ZenBearCO

[ZenBearCO]

Not sure if I should be here or not, cuz I broke the rule here about stopping cold turkey.  My story is that I tried to refill my prescription, but by 2 days later hadn't heard back.  Called the pharmacy and they said the Dr. had not returned any of their calls.  On a Friday morning I called my Dr., and they said I had to come in to get a refill because "Effexor is a controlled substance" (which it is not, but they wouldn't listen).  Unfortunately, they couldn't see me until Monday, and by this time I had begun severe withdrawals (last dose taken that Wednesday).  I spent the entire weekend in bed and in utter hell, but by taking Benadryl it helped a little.  By Monday I had decided that I had already come this far and wasn't about to go back on the drug only to have to go through withdrawals again even on a taper.  So it's been a little over a month, and the only hope I get is at this site, but I don't know if the advice is relevant because everyone here is tapering.  Any advice for those who are already through the worst of the physical symptoms but having a really hard time with out-of-control emotions?

[Songbird]

Hi ZenBear, welcome to SA.  Thanks for creating your med signature.  Not everyone here is tapering, we have many members who have done cold turkey withdrawal.  Unfortunately many people don't find us in time to learn how to slow taper.

 

What withdrawal symptoms are you having and how severe are they?  Riding it out is an option if withdrawal is bearable and you are coping okay.  If not, it is possible that reinstating a small dose might help to alleviate symptoms to some degree.  It's a good idea to start with a tiny dose to begin with, to make it easier for your system to adjust and reduce the risk of an adverse reaction.   See: about reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

 

We have some good topics about coping with emotional symptoms: Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Please post all your updates and questions about your situation here in your introduction topic, and we will try to help you as best we can.

[Carmie]

Hi Zenbear, 

 

How are you doing? Sending hugs🤗