MissyE: tapering from venlafaxine/Effexor

[MissyE]

https://www.recoveryacademymn.com/

 

Check out your local one if you're in UK. 

Mine's Manchester.

 

So far I've been to: religion and spirituality; parenting with mental health illness; managing hoarding behaviours.

 

They have service users and health professionals/hospital chaplain presenting.  Brilliant. 

 

At my trust the sessions are free except for parking.  Drinks (tea, coffee) provided: you need own lunch and transport.

 

They book up quickly so go for it if you see something you like.  If you miss it, get on it next term.  Put your name down for a prospectus.

 

Haha the last one l went to (hoarding behaviours) l was the only service user, the rest were health professionals on training.  What do you do when you're a service user sat across from a health professional you used to work with (part of ISCAN MDT: Integrated Service for Children with Additional Needs Multi Disciplinary Team)????

Own it!!!!!!!! 

"Hiya, do you remember me?"

"Yes l do, how are you??"

 

Peace x

 

[MissyE]

Hi there my friends 

 

Day 2 in my cut.  Down approx 6% to 212.5mg.  Will hold for 8 weeks til the end of my next but 1 period.  Instinctively, cyclical cuts my tapering again experience.

 

Still in a window, which is great, but l have to watch l don't get completely manic.  I am a fountain of ideas, creativity and inspiration.  High energy, can do attitude l get the job done and then some.  But I'm hardly sleeping.  Awake at 1am get up at 2am, sometimes stay awake till get up time 6am.  Managed to go back to bed this morning.  I know this window won't last having learned to just go with it; l'll have a wave again soon. I'm actually looking forward to having sleep enough, to not dread the accompanying depression.  Then there's plodding along at my WD normal.

 I'm ok.

Love, peace sparkles; namaste.

Missy x

Ps not going to read other threads tonight because it won't help me sleep.  I'm thinking of you all though, you know who you are x

[sunnysideup69]

Sending you lots of love and good wishes from London @MissyE xxx

 

[MissyE]

10 hours ago, MissyE said:

 

Day 2 in my cut.  Down approx 6% to 212.5mg.  Will hold for 8 weeks til the end of my next but 1 period.  Instinctively, cyclical cuts my tapering again experience.

*aim to improve my tapering experience.

[Erell]

Big hugs from France , thinking of you ❤

[MissyE]

Thanks @Erell we're all healing a and the support we give each other is amazing.  I love our SA community.  Hope you're ok. X

[MissyE]

 

I love his message and his voice.  Only heard him for the first time yesterday, a good friend sent me this. Enjoy x

[sunnysideup69]

Hello @MissyE, just dropping by to say hello and thanks for your kind comments on my thread. I'm doing okay. Feeling calmer and more stable but still with ever morphing spots....that post WD skin has got me aaaaaargh!

 

Hoping you're doing okay?

Hugs, SSU xxx

[Dragon]

Hi to you from the South West, just to cover England (and a bit of France).

 

I tapered from 225 mg of effexor (venlafaxine) over about 6 months, much too quickly, but I didn't know it then. I'm glad to see you are in a window MissyE. I don't seem to get long windows, just go up and down each day. You have a very optimistic attitude which I find really empowering. I need as much of that as I can get.......xx

[MissyE]

On 2/23/2020 at 7:48 PM, sunnysideup69 said:

Feeling calmer and more stable but still with ever morphing spots....that post WD skin has got me aaaaaargh!

Good morning lovely @sunnysideup69 I'm still pretty good overall thank you.  The spots have been back to funk up my face too though.  Thankfully the spots on my body haven't flared up.  I have a right scabby chin though, because I've been a picking.  Slap my pesky fingers.

In waking up in Northern Ireland today.  My uncle died suddenly on Thursday, so dad and l have flown over for the funeral.  Shocking and sad.  He was on the mend and doing great.  Just 74.  His poor widow ... there's just my Dad and his sister now, from 7 brothers and sisters. 

As l said though, I'm doing ok.  Please universe help me keep stable. 

Sending love, peace and sparkles, Missy x 

[MissyE]

Hi @dragon. 

 

Thank you for stopping by.  I'm glad you find my attitude empowering; l do work hard and it's good to know l can help you in some way. 

 

I had a real turning point at the end of my last wave, so I'm wondering whether this is helping me maintain a better mood.  I don't think I'm still in a window now, but am hoping I've managed to lift my WD normal.  There have been a couple of things that would have floored me a few months ago, but I'm working hard on managing and working with the anxiety and keeping moving forward.  Also accepting low (all) moods as transient and stopping and resting without any guilt whenever l need to. We also have a robust support system in place now to help my husband and l with our children, which has turned our lives around for the better. 

 

When l get chance I'll have a read of your thread.  Keep in touch.  Wishing you a stable day with pleasant surprises and remember this too shall pass. 

Love, peace, sparkles; namaste Missy x

[Erell]

Dear Missy,

 

I'm so amazed by the changes I see on your thread ! I met you very anxious and overwhelmed, and now I deeply admire your wisdom !

I know that everyday is not easy, but you've worked so much on acceptance ! Trying To be more like you 

 

I'm sorry for your grief,  give you big hugs ❤

[Dragon]

Hi @MissyE, so sorry about your Uncle. It's good that you feel able to cope with the travel and funeral, even though it's obviously a sad time. Just now I have flu, so can't concentrate to write more. No sleep either so really drooping......

 

All the best to you. xx

 

[Katy398]

Hi Missy, 

So sorry to hear about your Uncle. The additional stresses on top of WD can be so challenging.  Thank you for the Wayne Dyer clip very insightful I really have a lot of work to do in this area. I’d best start!!!

Take care We’ll get through this we really will. Glad you’ve got some support at home now. It’s so important to feel held and supported at such a challenging time. 

Take care Missy your success story will come like so many before you K🙂

[Giulietta]

Hello Missy,

 

Stopping by to see how you are doing - and I send my regrets about the sudden loss of your uncle. I do feel terrible for the widow. What a loss for everyone - especially her.

 

Be well,

Hugs

G.

[MissyE]

Thank you @Erell @Dragon @Katy398 @Guilietta

 

I saw Uncle Francis in his open casket, he didn't look himself without his Michael Caine specs on, but he still had his blond hair; the only male of 7 (4 brothers and 3 sisters) the rest were all dark, except the youngest sister.   My papa (their dad) looked like Omar Shariff; he was Scottish/Southern Irish; my nana their mam, was fair.   One day l plan to do my family tree.

 

I'd not seen Uncle Francis since l was 5, just before my nana and papa disowned him; he had been living with them.  He made some terrible choices, but was always kind to me.

 

Glad l got to pay my respects and meet his widow Aunty Margaret (and family) face to face.  We chat on email.  Wish l could have seen him in the summer hols, when l planned to visit.  I believe we all have our time to die though and that was his.

 

Northern Ireland, Glengormley, is beautiful (look past the industry).  I managed to fit in a 4 mile run and take in the sun rise.

 

RIP Uncle Francis x

[Giulietta]

Dear Missy,

 

It was nice to learn a bit your Uncle Frank. I'm glad you have fond memories of him. Your aunt will look forward I am sure you seeing you on your next holidays.  I believe you are right - when we are called home - that is the time. However - they are always in our heart.

 

You are ambitious to want to do a family tree. I learned that you need to do these things when your older family members are available to help. I have seen a lot of families where documentation was scant and tribal knowledge was key.

 

Well, again, sorry about the loss of your uncle.

 

Big hug,

Giuilietta

 

 

[sunnysideup69]

On 2/25/2020 at 6:25 AM, MissyE said:

Good morning lovely @sunnysideup69 I'm still pretty good overall thank you.  The spots have been back to funk up my face too though.  Thankfully the spots on my body haven't flared up.  I have a right scabby chin though, because I've been a picking.  Slap my pesky fingers.

In waking up in Northern Ireland today.  My uncle died suddenly on Thursday, so dad and l have flown over for the funeral.  Shocking and sad.  He was on the mend and doing great.  Just 74.  His poor widow ... there's just my Dad and his sister now, from 7 brothers and sisters. 

As l said though, I'm doing ok.  Please universe help me keep stable. 

Sending love, peace and sparkles, Missy x 

 

Missy, just logged on today and saw this. I'm so sorry an I'm also glad you're doing okay. Life is terribly inconsiderate of WD, it keeps throwing surprises. Sending you big hugs to cope with the bereavement, funeral and all the rest. We're here when you need to vent xxxxx

[MissyE]

I'll catch up with your messages and threads friends as soon as l can.  Thank you.

 

 

What came first the chicken or the egg? My mood has been affected by current situation and the change in my routine: travelling to Ireland etc...

l forgot my Sat 12:30 dose.   

Then I was late home and missed my 18:00 as well.  I caught up later that evening but my NS was understandably not happy. 

 

Last night l passed out on my bed exhausted, after 18:00.  This morning l realised l'd missed my dose.

 

My symptoms: background anxiety and depression are exacerbated.

 

I decided to add in missed dose (3 items) with today's 3 doses:

 

07:30 112.5mg XR ven, 1g Omega 3 and folic acid, swapped 37.5mg IR for 75mg IR venlafaxine and added in 400iu vit E

12:30 2g omega 3 and add in 37.5mg

18:00 75mg IR ven, 400iu Vit E and increase from 1g to 2g omega 3.

 

So far my anxiety and depression has decreased since taking adjusted dose:

 

Other symptoms at first tingling, pins and needles tongue, tingling fingers, tongue too big for mouth, teeth going to fall out, exacerbated sensitivity to light and sound, hot and cold sweats, drowsy and detached, tearful, exacerbated fatigue

 

11:50 A&D remains lower than pre adjusted dose.  Other symptoms reduced.

 

Do l take ven dose at lunch? l can sleep at home today.

 

I'm worried missing it out will cause me  a worse long term A&D mental wave, than the acute physical symptoms now.

 

Please help @Sassenach @Gridley @Altostrata

 I'm ok, I'm safe but overwhelmed and worried about making things worse 

Love Missy x

[sunnysideup69]

Don't worry about responding @MissyE, you have enough on your plate.

 

Just know am thinking of you and sending big hugs xxx

[Gridley]

47 minutes ago, MissyE said:

 

I'm worried missing it out will cause me  a worse long term A&D mental wave, than the acute physical symptoms now.

These missed dose situations generally straighten out reasonably quickly without any long-term effects.  Your CNS just needs to recover a bit.  I would return to your normal dosing schedule.

 

Is there anything you can do to make sure you take your doses?  Little signs around the house?  A pill container with your dose(s) in it for when you're out?  That way, when you're out, if you forget the container (in your purse) can remind you and you can take it, even if late.

[sunnysideup69]

Hello @MissyE, just dropping by to send you great big warm hug if you would like one. Wishing you well in these challenging days.Thinking of you and your family xxxxx

[MissyE]

Hi Sunny

 

I'm okish thank you. Isolating with my little family. Home schooling, who knew?

I hope you're safely isolating and staying connected.

 

My 95 year old granny had a fall and broke her hip.  It happened a week past Sunday, my **** family only let me know the following Thursday night. 

Medical team couldn't do the surgery straight away because she wouldn't survive the anaesthetic (pancreas issues and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) but she's through it now.  Unfortunately she's currently very depressed, because she'll have to go into a home.  Thankfully covid-19 negative.  Fingers crossed she makes it out of hospital and we can visit her when it's safe to travel again.  She's German in Scotland.

 

I always welcome warm friendly hugs and  l have an abundance to share.  (Of course if they weren't virtual we'd have to tap ankles or elbows in the current unprecedented situation 🙈)

Missy x

[MissyE]

 

Better than meditation in my opinion.  Very powerful. X

[manymoretodays]

On 3/3/2020 at 4:54 AM, MissyE said:

I decided to add in missed dose (3 items) with today's 3 doses:

 

07:30 112.5mg XR ven, 1g Omega 3 and folic acid, swapped 37.5mg IR for 75mg IR venlafaxine and added in 400iu vit E

12:30 2g omega 3 and add in 37.5mg

18:00 75mg IR ven, 400iu Vit E and increase from 1g to 2g omega 3.

 

Hi MissyE,

I was just glancing at your notes from back on March 3rd.  A little confused, on the swap of 37.5 mg IR for 75 mg IR........and so, wondering where or what you've been doing with dosing since that time.  I did see a missed dose somewhere as well.

 

What is your normal dosing schedule now?  What does it look like?  Do another daily note, like you did before.  Time on the left, all drugs and supplements, by name and dose, on the right.  Add in sleep and symptoms too, throughout the day on the right.

 

Sounds like you've got a lot going on, right now.  Homeschooling and relatives who are ill.  ((((((MissyE)))))

 

Best, L, P, H, and G,

mmt

Edited March 25, 2020 by manymoretodays

[MissyE]

Hi mmt

 

Thanks for dropping by.

 

I missed the dose back then and got in a pickle but I'm ok again now.  It all made sense at the time and didn't hurt too much. 

 

I'm being much more vigilant with my watch reminder and little pill carrier when l (used to) go out.

 

It's cut day today, I do it in alignment with my cycle now, first Friday a week after my period starts.  Approx 8 weekly between 5-10% Seems to work better for me than previous attempts.

 

Hope you're ok in these crazy times

Peace and love

Missy x

 

[MissyE]

Hi please can someone help me.   It's likely l may need a new safe plan.

 

Vensir 150mg XR is out of stock (I'm in UK). I'm currently stable on 200mg AM 7X12.5mg XR (in 150mg XR capsule) 37.5 IR and PM 75mg IR.  I have kept the 12.5mgXR tablets I've been removing but don't have capsules to put them in to take them.   

 

1.  Is it ok to take the 7x12.5mg XR without capsules?

 

2. Do the tablets need keeping a certain way?  I've just had them in a clear Tupperware with a coloured lid.

 

3.  I've requested a call from the gp to amend the script.

 

I'm reaching out because I'm frightened of hurting my nervous system and need support from friends who understand.

 

Missy x

 

[MissyE]

@Gridley @Altostrata @manymoretodays I meant to add your names to the above   I hope you're all staying safe (and sane) and am grateful for your advice with this. M x

[Gridley]

1 hour ago, MissyE said:

 

1.  Is it ok to take the 7x12.5mg XR without capsules?

 

2. Do the tablets need keeping a certain way?  I've just had them in a clear Tupperware with a coloured lid.

 

1.  Yes, it is fine.

2. Keep the Tupperware in a cool, dark place, like a drawer in a cool room.

[sunnysideup69]

Hey Missy, dropping by to say hello. How is that going....have you got enough of the spare Vensir tablets to tide you through for a while or will you have to do a brand switch? Hopefully, all is going well for you, sending hugs xxx

[MissyE]

Hi Sunny,

 

I hope things are settling for you.

I'm struggling at the moment so trying to avoid too much online time, it's such a balance, because I'm also looking for healthy ways to manage the anxiety.  

 

It's always heartening to see a friendly message though, thank you.  Thank you @Gridley for supporting me with my meds query too.  I have managed to get my usual vensir now and will hold as long as it takes.  I'm trying to take one day at a time. 

 

Wish l could say something more uplifting.  Thank you again lovely.

 

Missy x

 

[sunnysideup69]

6 minutes ago, MissyE said:

 

Wish l could say something more uplifting.  Thank you again lovely.

 

Missy x

 

 

Hey love, no need to be uplifting....just be you, as you feel. xxx Sending hugs.I'm taking all afternoon to just rest and sleep. Feeling a bit shivery and like I may have a cold, although that could also be WD.

We're doing well, all things considered. Sending love and strength xxx

[sunnysideup69]

Hello you. Sending hugs xxx

[MissyE]

On 5/8/2020 at 1:37 PM, sunnysideup69 said:

Hello you. Sending hugs xxx

Thank you lovely Sunny.  I'm having an okish day today but have been really struggling and trying to stay off t'initernet.  I'm holding until l feel stable again.  I'm struggling to think of yummy healthy lunch ideas have you any suggestions?  X

[sunnysideup69]

Hello! xxx  How about sardines with salad? OR, and this is a fave for me, salmon with roast potatoes and salad/ or steamed veg.

[MissyE]

Hi SA friends,

I hope you are managing.

 

I've not been on for ages because I've been struggling badly with suicidal ideation and anxiety again.  I haven't been able to AAF through it.  Lots of my external coping mechanisms have gone.  I've been so bad l eventually (reluctantly) got in touch with the crisis team.  I'm feeling confused and desperate.

 

The psych nurse relayed from doc (I've not seen doc yet) a suggestion to taper to 75mg venlafaxine then add in vortioxetine to help taper from venlafaxine.  I'm currently at 187.5mg venlafaxine.  

 

The rate of taper suggested is ridiculously too fast (37.5mg per week) so I've asked what the slowest taper they would support is.  Nurse aware of my current taper and that l hold when needed. In response to my concerns about anxiety and insomnia as WD from faster taper, diazepam and sleeping tablets were offered.  This frightens me.

 

However, l wonder if moving to vortioxetine, perhaps as a bridge, then holding and eventually tapering would help me manage venlafaxine WD better?  Or if you have any other suggestions.

 

I need some SA advice please.

 

Moderators @Altostrata

@Gridley @manymoretodays

Thank you, I'm always grateful for your support.

Missy x