divegrl Posted April 7, 2017 Posted April 7, 2017 (edited) Hi I have been on Wellbutrin 150 XL for 4 years. I tried to cold turkey 2 years ago, and spent 5 days unable to get out of bed. Due to loss of insurance, and really wanting to be off meds, I am tapering again. I received Wellbutrin 75mg IR (immediate release). I was going to start off with a slow taper, however the IR pills have been a roller coaster. When I first take the pill I am irritable and agitated for about 3 hours. And then I become lethargic and tired until my next dose. Due to these ups and downs I had to reduce the dosage pretty quickly. I take 3 doses a day. 3/8 in the morning, 3/8 at lunch, and 1/4 in the evening. For a total of 75 mg a day. I started tapering 2 weeks ago, and finally now feel pretty stable. Honestly, the best time for me is when i first wake up. After I take my first dose I get irritable and agitated. I am planning on doing another reduction tomorrow, and just cannot wait to get off this medicine. I am supplementing with lots of Omega 3s, multivitamin, magnesium and vitamin B. Hope to use this as a journal, documenting my taper. Thank you for reading. Edited May 29, 2017 by scallywag tags Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Madeleine Posted April 7, 2017 Posted April 7, 2017 Welcome to the forum! It's tempting to rush but it's recommended here to taper no more than 10% Wishing you well in your taper 200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021; Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg ------- Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18; May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted April 7, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted April 7, 2017 Hi Divegrl and welcome, Yes, please use this thread to document your taper, write about symptoms, ask questions and to communicate with the community. As Madeleine wrote, we generally recommend a slower taper than what you're currently doing. We suggest reducing by no more than 10% of the current dose every 4 weeks, this reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms arising. Please read through this which will explain why: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? And here is some information specific to Wellbutrin, including tapering tips: Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, SR, XR, XL (buproprion) The reported rate of withdrawal syndrome with Wellbutrin is lower than with other kinds of antidepressants, so you may be fine with a faster taper than what we recommend. But if symptoms do occur, I suggest you hold your taper until they settle down and then resume at a slower rate. I'm happy to hear that you've stabilized now after your first dose cut. Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold for a little while longer before making another cut. Are you taking any other medications? Have you taken any psychiatric drugs previously? It would be great if you would put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature. Doing this helps people understand your context, it appears below each of your posts. Here are instructions for how to do it: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature If you have any questions, you can ask them here in your thread. Please feel free to write whenever you want, you will find a lot of friendly help and support here. 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
Administrator Altostrata Posted April 7, 2017 Administrator Posted April 7, 2017 Welcome, divegrl. Are you cutting up tablets to taper? You might find making a liquid to be more convenient and exact. How many milligrams are you taking at what times of day? How is your sleep? Many people find these supplements helpful: King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 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.
divegrl Posted April 7, 2017 Author Posted April 7, 2017 Hi All Thank you for your thoughtful responses. I am very thankful I found this forum. I had every intention of tapering by 10% cuts, I had even created an excel spreadsheet! The "dumping" action of the IR pills has been too much for me. I started by cutting the 75 mg pills in half and taking them 4 times a day. Everytime I would take a half pill, I would get rage like symptoms. It felt like someone had given me a shot of adrenaline and steroids. After one dose, I had to run 10 miles just to get the agitation and irritability out of my system. I then started quartering and eigthing the 75mg pills. I tried taking them 3 to 4 times a day at varying doses in order to taper slowly but that just did not work for me. My anxiety at night was awful, I had vivid dreams, and cold sweats. Over a 1 week period I tapered down to the following schedule. 6:30 am - 28.15 mg (3/8 75mg pill) 1 pm - 28.15 mg (3/8 75mg pill) 6 pm - 18.75 mg (1/4 75mg pill) I have been at this schedule for 7 days. At the beginning I felt electrical shocks in my hands and feet; I increased the dose of omega 3 to 3000mg and the shocks were resolved. I've also had GI problems, severe stomach upset and nausea. I have been taking a bit of ginger and this seems to help. I feel like my sleep has gotten better now that I am at a lower dose of Wellbutrin, I know Wellbutrin is not like other SSRIs or SNRIs. Also I had loss of focus and concentration towards the beginning. Mindfulness meditation has help bring acceptance and awareness to my feelings and sensations. So I am pretty good at numbers, but know nothing about chemistry, half lives, chemical compounds, or physiology. Each dose I take seems to be having a greater effect on me. I'm not sure if this is my receptors upregulating and I'm becoming more sensitive? I will be making a cut today... my 1 pm dose to 18.75 mg. Thank you everyone for all the links. I will be reading them. Take care my friends. Until tomorrow. Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
nz11 Posted April 8, 2017 Posted April 8, 2017 At the beginning I felt electrical shocks in my hands and feet; I increased the dose of omega 3 to 3000mg and the shocks were resolved. I've also had GI problems, severe stomach upset and nausea. I have been taking a bit of ginger and this seems to help Wow this is interesting thanks for sharing this. i share Petu's concern regarding the speed of your taper. Be careful out there. I really like your statement at the bottom of the drug sig i think that should be stuck to the wall of every doctors clinic. welcome to sa nz11 Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
divegrl Posted April 8, 2017 Author Posted April 8, 2017 Hey Thanks! I love seeing where everyone is from in this forum! I have always wanted to visit New Zealand! It's on my bucket list! Yes omega 3s worked for me. I've seen many people write about the effectiveness of omega 3s and high fat diets. I've always been a bit skeptical, but so far it has worked for me. New schedule: 6:30 - 28.15 mg 1 - 18.75 mg 6 - 18.75 mg I have seen many people post about mindfulness meditation... this has really helped me significantly. I listen to mindfulness meditation, yoga nidra and body scan videos for free on You Tube. My Affirmation : I AM HEALED Take care my friends! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted April 9, 2017 Author Posted April 9, 2017 ***********POSITIVE VIBES ONLY*********** Symptoms Restless Sleep Vivid Dreams Trouble waking up "Medicine" Yogic Breath Present Moment Awareness Yoga Nidra Positive Affirmation : I AM HEALED Hydration Nutritious Food I AM NOT MY MIND Take care my friends. Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted April 11, 2017 Author Posted April 11, 2017 Symptoms: severe tummy issues Medicine: Epsom salt bath: this felt amazing! Time in nature: went for a long walk and felt so much better. The oxygen from the trees. The exercise. Meditation Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing Take care my friends ???????????????????????????????????????? Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted April 13, 2017 Author Posted April 13, 2017 Doing well at 65 mg. I will be staying in for another week and then re evaluating. I am healed I am infinite wisdom I am total understanding I am healthy I am producing endless joy Take care my friends. Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted April 14, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted April 14, 2017 Hi Divegirl, please slow down, you are going too fast ! You have been having tummy issues which can be withdrawal related. You need to hold the surrent dose for at least 4 weeks after you have stabilised to allow your brain to catch up. The drug needs to be sneaked away so slowly that yor brain adjusts with very little discomfort. I love your positive attitude, it wil help you through. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
divegrl Posted April 15, 2017 Author Posted April 15, 2017 Thanks MamaP! I never intended to go this fast! The "dumping" action of the IR pills has been way too much for my body! Every cut I've made is because of the extreme agitation experienced right after taking a dose! I will be holding here for a while. It just seems like each dose I take becomes more powerful! And also I truly believe in the power of the placebo affect! My body knows exactly how to heal! Take care my friends!! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted April 17, 2017 Author Posted April 17, 2017 Hi! Doing well. It's weird. I feel better sometimes. I feel worse others. When I was on the full dose of the medicine, my heart used to race and I remember being quick to anger. My heart racing has decreased significantly. The downside is i seem to be a bit slower physically. My energy has dipped a bit. Meditation, yoga and healthy nutrition has greatly helped me. I'm feeling really well. I am healed. Take care my friends. Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted April 24, 2017 Author Posted April 24, 2017 Hi! I did not realize how long it's been! So I'm remaining at 65. This past week has been trying due to pms. This cycle was weird as during pms I'm usually extremely angry and short tempered. This time I was not angry but more sad. It's hard to determine what's pms vs what is Wellbutrin withdrawal. I had some pretty tough nights sleeping, but that is normal for me during this time of the month. Thankfully it's over and I'm feeling good. I really wish at some point the sunshine would come out where I live. I think that helps immensely. Still have my positive affirmation; I am healed Take care my friends Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted April 24, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted April 24, 2017 I am glad you are still doing well DG, PMS is something I don't miss one bit, the menopause does have it's advantages! I hope you get some sunshine soon, it makes so much difference. Can you get a light box, usually sold for SAD. I have one and wouldn't be without it. Not as good as the real thing but still very effective when there is little sunshine. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
divegrl Posted April 25, 2017 Author Posted April 25, 2017 Yes PMS is no fun. Thank you for the advice on the light box MamaP. Can I ask how it works? Do u just sit in front of it for a certain time period everyday? And can I ask which brand you use? Sorry for so many questions, I looked up light boxes on the internet and there were so many choices! It's April 25th and I cutting to 56mg. 2/8 a 75 mg pill 3 times per day. Have a great day everyone! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 3, 2017 Author Posted May 3, 2017 Hi! Doing well! I found myself getting super irritated the other day. Then I realized I had not exercised or meditated or made time for myself. I definitely feel changes happening after this last cut. I seem to be a little more anxious and restless then nornal. I've had to increase my meditation time. Remembering the my mind and body are going thru huge physiological changes right now. I'm giving my body the space it needs to heal. Symptoms: Anxiety Coping: Yoga Pranayama Meditation Lots of healthy fats. Avocado and coconut oil Time outside in the sunshine!!!!! I am healed. Take care my friends! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 4, 2017 Author Posted May 4, 2017 Hi! I am feeling different. I'm not sure if it's good or bad. I am recognizing that my body is going thru huge changes. I have a ton more energy. And it seems like passion. Everything feels more alive? This last cut has been different. I am not having any tummy issues. Right now I seem to be craving food. I literally ate 3 pieces of chocolate cake without blinking. I've never had a problem with weight before..... but yesterday I looked at my belly and it looked softer. I'm back to eating super healthy. Lots of healthy fats, coconut oil and avocado. Lots of vegetables. Lots of water. And doing yoga. When I was in the full strength of the medicine. My heart used to race. Maybe that heart racing was increasing my metabolism? I'm not sure. Also I seem to be having a lot of thoughts. More so than usual. Every time I get distracted in my thoughts, I focus back on my breath and to the present moment. At this point I'm not sure what normal feels like. I honestly forgot how I was before Wellbutrin. I am feeling joyful, loving and at peace so I guess those are all good things. I hope everyone has a great day!! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 6, 2017 Author Posted May 6, 2017 Today I felt tired. I had little energy. A sharp contrast to the previous days. I have been eating healthy and working out, and my waistline has quickly returned back to normal. I'm trying to accept the thoughts and energy patterns that I have each day. Not judging them or trying to make up a story. I will be staying at this dose for a couple more weeks. It's nice because I'm taking a quarter of a pill 3x per day. The next cut I make I will have to start doing a liquid solution. Cutting the pills into eighths is messy. I also want to take the same dose equally throughout the day. Anyways I'm just not ready to think about making a liquid solution. Also my next cut will be the recommended 10%. The only other drug I've tapered off of was predisone, and I remember being able to taper very quickly until I got to lower doses. I feel this will be the same for Wellbutrin. Coping: yoga nidra, present moment awareness, vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats, coconut oil, running, playing outside. Also I did some backbends today. Thank you to whoever posted that backbends help the central nervous system! They felt amazing! Take care my friends! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 8, 2017 Author Posted May 8, 2017 Hi! I am experiencing the worst food cravings. I feel like I could eat the entire refrigerator! Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted May 8, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted May 8, 2017 You could check out these topics: weight-gain-weight-loss-and-appetite-changes insatiable-mind-hunger I've been through stages of being extremely hungry and also times where I'm hungry but just don't feel like eating. * 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
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 8, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted May 8, 2017 You seem to be doing great DG, there will be fluctuations, that is what happens when the nervous system is stabilising. My lightbox is this one, it is a clock that dims down at night and gradually brightens in the morning to simulate dusk and dawn. It is also light therapy. It is beside my bed and I turn toward it in the morning to get the light. https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Simulator-Alarm-Clock-Light/dp/B000N94XPG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494277752&sr=8-3&keywords=sunrise+system **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
divegrl Posted May 10, 2017 Author Posted May 10, 2017 ChessieCat and MammaP thank you so much for your replies. I read the threads regarding food cravings and it was validation that others are experiencing the same thing and that this is normal. Some of the posts were truly enlightening, so thank you for the links. Most importantly that my brain is healing and needs the proper nutrients to do so. I have not been taking my omegas 3s regularly, so I've upped my dose back to 3000mg. I also started taking Natural calm. It's a powder form of magnesium, and I think my body is able to absorb it better. My anxiety had gone down a bit. I have been meditating 2 hours a day. Which has helped significantly. Thank you for the light box suggestion. It's finally summer here... but I will be saving up money to buy one in the fall. I'm at roughly 6 weeks into my tapering and my body and brain are telling me to stop. So I will be holding here until these symptoms subside. Coping: Yoga Pranayama Mindfulness Meditation Sunshine!!! Spending time with family and friends Lots and healthy fats Lots of vegetables and green juice Omega 3 Magnesium I am praying for everyone on this forum today. We are all struggling, but I hope we can each find some peace and joy by living in the present moment. Big hugs!!! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 10, 2017 Author Posted May 10, 2017 This is my second time posting today.... but I needed to write this down so I remember. I just had an epson salt bath and I feel amazing! The anxiety that I was feeling has just melted away. I need to add this to my routine. My 2 or 3 a week? Ok. Don't forget divegrl..... EPSON SALT BATH EPSON SALT BATH EPSON SALT BATH Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 13, 2017 Author Posted May 13, 2017 Today I feel joyful!!! I have had so many ups and downs over the past months. It's been very hard. But today. I needed today. No anxiety. No depression. No tummy issues. I know I have a long way to go. And I will continue to experience many challenges. But today is a reminder that " this too shall pass". Also today is my 3rd day straight of epsom salt baths. Not sure if there is a correlation, but I'm continuing these daily!!! I am healed. Take care my friends!! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 16, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted May 16, 2017 I am glad the epsom salt baths are helping, I love them and get one at every opportunity. Sadly I don't have a bath at my place but in my last home I had a bath with epsom salt almost every day, sometimes twice. If I am visiting family or friends I take some epsom salts with me and take a bath, they know that I love them and always ask if I want a bath. I have just been on holiday to stay with family and friends and one of them had a big bag of epsom salt for me. She got the biggest squishiest mamma hug ever . **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
divegrl Posted May 19, 2017 Author Posted May 19, 2017 Awwww that's so sweet. Yes they really help with my stress and tension. I am so thankful for this forum. I was having a rough day, and an email came thru from a meditation website I had signed up for. The email, which was really an ad, was a long list of supplements that I HAD to take for optimal mood and sleep. It listed everything as natural. So I read the labels and came here and did a search. I was surprised to see all the side effects and dependencies that can occur from these all natural ingredients. GABA, valerian, serotonin. And then I realized how much I don't need these. Not to waste my money. Popping pills and searching for supplements to make me happy, is what brought me here in the first place!!! I'm sticking with magnesium and omega 3s. And the other non drug coping techniques. I guess sorta of the same note, I'm realizing how much a nutritious healthy diet helps. When I eat lots of fats, lean meats, veggies, I feel a million times better. If I eat sugars, I get brain fog, sadness and irritability. I've been keep a food journal and it's amazing to see how foods, specifically sugars, negatively impact my mood. This is all a learning process and I'm doing the best I can. Some days are not as good as others. I guess it's a good way to practice acceptance? I keep reminding myself to be gentle and compassionate towards myself. I am healing. Slowly. Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 22, 2017 Author Posted May 22, 2017 Hi! Symptoms I'm experiencing. Irritability. Apathy. Also I don't know who I really am. Well I do, but all these new feelings and thoughts are foreign to me. I was reading an article and it said this was depersonalization. And it is a normal withdrawal symptom. I'm continuing in my epsom salt baths and they really help. At this point I don't know what to do. I feel like I have stabilized at this dose, but the thought of making another cut seems very unappealing. And honestly the food cravings are my biggest concern. This seems shallow, but I don't want to gain weight. I guess I will be staying here for another week and then re-evaluating next week. My goal is to get off this drug, slowly but surely. Coping; Meditation, epsom salt baths, pranayama. Take care my friends Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Aully Posted May 23, 2017 Posted May 23, 2017 I've had roller coaster effects with Wellbutrin on XL generic versions so it's no surprise the IR and taper is giving you those side effects. If you can do IR, I believe you will have most success with smaller more frequent dosing as opposed to only counting your total daily mg dosage. How many times a day are you taking the 65mg and how do you split it up? From most People I know taking the IR version (or used to take it) they dose it 3-4x a day. If it's not possible to take 3 or 4 times a day for a total of 65mg, I think it might be causing more side effects than the same total daily mg dose in a SR version. Also Watson makes a good generic SR version 100mg that is very smooth in my opinion. Interested to hear how you are dividing the doses now that you are on such a low dose in IR form. I'm planning on getting off my 300mg XL Wellbutrin in the future so reading forums like these give confidence. Thanks and good luck Current daily meds: Wellbutrin 300mg XL (BRAND-NAME ONLY) - 7 years Trazodone 50mg - 7 years Vyvanse 70mg - been on it since it came out, adderall 30 before. Ritalin 10mg IR - 3 years On hand: Valium 10mg (rarely take only for panic attacks 1-2x month or less). Xanex 0.25mg (only for those rare moments - shorter duration) WD history : lexapro 7 years ago, Ativan 5 years ago.
Aully Posted May 23, 2017 Posted May 23, 2017 I know exactly how you feel when you say you don't know who you are and sudden new thoughts and feelings looming in your mind. The same thing happened to me years ago when I tried to come off Wellbutrin. It seems as though being on Wellbutrin causes you to not let stressful/depressing thoughts bother you. I realized this myself when I tapered down my dose then. I suddenly felt like maybe Wellbutrin works in that way, where: A. depressing thoughts either are something that isn't a concern or B. Those negative thoughts don't even happen at all. My guess is a combination of the 2, depending on dosage. I wanted to leave my last comment in that try your best to stay strong. These feelings are temporary and are just a symptom of withdrawal. Hopefully those feelings aren't too long lasting, more than couple days. Your body is adjusting to not having extra dopamine floating around in your brain from previously taking higher dosage. It will get better! Hang in there. I'm interested to hear how you are dividing up 65mg into the recommended 3-4x a day dosage if IR formula pills. Maybe there is a way you could ease the symptoms based on that, so I'm curious Current daily meds: Wellbutrin 300mg XL (BRAND-NAME ONLY) - 7 years Trazodone 50mg - 7 years Vyvanse 70mg - been on it since it came out, adderall 30 before. Ritalin 10mg IR - 3 years On hand: Valium 10mg (rarely take only for panic attacks 1-2x month or less). Xanex 0.25mg (only for those rare moments - shorter duration) WD history : lexapro 7 years ago, Ativan 5 years ago.
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 23, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted May 23, 2017 Hi DG, I would start to think about making liquid before the next cut, so that you can get used to it before changing the dose. It will be more precise and better for you. It is daunting to think of the hassle involved but it really isn't too hard and you can make up a batch to last a few days. You could go from 3 doses to 4 with liquid because it is easier to measure. Read up on it, get the stuff together and have a practice session. Get used to the idea and how to do it before doing it for real. You will be glad you switched to liquid when you are in the swing of it. I would hold the dose for longer when you have switched, you don't seem stable enough for another cut just yet but could improve when the doses are more precise. When I was tapering effexor I would feel withdrawal after a cut but only for a day or 2. After a couple of weeks I felt side effects again and took it as time to make another cut. And so that pattern went on until I was off in a year. Then I had awful withdrawal because I had gone too fast and the 'side effects' were actually withdrawal and a sign to slow down not cut some more! I hadn't found SA and did it on my own, thinking it was super slow Hold the dose and look to making the transition to liquid. you can do it **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
divegrl Posted May 24, 2017 Author Posted May 24, 2017 Hi! Thank you for the encouragement MammaP! Yes i will try to the liquid taper, it does seem daunting! I'm so sorry about your Effexor taper. It's funny, because my doctor, just says to stop taking the medicine and everything will adjust in a couple of weeks! I'm so glad I found this forum! Aully- Hi! Right now I'm on 56 mg IR. I take the 75mg IR pill. Cut into 4ths and then take 3 times a day. My taper has been not fun to say the least. I would highly recommend starting off your taper with the 100mg SR pills to smooth out the "dumping" action. I started off with IR and at the larger doses, it felt like I was getting this huge shot of adrenaline, followed by a huge low until my next dose. There is a Wellbutrin tapering thread, that one of the mods linked.... and I would do my best to follow that! I'm at 56 mg now... so I'm not going back up! So i found this article on low dopamine levels yesterday. I realized I have every symptom! Fatigue Apathy Lack of focus Forgetfulness Moodiness Insomnia Sugar Cravings Lower Motivation Granted these symptoms, are very mild for me at this point! But it's sorta a validation, that yes, everything that I've been going thru is caused by my changing dopamine levels. Just in case anyone is also experiencing this, here were some suggestions for natural ways to boost dopamine: Food rich in tyrosine - Almonds, bananas, Avocados, Eggs, fish. I almost fell over because I've been eating an avocado every day and craving almonds, bananas and eggs! My body knows exactly what it needs! Exercise - Yup! Meditate - Check! Massage - I will have to try this out. It supposedly increase dopamine levels by 30%. Yet another thing to save up for! Sleep - Yup! Also, I've asked my closest friends if they've seen any changes in me... and all of them said they haven't noticed any difference! I guess that's a good sign! Take care my friends. I hope everyone can find a little bit of joy in their day. Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 29, 2017 Author Posted May 29, 2017 Hi! I need some help! I started my liquid taper, and I don't think I am getting even doses. I made the liquid solution, 75 mg pill to 75 ml water. Before I take the medicine, I shake the bottle. And draw liquid from the middle. However, after some doses I feel shaky. It seems, that some doses have more of the dissolved pill than others. Does anyone have any advice? I'm using distilled water. Maybe a liquid suspension might keep the pill dissolved more evenly? Thank you for your help! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
divegrl Posted May 30, 2017 Author Posted May 30, 2017 Hi! Well it has been a couple of rough days. I tried to do a liquid taper, but I could not get a consistent dose! The plan was to liquid taper to 45mg, 15mg 3x per day, but that did not work!! I have found that I can cut the 75mg IR pills into sixths pretty well. So now my cut is to 37.5mg , 1/6 pill, 3x per day! I was at 45mg, for the past 3 days. So today, will be my first full day at 37.5. This tapering process has been a lesson in acceptance and letting go. I keep making tapering plans, with the best intentions, and then I will find out it does not work for my mind/body. At some point, I will try the liquid taper again. I will be visiting a pharmacy to see if they can mix a suspension fluid. Its funny, I willingly took this drug for 4 years. But now that I want to be off, I want to be off NOW! Lol! Patience Divegrl I am experiencing anxiety. Coping - Omega 3s. Magnesium. Epson Salt Baths. Meditation. Yoga. Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief. Hugs my friends! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 31, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted May 31, 2017 Switching to liquid can cause problems for some people. We find the best way to go if there are any setbacks is to take part of the dose in tablet form and the rest in liquid. After a week or 2 increase the ratio of liquid to water until it is all liquid. You will likely have been getting the correct amount but liquid does change things slightly. As long as it has been well shaken the drug will be dispersed enough. The pharmacy should be able to make it for you, or compound the doses into capsules which would be so much better but can be very expensive. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
divegrl Posted June 2, 2017 Author Posted June 2, 2017 Thank you MammaP as always for your advice and encouragement. I will try the liquid taper after one more cut. Splitting the pills into 6ths has been going well. Withdrawal symptoms I'm experiencing are anxiety and hunger. These seem to be the same symptoms I experience every cut. It doesn't seem so bad now? Maybe I used to it? Not sure. Anyways, this has been a lesson in patience and acceptance. I was thinking the other day, if I still had health insurance I would be happily popping pills every day. Now that I've decided I want to get off, I want off now!!! Lol. It's the journey that matters. Aceppting the present moment just as it is. Fortunately I have enough pills to do a very conservative taper. When I first planned this I expected a taper of 3 months. Now I'm thinking it will be more like a year. Maybe more, maybe less! But I don't want to worry about the destination anymore! I am living fully and accepting every moment as it comes! This journey has taught me so very much already!!! Peace to you my friends!!! Early 2000s: 4 years Paxil (CT). Mid 2000s: 4 years Lexapro (CT). 6 years on Wellbutrin XL 150. 2012-2017. Mar 26 2017. Began Wellbutrin XL 150 taper : Mar 31 2017. Wellbutrin IR 75mg : Apr 7 2017. Wellbutrin IR 65mg Apr 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 56mg : May 30 2017. Wellbutrin IR 37.5mg : Aug 14 2017. Wellbutrin IR 28.125mg : Sep 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 26.5mg Sep 13 2017. Wellbutrin IR 25.4mg : Sep 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 24mg : Sep 20 2017. Wellbutrin IR 23.2mg : Sep 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 22.4mg Oct 3 2017. Wellbutrin IR 21.6mg : Oct 9 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20.8mg : Oct 17 2017. Wellbutrin IR 20mg : Oct 25 2017. Wellbutrin IR 19.2mg Oct 27 2017. Wellbutrin IR 18.4mg : Nov 2 2017. Wellbutrin IR 17.6mg : Nov 11 2017. Wellbutrin IR 15mg : Nov 16 2017. Wellbutrin IR 12mg Nov 19 2017. Wellbutrin IR 9mg : Nov 23 2017. Wellbutrin IR 6mg : Nov 24 2017. Wellbutrin IR 4mg Nov 27 2017. 0mg. Stopped Wellbutrin
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