pwanzo: Pristiq and lexapro withdrawal

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzo what time do you take the effexor? With your work are you always working shifts or do you have a regular sleep routine?

[pwanzo]

Been taking Effexor at 430 pm.  I work 24 hour shifts and have 48 hours off.  At work I try and go to bed the same time but can be interrupted by EMS or fire calls.  When I’m home I go to bed same time around 9pm every night.  

[pwanzo]

2pm extreme panic.  Had to take half a xanax while at work.  

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzoXanax is a benzo, so highly addictive. I know your job is very high stress. Were you on a call or at the station? Having a cold shower, running cold water over your hands or submerging your face in cold water can also help. Try to stop and analyze the trigger, feeling or thought. Can you replace it with a positive one? The panic will fade just like a wave peaks and eventually evens out. It is hard but with practice you can get there.👍

[pwanzo]

I was at the station.  I will try cold water next time.  The panic just kind of spiraled from high anxiety all day.  I know Benzo are addictive.  I do not abuse them by any means.  Only take during extreme panic.  I thought I had them under control but everything seems to be hitting me full force after stopping my meds.  Having ruminating thoughts and worry that led to this specific onset.  

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzo just try to stay in the present. I like to think of putting my thoughts under lock and key till I have time to deal with them. Easier said than done when spiralling but that's when we need it most. 

[pwanzo]

Trying to stay present.  Very hard at the moment to get out of my head.  
took my Effexor 4:30 pm

6:30 pm feeling really sad, low energy, and general all over sick feeling. Some derealization and Having pain in lower legs.  

[LostInCanada]

@Altostratacould he be having withdrawal from the lexapro and pristiq? He was on pristiq for 3 months but lexapro for 2 years. 

[pwanzo]

6am woke up with horrible anxiety and very strange leg pains.   Also feeling disconnected from my self and mentally spacey  

[pwanzo]

7:00 am burning in my legs very depressed Iv been on the Effexor for a Total of 5 days.  I feel like I’m getting worse.  Unsure where I o go from here 

[pwanzo]

8:00am took magenesium threonate began to  feel better most of the day. 
3pm.  Took a nap until 6pm.  
6pm took effexor.  
630pm pain and burning in legs.  Anxiety.  Headache.  
 

[pwanzo]

Should I maybe try to drop down to 5 beads? 

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzoI see that @Altostratahasn't been on today. I am sure you will get an answer by tomorrow. It does seem like the Effexor isn't having a positive impact but just be patient for a response. 👍

[FindRest]

What you are going through are common withdrawal symptoms many of us have experienced after being taken off a psych drug too fast. Adding Effexor will most likely help lessen those symptoms, but it can take months before you stabilize. You will gradually start improving once you find the proper dose. You’ve only reinstated Effexor 4 days ago. The process of switching from Pristiq to Effexor after being CT’d off Pristiq and multiple AD’s prior to that will take quite awhile though. It’s not a quick healing at all. The whole process takes much patience, which is difficult when one is going through scary, awful WD symptoms.

 

You and I have some similar experiences. I too was taken off one AD too rapidly, then multiple others were tried for short periods, then I eventually ended up on Pristiq. I then reinstated Effexor after CT’ing Pristiq. You can read my thread to see the process. Bottom line is, things do get better, but it sure takes much longer than any of us would want. Try to hang on to the fact that others have been where you are at and we have been able to get to the other side of things.

 

Some things you can do to help yourself and help Alto and the mods are:

1) Read the links they give you along with all the comments on those threads. 
2) Research your current symptoms here on SA. Read other ppl’s stories and learn from them. Read SA about possible causes and solutions to your current symptoms.

3) Keep track of your symptoms, what times you take your meds/supplements, throughout an entire 24-hour day and report them here. Look at my thread for an example of how to report these in an easy to read format. Or, read this thread:

 

 https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1008-before-you-begin-tapering-what-you-need-to-know/#comment-249388

 

Reporting your symptoms for several days, (one post per day), will GREATLY help Alto and the mods and ultimately you. Make sure you put 24-hours worth in one post so they don’t have to hunt through multiple posts of yours.

 

4) Don’t make any drug changes without checking with the mods or admin first. This is often where ppl make a mistake. It’s hard enduring some symptoms. But changing doses willy nilly is never a good idea.

5) Always take your medication at the same time every day. Effexor has a very short half-life. Even being 1 hour late taking your dose can cause WD symptoms.

 

Personally, your current increase in symptoms reminds me of what happened to me when I reinstated Effexor after my Pristiq CT.  For me, the increase in symptoms wasn’t because Effexor wasn’t working or causing an adverse effect. It was because I wasn’t taking enough Effexor to overcome the increasing WD symptoms from my previous CT. I very slowly had to increase my dose a few beads at a time over a period of many weeks. But, the mods need to see a list of your daily symptoms in order to recommend your next steps.
 

Keep hanging in there. I know the angst and fear of what you are experiencing. It WILL get better but it is a slow process. Do everything you can to help yourself in the meantime (as noted in points 1-5 above). I’m sorry you know this struggle.

 

Edited July 12, 2023 by FindRest

[Altostrata]

16 hours ago, pwanzo said:

8:00am took magenesium threonate began to  feel better most of the day. 
3pm.  Took a nap until 6pm.  
6pm took effexor.  
630pm pain and burning in legs.  Anxiety.  Headache.  
 

 

Are these symptoms different from before you took the  5 beads?

[pwanzo]

I am currently taking 10 beads.  My symptoms come and to.  I am currently tracking todays symptoms in a 24 hour track and will post before bed tonight.  As of today I have weirdly felt pretty good minus a few symptoms of burning in legs and some minor anxiety.  But so far today my mood has been pretty positive and no panic attacks.  

[Altostrata]

You've been taking 10 beads for FIVE DAYS.

What is withdrawal syndrome? 
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms 
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

14 minutes ago, pwanzo said:

I am currently taking 10 beads.  My symptoms come and to.  I am currently tracking todays symptoms in a 24 hour track and will post before bed tonight.  As of today I have weirdly felt pretty good minus a few symptoms of burning in legs and some minor anxiety.  But so far today my mood has been pretty positive and no panic attacks.  

 

These are signs of stabilization starting. As explained, it may take some time for you to stabilize. 

[pwanzo]

7/12/2023

600am-woke up slept through the night had morning anxiety 

 

625am-magnesium threonate 

 

630am- burning in lower legs noticed

 

800am-noticed mood is a little better burning in legs still noticeable 

 

9:15am-huge swing in positive mood feel like my self 

 

1032am-buzzing sensation felt  left Lower front leg 

 

10:40am-treadmill moderate hard intensity 20 minutes.  

 

11:48am-head pressure, anxiety ramping 

 

12:37pm-magnesium 

 

2:40pm-feeling spacey and light headed.  Also head pressure 

 

4:30pm took Effexor  10 beads 

 

8:00pm-bed

 

5am- woke up slept through the night 

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzo great notes. The burning feet/legs is a common withdrawal symptom as it the morning cortisol spike and insomnia. Gentle exercise is usually better as high intensity can be activating. I usually do 20 minutes treadmill at 3 miles per hour and early afternoon go for an hour walk outside down to the ocean. I am glad you have got holidays coming up.

[pwanzo]

7/13/2023

 

5am- wake up slept through night. Feeling groggy

 

7am-burning sensation right lower leg. 

 

7:30am-coffee, magnesium threonate 

 

8:55-feeling very disconnected.  Hard to explain.  Mood is ok.   

 

9:50am-feeling of anxiety and having derealization. Kind of like I’m high on marijuana without using marijuana.  

 

11:55am-still feeling really weird mentally.  

 

12:30pm-headaches head pressure, tension in upper back lower neck

 

1:30pm-pain in Legs, anxiety, headache 

 

1:40pm- left over pizza for lunch (I’m fat)

 

1:50pm-can feel my heart beat through entire body, anxiety.  

 

2:00pm-10 minute meditation.  

 

2:20pm-took a bath, feeling down

 

2:54pm-headache increase.  Pain in legs 

 

3:15pm-walked/light jog 2 miles out doors

 

3:54pm-heightened anxiety feeling really down 

 

4:20pm-headache, mild nausea, pain in legs 

 

4:30pm-10 beads Effexor 

 

5:00pm-lay down watch a movie.  Headache a little better. Burning in lower leg still present 

 

6:10pm-feeling weird mentally again, spacey, anxious. Aching between shoulder blades. Arm pain, leg pains. Low mood 

 

6:45pm-dinner, magnesium threonate legs still burning off and on.  

 

8:30pm-bed time, 5mg melatonin 

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzo do you drink alot of coffee. Caffeine is not recommended and even decaf coffee can be a problem... Just don't CT coffee if you drink alot...do a slow weaning otherwise best to cut it out. No black tea, colas, green tea. Also artificial sweeteners, msg, and nitrates ( processed meats) aren't good. Have you always taken melatonin...in withdrawals less is always more. You might want to reduce the 5 mg if it is something new or starts activating instead.

[pwanzo]

I drink one cup of coffee a day.  I can try and discard but it’s something i do enjoy in the mornings,  I always take melatonin and helps me sleep pretty good usually.  I will keep an eye on it and move Lower if needed or discard altogether.

[pwanzo]

It’s been about a week on the 10 beads.  Still having burning in my lower legs and now top of my feet.  Should I continue to stay at 10 beads? Or should I move up a couple? Or maybe even down? 

[pwanzo]

Never mind, just gonna stay at 10 for at least another week 

[Altostrata]

21 minutes ago, pwanzo said:

Never mind, just gonna stay at 10 for at least another week 

 

Good idea. In case caffeine is giving you a headache, suggest you taper off by gradually replacing the coffee in your cup with decaf.

 

Many people find these to be helpful:

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Might help the burning sensation. You might try a low dose of one at a time to see what it does for you.

 

Please let us know how you're doing. 

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzothe burning is typical withdrawal and I don't think related to effexor. I still have it 7 months into reinstatement. Sucks but I always know it could be worse. 

[pwanzo]

Yeah most likely withdrawal with the burning sensations.  But I’m also feeling very off mentally. Very delayed feeling.  Like medicated delayed or withdrawal delayed.  im not sure which it is.  But I do not feel like my self and it is very uncomfortable.  

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzo unfortunately it all sounds like withdrawal and hopefully effexor is helping lessen the symptoms and will help them get better. Time will tell. Patience and acceptance of this definitely will help us cope. None of us deserved or wanted this upheaval but now our only choice is how we will move forward with it. You got this 👍

[FindRest]

The “very off mentally … very delayed feeling” you describe may be depersonalization. I had that in the beginning. It disappears once things get stabilized a bit. It’s an icky feeling, but doesn’t mean anything terrible is about to happen. It’s just your body trying to get back into some kind of homeostasis, IMO.

 

Regarding the burning sensation: I’ve had it 4 years now. Seems like many of us who have had a rapid taper off of Effexor or Pristiq have these sensations. My feet even turn bright red during an episode. I’ve found that rubbing on any product that has menthol in it really helps the sensation. It’s like it gives your mind a different sensation to focus on. The redness even disappears on mine. I use either a CBD balm that contains menthol or Vick’s VapoRub. 

[pwanzo]

How did you deal with the depersonalization? It is making my mood at an all time low.  I’m actually crying at the moment and I don’t even remember the last time Iv cried.  

[LostInCanada]

@pwanzo search neuro emotions on here. This is just the withdrawal, it isn't you.

[FindRest]

14 minutes ago, pwanzo said:

How did you deal with the depersonalization? It is making my mood at an all time low.  I’m actually crying at the moment and I don’t even remember the last time Iv cried.  

I did just what you’re doing. The depersonalization will come and go, then eventually it will be gone completely. Sometimes, it may rear its head after a taper but it’s not as bad as what you experience in the beginning. at least this has been my experience. It’s been years since I’ve had another episode. Most were during those first few months after CT and reinstatement. 
 

Let yourself cry. That’s a good thing. I always felt better after crying. I know the depersonalization is scary and increases anxiety of the unknown, but it really is harmless in the grand scheme of things. Reminding myself of this during an episode helped me to remain calm. 
 

I’m sorry you’re going through this. You will get through it. You may end up increasing your dose a bit at some point, but I think it’s wise to give it a few more days to see how things settle. Thanks for posting the 24-hour notes. You’ll want to keep posting them for awhile.

Edited July 14, 2023 by FindRest

[pwanzo]

7/14/2023

6:00am-wake up slept through the night 

 

7:00am-anxiety headache

 

7:30am-pain in legs 

 

7:35am-1 cup coffee(gonna start reducing) 

 

8:30am-2mile walk/run outdoors 

 

9:30am-push ups and sit ups 

 

11:00am-poolside in sunshine 

 

12:20pm-feeling off, very disconnected almost like a medicated kind of off? Effexor related? Withdrawal? 

 

3:16pm-still out in the sun. Not noticing many symptoms other than mental symptoms.  still Feeling wayyy off

 

4:25pm-super low mood started crying like a baby.  Fear I will always be like this.  

 

4:30pm-10 beads Effexor XR

 

5:00pm-stopped crying.  

 

6:33pm-still feeling sad and hopelessness 

 

7:00pm-dinner

 

9:30pm- bed

[pwanzo]

7/15/2023

 

6:00am-wake up slept through the night 

 Strange pain to left thigh,  feels like Charlie horse 

 

8:23am-seeing eye floaters 

 

10:00am-push ups sit ups 

 

10:30am-2 mile outdoor run/walk

 

1:32pm-mood a little better today than yesterday.  Still feel off.  However has Improved as of now.  

 

4:30pm-10 beads Effexor 

 

5:00pm-dinner 

 

8:30pm-bed time 

[Altostrata]

Do you feel better or worse compared to before starting 10 beads Effexor XR on July 7?

[pwanzo]

It’s hard to say.  Some moments I feel better then some I feel worse.  It’s probably about the same?  Minus the zaps that went away immediately after taking the Effexor.  Now I just feel really off mentally and having weird sensations in my Legs.