Ninabird: Effexor withdrawal?

[Ninabird]

@Faure

Thank you for your kind text. I am on my 4th day of tapering and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I guess I had imagined that the universe would open up and swallow me whole. How are you doing today? 

[Carmie]

Glad to hear that your tapering is going okay so far @Ninabird I’m glad the universe hasn’t swallowed you whole, as you say😁
 

Sending hugs your way🤗

[Faure]

15 hours ago, Ninabird said:

Thank you for your kind text. I am on my 4th day of tapering and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I guess I had imagined that the universe would open up and swallow me whole. How are you doing today? 

Yayyyy! That’s good news. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly. I’ve no idea what you’re tapering, I can’t work it out from your signature. But keep slow and steady, I did a bad thing last week and changed two weeks around - bad idea, I’ve found out it’s best to stick firmly to the plan so you don’t have to find this out independently!!!! With longer holds if necessary ☺️

[Greatful]

@NinabirdGreat news.  Keep moving forward🤗

[Ninabird]

Day 5 of taper. Could just be a not so great day but I am having a difficult time wanting to get out of bed today. I feel a little sad, unmotivated to do anything. I have a work Zoom meeting so I’ll have to get up. After my meeting t have to walk my dogs. It’s not their fault I’m not feeling well and they shouldn’t have to suffer by not getting their walk in for the day. The walk will do me good too. 
 

When will I know if it’s ok to make my next drop and when I should hold? 
 

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[Greatful]

@Ninabird  How much did you drop?  I would put it in your signature.  

Great job staying focused.  And thanks for the reminder to stay positive LOL

🤗

 

[Ninabird]

@brassmonkey @Frogie

How do I add my decrease in mg? I don't know how to covert the mgpw to mg. I am at 126mgpw. I am hoping I am doing this right.

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

If you are doing the brassmonkey slide you would take 2.5% off of the 126 mgpw.

 

So you would take 122.85 mgpw. 

[Ninabird]

Just now, Frogie said:

If you are doing the brassmonkey slide you would take 2.5% off of the 126 mgpw.

 

So you would take 122.85 mgpw. 

Do I need to convert that to mg in my signature? Thank you for replying!

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

Did you take 2.5% off the 10 mg tablet? If so, I would list it as 6/27/22 9.75 mg, 126 mgpw.

 

Then 7/1/22 9.5 mg, 122.85 mgpw.

[brassmonkey]

The amount of active ingredient is always a fixed ration with the weight of the powder. So, if you reduce one you reduce the other by the same amount.

 

You just reduced the weight of the powder by 2.5%, meaning that you also reduced the amount of active ingredient by 2.5%. And yes, even after crushing the tablet the active ingredient is still mixed evenly throughout.

 

You started with a pill that contained 10mgai (milligrams active ingredient). If you reduce that by 2.5% (10 X 0.975) = 9.75mgai. So, you new dose has a strength of 9.75mgai.

 

You need to keep records for both the mapw and the mgai. You will use the mgpw when you weigh out your dose and the mgai when you talk about it.

 

Ya beat me to it @Frogie

[Frogie]

@brassmonkey

 

I beat you to it once, I'm sure it won't happen again. You're way too good for me😊 Happy 4th!

[Ninabird]

@frogie,

 

The taper symptoms have been tolerable so far. Yesterday I had three short anxiety rushes. After the third rush my mood tanked. I felt sad and didn't want to do anything but forced myself to water the plants outside and grill a steak for dinner. Today I woke up not wanting to get out of bed but I. made myself. All day long I have had anxiety (5) hard to focus, and a little shaky. I am on day 5 of the drop. Is this normal? How long will these symptoms last? How will I know if the drop was/is too large? How will I know it's ok to drop again? I just want to do this right. I am so scared that I will get worse than I already am. I have to be able to function. I am by myself and have to work.

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

That is perfectly normal because your body is used to the 10 mg and you are taking it away.

 

But you got up and made yourself do things. Pat yourself on the back for doing that.

[brassmonkey]

With a Brassmonkey Slide the symptoms usually calm down by the seventh day, just in time to make the next reduction. Over the four weeks the symptoms may build up a little and not fully resolve by the next reduction. This is one reason why there is a two week hold after the four reductions.

 

I would go through an entire reduction cycle and see how things go. Then you may want to stay at each level a little longer or try smaller reductions if you're not happy with the way it worked. 

 

You are doing things right; we just need to find out what your body is looking for and make the needed adjustments. It is very good that you made yourself keep active.

 

That's twice now @Frogie I'm going to have to start typing faster. LOL😁

[Ninabird]

26 minutes ago, Frogie said:

But you got up and made yourself do things. Pat yourself on the back for doing that.

Thank you. Now to focus on work.

[Ninabird]

21 minutes ago, brassmonkey said:

That's twice now @Frogie I'm going to have to start typing faster. LOL😁

This is funny. 

 

I am in the Central Valley. Looks like we are both Californians. 

 

I had wD symtoms prior to resuming. They aren't worse than what I was experiencing before so far so that is a big relief. I will follow your directions and suggestions to the letter. Thank you for taking the time to help me. You all are very kind and patient. 

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

You have the best @brassmonkeyworking with you.

 

I'll be happy to help anyway I can too.

[Frogie]

6 minutes ago, Ninabird said:

Thank you. Now to focus on work.

And you will get there. One step at a time.

[Ninabird]

@Frogie I am getting random brain goosebumps. I had them before when I first was cross tapered over to Cymbalta from Effexor. I haven't had that sensation in over a month. I guess I should tell it, "welcome back!?" 😔

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

Unfortunately, that is a very common side effect. Hopefully it won't last long.

 

Brain Zaps

[Ninabird]

I am just going to say it. If anyone is offended by my post...oh well. WITHDRAWL and TAPERING SUCKS! I think I can honestly say this has been the HARDEST & most mentally painful thing I have ever done in my life. I have buried both parents, a nephew, kicked cancers butt and recently had back surgery (with NO pain meds!)  THIS horrific journey is pure hell. 

Rant over. 

Back to work now. 

Stay strong. Stay healthy. Try to get out and celebrate the holiday. Don't let this storm stop you from living. Love and peace to you all.

NinaBird

[Frogie]

@Ninabird

 

It is the hardest thing you will go through. Just remember when you are done it will just be a bad dream.

 

Hang in there!

[Faure]

It is the hardest thing and it requires the most amount of patience, I think, of anything ever. And I am a very impatient person.

 

Well done for nearly getting through your first week. I remember my first week was the hardest because my brain was surprised by the change, having had a steady dose for a couple of years. With me, my brain adjusted fairly easily and now, after a year of doing the BrassMonkey Slide I can say that every 6 week cycle has been easier than the last. 
 

You will get there! You are getting there ☺️

[Bestill]

@NinabirdI saw @faure gave you some advice and I thought I would chime in and say the first week does suck.  I think the first 8 weeks weren’t great and then it got better.  And then spring hit and it got worse again.  My body adapted and it got better.  It’s the ups and downs.  I have been tapering for 6 months and still trying to find a pattern.  I sympathize with you, but we are tough as can be.  I promise you when you are months in you will look back and see the improvements you have made.  They may be small but in comparison they are mighty.  You just did the hardest part and was starting your taper.  You got this.  We all do!

 

bestill ❤️

[Ninabird]

Day 5 of taper. Could just be a not so great day but I am having a difficult time wanting to get out of bed today. I feel a little sad, unmotivated to do anything. I have a work Zoom meeting so I’ll have to get up. After my meeting t have to walk my dogs. It’s not their fault I’m not feeling well and they shouldn’t have to suffer by not getting their walk in for the day. The walk will do me good too. 
 

When will I know if it’s ok to make my next drop and when I should hold? 
 

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[Ninabird]

I forgot to hit submit on my previous post. WD brain. 
 

 

 

Before I even opened my eyes today I could feel sadness. I could also feel my mind racing w negative and irrational thoughts. It’s only 6:30am and for the first time in a very long time I fear fearful about the day ahead. I have no idea why. Was I having a bad dream prior? I don’t think so. It’s like I want to roll over and cry already. 
 

I have such a long way to go in tapering and then I have two other drugs to taper off of. I often wonder how I’m going to manage and then I remember to focus on this moment. Sometimes it’s so very very painful and seems like I’ll never get to the finish line. 

[Ariel]

Hi @Ninabird

 

2 minutes ago, Ninabird said:

I often wonder how I’m going to manage and then I remember to focus on this moment.

 

You got it. That's all we can do, anyway. 

One moment at a time. One step at a time. 

You can do this. I sure wish you didn't have to, but you are capable and strong and you're gonna get through this. You already are. 

You are brave and strong and capable. 

That being said, as I write this, I'm wondering whether it could be helpful to schedule some time in the day for yourself to "fall apart". Just a thought. How does that sound? You are so good at pulling yourself together and keeping it together and pushing through at work and getting things done. Do you think it would be useful to have an allocated morning time slot, let's say 10 minutes, of letting it all go? And just raging and crying and feeling all the feelings and being with what is? Does that sound like it might be a relief, or does it sound like a slippery slope? 

Do you meditate? i.e. do you ever sit/lie down/stand/walk/breathe in stillness? Meditation can function as a structured break, too, but it can be tricky and sometimes impossible to do with WD-brain. 

Just thinking aloud, sorry if it's annoying. Feel free to ignore. I guess I'm reaching for how it might be nice to have some structured "recess" from adulting all day, with a set end point so you know it's safe. 

You are good at taking care of yourself. I trust you are listening to what you need.

Tapering is a hero's journey for sure. One step at a time. No matter how faltering, stumbling, fumbling, fatigued, belabored that step may be. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will be moving in the right direction. 

Thinking of you <3

[Bestill]

For me.  Days 4 and 5 is when I would feel it the most.  By day 9 or 10 I would feel it less but if I continued with tapering it would add on to the blah feelings. As I have continued with my taper, sometimes I don’t even feel much from a drop and make another one the following week.  Just listen to your body.  
 

i found when I first started it was harder because I wasn’t weighing my pills in the beginning (before the taper) so I was basically never taking the same exact dose until I started weighing it out.  Hope this makes sense.  Then my body found balance and it got better.  With my withdrawals, I have never missed work.  I think I left work early one day in the last 6 months.  I can care for my kids and the animals and I am doing a lot more.  It will get better.  Hold on to that.  We all felt the same thing you did.  
 

hugs

[Ninabird]

1 hour ago, Ariel said:

'm wondering whether it could be helpful to schedule some time in the day for yourself to "fall apart". Just a thought. How does that sound?

@Ariel

I never thought about it. I have always tried to just push through. I wonder if allowing myself to fall apart everyday would be beneficial? It couldn’t hurt to try. Staying strong and pushing through can be just as exhausting as WD itself. 
 

so good to hear from you. How are you doing wonderful Ariel?

[Ninabird]

@Bestill

Are you doing Brass monkey slide? That’s what I’m doing. It’s my first week. 
I know it’s understandable to worry that this will all come crashing down around me. I have  good mentors and peers guiding me. I’m hoping that I too will be able to still work through this as there is no other option for me. 
Tapering while still in WD from many med changes and a crosstaper is painful enough. 
 

How are you doing now?

[Greatful]

@Ninabird

Day 4 of my daily .02ml cut. I am hoping to do this for 15 days. 

 

  I am with you on trying to taper when  you still have WD symptoms.  REALLY with you about how am I going to get of these drugs.  How long is it going to take😒 Will I feel this way through the whole process If so how will I get through it.  I find comfort from the ones that say they feel better the lower they go.

 

The last few days I've been reading going through success stories.  I also bought the book Anatomy Of An Epidemic.  I find that if I read, watch or listen to things that reinforce the dangers of these drugs this helps me to stay focused on moving forward.  I find that when I am in a bad place I want that quick fix and start to thing I need these drugs.

 

You are doing a great job Ninabird. You will prevail, you have a great attitude. Yes somehow we have to stay into day.  Really that's all anyone has in this life.♥️

 

 

[PsychologicalSafe15]

@Greatfulare you having vivid dreams??

@Ninabird are you having vivid dreams ad well ??

[Bestill]

@Ninabird I understand.  I didn’t have withdrawals going into the taper but I have had the side effects from the drug I’m using plus other health issues I’m trying to solve naturally and that in itself has been a roller coaster.

 

i am doing the brass monkey but find that I have to hold longer at times.  I may not make the 10% in the 4 weeks.  I just listen to my body and I throw out the calendar because it doesn’t work that way for me.

 

I have been on vacation for almost a week.  Ups and downs, sleep is piss poor and my eating has gone down the pooper because it’s really hard to read ingredients and make everyone else happy with food choices .  I have felt like I have been taking care of 3 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs.  I am so ready to go home but my body handled it so much better than expected.  I have done a lot of self talk and I’m actually quite proud of myself.

There are moments when I feel completely normal and then times I need to lay down because I’m more exhausted than anything.  I have Trouble sitting still so I think that plays a huge role.  But, I am doing so much better compared to the beginning of my taper.  
 

I think we all have been in your shoes when you just start out and it’s very unsettling because you just don’t know.  And when I feel really crummy.  I just tell my mind that my body is doing this to feel better.  This too shall pass and it does.  It’s very small baby steps in the right direction.

 

❤️

[Moonpie]

@Ninabirdyou are doing great! Starting a taper can be an anxious time but you will adjust to the eb and flow of it and being flexible.  You've got this!!!

[Ninabird]

@brassmonkey

Hi there. How was your 4th of July? 
 

Moonpie brought something to my attention the other day. I didn’t calibrate or Tare my scale when I weighed the 10 Lexapro pills. After I did, the weight was 128. 
 

My first week of tapering wasn’t terrible but I am having some weird symptoms. Itching on my skin. This is very irritating. My skin isn’t dry and I put lotion on every day since I was a kid. I’m also having a combo of burning on my skin ( arms and chest) mixed w anxiety. Anxiety comes in waves. So far it lasts a few minutes to an hour then goes away. Anxiety seems to be more present the last week. From your experience is this pretty typical? 
I think my first week went ok. I believe I’m ready for my next drop. Is there anything I should watch out for? 
 

Thank you got helping me. 😊🥰