JacSmith: What to do when it's too late to taper?

[JaqSmith]

Hi there, everyone!

 

I just joined today and have been a bit disheartened to find no advice for those who no longer have the option to taper. I was put on 225 mg Effexor for one month in October of 2016. After serotonin syndrome (which has similar effects to severe withdrawals) my doc had my taper over only 5 days. I was unaware that a new and more dangerous condition was replacing the old. I am still struggling with severe GI, psychological and nerve issues. GABApentin 300mg daily seems to bring the only relief.

 

At several months past the year mark I am terrified that this is my life now. Like many on this sight, it's hard to see a future worth living for.

 

Has anyone had success recovering from long-term damage?

[ChessieCat]

Hi JacSmith and welcome to SA,

 

We ask all members to create a drug signature which will show below every post you make.  Please use the following format:

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We encourage members to visit other members' topics so you can support each other.

[Gridley]

Hello, JacSmith, and welcome from me too.

 

I think you might find these long-term success stories encouraging:

Success stories - Surviving Antidepressants