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MoisesTiago Constant tension after stopping taking effexor

MoisesTiago

By MoisesTiago
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MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
Posted

Sorry for my English, I'm Brazilian, I used google translator
I took venlafaxine for 4 years and it did me great but I had the wrong idea that I was well enough to stop so that's what I did, within a few months I realized it was a bad idea and I took it back, but to my surprise the antidepressant started to cause me constant tension (100% of the time, I can't relax anymore), only in the first 5 days of use (more or less) I get better and I'm great without tension and after that I feel bad again
it's very sad because this constant tension takes all the fun out of life (I can't enjoy any moment because the tension is there)
During that time, I tried to stop and go back on the antidepressant to see if it worked again (I've been like this for 3 years)
I have tried several other remedies
Lexapro
Zoloft
depakote
lithium
pristiq
(I've tried to do physical exercises, meditation, relaxation exercises, and I've also tried to stay 2 months without medication and it seems that this tension doesn't go away anymore, it seems that nothing can make me relax and enjoy the present moment)
I would like to know if anyone has any ideas on how to resolve this, or anyone who has a similar case to talk to.
Thank you very much

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Sorry for my English, I'm Brazilian, I used google translate
i took venlafaxine for 4 years and it did me great but i had the wrong idea that i was well enough to stop so that's what i did, within a few months i realized this was a bad idea and went back on it, but to my surprise the antidepressant started to cause me constant tension (100% of the time, I can't relax anymore), only in the first 5 days of use (more or less) I get better and I'm great without tension and then after that I I get bad again
it's very sad because this constant tension takes all the fun out of life (I can't enjoy any moment because the tension is there)
During that time, I tried to stop and go back on the antidepressant to see if it works again (I've been like this for 3 years)
I have tried several other remedies
Lexapro
Zoloft
depakote
lithium
pristiq
(I've already tried to do physical exercise, meditation, relaxation exercises, and I've also tried to stay 2 months without medication and it seems that this tension doesn't go away anymore, it seems that nothing is able to make me relax and enjoy the present moment)
I would like to know if anyone has any ideas on how to resolve this, or anyone who has a similar case to talk to.
Thanks so much
  
moderator please let my post pass, I'm very bad and I need help
 

 

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • MoisesTiago changed the title to MoisesTiago:Constant tension after stopping taking effexor/venlafaxine
  • Moderator Emeritus
Onmyway Grand Master

Onmyway

Posted
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted (edited)

Dear @MoisesTiago

welcome to SA. I am so sorry you are suffering so badly. 

It seems like you are having an adverse drug reaction to ADs. 

We are a forum for supporting people coming off of ADs in a way that minimized harm. We also support people who have quit their drugs and are now suffering from withdrawal symptoms. We do NOT help people figure out a way to stay on their ADs. 

 

We find that many people who try to go back on ADs after stopping them once or twice get hypersensitivity when restarting them and often worse withdrawals. 

Here is an explanation https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/27800-hypersensitivity-and-kindling/

 

If you'd like to come off of your drugs we can help you do that in the least harmful way. Otherwise, I think you should discuss your ADRs with your doctor. 

 

If I were you I would stop experimenting with more drugs as they are likely to make you worse and I would start tapering these drugs very slowly (over years). Anything else will likely keep you in this state of agitation or make things worse. 

 

Please let us know what you'd like to do. 
OMW

Edited by Onmyway

"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

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Ok @Onmyway thanks for your attention,but do you have any idea how I get out of this constant tension, I'm suffering a lot from it,I can't do anything without getting tense, I can't enjoy life anymore,please help me (I've been like this for three years now) help me

maybe there is someone on the forum with the same problem, but I haven't found it yet

help me

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • Moderator Emeritus
Onmyway Grand Master

Onmyway

Posted
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hi @MoisesTiago, 

your drug is your problem basically. You are in a position where you are hypersensitive to the drugs and have an adverse reaction to any new drugs and you also suffer from withdrawal from the same drugs when you try to stop them. If you start to taper your medicine at the rate that SA suggests - no more than 10% of your previous dose every four weeks - your adverse drug reaction should lessen and you may avoid severe withdrawal effects. Look at the thread that I linked in my previous post - especially the first post in it - it will explain in more detail what is happening. 

 

Based on our experience we don't  know anything else that will help. You are in what we call a rock and a hard place. 

 

You may also find some help on this thread even though your situation is not exactly the same.

 

 

"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

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@OnmywayI read the article, is there a way to get back on the medication in a way that works like it did before? after all I was fine for 4 years with venlafaxine, thanks for help

maybe with the association of another drug together, I don't know

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • Moderator Emeritus
Onmyway Grand Master

Onmyway

Posted
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hi @MoisesTiago, we don't know of any such way. You need to ask your doctor such questions.

"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

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Onmywaydon't you know anyone who has this same symptom that I described above? thank you, or how to find this people 

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • Moderator Emeritus
Onmyway Grand Master

Onmyway

Posted
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted (edited)

I already answered your question above. The answer is it's a common symptom of withdrawal and adverse drug reaction and we have no fixes. Ask the doctor who is prescribing your medicine. 
OMW

Edited by Onmyway

"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

Doctorsrcrap Contributor

Doctorsrcrap

Posted
Posted

What are you currently taking?

1

2015- Jan 2021 20mg Citalapram

Jan 2021- April 2021 Sertraline (CT)

June 2021 - Fluoxetine & Trazadone

Oct 2021- Trazadone to Quitiapin 

Oct 2021 to June 2022 switches Duloxetine then paroxatine then Venlafaxine.

June 2022- venlafaxine for 5 or 6 weeks at 37.5 twice daily. Upped for one week to 75mg twice daily but caused panic attacks. Dropped back down to 37.5 twice daily. Panic attacks stopped. 

1 week- 62.5mg 1 week- 50mg 1 week- 37.5mg 1 week - 25mg 

ANTIDEPRESSANT FREE SINCE JULY 22ND 2022!! 

18/05/23 - 01-06/23 doxycycline for a rat bite 

Taken propranalol since 2015. 80mg.

21/11/22 76mg. 28/11/22 72mg. 05/12/22 68mg. 19/12/22 64mg. 27/12/22 60mg. 02/01/23 56mg. 09/01/23 50mg. 16/01/23 47mg. 23/01/23 44mg. 29/01/23 40mg. 05/02/23 38mg. 12/02/23 35mg. 19/02/23 32mg. 25/02/23 27mg. 04/03/23 25mg. 11/03/23 22mg. 17/03/23 19mg. 24/03/23 20mg. 05/04/23 18mg. 11/04/23 16mg. 17/04/23 14mg. 27/04/23 20mg. 19/06/23 19mg. 25/06/23 20mg. 04/08/23 18mg. 11/08/23 17mg. 16/08/23 16mg. 25/08/23 15mg. 01/09/23 14mg. 08/09/23 13mg. 15/08/23 12mg. 22/09/23 11mg. 29/09/23 10mg. 19/11/23 9mg. 26/11/23 8mg. 03/12/23 7mg. 10/12/23 6mg. 17/12/23 5mg. 24/12/23 4mg. 31/01/23 3mg. 07/01/24 2mg. 13/01/24 1mg. 19/01/24 0mg. DONE! 

 

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Doctorsrcrap Lithium

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Onmyway Constant tension 100% of the time after stopping ADS and never being able to relax for 3 years is this a common condition? I didn't find any posts talking about it.Please send me if you found,thanks

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

Doctorsrcrap Contributor

Doctorsrcrap

Posted
Posted

Could the lithium be part of the problem? 

2015- Jan 2021 20mg Citalapram

Jan 2021- April 2021 Sertraline (CT)

June 2021 - Fluoxetine & Trazadone

Oct 2021- Trazadone to Quitiapin 

Oct 2021 to June 2022 switches Duloxetine then paroxatine then Venlafaxine.

June 2022- venlafaxine for 5 or 6 weeks at 37.5 twice daily. Upped for one week to 75mg twice daily but caused panic attacks. Dropped back down to 37.5 twice daily. Panic attacks stopped. 

1 week- 62.5mg 1 week- 50mg 1 week- 37.5mg 1 week - 25mg 

ANTIDEPRESSANT FREE SINCE JULY 22ND 2022!! 

18/05/23 - 01-06/23 doxycycline for a rat bite 

Taken propranalol since 2015. 80mg.

21/11/22 76mg. 28/11/22 72mg. 05/12/22 68mg. 19/12/22 64mg. 27/12/22 60mg. 02/01/23 56mg. 09/01/23 50mg. 16/01/23 47mg. 23/01/23 44mg. 29/01/23 40mg. 05/02/23 38mg. 12/02/23 35mg. 19/02/23 32mg. 25/02/23 27mg. 04/03/23 25mg. 11/03/23 22mg. 17/03/23 19mg. 24/03/23 20mg. 05/04/23 18mg. 11/04/23 16mg. 17/04/23 14mg. 27/04/23 20mg. 19/06/23 19mg. 25/06/23 20mg. 04/08/23 18mg. 11/08/23 17mg. 16/08/23 16mg. 25/08/23 15mg. 01/09/23 14mg. 08/09/23 13mg. 15/08/23 12mg. 22/09/23 11mg. 29/09/23 10mg. 19/11/23 9mg. 26/11/23 8mg. 03/12/23 7mg. 10/12/23 6mg. 17/12/23 5mg. 24/12/23 4mg. 31/01/23 3mg. 07/01/24 2mg. 13/01/24 1mg. 19/01/24 0mg. DONE! 

 

  • Moderator Emeritus
Onmyway Grand Master

Onmyway

Posted
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

@MoisesTiago, please do not tag me. I have given you all the help I can. 

We do not treat adverse drug reactions here. 

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

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Doctorsrcraplithium doesn't seem to make any difference, what really made me like this was stopping venlafaxine

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • Altostrata changed the title to MoisesTiago Constant tension after stopping taking effexor
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Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

Posted
  • Administrator
Posted

Hello, @MoisesTiago

 

You went off Effexor on what date? When did you last try Effexor, at what dosage?

 

Before any further discussion, we need to know more about your drug history. To help us out, follow these instructions Please summarize your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

it doesn't really matter, the post is directed towards someone with this exact symptom, you know?one person who had exactly this problem and managed to heal somehow is enough,but thanks for your help,

@Altostrata

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@AltostrataI'm trying to do this, but this forum has many posts, very difficult to find

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

NardilTime Contributor

NardilTime

Posted
Posted

What you are describing does sound similar to my experience on Effexor. I was on the drug for a total of 20 years. At around the 10 year mark I started to feel not well. The side effects were becoming more pronounced and I was having long spells of deep depression. I also started to develop anxiety which I had never had before, but it was intermittent. I went to a psychiatrist and he suggested I switch to lexapro. Within days I had an indescribable surge of anxiety. Of course I now know that this was not anxiety but was in fact an adverse effect from the medication. People on here call it inner akathisia or, when it progresses to the need to move constantly, full blown akathisia. My nervous system was damaged and it was causing an extreme tension. For the next ten years I was hospitalized multiple times and put on a ever changing cocktail of drugs. I got progressively worse. About two years ago I decided to disregard the recommendations of my doctors and get off the drugs at all cost. I found this website and listened to the recommendations of the moderators. I did not try to make decisions for myself regarding my taper. I did exactly what they told me and slowly tapered over the course of 8 months. The process has been very difficult but I have improved immensely and I now have long lasting waves of symptom remission. I’m not out of the woods yet but I can say without reservation that it was longstanding exposure to Effexor that caused my symptoms, and the only “cure” was to get off the drug per the tapering schedule of this website and give my body time to heal. I hope this helps. 

2

2000 - 2020 - Effexor 250 mg

November 2020 began Nardil 60 mg

reduced Nardil from January 2021 to August 2021 to 0 mg. Drug free. 

  • Administrator
Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

Posted
  • Administrator
Posted

@MoisesTiago we cannot answer your questions without your drug history. You will not find anyone else with your exact drug history or symptoms who is currently taking lithium.

 

If you're taking venlafaxine with lithium or either drug alone, @Onmyway is correct, you probably are experiencing adverse effects from one of your drugs or a combination. It could be that you have withdrawal symptoms from something, but we can't tell because you refuse to supply your drug history.

 

We do not assist in adjusting ongoing psychiatric drug regimens, you pay your doctor for that. We help people go off drugs. Please let us know when you want to taper a psychiatric drug.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

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  • Author
Posted

@AltostrataI'm just trying to find a case where a person stopped taking venlafaxine (or other antidepressants) and started feeling constant tension, losing the ability to relax (all the time), not a person who took exactly all the meds I took ,because what caused it was the stop of venlafaxine

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • Administrator
Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

Posted
  • Administrator
Posted
On 2/10/2023 at 7:06 AM, MoisesTiago said:

within a few months I realized it was a bad idea and I took it back, but to my surprise the antidepressant started to cause me constant tension (100% of the time, I can't relax anymore), only in the first 5 days of use (more or less) I get better and I'm great without tension and after that I feel bad again

 

It appears the drug is causing this tension. This is a known adverse effects of antidepressants such as Effexor.

 

No more discussion until you supply your drug history in your signature. Thank you.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Altostratai already stop effexor

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@NardilTimehow much time take to your "extreme tension" gets away ?

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

  • Mentor
FindRest Contributor

FindRest

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  • Mentor
Posted

Please make a list of all the medications and supplements you currently take. We can’t help you without the list.

1988-1996  Various AD’s, all classifications.  1996-2019  Effexor XR 37.5mg to 150mg. Jan 2017 onward, 37.5 mg.

2019  Apr 11 - July 24: Trials of Latuda then Rexulti. CT'd off per dr.  Jul 24: CT Effexor (per dr)  Sep 9-19: Viibryd, CT (per dr).  Sep 23-27: Trintellix. CT (per dr).  Sep 28 - Oct 24:  Prozac 10mg.  Oct 24:  Stop Prozac, began Pristiq 25mg->50->25mg.

2020  Feb 1: CT Pristiq. Feb 1: Reinstated Effexor XR (10 large beads) gradually increasing to 22 beads (15L+7M) or 9.072mgai on Mar, 2020.

2021  Started Jan w 21 beads (13L+8M) or 8.47mgai ended Dec: 17 beads (7L+9M+1S) or 6.19mgai. Severe COVID + TIA.

2022  Ended yr w 14 beads (3L+5M+5S+1XS) or 4.5mgai. Major jaw injury during year + family tragedy.

2023  Jan: 13 beads (2L+5M+5S+1XS) or 4.2mgai; Feb: 12 beads (2L+4M+5S+1XS) or 3.9mgai; Mar: 11 beads (2L+4M+4S+1XS) or 3.6mgai, Apr: 10 beads (2L+3M+4S+1XS) or 3.3mgai; Jun: 9 beads (2L+3M+3S+1XS) or 3mgai,

 

Current: July, 2023: Effexor XR -  9 beads (2L+3M+3S+1XS) or 2.7 mgai

Other current meds: Ambien 10mg 3.935mg , clonazepam .125mg .107mg, omeprazole, Synthroid, Premarin.  Supplements: D3, C, probiotic, K2-MK7, Mg Glycinate

NardilTime Contributor

NardilTime

Posted
Posted
4 hours ago, MoisesTiago said:

@NardilTimehow much time take to your "extreme tension" gets away ?

After I got off the Effexor it came and went for about six months. At that point the extreme adverse effects stopped. Still in withdrawal but it’s much more manageable. 

2000 - 2020 - Effexor 250 mg

November 2020 began Nardil 60 mg

reduced Nardil from January 2021 to August 2021 to 0 mg. Drug free. 

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@NardilTimein my case this is constant,i'm in hell

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

NardilTime Contributor

NardilTime

Posted
Posted

Do what the moderators tell you. Fill out the list of medications. They can’t help you without it. You wanted to know someone who went through what you went through? Well it sounds like me. And I listened to the moderators. I’m getting relief now. Fill out the list! 

1

2000 - 2020 - Effexor 250 mg

November 2020 began Nardil 60 mg

reduced Nardil from January 2021 to August 2021 to 0 mg. Drug free. 

  • 3 weeks later...
Bego82 Contributor

Bego82

Posted
Posted

Dear @MoisesTiago

 

Please find the link with the instructions on how to create your signature below:

 

On the third paragraph, there is a link that will take you straight away to your signature.
 

It’s all very well explained in that post 🙂

At 15 years old: unknown antidepressant.
2005-2007: Venlafaxine. Overdosed on benzos.
2011- 2012: Fluoxetine.
2013: started Duloxetine. Overdosed on Zolpidem.
2015: started Venlafaxine 225mg prolonged release after crashing from stopping Duloxetine.
2021, 5th March: Venlafaxine crash from withdrawal begins (from 225mg to 37.5mg in 6 weeks then cold turkey by doctor’s advice).

2021 July: started taking 5HTP, GABA, LTheanine, LTaurine, multivitamin, fish oil, magnesium, holy basil and lithium Orotate, following Julia Ross’.
2021 August: doctor put me on beta blockers 40mg twice a day as I refuse to touch any psych medication. Currently tapering from 10mg.

September: hospitalised.

2021, 8th October: Mirtrazapine 15mg

2021, 18th October: Mirtrazapine to 30mg

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Mentor
Catina7 Veteran

Catina7

Posted
  • Mentor
Posted

@MoisesTiago I'm sorry for what you're going through!  I am not an expert by any means, but it looks like you did a very fast taper off the Venlafaxine per your doctor's advice.  Then it looks like you started taking a bunch of natural supplements that could potentially affect your central nervous system during the time when you started suffering withdrawals.  According to the Effexor Facebook group, when you're in withdrawal they recommend you stay away from any supplements that can affect your central nervous system like many of the ones you're taking.  It can make matters worse.  This is not medical advice, just some thoughts that I am sharing as a suggestion.  I hope you get some relief soon.

 

 

Disclaimer:  This is not professional medical advice but is based on personal experience only.

1994 - 2017:  Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Seroquel, Buspar, Lorazepam, Xanax, Ambien

2005-present:  Trazodone 50 mg 

2017:  Effexor XR 37.5 >> 75 mg 

2020 (March) - Began 10% monthly taper of 75 mg Effexor XR (in hindsight this was much too fast)

2021 (Sept) - Completely crashed at 12 mg with horrific symptoms.  Went back up to 37.5 mg but kindled myself (held for two years)

2024 (Avg. # of beads per 37.5 mg capsule = 117) -  1/1:  -6 (111) | 2/1:  -5 (106) | 3/1:  -5 (101) | 4/1:  -2 (99) | 5/1:  -3 (96) | 6/1: -4 (92) | 7/1:  HOLD | 8/1  -4 (88) | 9/7  -4 (84) | Oct.  HOLD | Nov. HOLD | 12/1 : -1 (83)

2025 1/1:  -1 (82) 

Other medications:  Levothyroxine 50 mcg 

 

🔑 A Key to Survival:  Turn outward, not inward.  Use the art of distraction to focus on anything but how you're feeling inside.  Never give up hope that you'll make it through and heal.  

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Catina7I never took supplements, and yes I did a very quick tapering and that's what caused my problem,it's weird, it's a 24/7 tension, it never goes away

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@AltostrataI saw that there is a group about symptoms only, do you know if there is any post there that talks about 24/7 tension or 24/7 anxiety?

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

Doctorsrcrap Contributor

Doctorsrcrap

Posted
Posted

If it makes you feel any better I'm tense 24 7 too 

2015- Jan 2021 20mg Citalapram

Jan 2021- April 2021 Sertraline (CT)

June 2021 - Fluoxetine & Trazadone

Oct 2021- Trazadone to Quitiapin 

Oct 2021 to June 2022 switches Duloxetine then paroxatine then Venlafaxine.

June 2022- venlafaxine for 5 or 6 weeks at 37.5 twice daily. Upped for one week to 75mg twice daily but caused panic attacks. Dropped back down to 37.5 twice daily. Panic attacks stopped. 

1 week- 62.5mg 1 week- 50mg 1 week- 37.5mg 1 week - 25mg 

ANTIDEPRESSANT FREE SINCE JULY 22ND 2022!! 

18/05/23 - 01-06/23 doxycycline for a rat bite 

Taken propranalol since 2015. 80mg.

21/11/22 76mg. 28/11/22 72mg. 05/12/22 68mg. 19/12/22 64mg. 27/12/22 60mg. 02/01/23 56mg. 09/01/23 50mg. 16/01/23 47mg. 23/01/23 44mg. 29/01/23 40mg. 05/02/23 38mg. 12/02/23 35mg. 19/02/23 32mg. 25/02/23 27mg. 04/03/23 25mg. 11/03/23 22mg. 17/03/23 19mg. 24/03/23 20mg. 05/04/23 18mg. 11/04/23 16mg. 17/04/23 14mg. 27/04/23 20mg. 19/06/23 19mg. 25/06/23 20mg. 04/08/23 18mg. 11/08/23 17mg. 16/08/23 16mg. 25/08/23 15mg. 01/09/23 14mg. 08/09/23 13mg. 15/08/23 12mg. 22/09/23 11mg. 29/09/23 10mg. 19/11/23 9mg. 26/11/23 8mg. 03/12/23 7mg. 10/12/23 6mg. 17/12/23 5mg. 24/12/23 4mg. 31/01/23 3mg. 07/01/24 2mg. 13/01/24 1mg. 19/01/24 0mg. DONE! 

 

NardilTime Contributor

NardilTime

Posted
Posted
8 hours ago, MoisesTiago said:

@AltostrataI saw that there is a group about symptoms only, do you know if there is any post there that talks about 24/7 tension or 24/7 anxiety?

Sounds like akathisia. If so it will go away but takes time. Need to refrain from taking any drugs. 

2000 - 2020 - Effexor 250 mg

November 2020 began Nardil 60 mg

reduced Nardil from January 2021 to August 2021 to 0 mg. Drug free. 

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@NardilTimethis has been like this for 4 months 24/7 without any improvement

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

MoisesTiago Contributor

MoisesTiago

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@NardilTime that's why I'm trying to find solutions on this site, because clearly time isn't healing.

I took venlafaxine for 4 years (150mg)

4 months off antidepressants

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