success ☼ MrAnxious: 3 months off Effexor XR (6 years on)

[Petunia]

Are you having any other symptoms besides slight depression on waking and then feeling flat for most of day.  How is the anxiety?

 

What are you doing which is so interesting that it keeps you up late at night?  Could you do that during the day?

 

Having nothing to get up for would definitely contribute to feelings of having no motivation.  Are there some enjoyable things you want to do?

 

If your physical symptoms have subsided, and it sounds like they have, perhaps you would feel more motivated to get up and do things during the day if you made yourself a temporary schedule for the next few weeks.

 

Maybe include some small goals, chores, fun and relaxation.

 

You could use this time to research and find healthy methods of dealing with anxiety.  Maybe go to a yoga class or join a meditation group.... whatever appeals to you.

 

If you are still going through a wave, then having a daily schedule might help to get you through it, as long as you don't push too hard.

 

Exercising earlier in the day might get those positive endorphins flowing sooner.

 

Just some thoughts. 

 

It sounds like you are doing really well Mr. A.

[MrAnxious]

Are you having any other symptoms besides slight depression on waking and then feeling flat for most of day.  How is the anxiety?

 

What are you doing which is so interesting that it keeps you up late at night?  Could you do that during the day?

 

Having nothing to get up for would definitely contribute to feelings of having no motivation.  Are there some enjoyable things you want to do?

 

If your physical symptoms have subsided, and it sounds like they have, perhaps you would feel more motivated to get up and do things during the day if you made yourself a temporary schedule for the next few weeks.

 

Maybe include some small goals, chores, fun and relaxation.

 

You could use this time to research and find healthy methods of dealing with anxiety.  Maybe go to a yoga class or join a meditation group.... whatever appeals to you.

 

If you are still going through a wave, then having a daily schedule might help to get you through it, as long as you don't push too hard.

 

Exercising earlier in the day might get those positive endorphins flowing sooner.

 

Just some thoughts. 

 

It sounds like you are doing really well Mr. A.

Thanks PETU ! But you'll never guess what happened. Remember that sleep study that I had. Well I got the results back yesterday and I HAVE SLEEP APNEA- Never been so excited to say that. Yes I will have the machine and mask to deal with but i have heard the benefits are unreal, THIS IS WHAT COULD BE CONTRIBUTING TO MY EXHAUSTION AND LACK OF MOTIVATION and WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS PROGRESSING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Sleep Apnea and Depression go hand and hand. And I believe this sleep apnea is from the effexor withdrawal. So I stop breathing 30 times in a hour and i lack oxygen, then my heart goes irregular when i stop breathing-makes sense. So I have to go to another sleep study on Aug 2nd and then i get my machine a month later. I am so bummed I have to wait one month to potentially feel better, but reading the reviews from people using the Cpap machine, it made a huge difference just after the first night. ))))) Can't wait to see what it does for me, maybe it's the last thing i need in this journey. Fingers crossed. More oxygen does mean more energy and faster metabolism to lose weight and such. 

 

 

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING - We continue this fight.

[MrAnxious]

HUGE UPDATE FROM MR. A! 

 

I have never been so excited to say that I HAVE SLEEP APNEA. My sleep study concluded that I stop breathing 30 times in a hour, poor oxygen levels and my heart is irregular when i stop breathing. I wake up way too many times during the night and I don't get next to nothing 11mins of REM sleep a night. So I am going to have a CPAP machine and mask and Oxygen ! I am actually so excited because Sleep Apnea is linked with depression and anxiety and motivation and fatigue. ALL THE STUFF THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE. I am thinking alot of this leftover withdrawal that I am feeling is because of this problem. I really think the effexor and sleep apnea are definitely linked and I've read a couple articles about anti depressants and sleep apnea but that's a whole other thing to get into.

 

 

So I have to wait a month, which is a bummer. But atleast I know what some of the problem could be. Anyone who has never got your Sleep checked should really go and get a sleep study done. You never know what could be compounding your problem. I might just end up waking up and be fully recovered- Happened to alot of people after the first night- Crossing my fingers But prolongs my hope cause it was getting a little worrisome.

 

 

I hope everyone is doing well and progressing. Little things can happen that lead us to a greater path in the unknown

[cymbaltawithdrawal5600]

That is wonderful news! Not that you have the problem but that it was confirmed and there is treatment for it that could make a very positive change in your life. I believe there others on SA that have found the same and they can surely offer you much support, comparing notes and such.

 

Thrilled for you!

[basildev]

great news Mr. A

 

Keep us posted

[MrAnxious]

That is wonderful news! Not that you have the problem but that it was confirmed and there is treatment for it that could make a very positive change in your life. I believe there others on SA that have found the same and they can surely offer you much support, comparing notes and such.

 

Thrilled for you!

Thank you thats so encouraging  , and yah im gonna tug some people's strings and see how it's change them. Could be a breakthrough for sure.

[MrAnxious]

great news Mr. A

 

Keep us posted

Thanks Basil, I will for sure !

[Meimeiquest]

That's great! It changed my life, hope it does yours!

[Petunia]

That's great news Mr. A, keep us posted.

[MrAnxious]

That's great! It changed my life, hope it does yours!

Do you mind telling me exactly what it changed, were you in withdrawal too ? What's it like once you start using it ? I'm so excited to get started !Other than the mask part but i hear most people get used to it. What do you suggest full face mask or nasal pillow cpap ?

[MrAnxious]

That's great news Mr. A, keep us posted.

Thanks Basil , I will most definitely keep in touch.. How have you been doing ?

[Meimeiquest]

No, I wasn't in withdrawal....I felt better after I started it, so started reducing meds, and then got myself into a withdrawal mess. I had been so tired, and I slept so poorly...it slowly fixed that. It was hard at first to tolerate the mask, but I just made myself leave it on. It still bothers me as small leaks tend to form when I move around. Because of that, I use the biggest, heaviest mask, Quatro. It goes clear around the mouth. The pillows hurt my nose, but I have a sister who loves them. My mom uses a nasal mask, but she says it hurts her upper jaw sometimes. Everyone has to find their own way to do something so unnatural.

 

I was told the real problem with sleep apnea is that your body secretes a bit of adrenaline with every event. That and the sleep deprivation can cause psychiatric symptoms, I believe. When I went to a holistic doc, He had me do a urine test to check adrenal hormones. My adrenaline level was twice the normal limit, but when I asked him about it he said that he wasn't concerned about that right now (my cortisol level was also quite elevated and he was focused on that). I think that's doctor-speak for "I don't have a clue." So it was 4 yrs. later that I heard a radio show about how hard it is to know you need a sleep study and went to a sleep doctor on my own.

 

So good luck...I know it is very hard to wait for the machine when you know there's a problem.

[MrAnxious]

Thank you for the helpful reply memi and i really think its going to make a day and night difference in alot of these lingering symptoms i hope it does..hope !!!

[MrAnxious]

Update : soy mind has been relatively table for the past couple days. Now that i know i have sleep apnea and can treat it with a mask, i really think it will help with lingering symptoms. The only problem left is anxiety and emotions. I know i am probably in a slight window right now but good news...!!! I havent had a ativan for two weeks now so i dont feel dependant on them. I cant wait to reduce my buspar another letter at the end of the month.

 

Oh i stopped drinking dairy and now drink almond milk because it has 45% b12 intake and other stuff milk doesnt have and less sugar. It seems to give me a boost

[cymbaltawithdrawal5600]

Hey MrA,

 

A poster here was asking about starting a sleep apnea group on yahoo.groups a while ago. I just saw his name again, it's 'compsports'. Possibly something for you check out. Keep us posted on how it goes!

[MrAnxious]

Update : So it's been over 10 months now and lets say i have experienced enough emotions and mind games and weight gain and symptoms to last a lifetime but does anybody everv feel like they actually feel better? Like most days now alot of physical symptoms are gone but i wake up still and my head is groggy and i am tired ..still have no motivation to do anything( sleep mask may change this)

 

Positive news : I haven't had to take any ativan in about 3 weeks now !!!!! So i think that i curbed and got through that period too its just hard to see my transformation when i still feel so fatigued everyday but aug 2nd is my 2nd sleep study ..coming up and i hope its just like icing on this withdrawal train..i know i lack oxygen and stop breathing when i sleep so it could and i really hope it makes a huge difference and speeds my recovery up that much more.

 

It does get better and it will get better...just takes alot of time.

 

Thank you so much for being by my side and thanks alto for this site: its a lifesaver

[basildev]

Hey Mr. A,

 

Are you tracking your symtoms daily? I have a list in a spreadsheet and I rate them out of 10. It helps me to see the pattern and also to recognise that, slowly, I'm getting better. I totally understand how it can feel like you're not getting better through -- it really is a mind f**& isn't it?

 

Congratulations for not taking Ativan for 3 weeks. For my part, Benzos only made things worse. I got rebound insomnia and anxiety from a few pills of Valium. Once I stopped taking the Valium things slowly started to improve.

[alex]

It does get better and it will get better...just takes alot of time. 

Amen.

[MrAnxious]

Well i have my cpap trial tommorow night wish me luck !

[Narcissus]

*Wishing you luck.

[MrAnxious]

Thank you starting to feel like this is a gift from god like you have suffered enough my son here is a gift of healing i feel it could take away my tiredness atleast separate what is withdrawal now.

[basildev]

My thoughts are with you Mr. A:)

[MrAnxious]

Thank you , and it was a bust, not sure how i am suppose to sleep when im rigged up like a robot. And than the MASK !!! I just couldn't sleep it was more anxiety keeping me alert then trying to breathe in air like this, tried both masks and nasal one i found better, just weird how you have to close your mouth and breathe only through nose, seems like a workout after awhile, left at 4am and will call back for another one...gotta bring my own pillow too. I am really trying to wrap my head around this whole concept and believe someone can actually sleep with one of those things on. Maybe my insomnia is back in a wave cause im not going to be until 4am some nights lately and will sleep in until 3pm. Got nothing else to do but recover, lots of walks lately. Gotta quit the smokes and eat healthier , on my list !

[Meimeiquest]

Hey Mr. A...sorry it was so hard. But I don't think anyone does much sleeping in the beginning. Compsports has had a real rough time, you might want to PM her (him). It still bothers me, but I have accepted it as much better than sleeping without it. Good luck!

[lexicon]

Hi MrA,

I am sorry that you are still suffering with symptoms

I hope that you will find some peace soon.

MrA, I noticed on your thread that you tapered off Ativan ..? Is that right?

I am suffering with it, and am trying to find a way to taper.

Do you mind sharing with me the method you used to taper?

I tried to ask you through PM, but yours is not available.

I will be grateful for any help you could give me ..

Wishing you well being and healing MrA ..

Love, Lexi

[MrAnxious]

Hi MrA,I am sorry that you are still suffering with symptoms :(I hope that you will find some peace soon.MrA, I noticed on your thread that you tapered off Ativan ..? Is that right?I am suffering with it, and am trying to find a way to taper.Do you mind sharing with me the method you used to taper?I tried to ask you through PM, but yours is not available.I will be grateful for any help you could give me ..Wishing you well being and healing MrA ..Love, Lexi

Hey Lexi Sorry to hear that you are suffering with Ativan. I just started taking it to quell some of the w/d from the intense anxiety that I was having, but I think in the end the rebound anxiety was worse from the Ativan. I wasn't really on a heavy dose 0.5mg pill. So I just broke it in half and then eventually I just stopped taking them. As the anxiety has gone down I have learned to cope without them, as I don't like how they feel when they wear off. I would suggest tapering the 10% way but I don't really know much about tapering off Benzo. Sorry. I wish you healing and if you ever need to chat , gimme a shout. I was just camping for the past week.

[MrAnxious]

Update : Just need to get this Cpap machine underway, My second sleep study failed so I have another appt with sleep doctor. It's hard being so tired everyday and just not there 100% mentally. After awhile I start to think how long have I had sleep apnea. Well Aug 15th is my next appt so we will wait. As for other symptoms, i have noticed that the heartbeat I use to have around 8pm every night that has gone away, i noticed the intense anxiety has gone down. Fatigue and muscle soreness and tired feeling are the last symptoms, well and that overall happy feeling but that will come in time. Just tired of feeling like a Zombie. 

 

 

Ttys guys and hope everyone is healing, any questions just ask. 

 

 

Mr. A

[MrAnxious]

Soooo.... I have been struggling big time with my new sleep apnea mask, like I am really not sure how one is expected to sleep with this piece of plastic covering my mouth  and nose(mouth breather) and fall asleep. I really just want this too work for me and really hope i get used to this cpap machine. I really think it's the last of my symptoms and if I get rest well I am going to feel alot better. Here is too hope. I figure my anxiety / slight depression and irritation and fatigue are all due to sleep apnea. 

 

I hope everyone is doing well. It's been quite the ride but I believe that I am getting better day by day. I am out and hiking and such. Found a good friend that actually likes to go on night walks etc so we go like 10km a night walking now. 

 

Talk to everyone soon and hang in there for anybody that is reading, it's getting better Slowly but surely

[alex]

, it's getting better Slowly but surely

 

 

I am glad for you Mr.A

I can say the same, slowly but surely.

 

Good luck, A.

[Meimeiquest]

I had a thought about the CPAP. I totally get how you feel, it is a major pain to sleep with. But I haven't had A LOT of trouble. I think it's because I was very accustomed to putting things on other people's airways (I work a lot with trachs and ventilators). I know that it is tougher to endure anything when trying to sleep than when awake. So I was wondering if doing some mindfulness meditation while awake with CPAP might help. I am fully aware of what a weird idea that is .

[MrAnxious]

Memi its a great idea i will try that for sure. What kind of mask do you use.i am on a full face mask..its so hard to fall asleep and the leaks..i need help cause i really want it to work!

[MrAnxious]

Please work cpap! Your my last line of defense for this withdrawal and such.

[Meimeiquest]

Yes, I use a full mask, and the leaks (and sometimes the air outlet) bother me too. But I am sure poor sleep on is better than poor sleep off. Are you changing the inner liner on schedule? An old one makes the mask leak more. Also, if you are really have probs., go back to the RT at the supply company. Or the doctor. Just don't give up. That said, some people have a horrible time and I really feel for them.

[MrAnxious]

So i still cant sleep with this mask like its sealed good i just dont fall asleep and if i do i take it off 30 mins later ! I want this to work so bad , also think im going through a wave from the stress, dont feel so hot . ..suggestions, i was coming along well with the w/d now this

[Meimeiquest]

Are you taking the mask off in your sleep? Then do you put it back on when you wake up?

[catw66]

Hey Mr. A,

 

Are you tracking your symtoms daily? I have a list in a spreadsheet and I rate them out of 10. It helps me to see the pattern and also to recognise that, slowly, I'm getting better. I totally understand how it can feel like you're not getting better through -- it really is a mind f**& isn't it?

 

Congratulations for not taking Ativan for 3 weeks. For my part, Benzos only made things worse. I got rebound insomnia and anxiety from a few pills of Valium. Once I stopped taking the Valium things slowly started to improve.

 

Spreadsheet sounds like a great idea! Mr. A - Good for you for getting clear of all this stuff. It took a while it seems like, but your story inspires me. I had sleep apnea while on Celexa for some reason years ago. I have some of it when I sleep on my back.

 

I know that for me, getting off Adderall was a huge improvement though I will be struggling now with Cymbalta and then Tramadol. Things are not perfect, but at least I feel a little more authentically grounded in my own experiences off the Adderall. I didn't realize how messed up I felt on the stuff and unreal and half-dead until I stopped.