MFo2000 Posted November 29, 2023 Author Share Posted November 29, 2023 Interesting. I'll keep that mind although maybe a compounding pharmacy might be my best bet. August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 29, 2023 Author Share Posted November 29, 2023 Whoops sorry, double post August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted November 29, 2023 Mentor Share Posted November 29, 2023 8 minutes ago, MFo2000 said: Interesting. I'll keep that mind although maybe a compounding pharmacy might be my best bet. The liquid version is great for simplicity and accuracy; plus, you can make tinier reductions. You're already on the immediate-release Effexor anyway, right? I've looked into getting the extended-release version made into a liquid and evidently it can't be done. 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 Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) | 5/1: (-21 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 29, 2023 Author Share Posted November 29, 2023 No, I'm on 150mg XR. Epic Pharma. August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted November 29, 2023 Mentor Share Posted November 29, 2023 2 hours ago, MFo2000 said: No, I'm on 150mg XR. Epic Pharma. From what I understand, once the Effexor is made into a liquid it then becomes Immediate-Release and must be taken twice a day. You can check with your local compounding pharmacy, but that's what mine told me. 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 Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) | 5/1: (-21 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 29, 2023 Author Share Posted November 29, 2023 Is that so? I thought compounding pharmacies made custom pills? August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 I've had bad insomnia the last 2 nights. Any tips? I feel like my brain has been destroyed August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 Is it irresponsible of me to taper risperidone first and relatively fast? I figured I'd taper risperidone first since it's easier than venlafaxine but who knows. I'm just scared of kindling at this point since I've made a lot of dose changes in the past 2 months August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Moderator LotusRising Posted November 30, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 30, 2023 22 hours ago, MFo2000 said: I thought compounding pharmacies made custom pills? They do make custom pills, but they also do solutions, if there isn't already one by the manufacturer. . 3 hours ago, MFo2000 said: I've had bad insomnia the last 2 nights. Any tips? I feel like my brain has been destroyed Have you looked through our insomnia topic? Lots of great resources. 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods, Ativan prn 2010-2011 Ativan, up to 1.5mg/day - tapered off without issue 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month, daily starting Oct 21 to help with buspar WD 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months 2021 Aug Wellbutrin 150mg for 5 days (ADR), then MIrtazapine 7.5mg for 7 days (ADR) Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! Supplements: omega-3, mag-glycinate "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, my suggestions/comments are based on my own personal experiences. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's *** Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 That's interesting, I'll take a look. I'll buy some melatonin today to see if it has any effect. Do you think the insomnia has to do with risperidone withdrawal? I took my first 0.25 mg 2 days ago at night and that's when I began having insomnia August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Moderator LotusRising Posted November 30, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 30, 2023 On 11/29/2023 at 7:42 AM, MFo2000 said: So I've decided to wean off the risperidone, now I'm down to 0.25 mg day and night. How are you feeling since reducing the risperidone? You're now at .25mg twice a day? 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods, Ativan prn 2010-2011 Ativan, up to 1.5mg/day - tapered off without issue 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month, daily starting Oct 21 to help with buspar WD 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months 2021 Aug Wellbutrin 150mg for 5 days (ADR), then MIrtazapine 7.5mg for 7 days (ADR) Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! Supplements: omega-3, mag-glycinate "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, my suggestions/comments are based on my own personal experiences. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's *** Link to comment
Moderator LotusRising Posted November 30, 2023 Moderator Share Posted November 30, 2023 5 minutes ago, MFo2000 said: Do you think the insomnia has to do with risperidone withdrawal? Yes, it could certainly be related. Your sleep was normal prior to this reduction? 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods, Ativan prn 2010-2011 Ativan, up to 1.5mg/day - tapered off without issue 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month, daily starting Oct 21 to help with buspar WD 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months 2021 Aug Wellbutrin 150mg for 5 days (ADR), then MIrtazapine 7.5mg for 7 days (ADR) Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! Supplements: omega-3, mag-glycinate "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, my suggestions/comments are based on my own personal experiences. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's *** Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 Since October I usually sleep 4-5 hours. But the past few nights, 1-2 hours if even that. I went to bed an hour after taking the 0.25 mg, could that really have been the cause? Seems too soon. But I don't wanna reinstate at this point August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 6 minutes ago, LotusRising said: How are you feeling since reducing the risperidone? You're now at .25mg twice a day? Still have the same bland emotionless feeling, although I did chuckle and smile at times (naturally) yesterday. Also the aforementioned insomnia. August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
modelarz71 Posted November 30, 2023 Share Posted November 30, 2023 1 hour ago, MFo2000 said: Nadal mam to samo mdłe, pozbawione emocji uczucie, chociaż wczoraj chichotałem i uśmiechałem się czasami (naturalnie). Również wspomniana bezsenność. I will say that risperidone in a dose of 0.5 mg I am prescribed for WD after another SSRI. I am not taking it yet. However, I read that risperidone does not help you sleep at all. I have anhedonia and depression after discontinuing escitalopram. Insomnia too but more sleep than with You lately Greetings 2022 escitalopram from July 25 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg August-December- 7.5 mg, 5 mg, (1 month) 2.5 mg - C/T WD 2023 Short reinstatement from WD date: escitalopram May 25-June 12 5 mg, 2.5 mg plus interrupted Reinstatement 24 07.23 0.5mg escitalopram, 18.08.23 0.22 escitalopram, 07.09. 0.28 Now 0.30 mg escitalopram Last year 6 months on escitalopram, I was very agitated, hypomaniacal and with little need for sleep. Since July 2023 reinstated and reduced from 0.50 mg to 0.30 mg Lexapro - difficulty sleeping and lack of sleep, eye pain and IBS. Anhedonia. November 2023 - 0mg Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted December 2, 2023 Author Share Posted December 2, 2023 So unfortunately the insomnia persisted for a third night, this time no sleep at all, none. I also feel like the anhedonia is getting worse. What should I do? August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Moderator LotusRising Posted December 4, 2023 Moderator Share Posted December 4, 2023 You could either wait to stabilize on this dose, or you could go back to your previous dose. You've been dropping quite quickly. I would recommend following our advice to drop by no more than 10% of your previous dose. It seems that what you're doing is too fast, and you are now experiencing WD symptoms. 2003-2009 on and off various SSRI's for short periods, Ativan prn 2010-2011 Ativan, up to 1.5mg/day - tapered off without issue 2013-2021 ativan 1-1.5mg 10-12x/month, daily starting Oct 21 to help with buspar WD 2016 - Effexor 75mg, short-term 2021 Mar -Jun Buspar ADR at high dose, tapered 3 months 2021 Aug Wellbutrin 150mg for 5 days (ADR), then MIrtazapine 7.5mg for 7 days (ADR) Oct 22/21 - Direct switch ativan to clonazepam (don't do this) Tapered clonaz Oct/21 - Apr/23 - 0mg! Supplements: omega-3, mag-glycinate "Believe that your tragedies, your losses, your sorrows, your hurt, happened for you, not to you. And I bless the thing that broke you down and cracked you open, because the world needs you open" - Rebecca Campbell *** Disclaimer: Please note, my suggestions/comments are based on my own personal experiences. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner to discuss decisions regarding your medical care *** *** Please do not send me PM's *** Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted December 9, 2023 Author Share Posted December 9, 2023 It seems like tapering by myself with beads is off limits. I simply can't do it, my hands are too shaky and the beads jump around everywhere. Does anyone know of a compounding pharmacy that will make custom capsules? August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted December 10, 2023 Mentor Share Posted December 10, 2023 1 hour ago, MFo2000 said: It seems like tapering by myself with beads is off limits. I simply can't do it, my hands are too shaky and the beads jump around everywhere. Does anyone know of a compounding pharmacy that will make custom capsules? I'm sorry you're unable to taper the beads; it is a bit daunting! You can search the internet for compounding pharmacies in your local area. 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 Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) | 5/1: (-21 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
BigCat Posted December 11, 2023 Share Posted December 11, 2023 On 12/10/2023 at 12:22 AM, Catina7 said: I'm sorry you're unable to taper the beads; it is a bit daunting! You can search the internet for compounding pharmacies in your local area. I use a scale- a Lee Safety Powder Scale made in Wisconsin, USA. It is used to measure precise amounts of gunpowder! https://leeprecision.com/powder-handling-lee-safety-powder-scale It measures in "grains" - If you're good at arithmetic it's really quite satisfying working out the doses... 1 Various ADs from 1991, always for depression with anxiety and agitation... sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram (with 2.5mg olanzapine briefly), coming off each for increasingly shorter times until 2000 when I went on meds full time with Clomipramine 200mg. Then Venlafaxine (XR) since 2008, initially 225mg, then 300mg, plus tried on venlafaxine with mirtazapine (California Rocket) for only a week in 2017(?) as absolutely intolerable. July '23 Venlafaxine XL 300 to 275mg. Aug '23 275 to 250mg. Sept/Oct '23 250 to 230 to 225mg. Nov '23 205mg. Dec '23 185mg. 28 Dec '23 reinstated 225mg after crashing. Supplements: Vitamin D and fish oil. "L'exposition du merde est temporaries". Although I have a background in health, I am here to learn from others, encourage others and share my experiences, not to give professional guidance. Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted December 13, 2023 Author Share Posted December 13, 2023 Do I have PSSD? Every symptom I experience matches the description of PSSD... August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
MFo2000 Posted February 7 Author Share Posted February 7 The fact that I've suffered this complete emotional anesthesia for over two months now is honestly incredible. I came off risperidone and nothing improved except my sexual function somewhat, I'm tapering off the venlafaxine and the emotional anesthesia is only getting worse. Yeah I know I'm tapering faster than this site recommends but I honestly don't care anymore. I'm not spending years of my life tapering off these horrid drugs while being an emotionless and motivationless zombie the whole time. August 2018: started Effexor 37.5 mg (IR) September 2023: increased to 75 mg (XR) October 2023: tried to taper off 75 mg Effexor with Prozac and crashed, was hospitalized 10/1 to 10/6, dose increased to 150 mg, given risperidone 1mg during the day and 2mg at night, decreased to 0.5 mg and 1mg respectively on 10/23. Also given 0.25 mg Xanax as needed November 2023: decreased risperidone to 0.25 mg twice a day 11/28 January 2024: off risperidone entirely 1/8 February 2024: decreased venlafaxine to 100 mg (IR) 2/2 Link to comment
Mentor Catina7 Posted February 8 Mentor Share Posted February 8 12 hours ago, MFo2000 said: The fact that I've suffered this complete emotional anesthesia for over two months now is honestly incredible. I came off risperidone and nothing improved except my sexual function somewhat, I'm tapering off the venlafaxine and the emotional anesthesia is only getting worse. Yeah I know I'm tapering faster than this site recommends but I honestly don't care anymore. I'm not spending years of my life tapering off these horrid drugs while being an emotionless and motivationless zombie the whole time. I'm sorry you're dealing with the "emotional anesthesia" for longer than you had hoped. It can be a very common WD symptom. From what I understand, though, it will very slowly resolve over time which will require patience on your part. You may want to review the topic thread about it so you can see how others have dealt with it: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/2873-apathy-anhedonia-emotional-numbness-emotional-anesthesia/ I sincerely hope you get some relief soon @MFo2000. 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 Effexor XR (got down to 12 mg) 2021 (September): Completely crashed. Went back up to 37.5 mg but in doing so I kindled myself 2024: 1/1: 35.6 mg (-6 beads) | 2/1: 33.8 mg (-11 beads) | 3/1: 32.1 mg (-16 beads) | 4/1: (-18 beads) | 5/1: (-21 beads) Reasons for starting psych meds: PMDD/Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Other medications: Levothyroxine 75 mcg Supplements: Dr. Berg's Electrolyte Powder on occasion Link to comment
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