alex Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 . When it comes to getting through withdrawal, it seems that healing often hurts. Indeed!! Thank you dear Jemima for your support. Hugs,A 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted April 29, 2014 Author Share Posted April 29, 2014 After the awful relapse,I've had six days in a row with very low anxiety levels. Tinnitus is very persisting, but compared with emotional issues, is nothing. Broken sleep still here but now is manageable. I wake up but go back to sleep right away. It is weird, but next morning I don`t recall having insomnia problems;maybe I am sleeping more than I think... Taking care of personal problems, most of them money wise..... Doing better. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Nikki Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 Glad you are doing better. I read a quote by Louse Hay yesterday and it went something like this: Financial Security makes me feel more at peace. It takes a toll on me and most other people too. Alex the thought has occurred to me that maybe financial stuff is more a a culprit in terms of anxiety rather than drugs. Maybe you are sleeping more than you think which is a good thing. Sleep is sooooooo important for everyone regardless of medication.... You didn't have a relapse ~ you had a detour Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
alex Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 Here I am,21+ months off, and trying to cope with the ravages of Effexor... Things have changed from unberable, to very difficult... Sleep pattern is destroyed,sexual dysfunction, crippling anxiety, depression... And for wht I`ve read, this can go on for years.. I don`t think I am capable to endure this for a long time. I am a 60 yrs man; I am concern about my health as a result of this terrible conditiion.Heart failure, stroke... Very scared and sad... Sometimes I can`t believe I'm going through this.... Big Pharma destroyed my life.... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 I am trying desperately to find some meaning to this torture. If I loose hope, I wont survive.... I am sorry I am so negative, I`m sad and very tired.... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Addax Posted May 3, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 3, 2014 Hi Alex. From what I've read here your strength will endure through this. There is a window after the wave crests, it's just sometimes difficult to see that window when the wave is blocking our view, but it's there. This wave will pass as the others have and you will be standing at your window again. It's been my experience that the view from the window gets better with each passing wave. I look forward to reading about your next view through the window. 1 1988-2012: Prozac @ 60mg (with a few stops and starts) Fall 2012: Returned to 40mg after discontinuing and horrid withdrawal Fall 2013: 40mg Fluoxetine, added 150mg Wellbutrin to treat fatigue Winter 2014: Attempting to taper both (too fast) April 2014: 9mg Fluoxetine + 37.5 Wellbutrin Summer 2014: 8 mg Fluoxetine + 0 Wellbutrin (way too fast a drop) Late summer/Early Fall 2014: Debilitating Withdrawal symptoms Fall 2014 - Wellbutrin successfully kicked to the curb but… Oct- Dec 2014: Panicked reinstatement of Fluoxetine ->30mg - held for 5yrs Jan 2021: taper to 20mg Fluoxetine then tapering by 1mg every 2-3 months Fall 2022 - held at 10mg->December 2022: 9mg->Feb 2023: 8mg ->March 2023: brassmonkey slide begins: 7.8mg -> 7.6 -> 7.4->2 week hold (April)->7.2->7mg->6.8->2 week hold->6.6-> 1-month hold ->(June)-6.5->4-week hold-> (July)-6.4 (discontinued brassmonkey slide and slowed taper)-> (Aug)-6.2->(Sept)-6.0->(Oct)-5.9->(Nov)-5.8->(Dec)-5.7->wave!->(Jan)-5.8->(Feb)-6mg and holding. My 2014 withdrawal experience: https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-a-prozac-story/ Link to comment
alex Posted May 4, 2014 Author Share Posted May 4, 2014 Thank you Addax;trying to cope with an awful wave that started 3 days ago. Anxiety, depression, exhaustion,hopelessness, dark thoughts.... This seems unreal,going through this hell...Efexxor wd wont let go....? 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 4, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 4, 2014 I think I got caught up in that same wave Alex, it swept around the planet and grabbed me too. But we know they don't hold onto us for long. You will be feeling better again soon. I know that each new wave can feel awful, but each one which we get through has made us just a bit stronger and brought us one step closer to better health and recovery. One day these intense waves of symptoms will be nothing but memories. (hugs) I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Nikki Posted May 4, 2014 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Hi Alex....I am glad I popped in to see you. I am so sorry you are going thru this. "Anxiety, depression, exhaustion,hopelessness, dark thoughts.." I know how that feels, we all do. It is dark and it is lonely. I was talking to a friend recently about a relationship situation with a friend. I asked her how do I stop the mental cycle I was in. She told me to start by accepting it. Admit the discomfort as many times as I needed to. Maybe for you it would be "I am so uncomfortable, this scares me." Get it up and out by admitting it and not fighting it. Then give yourself some compassion for what you have gone thru. Reminding yourself that you are human and have limits on emotional pain. Something that helps me is to know or think that I am not trapped and that there are options out there. Alot of m anxiety in my life has been to have the faulty thinking that I am trapped in my circumstances. I think WD and anxiety tap into this alot. Please log onto anxietynomore.....I have been practicing some of the techniques for anxiety and it's been rather helpful. We share about it on another site and it's been sooo good for me. I am not in a bad wave right now and that does make a difference. I will send you a PM ~ hugs Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
alex Posted May 4, 2014 Author Share Posted May 4, 2014 Thank you dear Petu and Nikki: Here I am hanging on. Hugs, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Zoe Posted May 4, 2014 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Hang in there Alex. You will get through this. Sending hugs & prayers. Zoe Jan. 1994 Pamelor 2000 switched to Zoloft 2011 Zoloft pooped out- Dr. switched me directly to Lexapro15mg -had a horrible 6mths 2013 upped Lexapro to 20 mgs-pooped out June 2013 Dr. added 150 Wellbutrin to Lexapro. July 2013 Switched back to Zoloft 100mgs.Was still taking Wellbutrin. Lots of anxiety from the Wellbutrin July 2013 Started to wean Wellbutrin- off by Sept. Oct. 2013 added 400 mgs of Neurotin to the Zoloft Jan 2014 Tapered off of the Zoloft and onto Prozac 30 mgs. Also still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Feb 2014 Reduced Prozac to 13 mgs. Still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Aug. 2014 Prozac 13 mgs. Finished with Neurotin. .7 Risperadol Link to comment
alex Posted May 4, 2014 Author Share Posted May 4, 2014 I stoped Magnesium about a week ago that I`ve been taking for more than a year. Since then I have seen a worsening in anxiety and sleep;maybe that is the reason?? I am starting 500mg Mag. again. Thank you dear friends for your support. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted May 4, 2014 Member Share Posted May 4, 2014 Could be. I won't stop taking mine for the foreseeable future although I have reduced mine slightly. My palpitations went away and I do manage to sleep at night. I don't seem to have much gut-feeling anxiety but do have depressed mood still. 1 1/2 years off AD's. What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey. Link to comment
Nikki Posted May 4, 2014 Share Posted May 4, 2014 I have read on this site about soaking in Epsom Salts (magnesium). Maybe that would help. Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 5, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 5, 2014 I stoped Magnesium about a week ago that I`ve been taking for more than a year. Since then I have seen a worsening in anxiety and sleep;maybe that is the reason?? I am starting 500mg Mag. again. Yes, this could have caused an increase in symptoms, hopefully restarting will help. If I was planning on stopping my magnesium, which I'm not, I would decrease it slowly, rather than CT. Sensitized nervous systems don't like sudden major changes. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
alex Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Terrible setback since 5 days ago;my sleep is very bad, high cortisol, terror mornings..back to square one. I`m dying here. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 I thought morning terrors were over...they are back. I can't endure this much longer... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Nikki Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Alex, Surviving Antidepressants is a relatively new site....I don't know of anyone here who has gotten off of Effexor. Maybe there is and Alto can talk to you about it. If you go over to paxilprogress you will probably find people who got off effexor. It is an old site, been around for years now. So the likelihood of finding a few people who have walked thru this before you may help you out. I am sorry you are going thru this...it's the only thing I can come up with. Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
alex Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 Thank you Nikki. I am feeling really bad indeed. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 6, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 6, 2014 As bad as the morning terror is, it can't hurt us. I know, because I go through it too. We just have to do what we can to get through it, knowing that it passes eventually. Have you noticed a pattern to the morning terror, like is it worse at a certain time? For me, my peak terror/cortisol time is around 8am. Hang in there Alex, this is just a wave, possibly triggered by stopping your magnesium suddenly. You will get through this, keep breathing, you will feel better again soon. You have done so well with getting off your medication and recovering slowly. As you often say to me, just keep walking, it will pass.... it does. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 6, 2014 Administrator Share Posted May 6, 2014 Of course we have people who have gotten off Effexor, just use search for Effexor in the Intro forum and see. As for the other site, they will focus on amateur CBT for your health anxiety, alex. This might be good for 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. Link to comment
Lexy Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Hi Alex How are you today? Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
Annabel Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Hi Alex, You are having a horrible time, I have read your posts and feel sorry you are going through such bad times. I think there are many of us out here who read posts like yours and don't know what to say to help, just know that people like me are wishing you better times! Wishing you strength to hang in there and that you will be an even stronger person at the end of all this. Annabel PS. I have found lying on my bed with my earphones on really low volume and listening to "Enya" . Not sure if you know Enya, its very soothing music. March 2012 Fluoxetine 20mg June 2012 change to Escitalopram 20mg August 2012 change to Venlafaxine, Effexor XR 150mg March 2013 add Ropinirole 0.5mg for restless legs syndrome seriously disturbing sleep Feb 10th 2014 begin tapering off Effexor 150mg by 25% as per Dr. Feb 19th 2014 Bad headaches..relief in finding SA site. Feb 20th Increase Effexor to 131.25mg. Head improves over next few days. March 28th decrease Effexor by 5 % to 125mg. Brain fog + depression after 10 days but passes by. May 6th decrease Effexor to 118.75mg depression + brain fog lasting 10 days June4th-112.5mg, July 21st-106mg,August 30th-101mg 2015 - 5% decrease as able, January 2016-50mg + struggling. Link to comment
alex Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Of course we have people who have gotten off Effexor, just use search for Effexor in the Intro forum and see. Thank you Alto;where EXACTLY do I have to go to find Effexor stories? Thank you my dear friends, despite having sleep trouble like never before in this process, I had a better day today... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 7, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 7, 2014 I'm so glad to hear you had a better day, your wave must be coming to an end. I just looked for some effexor success stories. I found Clare's stoy, which you have read, here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6106-clare-i-survived-hell-after-withdrawing-from-effexor/ Mr Anxiety. is doing much better and apart from getting occasional waves, he is continuing to improve and get on with his life. There are lots of older threads in introductions where people have come here to get information about coming off effexor, they get some help, post for a little while and then disappear. My assumption is that once they start tapering properly, their symptoms decrease, they get off the drug and just get on with their lives. They have no more need to come back. Its sad that there are not more complete recovery stories, but that seems to be the way most people are. I found some effexor success stories on other sites, people posting their tapering and supplement methods and claiming to be effexor free and symptom free, I don't recommend any other methods apart from what we suggest here, but here is one person who appears to have successfully come off effexor: http://forums.webmd.com/3/anxiety-and-panic-disorders-exchange/tip/92 Here are some sucess stories from beyondmeds: http://beyondmeds.com/2011/11/03/medfreerecovery/#more-20095 Hang in there Alex, you are going to be writing your complete success story one day. I wish more people would stay with us, updating regularly and documenting the process of becoming medication free and healing. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
alex Posted May 7, 2014 Author Share Posted May 7, 2014 Thank you dear Petu for your support and concern. We are all in the same boat. Surviving mode. Hugs. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted May 8, 2014 Author Share Posted May 8, 2014 I am in the most horrible wave that lasts now for 7 days... What worries me the most is that my sleep has deteriorated like never before... Barely hanging on. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted May 8, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 8, 2014 I'm glad you got through another day of this horrible wave. One day at a time and maybe tomorrow or the next day, you will be feeling better again. I've noticed that the worst waves seem to be followed by clearer and longer windows, so perhaps that means that when it feels bad, more healing is going on. (hugs) I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment
alex Posted May 10, 2014 Author Share Posted May 10, 2014 Dear brave and good friends, a little update: After a nasty wave,I've had three days in a row, with very low symptoms. Sleeping better. Hugs,A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
WinningThrough Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Hi Alex. First time I've dropped by but just wanted to say that's great news. It's always so good to read things like this. The only way out is through. Aug 2013 - Augmentin leading to akathisia Sept-Nov 2013 - Citalopram 20mg, severe reaction, off at 5mg. Valium 4mg, prn Oct 2013 - 5 zopiclone tablets, 7.5mg End Nov 2013-end Feb 2014, Seroquel, top dose 150mg, off at 25mg End Nov 2013-early march 2014, Zoloft 100mg top dose, off at 25mg End Dec-2013-early April 2014, lorazepam 1mg prn April 3rd 2014 zoloft 5mg for a few days. 18/4/14 - zoloft, 1mg. Came off at 0.35 mg,14th June 2014 29 June 2014 - 1mg lorazepam, last ever 29 June 2014 - med free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus bubble Posted May 10, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 10, 2014 Dear brave and good friends, a little update: After a nasty wave,I've had three days in a row, with very low symptoms. Sleeping better. Hugs,A. let's remember that for when the next wave hits it will pass just as this one. But I know very well that each time there come it feels the worst ever and like this time it won't pass. That's what makes a wave a wave... thanks for sharing good news Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2 2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013) Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg. 2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days afterreinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours 28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr 2015 1 mg, 25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64 Xanax 9 month hold 24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26 Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. Link to comment
Nikki Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 Just wanted to see how you are doing.....so glad you are feeling better. I am genuinely happy for you. I know what that desperation is like....you are a strong person Alex Best regards Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
alex Posted May 11, 2014 Author Share Posted May 11, 2014 Hey Nikki....!! So good to see you!! One of my plans when I get through this, is to go to US.If I do I'll go visit you in Jupiter..Ok? Fourth night in a row of quite good sleep, and w/o any sleep aid.... Hugs,A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Zoe Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 Alex I am so glad- I have been thinking of you - saying prayers too Zoe Jan. 1994 Pamelor 2000 switched to Zoloft 2011 Zoloft pooped out- Dr. switched me directly to Lexapro15mg -had a horrible 6mths 2013 upped Lexapro to 20 mgs-pooped out June 2013 Dr. added 150 Wellbutrin to Lexapro. July 2013 Switched back to Zoloft 100mgs.Was still taking Wellbutrin. Lots of anxiety from the Wellbutrin July 2013 Started to wean Wellbutrin- off by Sept. Oct. 2013 added 400 mgs of Neurotin to the Zoloft Jan 2014 Tapered off of the Zoloft and onto Prozac 30 mgs. Also still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Feb 2014 Reduced Prozac to 13 mgs. Still taking 400 mgs Neurotin Aug. 2014 Prozac 13 mgs. Finished with Neurotin. .7 Risperadol Link to comment
alex Posted May 11, 2014 Author Share Posted May 11, 2014 Thank you dear Zoe. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Meimeiquest Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 Alex, what did you decide about magnesium? So glad you are feeling better! 1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms. Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12 Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13 Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15 11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble) 9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol 7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol 56 years old Link to comment
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