raeofsun227 saying Hi

[Raeofsun227]

Hi, I'm a newbie here, started decreasing on Effexor XR 3 weeks ago and realized how debilitating and isolating weaning off AD can be/is.

 

I will copy this post into my 'about me' page also.

 

I am a 41 yo mother of 2 kids, both with ADHD and one with borderline Aspergers so it is much like having a child with special needs. In other words, I got my hands full!

Thank God for my loving and supportive husband. Between my faith in God and my incredible husband, I am very blessed.

 

So, what got me to this board? It's a culmination of several sudden and tragic events:

1) Sudden death of 47 yo father caused depression and PTSD at 22 years old

2) Date rape at 23 yo

3) Developed sudden debilitating and painful juvenile arthritis at 25 yo

4) At 31 yo, had coworker die same way father died and PTSD caused severe anxiety so I started on my anti-depressant journey...

 

Cymbalta, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor XR, it's been 10 years of dulled emotions and anxiety-ridden moments with unreal side effects.

 

On September 3, 2015, I mistakenly put the wrong pills in the wrong days. With only 4 pills, I needed a refill and accidentally didn't take any Effexor for 3 days straight and I found myself moments away from suicide. I tried to kill myself because I didn't take my AD for 3 days?! My husband's belt on the ground became a means of ending my life. A belt took on an entire new function and illuminated with an end to my misery, I had never even looked at a belt in that way until this moment! This was ridiculous and it had to stop.

 

Get ready for a major 180 degree turn, and I do want to clarify that I have never taken any drug recreationally and am a very conservative person...

 

On October 12, 2015, my journey with medical cannabis began. And my psychiatrist actually encouraged me to do it.... And it has saved my life in more ways than one.

 

I hope I can post more about that here to help others but I don't want to impose or negatively influence anyone in anyway; we are so vulnerable to quick fixes when we are depressed and hurtng.

God bless all of you on this journey to finding peace and joy.

- A

[Shep]

Hi, Raeofsun. Welcome to SA. I'm glad you're joining us for support. Sounds like you've been through a lot already. 

 

I'm a bit concerned that you're taking multiple drugs along with your Effexor XR. Tramadol and Effexor can cause serious interactions such as Serotonin Syndrome.

 

Please place all of your meds in this drug interaction checker. If you can copy and paste the results here in your Intro section, it will help the moderators who will be along to help guide you through your taper.

 

Drug Interactions Checker -- use it to reduce your drug burden

 

Here are a few links to get you started. 

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

I know this is a lot of information, and it sounds like you've already got a lot on your plate taking care of your family and dealing with the after effects of trauma, but with a supportive husband and the information you find on this forum, I'm sure you're going to be fine. 

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi Rae,

 

Welcome to SA.  You found the right place for support, encouragement and information.

 

Are you still taking Effexor?  I am not able to ascertain from your post and signature whether you stopped taking it after your mix up with your tablets.

 

If you are not taking Effexor, what symptoms have you had since stopping it?

 

Clarifying this will allow the staff to offer suggestions based on your individual situation.

 

Shep has given you some great links to start with.  I would also suggest:

 

Brain Remodelling

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Please ask any questions you have here in your Intro/Update topic.  If you click Follow This Topic (top right) you will be notified when some responds.  Also you can use your topic to journal your progress.