Chrisxor: Hello

[Chrisxor]

Medlist: 

Daily - Effexor 62.5mg (two 25 IR, 1 half IR)

Daily - Prozac 60 mg

Daily - Lamictal 100 mg

Daily - Ambian 12.5 mg

Daily -Propranolol - 10 mg

Daily - Tamsulosin . 0.4 mg

As Needed - gabapentin 300 mg

As needed - clonazapam - 0.5 mg

As needed - cyclobenzaprine 5mg

 

Goals:

the first and foremost goal is getting off of Effexor

tapper off ALL medications if possible.

see how my mind truly is off medication. 

I actually have no problem staying on one or two medications if they really work. 

 

About me: 

Effexor XR 13 years from 18 to 32. As a teen I useddiphenhydramine to sleep. Around 18 I started

Ambian or something similar through out the years. No doctors knew how hard it was to taper Effexor, always 75 mg decrease, always failed. I am extremely sensitive to missing a dose. Almost exactly 24 hours on Effexor X Rmissed dose I get brain zaps, puddles of sweat, dizzy, etc.

 

All medication listed other than Ambian and Effexor has been started within the last 9 months as i try to combat symptoms of withdrawal from Effexor, it’s been horrid. I am at Effexor 62.5.mg tablet IR

[ChessieCat]

Hi Chris and welcome to SA,

 

That is certainly some cocktail you are on.  I'm glad that you have found SA so that you can reduce your drug burden as safely as possible.

 

Q1:  What time do you take each of your drugs?

 

Q2:  Do you feel worse at different times throughout the day?  If yes, please provide the time and the symptom and how long it lasts for.

 

Q3:  How often have you been taking clonazapam?  The more accurate the information you can provide the better.  We need to work out if you have become addicted to it. 

 

Q4:  How is your sleep?

 

Thank you for creating your drug signature.  So that it doesn't take up as much space (it appears whenever you make a post) please reduce the font size Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Please put all the drugs your are taking (including the as needed ones) into this Drug Interactions Checker and copy and paste the result in a post here in your Intro topic.

 

Once we have the answer to the questions and the drug interaction information we will be better able to assist you.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Chris.

 

Well, that's quite the cocktail. Are you taking Tamsulosin for something else? Did one doctor prescribe all these drugs?

 

How often do you take gabapentin and clonazepam? Do they help at all? If I were you, I would not add cyclobenzaprine to the mix, that's very dangerous.

 

Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

 

[Chrisxor]

Q1:  What time do you take each of your drugs?

 

I have tried different times. Right now I am taking them all in the morning, just the daily ones, not as needed, the Effexor I take 2 x 25 mg, and the last half of 25mg at night or I wake up with withdrawal symptoms. Obviously Ambien at night. Right now the hardest part is figuring out how to take the IR of Effexor. I was on capsules most of my time on Effexor. I have been on only IR for about 2 months, It was not easy at first. 

 

Q2:  Do you feel worse at different times throughout the day?  If yes, please provide the time and the symptom and how long it lasts for.

 

On average it hits me later part of the day towards the night. 

 

Q3:  How often have you been taking clonazapam?  The more accurate the information you can provide the better.  We need to work out if you have become addicted to it. 

 

Very rarely, was recently prescribed. At most, I use it twice a week, no more than two 0.5 a day. I only use it as a very last resort as I know how addictive benzo's are. 

 

Q4:  How is your sleep?

 

Not good. This has been a problem my entire life, even as a child. Since the depression flared up, I wake up often between 2 and 3 AM and can't go back to sleep. This is even with the Ambien XR taken at 11:00 PM.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. 

[Chrisxor]

55 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Welcome, Chris.

 

Well, that's quite the cocktail. Are you taking Tamsulosin for something else? Did one doctor prescribe all these drugs?

 

Please note, Gabapentin, Clonazepam, and Cyclobenzaprine are only as needed. I don't usually take these. It's generally only when I go down to the next dose. One doctor for all drugs except Tamsulosin. I have been battling a separate issue with my bladder, It is very difficult to urinate. This is what the Tamsulosin is for. I am seeing a specialist (Urologist) for that, and I actually just found out the results of some testing today, and it's something I suspected and i think could be related. Please note, this has been going on for 2 years, and 9 months ago the only thing I was taking was Effexor 150mg and Ambien. The results are - my Bladder is very large, and I do not totally empty my bladder when I am able to urinate. I hold roughly 1/3 of urine in my bladder after it feels like i am completely done urinating. The doctor told me this is a nerve problem and very tight pelvic floor, and the fix will be a device that modulates the nerve. My muscles have been extremely tense since I started this taper, and its caused pain in my pelvic floor. My nerves have been off the chart, I jump at everything, my body feels like it never releases tension. I stretch twice a day. I think the Effexor and this nerve problem are related somehow. 

55 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

How often do you take gabapentin and clonazepam? Do they help at all? If I were you, I would not add cyclobenzaprine to the mix, that's very dangerous.

 

I never mix cyclobenzaprine. I will not take the other as needed med's if i take that. Clonazepam at very most 2 x week, but only when it's a last resort. For example, I have not used it in the last 5 days. Yes, Clonazepam seems to solve almost all my issues. Until the rebound hits, if I take it more than a day or so, I will get rebounded triggering depression. It's hard, since that seems to be the most effective for me, but I know how addictive it is, refuse to get in the same spot as i am in with Effexor. Gabapentin, jury is still out. I have only been taken it a few times, was just prescribed it last week.

55 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.

2

Ok will do

55 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

 

[Altostrata]

What exactly is your drug schedule now?

 

Please don't change any dosages while we sort this out. When do you need to take gabapentin or clonazepam?

 

Don't forget to put all the drugs your are taking into this Drug Interactions Checker and copy and paste the result in a post here in your Intro topic.

 

Iterating: Do not take cyclobenzaprine at all. Your drug interactions report will explain this.

 

 

Edited September 25, 2018 by ChessieCat
bolded warning info

[ChessieCat]

On 9/26/2018 at 6:33 AM, Altostrata said:

Don't forget to put all the drugs your are taking into this Drug Interactions Checker and copy and paste the result in a post here in your Intro topic.

 

We need you to do this and paste the results in your topic.

[Chrisxor]

Interactions between your drugs

Major

 

 

Using cyclobenzaprine together with venlafaxine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Propranolol and zolpidem may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Tamsulosin and zolpidem may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using venlafaxine together with lamoTRIgine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using cyclobenzaprine together with lamoTRIgine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using zolpidem together with lamoTRIgine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using venlafaxine together with gabapentin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using cyclobenzaprine together with gabapentin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using zolpidem together with gabapentin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using zolpidem together with venlafaxine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Using zolpidem together with cyclobenzaprine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Propranolol and cyclobenzaprine may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

 

 

Tamsulosin and cyclobenzaprine may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Minor

 

 

Consumer information for this minor interaction is not currently available. Some minor drug interactions may not be clinically relevant in all patients. Minor drug interactions do not usually cause harm or require a change in therapy. However, your healthcare provider can determine if adjustments to your medications are needed. 

For clinical details see professional interaction data.

[Chrisxor]

UPDATE: thrown away the cyclonbenzaprie , and I mistaken put I am on propanol daily, it is only as needed. All else is the same.

 

i bought a jewelry scale to measure shaving breaking the Effexor pills. However I also read that shaving is not recommended?

 

still going through horrible ups and downs every week. I go from doing really good, to really bad over a weeks time. Trying to find coorlations. 

 

What should I do next? Start the 10 percent reduction?