Chrism19 Discontinuation

[Chrism19]

I am six weeks off venflaxanine, I tapered very slowly. I was on for a year but before that I was on sertraline for eight years.

I was doing sort of ok apart from brain zaps and rage.

The brain zaps stopped at about four weeks but it feels like the rage and depression is getting worse.

I don’t trust myself in my workplace, I’m terrified I’ll fly off the handle.

Anyone got any advice to help me? 
It seems to come in waves. I think I’m totally fine but then it just comes out of nowhere.

When will this end?

Should I reinstate a tiny amount of the antidepressant?

I was misdiagnosed depression but all along it was ADHD which I am now being prescribed vyanse for. I have been on this for six months with no complications.

[Carmie]

Welcome @Chrism19, that’s good to hear your brain zaps have stopped, but I’m sorry to hear about your other symptoms. The intense emotions you’re feeling are very common in withdrawals, all of our emotions are heightened. Check out the thread on neuro-emotions in the Symptoms and Self Care section, if you like. 
 

You said you tapered your medication very slowly. How slow was that? It’s recommended to taper by no more than 10% of the previous dose per month.

 

What dose did you start at and what date did you come off the medication? What was your tapering schedule like? Can you please put all this information into your drug signature. Also, please add any other medications you may be on. Just go to the top of the Introductions and Updates page, you’ll see a thread asking you to start a topic for yourself. In the first paragraph there’s a link showing you how to do your signature. Thanks. 
 

I’m gathering you may have read the thread on reinstating, as you asked whether you should reinstate a small amount. If you haven’t read that thread as yet, please go over and check it out. It’s also in the Symptoms and Self Care section. All the information to make an informed decision as to whether to reinstate is there. It’s recommended to just start on a small dose, like 0.50mg or so. The further away from coming off meds, the less likely it is to work. It can sometimes make things worse too, though we’ve seen lots of people benefit from reinstatements. Only you can decide whether to reinstate or not. 
 

Yes, withdrawals do come in waves. It’s a constant cycle of windows and waves. Windows are when our symptoms are more bearable, and waves are when they are intense. Our brains are constantly trying hard to stabilise. It’s quite a journey. 

 

Sending hugs🤗

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @Chrism19

 

18 hours ago, Chrism19 said:

It seems to come in waves. I think I’m totally fine but then it just comes out of nowhere.

 

This is typical of withdrawal syndrome, as are the brain zaps. Are these symptoms getting worse or better? If worse, you might consider reinstatement of a very low dose of venlafaxine, such as 2mg. Please let us know how you're doing.