JK99 Posted August 24, 2018 Posted August 24, 2018 (edited) Hi everyone! Finally got round to creating an account after months of just reading posts. Anyway, I'm currently on 18.75mg immediate release Venlaflaxine. Since The beginning of 2016. I was on the prolonged release tablet for many years ,the highest dose being 150mg for 3 years. I gradually reduced this down to 37.5mg ,with long holds in between ,the longest being 2 years. However since I went onto the immediate release I have felt a significant difference. I feel low in the morning and get better towards the evening, I've found this has impacted my decision making. Despite this I continued making reductions to where I'm at half a tablet at present. I've had a lot of ups and downs in this period eg relationship ended ,although I'm able to exercise and have managed to work, but not consistently. My sleep has not been the same since I changed over to the immediate release , which is very frustrating. I also feel any change to a routine I get into has a big effect on me physically and mentally. I'm also wondering if I could be in continual withdrawal because of the short half-life of the immediate release tablet? I really feel like I'm not getting better. I feel very depressed at times. I'm starting to think I should go back on the prolonged release tablet.perhaps it would restore some balance. Anyway I'd like to get some feedback, and I very much value having people to share my experience with. I Edited August 26, 2018 by SkyBlue spacing for readability 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus SkyBlue Posted August 26, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted August 26, 2018 Hi JK, and welcome to SA. It sounds like you've been reducing the V and are well on your way toward freedom. We will help you sort out the issues you're currently having. ***Please help us out by creating a drug signature, using these instructions: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/18343-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ Can you say why you started on the immediate release? * (I'm not too familiar w/V.) Many people have trouble switching from name brand to generic, switching to or from controlled release to immediate release, etc. You are in good company and we'll help you get figured out. This thread talks about Effexor specifically: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/272-tips-for-tapering-off-effexor-and-effexor-xr-venlafaxine/ Here is a thread that discusses the importance of tapering at a rate of 10% of current dose (or less) per month: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/ I think the biggest question now is how long you've been on the immediate, and once we know that, we can help you make the decision of what to do from here. Again, welcome. 2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.) "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa
JK99 Posted August 27, 2018 Author Posted August 27, 2018 Hello Skyblue, Thanks for welcoming me to the forum. In answer to your questions. I started taking the immediate release 37.5mg tablet so I could taper. Before march 2016 I was on 37.5mg prolonged release,and as you might know can't get any smaller doses in the prolonged release tablet. But since then it's been a real struggle with sleep ,emotions ,anxiety ,particularly in the morning ,although it's not severe, however it usually accompanies thoughts and fears about the future. It's almost as if I've just come out of a co-cone that I've been in for the last 18 years or so. It's like I'm grieving for the years that I've lost eg not being able to work consistently ,financial loss,loss of relationships, I could go on. I notice it's more prevalent in the mornings. So I'm a lot better in the evenings and this has had a big effect on decision making. I could be all for doing something in the evenings and then come morning I feel differently. I've really had to force myself to to some things. I did wonder if this flux in my mental state was because of the short half life of the immediate release tablet?, I never had this on the prolonged tablet. I'd also like to point out that any change in routine eg like working at different times of day or night has a significant effect on how I feel mentally and physically. Since march 2016 I've reduced to half a tablet ,18.75mg, but I've held at this now since January 2018. I sometimes feel I'm not getting any better. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
peng Posted August 28, 2018 Posted August 28, 2018 JK99, Hi. I thought the extended release was supposed to be most recommended? Here, on the NHS, we can get an extended release 37.5mg venlafaxine that holds three 12.5 mini tablets inside. I have tapered using these quite a bit over the last 2 years. I believe that 75mg and 150mg versions containing 6 and 12 minitabs 0f 12.5mg, respectively, are available. The 12.5mg tabs can even be cut with a pill splitter, to get, roughly, 6.25mg pieces. 18.75mg (or anything 75mg or less IMO) is quite a small dose of venlafaxine, really. I would not suffer by tapering so fast. ALWAYS hold when you are not feeling well. Worth trying a small updose, too, if you are suffering badly. I am not a doctor, but have personal experience of taking venlafaxine since about 2000. Best wishes Born 1945. 1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine. 2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor. 13Jul - 212.5mg; 6Aug - 200.0mg; 24Aug - 187.5mg; 13Sep - 175.0mg; 3Oct - 162.5mg; 26Oct - 150mg 2017 9Jan - 150.00mg; 23Mar - 137.50mg; 24Apr - 125.00mg; 31May - 112.50mg holding; 3Sep - 100.00mg; 20Sep - 93.75mg; 20Oct - 87.5mg; 12Nov - 81.25mg; 13 Dec - 75.00mg 2018 18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg. 2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside. 7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result. Supps/Vits Omega 3; Chelated Magnesium; Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3.
JK99 Posted August 28, 2018 Author Posted August 28, 2018 Hi Peng, Thanks for your pos I didn't know I could get an extended release 37.5mg Venlafaxine that holds three 12.5 mini tablets inside. I don't tend to visit the doctor much as I see no point. I believe this would be in a capsule? are the 12.5mg immediate release? I have thought about reinstating ,in-fact I had to do previously last September when I was on 18.5mg. Also i'm on a generic tablet. I feel quite low in the mornings and improve towards the afternoon, although not sever ,it does effect my life. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
JK99 Posted September 5, 2018 Author Posted September 5, 2018 Hi , as I've previously said , I'm currently on 18.75mg immediate release since the end of January and it's been quite difficult to find some balance or sense of normality. I find i'm quite down in the mornings and have a lot of ruminating thoughts that I don't seem to be able to stop.These are the same kind of thoughts iv'e had for months and are the trigger for any anxiety I experience. They usually involve thinking about things in the future.These also accompany feelings of sadness and profound loneliness. I get better towards the evenings and this is quite frustrating because it effects decision making. I've really struggled to earn a living and work consistently. I have also become dependent , which I don't want to be and I never used to be. One theory I have is that because of the short half life of the immediate release tablet, this could the reason why i'm depressed in the mornings? would I be better on a prolonged release tablet? I also have physical symptoms eg head pressure around the eyes and nose,I thought this could be a sinus problem. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
JK99 Posted September 10, 2018 Author Posted September 10, 2018 Hi everyone, I have been reading some posts about Venlafaxine capsule form. I would like to know, are all capsule forms prolonged release? I have been on an immediate release tablet and using a pill cutter to make reductions with very long holds. The smallest cut I can make is an 1/8 which is 4.7mg . I am currently on half a tablet 18.75mg but I feel worst in the mornings,symptoms include feeling the cold more, some anxiety although not severe, and ruminating Because I'm taking the dose every 24 hrs it's obviously out of my system by morning. I wonder if I was to go on capsule form,would it reduce my withdrawal symptoms? 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted September 10, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 10, 2018 This is a quote from Post #1 of Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine). Post #1 also gives ways for getting small doses. On 5/6/2011 at 1:01 PM, Altostrata said: Because of its short half-life, taking regular Effexor as a tablet or liquid necessitates taking the tablets every 12 hours. * 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
JK99 Posted September 11, 2018 Author Posted September 11, 2018 Thanks Chessie Cat, I think the capsules would make tapering a lot easier with each tiny bead being prolonged release. If i could get a 37.5mg capsule and divide by half. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Caspur Posted September 11, 2018 Posted September 11, 2018 Hello JK, If you are in the UK, you should be able to get a liquid suspension of venlafaxine on the NHS. Its quite expensive so I've heard that some doctors wont prescribe it, but its worth a try. When I tried to taper off venlafaxine I used immediate release tablets and liquid combined once below 37.5mg, and as suggested above, split the dose into morning and evening (12 hours apart) because the uptake of these forms, and therefore the bodys processing of the drug is much faster than the prolonged release. I was able to taper off without too much trouble using this approach and didn't get many issues while I was doing it, but I learned the hard as I went much too fast. I really suffered bad withdrawal once off, so do listen to the people guiding you here and follow their advice. I really wish I had as it could have saved me a whole load of suffering. I can completely relate to the diurnal symptoms you are getting. In withdrawal I would wake up with a horrible bolt of cortisol causing anxiety and very low mood. But every day the symptoms would gradually fade until in the evening, I almost would not have known anything was wrong. Then the next morning it would all start again. Absolute torture! Good luck with the rest of your taper. I really hope you succeed. Cheers Caspur 2011 - started Venlafaxine (again) at 75mg Raised to 150 mg at some point - unsure of dates. Reduced back down to 75 mg. Doctor advised this would be a lifetime, maintenance dose 2017 - Side effects now intolerable. Started taper from June 15th - 5% dose reduction steps (two 12 hourly doses). 2017 - October 20th - took last dose of Venlafaxine - 4 mg. Debilitating symptoms followed. 2017/18 - diazepam - 8mg/day for 1 month - 7 week taper Feb 2018 2017/18 - duloxetine - max 90mg - now stopped 2018 - Feb 25mg quetiapine, increased to 50mg. 2018 - March/April - increased venlafaxine slowly (10mg steps) to 75 mg/day. Recovery from withdrawal followed. 2018 - July 13 - stopped quetiapine after 2 month taper. Late July - had to reinstate quetiapine due to intolerable withdrawal. Now tapering from 25mg 2019 - June - stopped quetiapine after 10 month taper. Mild insomnia only symptom. 2021 - June - venlafaxine approx 6.0 mg see Taper history details
JK99 Posted September 11, 2018 Author Posted September 11, 2018 Hi Caspar, Can I ask why you chose the liquid and the immediate release over the capsules? I was thinking that the capsules would be better as the tiny beads are prolonged release so stay in the system longer. I'm thinking this would perhaps be the best option. I don't plan on making any reductions for quite some time Thanks for your reply! 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
JK99 Posted September 16, 2018 Author Posted September 16, 2018 (edited) Hi everyone, I have just realized how hard I've made things on myself and I hope it might help others who might be in a similar situation with tapering. as I've already said in my previous posts. I changed over from 37.5mg prolonged release ,about 2 and a half years ago,to 37.5mg immediate release so I could start making cuts. What I didn't know or understand at the time was that I needed to take the tablet every 12 hours ,once in the morning and again in the evening. I thought by doing this I would be doubling my dose to 75.5mg. So I just took one tablet in the morning. This caused me a lot of instability. As I was only taking one tablet , I would effectively be only getting half the dose. My ignorance of how these tablets work has caused me a lot of unnecessary suffering. I've continued like this for months and I'm now just taking half a tablet in the morning having gradually reduced over the last 2 and half years.However it's just now I'm starting to release I've been doing this all wrong. I've wondered why I would be ok in the evenings but down in the mornings. So what I thought was half of a dose is really 1/4 of it. It now explains why I feel more symptoms in the mornings because essentially I should be taking Half of a 37.5mg twice a day.ie. once in the morning and again in the evening. Is there anyone else who's had a similar experience? I'm thinking of changing to the capsules with the tiny beads to make tapering easier,at least i thing it would be easier. Edited September 16, 2018 by manymoretodays spacing 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 16, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 16, 2018 (edited) Hi JK, I moved your post back here to your main introduction. One introduction per member is our rule. I also just put some spacing in your above post to make it a bit clearer to read. 3 hours ago, JK99 said: So what I thought was half of a dose is really 1/4 of it. It now explains why I feel more symptoms in the mornings because essentially I should be taking Half of a 37.5mg twice a day.ie. once in the morning and again in the evening. Is there anyone else who's had a similar experience? I'm thinking of changing to the capsules with the tiny beads to make tapering easier,at least i thing it would be easier. I'm not quite following ^ My understanding is that if you split your dose into 12 hour intervals..........you would be splitting your total daily dosage. For example: Half of a 37.5 mg dose is 18.75 mg. So you would take then 18.75mg in the morning and then 18.75 mg in the evening, and then you would have no change in the total daily dose. Have you then up-dosed since January 2018? I'm not seeing this reflected in your signature. To update your signature please go to Account settings If need be, you can put some of the older information across horizontally, so that you don't go over the 12 line limit. Then hit the save button. Have you considered liquid formula, if available? And then if so, please do a careful cross over from capsule or tablet form to the liquid. We recommend a HOLD at your dosage while doing this. 1/4 liquid and 3/4 usual form of your dose for at least 3 days 1/2 liquid and 1/2 old dosage form(usual) for another 3 days 3/4 liquid and 1/4 old dosage form for another 3 days ........then to the full dosage in liquid form If you are doing 12 hour dosing you would do this each morning and evening, with your usual dose taken at those times. It looks like you can also make a liquid on your own. Here's the link to the first post in the tips for tapering Effexor/venlafaxine There's a lot in there, that talks about the different forms available to use in tapering. And keep in mind too, that you may need to find out just what is available, as well as the cost to you, in your country. And then you may find some more answers for your specific situation, in the following posts......... as well, there. I'd strongly encourage you to go carefully and cautiously. I did come off Effexor at one point years ago. I was on another medication at the time as well. I had not really gotten educated, or been informed at all as far as dependencies go......... on these drugs/medications, or on W/D at that time. I'm almost certain that's when I wound up on yet another A/D. Love, peace, healing, and growth, mmt Edited September 16, 2018 by manymoretodays commas, spacing Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
JK99 Posted September 17, 2018 Author Posted September 17, 2018 Hi Manymore, I'm sorry for the lack of clarity. What I meant was, If my daily dose is 18.75mg then I would need to take 18.75mg in the morning and again in the evening. It's immediate release so it only stays in your system for 12hrs hence the reason for taking it twice in a 24hr period. Please correct me if I'm wrong. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 17, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 17, 2018 (edited) Hi JK, 54 minutes ago, JK99 said: What I meant was, If my daily dose is 18.75mg then I would need to take 18.75mg in the morning and again in the evening. It's immediate release so it only stays in your system for 12hrs hence the reason for taking it twice in a 24hr period. You would be doubling your daily dosage if you do that. Yes, it's immediate release.........yet some of drug will stay in your system after 12 hours. You'll eventually build up to a steady state of the venlafaxine. If you do do the split doses, you should also consider just moving the 2nd dose by just an hour, in increments, until you get it to 12 hours after your morning dose. If your total daily dose is 18.75mg.........then 1/2(one half) of 18.75 mg is 9.38 mg(I rounded up from 9.375). So you would take 9.38 mg in the morning and then 9.38 mg in the evening for a total daily dose of 18.75 mg. And if I were you, I would move your 2nd dose of 9.38mg an hour at a time so your body isn't too thrown by this change. You would eventually be taking it 12 hours from the first 9.38mg dose. Which is what your current signature says. That you are on 18.75 mg However, if you are taking 18.75 mg in the morning and 18.75 mg in the evening, then your total daily dose is the sum of both doses, and is equal to 37.5 mg. You would be doubling your dose. What are you taking at present? What strength of tablet or capsule and then how often? You said you have been on it for 2 or 2 and 1/2 years now as well. On 9/16/2018 at 7:31 AM, JK99 said: I have just realized how hard I've made things on myself and I hope it might help others who might be in a similar situation with tapering. as I've already said in my previous posts. I changed over from 37.5mg prolonged release ,about 2 and a half years ago,to 37.5mg immediate release so I could start making cuts. I generally use a calculator to do the math with. I think it's just the narrative that is confusing.......as I'm still not sure if you are taking a daily dose of 37.5 mg Venlafaxine or a daily dose of 18.75mg. And I'm editing here JK99, or just adding this part- I'll go ahead and put your case in to confer on now, as I know venlafaxine can be real tricky, and it does seem that you have had some time involved since you made the change to immediate release. Please answer the bolded question as soon as you can though, thank you. Love, peace, healing, and growth, mmt Edited September 17, 2018 by manymoretodays additional edit in purple Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
JK99 Posted September 17, 2018 Author Posted September 17, 2018 Hi Manymore, I'm currently on 18.75mg immediate release since the end of January 2018. I switched from prolonged release 37.5mg to immediate tablet about two and half years ago. I might try taking half of 18.75 in the morning and again in the evening to see if I feel any improvement. I have also been thinking about changing to the capsule with the tiny beads inside. I don't plan on making any more reductions for the moment. Thanks for your help ,what do you think about going from the tablet to the capsule,would better? 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 17, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 17, 2018 (edited) I'm just going to add some additional information for you now too. As I'm wondering what kind of W/D(withdrawal) symptoms you may be having? Dr. Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist this has ^ a good overview of W/D symptoms Sky Blue left you the why taper by 10% of your dose link in her post above. That's an important one as well. When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug. When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur. Also with the changes in medications, up and down.......often havoc results on an already sensitized nervous system. What is withdrawal syndrome Brain remodeling If you could keep some notes on paper as well and then share here, on your introduction, that helps a lot with clarity too. Keeping daily notes of your drug(s), doses, and symptoms Keep it simple.........time on the left, then drug, dosage, and symptoms on the right. Love, peace, healing, and growth, mmt Edited September 17, 2018 by manymoretodays spelling Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 17, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 17, 2018 10 minutes ago, JK99 said: Hi Manymore, I'm currently on 18.75mg immediate release since the end of January 2018. I switched from prolonged release 37.5mg to immediate tablet about two and half years ago. I might try taking half of 18.75 in the morning and again in the evening to see if I feel any improvement. I have also been thinking about changing to the capsule with the tiny beads inside. I don't plan on making any more reductions for the moment. Thanks for your help ,what do you think about going from the tablet to the capsule,would better? Is it in tablet form? I think for now, just stay put........ More later. I just posted in tandem with you I think. Best, mmt Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 18, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 18, 2018 (edited) 12 hours ago, JK99 said: Hi Manymore, I'm currently on 18.75mg immediate release since the end of January 2018. I switched from prolonged release 37.5mg to immediate tablet about two and half years ago. I might try taking half of 18.75 in the morning and again in the evening to see if I feel any improvement. I have also been thinking about changing to the capsule with the tiny beads inside. I don't plan on making any more reductions for the moment. Thanks for your help ,what do you think about going from the tablet to the capsule,would better? I think you are good to stick with the IR tablet form, JK. Then when you get to lower dosages you might consider liquefying, which you can do with the IR fairly easily. You have 37.5 mg tablets of venlafaxine. So for now do the morning dose of 9.37 mg( one quarter of the 37.5 mg tablet.......you were right!) Then do a slow move of the 2nd dose of 9.37 mg(again 1/4 of your 37.5 mg tablet), an hour at a time each day, until you get it 12 hours from the first dose. This will help you adjust to the change, to do it gradually, rather than all at once. I extracted this below from the first post in Tips for Tapering Effexor(venlafaxine), which just helps clarify a little bit, again, and it's a good idea to use a clean labeled pill bottle with your cut up pieces of venlafaxine. Taper by cutting up regular venlafaxine tablets Regular Effexor tablets come in 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg doses. Because it's half-life is so short, it is taken 2 or 3 times a day. People taking regular Effexor taper by cutting up the tablets with a pill splitter. It's a good idea to keep the pieces you don't use in a clean pill bottle labeled with the dosage for future use. Do try and keep some notes too, as you are making the switch to taking 2 doses now.......for a total daily dose of 18.75 mg. The notes can be really helpful. Keep us updated too, if you will........let us know how the shift is going. And if any new symptoms arise. How are you doing now as far as any symptoms attributed to W/D? And yes, great idea to HOLD on your present daily dose for now........ You are good to go now.......with splitting your daily dosage into 2! Let me know if you have any further questions. L, P, H, and G, mmt Edited September 18, 2018 by manymoretodays punctuation Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
JK99 Posted September 18, 2018 Author Posted September 18, 2018 Hi ManyMore, thanks for all your advice. I started taking the split doses today so will see if it makes any difference. I took the 2nd dose about 2 hours after the first. How long do you think I should spread the 2nd dose until I get to 12hrs? maybe over the course of a month? Like I said before, It's the mornings I feel the worst but What I can't understand is why when I have been taking the 18.75mg dose in the morning that it's only in the evenings I feel at my best? I know it's got something to do with how the body metabolizes the drug. Also the tablet i'm on is a generic form would this make any difference? Any thoughts greatly appreciated! 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
JK99 Posted September 18, 2018 Author Posted September 18, 2018 I'd just like to add , in question to Withdrawal symptoms. These have been very hard to identify at times as they vary. I would say sleep issues have been the biggest symptom of withdrawal since I changed over to immediate release,although it's hard to know if this is down to withdrawal or not, but I do believe it is. I also get sinus pressure around the bridge of the nose although not severe. Iv'e heard other people mention this symptom as well. I feel like I'm very sensitive to changes in daily routine for example, if I get up really early a few days in a row I feel bad physically and mentally. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted September 19, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 19, 2018 (edited) 5 hours ago, JK99 said: Like I said before, It's the mornings I feel the worst but What I can't understand is why when I have been taking the 18.75mg dose in the morning that it's only in the evenings I feel at my best? It's to do with the half life of the drug. In the morning the drug has worn off, it kicks in later in the day. This is why twice daily is needed with your IR drug. To give you an example of how my drug affects me, when I first tried to reduce from 100mg to 50mg of Pristiq I experienced bad cog fog for 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks I couldn't type and because I am a professional typist I realised that something was very wrong. Thankfully I had joined SA a few days before and they had suggested taking extra Pristiq. I did that and after about 4 hours I was able to type again and my head was clearing. 5 hours ago, JK99 said: I also get sinus pressure around the bridge of the nose although not severe. Iv'e heard other people mention this symptom as well. When I started my proper taper, after stabilising from reducing by half (as mentioned above) I tried to reduce by 10% and I experienced ear pressure and pain. On that occasion it was too bad to put up with so I updosed by a very tiny amount and the pressure and pain cleared. A second occasion the same thing happened and I realised that it was definitely a withdrawal symptom. That time it was only minor and I decided not to updose. During tapering there will be times of discomfort, even with a careful taper. It's important to stay as calm as possible and not panic. It's helpful to have a toolkit to get through these times: Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms 5 hours ago, JK99 said: I would say sleep issues have been the biggest symptom of withdrawal Sleep problems - that awful withdrawal insomnia Edited September 19, 2018 by ChessieCat * 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
JK99 Posted September 19, 2018 Author Posted September 19, 2018 Hi Chessie, I thought because the immediate release only stays in the system for an average of 12hrs then I would have to take a 2nd daily dose. For example my current dose is 18.75mg so I would take this once in the morning and again 12hrs later . That's what I have been confused about. The prolonged release form stays in the system for 24hrs so it's only taken once. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
JK99 Posted September 19, 2018 Author Posted September 19, 2018 But I've only ever taken 18.75mg once since the end of January and only now I have started to split that dose to see if it makes an improvement. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
RobLee Posted September 19, 2018 Posted September 19, 2018 Thanks ManyMoreTodays for the links you provided on Monday... the symptom checklist, withdrawal syndrome and brain remodeling, are all very helpful. JK99 - I have been following your story and wish I had something to contribute, but it sounds like you have been thru a lot of this already. My goal is to get down to one 37.5 per day, then start counting beads. I always take my V in the morning, but have sometimes taken a small booster dose in the afternoon on particularly bad days. It does seem to help, though that may all be in my head (duh!) I suspect going to one 37.5 XR form once in the AM and counting down beads might also work well for you, but I dunno for sure. Most of my WD symptoms have been physical, but some on the checklist are hard to tell if they're from AD withdrawal or from cancer treatments. My head has been fairly stable lately, some weepiness but far less rumination than before, which was the real killer a of year or three ago. Thanks to all those who contribute to this site! I wish I had the energy to read some of the threads that have hundreds or thousands of replies. There is so much useful information here, it is overwhelming. May-June 2017: Effexor 37.5 adjuvant to cancer therapy July-Dec 2017: Effexor 75mg + Gabapentin 1800mg Jan-Aug 2018: Effexor 150mg daily, tapered Gab to 0, added 1mg Ativan PRN Sept 2018: Effexor 150-->112.5-->100mg 💊 Tapered@2wk intervals Oct 1-12 2018: Effexor 100--> 75mg, taper at one week interval, Added 30mg Mirtazapine 🚀 Oct 12 2018 - stopped Remeron due to S/E's. Down to 50mg Effexor, Reducing by 2mg/day Oct 17 2018 - started 30mg Cymbalta, incr to 60mg, stopped Effexor Oct 23
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 19, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 19, 2018 (edited) 20 hours ago, JK99 said: Hi ManyMore, thanks for all your advice. I started taking the split doses today so will see if it makes any difference. I took the 2nd dose about 2 hours after the first. How long do you think I should spread the 2nd dose until I get to 12hrs? maybe over the course of a month? Like I said before, It's the mornings I feel the worst but What I can't understand is why when I have been taking the 18.75mg dose in the morning that it's only in the evenings I feel at my best? I know it's got something to do with how the body metabolizes the drug. Also the tablet i'm on is a generic form would this make any difference? Any thoughts greatly appreciated! Hi JK, Try and just move the 2nd dose an hour at a time. That will take 12 days to get to the every 12 hour dosing. You can slow it down if you would like. Do keep records, the drug and symptom logs, as I explained above. That way you'll know pretty quickly if you need, to just hold(at the timing you are at then) for a few days before moving the dose another hour. I'll put this here again: If you could keep some notes on paper as well and then share here, on your introduction, that helps a lot with clarity too. Keeping daily notes of your drug(s), doses, and symptoms Keep it simple.........time on the left, then drug, dosage, and symptoms on the right. And then give it a bit of time. Hopefully you will see some of your symptoms resolve. It does sound like you are doing pretty good so far. The half life contributes to the steady state of your medication. It may take anywhere from 4 days to longer, for all of this to settle. If you go slow.......an hour at a time per day, with the changing time of your 2nd dose......... it should all go smoothly. The generic form is fine. Is this the same form that you have been on since January of 2018? I don't see any reason to change to another form of venlafaxine for you now. Keep it slow, simple, and stable, the 3 KIS L, P, H, and G, mmt Edited September 19, 2018 by manymoretodays 3KIS link, encouragement, reiteration Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted September 19, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 19, 2018 (edited) Thank you too RobLee, and good to see you navigating the site so well! Best, L,P, H, and R, mmt Edited September 19, 2018 by manymoretodays Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
JK99 Posted September 19, 2018 Author Posted September 19, 2018 Thanks ManyMore, This is the second day of my split dosing So It's probably too early to say if there's any significant changes. I will take notes like you said. Yes I've been on the generic form since I started taking immediate release. I noticed a big difference straight away when I changed over eg sleep disturbances and feeling down up and down. I sometimes wish I'd just stayed on the prolonged release. It would seem most of my symptoms stared when I made the change over. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
RobLee Posted September 19, 2018 Posted September 19, 2018 29 minutes ago, JK99 said: Yes I've been on the generic form since I started taking immediate release. I noticed a big difference straight away when I changed ... feeling down up and down. I sometimes wish I'd just stayed on the prolonged release. It would seem most of my symptoms stared when I made the change over. Doesn't that tell you something? Forgive me for butting in, but wouldn't it have made more sense to just remain on the XR form and count out beads? It seems you were tolerating it well until March 2016... or am I missing something? It's probably not too late to go back to the XR. Most likely I myself do not intend to actually "count" beads, but hopefully just dump out about half from each capsule and eyeball it from there.... just to keep things simple. Of course, I'm nowhere near that stage just yet. Hoping to get there someday. Good luck to you! May-June 2017: Effexor 37.5 adjuvant to cancer therapy July-Dec 2017: Effexor 75mg + Gabapentin 1800mg Jan-Aug 2018: Effexor 150mg daily, tapered Gab to 0, added 1mg Ativan PRN Sept 2018: Effexor 150-->112.5-->100mg 💊 Tapered@2wk intervals Oct 1-12 2018: Effexor 100--> 75mg, taper at one week interval, Added 30mg Mirtazapine 🚀 Oct 12 2018 - stopped Remeron due to S/E's. Down to 50mg Effexor, Reducing by 2mg/day Oct 17 2018 - started 30mg Cymbalta, incr to 60mg, stopped Effexor Oct 23
JK99 Posted September 19, 2018 Author Posted September 19, 2018 Hi RobLee, Yes it would have, but at the time I didn't know and I have just persevered. Yes I think that could still be an option for me and looking back it would have been the best option. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted September 19, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 19, 2018 9 hours ago, JK99 said: For example my current dose is 18.75mg so I would take this once in the morning and again 12hrs later . Clarification: If your current daily dose is 18.75mg you take part of the 18.75mg in morning and the rest later in the day, you do not take 18.75mg in the morning and 18.75mg later. You total daily dose would be 18.75mg. * 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
JK99 Posted September 20, 2018 Author Posted September 20, 2018 Yes that's what caused the confusion for me. Do you know why immediate release is prescribed over prolonged release what's the reason for the two forms? 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
JK99 Posted September 26, 2018 Author Posted September 26, 2018 Hi everyone, Well this is the second week of my split dosing and I feel a lot better in the mornings. The only thing I've noticed is that I'm slightly irritable but it's not a big deal.I'd rather have that than feel sad or anxious. Like I have mentioned in previous posts it was the mornings I felt quite down ,with the evenings being at my best. I've increased my 2nd dose to 4 hrs so I think I will stay at that to see how things work out. I'm really grateful for all the support on this forum. 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus ChessieCat Posted September 26, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 26, 2018 I've moved the new topic you created to your Intro topic. Each member has only 1 Intro topic where they can ask questions about their own situation and journal their progress. Please do not create any more new Intro topics. * 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
JK99 Posted November 23, 2018 Author Posted November 23, 2018 Hi everyone, as I've documented previously,I have been on 18.75mg since January of this year but I feel as if I'm stuck in a rut. I find it very hard to do things some days, I feel like I'm not progressing but just idling along. I am now considering increasing my dose by a small amount to see if it helps. I get quite depressed some days and have a lot of ruminating thoughts, during the night when I'm trying to sleep, that I don't seem to be able to stop . 75mg Venlaflaxine from 2003-2010.150mg 2010-201375mg 2013- July 201537.5mg July 2015-march 201637.5mg Venlaflaxine immediate release, march 2016-July 201632.8mg July 2016-February 201728.mg February 2017-July 201718.75mg July2017-September201728mg September 2017-November 201723.4mg November 2017-January 2018 18.75mg January 2018- present
Moderator Emeritus manymoretodays Posted November 25, 2018 Moderator Emeritus Posted November 25, 2018 Hi JK99, Where are you at with the timing of your split dose 18.75 mg/day? Can you do a drug symptom log/notes for us? That will really help us and may help you to see objectively as well. Keep it simple. Do a couple of days on paper and then share here. Note the day/date Then on the left the time, followed by your medication/drug name and dose, and then symptoms as they occur throughout the day. With the symptoms you could even just rate them on a 1-10 scale. Also please include in this any other drugs or supplements taken as well as sleep patterns. Here's a sample from this link: Keeping daily notes 6 a.m. Woke with anxiety 8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro 10 a.m. Stomach is upset 10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast 11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour 12:35 p.m. Ate lunch 4 p.m. Feel a bit better 5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro 6 p.m. Ate dinner 9:20 p.m. Headache 10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel 10:20 p.m. Feeling dizzy 10:30 p.m. Fell asleep 2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien") 2:45 a.m. Fell asleep 4:30 a.m. Woke but got back to sleep I think this might help us all, including you to decide if going up in dose is going to help at all now. Are you able to do any non-drug coping at present? I can give you some links to stuff that might help too, if you would like. Best, L, P, H, and R, mmt Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks. Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988. In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm. Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time). 5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014) 12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs. My last psycho med ever! Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to 2016 Dec 16, medication free!! Longer signature post here, with current supplements. Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016. And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed. Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022, and again finally 5/25/24. Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜 None of my posts are intended as medical advice. Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider. My success story: Blue skies ahead, clear sailing
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