2cats2272: Introduction

[FeralCatman]

I should add that one of the other chemicals that tends to cycle like that is histamine and sometimes you can get histamine dumps over the course of the night which cause similar anxiety type symptoms if I remember right it is pretty uncomfortable but that also gets better with time. Histamine is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating your sleep wake cycle as well as your neuroendocrine system. It is also critical in your peripheral nervous system. As all of these things balance out the symptoms will get less and less and finally go away.

[FeralCatman]

I forgot to add that cortisol is also one of your stress hormones so when it withdrawal of your body is massively stressed in your Baseline levels are going to be much higher anyways.

[2cats2272]

On 8/24/2023 at 4:58 PM, FeralCatman said:

I should add that one of the other chemicals that tends to cycle like that is histamine and sometimes you can get histamine dumps over the course of the night which cause similar anxiety type symptoms if I remember right it is pretty uncomfortable but that also gets better with time. Histamine is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating your sleep wake cycle as well as your neuroendocrine system. It is also critical in your peripheral nervous system. As all of these things balance out the symptoms will get less and less and finally go away.

I had no idea! Thank you for the information 

[j1290]

@2cats2272

 

Hello!  I see @FeralCatman in this thread, so there's good company for sure!😁🐈😺

 

I'm with @Catina7   I shouldn't be surprised at 150-0 in 3 months, but I am.  For some doctors that would be a long taper 😆

 

I know you're symptomatic but I would've been positively tattered if I'd done that.  I think you're holding up great.  

[2cats2272]

Well, 8 months yesterday. I can’t believe it’s been 8 months. I’ve never experienced anything remotely close to what I’ve experienced going off Effexor. 
So, I’m doing ok. Not where I want to be but that’s coming. There have been so many improvements since this all started! There is also a long road ahead of me. 
Many of my symptoms have improved or gone. Some are sticking around. Pins and needles everywhere. Not all at the same time, just random places. I think that’s what the issue has been in my hands since late July/early august. 
Anxiety is still around but I have coping mechanisms. For whatever reason, I guess I didn’t expect to have to deal with this, like taking Effexor “cured” that. Now I’ve come to terms with the fact that I never dealt with being anxious any other way. Thankfully, I’m slowly learning. Sleep is better!!!! I still wake up early and have the immediate rush of cortisol but it’s also decreasing.  Some days still aren’t great and I fully anticipate the waves and windows pattern to Continue but I’m very happy to say there’s improvement!

[Catina7]

40 minutes ago, 2cats2272 said:

Well, 8 months yesterday. I can’t believe it’s been 8 months. I’ve never experienced anything remotely close to what I’ve experienced going off Effexor. 
So, I’m doing ok. Not where I want to be but that’s coming. There have been so many improvements since this all started! There is also a long road ahead of me. 
Many of my symptoms have improved or gone. Some are sticking around. Pins and needles everywhere. Not all at the same time, just random places. I think that’s what the issue has been in my hands since late July/early august. 
Anxiety is still around but I have coping mechanisms. For whatever reason, I guess I didn’t expect to have to deal with this, like taking Effexor “cured” that. Now I’ve come to terms with the fact that I never dealt with being anxious any other way. Thankfully, I’m slowly learning. Sleep is better!!!! I still wake up early and have the immediate rush of cortisol but it’s also decreasing.  Some days still aren’t great and I fully anticipate the waves and windows pattern to Continue but I’m very happy to say there’s improvement!

 

I'm happy for you that you are improving...congratulations! Once again, it gives me HOPE that I can be rid of this poison inside my own body one day.  I know you still have a ways to go, but as you said you have come far in 8 months.  I look forward to hearing more of your updates as time goes on!  

[2cats2272]

15 hours ago, Catina7 said:

 

I'm happy for you that you are improving...congratulations! Once again, it gives me HOPE that I can be rid of this poison inside my own body one day.  I know you still have a ways to go, but as you said you have come far in 8 months.  I look forward to hearing more of your updates as time goes on!  

You will when you’re ready. I didn’t know better otherwise I’d have gone much, much slower.  There is a long, likely winding road ahead but we will all get there. 💜

[2cats2272]

Yesterday i suddenly got what felt like a full/blocked ear. It progressed to ringing, buzzing and random beeping. I can’t heat out of that ear (right). 
im just wondering why, 8 months off. This is a new symptom for me. Aside from being annoying, it’s scary. 

[2cats2272]

Ear issues still here. I went to the doctor yesterday and everything looked good. I’m going for a hearing test today. I think the real reason it’s bothering me so much is because I’ve never had it and it came on so suddenly 😥

[Catina7]

3 hours ago, 2cats2272 said:

Ear issues still here. I went to the doctor yesterday and everything looked good. I’m going for a hearing test today. I think the real reason it’s bothering me so much is because I’ve never had it and it came on so suddenly 😥

 

Sorry to hear this.  It's probably related to the withdrawal.  Hopefully it will clear itself out soon.  

[2cats2272]

Thanks @Catina7. there’s hearing loss in my ear. According to the hearing test. Next step is steroids and I’m scared to take anything. I’ll search this site to see if anyone has had it to use steroids. 

[margaretLO]

On 10/5/2023 at 8:16 PM, 2cats2272 said:

Thanks @Catina7. there’s hearing loss in my ear. According to the hearing test. Next step is steroids and I’m scared to take anything. I’ll search this site to see if anyone has had it to use steroids. 

Hello... How old are u? I have hearing loss too according to doctor. High frequencies? I had the close ears at 9 months off too now I don't have it but I didn't check if I regain some hearing. I am 34

[2cats2272]

On 10/9/2023 at 9:44 AM, margaretLO said:

Hello... How old are u? I have hearing loss too according to doctor. High frequencies? I had the close ears at 9 months off too now I don't have it but I didn't check if I regain some hearing. I am 34

I’m 43. I see an ent today to see what the next step is. I’m almost positive it’s Effexor withdrawal related. I guess we will see. 
my GP is very hesitant to say anything I’m dealing with is withdrawal, however he doesn’t dismiss it anymore which is nice. 
I have constant tinnitus, just the humming. It’s lessened a bit. My hearing test showed moderate to severe hearing loss in my right ear 😥

[2cats2272]

Had another hearing test this morning. There’s improvement but still hearing loss. Tinnitus still constant.
New symptom. Pins and needles, prickly skin. All over random places. Not consistent, no pattern. 

Over 8 months off. It’s tough pushing through. It’s tiring. It’s frustrating. It’s scary. 

[Catina7]

7 minutes ago, 2cats2272 said:

Had another hearing test this morning. There’s improvement but still hearing loss. Tinnitus still constant.
New symptom. Pins and needles, prickly skin. All over random places. Not consistent, no pattern. 

Over 8 months off. It’s tough pushing through. It’s tiring. It’s frustrating. It’s scary. 

 

I'm glad to hear you have made some improvement, even if it's small in your own estimation.  I have heard other people mention the skin problems; I think there might be a topic thread for that so hopefully you can figure out how to treat it.

 

This journey can be a long one, but you are very strong for enduring the best you can.  It will probably be the hardest thing any of us will have to go through, but having our bodies free of these neurotoxins is definitely worth it.

 

Hang in there!  I know your patient endurance will be rewarded in the end.  In the meantime, take things one day at a time and be kind and gentle with yourself.  

 

Have you ever read Scrountz' tips for withdrawal?  It's really encouraging!  

Tips for Managing Withdrawal

[2cats2272]

Tingling is less constant. My tinnitus/fullness is still here. I have numbness and tingling that are sporadic and random. It just so strange that a new symptom appears 8 months off. 
I tried to search for similar experiences but haven’t been able to find any. Obviously, don’t doctor is t helpful with this. Even though he tries. 

[2cats2272]

Oh, I still have 0 sexual desire. None. I guess there’s a bit of emotional numbness that accompanies the physical numbness. Just nothingness. I do have windows of contentment throughout the day. So I’m thankful for that. I’m just so confused as to why this far out. Once I was in the swing of what I was dealing with previously.😥

[2cats2272]

Just nothingness. 9 months off Effexor. Struggling with sleep still (although improved), ear stuff still

Ongoing. Lack of interest in anything which is frustrating.  Not much feeling. Aside from sad, tired and completely and utterly blah.  Hoping this month bring some windows 

[2cats2272]

Random sadness, guilt, regret, shame. That’s where I am now.  I’m  really needing a window soon. I don’t have much else to share. How weird is it that I think about reinstating this far out 🤦‍♀️

[Catina7]

2 hours ago, 2cats2272 said:

I’m  really needing a window soon

 

I'm sure one is waiting for you....hang in there!  🌼

 

2 hours ago, 2cats2272 said:

How weird is it that I think about reinstating this far out

 

It's not weird at all because we want something to fix our situation, but it would be a very bad idea.  Let time do its healing and be patient.  Easier said than done, I know, but just try your best.  ❤️

Edited October 31, 2023 by Catina7

[2cats2272]

Thank you @Catina7. I hope you’re doing well 💜 This last month has been a tough one all around. I appreciate your encouragement 

[Catina7]

38 minutes ago, 2cats2272 said:

Thank you @Catina7. I hope you’re doing well 💜 This last month has been a tough one all around. I appreciate your encouragement 

 

Of course!  I'm always here for you.  I have my struggles too, but if I can be an encouragement to others that helps me feel useful lol.  

[2cats2272]

Tinnitus is still here. My sleep is still crappy. Anxiety is high. On the bright side, I’m managing. I’m just really tired of managing. 

[Catina7]

27 minutes ago, 2cats2272 said:

On the bright side, I’m managing

 

I know you're tired and worn out from having to deal with these symptoms, but keep looking on the bright side @2cats2272.  You're doing a great job with hanging in there!   Be proud of yourself for just managing the best that you can.  That in itself is an accomplishment!

 

Catina ❤️

[2cats2272]

Tinnitus still hanging on. I had an mri Saturday. I’ll get the report in a week or so. I had a pretty terrible go with Parethesia for about a week. It seems to have subsided. 
Now my mornings are back to being anxiety filled. I don’t think that’s really gone away but it’s ramped up.  Lots of rumination. I’m trying to be mindful and just letting it happen. By the afternoon I’m feeling better and by the evening fairly decent. 

[2cats2272]

Ugh! Sleep. I have no problem falling asleep but I wake up either every half hour or hour. I’m exhausted. I had the opportunity to nap the other day but it was awful. Couldn’t fall asleep, racing heart, anxious for no reason. 
between no sleep and the constant tinnitus, I’m wearing thin. 
I know if my sleep improved, everything else would too. I tried a tiny piece of melatonin the night before last, it didn’t make a difference. So last night I had about half a gummy (they’re 5 mg). Still nothing. 

[Catina7]

5 hours ago, 2cats2272 said:

Ugh! Sleep. I have no problem falling asleep but I wake up either every half hour or hour. I’m exhausted. I had the opportunity to nap the other day but it was awful. Couldn’t fall asleep, racing heart, anxious for no reason. 
between no sleep and the constant tinnitus, I’m wearing thin. 
I know if my sleep improved, everything else would too. I tried a tiny piece of melatonin the night before last, it didn’t make a difference. So last night I had about half a gummy (they’re 5 mg). Still nothing. 

 

So sorry to hear this!  I know at one point Altostrata completely lost the ability to sleep, but it slowly returned after some time.  Have you had a chance to read through the topic threads on sleep problems and tinnitus?  

 

Sleep Tips

Tinnitus

 

Once in a great while I can tolerate a Benadryl to help me to sleep, but everyone is different in what helps them.  If you can expose yourself to sunlight first thing in the morning, it can help set your Circadian Rhythm.  Red Light Therapy is another thing that can increase Melatonin in your body.  I bought a small one for a couple hundred bucks.  You could also try doing some acupressure on different points that encourage sleep or try taking a nice warm bath before bed.  Also, some people have found that EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) helps.  Keep trying different things.  I'm sure that in time your sleep will return, but it's a very common problem in withdrawal.  Hang in there!!!  

 

Catina 🤗

Edited November 16, 2023 by Catina7

[2cats2272]

Thank you @Catina7. I read through those. Lots of helpful hints. The worst thing is I constantly think of reinstating. Maybe it would help then taper super slow. I think I missed that boat a long time ago though. 
this wave feels like it’s been so long. I think it’s just the patterns of my waves and windows. I haven’t had any clear windows. Just little windows in my day every now and then. I haven’t had consecutive days being symptom free. Less prominent symptoms, yes but not a day so far of nothing. I’m still doing all the things that I think are helpful, chiropractor, massage, therapy. Something’s gotta give at some point . 
I just feel like I’m going through the motions of my life and not actually living and enjoying it because I don’t feel good or am so drained. That makes me sad. I’m really trying though 

[medfreeoneday]

@2cats2272 Hey there

Thought I'd drop by and say hello. I'm another one dealing with Effexor. I got cocky as I got to the lower doses (5mg) and started going faster than I could handle and ended up destabilising myself. I'm currently holding at 5.7mg and praying for some stability to return. Like you I have the waking up in the night thing. I am thinking about investing in CBD oil (apparently the Indica one is the best for sleep) but it's expensive and I have heard mixed reports. Anyway hope you're feeling better- a window WILL come- it's just a matter of time.

 

Medfreeonday

[2cats2272]

@medfreeoneday thanks for stopping by. I stopped at 37.5 🤦‍♀️ . I’m still waking up but I think it’s lessened. I actually think cbd oil may be reasonably priced in Canada. I might check it out. I’m so afraid to try anything. You’re right!! We will get there!! It’s just exhausting. Lately my brain won’t stop thinking and ruminating 😢 I hope you’re doing as well as can be! 

[2cats2272]

Im over 10 months off! My sleep has improved. Not drastically but noticeable. My morning anxiety isn’t as bad and I have some really good times throughout the day. I’ve even had decent days.
 

The most prominent issue is feeling in constant fight or flight. I feel it in my stomach. Just on edge most of the time. 

my appetite is still lacking. I’ve lost 30 pounds since coming off. I certainly haven’t been working out. I could stand to lose another 30 so it’s not a bad thing. Slowly making little steps forward 
 

[j1290]

Congratulations, 2 cats!  

Improvement is improvement, and I'm really glad to hear that things have gotten better for you.  Better sleep means better overall health for sure!

[medfreeoneday]

@2cats2272

That’s great news about the sleep

and about the morning anxiety!

I know what you mean about appetite- I find it’s the nausea/sick feeling in the pit of the stomach which kills it for me. I have started to eat as clean as I can. Definitely notice that sugar is not good for me and I’ve had to completely cut out caffeine too (which I pretty much used to live off of before).

[2cats2272]

@medfreeoneday that’s EXACTLY it, the nausea or put in the stomach. That’s honestly exactly it!!! My eating habits aren’t great because of it. I only eat dinner which usually isn’t a lot. I’m going to try maybe a protein shake in the morning and see if it helps. 
I’ve also cut caffeine. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol all year either 

[2cats2272]

Things are still ok however, lately I’ve been so sad again. Crying so much. Feeling alone and undeserving and so insecure . I’m thinking neuroemotions but this far out? Anyone have any insight? 

[medfreeoneday]

Hey @2cats2272 unfortunately I think you can still get neuroemotions this far out. Hopefully though the pattern is for the symptoms to have become less severe over time. Is that your case? How are you doing at the moment?

medfreeoneday