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

[Lexy]

Mr A

Am I understanding correctly? You got off effexor then went on Buspar?

 

Buspar was the first med I was on. It made me so lethargic and couch bound. I was only in it gor a week. I think I should have waited to see how it would have worked instead of switching to effexor.

[strawberry17]

"Withdrawal anxiety" to me had a massive element of "dread", constant feelings of dread about what I couldn't tell you, but it was there, like I was waiting to be executed or something horrific.

 

Sorry just catching up with your thread Mr A

[Skyler]

Hi Mr. A,

 

My regular anxiety gets amplified by WD.  So WD acts on ongoing worries, but they become more intense.  Kind of like being inside a bell with my anxiety foibles, and when the WD clapper hits...  My WD anxiety was worsened in the AM by the extra cortisol, and I was very sensitive to caffeine at the same time.

[MrAnxious]

Update : Hey everyone ! Well id like to say that over a year has past since taking Effexor. I have to say that as many things have changed the road of healing is still long. Alot of the physical pains are gone.

 

I have good news ! I have lost 35lbs through alot of exercising and eating healthier. It feels great to know that I have made some good strides over the past few months. I am feeling more realitybut sometimes have though duh moments but my speech is 100 times better than when I first came off. So just know this does get better but it takes time and more time and more time.

 

The only thing I have left is anxiety and my sleep is disturbed. Also I am still on 15 mg of Buspar so I am not outta the woods yet but I am weaning slowly off that. I can only hope these two things fade away in time.

 

I have waves of intrusive thoughts where I become scared about thw future or I wont have much motivation but its improving. I am not working yet as i am able to take more time for myself.

 

I have recently picked up a dehydrator and make fruit and vegatable chips and its been amazing. I am pumping my body full of fruit and veggies. I figure you have to treat your body well for your brain to catch on.

 

If anybody wants to chat with me send me a msg and I am all ears

 

I find that I am writing less on here too.

 

Love everyone !

[johnson]

Only thing I can say is wow that's awesome news!

[alex]

GOOD!!!!!!!!

[MrAnxious]

Thanks

[Lexy]

Wow so glad to hear. I remember reading your post and it's really reassuring to know yore almost out of the woods!

[MrAnxious]

I still have a long way to go as im weaning off buspar but i fisnd that all my resources are in place. I am re building the foundation. Dont get me wrong i do get alot of waves but i can see progress over the past year for sure. Dont give up hope it will happen to you!

[MrAnxious]

Okay so ive had a rough week. #1 i had a friend that went back on drugs and became very toxic, so i had to get out of that situation. It has left me with anxiety and thoughts all week but i know i made the right decision. So im not sure if it was the stress or a wave im in but i hope to start feeling more stable.

 

I have a question if somebody would be kind to elaborate on it. Lately ive been trying to turn deceptive thoughts into positive thoughts by letting them pass and focusing on something else. Its been so hard because now i notice them that much more. The book is called "you are not your brain" by jeffrey shwartz". He says at first it will be intense because i now know what those thoughts are. He states that by indentifying these deceptive thoughts you will change the brain circuits.

 

So am i ever going to get to the point of mental calmness because any little stress sends me into obtrusive thoughts way too much. I have changed my eating habits and exercising and have lost 35.5lbs so far in the past five months- positive. I have gotten a few 5 hour nights sleep but then it gets broken up- positive. My anxiety has gotten slowly better - positive.. its just these damn thoughts i cant seem to stop thinking lol.

 

I need some uplifting truthful advice from you amaz

[MrAnxious]

I have been feeling alot better now ! Stabilizing for sure and have lost 38.5 lbs so far since july which makes me feel good. I have to say i am starting to see the light now and have met a very nice girl it gets better folks it really does...waves and windows suck but eh thats life !

[alex]

I am glad for you Mr. A!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lexy]

Oh so happy for you. you've come a long way!

[Petunia]

Its good to hear that you are feeling better and I'm happy you have met someone nice.  You will soon be able to add another story to our success story forum.

[MrAnxious]

Thank you guys i couldnt have done this without you all.

[DrugSlave]

excellent news!

[MrAnxious]

Okay my concern right now is my sleep. It has really improved since I've lost this 40lbs. I am now sleeping for 4 hours so I know sleep apnea was/is the cause mostly but I know withdrawal plays a big part too. So 4 hours of shutdown sleep and I am dreaming now which hasn't happened since before meds.which is amazing even though they are nightmares always lol.

 

My question - is all im gonna get is 4 hours(grateful for that) for the rest of my life or does this continue to get better? No matter if I go to bed at 10pm I'll wake at 2pm or if I go at 1am I'll wake at 5am, it'd always 4 hours. I need 7-8 hours sleep and maybe a 12 hour I know I'm getting greedy but after suffer insomnia like everyone else I'd like to know that this improves cause its vital to our functioning.

 

Thank you for your reply have a good day

[MrAnxious]

Anyone have any answers from experience with my last statement..the most I'm getting is 4-5 hours..does this get better over time? Anyone living proof?

[Altostrata]

Have you read http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/604-important-topics-about-symptoms-including-sleep-problems/

[alex]

Hi Mr. A; yes, sleep gets better.But 4-5 hrs of sleep is not bad at all for w/d.

[MrAnxious]

Thanks

[DrugSlave]

I sleep 10 or more hours a day. Sometimes 14. I still feel exhausted. Weird.

[MrAnxious]

Okay I really can't deal with any members of my family they are so toxic. It seems like everyone in my life is toxic and it leaves me all alone. I don't get it I am a nice caring warm person but I think with this w/d they take advantage of that. They see that I am getting better and making positive strides and they have to engage me into arguments or just spew negativity talking and thoughts. But then the next minute they can be as sweet as pie. Its like my dad is jekyl and Hyde and I live with them so its very hard to ignore. I need to know or find ways to ignore what they say to me or put in a different spin because its making me angry and I just go to my room and stew. I am trying so hard to get better but they seem to prey on me and want me to get into a argument its awful. I try to space myself out but its winter and cold and I have no wheels to get away. I just feel really alone. I also think this puts me into waves. I walk 15km a day just to get that semi happy feeling and to get away from them. After I do run or walk and feel happy they see I'm happy and just don't care to talk to me almost(sighs). I know I am still in withdrawal and my emotions are high but what do I do?

[DrugSlave]

It can be very difficult for an adult to live with their parents. Also, Christmas can be a stressful time of year. Family is constantly present, it's cold and snowy outside and everyone is huddled indoors. People get bored. They say stupid things. Tension rises. Do your best to find some relaxing time away from the family. I'm sure your family loves you but sometimes they say the wrong things. Sometimes family members try to "help" other members of the family with unsolicited advice, sarcasm, teasing, arguments....but deep down, they care about you....

 

Do some deep breathing, relax and watch "Modern Family", man that's a funny show!! 

[Lexy]

MrA

 

I get what you are saying.

As much as family would like to be supportive, they do not understand what we are going through. No one can understand unless they are going through the same thing. My parents try to be supportive and patient but I know they get impatient with me. From my perspective I don't know how it feels to see your child going through WDs be it, anxiety, fatigue, irritability etc.

This affects my whole family.

[MrAnxious]

Thank you lexy and drug slave this gives me me more insight on family. I think my dad is depressed but he is too stubborn to admit it..our relationship has deteriorated. I have learned from this experience to love and appreciate every moment that life has to offer while now I find that others take it for granted and don't see it through the same scope that I do. Like I feel anxiety when I talk to him now and cmon he is my dad so that really sets me back. I can't help but always try to feel better. I feel like nobody understands me. I honestly can't wait to be off the buspar because I know their are my effexor withdrawal hidden underneath. But I'm holding right now at 12.5 I should change my Sig. Smoke free from pot and cigs for almost two months now and 45lbs down still heavy anxiety at times but it goes away shortly after and thoughts still. Sleep has been better the past few days its gotten better the more weight I lose aka the sleep apnea was stopping it but I believe that's getting better. Supplements I on and take faithfully everyday because I know they help. * Vitamin C 1500mg..Vitamin d 3000iu..Co q 10 150mg(1) a day..omega 3(6capsules a day) centrum men's multivitamin. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. Exercise 2 hours a day( walking) or brisk jog ( feel awesome afterwards). I do this everyday as my motivation is health. I hope this helps. I would say I am 60% to where I want to be. Some days I feel that zombie feeling or after I decrease buspar. Sometimes I'm irritable and no energy but I push through that because I know what's on the other side. I am no way in the best mental state but I am doing everything I can to get better. Also eat lots of fruits and veggies and I stay away from all processed foods. Quinoa is my crutch I love it. Health is wealth ! See y'all soon !!!

[Petunia]

I have learned from this experience to love and appreciate every moment that life has to offer while now I find that others take it for granted and don't see it through the same scope that I do. Like I feel anxiety when I talk to him now and cmon he is my dad so that really sets me back. I can't help but always try to feel better. I feel like nobody understands me.

 

I think that going through a difficult drug withdrawal, like many of us here are, is similar to other life changing, traumatic events which give someone a completely different perspective of life.  It does change us, in ways we cant explain because if someone else hasn't experienced it, how do you convey an understanding, how do you speak about the unspeakable?  So, its kind of true that most other people no longer understand a big part of who we now are. We are survivors of psychiatric drugging and all the trauma and extremes of physical and emotional suffering which that entails.

 

But we are still very close to the 'scene of the crime', its very much who we are, we are still healing, trying to put our lives back together, trying to put ourselves back together, finding out who we are now.

 

I think that in time, everything will settle down.  We will become who we are again and the people around us will start to feel comfortable with us again. Change is difficult for most people.

 

You are doing remarkably well with your current living situation Mr. A., that's got to be difficult at times.

 

I would say, keep doing what you're doing.  Take care of yourself and don't let other people bring you down.  You are doing really well, getting better all the time.

[MrAnxious]

Petu I can honestly say I love you you are such a beautiful person and give suck timely amazing advice when I just need it. I want to thank you so much for your help on my journey and I really hope you find your way as well. I love your at the scene of the crime saying. This site is truly amazing and more people need to know its here. Its true we see life in a big difference way and I hope a year from now everything settles down and I can interact flawlessly with people again like I use too or close to it )) we are healing and as the days go by well our brains are healing more and more. Take care for now and if you ever need a ear I'm here or msg my inbox its free now

[DrugSlave]

Petu, another excellent post. You are so insightful and you put things in perspective so well. 

[Barbarannamated]

Petu, another excellent post. You are so insightful and you put things in perspective so well.

DITTO!

[MrAnxious]

Alright lately I've been struggling with some anxiety over a new opportunity in the field that I recently graduated in back in July. Its a personal support worker position and its in my hometown which is very convient. One problem is I am very nervous and scared and anxious all in one. For some reason I am thinking what if I make mistakes or don't remember stuff. What if I'm not good enough. It will be a 20 hour position and it will be home care which is helping people elderly and such. Am I ready for this new chapter in my life. I am very hard on myself but I've come along way..can I handle stress if it presents itself. I am scheduling the interview tommorow so it will be soon. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Also I have been getting muscle twitches lately but I think I have it correlated to when I take sugar ! Bye for now

[MrAnxious]

I passed the pre screening interview and I have a interview on Monday...anxiety wow

[Meimeiquest]

Mr. A, I was very anxious when I went back to nursing after my bipolar/withdrawal catastrophe. I think the advice I would give is to just take each moment as it comes, don't try to think beyond the moment you are in. Also, in your field, just caring and doing your personal best goes a long, long ways. Remember each client was once your age. Professionally, I wish I would have kept a brief journal each day of what I learned, what I would do different, etc., when I first started nursing. I'm sure you'll do great...there is nothing like the WD experience to teach compassion.

[Lexy]

MrA

You will do fine. We have confidence in you. You need to have it too.

[MrAnxious]

Thank you so much for that timely advice its all I need to give me that extra push I still have the interview I will let you know how it all goes..love yall

[Lexy]

We love you too!????