weeks and discontinued suddenly about six weeks ago. The main effects of sudden withdrawal so far have been the worsening of my depression, and the return of severe insomnia with nightmares. The psychiatrist told me I had tried most of the available SSRIs individually without result, and I asked him if I could start trying them in combinations. He agreed, and Rx'd 75mg Effexor in the morning and 45mg Remeron at bedtime. I also take 1 mg of Ativan about every three days, generally at bedtime to help with the insomnia and nightmares, also with increasingly severe agoraphobia. I sometimes take more under severe stress, but am very averse to becoming dependent on another drug. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus SquirrellyGirl Posted March 16, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 16, 2016 Sadly, nowadays psychiatrists only know how to do one thing: prescribe. They don't do psychotherapy anymore, leave that to the therapists. You are in Pacifica, CA? Being unemployed, this may be tough, but I recommend a program called EBT, Emotional Brain Training, cofounded by Laurel Mellin at UCSF. This would definitely help you with the depression/PTSD. This program is web-based, with tele groups. I'm not sure if Laurel still does actual groups, as she did before they launched EBT, but you might look into it. My tele group leader, Barbara Gabriel, also practices in SF, so she might be one to try to see privately. EBT is about neuroplasticity and breaking old stress circuits, re-wiring new, healthier ones. It is about processing emotions, which many of us never learned to do effectively. It teaches "tools" that help us cope. I would say it is some form of CBT/DBT. I'm not marketing for them, but just sharing what has worked for me. I think what is super beneficial about EBT is that it creates a feeling of community through doing phone connections with group members, a safe environment where you can process emotions with others witnessing without judgement. That has been invaluable to me because I don't have much of a support system, and it truly helps to be heard. Meanwhile, it may be time to ditch the p-docs and find a naturopath or sympathetic GP who can prescribe and work with you to get the meds so that you can take control and get stabilized. Many of us have had to learn the hard way to not try to get our doctors to agree with our new-found realization about the meds, to just USE them to get the drugs and then do what we must do without their active participation. I'm lucky in that my p-doc knows I want off and am tapering, far too conservatively in his opinion. But, he is willing to prescribe as needed. I've read of people being "fired" by their p-docs because they didn't agree with what the patient was trying to do in tapering. Geez. I hope this helps! SG Started ADs back around 1995 after bad break-up, starting with Prozac. Switched to Wellbutrin, and then to Effexor in 2002 Effexor XR 2002-2014 up to 225 mg at one point, down to 37.5 mg towards end but back up to 75 mg in 2014; now realize I had W/D as I dropped down, memory very poor about history. Extreme emotions, poor concentration as I stepped back down, didn't connect the dots! Summer 2014 reduced to 0 very quickly, was sick of anhedonia/sexual dysfunction due to meds, depression never controlled if not worse. Didn't recognize WD since symptoms built slowly (thought I had ADD! and menopausal on top of it), starting with severe sweats, very bad cog-fog and memory issues, culminating in weight loss, severe anxiety and depression, panic, severe apathy and insomnia by eight months off. Saw p-doc who put me on Remeron, increased from 7.5 mg/day to 37.5 mg by May 22, 2015; still doing very badly though able to sleep. June 1. 2015 Reinstated Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Remeron dropped to 30 mg PM. Immediate relief of symptoms, like nothing had ever happened! Joined SA and began on advice of friend who recognized it was WD all along! Began tapering in July 2015. Been tapering both meds ever since, focusing on one more than the other or doing no more than 5% of each per month. 12 mg Effexor and 5.8 mg Remeron (mirtazapine SolTabs to make a solution with OraPlus) as of 5/4/2017 Update 3/14/18: 2.9 mg Remeron and 6 mg Effexor; 6/10/18: 2.6 mg Remeron and 4.9 mg Effexor My intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9313-squirrellygirl-effexor-withdrawal-etc/page-2#entry196679 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted March 16, 2016 Administrator Share Posted March 16, 2016 Any doctor can prescribe psychiatric drugs, it doesn't have to be a psychiatrist. Do you have a better relationship with your GP? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted March 16, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 16, 2016 Hi Pianoman, Posting links for you to read if you haven't already: What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms? How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal? * NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA * MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: (6 year taper) 0mg Pristiq on 13th November 2021 ADs since ~1992: 25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq: 50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity) Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021 LAST DOSE 0.0025mg Post 0 updates start here My tapering program My Intro (goes to tapering graph) VIDEO: Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management Link to comment
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