Catina7: Effexor withdrawal / destabilized central nervous system

[Catina7]

7 hours ago, Marsha said:

Hey there Catina7. How's it going? 

 

Hi @Marsha, thanks for checking in.  I'm having a lot of anxiety.  I think I'm going to have to start tapering by a lesser amount each month.  I want to avoid what I went through before when I crashed horribly.  It might take me many years to get off this evil poison, but I know in the end it will be worth it.  I hope things are going well for you!

Edited March 4 by Catina7

[Marsha]

Going slow and steady works. You'll get through it. I am doing well thank you. 

[Catina7]

I just saw this quote on Instagram (@anxiety.positive) and think it ties in nicely with tapering and withdrawal:

 

"If you're struggling, you don't have to focus on having a good day.  Just have a day.  Survive.  It'll get better.  Until then, just have a day."  

[Catina7]

I have come to the conclusion that I need to change up my taper dose and rate.  I've been reducing 5% every month, but the anxiety is getting worse and worse.  It's obviously too much for my system to handle.  I just re-read the section about micro-tapering and am going to switch to that method instead.  However, until that time I'm going to hold at my current dose until I feel more stable.  If this process takes me many, many years then so be it.  The important thing is to remain stable and functional.

 

Thinking about this new game plan makes me feel incredibly more hopeful that I can successfully get off the Effexor.  And HOPE is the one thing that keeps us all going!  Never, EVER give up hope that there are better days ahead.  

[Erimus]

2 hours ago, Catina7 said:

I have come to the conclusion that I need to change up my taper dose and rate.  I've been reducing 5% every month, but the anxiety is getting worse and worse.  It's obviously too much for my system to handle.  I just re-read the section about micro-tapering and am going to switch to that method instead.  However, until that time I'm going to hold at my current dose until I feel more stable.  If this process takes me many, many years then so be it.  The important thing is to remain stable and functional.

 

Thinking about this new game plan makes me feel incredibly more hopeful that I can successfully get off the Effexor.  And HOPE is the one thing that keeps us all going!  Never, EVER give up hope that there are better days ahead.  

The bead counting gives you a good bit of flexibility with tapering. Even if it's only a couple of beads at a time it is still progress. I think you'll find micro tapering more motivating because you're making cuts more often, which gives you that sense of purpose and action towards doing something.

Edited March 8 by Erimus

[Catina7]

Just now, Erimus said:

The bead counting gives you a good bit of flexibility with tapering. Even if it's only a couple of beads at a time it is still progress. i think you'll find micro tapering more motivating because you're making cuts more often, which gives you that sense of purpose and action towards doing something.

 

Thank you @Erimus!  It feels more motivating already and I haven't even started it yet lol.  😊

[littlebird]

Hey Catina! I saw on another thread about your cat, and I wanted to say I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm sure you've had 15 beautiful years together and a strong bond, and animals are family members. I hope you're able to take care of yourself as you grieve this loss. We're here for you! ❤️

[Catina7]

25 minutes ago, littlebird said:

Hey Catina! I saw on another thread about your cat, and I wanted to say I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm sure you've had 15 beautiful years together and a strong bond, and animals are family members. I hope you're able to take care of yourself as you grieve this loss. We're here for you! ❤️

 

Thank you for your most kind words.  I really appreciate it.  It was hard, but her health was deteriorating quickly.  Thanks again... ❤️

[LostInCanada]

Sending hugs and love. 💕

It's so hard but I am glad she was rescued by you and had a good life. 

[Catina7]

53 minutes ago, LostInCanada said:

Sending hugs and love. 💕

It's so hard but I am glad she was rescued by you and had a good life. 

 

Many thanks to you for your kinds words!  ❤️

[Catina7]

April 1, 2024

 

Starting Dose:  37.5 mg

Average Bead Count per Capsule:  111

Beads Removed Today:  18

 

This past month has pretty much followed the pattern of the previous months - I experienced increased anxiety and heart palpitations towards the end of the month.  However, the end of March felt more intense, and it's taking me longer to recover.  I'm grateful that taking 1/2 a Benadryl at night helps me to sleep, although I only resort to it if I'm feeling desperate.  

 

Today I only removed two more beads, thus ending my 5% monthly taper rate.  I'm going to begin micro-tapering, removing two beads every two weeks and then holding for at least two weeks to see how it affects my nervous system.  Hopefully I'll be able to tolerate it much better.

 

I try to view any symptoms as a sign that my body is getting closer to healing, not further away from it, since each reduction I make is one step closer to getting to zero mgs.  As long as I'm moving forward and making some kind of progress, then I consider that a victory.  When I see the container that holds all the beads I've removed, it reminds me that I'm slowly chipping away at the walls of the psych drug prison in order to make my escape.  

 

This site has truly been a lifeline for me and reminds me that I'm never alone.  I feel accepted, supported, loved, and validated.  I'm grateful for the words of support I receive from others, and it makes me feel useful when I can reciprocate that support to my fellow members.  I'm so encouraged by ALL of you.  YOU help me to keep going day after day.  ❤️

[Bailey]

A giant hug to you @Catina7 ❤️

[Kaylaq]

@Catina7 💪💪 all the best in this next stage.  Take it even slower if you have to!! 🥰🥰
 

curious, how do you spend your days?  

[wantrelief]

2 hours ago, Catina7 said:

Today I only removed two more beads, thus ending my 5% monthly taper rate.  I'm going to begin micro-tapering, removing two beads every two weeks and then holding for at least two weeks to see how it affects my nervous system.  Hopefully I'll be able to tolerate it much better.

I am wishing you all the best with your taper and new approach, Catina.  You are doing really well navigating all of this and adjusting as needed.  Sending you lots of good wishes, WR.

[Catina7]

11 minutes ago, Kaylaq said:

curious, how do you spend your days?  

 

I spend a lot time just resting and caring for necessary things around the house.  Thankfully I don't have to work.  I support my husband who is self-employed and owns a very small business and care for five indoor kitties who are my children.  I exercise regularly and try to take good care of myself.  I go out twice a week - once to grocery shop and then once to attend a meeting at my Kingdom Hall.  The other mid-week evening meeting I have at my Kingdom Hall I attend on Zoom because I find it very challenging to attend in person.  

[LostInCanada]

2 hours ago, Catina7 said:

I'm going to begin micro-tapering, removing two beads every two weeks and then holding for at least two weeks to see how it affects my nervous system.  Hopefully I'll be able to tolerate it much better.

I personally think it is about finding that sweet spot that works for you. It sure makes more sense than being in constant upheaval. ❤️

 

2 hours ago, Catina7 said:

I feel accepted, supported, loved, and validated.  I'm grateful for the words of support I receive from others, and it makes me feel useful when I can reciprocate that support

We really do need each other. So well said.

22 minutes ago, Catina7 said:

attend a meeting at my Kingdom Hall.  The other mid-week evening meeting I have at my Kingdom Hall I attend on Zoom because I find it very challenging to attend in person.  

I find a good spiritual routine with lots of prayer very helpful as well. Thanks for sharing. ♥️

[Kaylaq]

@Catina7 so nice to have pets, all those snuggles help a lot ☺️ I miss having a dog!  You have a good foundation to heal in.  Yes, I find outings to be overwhelming most times, after a couple of hours I want to get home where I feel safe!  
 

thank you for sharing 👍🏻😊😊 

[LostInCanada]

@Catina7 hi sweetie. How have you been managing? Is the anxiety settling? It might be worth holding till it settles before another drop. It can be so frustrating when you just want to get off the rotten drug. Slow and steady wins the race. Sending 🤗❤️

[Catina7]

2 hours ago, LostInCanada said:

@Catina7 hi sweetie. How have you been managing? Is the anxiety settling? It might be worth holding till it settles before another drop. It can be so frustrating when you just want to get off the rotten drug. Slow and steady wins the race. Sending 🤗❤️

 

Nice to hear from you!  I'm going to PM you.