JessB: feeling stuck tapering Effexor

[JessB]

Hello, I’m looking for some guidance. 
I’ve been holding for a very long time, and doing very well. While on vacation august 16th, I drank 3-4 classes of wine and have been having symptoms since.

 

Windows and waves again, my symptoms have been increased anxiety and internal restlessness to full panic attacks, and GI symptoms. Starting the very next day after drinking. During windows I feel good, but on edge waiting for the anxiety. I have been meditating and doing yoga, deep breathing, I take magnesium 200mg every night. No caffeine, and I’ll never ever drink alcohol again. I just thought I was out of the woods being symptom free for 2 years and no changes. We’re all human I guess.

 

I guess I’m just looking for reinforcement this will pass and I’ll stabilize soon, or validation I’m not going insane. The waves have been getting less and less intense which I am holding dearly that this is a good sign but still can’t help but think I’ve gone and ruined it all. 

Any tips or suggestions would help immensely 🩷

[JessB]

I should also mention, I have had 2 run ins with caffeine, one experimental and one accidental, that have spiked symptoms, and when I’m dealing with stress my symptoms rear again. Of course obviously this would happen but just for mentioning 

[unblocktheplanet]

On 8/17/2021 at 6:21 AM, JessB said:

Thank you! 
I know all have this frustration, I’m feeling like “one bead really?!” One little bead! I’m just too nervous to do more than one and ruin what I’ve accomplished and have to heal all over  again! 
so usually, the day of I’m wreaked with anxiety, a feeling of waiting for withdrawal symptoms. I’m always waiting for them to come back. Physical w/d symptoms will start days 2/3. And it’s usually heightened anxiety, ruminating thoughts, some headaches, and some brain fog. For me it’s the anxiety that is the worst. CBD helps a lot but I don’t want to be dependent on it. 

You are sooo lucky that CBD helps your anxiety! I've tried, too, but so far have not found the right dose or timing. Be very grateful if you can tell us how you take it & what's effective for you. Still taking CBD? TIA!

 

You mention you've been taking Efexor (XR, I presume) for years. Did it relieve any of your original symptoms? The NHS calls it the most difficult AD to taper.

 

Hope you're feeling better, Jess.

[unblocktheplanet]

On 8/29/2021 at 3:15 PM, j1290 said:

Fellow bead counter here!   I'm off of it now for several years, but I have a soft spot for anybody who has had to taper off of Effexor.  I thought I'd never be able to do it when I got near the end.  I talked to my Dr. and he got me smaller capsules so when I reduced a bead, it was a smaller bead than before and tolerable, which is certainly not the same as easy!   I took a lot of Omega 3s, which seemed to help.   Wishing you all the best!!!

J1290, will you please share those dosages & how long you took? Glad you're free!

[Catina7]

On 10/16/2023 at 8:43 PM, JessB said:

Hello, I’m looking for some guidance. 
I’ve been holding for a very long time, and doing very well. While on vacation august 16th, I drank 3-4 classes of wine and have been having symptoms since.

 

Windows and waves again, my symptoms have been increased anxiety and internal restlessness to full panic attacks, and GI symptoms. Starting the very next day after drinking. During windows I feel good, but on edge waiting for the anxiety. I have been meditating and doing yoga, deep breathing, I take magnesium 200mg every night. No caffeine, and I’ll never ever drink alcohol again. I just thought I was out of the woods being symptom free for 2 years and no changes. We’re all human I guess.

 

I guess I’m just looking for reinforcement this will pass and I’ll stabilize soon, or validation I’m not going insane. The waves have been getting less and less intense which I am holding dearly that this is a good sign but still can’t help but think I’ve gone and ruined it all. 

Any tips or suggestions would help immensely 🩷

 

I can relate to what you're going through.  I've also been holding for a long time on my current Effexor XR dose.  I am too scared to touch any alcohol, but once when I ate a whole bunch of brownies in a moment of weakness the sugar and caffeine really spiked my withdrawal symptoms.  I felt awful!  But it did get better after awhile.  I'm sure you'll improve too, so just hang in there.  You've just had a setback, so please don't think you've permanently ruined things for yourself.

 

The fact that your waves are getting less intense is a great sign that you're healing and things are improving!

[JessB]

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

You are sooo lucky that CBD helps your anxiety! I've tried, too, but so far have not found the right dose or timing. Be very grateful if you can tell us how you take it & what's effective for you. Still taking CBD? TIA!

 

You mention you've been taking Efexor (XR, I presume) for years. Did it relieve any of your original symptoms? The NHS calls it the most difficult AD to taper.

 

Hope you're feeling better, Jess.

I’ve been taking Effexor for 10 years but did not continue with the CBD I’m sorry 

[JessB]

23 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

 

I can relate to what you're going through.  I've also been holding for a long time on my current Effexor XR dose.  I am too scared to touch any alcohol, but once when I ate a whole bunch of brownies in a moment of weakness the sugar and caffeine really spiked my withdrawal symptoms.  I felt awful!  But it did get better after awhile.  I'm sure you'll improve too, so just hang in there.  You've just had a setback, so please don't think you've permanently ruined things for yourself.

 

The fact that your waves are getting less intense is a great sign that you're healing and things are improving!

Thank you I really appreciate the reply. I feel so very alone. This wave was a doozy,

[unblocktheplanet]

Just now, JessB said:

I’ve been taking Effexor for 10 years but did not continue with the CBD I’m sorry 

Thanks so much. Good luck with your life plans, Jess!

[Catina7]

2 hours ago, JessB said:

Thank you I really appreciate the reply. I feel so very alone. This wave was a doozy,

 

I hope it helped.  You're never alone, always remember that!  And someone out there is probably suffering worse than you.  It's crazy how these things can affect us so horribly!  I know you'll get through it and experience a nice window of relief soon!   🤗

[JessB]

8 hours ago, Catina7 said:

 

I hope it helped.  You're never alone, always remember that!  And someone out there is probably suffering worse than you.  It's crazy how these things can affect us so horribly!  I know you'll get through it and experience a nice window of relief soon!   🤗

I know of people worse off, but the doomsday thinking and anxiety is always so brutal to see the other side through sometimes. 

[Catina7]

11 hours ago, JessB said:

I know of people worse off, but the doomsday thinking and anxiety is always so brutal to see the other side through sometimes. 

 

It can be hard to see the other side sometimes, but you've seen the other side before and you WILL see it again.  A setback is just that - a temporary setback, not a permanent change.  Keep holding on and riding that wave until it calms down....and it will!  

[JessB]

On 10/19/2023 at 7:45 AM, Catina7 said:

 

It can be hard to see the other side sometimes, but you've seen the other side before and you WILL see it again.  A setback is just that - a temporary setback, not a permanent change.  Keep holding on and riding that wave until it calms down....and it will!  

Do you think it’ll ever settle down again? 

[Catina7]

9 minutes ago, JessB said:

Do you think it’ll ever settle down again? 

 

I am sure it will!!!  Try not to overly obsess about it and just live your life as normally as you can until it settles down.  You've got this!  👍

[JessB]

@Catina7

I was doing well, for a while. And then my pharmacy changes manufacturers. 😭 the counts are all different. 
I used the new average to find my new - same dose. But experiencing an uptick in symptoms 

[Catina7]

7 hours ago, JessB said:

@Catina7

I was doing well, for a while. And then my pharmacy changes manufacturers. 😭 the counts are all different. 
I used the new average to find my new - same dose. But experiencing an uptick in symptoms 

 

I'm so sorry.  It's always disheartening when symptoms get worse.  Is there another pharmacy you can use that can fill your prescription with the same manufacturer?  

[buggedout]

How are you doing now? I would definitely shop around for the same manufacturer. Your current pharmacy might even be able to order it in for you. I worked in a pharmacy for about a year... A lot of the time, we just ordered whatever generic was the cheapest at the time, but lots of patients had specific brands that we had to order for them.

 

As for the drinking and caffeine, I'm sure all of that will get better. I've been told by several doctors (and read online) that effexor can enhance the effect of caffeine, as much as 6x! So one cup of coffee is like having 6. I definitely notice this... every morning I drink just half a cup. Any more and I'm anxious, jittery, and up all night. I also have to be sure not to touch any caffeine after 12pm or I will also be up all night, even if its just a small amount.

 

I'm pretty sure it can screw with how alcohol affects the body as well. I don't drink wine or hard liquor any more. It turns me into a completely different person when I do.

 

Hang in there.

[JessB]

On 10/31/2023 at 6:28 AM, Catina7 said:

 

I'm so sorry.  It's always disheartening when symptoms get worse.  Is there another pharmacy you can use that can fill your prescription with the same manufacturer?  

There isn’t more I can do about the manufacturer unfortunately, the pharmacist was adamant about it. How ever after a few days at the new dose I’m doing ok, I added 2 beads, and most symptoms have subsided so far. Today being particularly on edge but not anxious and a mess as I was. 

[JessB]

@buggedoutThere isn’t more I can do about the manufacturer unfortunately, the pharmacist was adamant about it. How ever after a few days at the new dose I’m doing ok, I added 2 beads, and most symptoms have subsided so far. Today being particularly on edge but not anxious and a mess as I was. 
 

I think I’ll stay away from caffeine (and alcohol) moving forward as it has shown to just cause me problems. I used to have a caffeine addiction before the alcohol destabilizing me. 
I really appreciate the support. I hope I just stabilize soon, panic, doomsday thinking and anxiety is the worst feeling and the reason I went on the medication in the first place. 

[buggedout]

4 hours ago, JessB said:

@buggedoutThere isn’t more I can do about the manufacturer unfortunately, the pharmacist was adamant about it. How ever after a few days at the new dose I’m doing ok, I added 2 beads, and most symptoms have subsided so far. Today being particularly on edge but not anxious and a mess as I was. 
 

I think I’ll stay away from caffeine (and alcohol) moving forward as it has shown to just cause me problems. I used to have a caffeine addiction before the alcohol destabilizing me. 
I really appreciate the support. I hope I just stabilize soon, panic, doomsday thinking and anxiety is the worst feeling and the reason I went on the medication in the first place. 

Im happy to hear that things are getting better.

I understand the feelings of doom and despair all too well. I actually never really had that problem before I started taking effexor. I got on the stuff because I had really bad social anxiety. Wish I knew what I was getting myself into back then.

Staying away from caffeine and alcohol is never a bad thing. If I didn't require coffee due to my children (lol) then I wouldn't bother. On days that I forget or don't have time to drink it, I sleep SO much better. 

I hope you get back to yourself soon. The worst feeling is not knowing how long it will last, and fixating on it. I always find myself on google, and also this website, rereading things I already know and trying to reassure myself. It sucks going to bed and thinking, maybe tomorrow will be the day I wake up and feel normal again... only to wake up and feel the same.

But I will say that I've never heard of anyone just being stuck that way forever. It just takes a while, with small improvements over time. 

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[medfreeoneday]

Hey @JessB

I am in a similar situation to you right now. I'm on Effexor too and I got cocky and starting tapering more than 10% and managed to destabilise myself. I'm currently holding and praying for it to end. It's been 12 days so far.

I have found that drastically reforming my diet to just eat meat, fruit and vegetables has helped. 

I also did the exact same thing as you in August with alcohol. Up until then it has been almost a year since I drank anything and I was on holiday and felt like I wanted to kick back. What a major mistake- it totally messed me up and it took me about 3 weeks to start to feel remotely normal again. Needless to say, alcohol is over for me now.

 

I hope your waves subside again too.

 

Medfreeoneday

[JessB]

4 minutes ago, medfreeoneday said:

Hey @JessB

I am in a similar situation to you right now. I'm on Effexor too and I got cocky and starting tapering more than 10% and managed to destabilise myself. I'm currently holding and praying for it to end. It's been 12 days so far.

I have found that drastically reforming my diet to just eat meat, fruit and vegetables has helped. 

I also did the exact same thing as you in August with alcohol. Up until then it has been almost a year since I drank anything and I was on holiday and felt like I wanted to kick back. What a major mistake- it totally messed me up and it took me about 3 weeks to start to feel remotely normal again. Needless to say, alcohol is over for me now.

 

I hope your waves subside again too.

 

Medfreeoneday

Hello! 
Im doing really good right now! This has been my longest window since august. 
I just started hot yoga about 2 weeks ago and has been a god-send for keeping me zen and chill. Highly recommend. I have found my waves have been shorter and less intense.

but yes alcohol is OUT for me forever. Still cannot handle caffeine *sigh* .

 

My initial crash in 2020 took me a few months to stabilize, and after this alcohol I’m now on 3.5 months of windows and waves so please do hold on. 🙏

[JessB]

Hello! 
I have been relatively well lately through out December, and this first part of February. few waves of minor anxiety lasting a few days, with long windows. And usually self induced anxiety like coffee, lack of sleep, death in the family ect. 
 

But With a new year comes new obstacles. 
im wondering if anyone has any advice to these two topics that are coming up for me. 
 

1) I have surgery coming up in February. I am having a cyst removed on my tailbone area. It is a minor day surgery, no sedation, just local freezing. The surgeon even said I could likely drive myself home. So while no additional meds to destabilize me, (I anticipate maybe some amoxicillin after, but I will refuse pain meds) I’m wondering about the actual stress of having the surgery and how that will affect my system? 
 

2) My in-laws are planing an international trip to Italy for the whole family this July, from Canada. I understand the time change and still taking meds at what would be my current time, but what about the jet lag and stress of travel? Has anyone else travelled with a +6 hour difference time zone ? And then coming back and adjusting again? And managing medications. 
 

any advice would greatly appreciated! 

[JessB]

Hi everyone! 
I had my small procedure on Tuesday, it went well and I’m healing up nicely. It did uptick some anxiety, getting worse as days go on.

it was a small 1inch procedure to remove a cyst. No anastethia or drugs, and no epi freezing. 
any advise? @Catina7? 

[Catina7]

10 hours ago, JessB said:

Hi everyone! 
I had my small procedure on Tuesday, it went well and I’m healing up nicely. It did uptick some anxiety, getting worse as days go on.

it was a small 1inch procedure to remove a cyst. No anastethia or drugs, and no epi freezing. 
any advise? @Catina7? 

 

Hi, I'm so glad your procedure went well, but I'm sorry you're having difficulties with increased anxiety.  When my anxiety really ramps up, I find that doing EFT Tapping, deep breathing,  exercise, vagus nerve work, and a nice hot bubble bath really help.  What coping strategies have you turned to in the past that you think might help you during this time?  The key is to find things that work for you.  There are many things that you can do to help.  In the past I also had acupuncture, and that really helped as well.  

 

I hope things improve for you soon!  xo

[JessB]

3 hours ago, Catina7 said:

 

Hi, I'm so glad your procedure went well, but I'm sorry you're having difficulties with increased anxiety.  When my anxiety really ramps up, I find that doing EFT Tapping, deep breathing,  exercise, vagus nerve work, and a nice hot bubble bath really help.  What coping strategies have you turned to in the past that you think might help you during this time?  The key is to find things that work for you.  There are many things that you can do to help.  In the past I also had acupuncture, and that really helped as well.  

 

I hope things improve for you soon!  xo

I don’t know if maybe my count was off yesterday but I haven’t been that sick in so long.  
tuesday : procedure, slight anxiety 1/10 in PM

wednesday: no symptoms 

Thursday: 3 anxiety attacks at 1pm, 730pm and 11pm, headache, derealization, vomiting, 

Thursday: it’s only 1030 am but anxiety is 1/10 

it makes me think it was a wrong dose pill, 

[Catina7]

12 minutes ago, JessB said:

it makes me think it was a wrong dose pill

If you can't think of anything else then it could very well be this.  I hope things improve for you soon!

[JessB]

Still in a wave for 3 weeks since the procedure. 😮‍💨

I feel so defeated

[withhopeinmyheart]

If you'd like a hug from a stranger... 🤗 I know this feeling... 

[JessB]

1 hour ago, withhopeinmyheart said:

If you'd like a hug from a stranger... 🤗 I know this feeling... 

thank you, I had a 2 month window after an alcohol set back.. and then this small surgery procedure I had on Feb 6 has thrown me for a loop.. I regret it so much.

[withhopeinmyheart]

Very understandable. Sending you strength and healing thoughts 

[JessB]

Hello @Catina7

still on and off with anxiety, headaches, and eye twitching. 
I am lucky it is not as bad as others who are suffering, but still feeling back to 0. 
I have been using all of my coping mechanisms and started going back to hot yoga which I think keeps me at bay. 
my husband and I booked a trip to Punta Cana, which gives me a lot of excitement planning and buying outfits hehe! 
do you see a lot of people have a lasting impact after a procedure? I didn’t have any sedation or antibiotics or drugs of any kind, just local freezing without epinephrine. I’m just hoping the end is near I feel like I’ve suffered for so long, with the alcohol setback and now this. I am just loosing hope, and I was doing so well 😮‍💨😭

[Catina7]

13 hours ago, JessB said:

Hello @Catina7

still on and off with anxiety, headaches, and eye twitching. 
I am lucky it is not as bad as others who are suffering, but still feeling back to 0. 
I have been using all of my coping mechanisms and started going back to hot yoga which I think keeps me at bay. 
my husband and I booked a trip to Punta Cana, which gives me a lot of excitement planning and buying outfits hehe! 
do you see a lot of people have a lasting impact after a procedure? I didn’t have any sedation or antibiotics or drugs of any kind, just local freezing without epinephrine. I’m just hoping the end is near I feel like I’ve suffered for so long, with the alcohol setback and now this. I am just loosing hope, and I was doing so well 😮‍💨😭

 

Hi there!  I'm sorry you're still having some struggles, but it sounds like you have some good things going on too that are helping.  You'll heal eventually, I'm sure of that, so keep hanging in there as best as you can.  The fact that you're able to travel is a good sign.

 

As far as procedures go, I've seen them affect everyone differently so it's hard to say if yours contributed to your issues.  It still sounds like the alcohol may have been the trigger to set you off since you said you were doing well before that. 

[JessB]

On 3/3/2024 at 7:37 AM, Catina7 said:

 

Hi there!  I'm sorry you're still having some struggles, but it sounds like you have some good things going on too that are helping.  You'll heal eventually, I'm sure of that, so keep hanging in there as best as you can.  The fact that you're able to travel is a good sign.

 

As far as procedures go, I've seen them affect everyone differently so it's hard to say if yours contributed to your issues.  It still sounds like the alcohol may have been the trigger to set you off since you said you were doing well before that. 

I had a really good 3 and a half week window, but back into a wave. I did a pretty intense workout class last Saturday and have been in and out of anxiety, headaches, eye twitches all over again. 
 

Im so exhausted, I wish I never touched alcohol. I feel defeated.

[Catina7]

10 hours ago, JessB said:

I had a really good 3 and a half week window

 

That's wonderful to hear!  It's a sign that your body is healing.  Even being in a wave is a sign your body is healing, believe it or not.  Do you think the exercise may have triggered your wave?  It can do that for some people.  If so, you may need to dial down the intensity for a while.

 

I know you're frustrated and tired of dealing with all of this and just want to get better, but with time and patience you will get better.  You're doing a great job so far, so keep going the best you can.  ❤️

[JessB]

On 3/30/2024 at 7:47 AM, Catina7 said:

 

That's wonderful to hear!  It's a sign that your body is healing.  Even being in a wave is a sign your body is healing, believe it or not.  Do you think the exercise may have triggered your wave?  It can do that for some people.  If so, you may need to dial down the intensity for a while.

 

I know you're frustrated and tired of dealing with all of this and just want to get better, but with time and patience you will get better.  You're doing a great job so far, so keep going the best you can.  ❤️

Thank you Catalina! I appreciate your encouragement! 
 

im considering quitting smoking soon, have you seen anymore have issues switching to vaping instead? 

[Catina7]

2 hours ago, JessB said:

Thank you Catalina! I appreciate your encouragement! 

 

You're very welcome!

 

2 hours ago, JessB said:

im considering quitting smoking soon, have you seen anymore have issues switching to vaping instead? 

 

It's good to hear you'd like to quit smoking.  From what I understand, vaping is not as safe as many would like to think.