minokjapa Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 Hello friends. Been lurking for awhile and really appreciate this community and what it provides. With that said, here's my story After some generalized anxiety, I was prescribed Effexor 37.5mg last November. I took it for about 1 month, and didn't like the emotional blunting and fatigue. So I did a (foolish) skip taper the last week. After tapering, I experienced complete emotional anesthesia, low motivation, and decreased libido and brain fog. I currently have no physical symptoms, thankfully. But all these mental symptoms have persisted. I am aware this is a common discontinuation effect, but are these symtoyms a cause for reinstatement? I'm about 5 months out now. I remember seeing a post awhile ago from Alto mentioning that these symptoms of emotional anesthesia are not a cause for reinstatement. But I'm open to the idea. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
minokjapa Posted June 1, 2022 Author Share Posted June 1, 2022 Oh also, I had a question about caffeine consumption. Because of my emotional anesthesia and anhedonia, I do consume about 200mg of caffiene every morning. This helps both my mood and motivation. However, I've seen around here that caffeine is generally not good for healing. So should I drop caffeine even it seems like it helps in the short term? It doesn't affect my sleep or anything. I sleep well and get around 7 hours a night regardless. 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted June 4, 2022 Moderator Share Posted June 4, 2022 Dear @minokjapa, welcome to SA and thank you for filling in your drug signature. I am sorry you are suffering with some of these symptoms. Have you observed them getting better? Are they bearable? Reinstatement is an option but if your symptoms are bearable, I would advise against it - your brain likes stability. Reinstatement is also less likely to work the further away you are from stopping the drug. You have probably seen this thread already: About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants What are your current symptoms? How are you managing them? These links may be helpful: Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants Regarding caffeine, if it is not causing any issues for you it is fine to take it - listen to your own body. Many people in withdrawal have sensitized nervous systems and they can't handle certain substances - I can't do chocolate for example, alcohol almost invariably creates issues in people. But if it doesn't increase your symptoms then you can continue taking it. Watch yourself to see if it turns on you and if at some point you see a spike in symptoms following caffeine, you can easily stop it. "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
minokjapa Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 Thank you for the warm welcome,@Onmyway ! And I would say that these symptoms are overall bearable. And I can say I've seen (very minor) improvement. I've lasted these 5 months so I could definitely keep going for longer. The most bothersome symptom I have is the complete emotional blunting. It feels so... inhuman? I used to have so many hobbies. Reading, meeting new people , socializing, video games. All of these activities give me no joy now. But even with that said, it's bearable. I don't have anxiety because of said emotional blunting, so it kind of feels like I exchanged my anxiety for... feeling nothing? Not a great trade lol. But anyways, I'll take your advice and ride this out. And thank GOD I continue caffeine use for now. It's literally the only thing that gives me ANY motivation. And of course keep everyone updated on my symptoms. And once again thank you to everyone in this wonderful community. Looking forward to more healing! 1 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
Moderator Onmyway Posted June 4, 2022 Moderator Share Posted June 4, 2022 Hi @minokjapa, good to hear that the symptoms are not too bad - you will probably see a waves and windows pattern to them. Below are some links that will help you understand what is happening to you. All these symptoms are basically an indication that you are healing. You will slowly improve. The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants What is happening in your brain? - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants How psychiatric drugs remodel your brain - Symptoms and self-care - Surviving Antidepressants Do keep us updated and let us know if you have questions. OMW "Nothing so small as a moment is insurmountable, and moments are all that we have. You have survived every trial and tribulation that life has thrown at you up until this very instant. When future troubles come—and they will come—a version of you will be born into that moment that can conquer them, too." - Kevin Koenig I am not a doctor and this should not be considered medical advice. You can use the information and recommendations provided in whatever way you want and all decisions on your treatment are yours. In the next few weeks I do not have a lot of capacity to respond to questions. If you need a quick answer pls tag or ask other moderators who may want to be tagged. Aug 2000 - July 2003 (ct, 4-6 wk wd) , citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn, wellbutrin for a few months, trazodone prn Dec 2004 - July 2018 citalopram 20 mg, xanax prn (rarely used) Aug 2018 - citalopram 40 mg (self titrated up) September 2018 - January 2019 tapered citalopram - 40/30/20/10/5 no issues until a week after reaching 0 Feb 2019 0.25 xanax - 0.5/day (3 weeks) over to klonopin 0.25 once a day to manage severe wd March 6, reinstated citalopram 2.5 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 mg for sleep 2-3 times a week Apr 1st citalopram 2.0 mg (liquid), klonopin 0.25 once a week (off by 4/14/19- no tapering) citalopram (liquid) 4/14/19 -1.8 mg, 5/8/19 - 1.6 mg, 7/27/19 -1.5 mg, 8/15/19 - 1.35, 2/21/21 - 1.1 (smaller drops in between), 6/20/21 - 1.03 mg, 8/7/21- 1.025, 8/11/21 - 1.02, 8/15/21 - 1.015, 9/3/21 - 0.925 (fingers crossed!), 10/8/21 - 0.9, 10/18/21 - 0.875, 12/31/21 - 0.85, 1/7/22 - 0.825, 1/14/22 - 0.8, 1/22/22 - 0.785, 8/18/22 - 0.59, 12/15/2022 - 0.48, 2/15/22 - 0.43, 25/07/23 - 0.25 (mistake), 6/08/23 - 0.33mg Supplements: magnesium citrate and bi-glycinate Link to comment
minokjapa Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 @Onmyway Thank you so much! I'll always refer back to those links if I have a bad day. Reading success stories in the morning as I wake up has also helped me keep a positive attitude. 🙂 I'll update again if my symptoms change. 1 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
minokjapa Posted June 15, 2022 Author Share Posted June 15, 2022 Hello friends! Just a quick update. My symptoms remain the same, but I tried going without caffeine for a few days and turns out I can manage. While the caffeine was helping, I just figured my nervous system should be as calm as possible while it heals. So no more caffeine. Will update of this has a positive effect. 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
minokjapa Posted June 15, 2022 Author Share Posted June 15, 2022 Oh yeah today also marks my 6 months off antidepressants. I know that's not a long time in terms of PAWS but I gotta celebrate the small wins. 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
Ariel Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 @minokjapa Congratulations <3 1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs) 2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?) Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg --> July 2018 - 0mg 2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg 2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg --> July 2021 - 0mg March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT) --> April 28th, 2021 - 0mg August 2021 - 2mg melatonin August 1, 2022 - 1mg melatonin March 31, 2023 - 0mg melatonin 2024 supplements update: electrolyte blend in water sipped throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil blend w/ morning meal (incl. vit. A+D+E); calcium; vitamin C+zinc Courage is fear that has said its prayers. - Karle Wilson Baker love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters. - Rev. angel Kyodo williams Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are. - text on homemade banner at Afiya house I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. Link to comment
minokjapa Posted June 15, 2022 Author Share Posted June 15, 2022 @Ariel Thank you 🙂! 2021 September 24th-27th- Cymbalta 20mg 2021 November 5th - 8th - Cymbalta 60mg 2021 November 20th -December 15th - Effexor 37.5mg Link to comment
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