Ninabird: Effexor withdrawal?

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, Oaktree1 said:

I've had Covid recently - not pretty.  You are right to hold - I held for around a month - everyone is different.  'Holding until you feel better sounds about right.   Hope you get through it ok.

How are you feeling now? 
I plan on holding a while for sure. 
Thank you for popping by. 🌺

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

I'm glad you are holding. It does count as a drug change because you went down then back up.

 

I would hold for at least 4 weeks now and see how you are doing.

[Ariel]

So sorry you're ill @Ninabird

Rest well and take care,

Sending healing vibes <3

[Oaktree1]

3 hours ago, Ninabird said:

How are you feeling now? 
I plan on holding a while for sure. 
Thank you for popping by. 🌺

No probs - I am on the mend now - got vertigo and nausea and a cough two weeks after initial infection - I hope you will have an easier time of it.  You can't really compare two people as everyone has a different reaction to Covid I suppose but the main thing that people are saying here seems to to hold until you recover.   Drink as much liquid as you can - I was told that that was important and I made chicken soup  a few times as it's meant to have anti inflammatory properties - good for viruses - but it may be too hot to do that where you are in California.

[Ariel]

Sending anti-viral thoughts and healing vibes @Ninabird

[Ninabird]

@Ariel

Good morning! Today is my 6th day of Covid. I’m sleeping a lot. I do feel that I am slowly getting better. No more fever, cough is fading, headache has dulled. Now what I’m finding is sadness has come in quite strong. I don’t know if it’s being alone for the 6 days or if this is the product of Covid? I think the last month has been a very emotional one. 
im trying hard not to have a pity party, Ariel. I feel so alone. I have such a long taper ahead of me and right now I’m dealing w Covid. I worry about my future. Tapering is so very hard. All of this is so very hard. I guess my pity party is in full swing today. 

[Ninabird]

I walked my dog today and half way through the walk I’m sweating. Mind you it’s only 65 degrees at 7am. I also went to church. It seemed to help w the sadness but I have been feeling anxiety creeping back in. 
Having Covid the last 6 days I really haven’t had any anxiety. For a moment I was thinking that maybe my WD had morphed. Seems like that isn’t the case any longer. Sadness and anxiety are falling back into their usual post Covid place. 
When you have these symptoms everyday they are your norm. Since they’ve been in the shadows for the last week, it feels like a new level of pain is coming in. I’m sure I’ll get used to it again. 
I am learning to stop wishing to be “normal,” I suppose I will heal when I heal. No point wishing or praying for something that you know just won’t happen for a very long time. 
As long as I can push through the bad times and can take care of my responsibilities and still live, I’ll take it. 

[Ninabird]

Tested negative today! I was so excited to see only one line on the test result window.

 

Today is my first day back at work. I have been able to get some of the basics out of the way, reading and responding to emails. Now I am on to market reports and researching properties. I am not going to push it. If I feel tired, I will lay down and rest. 

It does feel good to get back into my work routine. 

Anxiety and WD symptoms are slowly returning. It seemed that COVID took center stage for the week and it's only fair that they switch roles again. It was a nice break from daily anxiety even if I had painful Covid symptoms. 

 

I have a few pieces of chicken on the bbq. I figured if I had the energy, I might as well cook my dinner early. 

 

I have gone two full weeks without sugar and white flour. I thought it would be a lot harder than it was. The WD was gnarly but I am not craving sugar at all. I have also dropped a few pounds too. I am praying that I am able to stay away from sugar during the holiday season. Temptation is all around. I can do this! 

 

I hope whoever reads this knows that I am praying for you. 

[benesh]

You are a trooper. I appreciate reading your posts.

[Ninabird]

8 hours ago, benesh said:

You are a trooper. I appreciate reading your posts.

Hi Benesh. Lately I haven't felt much like a trooper. Have had a cluster of things broke my molar and had to see the dentist. Friday I get my permanent crown put on. Had to have a colonoscopy. Got Covid last week. It seems like my WD is angry w me. I am doing the best I can. I am going through the Covid fatigue and now a bit of depression that my Dr says is normal after Covid. It is almost humorous how everything seems to always hit at once. I will get through it. I always do. EVERYONE does. It just stinks to have to go through anything extra. 

How are you doing Benesh? From what I have read, you are going through some much yourself. Just know that you WILL get through this. I know that may not provide much in the area of comfort but you will get through this. Thousands have come before us and are living a good and happy life. We will too. It will just take some time. Reach out anytime that you need a friend dear Benesh. You are never alone.......EVER. 

[Ninabird]

@KenA

Hi there. Sorry to hear you are going through another round of COVID. I am ending my first. Right now I am dealing with feeling blue and tired. My Dr assures me that in a few weeks it should pass. 

 

I keep your success story in my reading list. I have been having to dig a little deeper than usual lately to stay positive. I am grateful that I am sleeping well, that my WD symptoms have not been debilitating. I am grateful that I get a few windows in during the day. 

 

How are you doing these days aside from the COVID?

 

Always praying for you and your family.

Ninabird

[Ariel]

Hi @Ninabird

So glad to hear you've tested negative and are on the mend. Well done getting through the worst of it!

Congrats on eliminating sugar and white flour. You are such a rock star sticking with that transition through Covid and WD. Give yourself all the credit. I trust your hard work will prove supportive to recovery, and that it already is. 

Healing is happening <3

You are brave, strong, tenacious. You are taking good care of yourself, listening to your body, rolling with the punches, doing what you gotta do.

You got this. 

High five and big hugs <3

A.

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, Ariel said:

You are brave, strong, tenacious.

Ariel, I read your posts and I know how hard you are fighting. YOU are so strong. Do you even realize that? I wish we were neighbors. I would run next door just to give you a hug and to tell you that you are amazing. I see this wonderful soul who gives to so many while you are struggling. This world needs more Ariels. I am proud to call you a friend. When you heal (and I know you are close) I can't wait to celebrate with you. You are so loved and so adored...

[KenA]

20 hours ago, Ninabird said:

@KenA

Hi there. Sorry to hear you are going through another round of COVID. I am ending my first. Right now I am dealing with feeling blue and tired. My Dr assures me that in a few weeks it should pass. 

 

I keep your success story in my reading list. I have been having to dig a little deeper than usual lately to stay positive. I am grateful that I am sleeping well, that my WD symptoms have not been debilitating. I am grateful that I get a few windows in during the day. 

 

How are you doing these days aside from the COVID?

 

Always praying for you and your family.

Ninabird

@Ninabird That's ok my friend!! This time around def wasn't as bad as the first time for sure. Delta kicked me on my butt, but Omnicron was pretty mild. Mostly just sinus symptoms. Compared to Delta, this one was easy to get through   The fatigue from the first go round took a while to pass for me as well, but eventually it did and I got my strength back. Our bodies are amazing and are always healing no matter what we are going through

 

Glad to hear that my success story is bringing you peace and hope. I know how hard it can be to find the positive sometimes, but just remember that staying positive helps so much!! Don't let the negativity drag you down  Being able to sleep well definatly helps for sure!! Once sleep returns it seems to make it where the symptoms aren't as strong or overwhelming. At least that's how it worked for me Hang on to those windows Those are the truth and your future! The more and more you go, the better and better they will get  Just remember that the waves are temporary. They always pass at some point

 

Other than the COVID, I am doing amazing my friend! Back to living and loving life. Working crazy hours at my job, but I love it!! It's so nice to be able to work now and not have it exhaust me or drag me down You will get here one day as well I promise!!!

 

Thanks so much for the prayers. They are always appreciated!! Prayers for you and your family as well.

 

Ken

[Ninabird]

@KenA @Greatful @Ariel @brassmonkey @getofflex @Frogie

 

I guess today I am feeling pretty darn low and scared. Today I feel so emotional and foggy. I could just cry and cry today. The last month I had a dental procedure, a colonoscopy, Covid and I had to ask my roommate to leave. I feel tapped out emotionally. I just feel that everything is pushing me into a corner. When I think of how far I have to go to get to my last dose of Lexapro it nearly breaks me in half. I wonder how in the world can I keep going like this? To feel like every single day is a struggle. I wake up thinking, "Can I please just have a good day?" "Can I handle another day of where my brain isn't my own?" Today I feel like my head is in a fog, I fell sad, I have a constant undercurrent of anxiety, I don't think I have had a good belly laugh in a very long time. I am just feeling a tad bit of hopelessness today. I need support today. I need for someone to tell me that I will get through this and that everything will be ok.....even if it doesn't feel that way. I am so very. tired of feeling like this. 

[Greatful]

@Ninabird

The pain, confusion and fear  sound so familiar and close to home.  You really had a lot go on in the last several weeks.  Emotional spirals are all to common.  Be extra gentle on how you are talking to yourself and think only of getting through today.  Having crying is spells is okay, it releases pent up  energy for me. Withdrawal is not for the faint of heart.  It can bring anyone to their knees.   I've done my share of crying and hanging out on the couch and if nothing else try to make it to my pillow every night,  Hoping that tomorrow will bring some relief is a common thought around here 🌞 Each day you get through is one more day closer to getting off the drugs and healing from the changes  they've done.

You can do this, you have been doing this everyday, making it to your pillow every night.  You are taking care of yourself the best that you can.❤️

 

I'm can relate  to you trying to stay focused on getting off the drugs.  It gets overwhelming to think of how long will this take and can I do it.  Break it down to smaller steps.  Maybe make a goal  of getting to 5mg of the lexapro, then take stay focused on each day,  one day at a time.  

 

I've been reading success stories and finding encouragement that people heal from this.  

Realmes was 72 years old when she started on here looking for help and on  March 20 2021 she wrote her success story https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24499-realmes-success-story-recovery-from-brain-altering-chemicals/

 

My heart goes out to you and everyone else that are suffering from this  temporary chemical brain injury❤️

We walk this road together holding each other up🌞

[KenA]

4 hours ago, Ninabird said:

@KenA @Greatful @Ariel @brassmonkey @getofflex @Frogie

 

I guess today I am feeling pretty darn low and scared. Today I feel so emotional and foggy. I could just cry and cry today. The last month I had a dental procedure, a colonoscopy, Covid and I had to ask my roommate to leave. I feel tapped out emotionally. I just feel that everything is pushing me into a corner. When I think of how far I have to go to get to my last dose of Lexapro it nearly breaks me in half. I wonder how in the world can I keep going like this? To feel like every single day is a struggle. I wake up thinking, "Can I please just have a good day?" "Can I handle another day of where my brain isn't my own?" Today I feel like my head is in a fog, I fell sad, I have a constant undercurrent of anxiety, I don't think I have had a good belly laugh in a very long time. I am just feeling a tad bit of hopelessness today. I need support today. I need for someone to tell me that I will get through this and that everything will be ok.....even if it doesn't feel that way. I am so very. tired of feeling like this. 

@NinabirdSorry to hear that you are having a rough one today I know how frustrating it can be to wake up every day and feel bad over and over again It's truly does suck But, you are doing so well my friend. You have survived 100% of your bad days so far, and today will not be any different. No matter what comes your way, you will find that inner strength and conviction that will see you through!! Just remember, this too shall pass!! No matter how hard it is, or how it feels, all things have a beginning and an end. This is not the rest of your life. This is just a temporary state you are in while your brain and CNS is healing!! Just keep reminding yourself that you are healing. This is what it feels like!! Yes, it is horrible, but it is a good thing!! You are getting better each and every day!! Just have to keep you eyes on the prize!!! You can do this I know you can!! Just take it as easy as you can and don't worry about the rest!! You are going to get through this and YES, everything will be ok!!! Keep hanging in there for as long as it takes!! You are doing amazing!!

 

Ken

[benesh]

@Ninabird

oh my dear nina bird. You have had an inordinate amount of big, very big stressors that would derail anyone. But you are not just anyone.You are a courageous regular contributor to so many on this site BECAUSE you have real life experiences of overcoming the worst of moments. You will get through this..one baby step at a time.
The fact that in the midst of tapering, you have had to deal with COVID, dental issues, and asking a roommate to go away. WOW. DOUBLE WOW.

Of course you would be tapped out emotionally.

I am so proud of you that in the midst of these hurdles you asked for some good old fashioned support. So from across the miles, I stand with you. Sending very strong hugs and reminding you that you can do this…as so many have. Don’t listen to the brain as it sends these nasty discouraging thoughts.Skiddadle. We shall overcome. strength in numbers and there are allot of us who have  chosen to teclaim our lives without these toxins. A motto from 12 steps is HALT..are you hungry, angry, lonely or tired? Yup. So rest and know a window or less of a tumultuous wave is a moment away. I am believing this for you.

❤️🙏

[arbor]

Dear @Ninabird--W/d is so very, very awful.  Please know I'm thinking of you and sending healing wishes.

Lots and lots of hugs,

Arbor ♥️

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, arbor said:

W/d is so very, very awful.

There are days where I wonder HOW can I continue to taper and survive?How can I keep my world together so I can continue working? Will I get better? Will I get worse?

I have to change the channel in my head. I HAVE to believe that I can get through this. Thank you for reaching out Arbor. How are you doing?

[Ninabird]

22 hours ago, benesh said:

 

@Ninabird

oh my dear nina bird. You have had an inordinate amount of big, very big stressors that would derail anyone. But you are not just anyone.You are a courageous regular contributor to so many on this site BECAUSE you have real life experiences of overcoming the worst of moments. You will get through this..one baby step at a time.
The fact that in the midst of tapering, you have had to deal with COVID, dental issues, and asking a roommate to go away. WOW. DOUBLE WOW.

Of course you would be tapped out emotionally.

I am so proud of you that in the midst of these hurdles you asked for some good old fashioned support. So from across the miles, I stand with you. Sending very strong hugs and reminding you that you can do this…as so many have. Don’t listen to the brain as it sends these nasty discouraging thoughts.Skiddadle. We shall overcome. strength in numbers and there are allot of us who have  chosen to teclaim our lives without these toxins. A motto from 12 steps is HALT..are you hungry, angry, lonely or tired? Yup. So rest and know a window or less of a tumultuous wave is a moment away. I am believing this for you.

❤️🙏

 

Thank you for all of this. It made me tear up because I know you are having a tough time yourself. Thank you for your support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

[Ninabird]

23 hours ago, KenA said:

ou are going to get through this and YES, everything will be ok!!! Keep hanging in there for as long as it takes!! You are doing amazing!!

 

Ken

I keep these words from survivors like yourself close to my heart. Deep inside a wave is so much pain and doubt. One morning I will wake up and it will easier just long enough to gather some strength to face the next wave. 
thank you for your support. Truly. 

[Ninabird]

23 hours ago, Greatful said:

 

I'm can relate  to you trying to stay focused on getting off the drugs.  It gets overwhelming to think of how long will this take and can I do it.  Break it down to smaller steps.  Maybe make a goal  of getting to 5mg of the lexapro, then take stay focused on each day,  one day at a time.  

This whole process is agony. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I pray that God shadows us through ea breath and that HE has something purposeful at the end of this. 
Big hug to you sweet Grateful, always. 

[Ninabird]

Happy Saturday everyone! I was sitting in complete silence for a while this morning and was pondering this whole WD bull crap and everyone on this site who is going through it in some fashion. My heart goes out to you. My prayers are filled with all of your names. You are all in my heart. I pray for an easy day for you all. 

💞 Nina Bird

[Ninabird]

Hi everyone. 
the last week has been pretty tough. I think it’s been a combination of a lot of things. Quitting sugar last month, my brother-in-laws accident, Covid, asking my roommate to leave, my dental appointment, the colonoscopy. Then I had two days of eating sugar. Not wise. I feel like my symptoms are whipping my butt. I’m holding right now until I’m feeling better but every day seems to be worse in a different way. The emotional symptoms are the absolute worst. Yesterday I found a place to park and cried for 30 minutes. I mean I CRIED. I’m trying to hold my head up but it’s really hard right now. 
will this ease up at all?
 

[Ninabird]

Anyone who has had Covid had a gnarly uptick in symptoms? Mine is mainly anxiety, weird headache like pains in my head, some panic, very hard to concentrate on work, emotional, a little dizzy. I just feel so not like myself mentally. 
mom sorry if I seem irritating I’m just trying to figure out if this is Covid related or if it’s WD symptoms changing and intensifying. I am NOT dropping again until I feel more stable. If that takes a month or two or longer…. So be it. 
can someone provide insight? 
@Frogie @brassmonkey @Shep

[Ninabird]

 

Things have been a little rough for me. I have a question that im hoping you might be able to help with? I have been on .50mg of Klonopin for over 15 months now. Lately I have been having very different kind of symptoms. It feels more like WD from the klonopin than WD from my AD. I take .25mg @6;30 am and another .25mg @ 6;30pm. What I am experiencing is in the morning right when my klonopin dose is due I wake up w anxiety. I get up, let my dogs out, feed them, brush my teeth, have a hard boiled egg (trying to wake up and shake off the anxiety) The anxiety lowers over an hour and a half but then rears back up around 10am. My arms start to burn, I am fidgety, yesterday it was very hard to focus at work. The closer it got to my 6;30pm dose, I start to feel anxiety revving up again but it feels more like my body needs the klonopin. Again, I take it and in the evening it takes roughly 45 minutes for the revving to quiet down. Am I in inter dose withdrawal or have I reached tolerance?  I don't want to go up in dose but I might not have a choice as the feelings of WD are starting to grow in intensity. Any thoughts?I am just trying to avoid a cascade of responses of how "awful benzos  are for you." I am well aware and my focus is to get off the AD's and then tackle the benzo. I desperately need advice from a mod please. 
God bless you. 

[Bp1961]

16 hours ago, Ninabird said:

Anyone who has had Covid had a gnarly uptick in symptoms? Mine is mainly anxiety, weird headache like pains in my head, some panic, very hard to concentrate on work, emotional, a little dizzy. I just feel so not like myself mentally. 
mom sorry if I seem irritating I’m just trying to figure out if this is Covid related or if it’s WD symptoms changing and intensifying. I am NOT dropping again until I feel more stable. If that takes a month or two or longer…. So be it. 
can someone provide insight? 
@Frogie @brassmonkey @Shep

 

Hi @Ninabird, The short answer is a definite YES for me. I went off AD in March/April 2022 and during the 1st month I got tinnitus and had some anxiety that I attributed to the tinnitus. Up until that point I had no clue that it's related to me quitting CT. I went to 2 GPs who had no clue I was going through AD withdrawal. In July I got COVID and all of a sudden I was hit real hard with continuous depression, anxiety and panic attacks. That's when I figured that it is related to the AD withdrawal and started reinstating. Because I was feeling so bad I reinstated at a too high dose, and the incompetent psychiatrist didn't have a clue. Now, with the guidance of the SA, team I'm tapering and feeling much better (i.e. WDNormal).  

[Greatful]

@Ninabird

I really have no good answer and I bet the mods don't either.  You are in WD, tapering, a possible ADR, you had some stress in your home, you had a colonoscopy, and covid.  There is no easy clear cut answer.  My guess it will be a sit and wait for a little bit. I know what it's like to get worn out and start to question everything and than head down the path of what can I do to stop this pain.  I sooooo can relate.  

Maybe the mod's will have better advice.

 

I am sending you a hug and an hand to hold🤗🙋‍♀️ 

Man this really is hard♥️

 

[Greatful]

@Ninabird  How are you doing?

[Ninabird]

@Greatful

Hi there. I appreciate you responding. Greatful, it’s been a really tough couple of weeks. The last week has been the worst. 
I had a break from anxiety and other WD symptoms the first 5 days of Covid. Then… BAM! It seems like all of my symptoms came crashing back at once and are magnified. 
The anxiety, the head tingiling, the burning in my head, the mental wonkiness, and the overall feeling of struggling to get through the day is worrying me. I’m having a very hard time working. Usually I push through. The last 5 days it’s almost like my brain can’t work. 
I have a headache today. Not sure if it’s Covid related or just a headache. I’m definitely tired all the time. 
If this is a wave, it’s a doozy. 
I think I can say today is a teeny bit better than yesterday? 

[LotusRising]

On 8/30/2022 at 9:28 AM, Ninabird said:

What I am experiencing is in the morning right when my klonopin dose is due I wake up w anxiety. I get up, let my dogs out, feed them, brush my teeth, have a hard boiled egg (trying to wake up and shake off the anxiety) The anxiety lowers over an hour and a half but then rears back up around 10am. My arms start to burn, I am fidgety, yesterday it was very hard to focus at work. The closer it got to my 6;30pm dose, I start to feel anxiety revving up again but it feels more like my body needs the klonopin.

Hi @Ninabird

 

I'm not a mod, but I can probably get you thinking about some possibilities as I'm currently tapering clonazepam.

 

I see you're tapering Lexapro (I know very little about this), but is the burning a new symptom? Or did it start with your last drop of lexapro? Could be tied to that. I see you also had covid, and you may already know this, but viruses can also result in neuropathy, so perhaps another reason for the burning. I've had a burning sensation on and off throughout my taper, usually happening with dose onset (1hr) and sometimes at dose peak (3hrs), so for me it has been a withdrawal side effect. As for the anxiety, in my opinion, this could be tied to interdose withdrawal - I'm a fast metabolizer and have had to take clonazepam 4 times a day throughout my taper. When you increased the klonopin back on Aug 1, how did you feel and how long were you at that dose?

 

I feel like your best best is to track the symptoms and reach out to a mod. 

 

I'm not sure if I've helped at all, but hopefully a mod will chime in! I know this road is a challenging one, but it will definitely get better! If you need support, please feel free to reach out to me!

[Ninabird]

@MedRN

Good morning. When I increased the Klonopin by .12mg I felt an uptick in anxiety and mental wonkiness. I only gave it one day and then hopped back down to .25mg twice a day. 
the last two evenings the anxiety has shut off at 4:30 ish. Yesterday it was like a light switch. One minute the anxiety was at a 7 and then it was at a 1. Just like that. 
This morning I can already feel that the morning is “lighter.” The depression isn’t as heavy and the anxiety is at about a 3. 
Hopefully this is a positive sign that today might be easier. 🙏🏻
 

im still waiting for a mod to respond but I know they are busy with their own lives. So I’ll wait to hear their opinion. Until then I’m holding until I stabilise for a while. 

[ChessieCat]

6 hours ago, Ninabird said:

im still waiting for a mod to respond

 

Q:  What specifically is your question?

[Ninabird]

@ChessieCat

Hi there. Gosh, I guess I have a few. One is are my intense symptoms I’m having from a culmination of stress and Covid? 
 

I believe holding on my current dose is very important. How long would you suggest I hold? I’m dropping .001 every week but have not dropped since having Covid over two weeks. 
 

I apologise if my questions seem silly. I’m just trying to figure out why my symptoms skyrocketed. 
 

Thank you for your response Chessiecat. I appreciate your time and wisdom. 

[ChessieCat]

1 hour ago, Ninabird said:

How long would you suggest I hold?

 

Until you are back to how you felt when stable before you got sick with Covid.  There is no knowing how long it will be, because Covid affects different people in different ways and for different amounts of time.

 

My suggestion would be to just relax and accept that at this time you are not tapering and I think that there will come a day when you realise that you are feeling back to (what was) "normal".

 

I had this happen myself recently.  I had a flu for about 4 weeks, wasn't quite 100% and then caught a head cold which I had for about another 4 weeks.  Then there was one day that I realised that I was well again.