Ninabird: Effexor withdrawal?

[Greatful]

@Ninabird  Poly drugged mean 2 or more drugs at a time.  Sadly I became poly drugged too.😓 Ended up on 4.

So sad that they just keep adding.  My doctor at the time was trying to tell me that I was not taking much Xanax and that I could take more.  It makes me so angry when I think back to the start of all this and how miss handled it was....

[Ninabird]

All of this is upsetting. I’m just trying to get through this last nasty wave, if that is what it is. 

[Shep]

17 hours ago, Ninabird said:

I am currently holding on tapering. I think I’m on day 14. I understand that stabilisation will take some time. I welcome the time in order to feel better. My questions are is it typical to feel worse when stabilising? Should I be concerned over how I’m feeling? As time goes by, will I start to feel better in some way? 

 

Waves vary from person to person and even our own experience can vary from a wave we have now and a wave we'll have in the future. It's extremely unpredictable. 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

It's best to look at an OVERALL picture of how you're doing. Are you better or worse than you were, say 3 months ago? Or 6 months ago? 

[Ninabird]

3 hours ago, Shep said:

 

It's best to look at an OVERALL picture of how you're doing. Are you better or worse than you were, say 3 months ago? Or 6 months ago? 

Shep, honestly I’d say I’m worse. It has been more difficult to push thorough the day. The symptoms are more intense. I’m now crying everyday.Working is proving to be more difficult. Even my evenings have added difficulties. 
My sleep has remained untouched. Thank goodness. 

[Shep]

20 hours ago, Ninabird said:

Shep, honestly I’d say I’m worse. It has been more difficult to push thorough the day. The symptoms are more intense. I’m now crying everyday.Working is proving to be more difficult. Even my evenings have added difficulties. 
My sleep has remained untouched. Thank goodness. 

 

This sounds like it could be battle fatigue. For example, say you're running a marathon. You start off carrying a 10 pound weight. For the first few miles, the weight isn't that heavy. But after 10 miles, 15 miles, etc., that 10 pound weight feels heavier and heavier. The weight is still only 10 pounds, but you haven't had any rest and you continue running as fast as you can while carrying a weight that now feels like it ways 50 pounds. 

 

Are you able to take some time off from work? Do you have any paid vacation or sick days? 

 

Quote

Jan Probiotics stopped taking after two weeks ADR April 1k Iu Vitamin D W/ K stopped after a few days ADR. March 50mg Mag glycinate stopped after a week ADR

 

This is in your signature. How much vitamin D with K had you been taking and for how long? 

[Altostrata]

Hello, @Ninabird

 

Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms throughout the day. Post 24 hours of notes at a time in this topic, in a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right. This can show if your symptoms are adverse effects from one of your drugs.

[Ninabird]

4 hours ago, Shep said:

signature. How much vitamin D with K had you been taking and for how long?

For a few days I took 1000 iu then cut it in half for a few days. Then stopped. On total maybe a week. 

[Ninabird]

2 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Hello, @Ninabird

 

Please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms throughout the day. Post 24 hours of notes at a time in this topic, in a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom or drug and dosage) on the right. This can show if your symptoms are adverse effects from one of your drugs.

Hi Alto, 

I will do this. 
Thank you. 

[Ninabird]

3 hours ago, Shep said:

 

Are you able to take some time off from work? Do you have any paid vacation or sick days? 

I’m a Realtor. I can make my own schedule. No paid time off. I’m single do taking time off isn’t an option. 
I can give myself breaks throughout the day to recharge. 

[Ninabird]

4 hours ago, Shep said:

 

This sounds like it could be battle fatigue.

I definitely feel like I’m running out of steam emotionally. Pushing 24/7 each day is draining. So I understand the weeping. The symptoms intensifying though, thst is what is concerning. 

[Shep]

19 hours ago, Ninabird said:

For a few days I took 1000 iu then cut it in half for a few days. Then stopped. On total maybe a week. 

 

That may have been too high a dose to start out with. 

 

Are you getting out in the sunshine for a 30 minute walk every day? If so, you may be okay getting your vitamin D from the sun, at least until your nervous system is strong enough to tolerate a supplement. 

[Ninabird]

5 hours ago, Shep said:

 

That may have been too high a dose to start out with. 

 

Are you getting out in the sunshine for a 30 minute walk every day? If so, you may be okay getting your vitamin D from the sun, at least until your nervous system is strong enough to tolerate a supplement. 

Good morning, Shep. 
Yes, I walk my dog everyday. We walk a little over a mile. 🌺🌸

[Ninabird]

Good morning @Altostrata

I hope this post finds you well and enjoying our beautiful Norcal sunshine. 

5/17

 

6am Read Alto’s post 😁 ( pre-diary humor) 

6am anxiety (4)

6:30am .25mg Klonopin

7am Breakfast of Almonds and a banana 

8:00am 8.08 Lexapro & .50mg Estradiol 

9:00am Head tingling & feeling anxious 

Took a walk 

10:30am Heavy emotions & anxiety going up and down. Pain and burning in head on and off. 
11:30am Fresh green smoothie 

12:00pm .25 Klonopin 

12:30pm 30mg Cymbalta 

Difficult to stay on task. Pressure in head. 
1:30pm Lunch

1:40pm anxiety rush

1:50 pressure on chest 

3:00pm Symptoms come and go. Ears are now ringing 

3:15pm anxiety up (5)

4pm anxiety up (6)

5pm anxiety (2)

6pm anxiety (1) 

6:30pm .25 mg Klonopin 

8:30pm anxiety (2)

10pm bedtime

 

[Altostrata]

I'm in London but it's a rare beautiful warm sunny day here.

 

On 5/6/2023 at 5:26 PM, Ninabird said:

Prozac was tapered in July of 2021 I was then put on Lexapro in August of 2021 I started at 10 mg and went up to 25mg ( all hell started to break loose in January of 2022.) Fast tapered down to 10mg in 6 weeks in February 2022. Dr added 30? Mg of Effexor in February for 4 or 6 weeks then had me switch over to 30mg of Cymbalta. 

 

I am utterly confused as to how you are taking both Lexapro and Cymbalta. I reviewed your posts and it looks like you added Cymbalta prior to June 2022?

 

Please explain more. What was your prescriber intending to do in adding or switching to Cymbalta? You were taking Effexor and Lexapro?

[Ninabird]

1 minute ago, Altostrata said:

m in London but it's a rare beautiful warm sunny day here

My girlfriend just got back from Paris 3 weeks ago. A month earlier she was in London. You are lucky, she didn’t see a glimpse of sunshine on either trips. 

[Ninabird]

2 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

am utterly confused as to how you are taking both Lexapro and Cymbalta. I reviewed your posts and it looks like you added Cymbalta prior to June 2022?

I was on Lexapro and she had tried to cross taper me to Effexor. After a month? On Effexor she changed her mind ( to my detriment) and started me on Cymbalta. The plan was to fast taper me off of the Lexapro and only be on the Cymbalta. All heck broke loose when they FT the Lexapro from 25mg to 10 in roughly 6 weeks and then stopped the Effexor CT and started the Cymbalta. 
 

At the time, Alto, I was already doing poorly. I just wanted to feel better. Fast forward a year 1/2 I feel I’m stuck in a mess. 
 

I want off all meds. I understand it will take time. It’s taken me a year 1/2 to get from 10mg to 8.08mg of Lexapro. At first I tried the BM approach and my body wasn’t too thrilled w me after that. I held for two months? Then started to crush and weigh the pills. My reductions were at .001mgai every 5-6 days. I was doing pretty good until the 6th drop. It was with either the accumulation of the drops or that on the 6th drop, I was feeling good enough and tried adding the Vitamin D with K. 
within a week I started feeling really awful. Symptoms magnified 10 fold. I have now been holding over two weeks. 
 

The last two days I have felt about 25% less intensity in symptoms. They definitely come in and out like the tide at Chrissy Beach. 
 

I will comply with whatever you feel is the right path for me to take. Your suggestions will not fall on deaf ears ( or eyes, in this format. Lol) I desperately want some relief. 
 

Much respect, 

Nina 🌺🌸

[Ninabird]

15 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

ase explain more. What was your prescriber intending to do in adding or switching to Cymbalta? You were taking Effexor and Lexapro?

It was added in February 2021? 
she was hoping that Cymbalta would help my anxiety. Truthfully, I feel I was a mess from being taken on and off so many meds in such a short period of time. 
I was so ill at the time, I just wanted help. What I got was hell instead. I’ll never touch AD or Benzo’s ever again after I’m off. I just want off…safely. 

[Ninabird]

It’s so beautiful outside. I can’t wait to have dinner and head out for a walk and then spend the rest of the night reading, working on my Bible study and allow my body to rest. 
 

Not the best day but not the worst either. I’m so grateful. 
 

I hope you all have a peace filled night and that your ADWD symptoms are gentle. 
 

Be well 🌸🌺

Nina

[Shep]

@Ninabird How many hours are you sleeping at night? Please add this to your daily journal. 

[Ninabird]

4 hours ago, Shep said:

@Ninabird How many hours are you sleeping at night? Please add this to your daily journal. 

@Shep I sleep about 7 hours a night. 

[Ninabird]

@Altostrata
 

5/18 Journal entry

7 hours of sleep

6am Awake anxiety (4)

6:30am .25mg Klonopin 

7:30 Anxiety (4) 

8am 8.08 mg Lexapro .50mg Estradiol

9am Tension and anxiety in upper body starting 

10am Fresh  pressed green juice

11:30am Anxiety (6)

12pm .25mg Klonopin & lunch

12:30pm 30mg Cymbalta

1:30pm Anxiety (3)

3pm Mild headache 

3:30pm Moments of fear, lack of concentration, tearful. These come and go for an hour. They show up for 30 seconds at time. 
5pm Anxiety (4)

6pm Anxiety (5) Head burning & sore eyes. Ears are starting to ring. 
6:30pm .25mg Klonopin 

6:45pm Symptom's calming. 
7pm Dinner

9pm Read in bed 

10pm lights out

[Ninabird]

@Altostrata

I hope you are still getting beautiful weather! 
 

5/19 Friday 

7 hours of sleep 

6am woke anxiety (5) 

6:30 .25mg Klonopin 

Mind racing, anxiety, head pressure, pain, burning

7:30 Almonds and Banana 

8am 8.08mg Lexapro & .50mg Estradiol 

9am Fresh green smoothie

10am Mental anguish is picking up

11am Hard to concentrate on work

12pm .25mg Klonopin  heads feels fuzzy

12:30pm 30mg Cymbalta head burning

1:30pm Anxiety (3) ears starting to ring

2:30pm heavy head, eyes are sore, can no longer push through and give in to crying 

3:30pm symptoms easing up a bit 

4:30pm-6:30pm anxiety up and down (2-4 level) 

6:30pm .25mg Klonopin 

7:30pm mild anxiety (2) til 9pm 

9pm went to bed 

 

 

[Ninabird]

@Altostrata

Good morning. 🌸

5/20 

8 hours of sleep

6:30am .25mg Klonopin   Anxiety (5) feeling rough already, emotional, burning on arms

7am Green smoothie and almonds 

8am 8.08 Lexapro .50mg Estradiol 

Heavy emotions & anxiety (6)

9am Walk 

10am Anxiety (6) burning in arms, emotional, head burning. 
11am head and arms burning gone. Anxiety (7)

12pm .25mg Klonopin 

12:30 30 mg Cymbalta

crying jag

1pm Work 

Anxiety (4)

2pm to 4:30pm

Emotional, head pressure 

5:30pm Anxiety (4)

6:30pm .25mg Klonopin 

7pm Dinner

8:30pm Anxiety (2)

9pm Bed

 

[Shep]

@Ninabird Do you feel overly sedated during the day with what you're taking? When did you increase from .25 mg Klonopin twice a day to .25 mg three times a day? It's not clear from your signature when that happened. 

 

EDIT: 

 

On 5/6/2023 at 12:26 PM, Ninabird said:

Added the afternoon Klonopin in January of 2023. 

 

I added this to your signature. 

Edited May 22, 2023 by Shep
added information

[Ninabird]

6 hours ago, Shep said:

 Do you feel overly sedated during the day with what you're taking?

@Shep Good morning. Are you referring to sedation from the added Klonopin in the afternoon? If so, no. The Klonopin was added in the afternoon by my PNP. I was having a lot of breakthrough high anxiety so she added it to help. 
I don’t feel like I’m dragging through the day. My WD symptoms are just intense and all over the place. 
 

[Ninabird]

@Altostrata

awake at 6am 

8 hours of sleep 

6:30am .25mg Klonopin  Anxiety (4)

7:30am Fresh green juice and almonds 

anxiety (3) Burning on arms (5) sadness (3)

8:00am 8.08mg Lexapro .50mg Estradiol

Anxiety (5) feeling emotional (5) burning in head 

9am Walk 

10am Church  I had moments of a WD normal & then back to feeling mentally wonky 

11:30am Anxiety (4)

12pm .25mg Klonopin 

12:30 30mg Cymbalta

1pm - 3pm cried on and off  ( situational - relationship issue) 

4pm Gym ( 10 minutes on elliptical ) wanting to try to see if it helps to get rid of some anxiety. I’ve been an athlete my entire life. I miss it. I went on a level 1 and went slow. I felt ok during and after. 
5:30pm visited friends in the country 

6:15pm feel the need to take Klonopin early but don’t. 
6:30pm .25mg Klonopin 

7:30pm back home 

Dinner 

10pm Bed

 

[Altostrata]

10 minutes ago, Ninabird said:

8:00am 8.08mg Lexapro .50mg Estradiol

Anxiety (5) feeling emotional (5) burning in head 

 

You feel worse after this 8 a.m. dosing? Would it be possible to move the estradiol earlier, maybe at 6:30 a.m.? Is it a tablet or patch?

[Ninabird]

1 minute ago, Altostrata said:

You feel worse after this 8 a.m. dosing? Would it be possible to move the estradiol

@Altostrata it’s a pill. Yes, I can move it to 6:30am if you think it could possibly help? I would be taking it with the .25mg of Klonopin. 

[Ninabird]

@Altostrata 

In the last 4 journal postings, does anything catch your attention in regards to what could be causing the intensity? Or do you think it’s mainly ADWD? 
 

I hope you are having a lovely trip. 
 

Nina 

[Ninabird]

5 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

You feel worse after this 8 a.m. dosing?

@Altostrata for the most part, yes! 
There are some days where I wake and it starts right away but the majority of the time I start to feel bad around 9-ish. 
I feel the best in the evenings. Some nights it’s before I take my 6:30pm, .25mg of Klonopin and some nights it’s after. Almost all nights are better. 

[Ninabird]

@Altostrata

FORGIVE my WD brain and all of the questions. 🤪

Will moving the .50mg of Estradiol to 6:30am cause some disruption in my attempts to stabilise? 
 

Heading out for a walk. I hope you have a wonderful day, Alto. 
 

Nina. 

[Altostrata]

3 hours ago, Ninabird said:

Will moving the .50mg of Estradiol to 6:30am cause some disruption in my attempts to stabilise? 

 

Probably not. If you are worried, move it earlier by an hour each day.

 

I suspect you are having an adverse reaction to escitalopram.

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

Probably not. If you are worried, move it earlier by an hour each day.

I will start taking the estradiol at 6;30 starting tomorrow

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

I suspect you are having an adverse reaction to escitalopram.

I would have to agree with you, @Altostrata So, how would you suggest  I move forward? Should I still wait to stabilize? Can I stabilize if having adverse reaction to Lexapro? I will comply with whatever you feel will be best for me. 

I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for you helping me. 

 

I hope you are having or had a fantastic trip abroad. 

 

Much respect, Alto

Nina

[Altostrata]

Let's see your symptom pattern after you move the estradiol.

[Ninabird]

19 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Let's see your symptom pattern after you move the estradiol.

@Altostrata

Sounds like a plan. I’ll start doing daily journals starting tomorrow. 
Thank you, Alto. 🌸